bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ambient Benzo[a]pyrene’s Effect on Kinetic Modulation of Amyloid Beta Peptide Aggregation: A Tentative Association between Ultrafine Particulate Matter and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kaumbekova Samal , Torkmahalleh Mehdi Amouei , Shah Dhawal
Published: December 2022

Long-time exposure to ambient ultrafine particles is associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which is triggered by the aggregation of Aβ peptide monomers into toxic oligomers. Among different ultrafine air pollutants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known to have a negative neural impact; however, the impact mechanism remains obscure. We herein examined the effect of Benzo[a]Pyrene (B[a]P), one of the typical PAHs on Aβ42 oligomerization using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. In particular, the simulations were performed using four molecules of Aβ42 in the presence of 5.00 mM, 12.5 mM, and 50.0 mM of B[a]P. The results revealed strong hydrophobic interactions between Aβ42 peptides and B[a]P, which in turn resulted in increased interpeptide electrostatic interactions. Furthermore, 5.00 mM of B[a]P accelerated the kinetics of the formation of peptide tetramer by 30%, and stabilized C-terminus in Aβ42 peptides, suggesting consequent progression of AD in the presence of 5.00 mM B[a]P. In contrast, 12.5 mM and 50.0 mM of B[a]P decreased interpeptide interactions and H-bonding due to the aggregation of numerous B[a]P clusters with the peptides, suppressing oligomerization kinetics of Aβ42 peptides by 13% and 167%, respectively. While the study elucidates the effect of small environmental hydrophobic molecules on the formation of Aβ oligomers, the impact of ambient ultrafine particles on AD in the complex composition of the environmental realm requires further systematic delving into the field.
Candidalysin Is the Hemolytic Factor of Candida albicans
Authors: Mogavero Selene , Höfs Sarah , Lauer Alexa N. , Müller Rita , Brunke Sascha , Allert Stefanie , Gerwien Franziska , Groth Sabrina , Dolk Edward , Wilson Duncan , Gutsmann Thomas , Hube Bernhard
Published: December 2022

Candida albicans produces an important virulence factor, the hypha-associated Ece1-derived secreted peptide toxin candidalysin, which is crucial for the establishment of mucosal and systemic infections. C. albicans has also long been known to be hemolytic, yet the hemolytic factor has not been clearly identified. Here, we show that candidalysin is the hemolytic factor of C. albicans. Its hemolytic activity is modulated by fragments of another Ece1 peptide, P7. Hemolysis by candidalysin can be neutralized by the purinergic receptor antagonist pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2′,4′-disulfonic acid (PPADS). PPADS also affects candidalysin’s ability to intercalate into synthetic membranes. We also describe the neutralization potential of two anti-candidalysin nanobodies, which are promising candidates for future anti-Candida therapy. This work provides evidence that the historically proposed hemolytic factor of C. albicans is in fact candidalysin and sheds more light on the complex roles of this toxin in C. albicans biology and pathogenicity.
Challenges, Recent Advances and Perspectives in the Treatment of Human Cytomegalovirus Infections
Authors: Chen Shiu-Jau , Wang Shao-Cheng , Chen Yuan-Chuan
Published: December 2022

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is ubiquitous worldwide and elicits global health problems. The diseases associated with HCMV are a serious threat to humans, especially for the sick, infant, elderly and immunocompromised/immunodeficient individuals. Although traditional antiviral drugs (e.g., ganciclovir, valganciclovir, cidofovir, foscarnet) can be used to treat or prevent acute HCMV infections, their efficacy is limited because of toxicity, resistance issues, side effects and other problems. Fortunately, novel drugs (e.g., letermovir and maribavir) with less toxicity and drug/cross-resistance have been approved and put on the market in recent years. The nucleic acid-based gene-targeting approaches including the external guide sequences (EGSs)-RNase, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs)/CRISPRs-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) have been investigated to remove both lytic and latent CMV in vitro and/or in vivo. Cell therapy including the adoptive T cell therapy (ACT) and immunotherapy have been tried against drug-resistant and recurrent HCMV in patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or solid organ transplant (SOT), and they have also been used to treat glioblastoma (GBM) associated with HCMV infections. These newly developed antiviral strategies are expected to yield fruitful results and make a significant contribution to the treatment of HCMV infections. Despite this progress, the nucleic acid-based gene-targeting approaches are still under study for basic research, and cell therapy is adopted in a small study population size or only successful in case reports. Additionally, no current drugs have been approved to be indicated for latent infections. Therefore, the next strategy is to develop antiviral strategies to elevate efficacy against acute and/or latent infections and overcome challenges such as toxicity, resistance issues, and side effects. In this review, we would explore the challenges, recent advances and perspectives in the treatment of HCMV infections. Furthermore, the suitable therapeutic strategies as well as the possibility for compassionate use would be evaluated.
Generation of Primordial Magnetic Fields from QED and Higgs-like Domain Walls in Einstein–Cartan Gravity
Authors: Garcia de Andrade L. C.
Published: December 2022

