bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Communally established cattle feedlots as a sustainable livelihood option for climate change resilience and food security in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review
Authors: Slayi Mhlangabezi , Zhou Leocadia , Nyambo Patrick , Jaja Ishmael Festus , Muchaku Shadreck
Published: January 2024

Climate change poses a significant threat to agriculture and livestock production in sub-Saharan Africa, a region heavily reliant on livestock for smallholder farmers’ livelihoods. This systematic review investigates the potential of communally established cattle feedlots as a sustainable strategy to address the interconnected challenges of climate change resilience and food security in the area. The review focuses on the intensification of climate change, marked by rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns, posing a direct threat to the livelihoods of millions in the region. Conducting a systematic literature review, we meticulously analyzed 72 articles that centered on communally established cattle feedlots in sub-Saharan Africa. The inclusion criteria considered studies within the context of climate change resilience and food security, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Published articles, grey literature, and relevant reports were systematically sourced from academic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Web of Science, complemented by manual searches of journals, conference proceedings, and organizational websites. The synthesis of findings reveals a nuanced landscape of successes and challenges associated with communal feedlots. Through a narrative synthesis, studies were categorized based on key themes, unraveling the impact of communal feedlots on livestock health, economic viability, and socio-economic dynamics. The review highlights the role of communal feedlots in mitigating climate-related shocks, enhancing livestock productivity, and fostering economic opportunities for smallholder farmers. However, challenges related to land tenure, community engagement, and resource allocation emerged as critical considerations. In conclusion, communally established cattle feedlots offer a holistic and sustainable approach to address climate change challenges in sub-Saharan Africa.
Exploring farmer and advisor lameness management behaviors using the COM-B model of behavior change
Authors: Clark Beth , Proctor Amy , Mahon Niamh , Holloway Lewis
Published: January 2024

Introduction

This paper applies the COM-B framework to farmer and farm advisor understandings and responses to lameness in sheep, beef, and dairy systems. It reflects on how farmers' and advisors' capability, opportunity, and motivation (COM-B) influence lameness management practices in these farming systems, and considers the interaction between these three factors, and stakeholders' behavior.

Methods

Interviews with 29 farmers and 21 farm advisors in the north of England were conducted. Thematic analysis was undertaken with results categorized in relation to the COM-B framework focusing on barriers and enablers of lameness management. Use of the COM-B model provides a useful means of understanding the underlying behavioral mechanisms that contribute toward the persistence of lameness. This includes the complexities and interactions which hamper implementation of lameness management best practice.

Results and discussion

The findings highlight three key areas to address with interventions to improve lameness management on farm: (1) removing physical and social barriers for lameness management; (2) improving psychological capability and motivation for lameness management; and (3) facilitating relationships and developing communication between farmers and advisors. In particular, the value of exploring both farmer and advisor perspectives on behavior in the animal health context is demonstrated. Future interventions should look to target these three areas to overcome barriers and focus on factors that enable positive lameness practices to occur.
Code Plagiarism Checking Function and Its Application for Code Writing Problem in Java Programming Learning Assistant System
Authors: Htet Ei Ei , Wai Khaing Hsu , Aung Soe Thandar , Funabiki Nobuo , Lu Xiqin , Kyaw Htoo Htoo Sandi , Kao Wen-Chung
Published: January 2024

A web-based Java programming learning assistant system (JPLAS) has been developed for novice students to study Java programming by themselves while enhancing code reading and code writing skills. One type of the implemented exercise problem is code writing problem (CWP), which asks students to create a source code that can pass the given test code. The correctness of this answer code is validated by running them on JUnit. In previous works, a Python-based answer code validation program was implemented to assist teachers. It automatically verifies the source codes from all the students for one test code, and reports the number of passed test cases by each code in the CSV file. While this program plays a crucial role in checking the correctness of code behaviors, it cannot detect code plagiarism that can often happen in programming courses. In this paper, we implement a code plagiarism checking function in the answer code validation program, and present its application results to a Java programming course at Okayama University, Japan. This function first removes the whitespace characters and the comments using the regular expressions. Next, it calculates the Levenshtein distance and similarity score for each pair of source codes from different students in the class. If the score is larger than a given threshold, they are regarded as plagiarism. Finally, it outputs the scores as a CSV file with the student IDs. For evaluations, we applied the proposed function to a total of 877 source codes for 45 CWP assignments submitted from 9 to 39 students and analyzed the results. It was found that (1) CWP assignments asking for shorter source codes generate higher scores than those for longer codes due to the use of test codes, (2) proper thresholds are different by assignments, and (3) some students often copied source codes from certain students.
Quantitative Biomarkers Derived from a Novel, Contrast-Free Ultrasound, High-Definition Microvessel Imaging for Differentiating Choroidal Tumors
Authors: Adusei Shaheeda A. , Sabeti Soroosh , Larson Nicholas B. , Dalvin Lauren A. , Fatemi Mostafa , Alizad Azra
Published: January 2024

