bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two Sides of the Same Coin. University-Industry Collaboration and Open Innovation as Enhancers of Firm Performance
Authors: Costa Joana , Neves Ana Rita , Reis João
Published: March 2021

Open innovation is proved to be determinant in the rationalization of sustainable innovation ecosystems. Firms, universities, governments, user communities and the overall environment are called to contribute to this dynamic process. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the impact of open innovation on firms’ performance and to empirically assess whether university-industry collaborations are complementary or substitutes for this activity. Primary data were collected from a survey encompassing 908 firms, and then combined with performance indicators from SABI (Spanish and Portuguese business information). Econometric estimations were run to evaluate the role of open innovation and university-industry collaboration in the firm innovative propensity and performance. Results highlight the importance of diversity in collaborations with the academia and inbound open innovation strategy as enhancers of firm performance. The two activities reinforce each other. By testing the impact of open innovation practices on company performance, the need for heterogeneity in terms of contact type and university is also demonstrated. Findings cast light on the need to reformulate existing policy packages, reinforcing the ties with academia as well as the promotion of open innovation strategies. The connection to the innovation ecosystem needs to be further encouraged as well as the promotion of persistent connections with the knowledge sources in an open and multilateral framework.
Applications of Certain Conic Domains to a Subclass of q-Starlike Functions Associated with the Janowski Functions
Authors: Khan Bilal , Srivastava Hari Mohan , Khan Nazar , Darus Maslina , Ahmad Qazi Zahoor , Tahir Muhammad
Published: March 2021

In our present investigation, with the help of the basic (or q-) calculus, we first define a new domain which involves the Janowski function. We also define a new subclass of the class of q-starlike functions, which maps the open unit disk U, given by U= z:z∈C and z <1, onto this generalized conic type domain. We study here some such potentially useful results as, for example, the sufficient conditions, closure results, the Fekete-Szegö type inequalities and distortion theorems. We also obtain the lower bounds for the ratio of some functions which belong to this newly-defined function class and for the sequences of the partial sums. Our results are shown to be connected with several earlier works related to the field of our present investigation. Finally, in the concluding section, we have chosen to reiterate the well-demonstrated fact that any attempt to produce the rather straightforward (p,q)-variations of the results, which we have presented in this article, will be a rather trivial and inconsequential exercise, simply because the additional parameter p is obviously redundant.
Effects of Light on the Ochratoxigenic Fungi Aspergillus ochraceus and A. carbonarius
Authors: Zhang Haiyong , Wang Gang , Yang Qingli , Yang Xu , Zheng Yongquan , Liu Yang , Xing Fuguo
Published: March 2021

Ochratoxin A (OTA) usually contaminates agricultural products such as grapes, oatmeal, coffee and spices. Light was reported as an effective strategy to control spoilage fungi and mycotoxins. This research investigated the effects of light with different wavelengths on the growth and the production of OTA in Aspergillus ochraceus and Aspergillus carbonarius. The results showed that the growth of both fungi were extremely inhibited by UV-B. Short-wavelength (blue, violet) significantly inhibited the production of OTA in both fungi, while the inhibitory effect of white was only demonstrated on A. ochraceus. These results were supported by the expression profiles of OTA biosynthetic genes of A. ochraceus and A. carbonarius. To clarify, the decrease in OTA production is induced by inhibition or degradation; therefore, the degradation of OTA under different wavelengths of light was tested. Under UV-B, the degradation rate of 10 μg/mL OTA standard pure-solution samples could reach 96.50% in 15 days, and the degradation effect of blue light was relatively weak. Furthermore, infection experiments of pears showed that the pathogenicity of both fungi was significantly decreased under UV-B radiation. Thus, these results suggested that light could be used as a potential target for strategies in the prevention and control of ochratoxigenic fungi.
The Impact of CKD on Uremic Toxins and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Rysz Jacek , Franczyk Beata , Ławiński Janusz , Olszewski Robert , Ciałkowska-Rysz Aleksanda , Gluba-Brzózka Anna
Published: March 2021

