bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Does FDI Enhance Urban Sustainable Competitiveness in China?
Authors: Li Jian , Jiang Lingyan , Jiang Bao , Luan Shuochen
Published: June 2023

Urban sustainable competitiveness (USC) is one of the important indexes to measure the high-quality development of cities in China. Meanwhile, foreign direct investment (FDI) plays the prominent role in improving urban sustainable competitiveness. Therefore, this analysis aimed to test the impact of FDI on the USC and its mechanism using the intermediary effect model with a sample of 282 cities in China during the period 2012–2018. The influencing mechanism includes the scale effect, the technological effect, and the structural effects. The results show that: first, FDI is significantly and positively related to the USC of China, and the scale, technological and structure effects all play a mediating role, with the scale effects being the most significant. Moreover, population size shows negative effect on the USC. Second, the impact of FDI on the USC is regionally heterogeneous. FDI can significantly improve the USC in the eastern region, but has no significant effects on the northeastern, central and western regions. Third, FDI in the eastern region affects USC through structural effects, while the scale and technological effects do not play a mediating role but both effects can directly affect USC. FDI in the northeast region still has the structural effect, but this structural effect does not indirectly affect USC, while FDI in the western region has both scale and structural effects. In addition, the technological and structural effects in the central region have a direct impact on USC, while the scale effect in the western region has a direct impact on USC. Therefore, the findings suggest that utilizing FDI should take into account regional characteristics in China.
Identifying the Full Carbon Sink of Forest Vegetation: A Case Study in the Three Northeast Provinces of China
Authors: Wang Bing , Niu Xiang , Xu Tingyu
Published: June 2023

Accurate analysis of the carbon sink capacity of forest vegetation is particularly important for achieving China’s carbon neutral strategy. In this study, we put forward the concept of the full carbon sink, which includes the sink capacity of forest components carbon sink tree arbors and bushes, sparse forest land, unclosed forest land, other shrubs, nursery, barren mountain shrubs, urban and rural green areas surrounding trees and scattered forests, and forest soil. The plot measurement method was used based on the forest resource inventory data and the plot data of the China Forest Ecosystem Research Network to accurately estimate the full carbon sequestration of forest vegetation in the Three Northeastern Provinces. The results showed that the full carbon sink is 69.45 TgC yr−1, which is equivalent to neutralizing 22% of carbon emissions from energy consumption. Among the three provinces, the vegetation of Heilongjiang Province was the largest carbon sink, accounting for 63% of the total. Regarding the contribution of each component to the full carbon sink, tree arbors accounted for 78%, followed by other forest vegetation at 13%, then soil at 9%. Crop output was the main factor influencing the spatial pattern of the full carbon sink. The full carbon sink of forest vegetation can objectively reflect the important role of forestry in achieving the carbon neutrality strategy.
Systematic Review: The Development of Behavioral Laterality Across the First Year of Life in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Nelson Eliza L. , Karimi Atefeh
Published: June 2023

Unlike in human research, infants are poorly represented in the literature on nonhuman primate laterality. Studies have traditionally measured adults, a trend captured by prior reviews. The extent of the knowledge gaps related to laterality measured early in the lifespan is unknown. As a starting point, this systematic review examined the evidence on behavioral laterality across the first year of life in nonhuman primates using the PRISMA guidelines. The inclusion criteria were at least one measure of behavioral laterality in at least one subject < 1 year old. Database searches were conducted in PsycINFO, PubMed, and OVID Medline using the filterNHP search builder tool, and additional records were identified through citation searching. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts and full texts; 47 articles were retained (0 prosimian, 6 platyrrhine, 27 catarrhine, and 14 ape studies). Macaca and Pan were overrepresented. Nipple preference was the most-studied behavior, followed by hand preference. Modifying how data are collected and analyzed will increase developmental rigor in primate studies. To facilitate comparisons with the human infant literature, we suggest measuring a behavior more than once to test for change or continuity in preference over time and measuring different behaviors at different timepoints to test for potential developmental cascades.
Is Basketball a Symmetrical Sport?
Authors: Ibáñez Sergio J. , López-Sierra Pablo , Hernández-Beltrán Víctor , Feu Sebastián
Published: June 2023

Basketball, an intermittent sport with a high impact load, presents a strong probability of lower limb injuries. These injuries can be caused by poor quantification of loads, very intense training sessions or even asymmetries in the lower extremities. The main aim of the present study is to identify whether asymmetries exist in basketball. Specifically, asymmetries depending on: (i) type of task, (ii) type of game situation, (iii) specific positions while training and (iv) specific positions while competing. It is hypothesized that there will be no significant differences between the different conditions. For this purpose, all the training sessions and matches of a professional basketball team belonging to the First Spanish Division were monitored during the preseason. WIMU PROTM inertial devices were used for data collection. The statistical analysis compared the different cases with an ANOVA test. The results do not show significant differences in the values collected among the type of task, the game situation and the positions of the individual players. It can be concluded that basketball is a symmetrical sport. Despite this, the coaching staff should carefully monitor the training loads and asymmetries of the players to avoid the risk of injury.
Grey Wolf Optimization and Fed Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Controllers Based on Interleaved Boost Converters for Symmetric PV Systems under Asymmetric Partial Shading
Authors: Sekar Kamalsakthi , Arasan Elankurisil , Chandrasekaran Kannan
Published: June 2023

