bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Equation of State of Neutron-Rich Matter at Fourth Order of Chiral Effective Field Theory and the Radius of a Medium-Mass Neutron Star
Authors: Sammarruca Francesca , Millerson Randy
Published: February 2022

We report neutron star predictions based on our most recent equations of state. These are derived from chiral effective field theory, which allows for a systematic development of nuclear forces, order by order. We utilize high-quality two-nucleon interactions and include all three-nucleon forces up to fourth order in the chiral expansion. Our ab initio predictions are restricted to the domain of applicability of chiral effective field theory. However, stellar matter in the interior of neutron stars can be up to several times denser than normal nuclear matter at saturation, and its composition is essentially unknown. Following established practices, we extend our microscopic predictions to higher densities matching piecewise polytropes. The radius of the average-size neutron star, about 1.4 solar masses, is sensitive to the pressure at normal densities, and thus it is suitable to constrain ab initio theories of the equation of state. For this reason, we focus on the radius of medium-mass stars. We compare our results with other theoretical predictions and recent constraints.
Multiple Neuraminidase Containing Influenza Virus-like Particle Vaccines Protect Mice from Avian and Human Influenza Virus Infection
Authors: Kang Hae-Ji , Chu Ki-Back , Yoon Keon-Woong , Eom Gi-Deok , Mao Jie , Kim Min-Ju , Lee Su-Hwa , Moon Eun-Kyung , Quan Fu-Shi
Published: February 2022

Avian influenza virus remains a threat for humans, and vaccines preventing both avian and human influenza virus infections are needed. Since virus-like particles (VLPs) expressing single neuraminidase (NA) subtype elicited limited heterosubtypic protection, VLPs expressing multiple NA subtypes would enhance the extent of heterosubtypic immunity. Here, we generated avian influenza VLP vaccines displaying H5 hemagglutinin (HA) antigen with or without avian NA subtypes (N1, N6, N8) in different combinations. BALB/c mice were intramuscularly immunized with the VLPs to evaluate the resulting homologous and heterosubtypic immunity upon challenge infections with the avian and human influenza viruses (A/H5N1, A/H3N2, A/H1N1). VLPs expressing H5 alone conferred homologous protection but not heterosubtypic protection, whereas VLPs co-expressing H5 and NA subtypes elicited both homologous and heterosubtypic protection against human influenza viruses in mice. We observed that VLP induced neuraminidase inhibitory activities (NAI), virus-neutralizing activity, and virus-specific antibody (IgG, IgA) responses were strongly correlated with the number of different NA subtype expressions on the VLPs. VLPs expressing all 3 NA subtypes resulted in the highest protection, indicated by the lowest lung titer, negligible body weight changes, and survival in immunized mice. These results suggest that expressing multiple neuraminidases in avian HA VLPs is a promising approach for developing a universal influenza A vaccine against avian and human influenza virus infections.
Aseptic Meningitis, Mucocutaneous Lesions and Arthritis after COVID-19 Vaccination in a 15-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Bogs Thomas , Saleh Nadia , Yavuz Suleyman Tolga , Fazeli Walid , Ganschow Rainer , Schreiner Felix
Published: February 2022

We report a 15-year-old boy who developed aseptic meningitis 10 days after administration of the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine BNT162b2. Although accompanying aphthous mouth ulcers resembling herpetic stomatitis initially led us to suspect an underlying viral infection, broad virological and microbiological screening did not identify any causative pathogen. Gonarthritis and skin lesions, which both developed within three days after admission, extended the clinical presentation eventually resembling an acute Behçet’s disease episode. This is the first description of a juvenile patient with aseptic and pathogen-negative meningitis occurring in close temporal association with vaccination against COVID-19, along with a few previously reported adult patients with isolated meningitis and a further case with meningitis and an accompanying Behçet’s disease-like multisystem inflammation episode as seen in our patient. With billions of individuals being vaccinated worldwide so far and only a few cases of aseptic pathogen-negative meningitis reported in close temporal relation, causality is unclear. However, aseptic meningitis should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of patients with persistent or delayed onset of headache and fever following COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 in China and the US: Differences in Hospital Admission Co-Variates and Outcomes
Authors: Cao Yulin , Wu Di , Zeng Kuo , Chen Lei , Yu Jianming , He Wenjuan , Chen Li , Ren Wenxiang , Gao Fei , Chen Wenlan , Wang Hongxiang , Gale Robert Peter , Chen Zhichao , Li Qiubai
Published: February 2022