Numerous studies have indicated that the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is strictly associated with the accumulation of toxic metabolites in blood and other metabolic compartments. This accumulation was suggested to be related to enhanced generation of toxins from the dysbiotic microbiome accompanied by their reduced elimination by impaired kidneys. Intestinal microbiota play a key role in the accumulation of uremic toxins due to the fact that numerous uremic solutes are generated in the process of protein fermentation by colonic microbiota. Some disease states, including CKD, are associated with the presence of dysbiosis, which can be defined as an “imbalanced intestinal microbial community with quantitative and qualitative changes in the composition and metabolic activities of the gut microbiota”. The results of studies have confirmed the altered composition and functions of gut microbial community in chronic kidney disease. In the course of CKD protein-bound uremic toxins, including indoxyl sulfate, p-cresyl glucuronide, p-cresyl sulfate and indole-3-acetic acid are progressively accumulated. The presence of chronic kidney disease may be accompanied by the development of intestinal inflammation and epithelial barrier impairment leading to hastened systemic translocation of bacterial-derived uremic toxins and consequent oxidative stress injury to the kidney, cardiovascular and endocrine systems. These findings offer new therapeutic possibilities for the management of uremia, inflammation and kidney disease progression and the prevention of adverse outcomes in CKD patients. It seems that dietary interventions comprising prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics could pose a promising strategy in the management of uremic toxins in CKD.
Examination of the Efficacy and Cross-Reactivity of a Novel Polyclonal Antibody Targeting the Disintegrin Domain in SVMPs to Neutralize Snake Venom
Authors: Szteiter Shelby S. , Diego Ilse N. , Ortegon Jonathan , Salinas Eliana M. , Cirilo Abcde , Reyes Armando , Sanchez Oscar , Suntravat Montamas , Salazar Emelyn , Sánchez Elda E. , Galan Jacob A.
Published: March 2021

Snake envenomation can result in hemorrhage, local necrosis, swelling, and if not treated properly can lead to adverse systemic effects such as coagulopathy, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity, which can result in death. As such, snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) and disintegrins are two toxic components that contribute to hemorrhage and interfere with the hemostatic system. Administration of a commercial antivenom is the common antidote to treat snake envenomation, but the high-cost, lack of efficacy, side effects, and limited availability, necessitates the development of new strategies and approaches for therapeutic treatments. Herein, we describe the neutralization ability of anti-disintegrin polyclonal antibody on the activities of isolated disintegrins, P-II/P-III SVMPs, and crude venoms. Our results show disintegrin activity on platelet aggregation in whole blood and the migration of the SK-Mel-28 cells that can be neutralized with anti-disintegrin polyclonal antibody. We characterized a SVMP and found that anti-disintegrin was also able to inhibit its activity in an in vitro proteolytic assay. Moreover, we found that anti-disintegrin could neutralize the proteolytic and hemorrhagic activities from crude Crotalus atrox venom. Our results suggest that anti-disintegrin polyclonal antibodies have the potential for a targeted approach to neutralize SVMPs in the treatment of snakebite envenomations.
Presence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on Healthcare Workers’ Attire: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lena Pavlina , Ishak Angela , Karageorgos Spyridon A , Tsioutis Constantinos
Published: March 2021

Contaminated healthcare workers’ (HCW) clothing risk transferring methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in healthcare facilities. We performed a systematic review in Pubmed and Scopus for 2000–2020 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to analyze evidence of MRSA on HCW attire. The primary study outcome was MRSA isolation rates on HCW clothing in healthcare settings. Out of 4425 articles, 23 studies were included: 18 with 1760 HCWs, four with 9755 HCW–patient interactions and one with 512 samples. There was a notable variation in HCWs surveyed, HCW attires, sampling techniques, culture methods and laundering practices. HCW attire was frequently colonized with MRSA with the highest rates in long-sleeved white coats (up to 79%) and ties (up to 32%). Eight studies reported additional multidrug-resistant bacteria on the sampled attire. HCW attire, particularly long-sleeved white coats and ties, is frequently contaminated with MRSA. Banning certain types and giving preference to in-house laundering in combination with contact precautions can effectively decrease MRSA contamination and spread.
The Antiviral Activities of Poly-ADP-Ribose Polymerases
Authors: Malgras Mathilde , Garcia Magali , Jousselin Clément , Bodet Charles , Lévêque Nicolas
Published: March 2021