Spacetime torsion is known to be highly suppressed at the end of inflation, which is called preheating. This result was recently shown in (EPJ C (2022)) in the frame of Einstein–Cartan–Brans–Dicke inflation. In this paper, it is shown that a torsionful magnetogenesis in QED effective Lagrangean drives a torsion damping in order to be subsequently amplified by the dynamo effect after the generation of these magnetic fields seeds. This damping on amplification would depend upon the so-called torsion chirality. Here, a cosmic factor gkK is present where K is the contortion vector and k is the wave vector which is connected to the inverse of magnetic coherence length. In a second example, we find Higgs inlationary fields in Einstein–Cartan gravity thick domain walls (DWs). Recently, a modified Einstein–Cartan gravity was given by Shaposhnikov et al. [PRL (2020)] to obtain Higgs-like inflatons as a portal to dark energy. In the case of thick DW, we assume that there is a torsion squared influence, since we are in the early universe where torsion is not so weak as in the late universe as shown by Paul and SenGupta [EPJ C (2019)] in a 5D brane-world. A static DW solution is obtained when the inflationary potential vanishes and Higgs potential is a helical function. Recently, in the absence of inflation, domain wall dynamos were obtained in Einstein–Cartan gravity (EC) where the spins of the nucleons were orthogonal to the wall.
Is the Stalk of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Druggable?
Authors: Pipitò Ludovico , Reynolds Christopher A. , Deganutti Giuseppe
Published: December 2022

The spike protein is key to SARS-CoV-2 high infectivity because it facilitates the receptor binding domain (RBD) encounter with ACE2. As targeting subunit S1 has not yet delivered an ACE2-binding inhibitor, we have assessed the druggability of the conserved segment of the spike protein stalk within subunit S2 by means of an integrated computational approach that combines the molecular docking of an optimized library of fragments with high-throughput molecular dynamics simulations. The high propensity of the spike protein to mutate in key regions that are responsible for the recognition of the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) or for the recognition of antibodies, has made subunit S1 of the spike protein difficult to target. Despite the inherent flexibility of the stalk region, our results suggest two hidden interhelical binding sites, whose accessibility is only partially hampered by glycan residues.
HIV-1 gp120 Protein Activates Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 1, a Possible Link to Central Nervous System Cell Death
Authors: Saro Adonira , Gao Zhaolin , Kambey Piniel Alphayo , Li Min , Huang Jufang
Published: December 2022

Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1)-associated neurodegenerative disorder (HAND) is frequently reported in HIV-infected individuals. The gp120 envelope viral protein has been implicated in the pathogenesis of HAND in HIV-1-infected patients; however, its pathogenic mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we first overexpressed gp120 proteins in pc12 cells and used PI staining, a CCK8 assay, a TUNEL assay, and caspase-9/caspase-3-induced apoptosis to ascertain the mediated cell death. Subsequently, the gp120-overexpressed cells were subjected to RNA transcriptomics and mass spectrometry. The obtained results were integrated and validated using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and the postmortem brain samples with HIV-associated dementia were analyzed against the normal control (using the GSE35864 data set on gene ontology omnibus repository). Upon the integration of the RNA transcriptomic and proteomic results, 78 upregulated genes were revealed. Fut8, Unc13c, Cdk1, Loc100359539, and Hspa2 were the top five upregulated genes. Upon the analysis of the GSE35864 data set, the results indicate that Cdk1 was upregulated in HIV-associated dementia in comparison to the normal control. Moreover, the protein expression of Cdk1 was significantly higher in the gp120 transfected group compared to the normal control and decreased significantly upon inhibition using Roscovitine (a known Cdk1 inhibitor). Taken together, our results provide a possible molecular signature of the neurological impairment secondary to HIV glycoprotein 120.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Panobinostat Benefits the Therapeutic Efficacy of Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus Combined with PD-1/PD-L1 Blocking in Glioma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma Models
Authors: Wu Yinglin , Chen Xiaoqing , Wang Lei , Zhou Xusha , Liu Yonghong , Ji Dongmei , Ren Peigen , Zhou Grace Guoying , Zhao Jing
Published: December 2022

Background: Combination therapy has been widely explored for oncolytic virus (OV), as it can be met with tumor resistance. The HDAC inhibitor (HDACi) panobinostat is a potent pan-deacetylase inhibitor which blocks multiple cancer-related pathways and reverses epigenetic events in cancer progression. Methods: In this study, oncolytic activity in vitro and antitumor therapeutic efficacy in vivo when combined with oHSV and panobinostat were investigated. Results: (1) Treatment with panobinostat enhanced oHSV propagation and cytotoxicity in human glioma A172 and squamous cell carcinoma SCC9 cells. (2) Combined treatment with oHSV and panobinostat enhanced virus replication mediated by the transcriptional downregulation of IFN-β- and IFN-responsive antiviral genes in human glioma A172 and squamous cell carcinoma SCC9 cells. (3) Panobinostat treatment induced upregulation of PD-L1 expression in both glioma and squamous cell carcinoma cells. (4) A significantly enhanced therapeutic efficacy was shown in vivo for the murine glioma CT-2A and squamous cell carcinoma SCC7 models when treated with a combination of oHSV, including PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and HDAC inhibition. Conclusions: Consequently, these data provide some new clues for the clinical development of combination therapy with OVs, epigenetic modifiers, and checkpoint blockades for glioma and squamous cell carcinoma.
New Insights into the Crosstalk among the Interferon and Inflammatory Signaling Pathways in Response to Viral Infections: Defense or Homeostasis
Authors: Dai Jingwen , Zhou Pingping , Li Su , Qiu Hua-Ji
Published: December 2022

