bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Parallel Fixed Point Algorithms and Their Application to a System of Variational Inequalities
Authors: Maldar Samet
Published: May 2022

In this study, considering the advantages of parallel fixed point algorithms arising from their symmetrical behavior, new types of parallel algorithms have been defined. Strong convergence of these algorithms for certain mappings with altering points has been analyzed, and it has been observed that their convergence behavior is better than existing algorithms with non-simple samples. In addition, the concept of data dependency for these algorithms has been examined for the first time in this study. Finally, it has been proven that the solution of a variational inequality system can be obtained using newly defined parallel algorithms under suitable conditions.
A Rapid Deployment Mechanism of Forwarding Rules for Reactive Mode SDN Networks
Authors: Kao Ming-Tsung , Kao Shang-Juh , Tseng Hsueh-Wen , Chang Fu-Min
Published: May 2022

In reactive mode software-defined networking (SDN) networks, a new initiated flow requires back-and-forth communications between the controller and the switches along the forwarding route. As SDN is getting popularly accepted, many studies have reported on how to reduce the amount of communication traffic and to release the controller’s loading. Several techniques have been proposed, such as proactive and active mode integration, MPLS adoption, and various forwarding rule installation techniques. In this paper, we adopt the idea of the tunnel penetration technique, called the tunnel boring machine in SDN or SDN-TBM, to effectively cut down the traffic between switches and the controller as well as to speed up packet delivery. Using the TBM mechanism, the communication symmetry between the controller and the switches on the path is broken and transformed into asymmetry. Only the first and last switches of each application flow need to make forwarding queries to the controller, and all intermediate switches simply forward packets consisting of the forwarding information needed to determine the next-hop switch. An M/M/1 queueing model is developed to verify the feasibility and efficiency of the proposal. Under the simulation of more than a million flows with 3–8 intermediate switches, the packet sojourn time using SDN-TBM mechanism is less than that of adopting the conventional SDN and JumpFlow model. Additionally, by adopting SDN-TBM, both the number of packet-in and packet-out packets and the controller’s loading are significantly reduced.
An Efficient Asymmetric Nonlinear Activation Function for Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Chai Enhui , Yu Wei , Cui Tianxiang , Ren Jianfeng , Ding Shusheng
Published: May 2022

As a key step to endow the neural network with nonlinear factors, the activation function is crucial to the performance of the network. This paper proposes an Efficient Asymmetric Nonlinear Activation Function (EANAF) for deep neural networks. Compared with existing activation functions, the proposed EANAF requires less computational effort, and it is self-regularized, asymmetric and non-monotonic. These desired characteristics facilitate the outstanding performance of the proposed EANAF. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this function in the field of object detection, the proposed activation function is compared with several state-of-the-art activation functions on the typical backbone networks such as ResNet and DSPDarkNet. The experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed EANAF.
STAMINA: Bioinformatics Platform for Monitoring and Mitigating Pandemic Outbreaks
Authors: Bakalos Nikolaos , Kaselimi Maria , Doulamis Nikolaos , Doulamis Anastasios , Kalogeras Dimitrios , Bimpas Mathaios , Davradou Agapi , Vlachostergiou Aggeliki , Fotopoulos Anaxagoras , Plakia Maria , Karalis Alexandros , Tsekeridou Sofia , Anagnostopoulos Themistoklis , Despotopoulou Angela Maria , Bonavita Ilaria , Petersen Katrina , Pelepes Leonidas , Voumvourakis Lefteris , Anagnostou Anastasia , Groen Derek , Mintram Kate , Saha Arindam , Taylor Simon J. E. , Ham Charon van der , Kaleta Patrick , Ignjatović Dražen , Rossi Luca
Published: May 2022

This paper presents the components and integrated outcome of a system that aims to achieve early detection, monitoring and mitigation of pandemic outbreaks. The architecture of the platform aims at providing a number of pandemic-response-related services, on a modular basis, that allows for the easy customization of the platform to address user’s needs per case. This customization is achieved through its ability to deploy only the necessary, loosely coupled services and tools for each case, and by providing a common authentication, data storage and data exchange infrastructure. This way, the platform can provide the necessary services without the burden of additional services that are not of use in the current deployment (e.g., predictive models for pathogens that are not endemic to the deployment area). All the decisions taken for the communication and integration of the tools that compose the platform adhere to this basic principle. The tools presented here as well as their integration is part of the project STAMINA.
The Child Tourist: Agency and Cultural Competence in VFR Travel
Authors: Annerbäck Johanna , Sparrman Anna
Published: May 2022

In this article, we meet a seven-year-old boy, Matti, who was adopted from his birth country in Africa by a family in Sweden. We meet him together with his family as they are planning a family adoption return trip to his birth country and again after their return. We argue that an adoption return trip is a form of family travel and/or visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel. By methodologically using a so-called children’s perspective we are primarily focusing on Matti and how he talks about the return trip. We explore some key concepts from child studies through Matti’s relational encounters in the world. By presenting agency and cultural competence as something that is enacted in practice, we show how they are enacted through the dependencies between Matti, his mother and his sister. The analysis shows that cultural competence and agency are fluid in the sense that they can be changed by how topics of discussion are woven through one another. Staying with Matti’s lived practices makes it possible to elaborate on and demonstrate different forms of competence and agency that are important for understanding children as tourists and children’s roles in family travel.
Influence of Urban Informal Settlements on Trace Element Accumulation in Road Dust and Their Possible Health Implications in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa
Authors: Mugudamani Innocent , Oke Saheed A. , Gumede Thandi Patricia
Published: May 2022