The poly-adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribose polymerases (PARPs) are responsible for ADP-ribosylation, a reversible post-translational modification involved in many cellular processes including DNA damage repair, chromatin remodeling, regulation of translation and cell death. In addition to these physiological functions, recent studies have highlighted the role of PARPs in host defenses against viruses, either by direct antiviral activity, targeting certain steps of virus replication cycle, or indirect antiviral activity, via modulation of the innate immune response. This review focuses on the antiviral activity of PARPs, as well as strategies developed by viruses to escape their action.
Negative Regulation of the Innate Immune Response through Proteasomal Degradation and Deubiquitination
Authors: Budroni Valentina , Versteeg Gijs A.
Published: March 2021

The rapid and dynamic activation of the innate immune system is achieved through complex signaling networks regulated by post-translational modifications modulating the subcellular localization, activity, and abundance of signaling molecules. Many constitutively expressed signaling molecules are present in the cell in inactive forms, and become functionally activated once they are modified with ubiquitin, and, in turn, inactivated by removal of the same post-translational mark. Moreover, upon infection resolution a rapid remodeling of the proteome needs to occur, ensuring the removal of induced response proteins to prevent hyperactivation. This review discusses the current knowledge on the negative regulation of innate immune signaling pathways by deubiquitinating enzymes, and through degradative ubiquitination. It focusses on spatiotemporal regulation of deubiquitinase and E3 ligase activities, mechanisms for re-establishing proteostasis, and degradation through immune-specific feedback mechanisms vs. general protein quality control pathways.
Limited Genetic Diversity Detected in Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Related Coronavirus Variants Circulating in Dromedary Camels in Jordan
Authors: Seifert Stephanie N. , Schulz Jonathan E. , Ricklefs Stacy , Letko Michael , Yabba Elangeni , Hijazeen Zaidoun S. , Holloway Peter , Al-Omari Bilal , Talafha Hani A. , Tibbo Markos , Adney Danielle R. , Guitian Javier , Amarin Nadim , Richt Juergen A. , McDowell Chester , Steel John , Abu-Basha Ehab A. , Al-Majali Ahmad M. , van Doremalen Neeltje , Munster Vincent J.
Published: March 2021

Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a persistent zoonotic pathogen with frequent spillover from dromedary camels to humans in the Arabian Peninsula, resulting in limited outbreaks of MERS with a high case-fatality rate. Full genome sequence data from camel-derived MERS-CoV variants show diverse lineages circulating in domestic camels with frequent recombination. More than 90% of the available full MERS-CoV genome sequences derived from camels are from just two countries, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and United Arab Emirates (UAE). In this study, we employ a novel method to amplify and sequence the partial MERS-CoV genome with high sensitivity from nasal swabs of infected camels. We recovered more than 99% of the MERS-CoV genome from field-collected samples with greater than 500 TCID50 equivalent per nasal swab from camel herds sampled in Jordan in May 2016. Our subsequent analyses of 14 camel-derived MERS-CoV genomes show a striking lack of genetic diversity circulating in Jordan camels relative to MERS-CoV genome sequences derived from large camel markets in KSA and UAE. The low genetic diversity detected in Jordan camels during our study is consistent with a lack of endemic circulation in these camel herds and reflective of data from MERS outbreaks in humans dominated by nosocomial transmission following a single introduction as reported during the 2015 MERS outbreak in South Korea. Our data suggest transmission of MERS-CoV among two camel herds in Jordan in 2016 following a single introduction event.
HIV-1 Subtype C Drug Resistance Mutations in Heavily Treated Patients Failing Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor-Based Regimens in Botswana
Authors: Seatla Kaelo K. , Maruapula Dorcas , Choga Wonderful T. , Ntsipe Tshenolo , Mathiba Nametso , Mogwele Mompati , Kapanda Max , Nkomo Bornapate , Ramaabya Dinah , Makhema Joseph , Mmalane Mompati , Mine Madisa , Kasvosve Ishmael , Lockman Shahin , Moyo Sikhulile , Gaseitsiwe Simani
Published: March 2021