(1) Background: Although there are extensive data on admission co-variates and outcomes of persons with coronavirus infectious disease-2019 (COVID-19) at diverse geographic sites, there are few, if any, subject-level comparisons between sites in regions and countries. We investigated differences in hospital admission co-variates and outcomes of hospitalized people with COVID-19 between Wuhan City, China and the New York City region, USA. (2) Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data on 1859 hospitalized subjects with COVID-19 in Wuhan City, China, from 20 January to 4 April 2020. Data on 5700 hospitalized subjects with COVID-19 in the New York City region, USA, from 1 March to 4 April 2020 were extracted from an article by Richardson et al. Hospital admission co-variates (epidemiological, demographic, and laboratory co-variates) and outcomes (rate of intensive care unit [ICU] admission, invasive mechanical ventilation [IMV], major organ failure and death, and length of hospital stay) were compared between the cohorts. (3) Results: Wuhan subjects were younger, more likely female, less likely to have co-morbidities and fever, more likely to have a blood lymphocyte concentration > 1 × 109/L, and less likely to have abnormal liver and cardiac function tests compared with New York subjects. There were outcomes data on all Wuhan subjects and 2634 New York subjects. Wuhan subjects had higher blood nadir median lymphocyte concentrations and longer hospitalizations, and were less likely to receive IMV, ICU hospitalization, and interventions for kidney failure. Amongst subjects not receiving IMV, those in Wuhan were less likely to die compared with New York subjects. In contrast, risk of death was similar in subjects receiving IMV at both sites. (4) Conclusions: We found different hospital admission co-variates and outcomes between hospitalized persons with COVID-19 between Wuhan City and the New York region, which should be useful developing a comprehensive global understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and COVID-19.
Decline of Humoral Responses 6 Months after Vaccination with BNT162b2 (Pfizer–BioNTech) in Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Jahn Michael , Korth Johannes , Dorsch Oliver , Anastasiou Olympia Evdoxia , Krawczyk Adalbert , Brochhagen Leonie , van de Sand Lukas , Sorge-Hädicke Burkhard , Tyczynski Bartosz , Witzke Oliver , Dittmer Ulf , Dolff Sebastian , Wilde Benjamin , Kribben Andreas
Published: February 2022

This study analyzed binding and neutralizing antibody titers up to 6 months after standard vaccination with BNT162b2 (two doses of 30 µg each) in SARS-CoV-2 naïve patients (n = 59) on hemodialysis. Humoral vaccine responses were measured before and 6, 12, and 24 weeks after the first vaccination. A chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) was used to quantify SARS-CoV-2 IgG against the spike glycoprotein. SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing activity was tested against the wild-type virus. A multivariable binary regression model was used to identify risk factors for the absence of humoral immune responses at 6 months. At week 6, vaccine-specific seroconversion was detected in 96.6% of all patients with median anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgGs of 918 BAU/mL. At weeks 12 and 24, seroconversion rates decreased to 91.5% and 79.7%, and corresponding median binding antibody titers declined to 298 BAU/mL and 89 BAU/mL, respectively. Neutralizing antibodies showed a decay from 79.6% at week 6 to 32.8% at week 24. The risk factor with the strongest association for vanishing immune responses was low serum albumin (p = 0.018). Regarding vaccine-specific humoral responses 6 months after the standard BNT162b2 vaccination schedule, SARS-CoV-2 naïve patients receiving hemodialysis must be considered at risk of becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2 and being infectious.
Towards a Four-Component GMMA-Based Vaccine against Shigella
Authors: Micoli Francesca , Nakakana Usman N. , Berlanda Scorza Francesco
Published: February 2022

Shigellosis remains a major public health problem around the world; it is one of the leading causes of diarrhoeal disease in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in young children. The increasing reports of Shigella cases associated with anti-microbial resistance are an additional element of concern. Currently, there are no licensed vaccines widely available against Shigella, but several vaccine candidates are in development. It has been demonstrated that the incidence of disease decreases following a prior Shigella infection and that serum and mucosal antibody responses are predominantly directed against the serotype-specific Shigella O-antigen portion of lipopolysaccharide membrane molecules. Many Shigella vaccine candidates are indeed O-antigen-based. Here we present the journey towards the development of a potential low-cost four-component Shigella vaccine, eliciting broad protection against the most prevalent Shigella serotypes, that makes use of the GMMA (Generalized Modules for Membrane Antigens) technology, a novel platform based on bacterial outer membranes for delivery of the O-antigen to the immune system.
SARS-CoV-2 Spike and Neutralizing Antibody Kinetics 90 Days after Three Doses of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in Singapore
Authors: Lau Chin Shern , Phua Soon Kieng , Liang Ya Li , Oh May Lin Helen , Aw Tar Choon
Published: February 2022

Background: We evaluated the post-booster (BNT162b2) antibody responses in Singapore. Methods: Participants (n = 43) were tested pre-booster and 20/30/60/90 days post-booster. Participants were boosted 120–240 days (mean 214 days) after their second dose and had no history or serologic evidence of prior COVID-19 infection; all participants had undetectable SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antibodies throughout the study. Total nucleocapsid and spike antibodies (S-Ab) were assessed on the Roche Elecsys e802 and neutralizing antibody (N-Ab) on the Snibe quantitative N-Ab assay. Results: Pre-booster median S-Ab/N-Ab titers were 829 BAU/mL/0.83 µg/mL; 2 participants were below manufacturer’s N-Ab cut-offs of 0.3 µg/mL (0.192 and 0.229). Both S-Ab and N-Ab titers peaked at 30 days post-booster (median S-Ab 25,220 BAU/mL and N-Ab 30.3 µg/mL) at 30–37× pre-booster median levels. These peak post-booster S-Ab/N-Ab titers were 11× (25,220 vs. 2235 BAU/mL) and 9× (30.3 vs. 3.52 µg/mL) higher than the previously reported peak post-second dose levels. Antibody titers declined to 12,315 BAU/mL (51% decrease) and 14.3 µg/mL (53% decrease) 90 days post-booster. Non-linear regression estimates for S-Ab/N-Ab half-lives were 44/58 days. At 180 days post-booster, S-Ab/N-Ab are estimated to be 2671 BAU/mL/4.83 µg/mL. Conclusions: Both S-Ab and N-Ab show a good response following post-booster vaccination, with half-lives that may provide a prolonged antibody response.
Humoral and Cellular Responses to COVID-19 Vaccines in SARS-CoV-2 Infection-Naïve and -Recovered Korean Individuals
Authors: Hwang Ji-Young , Kim Yunhwa , Lee Kyung-Min , Jang Eun-Jeong , Woo Chang-Hoon , Hong Chang-Ui , Choi Seok-Tae , Xayaheuang Sivilay , Jang Jong-Geol , Ahn June-Hong , Park Hosun
Published: February 2022