Innate immunity plays critical roles in eliminating viral infections, healing an injury, and restoring tissue homeostasis. The signaling pathways of innate immunity, including interferons (IFNs), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and inflammasome responses, are activated upon viral infections. Crosstalk and interplay among signaling pathways are involved in the complex regulation of antiviral activity and homeostasis. To date, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that NF-κB or inflammasome signaling exhibits regulatory effects on IFN signaling. In addition, several adaptors participate in the crosstalk between IFNs and the inflammatory response. Furthermore, the key adaptors in innate immune signaling pathways or the downstream cytokines can modulate the activation of other signaling pathways, leading to excessive inflammatory responses or insufficient antiviral effects, which further results in tissue injury. This review focuses on the crosstalk between IFN and inflammatory signaling to regulate defense and homeostasis. A deeper understanding of the functional aspects of the crosstalk of innate immunity facilitates the development of targeted treatments for imbalanced homeostasis.
Application of a Human Blood Brain Barrier Organ-on-a-Chip Model to Evaluate Small Molecule Effectiveness against Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus
Authors: Boghdeh Niloufar A. , Risner Kenneth H. , Barrera Michael D. , Britt Clayton M. , Schaffer David K. , Alem Farhang , Brown Jacquelyn A. , Wikswo John P. , Narayanan Aarthi
Published: December 2022

The blood brain barrier (BBB) is a multicellular microenvironment that plays an important role in regulating bidirectional transport to and from the central nervous system (CNS). Infections by many acutely infectious viruses such as alphaviruses and flaviviruses are known to impact the integrity of the endothelial lining of the BBB. Infection by Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV) through the aerosol route causes significant damage to the integrity of the BBB, which contributes to long-term neurological sequelae. An effective therapeutic intervention strategy should ideally not only control viral load in the host, but also prevent and/or reverse deleterious events at the BBB. Two dimensional monocultures, including trans-well models that use endothelial cells, do not recapitulate the intricate multicellular environment of the BBB. Complex in vitro organ-on-a-chip models (OOC) provide a great opportunity to introduce human-like experimental models to understand the mechanistic underpinnings of the disease state and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic candidates in a highly relevant manner. Here we demonstrate the utility of a neurovascular unit (NVU) in analyzing the dynamics of infection and proinflammatory response following VEEV infection and therapeutic effectiveness of omaveloxolone to preserve BBB integrity and decrease viral and inflammatory load.
Neutralizing Antibody Responses Elicited by Inactivated Whole Virus and Genetic Vaccines against Dominant SARS-CoV-2 Variants during the Four Epidemic Peaks of COVID-19 in Colombia
Authors: Álvarez-Díaz Diego A. , Muñoz Ana Luisa , Herrera-Sepúlveda María T. , Tavera-Rodríguez Pilar , Laiton-Donato Katherine , Franco-Muñoz Carlos , Ruiz-Moreno Héctor Alejandro , Galindo Marisol , Catama Jenssy D. , Bermudez-Forero Andrea , Mercado-Reyes Marcela
Published: December 2022

Several SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) and interest (VOI) co-circulate in Colombia, and determining the neutralizing antibody (nAb) responses is useful to improve the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination programs. Thus, nAb responses against SARS-CoV-2 isolates from the lineages B.1.111, P.1 (Gamma), B.1.621 (Mu), AY.25.1 (Delta), and BA.1 (Omicron), were evaluated in serum samples from immunologically naïve individuals between 9 and 13 weeks after receiving complete regimens of CoronaVac, BNT162b2, ChAdOx1, or Ad26.COV2.S, using microneutralization assays. An overall reduction of the nAb responses against Mu, Delta, and Omicron, relative to B.1.111 and Gamma was observed in sera from vaccinated individuals with BNT162b2, ChAdOx1, and Ad26.COV2.S. The seropositivity rate elicited by all the vaccines against B.1.111 and Gamma was 100%, while for Mu, Delta, and Omicron ranged between 32 to 87%, 65 to 96%, and 41 to 96%, respectively, depending on the vaccine tested. The significant reductions in the nAb responses against the last three dominant SARS-CoV-2 lineages in Colombia indicate that booster doses should be administered following complete vaccination schemes to increase the nAb titers against emerging SARS-CoV-2 lineages.
Rapid Quantification of SARS-CoV-2 Neutralising Antibodies Using Time-Resolved Fluorescence Immunoassay
Authors: McLean Gary R. , Zhang Yueke , Ndoyi Rene , Martin Adam , Winer Julian
Published: December 2022

The quantification of neutralising antibodies (NAb) for SARS-CoV-2 has become an important tool for monitoring protective immunity following infection or immunisation. In this study, we evaluated using World-Health-Organisation-standard immunoglobulin preparations, a novel point-of-care test that quantitates NAb by time-resolved fluorescent immunoassay. The assay provided robust data of binding antibody units (BAU) in 15 min that were well correlated with NAb values obtained by traditional in vitro neutralisation assay. The data also correlated well to spike-receptor-binding domain-binding antibodies over a broad range of plasma dilutions. The assay was extremely sensitive, able to detect positive samples after dilution 1:10,000 and over a wide range of BAU. Assay specificity was estimated at 96% using Pre-COVID-19 serum samples when applying a cut-off value of 47 BAU/mL, although readings of up to 100 BAU/mL could be considered borderline. This point-of-care diagnostic test is useful for rapid population screening and includes the use of capillary blood samples. Furthermore, it provides results for SARS-CoV-2 NAb in 15 min, which can inform immediate decisions regarding protective immunity levels and the need for continued COVID immunisations.
mRNA-Based Vaccines and Therapeutics for COVID-19 and Future Pandemics
Authors: Chavda Vivek , Soni Shailvi , Vora Lalitkumar , Soni Shruti , Khadela Avinash , Ajabiya Jinal
Published: December 2022

