bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Practices for Occupational Zoonotic Exposure to Tuberculosis in a High-Risk Population in Portugal
Authors: Abrantes Ana Carolina , Serejo João , Vieira-Pinto Madalena
Published: March 2023

Concerning large game in Portugal, there is an epidemiological risk area for tuberculosis where the pressure of tuberculosis infection in wild animals is high. Hunters and other people involved in managing carcasses (evisceration and/or initial examination) of these animals should be considered as a high-risk population for sporadic occupational zoonotic infection. This study aims to evaluate and indicate these stakeholders’ main risk practices. The survey was carried out in two phases: a first phase with an anonymous survey to hunters about self-consumption of game meat and carcass handling practices, and a second phase of evaluation in loco of the practices carried out at collection points after driven hunts. As the main results suggested in this study, bad practices and improper handling of hunted carcasses potentially infected with tuberculosis were marked in both phases of the survey, mostly related to the lack of recognition of tuberculosis-like lesions and the non-use of individual protection material, such as gloves and masks. It is evident that stakeholders are interested in learning more about how to perform initial examination properly and what kind of biosecurity measures can be adopted to minimize zoonotic infection risk.
Probing Modified Gravity Theories with Scalar Fields Using Black-Hole Images
Authors: Antoniou Georgios , Papageorgiou Alexandros , Kanti Panagiota
Published: March 2023

We study a number of well-motivated theories of modified gravity with the common overarching theme that they predict the existence of compact objects, such as black holes and wormholes endowed with scalar hair. We compute the shadow radius of the resulting compact objects and demonstrate that black hole images, such as that of M87* or the more recent SgrA* by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration, could provide a powerful way to constrain deviations of the metric functions from what is expected from general relativity (GR) solutions. We focus our attention on Einstein-scalar-Gauss–Bonnet (EsGB) theory with three well-motivated couplings, including the dilatonic and Z2 symmetric cases. We then analyze the shadow radius of black holes in the context of the spontaneous scalarization scenario within EsGB theory with an additional coupling to the Ricci scalar (EsRGB). Finally, we turn our attention to spontaneous scalarization in the Einstein–Maxwell-Scalar (EMS) theory and demonstrate the impact of the parameters on the black hole shadow. Our results show that black hole imaging is an important tool for constraining black holes with scalar hair, and, for some part of the parameter space, black hole solutions with scalar hair may be marginally favored compared to solutions of GR.
Structure-Based Regulatory Role for the 5′UTR of RCNMV RNA2
Authors: Im Jennifer S. H. , Sheppard Jasmine R. , White K. Andrew
Published: March 2023

Red clover necrotic mosaic virus (RCNMV) is a segmented positive-strand RNA virus consisting of RNA1 and RNA2. Previous studies demonstrated that efficient translation of RCNMV RNA2 requires de novo synthesis of RNA2 during infections, suggesting that RNA2 replication is required for its translation. We explored a potential mechanism underlying the regulation of replication-associated translation of RNA2 by examining RNA elements in its 5′ untranslated region (5′UTR). Structural analysis of the 5′UTR suggested that it can form two mutually exclusive configurations: a more thermodynamically stable conformation, termed the 5′-basal stem structure (5′BS), in which 5′-terminal sequences are base paired, and an alternative conformation, where the 5′-end segment is single stranded. Functional mutational analysis of the 5′UTR structure indicated that (i) 43S ribosomal subunits enter at the very 5′-end of RNA2; (ii) the alternative conformation, containing unpaired 5′-terminal nucleotides, mediates efficient translation; (iii) the 5′BS conformation, with a paired 5′-end segment, supresses translation; and (iv) the 5′BS conformation confers stability to RNA2 from 5′-to-3′ exoribonuclease Xrn1. Based on our results, we suggest that during infections, newly synthesized RNA2s transiently adopt the alternative conformation to allow for efficient translation, then refold into the 5′BS conformation, which supresses translation and promotes efficient RNA2 replication. The potential advantages of this proposed 5′UTR-based regulatory mechanism for coordinating RNA2 translation and replication are discussed.
Mass Spectral Analyses of Salmonella Myovirus SPN3US Reveal Conserved and Divergent Themes in Proteolytic Maturation of Large Icosahedral Capsids
Authors: Scheuch Aaron , Moran Sara A. M. , Faraone Julia N. , Unwin Sophia R. , Vu Gialinh , Benítez Andrea Denisse , Mohd Redzuan Nurul Humaira , Molleur Dana , Pardo Sammy , Weintraub Susan T. , Thomas Julie A.
Published: March 2023

Salmonella myovirus SPN3US has a T = 27 capsid composed of >50 different gene products, including many that are packaged along with the 240 kb genome and ejected into the host cell. Recently, we showed that an essential phage-encoded prohead protease gp245 is responsible for cleavage of proteins during SPN3US head assembly. This proteolytic maturation step induces major changes in precursor head particles, enabling them to expand and undergo genome packaging. To comprehensively define the composition of the mature SPN3US head and elucidate how it is modified by proteolysis during assembly, we conducted tandem mass spectrometry analysis of purified virions and tailless heads. Fourteen protease cleavage sites were identified in nine proteins, including eight sites not previously identified in head proteins in vivo. Among these was the maturation cleavage site of gp245 which was identical to the autocleavage site we had previously identified in purified recombinant gp245. Our findings underscore the value of employing multiple mass spectrometry-based experimental strategies as a way to enhance the detection of head protein cleavage sites in tailed phages. In addition, our results have identified a conserved set of head proteins in related giant phages that are similarly cleaved by their respective prohead proteases, suggesting that these proteins have important roles in governing the formation and function of large icosahedral capsids.
EBV Reactivation from Latency Is a Degrading Experience for the Host
Authors: Casco Alejandro , Johannsen Eric
Published: March 2023