Angiogenesis has an essential role in the de novo evolution of choroidal melanoma as well as choroidal nevus transformation into melanoma. Differentiating early-stage melanoma from nevus is of high clinical importance; thus, imaging techniques that provide objective information regarding tumor microvasculature structures could aid accurate early detection. Herein, we investigated the feasibility of quantitative high-definition microvessel imaging (qHDMI) for differentiation of choroidal tumors in humans. This new ultrasound-based technique encompasses a series of morphological filtering and vessel enhancement techniques, enabling the visualization of tumor microvessels as small as 150 microns and extracting vessel morphological features as new tumor biomarkers. Distributional differences between the malignant melanomas and benign nevi were tested on 37 patients with choroidal tumors using a non-parametric Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and statistical significance was declared for biomarkers with p-values < 0.05. The ocular oncology diagnosis was choroidal melanoma (malignant) in 21 and choroidal nevus (benign) in 15 patients. The mean thickness of benign and malignant masses was 1.70 ± 0.40 mm and 3.81 ± 2.63 mm, respectively. Six HDMI biomarkers, including number of vessel segments (p = 0.003), number of branch points (p = 0.003), vessel density (p = 0.03), maximum tortuosity (p = 0.001), microvessel fractal dimension (p = 0.002), and maximum diameter (p = 0.003) exhibited significant distributional differences between the two groups. Contrast-free HDMI provided noninvasive imaging and quantification of microvessels of choroidal tumors. The results of this pilot study indicate the potential use of qHDMI as a complementary tool for characterization of small ocular tumors and early detection of choroidal melanoma.
Human Papillomavirus Infections and the Role Played by Cervical and Cervico-Vaginal Microbiota—Evidence from Next-Generation Sequencing Studies
Authors: Głowienka-Stodolak Maria , Bagińska-Drabiuk Katarzyna , Szubert Sebastian , Hennig Ewa E. , Horala Agnieszka , Dąbrowska Michalina , Micek Martyna , Ciebiera Michał , Zeber-Lubecka Natalia
Published: January 2024

This comprehensive review encompasses studies examining changes in the cervical and cervico-vaginal microbiota (CM and CVM) in relation to human papillomavirus (HPV) using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. HPV infection remains a prominent global health concern, with a spectrum of manifestations, from benign lesions to life-threatening cervical cancers. The CM and CVM, a unique collection of microorganisms inhabiting the cervix/vagina, has emerged as a critical player in cervical health. Recent research has indicated that disruptions in the CM and CVM, characterized by a decrease in Lactobacillus and the overgrowth of other bacteria, might increase the risk of HPV persistence and the progression of cervical abnormalities. This alteration in the CM or CVM has been linked to a higher likelihood of HPV infection and cervical dysplasia. NGS technology has revolutionized the study of the cervical microbiome, providing insights into microbial diversity, dynamics, and taxonomic classifications. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing, has proven invaluable in characterizing the cervical microbiome, shedding light on its role in HPV infections and paving the way for more tailored strategies to combat cervical diseases. NGS-based studies offer personalized insights into an individual’s cervical microbiome. This knowledge holds promise for the development of novel diagnostic tools, targeted therapies, and preventive interventions for cervix-related conditions, including cervical cancer.
Hydrogel-Transformable Antioxidant Poly-γ-Glutamic Acid/Polyethyleneimine Hemostatic Powder for Efficient Wound Hemostasis
Authors: Li Xiang , Han Wenli , He Gao , Yang Jiahao , Li Jing , Ma Hongxia , Wang Shige
Published: January 2024

Hemostatic powder, which can absorb large amounts of water and tends to produce repeated hydration with tissue, has been clinically proven as an ideal engineering material for treating wounds and tissues. We herein designed a polypeptide-based hemostatic powder. A water-soluble polypeptide, γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA), was mixed with the polyethyleneimine (PEI), N-hydroxysuccinimide, and 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide. The solution of these polymers was lyophilized to harvest the γ-PGA/PEI powder (PP hemostatic powder). When deposited on a bleeding wound, the PP hemostatic powder can quickly absorb a large amount of blood and interstitial fluid, concentrate coagulation factors, coagulate blood cells, and eventually form a stable mechanical hydrogel. The wound bleeding time of the PP hemostatic powder group was 1.8 ± 0.4 min, significantly lower than that of the commercial chitosan hemostatic powder group (2.8 ± 0.4 min). The PP hemostatic powder was endowed with antioxidant capacity by introducing protocatechuic aldehyde, which can effectively inhibit inflammation and promote wound healing. Therefore, via preparation through a facile lyophilization method, the PP hemostatic powder is expected to find a wide application prospect as a qualified hemostatic powder.
Humoral and Cellular Immune Response after Three Doses of Sinopharm [Vero Cell]-Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccine in Combination with SARS-CoV-2 Infection Leads to Hybrid Immunity
Authors: Vukčević Marija , Šerović Katarina , Despot Mateja , Nikolić-Kokić Aleksandra , Vujović Aleksandra , Nikolić Milan , Blagojević Duško , Jovanović Tanja , Despot Dragana
Published: January 2024