The study was aimed at assessing the influence of urban informal settlement on trace element accumulation in road dust from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa, and their possible health implications. The concentration of major and trace elements was determined using the wavelength dispersive XRF method. The major elements in descending order were SiO2 (72.76%), Al2O3 (6.90%), Fe2O3 (3.88%), CaO (2.71%), K2O (1.56%), Na2O (0.99%), MgO (0.94%), MnO (0.57%), TiO2 (0.40%), and P2O5 (0.16%), with SiO2 and P2O5 at above-average shale values. The average mean concentrations of 17 trace elements in decreasing order were Cr (637.4), Ba (625.6), Zn (231.8), Zr (190.2), Sr (120.2), V (69), Rb (66), Cu (61), Ni (49), Pb (30.8), Co (17.4), Y (14.4), Nb (8.6), As (7.2), Sc (5.8), Th (4.58), and U (2.9) mg/kg. Trace elements such as Cr, Cu, Zn, Zr, Ba, and Pb surpassed their average shale values, and only Cr surpassed the South African soil screening values. The assessment of pollution through the geo-accumulation index (Igeo) revealed that road dust was moderately to heavily contaminated by Cr, whereas all other trace elements were categorized as being uncontaminated to moderately contaminated. The contamination factor (CF) exhibited road dust to be very highly contaminated by Cr, moderately contaminated by Zn, Pb, Cu, Zr, and Ba, and lowly contaminated by Co, U, Nb, Ni, As, Y, V, Rb, Sc, Sr, and Th. The pollution load index (PLI) also affirmed that the road dust in this study was very highly polluted by trace elements. Moreover, the results of the enrichment factor (EF) categorized Cr as having a significant degree of enrichment. Zn was elucidated as being minimally enriched, whereas all other trace elements were of natural origin. The results of the non-carcinogenic risk assessment revealed a possibility of non-carcinogenic risks to both children and adults. For the carcinogenic risk, the total CR values in children and adults were above the acceptable limit, signifying a likelihood of carcinogenic risk to the local inhabitants. From the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the levels of trace elements in the road dust of this informal settlement had the possibility to contribute to both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, and that children were at a higher risk than the adult population.
Lanthanides Release and Partitioning in Municipal Wastewater Effluents
Authors: Turcotte Patrice , Smyth Shirley , Gagné François , Gagnon Christian
Published: May 2022

The use of lanthanides is increasing in our society, whether in communication technologies, transportation, electronics or medical imaging. Some lanthanides enter urban wastewater and flow through municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). However, little is known about the effectiveness of treatment processes to remove these elements and the concentrations released in effluents to receiving waters. The main objective of this study was to investigate the fate of lanthanides in various wastewater treatment processes. A secondary objective was to better understand the fate of medical gadolinium (Gd) complexes; anthropogenic inputs were differentiated from geological sources using an approach based on concentration normalization with respect to chondrite Post-Archean Australian Shale (PAAS). The hypothesis was that most lanthanides, especially of geological origin, are associated with the particulate phase and could be efficiently removed by WWTPs. To monitor these elements in different WWTPs, various urban influents and effluents from simple aerated lagoons to advanced treatments were sampled in Canada. The results showed that the rates of lanthanide removal by treatment processes decrease with their atomic number; from 95% for cerium (Ce) to 70% for lutetium (Lu), except for Gd, which was minimally removed. The normalization approach permitted the determination of the origin of Gd in these wastewaters, i.e., medical application versus the geological background. By distinguishing the geogenic Gd fraction from the anthropogenic one, the removal efficiency was evaluated according to the origin of the Gd; nearly 90% for geogenic Gd and a rate varying from 15% to 50% in the case of anthropogenic Gd. The processes using alum as the flocculating agent had the highest removal efficiency from wastewater.
Developmental Neurotoxicity and Behavioral Screening in Larval Zebrafish with a Comparison to Other Published Results
Authors: Jarema Kimberly A. , Hunter Deborah L. , Hill Bridgett N. , Olin Jeanene K. , Britton Katy N. , Waalkes Matthew R. , Padilla Stephanie
Published: May 2022

With the abundance of chemicals in the environment that could potentially cause neurodevelopmental deficits, there is a need for rapid testing and chemical screening assays. This study evaluated the developmental toxicity and behavioral effects of 61 chemicals in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae using a behavioral Light/Dark assay. Larvae (n = 16–24 per concentration) were exposed to each chemical (0.0001–120 μM) during development and locomotor activity was assessed. Approximately half of the chemicals (n = 30) did not show any gross developmental toxicity (i.e., mortality, dysmorphology or non-hatching) at the highest concentration tested. Twelve of the 31 chemicals that did elicit developmental toxicity were toxic at the highest concentration only, and thirteen chemicals were developmentally toxic at concentrations of 10 µM or lower. Eleven chemicals caused behavioral effects; four chemicals (6-aminonicotinamide, cyclophosphamide, paraquat, phenobarbital) altered behavior in the absence of developmental toxicity. In addition to screening a library of chemicals for developmental neurotoxicity, we also compared our findings with previously published results for those chemicals. Our comparison revealed a general lack of standardized reporting of experimental details, and it also helped identify some chemicals that appear to be consistent positives and negatives across multiple laboratories.
Degradation of Ochratoxin A by a UV-Mutated Aspergillus niger Strain
Authors: Zou Dong , Ji Jian , Ye Yongli , Yang Yang , Yu Jian , Wang Meng , Zheng Yi , Sun Xiulan
Published: May 2022