This research articles proposes a comparative symmetric examination of the four maximum-power point-tracking algorithms under partial shaded conditions, including Conservative MPPT, Grey Wolf Optimization, and Fast Terminal Sliding Mode MPPT. In addition, the genetic algorithm MPPT, particle-swarm optimization MPPT, Grey Wolf optimization MPPT, and perturb and observe MPPT are included in this study. A smart method was to use Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Grey Wolf Optimization algorithms under partly shadowed situations on a global MPPT. This study included a GWO methodology that successfully set the efficient FTSM controller parameters such that the global maximum-power photovoltaic (PV) device point-tracking was monitored under partial shading. In the MATLAB setting and test performance, it was programmed for the suggested methodology of changing the shade pattern status dynamically. The findings were assessed and compared with other symmetric algorithms. Unlike other algorithms, the methodology used herein wasa less accurate way to monitor a global MPP. These methods were also evaluated and contrasted with PV arrays under various partial shadowing circumstances. The experimental investigations were used to verify the control techniques and stability analysis based on the asymmetric nonlinear load method of analysis in a closed-loop design.
Symmetry Perception and Psychedelic Experience
Authors: Makin Alexis D. J. , Roccato Marco , Karakashevska Elena , Tyson-Carr John , Bertamini Marco
Published: June 2023

This review of symmetry perception has six parts. Psychophysical studies have investigated symmetry perception for over 100 years (part 1). Neuroscientific studies on symmetry perception have accumulated in the last 20 years. Functional MRI and EEG experiments have conclusively shown that regular visual arrangements, such as reflectional symmetry, Glass patterns, and the 17 wallpaper groups all activate the extrastriate visual cortex. This activation generates an event-related potential (ERP) called sustained posterior negativity (SPN). SPN amplitude scales with the degree of regularity in the display, and the SPN is generated whether participants attend to symmetry or not (part 2). It is likely that some forms of symmetry are detected automatically, unconsciously, and pre-attentively (part 3). It might be that the brain is hardwired to detect reflectional symmetry (part 4), and this could contribute to its aesthetic appeal (part 5). Visual symmetry and fractal geometry are prominent in hallucinations induced by the psychedelic drug N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and visual flicker (part 6). Integrating what we know about symmetry processing with features of induced hallucinations is a new frontier in neuroscience. We propose that the extrastriate cortex can generate aesthetically fascinating symmetrical representations spontaneously, in the absence of external symmetrical stimuli.
Changes in Biomarkers of Exposure and Potential Harm in Smokers Switched to Vuse Vibe or Vuse Ciro Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
Authors: Kanobe Milly N. , Nelson Paul R. , Brown Buddy G. , Chen Peter , Makena Patrudu , Caraway John W. , Prasad Gaddamanugu L. , Round Elaine K.
Published: June 2023

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) have the potential to provide nicotine to tobacco consumers while reducing exposure to combustion-related toxicants. Here, we report changes in biomarkers of exposure (BoE) and biomarkers of potential harm (BoPH) in smokers who completely switched to Vuse Vibe and Vuse Ciro ENDS products, or to smoking abstinence in a randomized, controlled clinical study. Thirteen BoE (12 urinary and one blood) that indicate exposure to harmful and potentially harmful toxicants (HPHCs) were evaluated at baseline on day 5. Urinary BoPH linked to oxidative stress, platelet activation, and inflammation were also assessed at baseline, and on day 5 and day 7. Nicotine exposure was lower in Vuse Vibe and Vuse Ciro groups compared to baseline values. Urinary non-nicotine BoE decreased significantly (52.3–96.7%) in the Vuse ENDS groups, and the reductions were similar in magnitude to those observed in the abstinence group. Blood carboxyhemoglobin decreased 52.8–55.0% in all study groups. Decreases (10–50%) in BoPH were observed in all study groups. Thus, smokers who switch exclusively to Vuse Vibe or Vuse Ciro products or completely abstain from smoking are exposed to substantially lower levels of HPHCs, and experience improvements in BoPH of oxidative stress and inflammation pathways.
Ipconazole Induces Oxidative Stress, Cell Death, and Proinflammation in SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Villaorduña Carlos , Mendoza-Carlos Mariano , Chuyma Manuel , Avilés Jhon , Avalos-Diaz Ayda , Lozano-Reategui Ronald , Garcia-Ruiz Juan , Panduro-Tenazoa Nadia , Vargas Jessy , Moran-Quintanilla Ysabel , Rodríguez José-Luis
Published: June 2023