Background: Several vaccines against COVID-19 have been developed and licensed to enhance the immune response against SARS-CoV-2. Similarly, previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to provide significant protection against severe infection and hospitalization. Methods: We investigated the effect of three doses of the Sinopharm vaccine and SARS-CoV-2 infection on the specific immune response in 103 volunteers, measuring neutralizing antibodies, anti-S1 IgG, anti-RBD IgM, anti-N IgM, anti-N IgG antibodies, and INF γ. Results: Our results showed that the presence of cardiovascular diseases increased the level of anti-N-IgG antibodies, while endocrinological diseases decreased the level of neutralizing antibodies and anti-N IgG antibodies, suggesting that these diseases alter the effect of vaccine-induced immunity. In addition, there was a significant decrease in anti-S1 IgG levels at 6 months and in anti-N IgG levels 18 months post-infection, while neutralizing antibodies and INF γ levels were constant at 3, 6, and 18 months post-infection. Conclusions: Our results confirm the emergence of hybrid immunity, which is the strongest and most durable compared to natural immunity or vaccine-induced immunity. Significant positive correlations were found between humoral and cellular immunity markers: neutralizing antibodies, anti-S1 IgG and anti-N IgG antibodies, and INF γ, indicating a unique coordinated response specific to COVID-19.
Effects of H2-Receptor Antagonists on the Exposure of Dacomitinib
Authors: Liu Jian , Lin Swan , Huynh Anthony , Tan Weiwei
Published: January 2024

Dacomitinib is an irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and EGFR-activating mutations. Proton-pump inhibitors decreased dacomitinib exposure. This analysis summarizes the effect of Histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) on dacomitinib exposure. A within-patient comparison of the steady-state trough concentrations (Ctrough,ss) of dacomitinib and its active metabolite and active moiety with and without concomitant use of H2RAs was conducted using a linear mixed effects model with pooled data from 11 clinical studies in patients with NSCLC. An oral absorption physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was constructed and verified using clinical pharmacokinetic (PK) data after a single dose of dacomitinib in healthy volunteers to estimate the effect of gastric pH altered by an H2RA on dacomitinib’s PKs. The adjusted geometric mean of the dacomitinib Ctrough,ss of the dacomitinib parent, metabolite and active moiety following co-administration with an H2RA was approximately 86%, 104% and 100% relative to that following dacomitinib 45 mg administration without an H2RA (p > 0.05). The PBPK modeling showed negligible change in dacomitinib maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under the drug concentration–time curve (AUC) over 0–24 h after H2RA administration when compared with those administered dacomitinib alone. Co-administration of an H2RA with dacomitinib is not expected to have any clinically relevant effect on dacomitinib exposure.
Modified Wood Fibers Spontaneously Harvest Electricity from Moisture
Authors: Zhang Tao , Han Xuewen , Peng Yukang , Yu Han , Pu Junwen
Published: January 2024

With the rapid development of modern society, our demand for energy is increasing. And the extensive use of fossil energy has triggered a series of problems such as an energy crisis and environmental pollution. A moisture-enabled electric generator (MEG) is a new type of energy conversion method, which can directly convert the ubiquitous moisture in the air into electrical energy equipment. It has attracted great interest for its renewable and environmentally friendly qualities. At present, most MEGs still have low power density, strong dependence on high humidity, and high cost. Herein, we report the development of a high-efficiency MEG based on a lignocellulosic fiber frame with high-power-density, all-weather, and low-cost characteristics using a simple strategy that optimizes the charge transport channel and ion concentration difference. The MEG devices we manufactured can generate the open-circuit voltage of 0.73 V and the short-circuit current of 360 μA, and the voltage can still reach 0.6 V at less than 30% humidity. It is possible to drive commercial electronic devices such as light-emitting diodes, electronic displays, and electronic calculators by simply connecting several electric generators in series. Biomass-based moisture-enabled electric generation has a low cost, is easy to integrate on a large scale, and is green and pollution-free, providing clean energy for low-humidity or high-electricity-cost areas.
Study on Influencing Factors of Nicotinamide Transdermal Absorption In Vitro and the Establishment of an Evaluation Method
Authors: Zhang Wanping , Shi Xuefang , Zheng Shilian
Published: January 2024

The goal of this research was to study the factors influencing the in vitro transdermal penetration of nicotinamide and to establish an evaluation method for the in vitro transdermal absorption of nicotinamide. The permeability of nicotinamide was investigated with Franz diffusion cell in vitro transcutaneous assays, and the effect of the receiving solution composition, receiving solution pH, skin type, diffusion cell temperature, active ingredient concentration, supply quantity, and product dosage form on its permeation was investigated separately by high-performance liquid chromatography. The best assay for the transdermal absorption of nicotinamide was established—there was a better transdermal absorption performance, more stable system, better applicability, and better reproducibility when the receiving solution was PBS (phosphate-buffered saline) solution, the pH was 7.4, the membrane was pig ear skin, the temperature was 37 °C, the concentration of nicotinamide was 3%, and the dose of the test substance was 2 g. In the three cosmetic dosage forms of toning lotion, milk lotion, and gel, the permeability of milk lotion was the highest, followed by toning lotion and gel.
Ontological Beliefs and Hunter–Gatherer Ritual Landscapes: Native Californian Examples
Authors: Whitley David S.
Published: January 2024