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin that can contaminate a wide range of crops such as grains and grapes. In this study, a novel fungal mutant strain (FS-UV-21) with a high OTA degradation rate (74.5%) was obtained from Aspergillus niger irradiated with ultraviolet light (15 W for 20 min). The effect of pH, temperature, and inoculation concentration on the degradation of OTA by FS-UV-21 was investigated, and the results revealed that the detoxification effect was optimal (89.4%) at a pH of 8 and a temperature of 30 °C. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to characterize the degraded products of OTA, and the main degraded product was ochratoxin α. Triple quadrupole-linear ion trap-mass spectrometry combined with LightSight software was used to analyze the biotransformation pathway of OTA in FS-UV-21, to trace the degraded products, and to identify the main metabolite, P1 (C19H18ClNO6, m/z 404). After the FS-UV-21 strain was treated with OTA, the HepG2 cellular toxicity of the degradation products was significantly reduced. For the real sample, FS-UV-21 was used to remove OTA from wheat bran contaminated by mycotoxins through fermentation, resulting in the degradation of 59.8% of OTA in wheat bran. Therefore, FS-UV-21 can be applied to the degradation of OTA in agricultural products and food.
Variation of Microbial Community and Fermentation Quality in Corn Silage Treated with Lactic Acid Bacteria and Artemisia argyi during Aerobic Exposure
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Tan Zhongfang , Gu Lingbiao , Ma Hao , Wang Zhenyu , Wang Lei , Wu Guofang , Qin Guangyong , Wang Yanping , Pang Huili
Published: May 2022

Silage, especially whole crop corn silage (WCCS), is an important part of ruminant diets, with its high moisture content and rich nutrient content, which can easily cause contamination by mold and their toxins, posing a great threat to ruminant production, food safety and human health. The objective of this study was to examine effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) Lactiplantibacillus (L.) plantarum subsp. plantarum ZA3 and Artemisia argyi (AA) on the fermentation characteristics, microbial community and mycotoxin of WCCS during 60 days (d) ensiling and subsequent 7 d aerobic exposure. The results showed that WCCS treated with LAB and AA both had lower pH value and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) contents, and higher lactic and acetic acids concentration compared with other groups after 60 d ensiling. In addition, for microbial communities, Acetobacter and Enterobacter were inhibited in all AA group, while higher abundance of Lactobacilli was maintained; besides, Candida, Pichia and Kazachstania abundances were decreased in both 6% and 12% AA groups. The content of five kinds of mycotoxins were all significantly lower after 7 d of aerobic exposure. As for the total flavonoid (TF), which is significantly higher in all AA treated groups, it was positively correlated with Paenibacillus, Weissella and Lactobacilli, and negatively with Acetobacter, Enterobacteria, Kazachstania and Pichia.
Antimicrobial Prescribing Patterns in Patients with COVID-19 in Russian Multi-Field Hospitals in 2021: Results of the Global-PPS Project
Authors: Avdeev Sergey , Rachina Svetlana , Belkova Yuliya , Kozlov Roman , Versporten Ann , Pauwels Ines , Goossens Herman , Bochanova Elena , Elokhina Elena , Portnjagina Ulyana , Reshetko Olga , Sychev Igor , Strelkova Darya ,   On behalf of Russian Global-PPS Project Study Group
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global public health challenge with understudied effects on antimicrobial usage. We aimed to analyze antimicrobial prescribing patterns in COVID-19 patients in Russian multi-field hospitals by means of the Global-PPS Project developed by the University of Antwerp. Out of 999 patients in COVID-19 wards in six hospitals surveyed in 2021, 51.3% received antimicrobials (79% in intensive care, 47.5% in medical wards). Systemic antivirals and antibiotics were prescribed to 31% and 35.1% of patients, respectively, and a combination of both to 14.1% of patients. The top antivirals administered were favipiravir (65%), remdesivir (19.2%), and umifenovir (15.8%); the top antibiotics were ceftriaxone (29.7%), levofloxacin (18%), and cefoperazone/sulbactam (10.4%). The vast majority of antibiotics was prescribed for treatment of pneumonia or COVID-19 infection (59.3% and 25.1%, respectively). Treatment was based on biomarker data in 42.7% of patients but was targeted only in 29.6% (6.7% for antibiotics). The rate of non-compliance with guidelines reached 16.6%. Antimicrobial prescribing patterns varied considerably in COVID-19 wards in Russian hospitals with groundlessly high rates of systemic antibiotics. Antimicrobial usage surveillance and stewardship should be applied to inpatient care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impact of Car-Sharing and Ridesourcing on Public Transport Use: Attitudes, Preferences, and Future Intentions Regarding Sustainable Urban Mobility in the Post-Soviet City
Authors: Tarnovetckaia Rozaliia , Mostofi Hamid
Published: May 2022