There are limited real-world mutational and virological outcomes data of treatment-experienced persons diagnosed with HIV-1 subtype C (HIV-1 C) who are failing Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor-based regimens. Requisition forms sent for HIV-1 genotypic resistance testing (GRT) between May 2015 and September 2019 were reviewed and participants experiencing virologic failure while on dolutegravir (DTG) or raltegravir (RAL) cART at sampling recruited. Sanger sequencing of the HIV-1 Pol gene was performed from residual plasma samples and drug resistance mutational (DRM) analysis performed using the Stanford University HIV drug resistance database. 40 HIV-1C integrase sequences were generated from 34 individuals, 24 of whom were on DTG cART, three on RAL cART and seven on an unknown (DTG or RAL)-anchored cART at time of GRT. 11/34 (32%) individuals had DRMs to DTG and other integrase inhibitors. 7/11 (64%) patients had exposure to a RAL-based cART at the time of sampling. Out of the 11 individuals with DRMs, one (9%) had 2-class, 6 (55%) had 3-class, and 4 (36%) had 4-class multidrug-resistant HIV-1C. 7/11 individuals (64%) are currently virologically suppressed. Of the four individuals not virologically suppressed, three had extensive DRMs involving 4-classes of ARV drugs and one individual has demised. Resistance to DTG occurs more often in patients exposed to RAL cART. Individuals with 4-class DRMs plus integrase T97 and E157Q mutations appear to have worse outcomes. There is a need for frequent VL monitoring and GRT amongst treatment-experienced HIV-1C diagnosed individuals.
Different Cross-Reactivities of IgM Responses in Dengue, Zika and Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Infections
Authors: Stiasny Karin , Malafa Stefan , Aberle Stephan W. , Medits Iris , Tsouchnikas Georgios , Aberle Judith H. , Holzmann Heidemarie , Heinz Franz X.
Published: March 2021

Flaviviruses circulate worldwide and cause a number of medically relevant human diseases, such as dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Serology plays an important role in the diagnosis of flavivirus infections, but can be impeded by antigenic cross-reactivities among flaviviruses. Therefore, serological diagnosis of a recent infection can be insufficiently specific, especially in areas where flaviviruses co-circulate and/or vaccination coverage against certain flaviviruses is high. In this study, we developed a new IgM assay format, which is well suited for the specific diagnosis of TBE, Zika and dengue virus infections. In the case of TBE and Zika, the IgM response proved to be highly specific for the infecting virus. In contrast, primary dengue virus infections induced substantial amounts of cross-reactive IgM antibodies, which is most likely explained by structural peculiarities of dengue virus particles. Despite the presence of cross-reactive IgM, the standardized nature and the quantitative read-out of the assay even allowed the serotype-specific diagnosis of recent dengue virus infections in most instances.
Interplay between RNA Viruses and Promyelocytic Leukemia Nuclear Bodies
Authors: Neerukonda Sabari Nath
Published: March 2021

Promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML NBs) are nuclear membrane-less sub structures that play a critical role in diverse cellular pathways including cell proliferation, DNA damage, apoptosis, transcriptional regulation, stem cell renewal, alternative lengthening of telomeres, chromatin organization, epigenetic regulation, protein turnover, autophagy, intrinsic and innate antiviral immunity. While intrinsic and innate immune functions of PML NBs or PML NB core proteins are well defined in the context of nuclear replicating DNA viruses, several studies also confirm their substantial roles in the context of RNA viruses. In the present review, antiviral activities of PML NBs or its core proteins on diverse RNA viruses that replicate in cytoplasm or the nucleus were discussed. In addition, viral counter mechanisms that reorganize PML NBs, and specifically how viruses usurp PML NB functions in order to create a cellular environment favorable for replication and pathogenesis, are also discussed.
Effect of on-Site Sludge Reduction and Wastewater Treatment Based on Electrochemical-A/O Combined Process
Authors: He Zhongqi , Han Wei , Zhou Xu , Jin Wenbiao , Liu Wentao , Gao Shuhong , Zhao Zhicheng , Chen Yidi , Jiang Guangming
Published: March 2021