An unheard mobilization of resources to find SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and therapies has been sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic. Two years ago, COVID-19’s launch propelled mRNA-based technologies into the public eye. Knowledge gained from mRNA technology used to combat COVID-19 is assisting in the creation of treatments and vaccines to treat existing illnesses and may avert pandemics in the future. Exploiting the capacity of mRNA to create therapeutic proteins to impede or treat a variety of illnesses, including cancer, is the main goal of the quickly developing, highly multidisciplinary field of biomedicine. In this review, we explore the potential of mRNA as a vaccine and therapeutic using current research findings.
Epidemiology of Type 3 Poliovirus AFP Cases in Israel between 1973 and 1988: Whole Genome Sequencing of RNA Extracted Directly from Archived Stocks to Avoid Re-Culturing Neurovirulent Wild Poliovirus
Authors: Shulman Lester M. , Laassri Majid , Handsher Rachel , Zagorodnyaya Tatiana , Sofer Danit , Weil Merav , Mendelson Ella , Chumakov Konstantin
Published: December 2022

Background: Poliovirus post-eradication containment of wild-type 2 poliovirus (PV2) requires the destruction of all materials containing, or potentially containing, PV2. Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases in Israel between 1973 and 1988 were caused by all three serotypes; thus, isolates from cases and case-contacts were either PV2 or potentially contaminated with PV2. Aims: To provide a proof-of-concept that whole genome sequences (WGS) of wild-type 3 poliovirus (PV3s) could be salvaged from the RNA extracted directly from archived poliovirus stocks avoiding re-amplification of neurovirulent viruses, we link WGSs to case histories and determine the phylogenetic relationships among the PV3s. Methods: Data retrieved from 427 poliovirus-positive cases reported between 1973 and 1988 identified 85 PV3-associated cases. A total of 71 archived PV3 isolates were available from PV3-positive cases and contacts. WGSs were obtained by NGS from cDNA libraries constructed from RNA extracted directly from archived viral stocks. Sequences were subjected to phylogenetic analysis and linked to case data. Results: WGSs were successfully constructed for 55 isolates. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the circulation of seven lineages of PV3. One lineage, with 23 isolates, presented as an outbreak of six-year duration. Isolates from six other lineages were consistent with subsequent separate introductions, sporadic cases, and limited transmission. Recombinant vaccine-like PV3 recombinants were isolated from some cases. Conclusions: Whole or near-whole genome sequence information, obtained from RNA extracted directly from the archived material, safely provided detailed genetic information linked to patient data from a time when limited sequence information was previously available and revealed the pattern of transmission of wild PV3 in Israel.
Scheimpflug-Derived Corneal Lower and Higher Order Aberrations Post Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments for Keratoconus
Authors: M. van den Berg Roberta , B. van den Berg Arthur , Dodhia Maya , Shahid Michel , Jammal Alessandro A. , de Freitas Denise , Rocha Karolinne M.
Published: December 2022

Intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) improve corneal topographic symmetry and reduce corneal aberrations through regularization of the corneal surface, thereby functioning as a viable surgical intervention for patients with keratoconus. This study aims to evaluate changes in lower- (LOAs) and higher-order aberrations (HOAs) amongst varying pupil sizes pre- and post- ICRS implantation in keratoconus patients. We specifically investigate the impact of pupil size on total corneal HOAs up to the 6th order. Twenty-one eyes that underwent ICRS implantation were included in this prospective interventional study. LOAs and HOAs measurements at the 6 mm, 4 mm, and 2 mm pupil diameters were collected preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively using the Zernicke analysis function on a Scheimpflug device. ICRS implantation demonstrated a statistically significant effect in vertical coma with a −0.23 reduction (p = 0.015) for a 4 mm pupil size and a −1.384 reduction (p < 0.001) for 6 mm, with no significant effect at 2 mm. Horizontal coma, astigmatism 0°, astigmatism 45°, trefoil 5th order 30°, and RMS HOA demonstrated significant reductions at 4 mm or 6 mm pupil sizes but not at 2 mm. Our analysis demonstrates a favorable effect of ICRS implantation on larger pupil sizes, suggesting the importance of pupil size as it correlates with HOAs reduction.
Effect of Reactor Stages in Series in the Main Anoxic Section on Anoxic Phosphorus Absorption Performance of Modified A2O Process
Authors: Yan Bojiao , Luo Jing , Wang Xiaoling , Lu Hai
Published: December 2022