The impacts of ICT-based mobility services vary in different cities, depending on socioeconomic, urban form, and cultural parameters. The impacts of car-sharing and ridesourcing on public transport have not been investigated appropriately in post-Soviet Union cities. This study presents exploratory evidence on how ridesourcing and car-sharing affect public transport usage in Moscow. Additionally, it studies how demographics, spatial parameters, attitudes, and travel preferences influence the frequency of use of ridesourcing and car-sharing in Moscow. An online mobility survey was conducted at the beginning of 2020 among respondents (sample size is 777) in the Moscow agglomeration. Overall, 66% of ridesourcing users shifted from public transport to these mobility services, which shows the substitutional impact of ridesourcing on public transport. Additionally, the logit model indicates that the regular use of ridesourcing negatively correlates with the regular use of buses/trams/trolleybuses in Moscow. The impact of car-sharing on public transport seems less substitutional and more complementary than the impact of ridesourcing. Overall, 40% of car-sharing users would replace their last car-sharing trip with public transport if car-sharing was unavailable. Moreover, the logit model indicates a positive association between the regular use of car-sharing and the use of buses/trams/trolleybuses. Moreover, the modal split analysis shows a bigger share of public transport use and walking than car use among citizens’ urban journeys in Moscow.
Senecavirus A Enhances Its Adaptive Evolution via Synonymous Codon Bias Evolution
Authors: Zhao Simiao , Cui Huiqi , Hu Zhenru , Du Li , Ran Xuhua , Wen Xiaobo
Published: May 2022

Synonymous codon bias in the viral genome affects protein translation and gene expression, suggesting that the synonymous codon mutant plays an essential role in influencing virulence and evolution. However, how the recessive mutant form contributes to virus evolvability remains elusive. In this paper, we characterize how the Senecavirus A (SVA), a picornavirus, utilizes synonymous codon mutations to influence its evolution, resulting in the adaptive evolution of the virus to adverse environments. The phylogenetic tree and Median-joining (MJ)-Network of these SVA lineages worldwide were constructed to reveal SVA three-stage genetic development clusters. Furthermore, we analyzed the codon bias of the SVA genome of selected strains and found that SVA could increase the GC content of the third base of some amino acid synonymous codons to enhance the viral RNA adaptive evolution. Our results highlight the impact of recessive mutation of virus codon bias on the evolution of the SVA and uncover a previously underappreciated evolutionary strategy for SVA. They also underline the importance of understanding the genetic evolution of SVA and how SVA adapts to the adverse effects of external stress.
Deconstructing the Phage–Bacterial Biofilm Interaction as a Basis to Establish New Antibiofilm Strategies
Authors: Visnapuu Annegrete , Van der Gucht Marie , Wagemans Jeroen , Lavigne Rob
Published: May 2022

The bacterial biofilm constitutes a complex environment that endows the bacterial community within with an ability to cope with biotic and abiotic stresses. Considering the interaction with bacterial viruses, these biofilms contain intrinsic defense mechanisms that protect against phage predation; these mechanisms are driven by physical, structural, and metabolic properties or governed by environment-induced mutations and bacterial diversity. In this regard, horizontal gene transfer can also be a driver of biofilm diversity and some (pro)phages can function as temporary allies in biofilm development. Conversely, as bacterial predators, phages have developed counter mechanisms to overcome the biofilm barrier. We highlight how these natural systems have previously inspired new antibiofilm design strategies, e.g., by utilizing exopolysaccharide degrading enzymes and peptidoglycan hydrolases. Next, we propose new potential approaches including phage-encoded DNases to target extracellular DNA, as well as phage-mediated inhibitors of cellular communication; these examples illustrate the relevance and importance of research aiming to elucidate novel antibiofilm mechanisms contained within the vast set of unknown ORFs from phages.
Global Extension and Predominance of Human Metapneumovirus A2 Genotype with Partial G Gene Duplication
Authors: Muñoz-Escalante Juan Carlos , Mata-Moreno Gabriel , Rivera-Alfaro Gerardo , Noyola Daniel E.
Published: May 2022

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an important respiratory pathogen and is divided in two main groups (A and B). HMPV strains with partial duplications (111-nt and 180-nt duplication) of the G gene have been reported in recent years. Since the initial reports, viruses with these characteristics have been reported in several countries. We analyzed all complete HMPV G gene ectodomain sequences available at GenBank to determine if viruses with 111-nt or 180-nt duplication have become the leading HMPV strains worldwide, and to describe their temporal and geographic distribution. We identified 1462 sequences that fulfilled study criteria (764 HMPV A and 698 HMPV B) reported from 37 countries. The most frequent HMPV A genotype was A2b2 (n = 366), and the most frequent B genotype was B2 (n = 374). A total of 84 sequences contained the 111-nt duplication, and 90 sequences contained the 180-nt duplication. Since 2016, viruses with a partial duplication comprise the most frequent HMPV A sequences globally and have displaced other HMPV A viruses in Asia, Europe, and South America; no sequences of viruses with partial duplication have been reported in North America or Africa so far. Continued surveillance of HMPV is required to identify the emergence and spread of epidemiologically relevant variants.
Are Hamsters a Suitable Model for Evaluating the Immunogenicity of RBD-Based Anti-COVID-19 Subunit Vaccines?
Authors: Merkuleva Iuliia A. , Shcherbakov Dmitry N. , Borgoyakova Mariya B. , Isaeva Anastasiya A. , Nesmeyanova Valentina S. , Volkova Natalia V. , Aripov Vazirbek S. , Shanshin Daniil V. , Karpenko Larisa I. , Belenkaya Svetlana V. , Kazachinskaia Elena I. , Volosnikova Ekaterina A. , Esina Tatiana I. , Sergeev Alexandr A. , Titova Kseniia A. , Konyakhina Yulia V. , Zaykovskaya Anna V. , Pyankov Oleg V. , Kolosova Evgeniia A. , Viktorina Olesya E. , Shelemba Arseniya A. , Rudometov Andrey P. , Ilyichev Alexander A.
Published: May 2022