During reactivation from latency, gammaherpesviruses radically restructure their host cell to produce virion particles. To achieve this and thwart cellular defenses, they induce rapid degradation of cytoplasmic mRNAs, suppressing host gene expression. In this article, we review mechanisms of shutoff by Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and other gammaherpesviruses. In EBV, canonical host shutoff is accomplished through the action of the versatile BGLF5 nuclease expressed during lytic reactivation. We explore how BGLF5 induces mRNA degradation, the mechanisms by which specificity is achieved, and the consequences for host gene expression. We also consider non-canonical mechanisms of EBV-induced host shutoff. Finally, we summarize the limitations and barriers to accurate measurements of the EBV host shutoff phenomenon.
Identifying the Most Probable Mammal Reservoir Hosts for Monkeypox Virus Based on Ecological Niche Comparisons
Authors: Curaudeau Manon , Besombes Camille , Nakouné Emmanuel , Fontanet Arnaud , Gessain Antoine , Hassanin Alexandre
Published: March 2023

Previous human cases or epidemics have suggested that Monkeypox virus (MPXV) can be transmitted through contact with animals of African rainforests. Although MPXV has been identified in many mammal species, most are likely secondary hosts, and the reservoir host has yet to be discovered. In this study, we provide the full list of African mammal genera (and species) in which MPXV was previously detected, and predict the geographic distributions of all species of these genera based on museum specimens and an ecological niche modelling (ENM) method. Then, we reconstruct the ecological niche of MPXV using georeferenced data on animal MPXV sequences and human index cases, and conduct overlap analyses with the ecological niches inferred for 99 mammal species, in order to identify the most probable animal reservoir. Our results show that the MPXV niche covers three African rainforests: the Congo Basin, and Upper and Lower Guinean forests. The four mammal species showing the best niche overlap with MPXV are all arboreal rodents, including three squirrels: Funisciurus anerythrus, Funisciurus pyrropus, Heliosciurus rufobrachium, and Graphiurus lorraineus. We conclude that the most probable MPXV reservoir is F. anerythrus based on two niche overlap metrics, the areas of higher probabilities of occurrence, and available data on MPXV detection.
A Novel Platform for Root Protection Applies New Root-Coating Technologies to Mitigate Soil-Borne Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus Disease
Authors: Klein Eyal , Smith Elisheva , Klap Chen , Bakelman Elena , Ophir Arie , Sela Aviad , Poverenov Elena , Rein Dmitry , Cohen Yachin , Eliahu Dan , Shahal Shai , Mechrez Guy , Mani Karthik Ananth , Guruprasad Reddy Pulikanti , Domb Abraham J. , Pass Nadav , Dombrovsky Aviv
Published: March 2023

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) is a soil-borne virus showing a low percentage of ca. 3% soil-mediated infection when the soil contains root debris from a previous 30–50 day growth cycle of ToBRFV-infected tomato plants. We designed stringent conditions of soil-mediated ToBRFV infection by increasing the length of the pre-growth cycle to 90–120 days, adding a ToBRFV inoculum as well as truncating seedling roots, which increased seedling susceptibility to ToBRFV infection. These rigorous conditions were employed to challenge the efficiency of four innovative root-coating technologies in mitigating soil-mediated ToBRFV infection while avoiding any phytotoxic effect. We tested four different formulations, which were prepared with or without the addition of various virus disinfectants. We found that under conditions of 100% soil-mediated ToBRFV infection of uncoated positive control plants, root-coating with formulations based on methylcellulose (MC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), silica Pickering emulsion and super-absorbent polymer (SAP) that were prepared with the disinfectant chlorinated-trisodium phosphate (Cl-TSP) showed low percentages of soil-mediated ToBRFV infection of 0%, 4.3%, 5.5% and 0%, respectively. These formulations had no adverse effect on plant growth parameters when compared to negative control plants grown under non ToBRFV inoculation conditions.
Pathology of African Swine Fever in Reproductive Organs of Mature Breeding Boars
Authors: Sehl-Ewert Julia , Friedrichs Virginia , Carrau Tessa , Deutschmann Paul , Blome Sandra
Published: March 2023

African swine fever (ASF) is a severe, globally important disease in domestic and wild pigs. The testing of alternative transmission routes has proven that the ASF virus (ASFV) can be efficiently transmitted to sows via semen from infected boars through artificial insemination. Boars intramuscularly inoculated with the ASFV strain “Estonia 2014” showed grossly and microscopically visible changes in the testis, epididymis, prostate, and vesicular gland. The gross lesions included hemorrhages on the scrotum, testicular membranes, and parenchyma; edema; hydroceles; and proliferations of the tunica vaginalis. Histopathologically, vasculitis and perivasculitis was detected in the testis and epididymis. Subacutely infected animals further revealed a degeneration of the testicular and epididymal tubules, pointing to the destruction of the blood–testis and blood–epididymis barriers upon disease progression. This was confirmed by evidence of semen round cells and sperm abnormalities at later time points after the infection. The histopathology was associated with the presence of viral DNA and the infectious virus, and in a limited amount with viral antigens. In most scenarios, the impact of these changes on the reproductive performance and long-term persistence of the virus is probably negligible due to the culling of the animals. However, under backyard conditions and in wild boar populations, infected males will remain in the population and the long-term fate should be further evaluated.
Whole-Genome-Sequence-Based Evolutionary Analyses of HoBi-like Pestiviruses Reveal Insights into Their Origin and Evolutionary History
Authors: Kalaiyarasu Semmannan , Mishra Niranjan , Subramaniam Saravanan , Moorthy Dashprakash , Sudhakar Shashi Bhusan , Singh Vijendra Pal , Sanyal Aniket
Published: March 2023