Landscapes are socially produced and reproduced spaces. This is easily recognizable for large-scale urban groups with built environments that dominate living places. But it also pertains to all types of societies and cultures, even small-scale hunter–gatherers, once the ontological beliefs structuring landscape perception and use are acknowledged. The foragers of south–central and southern California and the Great Basin illustrate this fact. They maintained a widely shared ontological perspective supported by a fundamental cognitive postulate. This is that supernatural power, the principle causative agent in the universe, was differentially distributed among individuals and places. The distribution of power, revealed by certain geomorphological features and natural events, structured their perceptions of landscape. These perceptions were expressed in ritual and symbolism, including petroglyphs and pictographs as durable manifestations of ceremonies on the landscape. The ontological relationship between power and landscape explains a longstanding question in hunter–gatherer archaeology: Why were rock writing sites created at specific locations? It also explains another equally significant but rarely considered and related problem: Why do some localities have massive quantities of rock writings that dwarf most other sites? The landscape symbolism of and the placement of sites by Native Californian and Great Basin tribes is explained by reference to their shared ontological beliefs, illustrating how they structured their ritual practices and archaeological record.
Surface-Plasmon-Resonance Amplification of FMD Detection through Dendrimer Conjugation
Authors: Jung Seung Jun , Park Jin-Won
Published: January 2024

The amplification of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensitivity for the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) detection was studied using Poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) succinamic-acid dendrimers. The dendrimers were conjugated with the complementary annealed with the aptamers capable of binding specifically to FMD peptides. The tethered layer of the dendrimer-conjugated double-stranded(ds)-aptamers was formed on the SPR sensor Au surface via a thiol bond between the aptamers and Au. After the tethered layer was formed, the surface was taken out of the SPR equipment. Then, the ds-aptamers on the surface were denatured to collect the dendrimer-conjugated single-stranded(ss)-complementary. The surface with only the remaining ss-aptamers was transferred again to the equipment. Two types of the injections, the FMD peptide only and the dendrimer-conjugated ss-complementary followed by the FMD peptides, were performed on the surface. The sensitivity was increased 20 times with the conjugation of the dendrimers, but the binding rate of the peptides became more than two times slower.
High-Precision Positioning Stage Control Based on a Modified Disturbance Observer
Authors: Wang Hui , Li Qiang , Zhou Feng , Zhang Jingxu
Published: January 2024

High-precision positioning systems play a crucial role in various industrial applications. This study focuses on improving the performance of a high-precision multi-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) stage. In terms of the controller design, the following two key challenges must be addressed: the cross-decoupling of different DOFs and the impact of external disturbances. To address these problems, a self-tuning approach is proposed for simultaneous decoupling and disturbance suppression. Initially, the stage undergoes static decoupling using a data-based approach, facilitating feedback control for each DOF through single-input, single-output controllers. Addressing dynamic coupling and external disturbance challenges, we introduced a comprehensive evaluation index and a self-tuning multi-input, multi-output disturbance observer. This approach enabled the evaluation and optimization of the disturbance compensation for all DOFs, ensuring optimal positioning accuracy. Finally, we tested the proposed method using a high-precision multi-DOF stage with a real-time control platform. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in the standard deviations of positioning errors in the rx, ry, and z directions by 46%, 58%, and 6%, respectively. The approach used in this study opens avenues for advancements in the design and control of complex multi-DOF systems.
Quantitative Evaluation of Eco-Environmental Protection Policy in the Yangtze River Economic Belt: A PMC-Index Model Approach
Authors: Wang Zeyu , Xiong Yachao , Zhang Changli
Published: January 2024

The eco-environmental protection policy of the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) is paramount in upholding biodiversity and fostering sustainable development within the Yangtze River Basin. To assess the effectiveness of this policy, an evaluation system was established utilising text mining and the PMC-Index model. Subsequently, thirteen representative policies were evaluated, and their performance was visualised through PMC-Surface plots. The study showed that nine of the thirteen representative policies were assessed as “Excellent”, the remaining four were assessed as “Acceptable”, and no policy was assessed as either “Perfect” or “Poor”. It shows that the general design of the eco-environmental protection policy of the YREB is reasonable and scientific but still has much to improve. The performance is as follows: short- and medium-term policies are the most prevalent, while long-term planning is lacking; the issuing agency is relatively single, and the awareness and capacity of collaborative governance need to be strengthened; the regulatory scope of local policies does not focus on the YREB as a whole. Based on this, subsequent policies should be improved by focusing on policy timeliness, the policy issuing agency, and the regulation scope.
The Sustainability and Energy Efficiency of Connected and Automated Vehicles from the Perspective of Public Acceptance towards Platoon Control
Authors: Li Honggang , Li Jiankai , Li Hongtao , Chu Jiangwei , Miao Qiqi
Published: January 2024