Based on the kinetics of the treatment process of the completely mixed reactor in series, this study reveals the relationship between the reactor stages and the treatment efficiency, and it was applied to the simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal process. The strengthening effect of the reactor stages of the main anoxic sections on the anoxic phosphorus absorption efficiency and the contribution to improving the treatment effect were investigated. Using sewage with a low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio as the research object and keeping the operation parameters of the improved anaerobic–anoxic–oxic (A2O) process unchanged, the experimental research was carried out under the condition that reactor stages in series of the main anoxic section were one, two, three and four, respectively. The results showed an increase in the number of reactors in series in the main anoxic zone. The total phosphorus (TP) concentration in the effluent of the main anoxic stage decreased significantly, and the phosphorus uptake increased from 4.411 g/d (when n; the number of reactor stages in series was one) to 5.086 g/d when n was 4. Additionally, the nitrate nitrogen (NO3−–N) concentration in the effluent decreased, from 12.53 mg/L when n was one, to 9.62 mg/L when n was four, the removal rate of total nitrogen (TN) increased, from 56.86% when n was one to 65.98% when n was four, and the reduction power of nitrate nitrogen increased, and the denitrification rate increased. The increase in the number of reactors in series enhanced the anoxic phosphorus absorption and denitrification performance. Therefore, the main anoxic section of the synchronous nitrogen and phosphorus removal system can be designed and operated as reactors in series.
Bio-Organic Fertilizer Combined with Different Amendments Improves Nutrient Enhancement and Salt Leaching in Saline Soil: A Soil Column Experiment
Authors: Xiao Meng , Liu Guangming , Jiang Shengguo , Guan Xuewei , Chen Jinlin , Yao Rongjiang , Wang Xiuping
Published: December 2022

Salt-affected soils frequently experience leaching and desalination issues, which severely restrict plant growth and water uptake. Hence, in this experiment, four treatments including CG (no amendments addition); OF (organic fertilizer addition); OH (organic fertilizer and Hekang amendment addition); and OB (organic fertilizer and fulvic acid addition) were designed to examine the effect of organic amendment on soil chemical properties, water and salt transport, and soil desalination laws of coastal saline soil. The results showed that the addition of organic amendments significantly reduced soil pH (8.47–8.52) and salt content (2.06–2.34 g kg−1), while increasing soil organic matter content, available phosphorus, and available potassium. OH treatment has a higher available phosphorus content than other treatments. OH and OB treatments elevated the soil desalination ratio (32.95% and 32.12%, respectively) by raising the leaching volume and leaching rate. Organic amendments significantly promoted Na+ (4.5–32%) and SO42− (12–27%) leaching compared to CG. Organic treatments, particularly OB treatment, not only increased the content of soil organic matter and available nutrients but also promoted salt ion leaching, improved soil permeability and increased soil desalination and water leaching rates. Our results may provide a theoretical basis for revealing the desalination law of coastal saline soil.
Characterizing Aqueous Cd2+ Removal by Plant Biochars from Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Li Wenxuan , Wang Xueli , Kong Haizhen , Zhang Dan
Published: December 2022

Increased anthropogenic activities have caused cadmium pollution in Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, which is harmful to human health. This paper investigated aqueous Cd2+ adsorption using biochar of three typical vegetation types in cold and arid areas of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau: (i) Chinese wolfberry (GBB), (ii) highland barley (QBB), and (iii) seabuckthorn (SBB). In order to investigate the effect of pyrolysis temperature on the performance of biochar for cadmium adsorption, three types of biochar were prepared at 350 °C, 500 °C, and 650 °C. The as-prepared biochar was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric (TG), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Brauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. The results showed that the biochar prepared at 650 °C had the best adsorption capacity. Compared with QBB and SBB, the GBB had a higher Cd2+ adsorption capacity of 19.48 mg/g. Moreover, the effects of biochar dosage, experimental temperature, and biochar preparation temperature on the adsorption of Cd2+ by biochar and the interaction between the factors were investigated using Box–Behnken Design (BBD). As a result, the amount of biochar dosage showed the most obvious influence on Cd2+ adsorption capacity, followed by sample preparation temperature and experimental adsorption temperature. This study paves the way for the design of biochar for Cd2+ adsorption in wastewater.
Numerical Modelling of an Innovative Conical Pile Head Breakwater
Authors: Sathyanarayana Arunakumar Hunasanahally , Suvarna Praveen S. , Umesh Pruthviraj , Shirlal Kiran G. , Bihs Hans , Kamath Arun
Published: December 2022

When moderate wave activity at the shoreline is acceptable, pile breakwaters can serve as an alternative to conventional breakwaters. Increasing the size of the pile breakwater in the vicinity of the free surface increases the hydraulic efficiency, as most of the wave energy is concentrated around the free surface. Therefore, a conical pile head breakwater (CPHB) is proposed in the present study by gradually widening the diameter of the piles towards the free surface. Using the open-source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model REEF3D, the transmission, reflection, and dissipation characteristics of the CPHB with monochromatic and irregular waves are examined. The investigation is carried out for both perforated and non-perforated CPHBs using monochromatic waves, and the numerical results are validated using experimental data. Further, optimally configured non-perforated and perforated CPHBs are investigated numerically by subjecting them to irregular waves using the Scott–Wiegel spectrum. The wave attenuation characteristics of the CPHBs are found to be better with irregular waves compared to monochromatic waves. With irregular waves, the minimum transmission coefficients for non-perforated and perforated CPHBs are 0.36 and 0.34, respectively. Overall, the CPHB appears to be a potential solution for coastal protection.
Fluid-Structure Coupling Creep Characteristics of Red-Bed Soft Rock in South China
Authors: Zhang Shuguang , Yun Xiao , Song Yu , Liu Wenbo , Yang Li
Published: December 2022