Ipconazole is an antifungal agrochemical widely used in agriculture against seed diseases of rice, vegetables, and other crops; due to its easy accumulation in the environment, it poses a hazard to human, animal, and environmental health. Therefore, we investigated the cytotoxic effect of ipconazole on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells using cell viability tests (MTT), ROS production, caspase3/7 activity, and molecular assays of the biomarkers of cell death (Bax, Casp3, APAF1, BNIP3, and Bcl2); inflammasome (NLRP3, Casp1, and IL1β); inflammation (NFκB, TNFα, and IL6); and antioxidants (NRF2, SOD, and GPx). SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to ipconazole (1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 µM) for 24 h. The ipconazole, in a dose-dependent manner, reduced cell viability and produced an IC50 of 32.3 µM; it also produced an increase in ROS production and caspase3/7 enzyme activity in SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, ipconazole at 50 µM induced an overexpression of Bax, Casp3, APAF1, and BNIP3 (cell death genes); NLRP3, Casp1, and IL1B (inflammasome complex genes); and NFκB, TNFα, and IL6 (inflammation genes); it also reduced the expression of NRF2, SOD, and GPx (antioxidant genes). Our results show that ipconazole produces cytotoxic effects by reducing cell viability, generating oxidative stress, and inducing cell death in SH-SY5Y cells, so ipconazole exposure should be considered as a factor in the presentation of neurotoxicity or neurodegeneration.
Identification of Structural and Morphogenesis Genes of Sulfitobacter Phage ΦGT1 and Placement within the Evolutionary History of the Podoviruses
Authors: Hardies Stephen C. , Cho Byung Cheol , Jang Gwang Il , Wang Zhiqing , Hwang Chung Yeon
Published: June 2023

ΦGT1 is a lytic podovirus of an alphaproteobacterial Sulfitobacter species, with few closely matching sequences among characterized phages, thus defying a useful description by simple sequence clustering methods. The history of the ΦGT1 core structure module was reconstructed using timetrees, including numerous related prospective prophages, to flesh out the evolutionary lineages spanning from the origin of the ejectosomal podovirus >3.2 Gya to the present genes of ΦGT1 and its closest relatives. A peculiarity of the ΦGT1 structural proteome is that it contains two paralogous tubular tail A (tubeA) proteins. The origin of the dual tubeA arrangement was traced to a recombination between two more ancient podoviral lineages occurring ~0.7 Gya in the alphaproteobacterial order Rhizobiales. Descendants of the ancestral dual A recombinant were tracked forward forming both temperate and lytic phage clusters and exhibiting both vertical transmission with patchy persistence and horizontal transfer with respect to host taxonomy. The two ancestral lineages were traced backward, making junctions with a major metagenomic podoviral family, the LUZ24-like gammaproteobacterial phages, and Myxococcal phage Mx8, and finally joining near the origin of podoviruses with P22. With these most conservative among phage genes, deviations from uncomplicated vertical and nonrecombinant descent are numerous but countable. The use of timetrees allowed conceptualization of the phage’s evolution in the context of a sequence of ancestors spanning the time of life on Earth.
Deletion of the H240R Gene in African Swine Fever Virus Partially Reduces Virus Virulence in Swine
Authors: Ramirez-Medina Elizabeth , Rai Ayushi , Espinoza Nallely , Valladares Alyssa , Silva Ediane , Velazquez-Salinas Lauro , Borca Manuel V. , Gladue Douglas P.
Published: June 2023

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious disease that affects wild and domestic swine. Currently, the disease is present as a pandemic affecting pork production in Eurasia and the Caribbean region. The etiological agent of ASF is a large, highly complex structural virus (ASFV) harboring a double-stranded genome encoding for more than 160 proteins whose functions, in most cases, have not been experimentally characterized. We show here that deletion of the ASFV gene H240R from the genome of the highly virulent ASFV-Georgia2010 (ASFV-G) isolate partially decreases virus virulence when experimentally inoculated in domestic swine. ASFV-G-∆H240R, a recombinant virus harboring the deletion of the H240R gene, was produced to evaluate the function of the gene in the development of disease in pigs. While all animals intramuscularly inoculated with 102 HAD50 of ASFV-G developed a fatal form of the disease, forty percent of pigs receiving a similar dose of ASFV-G-∆H240R survived the infection, remaining healthy during the 28-day observational period, and the remaining sixty percent developed a protracted but fatal form of the disease compared to that induced by ASFV-G. Additionally, all animals inoculated with ASFV-G-∆H240R presented protracted viremias with reduced virus titers when compared with those found in animals inoculated with ASFV-G. Animals surviving infection with ASFV-G-∆H240R developed a strong virus-specific antibody response and were protected against the challenge of the virulent parental ASFV-G.
Treatment Outcomes of Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir/Voxilaprevir in Direct-Acting Antiviral-Experienced Hepatitis C Virus Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Devan Pooja , Tiong Kai Le Ashley , Neo Jean Ee , Mohan Babu P. , Wijarnpreecha Karn , Tam Yew Chong Steve , Coppola Nicola , Preda Carmen Monica , Wong Yu Jun
Published: June 2023