Currently, SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding-domain (RBD)-based vaccines are considered one of the most effective weapons against COVID-19. During the first step of assessing vaccine immunogenicity, a mouse model is often used. In this paper, we tested the use of five experimental animals (mice, hamsters, rabbits, ferrets, and chickens) for RBD immunogenicity assessments. The humoral immune response was evaluated by ELISA and virus-neutralization assays. The data obtained show hamsters to be the least suitable candidates for RBD immunogenicity testing and, hence, assessing the protective efficacy of RBD-based vaccines.
Duplex One-Step RT-qPCR Assays for Simultaneous Detection of Genomic and Subgenomic RNAs of SARS-CoV-2 Variants
Authors: Bhosle Sushma M. , Tran Julie P. , Yu Shuiqing , Geiger Jillian , Jackson Jennifer D. , Crozier Ian , Crane Anya , Wada Jiro , Warren Travis K. , Kuhn Jens H. , Worwa Gabriella
Published: May 2022

A hallmark of severe acute respiratory syndrome virus (SARS-CoV-2) replication is the discontinuous transcription of open reading frames (ORFs) encoding structural virus proteins. Real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) assays in previous publications used either single or multiplex assays for SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA detection and a singleplex approach for subgenomic RNA detection. Although multiplex approaches often target multiple genomic RNA segments, an assay that concurrently detects genomic and subgenomic targets has been lacking. To bridge this gap, we developed two duplex one-step RT-qPCR assays that detect SARS-CoV-2 genomic ORF1a and either subgenomic spike or subgenomic ORF3a RNAs. All primers and probes for our assays were designed to bind to variants of SARS-CoV-2. In this study, our assays successfully detected SARS-CoV-2 Washington strain and delta variant isolates at various time points during the course of live virus infection in vitro. The ability to quantify subgenomic SARS-CoV-2 RNA is important, as it may indicate the presence of active replication, particularly in samples collected longitudinally. Furthermore, specific detection of genomic and subgenomic RNAs simultaneously in a single reaction increases assay efficiency, potentially leading to expedited lucidity about viral replication and pathogenesis of any variant of SARS-CoV-2.
Collateral Impact of Public Health and Social Measures on Respiratory Virus Activity during the COVID-19 Pandemic 2020–2021
Authors: Achangwa Chiara , Park Huikyung , Ryu Sukhyun , Lee Moo-Sik
Published: May 2022

Many countries have implemented public health and social measures (PHSMs) to control the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although the PHSMs are targeted at SARS-CoV-2 transmission control, they directly or indirectly impact the epidemiology of different respiratory viral diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the collateral impact of PHSMs used during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the epidemiology of other respiratory viruses, including influenza, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, and adenovirus infections. We conducted a systematic review of the published literature on changes in the incidence of respiratory viral diseases and detection rates of the respiratory viruses during COVID-19 pandemic, lasting from 2020–2021, published between December 2019 and March 2022 in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. We identified an overall decrease of 23–94% in the incidence of respiratory viral diseases and a decrease of 0–98% in the detection of the viruses. Our study suggests that the PHSMs implemented during COVID-19 pandemic reduced the incidence of respiratory viral diseases and transmission of respiratory viruses. At the time of this study, and as governments relax PHSMs, public health authorities should prepare for a probable increase in the burden of respiratory viral diseases.
Prevalence of Ranavirus Infection in Three Anuran Species across South Korea
Authors: Roh Namho , Park Jaejin , Kim Jongsun , Kwon Hyerim , Park Daesik
Published: May 2022

To cope with amphibian die-offs caused by ranavirus, it is important to know the underlying ranavirus prevalence in a region. We studied the ranavirus prevalence in tadpoles of two native and one introduced anuran species inhabiting agricultural and surrounding areas at 49 locations across eight provinces of South Korea by applying qPCR. The local ranavirus prevalence and the individual infection rates at infected locations were 32.6% and 16.1%, respectively, for Dryophytes japonicus (Japanese tree frog); 25.6% and 26.1% for Pelophylax nigromaculatus (Black-spotted pond frog); and 30.5% and 50.0% for Lithobates catesbeianus (American bullfrog). The individual infection rate of L. catesbeianus was significantly greater than that of D. japonicus. The individual infection rate of P. nigromaculatus was related to the site-specific precipitation and air temperature. The individual infection rate gradually increased from Gosner development stage 39, and intermittent infection was confirmed in the early and middle developmental stages. Our results show that ranavirus is widespread among wild amphibians living in agricultural areas of South Korea, and mass die-offs by ranavirus could occur at any time.
Development and Demonstration of an Endocrine-Disrupting Compound Footprint Calculator
Authors: Taylor Rachel , Hayden Kathryn , Gluberman Marc , Garcia Laura , Gorucu Serap , Swistock Bryan , Preisendanz Heather
Published: May 2022