HoBi-like pestivirus (HoBiPeV), classified under Pestivirus H species, is an emerging cattle pathogen of high economic impact. However, the origin and evolution of HoBiPeV are not very clear due to a lack of full genomic sequences from diverse clades. This study aimed to determine full-genome sequences of HoBiPeV strains of three novel clades (c, d and e) and perform full-genome-based genetic and evolutionary analyses. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses herein confirmed the existence and independent evolution of four main HoBiPeV clades (a, c, d and e) globally, with genetic divergence ranging from 13.0% to 18.2%. Our Bayesian molecular clock estimates revealed that HoBiPeV most likely originated in India, with a dated tMRCA of 1938 (1762–2000), evidencing a more recent origin of HoBiPeV. The evolution rate of HoBiPeV was estimated to be 2.133 × 10−3 subs/site/year at full-genome level but varied widely among individual genes. Selection pressure analyses identified most of the positively selected sites in E2. Additionally, 21.8% of the ORF codon sites were found under strong episodic diversifying selection, providing first evidence of negative selection in HoBiPeV evolution. No recombination event was evident for HoBiPeV-c, d and e strains. These findings provide new insights into HoBiPeV origin and evolutionary history for better understanding the epidemiology and host–pathogen interactions and stimulate vaccine research.
Phylogenetic and Evolutionary Studies of Grapevine Pinot Gris Virus Isolates from Canada
Authors: Vu Minh , Vemulapati Bhadra Murthy , McFadden-Smith Wendy , Fall Mamadou L. , Úrbez-Torres José Ramón , Moreau Debra L. , Poojari Sudarsana
Published: March 2023

This study investigated the phylogenetic relationship of grapevine Pinot gris virus (GPGV) isolates from Canada with GPGV isolates reported worldwide. Full-length genomes of 25 GPGV isolates representing the main four grape-growing regions in Canada (British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia and Quebec) were sequenced and compared to genomes of 43 GPGV isolates representing eight countries and three continents. Phylogenetic analysis based on full genome sequences revealed an unambiguous separation of North American GPGV isolates with isolates from Europe and Asia. Within the North American clade, GPGV isolates from the USA segregated into a distinct subclade, whereas the relationships amongst GPGV isolates from different regions of Canada were not clearly defined. The phylogenetic analysis of the overlapping regions of MP and CP genes involving 169 isolates from 14 countries resulted in two distinctive clades, which were seemingly independent of their country of origin. Clade 1 included the majority of asymptomatic isolates (81% asymptomatic), whereas clade 2 was predominantly formed of symptomatic isolates (78% symptomatic). This research is the first study focused on the genetic variability and origin of GPGV in Canada.
SARS-CoV-2 Is More Efficient than HCoV-NL63 in Infecting a Small Subpopulation of ACE2+ Human Respiratory Epithelial Cells
Authors: Castillo Gino , Nelli Rahul K. , Phadke Kruttika S. , Bravo-Parra Marlene , Mora-Díaz Juan Carlos , Bellaire Bryan H. , Giménez-Lirola Luis G.
Published: March 2023

Human coronavirus (HCoV)-NL63 is an important contributor to upper and lower respiratory tract infections, mainly in children, while severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent of COVID-19, can cause lower respiratory tract infections, and more severe, respiratory and systemic disease, which leads to fatal consequences in many cases. Using microscopy, immunohistochemistry (IHC), virus-binding assay, reverse transcriptase qPCR (RT-qPCR) assay, and flow cytometry, we compared the characteristics of the susceptibility, replication dynamics, and morphogenesis of HCoV-NL63 and SARS-CoV-2 in monolayer cultures of primary human respiratory epithelial cells (HRECs). Less than 10% HRECs expressed ACE2, and SARS-CoV-2 seemed much more efficient than HCoV-NL63 at infecting the very small proportion of HRECs expressing the ACE2 receptors. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 replicated more efficiently than HCoV-NL63 in HREC, which correlates with the cumulative evidence of the differences in their transmissibility.
Co-Surveillance of Rotaviruses in Humans and Domestic Animals in Central Uganda Reveals Circulation of Wide Genotype Diversity in the Animals
Authors: Bwogi Josephine , Karamagi Charles , Byarugaba Denis Karuhize , Tushabe Phionah , Kiguli Sarah , Namuwulya Prossy , Malamba Samuel S. , Jere Khuzwayo C. , Desselberger Ulrich , Iturriza-Gomara Miren
Published: March 2023