In order to study the creep characteristics and mechanism of red-bed soft rock under the water–rock interaction, fluid–structure coupling triaxial compression tests and creep tests under stepwise loading were carried out. Furthermore, the influences of seepage pressure and stress on creep deformation, long-term strength, Poisson’s ratio, and seepage velocity were analyzed. According to the experimental results, the influence of seepage on the creep of soft rock cannot be ignored. The results show that the seepage leads to a decrease in triaxial strength and long-term strength, and an increase in instantaneous deformation and creep deformation. The failure mode of triaxial compression changes from shear failure to tension-shear conjugate failure, whereas the long-term strength of fluid–structure coupling creep is 60%~70% of the triaxial strength. When the stress level and seepage pressure are relatively small, the Poisson’s ratio of creep increases with the increase of seepage pressure, and the radial creep deformation response lags behind the axial creep deformation. However, at a high stress level and osmotic pressure, the Poisson’s ratio and seepage velocity increase rapidly, and the duration of the accelerated creep is obviously shortened. Through the analysis of the influence of seepage pressure on the seepage velocity, with the increase in the seepage velocity, the seepage velocity changes and fluctuations are more obvious, which further confirms the damaging effect of seepage pressure and erosion on the internal structure. In the field monitoring of actual engineering, the rapid change of seepage velocity can be used as a precursor signal to predict the instability. Therefore, the water–rock interaction cannot be ignored in the analysis of mechanical properties and long-term stability of red-bed soft rocks.
Optimal Choices in Decision Supporting System for Network Reservoir Operation
Authors: Techarungruengsakul Rapeepat , Ngamsert Ratsuda , Thongwan Teerawat , Hormwichian Rattana , Kuntiyawichai Kittiwet , Ashrafi Seyed Mohammad , Kangrang Anongrit
Published: December 2022

The aim of this research was to identify optimal choices in decision support systems for network reservoirs by using optimal rule curves under four scenarios related to water scarcity and overflow situations. These scenarios were normal water shortage, high water shortage, normal overflow and high overflow situations. The application of various optimization techniques, including Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Wind-Driven Optimization (WDO) and the Marine Predator Algorithm (MPA), in conjunction with a reservoir simulation model, was conducted to produce alternative choices, leading to suitable decision-making options. The Bhumibol and Sirikit reservoirs, situated in Thailand, were selected as the case study for the network reservoir system. The objective functions for the search procedure were the minimal average water shortage per year, the minimal maximum water shortage and the minimal average water spill per year in relation to the main purpose of the reservoir system using the release criteria of the standard operating policy (SOP) and the hedging rule (HR). The best options of each scenario were chosen from 152 options of feasible solutions. The obtained results from the assessment of the effectiveness of alternative choices showed that the best option for normal water scarcity was the rule curve with the objective function of minimal average water shortage per year, using HR and recommended SOP for operation, whereas the best option for high-water shortage situation was the rule curves with objective function of minimal of maximum water shortage using HR and recommended HR for operation. For overflow situation, the best option for normal overflow situation was the rule curves with objective function of minimal average water spill per year using HR and the recommended SOP for operation, whereas the best option for the high overflow situation was the rule curve with the objective function of minimal average water spill per year using HR and the recommended HR for operation. When using the best curves according to the situation, this would result in a minimum water shortage of 153.789 MCM/year, the lowest maximum water shortage of 1338.00 MCM/year, minimum overflow of 978.404 MCM/year and the lowest maximum overflow of 7214.00 MCM/year. Finally, the obtained findings from this study would offer reliability and resiliency information for decision making in reservoir operation for the multi-reservoir system in the upper region of Thailand.
Application and Prospect of Curtain Grouting Technology in Mine Water Safety Management in China: A Review
Authors: Yuan Shichong , Sun Bangtao , Han Guilei , Duan Weiqiang , Wang Zhixiu
Published: December 2022

In China, mine curtain grouting has become an important technology to ensure the safe and efficient mining of deep mineral resources and protect regional groundwater resources after more than 60 years of development and improvement. This review paper summarizes and analyzes four aspects of the current situation of curtain grouting technology in deep underground mines: curtain construction conditions, theoretical design and effects, drilling structures, and grouting materials’ research and development. In addition, several main problems of curtain grouting technology in deep underground mines are analyzed: planning and construction lag behind; the theory of mine curtain grouting is not mature enough; the investigation into the mechanism of consolidation and deterioration of grout slurry under long-term high pressure is insufficient; there is a lack of research on the long-term effectiveness of monitoring and evaluation, so precise drilling control technology needs further breakthroughs. In addition, the development directions of this technology are put forward from three aspects: precise directional drilling technology; the consolidation mechanism and durability of slurry under multi-field coupling conditions; and long-term dynamic monitoring, evaluation, and early warning for grouting curtain effectiveness. In the future, mine curtain grouting will become an important mine geological guarantee technology for safety, efficiency, accurate, sustainability, and green mining of the Earth’s deep resources.
Application of the HEC-RAS Program in the Simulation of the Streamflow Hydrograph for Air Lakitan Watershed
Authors: Syarifudin Achmad , Satyanaga Alfrendo , Destania Henggar Risa
Published: December 2022