In the face of a global COVID-19 vaccine shortage, an efficient vaccination strategy is required. Therefore, the immunogenicity of single or double COVID-19 vaccination doses (ChAdOX1, BNT162b2, or mRNA-1273) of SARS-CoV-2-recovered individuals was compared to that of unvaccinated individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection at least one year post-convalescence. Moreover, the immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2-naïve individuals vaccinated with a complete schedule of Ad26.CoV2.S, ChAdOX1, BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, or ChAdOX1/BNT162b2 vaccines was evaluated. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 IgG antibody (S1-IgG), pseudotyped virus-neutralizing antibody titer (pVNT50), and IFN-γ ELISpot counts were measured. Humoral immune responses were significantly higher in vaccinated than in unvaccinated recovered individuals, with a 43-fold increase in the mean pVNT50 values. However, there was no significant difference in the pVNT50 and IFN-γ ELISpot values between the single- and double-dose regimens. In SARS-CoV-2-naïve individuals, antibody responses varied according to the vaccine type: BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 induced similar levels of S1-IgG to those observed in vaccinated, convalescent individuals; in contrast, pVNT50 was much lower in SARS-CoV-2-naïve vaccinees than in vaccinated recovered individuals. Therefore, a single dose of ChAdOX1, BNT162b2, or mRNA-1273 vaccines would be a good alternative for recovered individuals instead of a double-dose regimen.
Systemic COVID-19 Vaccination Enhances the Humoral Immune Response after SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Population Study from a Hospital in Poland Criteria for COVID-19 Reimmunization Are Needed
Authors: Kosiorek Piotr , Kazberuk Dorota Elżbieta , Hryniewicz Anna , Milewski Robert , Stróż Samuel , Stasiak-Barmuta Anna
Published: February 2022

Systemic vaccination with the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine stimulates the humoral response. Our study aimed to compare the intensity of the humoral immune response, measured by SARS-CoV-2 IgG, SARS-CoV-2 IgM, and S-RBD-neutralizing IgG antibody levels after COVID-19 vaccination versus after SARS-CoV-2 infection. We analyzed 1060 people in the following groups: convalescents; healthy unvaccinated individuals; individuals vaccinated with Comirnaty, AstraZeneca, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson; and vaccinated SARS-CoV-2 convalescents. The concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 IgG, SARS-CoV-2 IgM, and S-RBD-neutralizing antibodies were estimated in an oncology hospital laboratory by chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA; MAGLUMI). Results: (1) We observed a rise in antibody response in both the SARS-CoV-2 convalescent and COVID-19-vaccinated groups. (2) The levels of all antibody concentrations in vaccinated COVID-19 convalescents were significantly higher. (3) We differentiated asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 convalescents from the control group. Our analysis suggests that monitoring SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody concentrations is essential as an indicator of asymptomatic COVID-19 and as a measure of the effectiveness of the humoral response in convalescents and vaccinated people. Considering the time-limited effects of post-SARS-CoV-2 infection recovery or vaccination and the physiological half-life, among other factors, we suggest monitoring IgG antibody levels as a criterion for future vaccination.
Protection of Cattle against Epizootic Bovine Abortion (EBA) Using a Live Pajaroellobacter abortibovis Vaccine
Authors: Blanchard Myra T. , Teglas Mike B. , Anderson Mark L. , Moore Peter F. , McNabb Bret R. , Collins Kassidy M. , Yeargan Bret V. , Stott Jeffrey L.
Published: February 2022

Epizootic bovine abortion (EBA) is an arthropod-borne bacterial disease that causes significant economic loss for cattle producers in the western United States. The etiologic agent, Pajaroellobacter abortibovis, is an intracellular pathogen that has yet to be cultivated in vitro, thereby requiring novel methodologies for vaccine development. A vaccine candidate, using live P. abortibovis-infected cells (P.a-LIC) harvested from mouse spleens, was tested in beef cattle. Over the course of two safety studies and four efficacy trials, safety risks were evaluated, and dosage and potencies refined. No incidence of anaphylaxis, recognized health issues or significant impact upon conception rates were noted. Vaccination did result in subclinical skin reactions. Early fetal losses were noted in two trials and were significant when the vaccine was administered within 21 days prior to conception. Administration of the EBA agent (EBAA) vaccine as a single dose, at a potency of 500 P.a–LIC, 56 days prior to breeding, provided 100% protection with no early fetal losses. Seroconversion occurred in all animals following EBAA vaccination and corresponded well with protection of the fetus from epizootic bovine abortion.
A Review of Smartphone Apps Used for Toric Intraocular Lens Calculation and Alignment
Authors: Scantling-Birch Yarrow , Naveed Hasan , Mukhija Ritika , Nanavaty Mayank A.
Published: February 2022