This study examines the public acceptance of platoon control for connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) and analyzes it from a sustainability perspective. A questionnaire survey was conducted targeting a diverse social group to collect data on public attitudes, acceptability, and factors related to the environment, social responsibility, personal economy, and behavior. Factor analysis was then performed to reduce these data into three factors: “attitudes and acceptance”, “environment and social responsibility”, and “personal economy and behavior”. Further, multiple regression analysis was employed to investigate the relationship between these three factors and the willingness to accept platooning control, as well as the willingness to actively adopt it. The findings indicate that the ”attitude and acceptance” factor significantly influences the public’s acceptance of platoon control. Moreover, the ”environment and social responsibility” and ”personal economy and behavior” factors also have a certain influence on decision-making. This study not only contributes to understanding public attitudes towards CAVs’ platoon control but also explores how to promote the development of sustainable intelligent transportation systems. By gaining a better understanding of public attitudes, policymakers and relevant stakeholders can take measures to enhance the acceptance of CAVs, thereby driving the sustainable development of transportation systems.
A Bayesian Approach to Infer the Sustainable Use of Artificial Reefs in Fisheries and Recreation
Authors: Ramos Jorge , Drakeford Benjamin , Madiedo Ana , Costa Joana , Leitão Francisco
Published: January 2024

The presence of artificial reefs (ARs) in the south of Portugal that were deployed a few decades ago and the corroboration of fishing patterns and other activities related to the use of these habitats have not been followed. It is important to note that monitoring the use of ARs was difficult in the past but is currently facilitated by the application of non-intrusive tools. In the present study, an approach is developed where, based on monitoring data from fishing and non-fishing boats, influence diagrams (IDs) are constructed to provide some evidence on fisheries or other use patterns and consequent AR effectiveness as coastal tools. These IDs allow us to infer various usefulness scenarios, namely catches, which are tangible, and satisfaction, which is intangible, and overall assessment of ARs and nearby areas in terms of human activities. After calibrating the Bayesian ID based on monitoring evidence, the obtained model was evaluated for several scenarios. In the base case, which assumes the occurrence of more fishing than recreation (assuming 3:1, respectively), the obtained utility is 18.64% (catches) and 31.96% (satisfaction). Of the scenarios run, the one that obtained the best results in the utility nodes together was the second one. The use of these tailored tools and approaches seems to be of fundamental importance for the adequate management of coastal infrastructures, particularly with regard to the inference of fishing resources and their sustainable use. An adequate interpretation based on the use of these tools implies being able to safeguard the ecological balance and economic sustainability of the communities operating in these areas.
Characteristics of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Constructed Wetlands Vegetated with Myriophyllum aquatic: The Effects of Influent C/N Ratio and Microbial Responses
Authors: Wang Biaoyi , Li Hongfang , Du Xiaonan , Cai Yixiang , Peng Jianwei , Zhang Shunan , Liu Feng
Published: January 2024

This study designed surface flow constructed wetlands (SFCWs) with Myriophyllum aquaticum (M. aquaticum) to evaluate how different influent C/N ratios (0:1 (C0N), 5:1 (C5N), 10:1 (C10N), and 15:1 (C15N)) affect pollutant removal, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and microbial communities. The results showed that effluent ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N), nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N), and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations decreased, but effluent chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration increased with increasing influent C/N ratios. The highest removal rates of TN (73.17%) and COD (74.56%) were observed with C5N. Regarding GHG emissions, a few changes in CO2 fluxes were caused by the influent C/N ratio, whereas CH4 fluxes obviously increased with the increasing influent C/N ratio. The highest N2O emission occurred with C0N (211.03 ± 44.38 mg-N·m−2·h−1), decreasing significantly with higher C/N ratios. High-throughput sequencing revealed that different influent C/N ratios directly influenced the microbial distribution and composition related to CH4 and N2O metabolism in SFCWs. The highest abundance (46.24%) of denitrifying bacteria (DNB) was observed with C5N, which helped to achieve efficient nitrogen removal with a simultaneous reduction in N2O emissions. Methanogen abundance rose with higher C/N ratios, whereas methanotrophs peaked under C5N and C10N conditions. Additionally, the random forest model identified influent C/N ratio and Rhodopseudomonas as primary factors influencing CH4 and N2O emissions, respectively. This highlights the importance of the influent C/N ratio in regulating both pollutant removal and GHG emissions in constructed wetlands.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Alternative Tile Intakes on Agricultural Hillslopes
Authors: Wilson Christopher G. , Streeter Matthew T. , Ettema William D. , Abban Benjamin K. B. , Gonzalez Adrian , Schilling Keith E. , Papanicolaou Athanasios N.
Published: January 2024

Existing surface inlets behind terraces and water and sediment control basins (WASCoBs) were replaced with alternative tile intakes (ATIs) in agricultural fields of southeast Iowa. These ATIs consisted of a buried column of gravel atop woodchips. Computational, experimental, and field methods were used to design and evaluate the ATIs’ capacity to reduce sediment and nutrient export. Single-storm simulations using the Watershed Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) provided boundary conditions for permeameter experiments that yielded a hydraulic conductivity for the layered gravel–woodchip configuration of 4.59 cm/s ± 0.36 cm/s. Additionally, a proportional amount of sediment was retained in the permeameter (42%) compared to the amount that settled on the permeameter surface (58%). Event monitoring of field-installed ATIs during three growing seasons measured a sediment trapping efficiency of 86 ± 12% that led to deposition rates of 5.44 ± 3.77 cm/yr, quantified with 210Pb profiles. Percent reduction values were 43% for nitrate and 17% for ortho-phosphate. Finally, long-term continuous-storm modeling using the WEPP suggested that these ATIs could withstand at least 75 25-year events before clogging. Modeling using the Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework suggested watershed-scale load reductions of 1.6% for NO3 and 1.4% for total P for ATIs draining 6.8% of the modeled watershed. Using ATIs in conjunction with WASCOBs and terraces, or as standalone practices, can be a cost-effective means for keeping sediment and nutrients in the landscape.
Comparing Different Coupling and Modeling Strategies in Hydromechanical Models for Slope Stability Assessment
Authors: Moradi Shirin , Huisman Johan Alexander , Vereecken Harry , Class Holger
Published: January 2024