Rotavirus genotypes are species specific. However, interspecies transmission is reported to result in the emergence of new genotypes. A cross-sectional study of 242 households with 281 cattle, 418 goats, 438 pigs, and 258 humans in Uganda was undertaken between 2013 and 2014. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and genotypes of rotaviruses across co-habiting host species, as well as potential cross-species transmission. Rotavirus infection in humans and animals was determined using NSP3 targeted RT-PCR and ProSpecT Rotavirus ELISA tests, respectively. Genotyping of rotavirus-positive samples was by G- and P-genotype specific primers in nested RT-PCR assays while genotyping of VP4 and VP7 proteins for the non-typeable human positive sample was done by Sanger sequencing. Mixed effect logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with rotavirus infection in animals. The prevalence of rotavirus was 4.1% (95% CI: 3.0–5.5%) among the domestic animals and 0.8% (95% CI: 0.4–1.5%) in humans. The genotypes in human samples were G9P[8] and P[4]. In animals, six G-genotypes, G3(2.5%), G8(10%), G9(10%), G11(26.8%), G10(35%), and G12(42.5%), and nine P-genotypes, P[1](2.4%), P[4](4.9%), P[5](7.3%), P[6](14.6%), P[7](7.3%), P[8](9.8%), P[9](9.8%), P[10](12.2%), and P[11](17.1%), were identified. Animals aged 2 to 18 months were less likely to have rotavirus infection in comparison with animals below 2 months of age. No inter-host species transmission was identified.
Projection of COVID-19 Positive Cases Considering Hybrid Immunity: Case Study in Tokyo
Authors: Kodera Sachiko , Takada Akito , Rashed Essam A. , Hirata Akimasa
Published: March 2023

Since the emergence of COVID-19, the forecasting of new daily positive cases and deaths has been one of the essential elements in policy setting and medical resource management worldwide. An essential factor in forecasting is the modeling of susceptible populations and vaccination effectiveness (VE) at the population level. Owing to the widespread viral transmission and wide vaccination campaign coverage, it becomes challenging to model the VE in an efficient and realistic manner, while also including hybrid immunity which is acquired through full vaccination combined with infection. Here, the VE model of hybrid immunity was developed based on an in vitro study and publicly available data. Computational replication of daily positive cases demonstrates a high consistency between the replicated and observed values when considering the effect of hybrid immunity. The estimated positive cases were relatively larger than the observed value without considering hybrid immunity. Replication of the daily positive cases and its comparison would provide useful information of immunity at the population level and thus serve as useful guidance for nationwide policy setting and vaccination strategies.
Monitoring of Paenibacillus larvae in Lower Austria through DNA-Based Detection without De-Sporulation: 2018 to 2022
Authors: Wilhelm Elfriede , Korschineck Irina , Sigmund Michael , Paulsen Peter , Hilbert Friederike , Rossmanith Wigbert
Published: March 2023

American foulbrood is caused by the spore-forming Paenibacillus larvae. Although the disease effects honey bee larvae, it threatens the entire colony. Clinical signs of the disease are seen at a very late stage of the disease and bee colonies are often beyond saving. Therefore, through active monitoring based on screening, an infection can be detected early and bee colonies can be protected with hygiene measures. As a result, the pressure to spread in an area remains low. The cultural and molecular biological detection of P. larvae is usually preceded by spore germination before detection. In this study, we compared the results of two methods, the culture detection and RT-PCR detection of DNA directly isolated from spores. Samples of honey and cells with honey surrounding the brood were used in a five-year voluntary monitoring program in a western part of Lower Austria. DNA-extraction from spores to speed up detection involved one chemical and two enzymatic steps before mechanical bashing-beat separation and additional lysis. The results are comparable to culture-based methods, but with a large time advantage. Within the voluntary monitoring program, the proportion of bee colonies without the detection of P. larvae was high (2018: 91.9%, 2019: 72.09%, 2020: 74.6%, 2021: 81.35%, 2022: 84.5%), and in most P. larvae-positive bee colonies, only a very low spore content was detected. Nevertheless, two bee colonies in one apiary with clinical signs of disease had to be eradicated.
Antioxidants and Oxidants in Boar Spermatozoa and Their Surrounding Environment Are Associated with AMPK Activation during Liquid Storage
Authors: Li Junwei , Zhao Wenming , Zhu Jiaqiao , Ju Huiming , Liang Ming , Wang Shuaibiao , Chen Shufang , Ferreira-Dias Graça , Liu Zongping
Published: March 2023

Activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been demonstrated to be beneficial for boar sperm quality and functionality, while the underlying mechanism of AMPK activation of boar spermatozoa remains obscure. This study aimed to explore the effect of antioxidants and oxidants in boar spermatozoa and their surrounding fluid (SF) on the activation of AMPK during the liquid storage. Ejaculates from Duroc boars, routinely used for semen production, were collected and diluted to a final concentration of 25 × 106/mL. In experiment 1, twenty-five semen samples from eighteen boars were stored at 17 °C for 7 days. In experiment 2, three pooled semen samples created from nine ejaculates of nine boars were used, and each sample was treated with 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 μM/L H2O2 and stored at 17 °C for 3 h. Sperm quality and functionality, antioxidants and oxidants in boar spermatozoa and SF, the intracellular AMP/ATP ratio, and the expression levels of the phosphorylated AMPK (Thr172) were determined. Sperm quality significantly decreased with storage time in terms of viability (p < 0.05). Antioxidant and oxidant levels were markedly affected with storage time, with a decline in the SF total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (p < 0.05), SF malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05), and the sperm’s total oxidant status (TOS), as well as a fluctuation in sperm superoxidase dismutase-like (SOD-like) activity (p < 0.05). The intracellular AMP/ATP ratio increased (p < 0.05) on day 4 and subsequently decreased to its lowest value on days 6 and 7 (p < 0.05). The phosphorylated AMPK levels increased from day 2 to day 7 (p < 0.05). Correlation analyses indicate that sperm quality during liquid storage was correlated to antioxidants and oxidants in spermatozoa and SF (p < 0.05), which were correlated to the phosphorylation of sperm AMPK (p < 0.05). Treatment with H2O2 induced damages in sperm quality (p < 0.05), a decline in antioxidant levels (SF TAC, p < 0.05; sperm SOD-like activity, p < 0.01), an increase in oxidant levels (SF MDA, p < 0.05; intracellular ROS production, p < 0.05), a higher AMP/ATP ratio (p < 0.05), and phosphorylated AMPK levels (p < 0.05) in comparison with the control. The results suggest that antioxidants and oxidants in boar spermatozoa and SF are involved in AMPK activation during liquid storage.
Adaptive Notch Filter in a Two-Link Flexible Manipulator for the Compensation of Vibration and Gravity-Induced Distortion
Authors: Sasaki Minoru , Muguro Joseph , Njeri Waweru , Doss Arockia Selvakumar Arockia
Published: March 2023

This paper presents a 2-link, 2-DOF flexible manipulator control using an inverse feedforward controller and an adaptive notch filter with a direct strain feedback controller. In the flexible manipulator, transient and residue vibrations inhibit the full potential of the manipulator. Vibrations caused by abrupt changes in the direction of the links are referred to as transient vibrations, whereas residual vibrations occur when the arm takes too long to settle after engaging in the intended task. The feedforward adaptive notch filter will reduce transient vibration caused by the manipulator arm beginning and halting suddenly, while the strain feedback will assure the quick decay of leftover vibrations. Maple, Maplesim, and MATLAB tools were used to model the manipulator and create the inverse controller and adaptive notch filter. The experiments took place in the dSPACE control desk environment. The experimental results of the spectral power of strain resulting from the two strategies are compared. From the results, the adaptive notch filter control had over an 80% improvement in the reduction in resonant frequencies that contribute to vibration. The results confirmed the feasibility of the approach, characterized by very minimal transient vibrations and a quick settling of the end effector.
Prescribed Performance Control-Based Semi-Active Vibration Controller for Seat Suspension Equipped with an Electromagnetic Damper
Authors: Zhao Junjie , Liu Pengfei , Leng Dingxin , Zhan Haoyu , Luan Guangrui , Ning Donghong , Yu Jianqiang
Published: March 2023

Seat suspension plays a vital role in improving riding comfort and protecting drivers’ health. This paper develops semi-active seat suspension that equips a controllable electromagnetic damper (EMD) and proposes a prescribed performance control-based semi-active vibration controller with experimental validation. The semi-active EMD mainly consists of a permanent magnet synchronous motor, a ball screw, a three-phase rectifier, and a controllable external resistor, which can vary its damping from 90 to 800 N·s/m by tuning the controllable external resistor in real-time. The EMD is applied to seat suspension, and a semi-active controller is proposed for the EMD seat suspension. In order to control the seat suspension vibration, a prescribed performance method is applied to obtain a desired control force and then a force-tracking strategy is designed to make the EMD track the desired control force. Finally, the semi-active seat suspension with the proposed controller is tested in experiments with different vibration conditions. The semi-active seat suspension performs excellently for the bump, sine wave and random vibration. The root mean square (RMS) acceleration, the frequency-weighted RMS acceleration and the acceleration’s fourth power vibration dose value were reduced by 17.5%, 39.9%, and 25.4%, respectively, in the random vibration, compared with a passive system.
The Impacts of Land Use and Seasonal Effects on Phytoplankton Taxa and Physical-Chemical Variables in the Tigris River within the City of Mosul
Authors: Yaqoob Majd Muwafaq , Somlyai Imre , Berta Csaba , Bácsi István , Al-Tayawi Aws N. , Al-Ahmady Kossay K. , Mohammed Ramadhan Hamza , Alalami Omar , Grigorszky István
Published: March 2023

We investigated the effect of land use based on the dominant phytoplankton and physical-chemical variables in the different areas of the Tigris River, within the city of Mosul. Agricultural and urban activities have a significant impact on the water quality of the river. Regardless of physical and chemical variables, phytoplankton act as a bio-indicator of water quality due to their fast and sensitive response to changes in the environment. Our research was conducted in the Tigris River within the city of Mosul by examining the phytoplankton species and the physical-chemical variables at 16 sites during each vegetation period. Point and non-point source pollutants have affected the Tigris River within the city of Mosul, getting into the river from upstream through agricultural activities and by urban activities in the middle section of the city, respectively from both banks. Based on our results, we observed the highest phytoplankton abundance during the October sampling periods, while the lowest occurred during the July sampling period, which was associated with maximum water temperature and absence of rain. According to our study, land use (e.g., agricultural, and urban activities) greatly affected the dominant phytoplankton species and physical-chemical variables of the Tigris River. Oscillatoria sp. dominated all seasons in the agricultural region, while at the same time, we observed an increase in the number of phytoplankton species caused by the nutrient availability upstream on the river. The effects of climate have very significant and characteristic effects in this area, which basically determine the community of organisms and the water quality; the effects resulting from anthropogenic activity significantly modify this. Based on our investigation, in the part of the Tigris River connected to Mosul, we found a clear connection between the pollution caused and the effects of different land uses, through the examination of the algal community and physical-chemical variables in different periods of the year.
In Vitro Assessment of Salinity Stress Impact on Early Growth in Ten Certified Palestinian Barley Cultivars (Hordeum vulgare L.) Potentially Suitable for Cultivation on Former Quarry Substrates
Authors: Al-Tardeh Sharaf M. , Alqam Hala N. , Kuhn Arnd J. , Kuchendorf Christina M.
Published: March 2023