Smartphone apps are becoming increasingly popular in ophthalmology, one specific area of their application being toric intraocular lens (IOL) surgery for astigmatism correction. Our objective was to identify, review and objectively score smartphone apps applicable to toric IOL calculation and/or axis alignment. This review was divided into three phases. A review was conducted on four major app databases (phase I): National Health Service (NHS) Apps Library, Google Play Store, Apple App Store and Amazon Appstore. A systematic literature review (phase II) was conducted to identify studies for included apps in phase I of our study. Keywords used in both searches included: “toric lens”, “toric IOL”, “refraction”, “astigmatism”, “ophthalmology”, “eye calculator”, “ophthalmology calculator” and “refractive calculator”. Included apps were objectively scored (phase III) by three independent reviewers using the mobile app rating scale (MARS), a validated tool that ranks the quality of mobile health apps using a calculated mean app quality (MAQ) score. Phase I of our study screened 2428 smartphone apps, of which six apps for toric IOL calculation and four apps for axis marking were eligible and were selected for quantitative analysis. Phase II of our study screened 477 studies from PubMed, Medline and Google Scholar. Three studies validating two apps (toriCAM, iToric Patwardhan) in a clinical setting as adjunct tools for preoperative axis marking were identified. Phase III ranked Toric Calculator for iPhone (Apple iOS, MAQ 4.13; average MAQ 3.34 ± 0.54) as the highest-scoring toric IOL calculator, and iToric Patwardhan (Android OS, MAQ 4.13; average MAQ 3.41 ± 0.44) was the highest-scoring axis marker in our study. Our review identified and objectively scored ten smartphone apps available for toric IOL surgery adjuncts. Toric Calculator for iPhone and iToric Patwardhan were the highest-scoring toric IOL calculator and axis marker, respectively. Current literature, though limited, suggests that axis marking smartphone apps can achieve similar levels of misalignment reduction when compared to digital systems.
The Partial Contribution of Constructed Wetland Components (Roots, Gravel, Microorganisms) in the Removal of Phenols: A Mini Review
Authors: Kurzbaum Eyal
Published: February 2022

Constructed wetlands (CW) have attracted growing interest in wastewater treatment research in the last 20 years, and have been investigated intensively worldwide. Many of the basic processes occurring in CWs have been qualitatively established; however, much quantitative knowledge is still lacking. In this mini review, the proportionate contributions of the different system components to removal of contaminants are examined. The main objective of this mini review is to provide a more in-depth assessment of the interactions between the porous bed, plants, and microorganisms during the removal of organic contaminants from the water in a subsurface flow CW system. In addition, a unique technique to study the partial contribution to the total removal of contaminants in a CW is described. Future studies in this field will expand our knowledge of any synergistic or antagonistic interactions between the components and facilitate improved CW construction and operation. Here, phenol will be used as a model industrial organic contaminant to illustrate our current understanding of the contributions of the different components to total removal. I will also discuss the various factors influencing the efficacy of bacteria, whether planktonic or as biofilm (on porous bed or plant roots), in subsurface flow CWs.
Heterogeneous Photo-Fenton Removal of Methyl Orange Using the Sludge Generated in Dyeing Wastewater as Catalysts
Authors: Liu Xu , Liu Hui-Lai , Cui Kang-Ping , Dai Zheng-Liang , Wang Bei , Chen Xing
Published: February 2022

The disposal process of iron-containing sludge often leads to secondary pollution. Pyrolysis of sludge appears to be less polluting than conventional methods. Herein, the heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalysts were prepared using sludge generated in the dyeing wastewater through a simple one-step pyrolysis route. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, XPS, EDS, BET, and SEM. The batch experiments for methyl orange (MO) degradation were performed to evaluate the efficiency and stability of the catalysts. Among the catalysts prepared, FeCN-300 exhibited the best degradation efficiency with 92% removal of the pollutant and good stability, with approximately 90% removal of the pollutant after five cycles. The •OH was identified as the dominant reactive species. This work provides a reasonable resource utilization of iron-containing sludge.
Biodiversity Studies for Sustainable Lagoon: Thermophilic and Tropical Fish Species vs. Endemic Commercial Species at Mellah Lagoon (Mediterranean, Algeria)
Authors: Parisi Costantino , De Marco Giuseppe , Labar Sofiane , Hasnaoui Mustapha , Grieco Gaetano , Caserta Lidia , Inglese Sara , Vangone Rubina , Madonna Adriano , Alwany Magdy , Hentati Olfa , Guerriero Giulia
Published: February 2022

Lagoons play an important socio-economic role and represent a precious natural heritage at risk from fishing pressure and chemical and biological pollution. Our research focused on better understanding the discrimination of fish biodiversity, the detection of non-indigenous species, and the valorization of commercial indigenous species at Mellah lagoon (Algeria). Taxonomic characterization and barcoding for all fish species and Inkscape schematic drawings for the most common species are provided. A total of 20 families and 37 species were recorded. The thermophilic species Coris julis, Thalassoma pavo, and Aphanius fasciatus and tropical species such as Gambusia holbrooki and Parablennius pilicornis were identified. Numerous Mediterranean species of socio-economic importance are highlighted, and detailed information is summarized for the lagoon’s sustainability. This short-term evaluation goes hand in hand with long-term programs documenting the interaction between indigenous and non-indigenous species in the lagoon and will allow the development of a provisional relationship model for future studies. Thermophilic and tropical species patterns in the Mellah lagoon are presented. Taken together, we provide useful data that can guide future investigations and may become a potential management tool for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and protecting species with large socio-economic roles from potential thermal stress impact.
Anthropogenic Inputs Affect Phytoplankton Communities in a Subtropical Estuary
Authors: Luo Xin , Pan Ke , Wang Lei , Li Mingmin , Li Tianshen , Pang Bijian , Kang Jianhua , Fu Jiaxiang , Lan Wenlu
Published: February 2022