About 5% of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients experienced treatment failure with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment. The global data on the practice and treatment outcomes of Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir/Voxilaprevir (SOF/VEL/VOX) in DAA-experienced CHC patients remains sparse. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SOF/VEL/VOX as a salvage treatment in DAA-experienced CHC patients. We searched five electronic databases from inception to 31 January 2023. The study outcomes were SVR12 and treatment-related adverse effects, with subgroup analysis performed based on genotype, cirrhosis, HCC, prior SOF/VEL exposure, and region. We identified and analyzed data from 24 studies (2877 DAA-experienced CHC patients); 17.2% had prior SOF/VEL exposure, 25% received ribavirin with SOF/VEL/VOX, and 42% had pre-treatment resistance-associated substitution (RAS) testing performed. Eastern Mediterranean had a higher pooled SVR12 than the America and Europe regions (p < 0.05). Predictors of SOF/VEL/VOX failure were genotype 3, active HCC, baseline cirrhosis, and prior SOF/VEL. Baseline RAS mutation and ribavirin supplementation were not associated with higher SVR12. Treatment discontinuation because of drug-related adverse events was uncommon (10 studies, 0.2%). In summary, SOF/VEL/VOX is efficacious and safe for retreatment in DAA-experienced CHC patients, even with RAS mutation. Our findings support SOF/VEL/VOX as a first-line rescue treatment for DAA-experienced CHC patients.
Nanoparticle-Based Adjuvants and Delivery Systems for Modern Vaccines
Authors: Filipić Brankica , Pantelić Ivana , Nikolić Ines , Majhen Dragomira , Stojić-Vukanić Zorica , Savić Snežana , Krajišnik Danina
Published: June 2023

Ever since the development of the first vaccine, vaccination has had the great impact on global health, leading to the decrease in the burden of numerous infectious diseases. However, there is a constant need to improve existing vaccines and develop new vaccination strategies and vaccine platforms that induce a broader immune response compared to traditional vaccines. Modern vaccines tend to rely on certain nanotechnology platforms but are still expected to be readily available and easy for large-scale manufacturing and to induce a durable immune response. In this review, we present an overview of the most promising nanoadjuvants and nanoparticulate delivery systems and discuss their benefits from tehchnological and immunological standpoints as well as their objective drawbacks and possible side effects. The presented nano alums, silica and clay nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, adenoviral-vectored systems, adeno-associated viral vectors, vesicular stomatitis viral vectors, lentiviral vectors, virus-like particles (including bacteriophage-based ones) and virosomes indicate that vaccine developers can now choose different adjuvants and/or delivery systems as per the requirement, specific to combatting different infectious diseases.
Epitopes and Mimotopes Identification Using Phage Display for Vaccine Development against Infectious Pathogens
Authors: Palma Marco
Published: June 2023

Traditional vaccines use inactivated or weakened forms of pathogens which could have side effects and inadequate immune responses. To overcome these challenges, phage display has emerged as a valuable tool for identifying specific epitopes that could be used in vaccines. This review emphasizes the direct connection between epitope identification and vaccine development, filling a crucial gap in the field. This technique allows vaccines to be engineered to effectively stimulate the immune system by presenting carefully selected epitopes. Phage display involves screening libraries of random peptides or gene/genome fragments using serum samples from infected, convalescent, or vaccinated individuals. This method has been used to identify epitopes from various pathogens including SARS-CoV-2, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, hepatitis viruses, H5N1, HIV-1, Human T-lymphotropic virus 1, Plasmodium falciparum, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Dirofilaria repens. Bacteriophages offer advantages such as being immunogenic carriers, low production costs, and customization options, making them a promising alternative to traditional vaccines. The purpose of this study has been to highlight an approach that encompasses the entire process from epitope identification to vaccine production using a single technique, without requiring additional manipulation. Unlike conventional methods, phage display demonstrates exceptional efficiency and speed, which could provide significant advantages in critical scenarios such as pandemics.
Designing a Multi-Epitope Subunit Vaccine against VP1 Major Coat Protein of JC Polyomavirus
Authors: Kanse Sukhada , Khandelwal Mehak , Pandey Rajan Kumar , Khokhar Manoj , Desai Neetin , Kumbhar Bajarang Vasant
Published: June 2023

The JC polyomavirus virus (JCPyV) affects more than 80% of the human population in their early life stage. It mainly affects immunocompromised individuals where virus replication in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes may lead to fatal progressive multifocal encephalopathy (PML). Virus protein 1 (VP1) is one of the major structural proteins of the viral capsid, responsible for keeping the virus alive in the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts. VP1 is often targeted for antiviral drug and vaccine development. Similarly, this study implied immune-informatics and molecular modeling methods to design a multi-epitope subunit vaccine targeting JCPyV. The VP1 protein epitopic sequences, which are highly conserved, were used to build the vaccine. This designed vaccine includes two adjuvants, five HTL epitopes, five CTL epitopes, and two BCL epitopes to stimulate cellular, humoral, and innate immune responses against the JCPyV. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulation (100 ns) studies were used to examine the interaction and stability of the vaccine protein with TLR4. Trajectory analysis showed that the vaccine and TLR4 receptor form a stable complex. Overall, this study may contribute to the path of vaccine development against JCPyV.
Heterologous Booster with BNT162b2 Induced High Specific Antibody Levels in CoronaVac Vaccinees
Authors: Masson Letícia Carrijo , Servian Carolina do Prado , Jardim Vitor Hugo , dos Anjos Déborah , Dorta Miriam Leandro , Batalha-Carvalho João Victor , Moro Ana Maria , Romão Pedro Roosevelt Torres , Souza Menira , Fiaccadori Fabiola Souza , Fonseca Simone Gonçalves
Published: June 2023