Chemicals in personal care products used in everyday lives become part of the wastewater stream. Wastewater treatment plants were not designed to remove these chemicals; therefore, these products and their metabolites persist in the effluent. Many of these chemicals are known, or suspected to be, endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) and can cause adverse impacts to aquatic organisms at trace concentrations. Here, we developed a publicly available EDC footprint calculator to estimate a household’s EDC footprint. The calculator prompts users to input the number of products they own in each of three categories: health and beauty, laundry, and cleaning. The calculator, which is programmed with average values of EDCs in each product, outputs an estimate of the user’s EDC footprint (mass) and ranks the contribution of each product to the footprint. When used by a group of 39 citizen scientists across the Susquehanna River Basin in the northeastern United States, the average household EDC footprint was ~150 g. Results of this tool aid in decision making by providing users with the information necessary to reduce the household’s footprint through product selection that avoids specific ingredients or by replacing the top-ranking products with greener alternatives.
Potential for Natural Attenuation of Domestic and Agricultural Pollution in Karst Groundwater Environments
Authors: Brad Traian , Bizic Mina , Ionescu Danny , Chiriac Cecilia Maria , Kenesz Marius , Roba Carmen , Ionescu Artur , Fekete Alexandru , Mirea Ionut Cornel , Moldovan Oana Teodora
Published: May 2022

In karst areas, anthropogenic contaminants reach the subsurface with detrimental effects on the groundwater ecosystem and downstream springs, which often serve as drinking water sources for the local human communities. We analyzed the water chemistry and microbial community composition in upstream and downstream locations of five hydrokarst systems (HKS) during four seasons. Conductivity and nitrates were higher in the downstream springs than in the pre-karst waters, whereas the concentration of organic matter, considered here as a pollution indicator, was lower. The microbial community composition varied largely between upstream and downstream locations, with multiple species of potentially pathogenic bacteria decreasing in the HKS. Bacteria indicative of pollution decreased as well when passing through the HKS, but potential biodegraders increased. This suggests that the HKS can filter out part of the polluting organic matter and, with it, part of the associated microorganisms. Nevertheless, the water quality, including the presence of pathogens in downstream springs, must be further monitored to control whether the water is appropriate for consumption. In parallel, the human populations located upstream must be advised of the risks resulting from their daily activities, improper stocking of their various wastes and dumping of their refuse in surface streams.
Crop Water Productivity, Applied Water Productivity and Economic Decision Making
Authors: Letseku Violet , Grové Bennie
Published: May 2022

Increasing productive water use in agriculture is seen as paramount to meet future food demand with limited water supplies. The main objective of this paper is to gain a better understanding of the interrelated linkages between crop water productivity (CWP) and applied water productivity (AWP) as affected by irrigation management decisions in order to assess the impact of economic decision making on CWP and AWP under area-limiting and water-limiting conditions. A daily soil water balance mathematical programming model that explicitly models the impact of technology choice and stochastic weather on water use efficiency was used to study the interactions. The assumption is made that a rational decision maker will allocate water to maximize expected profits. The results showed that CWP is, to a large extent, unresponsive to increasing irrigation water applications, especially when water applications are approaching maximum potential crop yields. The difference between optimal crop yields for the area-limiting and water-limiting scenarios is small, which shows that the portion of water production function that is relevant for economic decision making is small and falls within the unresponsive range of CWP changes. Profit maximizing decision makers will not try to maximize CWP or AWP since these objectives will result in profit losses.
Nutrient Control of Phytoplankton Abundance and Biomass, and Microplankton Assemblage Structure in the Lower Columbia River (Vancouver, Washington, USA)
Authors: Rollwagen-Bollens Gretchen , Connelly Kristin A. , Bollens Stephen M. , Zimmerman Julie , Coker Alixandra
Published: May 2022

Nutrient limitation of phytoplankton is common but by no means universal in large temperate rivers. Previous field studies in the Columbia River, USA, are suggestive of nutrient limitations of phytoplankton, especially during summer, but this has never been tested experimentally. We therefore undertook monthly 5-day nutrient amendment incubation experiments from May–September 2018 using Columbia River water collected at Vancouver, Washington, USA. We compared replicate treatment bottles containing natural microplankton assemblages and amended nutrients (NO3, PO4 and SiO4 in combination) with replicate control bottles containing natural microplankton assemblages and ambient nutrients. Phytoplankton abundance and biomass were compared between treatments and controls on each day of each experiment, and microplankton assemblage structure was evaluated using Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance and Non-Metric Multi-Dimensional Scaling ordination on Day 0 (ambient) and Day 5 of each experiment. Nutrient amendment significantly affected phytoplankton abundance and biomass, particularly in June–August, although this varied between taxa (e.g., cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates, flagellates and ciliates showed more frequent positive responses than chlorophytes and diatoms did). Abundance-based microplankton assemblage structure was significantly correlated with PO4, SiO4 and NO3 concentrations, and BIOENV procedure in R revealed that the best subset of explanatory variables included SiO4 and NO3 concentrations. Biomass-based assemblage structure was significantly correlated with SiO4 and NO3, although BIOENV explanatory variables included only SiO4. These results are suggestive of summertime nutrient control of phytoplankton abundance and biomass, as well as microplankton composition, in the lower Columbia River, at least during some months. Since eutrophication is increasing in the watershed, this could have important implications for higher level consumers (e.g., zooplankton and out-migrating juvenile salmon).
Climatic and Hydrological Factors Affecting the Assessment of Flood Hazards and Resilience Using Modified UNDRR Indicators: Ayutthaya, Thailand
Authors: Munpa Phichet , Kittipongvises Suthirat , Phetrak Athit , Sirichokchatchawan Wandee , Taneepanichskul Nutta , Lohwacharin Jenyuk , Polprasert Chongrak
Published: May 2022