Salinity is a major constraint for crop health and productivity, particularly on arid, semiarid, and otherwise marginal soils, such as quarry residue. Quarries are a main pillar of national income in Palestine but have a long-lasting toll on the environment. We examined barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), another pillar of the Palestinian economy and one of the most important crops in the world, in this regard for its tolerance to salinity stress. This study is the first to evaluate the impact of salinity (50, 85, 120, and 175 mM NaCl) on seed germination, early growth stage, and morpho-anatomy on ten pre-selected certified Palestinian barley cultivars (Baladi, Improved Baladi, Rihan, ICARDA 1, ICARDA 15, ACSAD 68, ACSAD 176, ACSAD 1417, ACSAD 1732, and ACSAD 1744) to assess their potential for a successful growth start under adverse saline conditions. In addition, soil samples from quarries in Hebron governorate were randomly selected and tested for salinity level, electrical conductivity, and total of soluble salts for a first rough overview of options for applying our results, since local data are often scarce or outdated. The examined soil samples reached electrical conductivity (EC) ranges of 1.81 × 10−4–9.071 × 10−4 dS m−1, which are below the normal EC (11–57 × 10−4 dS m−1). This result may contraindicate the hypothesis that quarry lands always suffer from salinity stress. Cultivars such as ACSAD 68 and Icarda 15 proved very sensitive to higher salinity stress with high G50 (time point when 50% of seeds have germinated) at 4.4 d, with 120 mM NaCl (ACSAD 68) or incalculable amounts (Icarda 15) and just 50 and 20% total germination, respectively. Concentrations of 175 mM NaCl were found in ACSAD 176 and Improved Baladi (no G50, 37 and 30% germination, respectively). Some cultivars showed a moderate to high resilience to salinity, such as ICARDA I, ACSAD 1417, and ACSAD 1744, which reached > 80% seed germination at 120 mM NaCl and >60% at 175 mM NaCl, and G50 within 1.5–2.2 days; the most resilient was ACSAD 1732 with G50 < 2 days and germination still >80% at 175 mM NaCl. This is strongly supported by the monitored growth parameters. In conclusion, ACSAD1732 and Icarda 1 cultivars are highly recommended for cultivation in areas of low precipitation and high salt accumulation. In addition, the land and/or soil of quarries, their landfills, and nearby areas in Palestine may be fit for barley cultivation with recommended cultivars regarding salinity stress.
A Spatial and Temporal Correlation between Remotely Sensing Evapotranspiration with Land Use and Land Cover
Authors: Khoshnood Sajad , Lotfata Aynaz , Mombeni Maryam , Daneshi Alireza , Verrelst Jochem , Ghorbani Khalil
Published: March 2023

In recent years, remote sensing technology has enabled researchers to fill the existing statistics and research gaps on evapotranspiration in different land use classes. Thus, a remotely sensed-based approach was employed to investigate how evapotranspiration rates changed in different land use/cover classes across the Lake Urmia Basin from 2016 to 2020. This was accomplished by applying the Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) and the maximum likelihood algorithm. Results showed that from 2016 to 2020, grassland, savanna, and wetland decreased by 1%, 0.58%, and 1%, respectively, whereas an increase of 0.4%, 0.4%, 2.5%, and 1.2% occurred in cropland, urban, shrubland, and water bodies, respectively. Based on the model’s results, over 98, 63, 90, 93, and 91% of the studied area, respectively, experienced a value of evapotranspiration between 0–6, 3–8, 0–4, 0–4, and 0–6 mm from 2016 to 2020. It was also found that these values are more closely related to water bodies and wetlands, followed by cropland, urban areas, savanna, non-vegetated, grassland, and shrubland. A strong correlation with R2 > 70% was observed between the SEBS and the ground-measured values, while this value is lower than 50% for the MODIS Global Evapotranspiration Project (MOD16A2). The findings suggest that evapotranspiration and land use/cover can be extracted on a large-scale using SEBS and satellite images; thus, their maps can be presented in an accurate manner.
Energy and Exergy Analysis of the Impact of Renewable Energy with Combined Solid Oxide Fuel Cell and Micro-Gas Turbine on Poly-Generation Smart-Grids
Authors: Chen Tzu-Chia , Kumar T. Ch. Anil , Dwijendra Ngakan Ketut Acwin , Majdi Ali , Asary Abdul Rab , Iswanto Acim Heri , Khan Imran , Madsen Dag Øivind , Alayi Reza
Published: March 2023