In the past few decades, with the rapid economic development of China and Vietnam, the marine ecological environment of Beibu Gulf is facing increasing pressure. To understand the impact of anthropogenic inputs on marine ecology, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to study phytoplankton in this paper. We examined the influence of anthropogenic inputs on phytoplankton biomass and community structure in a subtropical estuary. Anthropogenic inputs had significantly increased the nutrient concentration in the estuary between 2010 and 2015. We observed that phosphorus limitation has been greatly relieved in 2015. However, the biomass of dominant phytoplankton was lower in 2015 than in 2010, possibly due to the expansion of oyster farming in the estuary. The coverage of oyster rafts was estimated to be 26.3 km2. The presence of dense oysters may significantly reduce the phytoplankton biomass. The proportion of Diatoms decreased while some nano- and pico-phytoplankton (like Cryptophytes and Prasinophytes) increased, which indicated that oysters changed not only the biomass but also the size of phytoplankton communities. This study improved our understanding of anthropogenic inputs on phytoplankton communities in subtropical estuary.
Enrichment Evaluation of Heavy Metals from Stormwater Runoff to Soil and Shrubs in Bioretention Facilities
Authors: Gong Yongwei , Zhang Guohong , Hao Yan , Nie Linmei
Published: February 2022

Bioretention facilities with different inflow concentrations, growing media and plants were examined to determine whether the soil in these facilities was polluted with heavy metals and whether runoff had obvious toxic effects on plants. Using Beijing soil background value as the standard, the soils were evaluated by bioaccumulation index and single factor index. The results show that stormwater runoff containing Cu caused slight pollution in soils, and stormwater runoff containing Zn and Pb was not polluted. Nemerow comprehensive index evaluation revealed that the heavy metals content in the facilities containing vermiculite (a yellow or brown mineral found as an alteration product of mica and other minerals, used for insulation or as a moisture-retentive medium for growing plants) and perlite (a form of obsidian characterized by spherulites formed by cracking of the volcanic glass during cooling, used as insulation or in plant growth media) were higher than the standard. High influent concentration caused significantly higher heavy metals content in plants. While Pb accumulation in the two studied plants was the highest, Cu and Zn accumulation, which are essential for plant growth, was relatively low. The contents of the three heavy metals in the studied plants also exceeded their corresponding critical values.
Holocene Hydroclimatic Changes in Northern Peloponnese (Greece) Inferred from the Multiproxy Record of Lake Lousoi
Authors: Stamatis Dionysios , Emmanouilidis Alexandros , Masi Alessia , Izdebski Adam , Avramidis Pavlos
Published: February 2022

This research presents the paleoenvironmental evolution of a drained lake at the Lousoi plateau (northern Peloponnese), for the last 10,000 years, through the study of a 7 m depth core. Analyses conducted on the core include grain size, TOC, TN, pH, EC, total carbonates (%), magnetic susceptibility measurements, XRF analysis, and radiocarbon dating. Our paleoenvironmental reconstruction was based on geochemical proxies’ distribution in the core, combined with sediment physical and textural characteristics and later comparison between additional lacustrine archives from northern Peloponnese. From 10,900 to 7700 cal BP lacustrine, organic-rich deposits were recognized, reflecting increased lake water levels. Wet climatic conditions seem to have prevailed during this phase, interrupted by a dry pulse at 9400 cal BP. Transition to more shallow waters was marked at 8200 cal BP due to increased sediment deposition in the lake, with the environmental status shifting to a more oxygenated phase. Overall, wet conditions prevailed in this period and are in good agreement with regional records. In the Late Holocene period, the lake seems to have been highly affected by pedogenic processes, and thus, it was difficult to distinguish paleoclimatic/paleoenvironmental signals.
The Effect of Soil Texture on the Conversion Factor of 1:5 Soil/Water Extract Electrical Conductivity (EC1:5) to Soil Saturated Paste Extract Electrical Conductivity (ECe)
Authors: Kargas George , Londra Paraskevi , Sotirakoglou Kyriaki
Published: February 2022

The electrical conductivity of soil saturated paste extract (ECe) is used as an indicator for estimating soil salinity. This method is time consuming and laborious and therefore, easier and faster methods are usually used with different soil/water ratios, such as 1:5 (EC1:5), for estimating the ECe. Usually, the relationship between ECe and EC1:5 is described by a simple linear empirical equation. The value of the conversion factor (CF) of EC1:5 to ECe is affected by the particular characteristics of the soil, such as its texture. The objective of this study is to investigate models that allow the inclusion of soil texture in the calculation of the CF, in order to improve the prediction of the ECe. A total of 148 soil samples with different soil texture and salinity levels were selected from three regions of Greece, and ECe, EC1:5, as well as clay and sand contents were determined. The results show that the CF can be estimated from an equation which incorporates the clay and sand contents through the soil saturation percentage (SP) and can give a fairly good prediction of ECe from EC1:5 (R2 = 0.9887 and RMSE = 1.39 dSm−1).
Foraminiferal Distribution in Two Estuarine Intertidal Mudflats of the French Atlantic Coast: Testing the Marine Influence Index
Authors: Fouet Marie P. A. , Singer David , Coynel Alexandra , Héliot Swann , Howa Hélène , Lalande Julie , Mouret Aurélia , Schweizer Magali , Tcherkez Guillaume , Jorissen Frans J.
Published: February 2022