This research aims to investigate the effect of climatic and hydrological factors on flood hazards and assess flood resilience in Ayutthaya, Thailand, using the 10 essentials for making cities resilient modified by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). Flood resilience assessment was performed based on a multi-criteria decision-making approach or the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) of pairwise comparison. The results indicate that runoff is considered the most influential factor in flood hazards, followed by land use, rainfall, and historical flood events, sequentially. Regarding the flood incident management concept, a questionnaire survey (n = 552) was conducted to understand the impacts of flood on local communities. The findings reveal that 50% of respondents had never received any flood information or participated in training sessions on flood preparedness. Most reported their concerns about the inadequate supply of drinking water during a flood. Spearman’s correlation coefficient shows positive correlations between flood disaster relief payments, preparedness training, access to flood hazard mapping, emergency health services, and their flood preparation actions. According to the modified UNDRR indicators, the top three highest AHP values in building community resilience to flood hazards in Ayutthaya are flood risk scenario identification, the effectiveness of emergency flood disaster response, integrated urban planning, and disaster risk reduction. The policy implications of this research include the need for national authorities to better understand the role cities can play a vital role in supporting both national and international climate resilience frameworks, especially Thailand’s National Disaster Management Plan, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Basin Management under Conditions of Scarcity: The Transformation of the Jordan River Basin from Regional Water Supplier to Regional Water Importer
Authors: Katz David
Published: May 2022

The Jordan River system is one of the most iconic and most contested river systems in the world. The once “mighty Jordan”, which has served as the primary source of water for populations in several countries, is currently a severely denuded river system, with only a fraction of its historic flow. Several initiatives, however, aim to restore some of the basin’s flows. This paper will provide a historical overview and analysis of the trajectory of the Jordan River system from being a primary supplier of water to a desiccated shadow of its former glory. It highlights the critical role international borders played in dividing control over the basin, resulting in different types and levels of water scarcity experienced by each of the basin’s riparians, each of whom has implemented different strategies to cope with such scarcity. The paper then presents several plans for large-scale interbasin transfers involving desalinated water initiated by basin riparians in attempts to deal with water scarcity and highlights how these planned initiatives are set to transform the basin from a regional supplier of water to a net importer.
High-Throughput Sequencing of Diatom Community, Its Spatial and Temporal Variation and Interrelationships with Physicochemical Factors in Danjiangkou Reservoir, China
Authors: Zhang Chunxia , He Yuxiao , Li Weiguo , Guo Xiaoming , Xiao Chunyan , Zhao Tongqian
Published: May 2022

Diatoms constitute an important part of the phytoplankton community in lakes and reservoirs and play a significant role in regulating ecological balance. Danjiangkou Reservoir is the water source area of the middle route of China’s South-to-North Water Diversion project. In order to explore the spatial and temporal distribution and know the governing factors of the diatom community, 18srRNA sequencing was carried out from seven sampling sites of the reservoir. At the same time, the concentration of nutrients present in the collected sample water was also determined. The results showed that a total of 51 genera and 96 species were thriving the community of diatoms in Danjiangkou Reservoir. Discostella was dominant in summer and autumn, accounting for 98.84% and 62.71% of the diatom abundance, respectively. Aulacoseira was dominant in spring and winter, accounting for 60.62% and 60.90%, respectively. Discostella and Aulacoseira showed significant differences in seasonal variation (p < 0.05). The colinear network of diatoms changed significantly with the seasons, mainly consisting of Aulacoseira, Discostella, and Stephanodiscus. RDA redundancy analysis showed that water temperature (WT), total nitrogen (TN), NH4+-N, pH, and electrical conductivity (Cond) were the main environmental factors driving the changes in diatom community structure.
Development and validation of a methodology for quantifying the amount of flavonoids in a multivitamin collection
Authors:   IBHTN RUDN, direction «Chemistry», Moscow, Babyshkina Victoria Maksimovna , Smirnova Maria Sergeevna ,   IBHTN RUDN, direction «Biological Sciences», Institute of Pharmacopoeia and Standardization in the Field of Drug Production of the Federal State Budgetary Institution «NCESMP» of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Marakhova Anna Igorevna ,   IBСTN
Published: May 2022

The article considers the importance of biologically active compounds (BAS), namely flavonoids, which determine the pharmacological effects of a multivitamin preparation, consisting of the following components: nettle leaves (30 %), rowan fruits (70 %). The amount of flavonoids in the multivitamin collection in terms of rutin and absolute dry raw materials was established, which totaled 2.11±0.03 %.
Training and testing knowledge on the use (application) of personal protective equipment as a separate type of training
Authors:   Volgograd branch of PJSC Rostelecom, Senchenko V.A. , Kaverzneva T. T. ,   Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University
Published: May 2022