Immune responses after COVID-19 vaccination should be evaluated in different populations around the world. This study compared antibody responses induced by ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, CoronaVac, and BNT162b2 vaccines. Blood samples from vaccinees were collected pre- and post-vaccinations with the second and third doses. The study enrolled 78 vaccinees, of whom 62.8% were women, with the following median ages: 26 years—ChAdOx1 nCoV-19; 40 years—CoronaVac; 30 years—BNT162b2. Serum samples were quantified for anti-RBD IgG and anti-RBD IgA and anti-spike IgG by ELISA. After two vaccine doses, BNT162b2 vaccinees produced higher levels of anti-RBD IgA and IgG, and anti-spike IgG compared to ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and CoronaVac vaccinees. The third dose booster with BNT162b2 induced higher levels of anti-RBD IgA and IgG, and anti-spike IgG in CoronaVac vaccinees. Individuals who reported a SARS-CoV-2 infection before or during the study had higher anti-RBD IgA and IgG production. In conclusion, two doses of the studied vaccines induced detectable levels of anti-RBD IgA and IgG and anti-spike IgG in vaccinees. The heterologous booster with BNT162b2 increased anti-RBD IgA and IgG and anti-spike IgG levels in CoronaVac vaccinees and anti-RBD IgA levels in ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccinees. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 infection induced higher anti-RBD IgA and IgG levels in CoronaVac vaccinees.
Virulence of Shigatoxigenic and Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli O80:H2 in Galleria mellonella Larvae: Comparison of the Roles of the pS88 Plasmids and STX2d Phage
Authors: Ikeda Rie , Laforêt Fanny , Antoine Céline , Adachi Mare , Nakamura Keiji , Habets Audrey , Kler Cassandra , De Rauw Klara , Hayashi Tetsuya , Mainil Jacques G. , Thiry Damien
Published: June 2023

The invasiveness properties of Shigatoxigenic and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (STEC and EPEC) O80:H2 in humans and calves are encoded by genes located on a pS88-like ColV conjugative plasmid. The main objectives of this study in larvae of the Galleria mellonella moth were therefore to compare the virulence of eight bovine STEC and EPEC O80:H2, of two E. coli pS88 plasmid transconjugant and STX2d phage transductant K12 DH10B, of four E. coli O80:non-H2, and of the laboratory E. coli K12 DH10B strains. Thirty larvae per strain were inoculated in the last proleg with 10 μL of tenfold dilutions of each bacterial culture corresponding to 10 to 106 colony-forming units (CFUs). The larvae were kept at 37 °C and their mortality rate was followed daily for four days. The main results were that: (i) not only the STEC and EPEC O80:H2, but also different E. coli O80:non-H2 were lethal for the larvae at high concentrations (from 104 to 106 CFU) with some variation according to the strain; (ii) the Stx2d toxin and partially the pS88 plasmid were responsible for the lethality caused by the E. coli O80:H2; (iii) the virulence factors of E. coli O80:non-H2 were not identified. The general conclusions are that, although the Galleria mellonella larvae represent a useful first-line model to study the virulence of bacterial pathogens, they are more limited in identifying their actual virulence properties.
Correction: Harris et al. Derivation of the Omega-3 Index from EPA and DHA Analysis of Dried Blood Spots from Dogs and Cats. Vet. Sci. 2023, 10, 13
Authors: Harris William S. , Jackson Kristina H. , Carlson Heather , Hoem Nils , Dominguez Tonje E. , Burri Lena
Published: June 2023

In the original publication [...]
Drought-Induced Salinity Intrusion Affects Nitrogen Removal in a Deltaic Ecosystem (Po River Delta, Northern Italy)
Authors: Gervasio Maria Pia , Soana Elisa , Vincenzi Fabio , Magri Monia , Castaldelli Giuseppe
Published: June 2023

In the summer of 2022, the Po River Delta (Northern Italy), a eutrophication hotspot, was severely affected by high temperatures, exceptional lack of rainfall and saline water intrusion. The effect of saline intrusion on benthic nitrogen dynamics, and in particular the N removal capacity, was investigated during extreme drought conditions. Laboratory incubations of intact sediment cores were used to determine denitrification and DNRA rates at three sites along a salinity gradient in the Po di Goro, an arm of the Po River Delta. Denitrification was found to be the main process responsible for nitrate reduction in freshwater and slightly saline sites, whereas DNRA predominated in the most saline site, highlighting a switch in N cycling between removal and recycling. These results provide evidence that salinity is a key factor in regulating benthic N metabolism in transitional environments. In a climate change scenario, salinity intrusion, resulting from long periods of low river discharge, may become an unrecognized driver of coastal eutrophication by promoting the dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium and N recycling of bioactive nitrogen within the ecosystem, rather than its permanent removal by denitrification.
Effects of Zeolite on Physiological Characteristics and Grain Quality in Rice under Alternate Wetting and Drying Irrigation
Authors: Sun Yidi , Xie Jigan , Hou Huijing , Li Min , Wang Yitong , Wang Xuetao
Published: June 2023