Working on sludge with electrochemical oxidation is beneficial to promote the subsequent recessive growth of microorganisms in the sludge. To achieve the on-site sludge reduction, this study combined the anoxic/oxic (A/O) process with the electrochemical oxidation process based on the cell lysis-cryptic growth theory by determining the experimental conditions and mechanism of electrochemical cell lysis. The sludge reduction and effluent treatment of the combined process in practical operation were studied. The results showed that the cumulative sludge discharge had been reduced by 37.1% compared with that of the A/O process, and the apparent sludge yield had been reduced by 39.1% during the 30-day operation time, indicating that the electrochemical-A/O combined process could have a considerable sludge reduction effect. After the treatment, chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonium nitrogen, and total nitrogen in the effluent of the combined process reached 33.02 mg/L, 0.83 mg/L, and 9.95 mg/L, respectively. Due to the limitation of the A/O process, the removal of total phosphorus was poor. As a result, poly aluminum chloride (PAC) was employed to achieve a chemical removal of phosphorus, by which the total phosphorus (TP) of the effluent was controlled to be lower than 0.5 mg/L.
Accuracy and Reliability Analysis of Pipe Irrigation Metering Device for Sandy Water Source
Authors: Su Mingxiao , Jiao Xiyun , Li Jiang , Wu Shuyu , Wu Tianao
Published: March 2021

Sandy water sources are widely distributed and are important for agricultural development. However, no explicit result has been achieved in the research of the accuracy and reliability of pipeline metering devices as well as flow rate measurement objects (water or water–sand) of different metering devices in the process of pipelines conveying muddy water. In this study, seven kinds of sediment concentration gradients, C0–C6 (0.2–7.19%), and three different flow velocities (1.0 m/s, 1.25 m/s, 1.5 m/s) were set up, and a comparison measuring method was used to compare the flow values of three kinds of metering device (electromagnetic flowmeter, ultrasonic flowmeter and water meter) with a right triangle weir. The accuracy and reliability of the metering device were obtained by analyzing the change law of the relative error between each metering device and the right triangle weir under different flow velocities and different sediment concentrations, and the flow rate measurement objects of each metering device were finally clarified. The relative error between the electromagnetic flowmeter and right triangle weir decreased gradually with the increase in the flow velocity when the sediment concentration was constant. The maximum difference of the relative error between the electromagnetic flowmeter and the right triangle weir was 2.53% when the flow velocity was constant. Additionally, the minimum differences of the relative errors of the ultrasonic flowmeter and water meter were 2.67% and 6.90%, respectively. The measured flow law of the electromagnetic flowmeter was more in line with the measured flow law of the water–sand mixture measured by the right triangle weir. However, the relative errors of water and water–sand measured by the ultrasonic flowmeter and water meter fluctuate greatly, which does not accord with the law of muddy water measured by the right triangle weir. The results showed that the electromagnetic flowmeter has the best reliability among the three metering devices, and the accuracy can be improved by calibration before use or increasing the flow velocity of the pipe network. Under the sand grading used in this study, the electromagnetic flowmeter was recommended to measure the flow rate of pipe irrigation for sandy water sources in this paper.
Monitoring Variations in Lake Water Storage with Satellite Imagery and Citizen Science
Authors: Little Sarina , Pavelsky Tamlin M. , Hossain Faisal , Ghafoor Sheikh , Parkins Grant M. , Yelton Sarah K. , Rodgers Megan , Yang Xiao , Crétaux Jean-François , Hein Catherine , Ullah Mohammad Arman , Lina Debolina Halder , Thiede Hanne , Kelly Darren , Wilson Donald , Topp Simon N.
Published: March 2021

Despite lakes being a key part of the global water cycle and a crucial water resource, there is limited understanding of whether regional or lake-specific factors control water storage variations in small lakes. Here, we study groups of small, unregulated lakes in North Carolina, Washington, Illinois, and Wisconsin, USA using lake level measurements gathered by citizen scientists and lake surface area measurements from optical satellite imagery. We show the lake level measurements to be highly accurate when compared to automated gauges (mean absolute error = 1.6 cm). We compare variations in lake water storage between pairs of lakes within these four states. On average, water storage variations in lake pairs across all study regions are moderately positively correlated (ρ = 0.49) with substantial spread in the degree of correlation. The distance between lake pairs and the extent to which their changes in volume are correlated show a weak but statistically significant negative relationship. Our results indicate that, on regional scales, distance is not a primary factor governing lake water storage patterns, which suggests that other, perhaps lakes-specific, factors must also play important roles.
Hydraulic Resistance and Protein Fouling Resistance of a Zirconia Membrane with a Tethered PVP Layer
Authors: Chen Yian , Rovira-Bru Montserrat , Giralt Francesc , Cohen Yoram
Published: March 2021