From September 1, 2022, training on the use (application) of personal protective equipment (PPE) has been moved to a separate type of training. The training program on the use (application) of personal protective equipment for workers using special clothing and special footwear should include training in the methods of wearing it, and for workers using other types of personal protective equipment, training in the methods of their use. The article provides an example of a training program on the use (application) of personal protective equipment against falls from a height for workers. This training program can be taken as a basis for developing training programs at your enterprise.
ANALISIS WHITE LIES ORANGTUA PADA ANAK DISABILITAS DI SLB ABCD SEJAHTERA BOGOR
Authors: Safitri Rika Nurismah , Samatan Nuriyati
Published: May 2022

Orangtua memiliki peran besar dalam proses pertumbuhan dan perkembangan anak. Tidak semua anak lahir dengan keadaan sempurna, terdapat pula anak yang lahir dengan keterbatasan atau yang disebut dengan disabilitas. Terkadang orangtua memiliki kekhawatiran pada anak mereka ketika anak melakukan sesuatu, terlebih apabila anak tersebut merupakan anak disabilitas. Salah satu cara orangtua mengurangi rasa khawatir, orangtua menggunakan white lies dalam proses komunikasi dengan anaknya. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui alasan orangtua dalam menggunakan white lies kepada anaknya dan untuk mengetahui contoh implementasi white lies yang orangtua gunakan kepada anaknya. Teori yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah teori disonansi kognitif dengan metode kualitatif dan pendekatan deskriptif. Peneliti menggunakan paradigma konstruktivis. Pengambilan data dengan cara wawancara serta observasi. Peneliti melakukan penelitian di SLB ABCD Sejahtera Bogor dan memiliki lima informan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa orangtua memiliki rasa ketidaknyamanan ketika anak melakukan sesuatu sehingga untuk mengurangi rasa ketidaknyamanan tersebut orangtua menggunakan white lies. Hasil yang didapatkan pada penelitian ini sesuai dengan asumsi dari teori disonansi kognitif.
KOMUNIKASI TERAPEUTIK ANTAR TERAPIS DAN PASIEN KOMUNITAS TOTOK PUNGGUNG INDONESIA DAERAH SUMBAWA
Authors: Azzubair Muhammad Itsar , Anshori Muhammad Syukron
Published: May 2022

Penelitian ini ditujukan untuk mengetahui bagaimana aktivitas komunikasi terapeutik antara terapis dan pasien pada Komunitas Totok Punggung Indonesia (KTPI) di daerah Sumbawa. Teori yang digunakan adalah teori Komunikasi Terapeutik menurut Stuart, G.W. dan Sundeen tentang empat fase komunikasi terapeutik, teknik komunikasi terapeutik, dan teori dari Egan tentang sikap komunikasi terapeutik. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif kualitatif. Pengumpulan data menggunakan teknik observasi non partisipan, wawancara tidak terstruktur, dan dokumentasi. Informan dipilih berdasarkan purposive sampling. Adapun analisis data akan melalui tahapan pengumpulan data, penyajian data, reduksi data dan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan: 1. Fase pra- interaksi dimana para terapis mempersiakan segala hal yang akan berkaitan dengan proses praktek baik data pasien maupun mental dari terapis tersendiri. 2. Fase orientasi digunakan oleh terapis sebagai Langkah awal dalam membina hubungan saling percaya sebelum memberikan diagnosa pertama. 3. Fase kerja yaitu terapis membangun dialog positif pada saat proses penotokan berlangsung. 4. Fase evaluasi, dilakukannya komunikasi lanjutan antara terapis dengan pasien setelah mendapatkan tindakan terapi. Komunikasi Terapeutik merupakan komunikasi yang terencana dan profesional, maka penting bagi terapis untuk aktif berkoordinasi dan menselaraskan hubungan komunikasi antara terapis dengan pasien.
PENERAPAN STRATEGI CITY BRANDING DALAM MEWUJUDKAN SUBULUSSALAM SEBAGAI KOTA SANTRI
Authors: Padang Faisal , Husna Asmaul , Fahrimal Yuhdi
Published: May 2022

City Branding merupakan sebuah gagasan tentang bagaimana sebuah kota membangun dan mengkomunikasikan karakter, daya tarik, gaya, dan personalitasnya dengan menggunakan identitas visual, slogan, eksibisi, serta positioning yang baik dan relevan dengan sasaran publiknya.Menggunakan konsep city branding milik Kavaratzis dengan metode deskriptif kualitatif, tulisan ini mencoba mengupas implementasi city branding Kota Subulussalam dalam upaya mewujudkan Kota Santri. Dari hasil penelitian ini ditemukan bahwa strategi yang sudah dijalankan dalam dua tahun terakhir ini sudah melewati lima tahapan utama, yakni research, deliberation, consultation, action, dan communication. Adapun hambatan yang dihadapi ialah kurangnya perencanaan yang matang, APBK yang belum memadai, kurangnya pemanfaatan teknologi, serta belum maksimalnya proses monitoring dan evaluasi dalam strategi ini.