Floods are an issue that results in losses, and thus attempts to solve the problem of flooding are attempts to minimize losses. To mitigate the losses incurred as much as possible, there are several approaches to deal with the loss through incident management and its impacts. The objective of this study is to investigate the variations in water level within Air Lakitan Watershed to monitor the fluctuations of water level for preventing flooding issues in the future. This research was carried out by analyzing the hydrodynamics of flow in irrigation canals in Irrigation Area II with an area of 928 hectares using the HEC-RAS program with rainfall data and flow hydraulics data. The study was carried out in Air Lakitan Watershed in Sumber Harta District, Musi Rawas Regency, Sumatra, Indonesia. Each portion of the studied irrigation canal’s water level and velocity, as measured by a current meter, are shown on graphs, as are the study’s overall conclusions for each observation station along the channel. Simulated data was acquired using a river crossing that is not filled and a discharge of 0.024 m3/s. From this research, it can be concluded that the Log-Pearson Type III distribution is the frequency distribution that matches the hydrological analysis in the research area. This method can be applied in analyses of river levels in other areas with heavy rainfall. Therefore, the water level upstream and downstream is the same at 0.41 m with a discharge of 1 m3/s; the river cross-section downstream with an existing discharge of 0.024 m3/s produces water height as high as 0.08 m and with a flow rate of 0.783 m/s, the water level at the downstream cross-section is filled up to 0.75 m high, and the water level downstream of the irrigation channel is up to 0.40 m.
Virtual Constant Signal Injection-Based MTPA Control for IPMSM Considering Partial Derivative Term of Motor Inductance Parameters
Authors: Miao Qiang , Li Qiang , Xu Yamei , Lin Zhichen , Chen Wei , Li Xinmin
Published: December 2022

The dq-axis inductance parameter value of the Internal Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (IPMSM) will change with the dq-axis current. The Virtual Constant Signal Injection Method (VCSIM)-based Maximum Torque Per Ampere (MTPA) control ignores the partial derivative term of the dq-axis inductance to the dq-axis current when extracting the partial derivative information of the torque to the dq-axis current. This will cause the current to deviate from the MTPA point, which will have a certain impact on the output capacity and efficiency of the motor torque. To solve the above problems, this paper proposes a simple and feasible compensation method by solving the partial derivative information between the dq-axis inductance and the dq-axis current. The experimental results show that the motor efficiency and torque output capability are significantly improved after applying the proposed strategy.
Perbaikan Posisi dan Postur Pekerja Pada Operator Produksi Tahu UKM Subang
Authors: Henny H. , Andriana Iyan , Ramadhan Jimmy
Published: December 2022

Tujuan pengabdian kepada masyarakat di pabrik tahu UKM Subang diperlukan adanya usulan perbaikan sistem kerja untuk mengurangi keluhan karyawan pada keryawan bagian produksi tahu sebagai salah satu upaya dalam mengurangi rasa nyeri yang sering di keluhkan oleh keryawan lantai produksi. RULA adalah sebuah metode survei yang dikembangkan untuk kegunaan investigasi ergonomi pada tempat kerja, dimana penyakit otot rangka tubuh bagian atas yang terkait kerja teridentivikasi. Nordic Body Map adalah sistem pengukuran keluhan sakit pada tubuh yang dikenal dengan musculoskeletal. Jumlah pekerja pada bagian produksi tahu skm sebanyak 12 orang yang terbagi menjadi 3 sift, dari 12 orang di bagian produksi semuanya berjenis kelamin laki laki, yang berusia dari 17thn hingga 28thn. Kategori keluhan dapat di persentasikan manjadi 59% sangat sakit, 30% sakit dan 11% sedang. Sedangkan dari hasil total RULA score final yang di dapat adalah 6,6 atau jika dibulatkan menjadi 7 yang berarti investigate and implement change atau menyelidiki dan menerapkan perubahan.
L’approvisionnement de la CEE en matières premières minérales
Authors: Fuchs Yves
Published: December 2022

En ce domaine, un point essentiel se dégage : celui du déséquilibre entre production et consommation dans presque tous les domaines. Les possibilités de développement des matières premières minérales sont et resteront limitées en Europe même. La Communauté est donc condamnée à se procurer par des importations les produits nécessaires à son industrie. Il faut trouver des formes d’aide à la production des matières premières minérales dans les pays en voie de développement.
Désarmement, sécurité, développement : Quelles liaisons ? Table ronde
Authors: Goussault Yves , Rogalski Michel , Santos Alberto
Published: December 2022

Après avoir tenté de prendre la mesure de la dimension sociale et économique de la course aux armements, les participants à la table ronde explorent les différents problèmes et difficultés qui surgissent dès lors que des sociétés ou la communauté internationale décident de s’engager dans la voie du développement, à partir de mesures de désarmement, sans sacrifier néanmoins la sécurité.
Le concept de dissuasion et ses conséquences sur les doctrines stratégiques
Authors: Cartigny Claude
Published: December 2022

El concept o de disuasión y sus consecuencias sobre las doctrinas estrategicas.

La doctrina de disuasión constituye la piedra de toque de la politica occidental de seguridad desde el fin de la Secunda Guerra Mundial : ser fuerte y ensenar su fuerza al enemigo, tal es la unica parada a su agresividad. Una tendencia a la destabilización parece sin embargo inherente al concepto occidental de la disuasión.
Les relations France-RFA : aspects politiques et militaires
Authors: Cartigny Claude
Published: December 2022

Las relaciones entre Francia y la RFA : aspectos políticos y militares.

En la ocasión del 25° aniversario del Tratado franco-alemàn, el autor expone el historial de las relaciones entre los dos países, ensefiando los intereses comunes y las razones de un acercamiento, así como los factores de oposición. La dimensión militar — desde la coproducción de armamento hasta los debates estratégicos — esta fuertemente privilegiada.
Les mécanismes du capitalisme financier
Authors: Clairmonte F. F.
Published: December 2022

Frédéric F. Clairmonte : The machinery of financial capitalism.