The influence of surface modification of zirconia (ZrO2) membrane with tethered poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) chains was evaluated with respect to the impact of pH and ionic strength on hydraulic resistance and fouling resistance in the filtration of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and lysozyme (Lys) as model protein foulants. The tethered PVP surface layer led to membrane permeability and fouling propensity that were responsive to both pH and ionic strength. The PVP-modified membrane (PVP-ZrO2) hydraulic resistance increased by up to ~48% over a pH range of 6–11, but with no discernible impact at lower pH. Membrane hydraulic resistance was virtually unaffected by ionic strength over the 0.001–1 M range. However, reversible foulant cake resistance in BSA and Lys solution filtration increased with elevated ionic strength, owing in part to the weakening of protein–protein repulsion. Irreversible BSA and Lys fouling was affected by the operational pH relative to the protein isoelectric point (IEP) and reduced under conditions of chain swelling. Irreversible membrane fouling resistance for both proteins was significantly lower, by ~11–49% and 18–74%, respectively, for the PVP-ZrO2 membrane relative to the unmodified ZrO2 membrane. The present results suggest the merit of further exploration of fouling reduction and improvement of membrane cleaning effectiveness via tuning pH and ionic strength triggered conformational responsiveness of the tethered target polymer layer.
Agro-Industrial Wastewater Treatment with Decentralized Biological Treatment Methods
Authors: Akratos Christos S. , Tekerlekopoulou Athanasia G. , Vayenas Dimitrios V.
Published: March 2021

Food processing consumes high volumes of water, making agro-industries the third biggest industrial user of water after oil refineries, primary metals and chemicals industries [...]
Evaluation of the Performance and Quality of Wastewater Treated by M’zar Plant in Agadir, Morocco
Authors: Mansir Imane , Oertlé Emmanuel , Choukr-Allah Redouane
Published: March 2021

The aim of our study is based on the characterization of the effluents treated by the M’zar plant, the monitoring of its purification performance after each treatment stage and the benefits of treated wastewater reuse in Souss-Massa region. Physico-chemical and bacteriological analyses were performed monthly from May 2019 to September 2020 on four types of water: Raw Water (RW), Settled Water (SW), Filtered Water (FW) and Purified Water treated by ultraviolet radiation (PWUV). After treatment, the pH values were close to neutrality and the concentrations of COD, BOD5, SM and bacteriological parameters were below the limits recommended by Moroccan standards, with a satisfactory abatement rate (between 97.5% and 100%), with the exception of electrical conductivity, which recorded very high values (3.7 dS/cm in PWUV) due to the salt discharged by the fish industries. In fact, the treated wastewater is rich in nitrates (289.24 mg/L in PWUV) and their reuse in agriculture can therefore contribute to making significant savings in terms of fertilization (2.08 t/day of nitrogen with a daily flow of 30,000 m3/day). Furthermore, a daily quantity of 2 to 5 tons of sludge is discharged, containing 40% to 60% of dry volatile matter, which results in the biogas production of 1275 m3/day/decanter.
Adsorption of Malachite Green Dye onto Mesoporous Natural Inorganic Clays: Their Equilibrium Isotherm and Kinetics Studies
Authors: Ullah Sami , Ur Rahman Altaf , Ullah Fida , Rashid Abdur , Arshad Tausif , Viglašová Eva , Galamboš Michal , Mahmoodi Niyaz Mohammad , Ullah Haseeb
Published: March 2021