The dynamic interaction between subsurface flow and soil mechanics is often simplified in the stability assessment of variably saturated landslide-prone hillslopes. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of conventional simplifications in coupling and modeling strategies on stability assessment of such hillslopes in response to precipitation using the local factor of safety (LFS) concept. More specifically, it investigates (1) the impact of neglecting poroelasticity, (2) transitioning from full coupling between hydrological and mechanical models to sequential coupling, and (3) reducing the two-phase flow system to a one-phase flow system (Richards’ equation). Two rainfall scenarios, with the same total amount of rainfall but two different relatively high (4 mm h−1) and low (1 mm h−1) intensities are considered. The simulation results of the simplified approaches are compared to a comprehensive, fully coupled poroelastic hydromechanical model with a two-phase flow system. It was found that the most significant difference from the comprehensive model occurs in areas experiencing the most transient changes due to rainfall infiltration in all three simplified models. Among these simplifications, the transformation of the two-phase flow system to a one-phase flow system showed the most pronounced impact on the simulated local factor of safety (LFS), with a maximum increase of +21.5% observed at the end of the high-intensity rainfall event. Conversely, using a rigid soil without poroelasticity or employing a sequential coupling approach with no iteration between hydromechanical parameters has a relatively minor effect on the simulated LFS, resulting in maximum increases of +2.0% and +1.9%, respectively. In summary, all three simplified models yield LFS results that are reasonably consistent with the comprehensive poroelastic fully coupled model with two-phase flow, but simulations are more computationally efficient when utilizing a rigid porous media and one-phase flow based on Richards’ equation.
Artificial Intelligence Technologies Revolutionizing Wastewater Treatment: Current Trends and Future Prospective
Authors: Alprol Ahmed E. , Mansour Abdallah Tageldein , Ibrahim Marwa Ezz El-Din , Ashour Mohamed
Published: January 2024

Integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) into the fields of wastewater treatment and water quality prediction has the potential to revolutionize traditional approaches and address urgent challenges, considering the global demand for clean water and sustainable systems. This comprehensive article explores the transformative applications of smart IoT technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models, in these areas. A successful example is the implementation of an IoT-based automated water quality monitoring system that utilizes cloud computing and ML methods to effectively address the above-mentioned issues. The IoT has been employed to optimize, simulate, and automate various aspects, such as monitoring and managing natural systems, water-treatment processes, wastewater-treatment applications, and water-related agricultural practices like hydroponics and aquaponics. This review presents a collection of significant water-based applications, which have been combined with the IoT, artificial neural networks, or ML and have undergone critical peer-reviewed assessment. These applications encompass chlorination, adsorption, membrane filtration, monitoring water quality indices, modeling water quality parameters, monitoring river levels, and automating/monitoring effluent wastewater treatment in aquaculture systems. Additionally, this review provides an overview of the IoT and discusses potential future applications, along with examples of how their algorithms have been utilized to evaluate the quality of treated water in diverse aquatic environments.
Análise de custo entre os sistemas construtivos alvenaria convencional em concreto armado e alvenaria estrutural –vantagens e desvantagens
Authors: Duque Marcos Vinicius , Da Silva Alisson Sousa
Published: January 2024

A alvenaria estrutural e a alvenaria convencional em concreto armado são os sistemas construtivos mais utilizados na construção brasileira. A escolha entre esses dois sistemas construtivos tem sido uma questão recorrente para os profissionais da área da construção civil. Ambos apresentam vantagens e desvantagens únicas que devem ser cuidadosamente consideradas durante o processo de tomada de decisão. Desta forma este artigo buscou como objetivo principal compreender qual dos dois sistemas construtivos analisados podem mais vantajosos em termos de custo e desempenho estrutural. A metodologia deste estudo seguiu os procedimentos de uma revisão de literatura. Os resultados indicam que o sistema construtivo em alvenaria estrutural é o mais vantajoso tanto do ponto de vista estrutural, quanto econômico, com uma obra bem planejada, organizada e com bons profissionais os resultados são satisfatórios.
Improvisation in wicking property of flexible polyurethane foams by adding bamboo and gelatin fillers
Authors: Jaiswal Harshi , Gopalasamudram Mahesh N , Maitra Jaya
Published: January 2024