This study focuses on the foraminiferal distribution on intertidal mudflats of two contrasted estuaries (Auray and Vie) along the French Atlantic coast. In both estuaries, the foraminiferal communities are dominated by Haynesina germanica and the Ammonia tepida group. Stations located near the outlets show a high diversity and abundance of species of the genus Elphidium. Stations in the inner estuary show a higher proportion of agglutinated species (Ammotium salsum, Ammobaculites agglutinans). Multivariate statistical analysis suggests that the distance to the sea and the percentage of fine sediment (<63 µm) are the two main parameters explaining the foraminiferal distribution. Chemical analyses of the sediment show that the two studied estuaries are not affected by major anthropogenic pollution, so that the faunas should mainly reflect the natural controlling parameters. Three indices of environmental quality commonly used in coastal areas show counter-intuitive differences between stations, suggesting that these indices may be less reliable for use in intertidal estuarine mudflats. The newly developed Marine Influence Index (MII) integrates three major ecological factors: the position of the sampling point on the salinity gradient, the emergence time at low tide and the relative importance of fresh water discharge. In our dataset, MII shows significant correlations with the controlling environmental parameters (distance to the sea, percentage grains < 63 µm), as well as with the foraminiferal patterns (PCA axis 1, species richness, percentage of Elphidium spp. and Quinqueloculina spp.). These results suggest that the MII explains a substantial part of the faunal variability on estuarine intertidal mudflats, and can be used to detect deviations from the natural distribution patterns in response to anthropogenic pollution.
Effects of Weir Operation on Seasonal Groundwater Use: A Case Study of the Han River, South Korea
Authors: Lee Hyeonju , Lee Eunhee , Kim Yongcheol , Lee Soo-Hyoung , Koo Min-Ho
Published: February 2022

During the cold dry season, a large amount of groundwater is pumped for water-curtain cultivation in agricultural fields mostly located near the four major rivers of South Korea. Several weirs, installed previously to secure sufficient water resources from these rivers, were opened in 2017 for restoring the riverine environment. Weir-controlled river level fluctuations have altered stream–aquifer interactions, leading to groundwater drawdown. In this study, changes in stream–aquifer interaction caused by seasonal pumping and weir opening were investigated, using Visual MODFLOW. Two indexes that considered the pump type and aquifer characteristics—the pumping available thickness (PAT) and aquifer productivity index (API)—were used to analyze the effects of weir opening on seasonal groundwater use. Our simulations indicated that weir opening had a large impact on seasonal groundwater use due to groundwater drawdown, especially with respect to centrifugal pumps located in low transmissivity areas where the API decreased after the weir was opened. The resulting decrease in groundwater pumping rates would lower the thermal effect of the water-curtain greenhouse process. This indicates that water supply alternatives are needed so that the weirs can be operated efficiently and field requirements can be met, while the deleterious effects on groundwater are avoided.
Assessing the Groundwater Reserves of the Udaipur District, Aravalli Range, India, Using Geospatial Techniques
Authors: Shyam Megha , Meraj Gowhar , Kanga Shruti , Sudhanshu  , Farooq Majid , Singh Suraj Kumar , Sahu Netrananda , Kumar Pankaj
Published: February 2022

Population increase has placed ever-increasing demands on the available groundwater (GW) resources, particularly for intensive agricultural activities. In India, groundwater is the backbone of agriculture and drinking purposes. In the present study, an assessment of groundwater reserves was carried out in the Udaipur district, Aravalli range, India. It was observed that the principal aquifer for the availability of groundwater in the studied area is quartzite, phyllite, gneisses, schist, and dolomitic marble, which occur in unconfined to semi-confined zones. Furthermore, all primary chemical ingredients were found within the permissible limit, including granum. We also found that the average annual rainfall days in a year in the study area was 30 from 1957 to 2020, and it has been found that there are chances to receive surplus rainfall once in every five deficit rainfall years. Using integrated remote sensing, GIS, and a field-based spatial modeling approach, it was found that the dynamic GW reserves of the area are 637.42 mcm/annum, and the total groundwater draft is 639.67 mcm/annum. The deficit GW reserves are 2.25 mcm/annum from an average rainfall of 627 mm, hence the stage of groundwater development is 100.67% and categorized as over-exploited. However, as per the relationship between reserves and rainfall events, surplus reserves are available when rainfall exceeds 700 mm. We conclude that enough static GW reserves are available in the studied area to sustain the requirements of the drought period. For the long-term sustainability of groundwater use, controlling groundwater abstraction by optimizing its use, managing it properly through techniques such as sprinkler and drip irrigation, and achieving more crop-per-drop schemes, will go a long way to conserving this essential reserve, and create maximum groundwater recharge structures.
Flow Discharge Prediction Study Using a CFD-Based Numerical Model and Gene Expression Programming
Authors: Mozaffari Sevda , Amini Erfan , Mehdipour Hossein , Neshat Mehdi
Published: February 2022