Contamination of water with organic dyes is a major environmental concern as it causes serious life-threatening environmental problems. The present research was designed to evaluate the potential of three different natural inorganic clays (NICs) i.e., Pakistani bentonite clay (PB), bentonite purchased from Alfa Aesar (BT), and Turkish red mud (RM) for malachite green (MG) dye removal from an aqueous solution. Various analytical techniques, namely X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area measurement (BET), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), were used to investigate the physicochemical properties of the NICs samples. The effect of adsorption operational parameters such as contact time, aqueous phase pH, dye concentration, and amount of NICs on the adsorption behavior of MG onto NICs samples were investigated under the batch adsorption system. The equilibrium and kinetic inspection reflected the best description of MG adsorption behavior by the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-first-order kinetic model, respectively. The results indicated that the adsorption was favorable at higher pH. The maximum adsorption capacities calculated by Langmuir isotherm for PB, BT, and RM were found to be 243.90 mg/g, 188.68 mg/g, and 172.41 mg/g, respectively. It can be concluded that natural inorganic clays with a higher surface area can be used as an effective adsorbent material to remove the MG dye from an aqueous solution.
Technical and environmental safety of machines
Authors: Sayapin S. N. , Nikolaev E. V.
Published: March 2021

Quaestiones quae oriuntur ex Aestimatio technicorum condi vehiculis cum technica inspectionem gostehinspektsiey. Articulum interesting erit Gostehnadzora inspectores, mechanicis, offi cia technica, adipiscing et alumnis studebat in respective Propria.
Improving the efficiency of tilling the soil for combine harvesting potatoes
Authors: Gadzhiyev P. I. , Ramazanova G. G. , Alekseev A. I.
Published: March 2021

The article deals with the problem of reducing the content of clods in the soil, in order to prepare it for combine harvesting potatoes. To do this, we proposed a soil-tilling rotary plow with a serrated knife shape. Tillage machines with active working bodies provide high quality tillage before planting, creating the conditions for the efficient cultivation of potatoes. The article also presents the results of a study of the influence of the cutter knife length, the milling drum rotation speed and the number of knives on the amount of the soil crumbling. The research program is presented, as well as the levels and intervals of factors variation are presented. Based on the research results, the regression equation was obtained and analyzed, which reflects in a coded form the influence of significant factors on the degree of soil crumbling. Theoretical background was verified by fi eld studies of the proposed rotary plow with a serrated knife profi le on the fi elds of Belaya Dacha Farming LLC, Tambov District, Tambov Region. Testing of a soil-tilling rotary plow with a serrated profi le of knives was carried out during the soil loosening after harvesting barley. Soil moisture content was 17.3–20.9 %, hardness was 0.8–1.8 MPa, soil density was 0.9–1.0 g/cm3 . The average height of plant and crop residues was 20 cm. From the results of the agrotechnical appraisal, it is clear that when processing the depth of 11.6 cm, the quality of crumbling was satisfactory, the density of the cultivation layer was 1.10 g/cm3 , which meets the agrotechnical requirements for the maturation of potatoes. Weed plants are pruned completely. The height of the ridges was 1.54–1.62 cm. In heavy soils, the combines began to work easier, the heap became clean from clods and damage to tubers was reduced. When combineharvesting potatoes, their productivity in the prepared area by rotatilling increased by almost 25 %. The amount of soil impurities in the hopper decreases by 35–40 %.
Development vectors and foreign experience in automation, informatization, digitalization in the agricultural sector
Authors: Kovalev I. L.
Published: March 2021

The article explores the main stages of the development of information technology in the world, con-siders some of the most important areas of IT technology development and global trends in the digital transformation of the agro-industrial complex based on the analysis of global scientific achievements, research reports, articles by famous scientists, scientific and expert organizations. The main trends are identified that determine the conceptual development of the so-called “Smart (digital) agriculture”, which contribute in every way to ensure highly rational social, economic, technical and technological development of the agricultural sector.
Application of a gas powder surfacing at restoration of camshafts internal combustion engines
Authors: Slinko D. B. , Murzaev V. P. , Varlamova L. D.
Published: March 2021

Displaying gaspowder application of welding and spraying with wear-resistant coatings on worn surface camshafts. Developed the technology and rigging to re-build worn camshafts. Cost of recovery camshafts does not exceed 40–60 of the cost of new ones.
Claas tractor machine traffic worker safety assessment
Authors: Kovrigo O. V.
Published: March 2021