PU foam is one of the softest, most easily accessible, and affordable mattress materials. In PU foam, wider pores and a more open-cell structure have both advantages and drawbacks. Despite having fewer cells PU foam does not control airflow very effectively and commonly faces criticism for causing body heat and for retaining moisture. A warm, humid climate because of stored body moisture and sweat functions as a haven for bacteria and germs and encourages the proliferation of dust mites contributing to excessive odour and allergic reactions. This study aims to investigate the impact of bamboo and gelatin filler dosage or loading on the wicking property of the foam by using a discontinuous foaming process. Foams with gelatin and bamboo fillers were prepared at 2, 4, and 8% by weight concentrations, respectively, along with a standard 32-density foam without filler. A comparative study was conducted on the effect of increasing filler content on the wicking and mechanical properties of the foam. The wicking and porosity levels of bamboo-filled foam were higher than standard foam and gelatin-loaded foam. With increasing concentrations of bamboo filler, a rapid increase in foam wicking by 7–10 mm was noted. However, an increase in gelatin filler concentration resulted in an increase in foam porosity and elongation with a slight improvement in wicking ability. Improvisation in the wicking property of the foam was observed with dosage increment of bamboo filler. According to this research findings, the bamboo powder can be utilized as a filler to enhance wicking properties in flexible polyurethane foam.
Model studies for desilting basin for Teesta-VI H.E. project, Sikkim – a case study
Authors: Qamar Mohd Ziaul , Verma Manoj Kumar , Meshram Asit , Isaac Neena
Published: January 2024

Desilting basins play an important role in run-of-river hydro power projects on Himalayan Rivers. These rivers carry huge amount of sediment with them, due to steep slopes and fragile geology of the region. The suspended sediment enters through the power intake and ultimately the power house. This causes heavy damage to the turbines and other under water parts. Therefore, desilting basins are provided to eliminate suspended sediment from the water conductor system. The design of desilting basin is verified on a physical model for 90% removal of suspended sediment coarser than 0.2 or 0.3 mm and efficacy of flushing tunnel below in transporting the settled sediment. Central Water and Power Research Station, Pune has conducted physical model studies for desilting basin for various hydro power projects in India and neighbouring countries. One such study, Hydraulic model studies for desilting basin for 500 MW Teesta-VI Hydro Electric Project, Sikkim is presented in this paper. Various design parameters such as length of desilting basin, length and bed slope of inlet transition, outlet transition, size of silt flushing tunnel, size and spacing of openings connecting main basin with silt flushing tunnel etc. were tested during the model studies. The results in terms of settling efficiency for 0.3 mm size particles were obtained.
“Missão Dada, Missão Cumprida”. Os relatórios de gestão e sua eficácia como ferramenta de feedback e sua usabilidade na doutrina do Canal de Comando no âmbito das Polícias Militares
Authors: Cordeiro Luciano
Published: January 2024

Em um mundo extremamente volátil, complexo e multidimensional, líderes e colaboradores nas esferas privada e pública estão constantemente se aprimorando para entregar resultados coerentes e cada vez mais satisfatórios à construção de uma cultura de gestão com alta performance, o que é essencial para o “êxito da missão” em nossos dias. O atual desenho que se declara sobre as Corporações Policiais Militares foi marcado por uma longa caminhada de acertos e erros, evidenciada na indelével evolução das estratégias de comando e de comunicação. Marcada por uma transformação de paradigma, sobretudo, por uma significativa mudança institucional frente aos desafios métricos do complience e da ISO 9001, que se traduz na vanguarda do conhecimento técnico e no absoluto comprometimento dos líderes e de todos os entes envolvidos para que seja possível dar o próximo passo em direção a qualidade total. Uma nova cultura se apresenta à disposição e, de forma disruptiva, concretiza tais mudanças por intermédio de dados consolidados devidamente categorizados e padronizados nos Relatórios Gerenciais e de Gestão. O que se pretende demonstrar é algo factível e uma poderosa ferramenta de controle e análise de cenário para contribuir, de forma assertiva e producente, ao processo de tomada de decisão na medida em que a doutrina vigente permite. Ora, corroborar com o jargão “missão dada é missão cumprida”, na mais profícua contribuição que cada profissional possa oferecer é algo que sempre foi e continua sendo fundamental para o desenvolvimento de toda e qualquer organização. Na medida em que esta mudança de comportamento se transforma em hábito, consequentemente a cultura se estabelece, tecnicamente, significa dizer que é a quintessência do Exercício do Comando.
Contaminación por metales pesados (Cd y Pb) en Mejillón Mytella guyanensis (Lamarck, 1819) (Guayaquil, Ecuador)
Authors: Vaca Ana Gabriela Balseca , Ramírez-Prado Nelson , Castro Roberto , Pernía Beatriz
Published: January 2024