The significance of spillways is to allow the flood to be safely discharged from downstream. There is a strong correlation between the poor design of spillways and the failures of dams. In order to address this concern, the present study investigates the flow over the Nazloo-ogee spillway using the CFD 3D numerical model and an artificial intelligence method called Gene Expression Programming (GEP). In a physical model, discharge and flow depths were calculated for 21 different total heads. Among different turbulence models, the RNG turbulence model achieved the maximum compatibility in computational fluid dynamic simulation. In addition, GEP was used to estimate Q, in which 70% of collected data was dedicated to training and 30% to testing. R2, RMSE, and MAE were obtained as performance criteria, and the new mathematical equation for the prediction of discharge was obtained using this model. Finally, the numerical model and GEP outputs were compared with the experimental data. According to the results, the numerical model and GEP exhibited a high level of correspondence in simulating flow over an ogee-crested spillway.
Assessing the Influences of Land Use Change on Groundwater Hydrochemistry in an Oasis-Desert Region of Central Asia
Authors: Wang Wanrui , Chen Yapeng , Wang Weihua , Yang Yuhai , Hou Yifeng , Zhang Shuai , Zhu Ziyang
Published: February 2022

Land use change greatly affects groundwater hydrochemical cycling and thereby food and ecosystem security in arid regions. Spatiotemporal distribution of groundwater hydrochemistry is vital to understand groundwater water-salt migration processes in the context of land use change, while it is not well known in the oasis-desert region of arid inland basins. Here, to investigate the influences of land use change on groundwater hydrochemistry and suggest sustainable management, 67 water samples were obtained in the Luntai Oasis, a typical oasis desert of Central Asia. Stable isotopes and chemical components of samples were analyzed. Piper and Gibbs plots were used to elaborate the chemical type and major mechanisms controlling water chemistry, respectively. The results showed that cultivated land area has markedly expanded in the Luntai Oasis over the last 20 years (increasing by 121.8%). Groundwater seasonal dynamics and groundwater–surface water interaction were altered dramatically by farmland expansion and groundwater exploitation. Specifically, the spatial heterogeneity and seasonal variability of groundwater hydrochemistry were significant. Compared with the desert area, the δ18O and TDS of river water and shallow groundwater in the oasis cropland exhibited lower values but greater seasonal variation. Higher TDS was observed in autumn for river water, and in spring for shallow groundwater. The chemical evolution of phreatic water was mainly controlled by the evaporation-crystallization process and rock dominance, with a chemical type of Cl-SO4-Na-Mg. Significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity of groundwater hydrochemistry demonstrated the influence of climatic, hydrogeological, land use, and anthropogenic conditions. Groundwater overexploitation would cause phreatic water leakage into confined water, promoting groundwater quality deterioration due to fresh saltwater mixing. Improving agricultural drainage ditches in conjunction with restricting farmland expansion and groundwater extraction is an effective way to alleviate groundwater environment deterioration and maintain oasis-desert ecosystems in arid regions.
Proposal of a Water-Quality Index for High Andean Basins: Application to the Chumbao River, Andahuaylas, Peru
Authors: Choque-Quispe David , Froehner Sandro , Palomino-Rincón Henry , Peralta-Guevara Diego E. , Barboza-Palomino Gloria I. , Kari-Ferro Aydeé , Zamalloa-Puma Lourdes Magaly , Mojo-Quisani Antonieta , Barboza-Palomino Edward E. , Zamalloa-Puma Miluska M. , Martínez-Huamán Edgar L. , Calla-Florez Miriam , Aronés-Medina Edgar G. , Solano-Reynoso Aydeé M. , Choque-Quispe Yudith
Published: February 2022

The water from the high Andean rivers is peculiar due to its composition and the geomorphology of its sources, and naturally or anthropogenically contamination is not discarded along its course. This water is used for agriculture and human consumption, therefore knowing its quality is important. This research aimed to proposing and formulate a water-quality index for high Andean basins through the Delphi method, and its application in the Chumbao River located in Andahuaylas-Peru. Forty-three water-quality parameters were evaluated through the Delphi method, and the water-quality index (WQIHA) was formulated with a weighted average of the weights of the selected parameters, it was compared with the WQI Dinius. For this purpose, ten sampling points were considered along the Chumbao River located between 4274 and 2572 m of altitude and the WQIHA was applied. In addition, field and laboratory analyses were carried out in 2018, 2019, and 2021, in dry and rainy seasons. Twenty parameters were grouped in the physicochemical sub-index (SIPC), heavy metals sub-index (SIHM), and organic matter sub-index (SIOM). Each group contributed with weights of 0.30, 0.30, and 0.40, respectively, for the WQIHA formulation. The SIPC and SIOM showed that the areas near the head of the basin presented excellent and good quality, while the urbanized areas were qualified as marginal to poor; SIHM reported good quality in all points and seasons. Regarding the WQIHA, the index shows good quality in the zones above 3184 m of altitude, contrasting with poor quality downstream, decreasing notably in both seasons, suggesting continuous degradation of the water body.
Combined Multilevel Monitoring and Wavelet Transform Analysis Approach for the Inspection of Ground and Surface Water Dynamics in Shallow Coastal Aquifer
Authors: Lovrinović Ivan , Srzić Veljko , Matić Iva , Brkić Marin
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we present an approach based on the simultaneous use of multilevel monitoring systems for the ground and surface water and wavelet-based analysis of the time series observed to detect the main mechanisms influencing the water level, electrical conductivity (EC) and temperature (T) in ground and surface water of the river Neretva coastal aquifer system. Although the area of interest is under significant impact of seawater intrusion, the presented approach enabled the insight to transient response of the system to external loadings like precipitation and irrigation system primarily. The capacity of the monitoring system has been demonstrated on two different subareas, respectively, Diga and Jasenska. While the Diga area is shown to be under significant influence of the seawater, the Jasenska area shows sensitivity to precipitation and pumping station (PS) Modric operative regime. Groundwater parameters as observed during dry periods at Jasenska show the presence of stratification. Wavelet-based analysis enabled the determination of the interdependence of the variables of interest as well as their temporal dependence. Determined regimes of the surface water, as found within the Jasenska channel, are additionally supported by the in situ profiling results, thus strengthening the findings of the study. Our findings reflect the capacity of the approach to capture for the stratification of the groundwater parameters induced by seawater intrusion and external loadings.
Effects of Ambient Microbiota on the Gut Microbiota of Macrobrachium rosenbergii
Authors: Liu Qianfu , Gao Yuan , Wang Chao , Zeng Yanyi , Ni Jiajia , Lai Zini
Published: February 2022