Background: Zeolite (Z) is gradually used in rice production due to its holding ability for water and nutrients, but limited information is available on how its physiological function affects rice grain yield and quality under water stress. Methods: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Z application on rice physiological characteristics, dry matter and nitrogen accumulation, grain yield and quality under continuous flooding (CF) and alternate wetting and drying irrigation (AWD). Results: The results showed that, compared with CF, AWD reduced leaf SPAD, root bleeding intensity, aboveground dry matter and nitrogen accumulation, resulted in lower grain yield without Z application, but improved root–shoot ratio and root N accumulation. Z application increased dry matter and N accumulation, and subsequent grain yield by improving leaf SPAD and root bleeding intensity. Both AWD and Z application improved water use efficiency. AWD reduced head rice rate, chalky rice rate and chalkiness, but improved the taste value by increasing the breakdown and reducing the setback. Z application improved protein content, reduced breakdown and setback, but increased chalky rice rate and chalkiness. Conclusions: These results indicated that AWD and Z application could achieve several benefits including improved grain yield, grain quality and water use efficiency.
Contribution of Evaporation to Precipitation Changes in the Yangtze River Basin—Precipitation Recycling
Authors: Li Xiucang , Wu Ping
Published: June 2023

Locally evaporated water vapor is an important source of precipitation in China. The spatiotemporal variation characteristics of the precipitation recycling ratio (ρ) in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB) in 1979–2020 were calculated and analyzed, and the contribution of internal and external cycling precipitation changes to the total precipitation changes in YRB under climate change was studied. The results show that the annual average ρ in YRB is approximately 10.3%, with the highest value of 21.8% in summer, lower than 10% in spring and autumn, and the lowest in winter, with only approximately 3.5%. Over the past 40 years, the annual average ρ in YRB has shown an increasing trend, with an increased rate of 0.4%/10a, especially in summer, with an increasing rate of 1.2%/10a. In terms of spatial distribution, ρ in YRB shows an obvious difference between the eastern and western regions, with that in the upstream western region being significantly higher than that in the downstream eastern region. The annual average ρ in the upstream region was 15–35% and can reach 20–50% in summer. The annual average ρ in the downstream region is below 10%. In general, precipitation formed by advection moisture accounts for the majority of the total precipitation in YRB. From 1979 to 2020, the annual precipitation in YRB showed an increasing trend. The cumulative increase is about 47.4 mm, of which 68.9% was contributed by local evaporation, and 31.1% was contributed by external moisture.
Assessing the Landscape Ecological Health (LEH) of Wetlands: Research Content and Evaluation Methods (2000–2022)
Authors: Yang Rongjie , Chen Yingying , Qiu Yuling , Lu Kezhu , Wang Xurui , Sun Gaoyuan , Liang Qiuge , Song Huixing , Liu Shiliang
Published: June 2023

Wetlands are often referred to as the Earth’s kidneys. However, wetlands worldwide are still negatively affected due to a lack of comprehensive understanding of wetland landscape ecological health (WLEH). Based on this background, we analyzed and compared the conceptual definitions, research progress, contents (in terms of structural, functional, and process health), and methods (indicator species approach, ecological integrity assessment, conceptual model evaluation including the vigor–organization–resilience (VOR), pressure–state–response (PSR), and ecological feature–function–socioeconomic (EFFS) models, and water–gas CO2 calculation) over the past 20 years (2000–2022). Moreover, the concept definition and research progress of ecosystem health (EH) and landscape ecological health (LEH) and WLEH research outlook were analyzed. In this study, it was shown that WLEH could be considered a LEH subset, while the LEH is a specific EH perspective. These three concepts share a common focus on ecosystem conditions, functions, and services while considering ecological processes and habitat characteristics. However, they differ in the scope and specific types of ecosystems considered. This review may provide references for ecological conservation and restoration of artificial and restored wetland landscapes.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Lake Restoration with Submerged Macrophytes
Authors: Gao Jing , Hu Wei
Published: June 2023

Submerged macrophytes have attracted increasing attention in lake restoration due to the importance of their structuring communities and stabilizing functions in lake ecosystems. However, there is still a lack of systematic reviews on lake restoration with submerged macrophytes. Thus, we performed a systematic review based on a bibliometric analysis via analyzing and visualizing 934 published works from 1996 to 2023 from the Web of Science core collection. Publication characteristics were summarized, and keyword co-occurrence networks, reference co-citation analysis, and keyword burst tests were conducted. Our results suggest that the increasing attention in this field has partly resulted from the many water treatments and scientific schemes in Europe, China, and the USA and extensive international cooperation. The development of this field was divided into three stages based on keyword bursts (e.g., early, turning, and recent stages). Alternative stable states and biomanipulation laid the foundations of this field in the early stage. Progress in the field was discussed based on four aspects, the influence of environmental factors on submerged macrophytes, theory and mechanisms, targets, and evaluation and methods. Therefore, our results provide a new and comprehensive understanding of lake restoration with submerged macrophytes.
Biofilm Reactor with Permeable Materials as Carriers Archives Better and More Stable Performance in Treatment of Slightly Polluted Water during Long-Term Operation
Authors: Ren Zhichang , Zhou Yangqi , Lu Zichuan , Liu Xuechun , Liu Guoqiang
Published: June 2023