El Estero Salado es un sistema estuarino situado al occidente del río Guayas que lleva las aguas del Golfo por una serie de ramificaciones hasta la ciudad de Guayaquil. A pesar de la importancia económica, social y ecosistémica, el Estero Salado ha sufrido alteraciones físicas y químicas debido a las actividades antropogénicas, en especial se ha contaminado con metales pesados. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar concentraciones de cadmio y plomo en agua, sedimento y Mytella guyanensis en los puentes 5 de Junio (Pe) y Perimetral (Pt) en el Estero Salado, Guayaquil – Ecuador. Para ello se realizaron salidas de campo a las zonas de estudio, se tomaron muestras de agua, sedimento y en M. guyanensis. Posteriormente, las muestras se llevaron a peso seco, se digirieron en HNO3 y se analizaron por espectrofotometría de absorción atómica de llama. El Cd solo se detectó en agua a razón de 0,016±0,002 ppm en ambas localidades y el Pb en agua 0,283±0,015 ppm y 0,301±0,058 para Puente Perimetral y 5 de Junio, respectivamente. En sedimento no se detectó Cd y se observaron altas concentraciones de Pb en un rango de 47,75-135,29 ppm en Pt y de 20,65-248,70 en Pe. Los Mejillones no acumularon Cd, pero si Pb en altas concentraciones 2,30±0,79 ppm y 4,18±1,97 en Pt y Pe, respectivamente, superando los límites máximos permisibles según el Codex Alimentarius para consumo humano. En líneas generales se cuantificaron concentraciones de Pb en agua y sedimento de las muestras obtenidas en el área de estudio, encontrándose valores superiores a los límites máximos permisibles según el TULSMA y la Norma Canadiense para plomo, por lo que la flora y fauna se podrían ver amenazadas por la contaminación con este metal pesado.
Episioplastia em cadela filhote: relato de caso
Authors: Nascimento Gabrielle Duarte , Miranda Yuri Brito , Silva Anne Caroline Tavares , Alves Breno Henrique
Published: January 2024

A episioplastia, conhecida popularmente como vulvoplastia, é um procedimento cirúrgico reconstrutivo que visa retirar o excesso de pele ao redor da vulva. O excesso de dobras cutâneas vulvares ocorre comumente em fêmeas obesas e em fêmeas com vulva infantil e recessada, a urina e secreções vaginais são retidas nas dobras, resultando em uma possível dermatite perivulvar superficial, além de sinais clínicos que incluem dor perineal, odor, vaginite, infecção do trato urinário repetidos, incontinência urinária e polaquiuria. Antes de se proceder à cirurgia, deve-se curar a piodermite com medicamentos. A dermatite perivulvar causa mau odor persistente e incomodo, promovendo o autotrauma, que agrava a inflamação. Pode se desenvolver em fêmeas com vulva muito pequena, principalmente se a cadela possuir excesso de tecido adiposo na região e, especialmente, se também apresentar incontinência urinária. O presente estudo teve como objetivo relatar o tratamento em uma cadela com dermatite perivulvar grave mediante correção cirúrgica pela técnica de episioplastia.
Modeling and simulation of a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Tag for Hospital Applications
Authors: Nascimento Laiza Costa Santos , Pinheiro Andrey Souza , Vieira Emerson Gean Sousa , Ribeiro Lucas dos Santos , Da Silva Elvio Prado , Santos Polyane Alves , Dos Santos Kenedy Marconi Geraldo , Silveira Tagleorge Marques
Published: January 2024

Electromagnetism and all the principles associated with it have been studied extensively due, above all, to their applicability in several new technologies, including Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). This system, composed of a tag, a reader, and software, aimed at information processing, operates through wireless communication, thanks to the interaction between radio waves, more specifically, their transmission and reception. This technology becomes even more remarkable, from the integration of Artificial Intelligence, in directing the collected data, to AI algorithms, responsible for recognizing patterns, anticipating demands and improving processes. In this article, RFID technology is directed towards the hospital setting, building upon an in-depth theoretical study of improvement possibilities by integrating such systems into medical and hospital services. Furthermore, based on the modelling of an RFID tag with a chip, modifications are made to the original structure, with the insertion of resonator rings, resulting in miniaturization of the initial project, as well as redundancy in the reading process, results that were analysed in the software © CST Microwave Studio, given continuous computer simulations.
Interpretacion de la calidad del agua de uso recreativo
Authors: Maero Ivana
Published: January 2024

En el agua de rio se encuentran presentes un importante número de componentes, tanto de origen natural como antrópico, que pueden obstaculizar el desarrollo de sus utilidades. El Embalse de Villa Mercedes se inauguró en el mes de diciembre del año 2016, es una represa que tiene fines turísticos y recreativos. En su recorrido ofrece muchas posibilidades como la disponibilidad de agua para consumo humano y bebida del ganado, también la realización de actividades recreativas y turísticas, siendo también el cauce receptor de aguas efluentes industriales, vertidos cloacales y aguas de tormenta. El área de estudio está comprendida en la zona adyacente al tramo del Río Quinto de coordenadas geográficas 33º41´53.0” S 65º28´26.8” W. El objetivo de este trabajo es estimar la calidad del agua en el mes de febrero del año 2019, se emplea el índice de Calidad de Agua “Water Quality Index” (WQI) que se desarrolló en 1970 por la National Sanitation Fundation (NSF) de Estados Unidos, siguiendo la metodología de cálculo que proponen la Universidad de Pamplona (2016) y Patricia Torres et. al. (2009). El valor que se obtiene del Índice de calidad del agua, indica que el recurso es de mediana calidad, no recomendando algunas actividades.