The gut microbiota (GM) compositions of aquatic animals are influenced by microorganisms in ambient water and sediment. However, the extent to which environmental microorganisms can affect shrimp GM composition is unknown. We analyzed the impact of water and sediment microorganisms on the GM of Macrobrachium rosenbergii at different growth stages. We collected water, sediment, and M. rosenbergii gut samples at the early, middle, and late stages of an M. rosenbergii culture and analyzed the microbiota composition. The shrimps’ body weight differed significantly between sampling stages. The shrimp GM composition differed significantly from that of the ambient water and sediment, and these differences were remarkably stronger than those between the shrimp GM at different sampling times and in different ponds. The proportion of sediment bacteria in the shrimp GM was approximately three times higher than that of water bacteria, which changed among ponds and over sampling time. These results provide important reference information for a deeper understanding of the impact of environmental microorganisms on the composition of shrimp GM. Moreover, the results also provide reference information for increasing the production of shrimp culture as well as ensuring a good health status of the culture.
Advanced Grouting Model and Influencing Factors Analysis of Tunnels with High Stress and Broken Surrounding Rock
Authors: Jiang Zhixiong , Pan Dongjiang , Zhang Shuhao , Yin Zhiqiang , Zhou Jianjun
Published: February 2022

Grouting can effectively seal and reinforce broken rock masses in deep geotechnical engineering, which have an important impact on groundwater-related disaster prevention and control. Based on multi-field coupling mechanics and rotational viscosity experiments, an advance grouting migration model of cement slurry in tunnels with high-stress broken surrounding rock is built against the background of the Xianglushan Tunnel for water diversion in central Yunnan Province. The influence characteristics of water–cement ratio, grouting pressure, and initial permeability on the process of grouting material migration are analyzed by combining classical column theory and spherical theory. The results show the following: Overall, the growth rate of grouting radius is fast during the earlier 5 min and slows down later. At the fifth minute, the normal grouting ranges are 22 cm, 51 cm, and 58 cm, at water–cement ratios 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0, respectively, while the normal grouting ranges are 58 cm, 51 cm, and 36 cm at grouting pressures 2 MPa, 1 MPa, and 0.5 MPa, respectively; the normal grouting ranges are 58 cm, 24 cm, and 11 cm at initial permeabilities 5D, 0.5D, and 0.05D, respectively. At the 60th minute, the normal grouting ranges are 47 cm, 133 cm, and 155 cm at water–cement ratios 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0, respectively; the normal grouting ranges are 155 cm, 131 cm, and 96 cm at grouting pressures 2 MPa, 1 MPa, and 0.5 MPa, respectively; meanwhile, the normal grouting ranges are 155 cm, 63 cm, and 29 cm at initial permeabilities 5D, 0.5D, and 0.05D, respectively. This study can provide theoretical guidance for on-site grouting design in unfavorable geological treatment projects.
Features of communication services, requirements and applications for 6G
Authors: Simeonova Tsvetelina
Published: February 2022

The aim of the work is to consider the peculiarities of the candidate types of services in 6G based on the grouping of applications with similar requirements, i.e. based on the link "future applications - priority of specific key performance indicators - type of service". In initial 6G research, one of the main objectives was to identify future applications, their requirements (formulated through key performance indicators) and possible types of services. Due to the ever-increasing variety of requirements, more complex types of services are expected for 6G. The results are related to the analysis of the peculiarities of the functioning of the various communication services. The contributions of the work are related to the in-depth analysis of the relationship between the type of services, applications and requirements in 6G.
Digitization of the Arda cascade for the hydroelectric production - part I
Authors: Petrov Hristiyan , Petrov Georgi
Published: February 2022

The digitalization of the energy sector is an important factor for the development of the economy and industry, the article discusses a hypothetical model for a transitional phase in the digitalization of one of the most important hydroelectric systems in Bulgaria, the Arda cascade. The introduction of digital systems achieves a number of advantages: creates prospects for intelligent support, improves work efficiency, creates conditions for creating a "digital" twin, achieves a drastic increase in security of the site and the whole system, improves communication during implementation of infrastructure reconstructions, etc.
Об’єктивна сторона торгівлі людьми
Authors: Андрушко А. В.
Published: February 2022

У статті досліджено проблемні аспекти об’єктивної сторони торгівлі людьми та на цій основі сформульовано пропозиції, спрямовані на вдосконалення чинного кримінального законодавства.