In this study, the thermodynamic performance of a combined gas turbine system equipped with a tubular solid oxide fuel cell and hydrogen fuel was investigated. All components of the system were separately modeled using thermodynamic relations. The simulation results showed that the efficiency of the combined system decreased with an increase in the turbine inlet temperature, whereas the power of the system increased. In addition, increasing the temperature entering the turbine and increasing the pressure ratio increased the production entropy and, as a result, increased the irreversibility of the system. The results of the research at the design point showed that 65% of the irreversibility of the system was caused by the combustion chamber and fuel cell (35% of the amount of entropy produced, the contribution of the combustion chamber, and 30% of the contribution of the solid oxide fuel cell) and 19% was due to the contribution of the heat exchanger. In addition, the combined system has an efficiency of 9.81%, while the system without a fuel cell has an efficiency of 33.4%, which shows the extraordinary performance of the combined system.
Competitive Adsorption of Quaternary Metal Ions, Ni2+, Mn2+, Cr6+, and Cd2+, on Acid-Treated Activated Carbon
Authors: Abu-Daabes Malyuba A. , Abu Zeitoun Edrees , Mazi Wafa
Published: March 2023

This paper examined the competitive removal of metal ions from quaternary aqueous solutions containing Ni2+, Mn2+, Cr6+, and Cd2+ using adsorption on both acid-modified and unmodified activated carbon. Activated carbon (AC) was oxidized with nitric acid, both in granular (AGC) and powder (APC) forms, and tested for the competitive adsorption of Ni2+, Mn2+, Cr6+, and Cd2+ from an aqueous solution. Surface oxidation led to a reduction in BET surface area and HK pore width and an increase in the intensities of hydroxyl and carboxyl functional groups for both AGC and APC compared to unmodified activated carbon, AC, as indicated with BET and FTIR analyses. The adsorption capacity of all four metal ions on AC was in the order Ni2+ > Cd2+ > Cr6+ > Mn2+, while it was altered for the two oxidized AGC and APC carbons to be Cr6+ > Ni2+ > Cd2+ > Mn2+. Acid treatment resulted in high selectivity for Cr6+ over all other available ions with a 100% removal efficiency, while it decreased for Ni2+, Cd2+, and Mn2+ compared to AC. This improvement in Cr6+ adsorption is due to its higher ionic potential and smaller size, which results in a faster diffusion and stronger adsorption to the acidic groups located at the pore edges. Therefore, it will repel and hinder other ions from accessing the activated carbon pores. Modeling of the adsorption isotherms with DKR was better than both Freundlich and Langmuir for the competitive ions. DKR showed strong attraction for both Ni2+ and Cd2+ by ion exchange on the AC surface, as indicated by their apparent adsorption energy (E) values. Cr6+ adsorption was found to be by physical adsorption on AC and by ion exchange on both AGC and APC. Mn2+ ions had a very weak attraction to all types of tested activated carbons in the presence of other ions.
Controlling Nitrogen Removal Processes in Improved Vertical Flow Constructed Wetland with Hydroponic Materials: Effect of Influent COD/N Ratios
Authors: Sithamparanathan Elackiya , Sutton Nora B. , Rijnaarts Huub H. M. , Kujawa-Roeleveld Katarzyna
Published: March 2023

Discharge of nitrogen (N) with wastewater causes eutrophication in surface water. On the other hand, nutrient-rich wastewater can be valuable for agriculture. Tailoring N removal or conservation is important to meet the requirements of different water end uses. Improved vertical flow constructed wetlands with hydroponic materials (CWH) as substrata were developed at lab scale in a greenhouse and studied to optimize N removal in CWH. This study investigated the effect of influent COD/N ratios of 5/1 and 15/1 on the removal or conservation of N in CWHs with Syngonium as vegetation and three substrata, pumice, cocopeat, and mineral wool. CWH with pumice showed the highest TN removal at both COD/N ratios. The Syngonium plant significantly contributed to the additional 50% TN removal in CWH. Nitrification of above 90% was observed at both studied COD/N ratios, indicating sufficient oxygenation due to the vertical pulse flow operated CWH. The denitrification process was enhanced at a higher COD/N ratio of 15/1 compared to 5/1 by around 10–40%. The occurring nitrification and denitrification indicate the coexistence of aerobic and anaerobic conditions in CWH, and balancing these conditions is necessary for future applications to remove N for its specific end use, i.e., irrigation water (high standards) or discharge to surface water (low standards).
Forecasting Monthly Water Deficit Based on Multi-Variable Linear Regression and Random Forest Models
Authors: Li Yi , Wei Kangkang , Chen Ke , He Jianqiang , Zhao Yong , Yang Guang , Yao Ning , Niu Ben , Wang Bin , Wang Lei , Feng Puyu , Yang Zhe
Published: March 2023

Forecasting water deficit is challenging because it is modulated by uncertain climate, different environmental and anthropic factors, especially in arid and semi-arid northwestern China. The monthly water deficit index D at 44 sites in northwestern China over 1961−2020 were calculated. The key large-scale circulation indices related to D were screened using Pearson’s correlation (r). Subsequently, we predicted monthly D with the multi-variable linear regression (MLR) and random forest (RF) models at certain lagged times after being strictly calibrated and validated. The results showed the following: (1) The r between the monthly D and the screened key circulation indices varied from 0.71 to 0.85 and the lagged time ranged from 1 to 12 months. (2) The calibrated and validated performance of the established MLR and RF models were all good at the 44 sites. Overall, the RF model outperformed the MLR model with a higher coefficient of determination (R2 > 0.8 at 38 sites) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE < 50% at 30 sites). (3) The Pacific Polar Vortex Intensity (PPVI) had the greatest impact on D in northwestern China, followed by SSRP, WPWPA, NANRP, and PPVA. (4) The forecasted monthly D values based on RF models indicated that the water deficit in northwestern China would be most severe (−239.7 to −62.3 mm) in August 2022. In conclusion, using multiple large-scale climate signals to drive a machine learning model is a promising method for predicting water deficit conditions in northwestern China.
The Significance of Groundwater Table Inclination for Nature-Based Replenishment of Groundwater-Dependent Ecosystems by Managed Aquifer Recharge
Authors: Szabó Zsóka , Szijártó Márk , Tóth Ádám , Mádl-Szőnyi Judit
Published: March 2023