Biofilms in reactors usually grow on impermeable surfaces, and the mass transfer of nutrients in biofilms is mainly driven by diffusion, which is inefficient especially for thick biofilms. In this study, permeable materials (i.e., nylon meshes) were used as biocarriers in a biofilm reactor, and their performance was evaluated and compared with the commercial biocarriers (PE08 and PE10) used for treating slightly polluted water. The results indicate that the mesh-based bioreactor achieved complete nitrification faster than the commercial biocarriers, with a more stable and better effluent quality during long-term operation. At a two-hour hydraulic retention time, the average effluent ammonia (NH4+-N) and nitrite (NO2−-N) concentrations during the stabilized phase were 0.97 ± 0.79 and 0.61 ± 0.32 mg-N, respectively, which are significantly lower than those with commercial carriers. The estimated specific surface area activities for the mesh, PE08, and PE10 carriers were 1620, 769, and 1300 mg-N/(m2·d)), respectively. The biofilms formed on the nylon mesh were porous, while they were compact and nonporous on the PE carriers. Water with substrates might pass through the porous biofilms formed on the meshes, which could enhance mass transfer and result in a better and more stable treatment performance.
Characteristics of Winter Precipitation over Pakistan and Possible Causes during 1981–2018
Authors: Abbas Adnan , Ullah Safi , Ullah Waheed , Zhao Chengyi , Karim Aisha , Waseem Muhammad , Bhatti Asher Samuel , Ali Gohar , Jan Mushtaq Ahmad , Ali Amjad
Published: June 2023

Winter (December to March) precipitation is the major source of rainfed agriculture, storage, and perennial water flow in the western river system of Pakistan. Hence, this study uses precipitation data and variables of land–ocean and atmosphere from the Pakistan Meteorological Department and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and fifth-generation reanalysis data (ERA5), respectively, to investigate the changes in winter precipitation and its sensitivity to different land–ocean and atmosphere variables, which are rarely investigated in Pakistan. Non-parametric techniques, such as the modified Mann–Kendal, Sen slope, kernel density-based probability function (PDF), empirical orthogonal function (EOF), and correlation analysis, were used to assess the changes and modes of variability in winter precipitation. The overall seasonal precipitation showed a significant decreasing trend with a (−0.1 mm d−1 yr−1) in the seasonal mean and monthly precipitation, except in February which showed a significant increase (>0.11 mm d−1 yr−1). The highest decrease in daily precipitation (<−0.1 mm d−1 yr−1) was in the north, with a moderate decrease in the southeast. The extreme precipitation indices exhibited an erratic decreasing tendency, but the maximum daily precipitation index increased; post-2000 precipitation extremes displayed an increase, and the seasonal and monthly precipitation exhibited the highest deviations during the drought period (1995–2000). The leading precipitation mode (EOF1) is sensitive to the local land surface processes and significantly correlated (>0.60) with the central Pacific and Indian Ocean’s basin-wide sea surface temperature, corroborating the influence of ENSO-induced meridional/zonal deviation of Hadley–Walker circulations. The Hadley and Walker cells affect the south-westerlies’ jet stream strength, impacting the water vapor transport and precipitation over Pakistan. These changes in the precipitation magnitude will affect rain-fed agriculture, especially the Rabi cropping pattern and perennial river flow.
Study on Pressure Pulsation and Force Characteristics of Kaplan Turbine
Authors: Liu Chengming , Chen Tao , Kang Wenzhe , Kang Jianjun , Zhou Lingjiu , Tao Ran , Wang Zhengwei
Published: June 2023

With the continuous increase in the size and power generation of turbines, the operational characteristics of turbines under off-design conditions are gradually receiving attention. In this paper, the Reynolds time-averaged method (RANS) is applied to the unsteady calculation of three different flow rate of a large Kaplan turbine under three heads: high head, rated head and low head. The focus is on the internal flow pattern of the turbine and the hydraulic excitation characteristics under low flow conditions. The unsteady characteristics of pressure pulsation, axial force of runner, radial force of runner and hydraulic torques along blade shank (τb) for six blades are analyzed. The results show that the pressure pulsation in the vaneless space is larger under low flow conditions, and frequencies of 0.33–1 fn ( fn is the rotating frequency of the runner) can be observed at monitoring points at different heights in the vaneless space. The analysis of the flow field under low flow conditions reveals the presence of larger scale vortices in the vaneless space. The position and intensity of vortices fluctuate periodically and cause larger amplitude pressure fluctuations. The frequency of 0.33–1 fn can also be observed for axial force, radial force, and τb for six blades due to the influence of vortices in the vaneless space. The low-frequency pulsations of pressure, force and τb are much greater under the low head and high head condition than that under rated head condition. The amplitude of pulsation of various parameters is the smallest under the low flow and rated head compared to that under the low flow conditions of other heads. The flow passage under low head is more influenced by the flow rate. Low-frequency pulsations occur under both the low flow and medium flow conditions. The asymmetry of the flow in the vaneless space causes unbalanced force and hydraulic instability of the runner, which seriously threatens the safe and stable operation of the turbine.
Impact of the Construction of Water Conservation Projects on Runoff from the Weigan River
Authors: Su Jingwen , Long Aihua , Chen Fulong , Ren Cai , Zhang Pei , Zhang Ji , Gu Xinchen , Deng Xiaoya
Published: June 2023