In the processes of accumulation of capital, the multinational firms play a considerable part. The author studies the financial machineries they use mainly the leverage buyout — and shows that the speculation deriving from them generates destructive processes in the economy. He calls to the development of their democratic control, which requires long and hard political fights.
De Gaulle et l’OTAN
Authors: Haroche Charles
Published: December 2022

De Gaulle y la OTAN.

La actitud del general de Gaulle enfrente de la OTAN evolucionó durante los años, y especialmente entre 1958 y 1966. Quedando miembro de la Alianza Atlántica, Francia se retiró del mando integrado de la OTAN. Las razones de esta decisión eran múltiples. Correspondieron a cierta etapa histórica del desarrollo de los monopolios franceses.
«Industrialistes» et «réformateurs» face à la crise algérienne
Authors: Merad-Boudia Abdelhamid
Published: December 2022

Après avoir caractérisé à l’aide de grands indicateurs macro-économiques les divers aspects de la crise algérienne, l’auteur restitue le très vif débat qui oppose deux écoles de pensée économique sur les origines de la situation. Pour les uns, les «industrialistes», la crise algérienne est liée à la politique économique globale de la décennie 80, laquelle est en rupture par rapport à la stratégie de développement mise en oeuvre tout au long de la décennie 70. Pour les autres, les «réformateurs», la crise réside dans le «système» qui a été mis en place et ce dès l’indépendance politique du pays. L’auteur suggère ensuite plusieurs pistes de réflexion sur la nature de la «première grande crise économique algérienne».
Les forces démocratiques et de progrès africaines dans la turbulence des «transitions démocratiques» (1990-1995)
Authors: Rifrac Sammy
Published: December 2022

Loin d’être achevés, les processus de démocratisation initiés à l’aube des années 90 demandent à être approfondis. Cependant, ne convient-il pas d’examiner leurs limites, à quelles attentes ils ont déjà répondu et à quels besoins ils devraient satisfaire ? La réduction de la démocratie, droit universel de tous les peuples, au seul pluripartisme dans les conditions des jeunes États-nations toujours en formation n’est-elle pas la source de bien des difficultés et blocages rencontrés ces cinq dernières années sur le continent ?
Afrique centrale : des conflits et des «recompositions» politiques qui font peur...
Authors: Kagabo José
Published: December 2022

Retraçant l’histoire des crises dans la région des Grands Lacs , l’auteur situe le tournant principal des dernières évolutions en 1990 lorsque les troupes du FPR envahirent le Rwanda à partir de l’Ouganda. Il nie que la rivalité franco-anglo-saxonne constitue une grille de lecture pertinente pour donner du sens aux recompositions politiques en cours dans la région.

Les bévues de la France et notamment ses soutiens à des équipes corrompues et impopulaires l’ont quelque peu disqualifiée pour le futur.
La lutte contre le travail des enfants : cadre normatif
Authors: Picard Loïc
Published: December 2022

Le travail des enfants est l'objet de nombreuses dispositions adoptées par l'Organisation internationale du Travail et par l'Organisation des Nations unies. Ce cadre normatif, malgré quelques insuffisances qui devraient être corrigées rapidement, permet aux États de protéger les enfants de l'exploitation et d'assurer des conditions de travail adaptées aux adolescents. Encore faut-il que les États souscrivent à ces obligations et les respectent «en droit et en pratique».
Japon, de l’île absolue à l’archipel-monde
Authors: Jorland Patrice
Published: December 2022

Toute analyse du Japon, notamment de son articulation au reste du monde ne peut se dérouler qu’à l’aide du fil directeur de l’étude de son système productif. Au-delà des vicissitudes conjoncturelles et des périodisations possibles, le Japon est devenu une puissance économique, non seulement régionale mais mondiale, en édifiant un système productif autonome, c’est-à-dire autocentré, cohérent, complet et cohésif de surcroît, le plaçant en situation de maîtriser les différents aspects de la contrainte extérieure. S’il est irréaliste de voir dans le Japon le successeur désigné des États-Unis dans la recherche d’une hégémonie mondiale, rien ne dit cependant qu’il soit engagé sur la voie du déclin.
Quel internationalisme à l’aube du XXIe siècle ?
Authors: Ricaldone Sergio
Published: December 2022

Le Parti communiste italien tenta longuement de reconstruire les bases d’un nouvel internationalisme entre les PC sur la base de la démarche de Togliatti -“l’unité dans la diversité”. Ces efforts ne purent se faire à partir d’une position de gauche et entraînèrent finalement le parti vers une dérive social-démocrate.

Un nouvel internationalisme, adapté aux conditions de notre époque, doit s’étendre à un vaste ensemble de forces sociales et politiques animées par une démarche anticapitaliste et anti-impérialiste tant à l’échelle de l’Europe que du monde.
L’avenir du capitalisme rhénan
Authors: Bischoff Joachim
Published: December 2022

Le «modèle rhénan » résultait d’un compromis entre le capital et le travail réalisé sous la pression de la guerre froide et des expériences malencontreuses de la République de Weimar. Aujourd’hui, la RFA est soumise à la pression de la mondialisation et aux effets de la disparition du bloc de l’Est. Ces processus poussent à une remise en cause du «modèle rhénan » de capitalisme et à une désolidarisation croissante de la société allemande. La RFA entre dans une période probable de tensions et de recompositions majeures auxquelles les forces de gauche réagissent de façon diversifiée.