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is an increasingly popular technique; however, the significance of groundwater flow dynamics is rarely examined in detail regarding MAR systems. In general, a high hydraulic gradient is not favoured for MAR implementation, as it causes higher water loss and mixing of recharge water with native groundwater. However, during groundwater-dependent ecosystem (GDE) rehabilitation, these hydraulic gradient-driven flow processes can be taken advantage of. The aim of this research is to test this hypothesis by evaluating the effect of groundwater table inclination, topography, and other local characteristics on MAR efficiency from the perspective of GDE restoration. MAR efficiency was examined from recharge to discharge area in a simple half-basin based on theoretical flow simulations, using GeoStudio SEEP/W software. Different scenarios were compared to analyse the groundwater level increase and the infiltrated water volumes and to assess the efficiency of MAR based on these parameters in each scenario. The theoretical results were applied to a close-to-real situation of Lake Kondor, a GDE of the Danube-Tisza Interfluve (Hungary), which dried up in the past decades due to groundwater decline in the area. Based on the results, initial hydraulic head difference, model length, and hydraulic conductivity are the most critical parameters regarding water level increase at the discharge area. The water amount needed for increasing the water table is mainly influenced by the thickness of the unsaturated zone and the material properties of the aquifer. The findings can help better understand MAR efficiency in light of local groundwater flow processes and contribute to optimising MAR systems. The results of the study suggest that, if water is infiltrated at the local recharge area, the water table will also increase at the corresponding discharge area, which positively effects the connected GDEs. This approach can serve as a nature-based solution (NBS) to sustain sensitive ecosystems in changing climatic conditions.
Safety Monitoring and Management of Reservoir and Dams
Authors: Ma Chunhui , Xu Xiaoyan , Yang Jie , Cheng Lin
Published: March 2023

Water conservancy projects have the functions of flood control, power generation, water supply, and irrigation, and play a vital role in the survival and development of human society [...]
Genotoxicity Signatures near Brine Outflows from Desalination Plants in the Levant
Authors: Rosner Amalia , Grossmark Yaara , Gertner Yaron , Rabinowitz Claudette , Reem Eitan , Rinkevich Baruch
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: Desalination is a developing industry that keeps expanding, nowadays counting >15,000 infrastructures worldwide. A byproduct of the desalination process is concentrated brine, further containing operational chemicals, including antiscalants and coagulants. Yet, the potential genotoxic impacts of the inclusive brine are inadequately studied. (2) Methods: In vitro and in vivo assays were used to test the impacts of a representative antiscalant and a coagulant. The model cnidarian Nematostella vectensis was employed to assess the impacts of the tested pollutants on animal longevity. Additionally, the genotoxicity of seawater sampled near four desalination plants was tested using the comet assay. (3) Results: In vitro analyses of the antiscalant and coagulant revealed neither genotoxic nor cytotoxic effects at environmentally relevant concentrations, but they were destructive to whole organisms (N. vectensis) at various developmental stages. Part of the seawater samples from sites near desalination plants were genotoxic, revealing ephemeral and mosaic genotoxicity. Since desalination plants are situated in highly anthropogenic-impacted areas, it is impossible at this stage to evaluate the possible contribution of the brine to overall marine genotoxicity. (4) Conclusions: Exact desalination-associated chemicals and the brine itself should be evaluated directly for potential genotoxicity.
A Prediction Model and Factor Importance Analysis of Multiple Measuring Points for Concrete Face Rockfill Dam during the Operation Period
Authors: Shao Lei , Wang Ting , Wang Youde , Wang Zilong , Min Kaiyi
Published: March 2023

Dam settlement monitoring is a crucial project in the safety management of concrete face rockfill dams (CFRD) over their whole life cycle. With the development of an automatic monitoring system, a large amount of settlement data was collected. To precisely predict the structural health of dams, a combined multiple monitoring points (MMP) model and a machine learning model has been developed. In this paper, based on the physical factors of the CFRD, we comprehensively analyzed the influence of water level load transfer, rockfill rheology and soil properties on the settlement during the impoundment operation period. Then, we established a space-time distribution model of the CFRD during its operation period under multiple factors. An extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) model was used for fitting prediction, and the model was evaluated using various performance indicators. The results show that spatial parameters such as the upper filling height, rockfill thickness, panel-point distance and soil material correlate to the deformation characteristics of the rockfill dam. Taking the monitoring data of the settlement of the Liyuan CFRD as an example, the new MMP model was evaluated and used to predict the settlement of the full-section points with higher accuracy, which has certain application and popularization value for related projects. Then, to evaluate the contribution of the components of the new MMP model, the SHapley Additive explanation (SHAP) methods are used to evaluate the importance of the selected factors, and the reasonability of these factors is verified.