In order to use water resources more efficiently, the construction of water conservation projects in dryland watersheds has changed the natural water cycle processes. This study used the SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) model coupled with the glacier module to simulate the hydrological processes in the upper reaches of the Weigan River estuary from 1965 to 1991, to restore and quantitatively evaluate the conditions of the estuarine runoff in the no-reservoir scenario, and to analyse the impact of the construction of water conservation projects on the estuarine runoff based on this model. The results show that the SWAT model has good applicability in the study area, with 41.45% and 58.55% of the increase in runoff due to increased precipitation and temperature, respectively, over the 52 years study period. The degree of influence of the construction of water conservation projects on runoff from the mountain in different seasons was spring > autumn > winter > summer, with 83.28% of the spring runoff being influenced by artificial regulation. The construction of water conservation projects has alleviated water shortage problems to a certain extent, and is an effective measure for achieving the efficient allocation of water resources in arid areas.
Evaluación del Índice de la Calidad de Aguas de los Ríos de la Provincia de “El Oro"
Authors: Loiza Machado Robert Alexander , Cevallos Cisneros Karelys Michelle , Jaramillo Guanolique Ángel Paul , Apolo Apolo Amada Esperanza , Yaguana Eras Ronald Alexander
Published: June 2023

En este trabajo de investigación se hace una evaluación de la calidad del agua de 4 cuencas hidrográficas importantes de la Provincia de El Oro mediante la aplicación del ICA (Índice de Calidad de Agua) perteneciente al NSF (National Sanitation Foundation de Estados Unidos) con 19 puntos muestrales los cuales están distribuidos en las unidades hidrográficas de los ríos Arenillas, Jubones, Santa Rosa y Motuche en el mes de enero del 2020. Como parte de una herramienta fundamental en la gestión de cuencas hidrográficas, se obtuvieron los resultados en el rango propuesto por el WQINSF (Water Quality Index desarrollado por National Sanitation Foundation) entre: excelente, buena, regular, mala y muy mala. Con estos resultados, se analizó la viabilidad de la aplicación de una metodología como WQINSF para evaluar la calidad del agua de los ríos altamente intervenidos y conseguir una línea de base detallada de las unidades muestrales seleccionadas.
Identificación de los tipos de estrategias de aprendizaje en la enseñanza en el nivel primario
Authors: La Madrid Vivar Pablo Lenin , Gonzales Chávez Juana Toribia , Dávila Inocente José Alberto
Published: June 2023

Una identificación correcta de las estrategias de aprendizaje dentro del aula, ayuda significativamente al proceso pedagógico de los estudiantes para poder alcanzar mejores resultados en su formación. Las planificaciones de estudio empleadas en el aula consolidan el proceso de enseñanza que realiza el docente. La investigación tuvo como objetivo identificar los conocimientos docentes en el aula con relación a las estrategias de aprendizaje de la Escuela del Nivel Primario Túpac Amaru de la provincia y región de Pasco-Perú, 2021. La metodología fue de tipo cuantitativo, se aplicó como técnica la encuesta a 13 docentes. Los resultados arrojaron que el 58.47% de docentes identifican las estrategias que se desarrollan en la escuela. En conclusión, la mitad de docentes identifica y conoce la tipología de las estrategias de aprendizaje.
Colorado's AgrAbility Project's Effects on KASA and Practice Changes with Agricultural Producers and Professionals
Authors: Fetsch Robert , Jackman Danielle
Published: June 2023

Disability rates resulting from work-related injuries remain steadily high among farmers and ranchers. To address the gap in services within this population, USDA implemented AgrAbility nationally. Using part of Bennett's hierarchical model, the current study evaluated the KASA and practice change levels of 401 farmers and ranchers and compared them to the levels of 401 AgrAbility professionals who participated in Colorado AgrAbility Project workshops (1998-2013). Results indicated that although KASA and practice change levels decreased somewhat from immediately following the workshop to follow-up, 90%-98% of participants reported KASA improvements 4 months afterwards. Implications are discussed.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE DIGITALIZATION PROCESS OF THE ECONOMY ON THE TRANSFORMATION OF EMPLOYMENT
Authors:   All-Ukrainian Association of International Employment Companies, Voskoboinyk V. , Voskoboinyk D. ,   Mariupol State University
Published: June 2023

The article is devoted to the assessment of modern transformational changes in the sphere of employment under the influence of the spread of processes of digitization of the economy. Approaches to defining the content of the «digitalization» category in modern scientific literature are analyzed. Based on the systematization of existing scientific views, which was formed, the author's definition of the concept of "digitalization" is proposed. The main consequences of digitization on the world labor market are studied. It has been established that two main directions of change have formed in the global labor market in the context of the spread of the digital economy. First, it is the expansion of the use of information and communication technologies (ICT), as well as the involvement of an increasing number of human resources. In particular, this is the emergence of new professions in the IT sector, an increase in the number of vacancies, etc. Secondly, these are transformational changes in all other sectors of the economy due to the spread of ICT. These include: transformation of demand for human resources, changes in the structure of population employment, transformation of the nature of work, updating and modernization of qualification requirements for employees, etc. The indirect long-term consequences of the introduction of information and communication technologies for the labor market are determined. It is highlighted that an important trend of the modern labor market is the mastering of new specialties (professions) by employees who started their careers in other professional fields. It is emphasized that the expansion of economic sectors is ongoing due to adaptation to the new division of labor between humans, machines and algorithms. A conclusion was made regarding the further actualization of the implementation of support programs for career guidance and adult education. As a result, attention is focused on the priorities of the formation of current directions of the state policy of regulation of national labor markets with the diagnosis of their positioning in the global economic system. Keywords: digitalization, information and communication technologies, transformation, labor market, employment, competences.