The article discusses the study of jobs of the tractor driver, CLAAS tractors and the compliance of their microclimate parameters, levels of production factors with sanitary and hygienic standards.
Generation of Transgenic Medaka Oryzias curvinotus (Nichols & Pope, 1927) Carrying a Cyan Fluorescent Protein Gene Driven by Alpha Actin Promoter
Authors: THUY VY NGUYEN HOANG , THANH TRUNG MAI NGUYEN , QUOC BINH NGUYEN , KIEU HOA NGUYEN THI , VAN DU NGUYEN , THACH THAO LUU THI , NGUYEN VU THANH
Published: March 2021

The study aimed to produce fluorescent protein transgenic medaka Oryzias curvinotus (Nichols & Pope, 1927) as a novel strain of ornamental fish. These fish were produced by transferring a plasmid consisting of a fluorescent reporter gene and a strong promoter into one-cell stage embryos. For this purpose, myosin light chain 2, but not other promoters, was mainly used. The study also evaluated the stability of the transgenic medaka germline acquiring vivid fluorescent phenotypes via the transgenesis of the cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) gene under the control of O. curvinotus skeletal alpha-actin (OCacta) promoter. The pOCacta-CFP plasmid, containing a OCacta promoter and CFP reporter gene, was transferred into the one-cell stage of O. curvinotus embryos by a microinjection technique. As a result, 36 of 1386 microinjected O. curvinotus embryos exhibited CFP signals in their trunks. The expressed CFP signals in O. curvinotus embryos and adults were detected under a microscope using a green fluorescent protein (GFP) filter (450–490 nm wavelength), and blue LED light (400–450 nm wavelength). Five O. curvinotus founders showing clear CFP signals were selected and crossed with non-transgenic counterparts to produce subsequent generations. Among strains, the frequency of germline transmission from founder to F1 was highly variable. Only two of the five founders successfully pass the transgene to the F1 generation. At present, the progeny of subsequent generations is being produced and tested for the expression of CFP signals, and therefore, stable lines are ongoing.
Les infrastructures de transport dans l’environnement : intégration ou effraction ?
Authors: Janin Patrick
Published: March 2021

Les développements du droit de l’environnement issus du « Grenelle de l’environnement » ont apporté des garanties nouvelles quant à l’insertion des infrastructures de transport dans le milieu naturel. La réforme de l’étude d’impact a renforcé sa portée, notamment en rendant obligatoire la mise en oeuvre des mesures destinées à réduire ou compenser les conséquences néfastes pour l’environnement. La « trame verte et bleue » , un réseau composé de schémas régionaux, est destinée à éviter la fragmentation des espaces naturels et la rupture des continuités écologiques et des fonctionnalités des écosystèmes par les infrastructures linéaires. La réussite de ces dispositifs reste cependant incertaine. À peine achevée, la « trame verte et bleue » est profondément affectée par la dernière réforme de l’administration régionale et, alors que l’implantation des infrastructures ne cesse de provoquer des contestations, le juge administratif reste attaché à une ligne jurisprudentielle tendant à confirmer l’utilité publique des projets d’infrastructure en dépit de leurs inconvénients pour la conservation de la diversité biologique et de l’environnement.
Chronique de droit européen de la biodiversité 2014-2015
Authors: Born Charles-Hubert
Published: March 2021

European Biodiversity Law Chronicle -2014-2015. This review aims to make a synthetic and critical presentation of the key legislative and case law developments in the field of EU biodiversity law for the years 2014 and 2015 (including significant developments until 1 July 2016 when it is necessary for consistency), with the exception of biotechnology and chemical substances. The most important landmarks during this period are : the report on the state of nature in the EU ; the “Fitness Check” assessment procedure of the Birds and Habitats Directives ; Briels and Hilde Orleans CJEU case (distinction between mitigation and compensatory measures), Grüne Liga Sachsen eV and others case (“ongoing activities” threatening the Natura 2000 network), Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland eV and Commission v. Austria case (binding character of WFD environmental objectives for individual projects) ; the adoption of the action Plan against wildlife trafficking in the context of CITES regulation ; the adoption of Regulation (EU) n° 1143/ 2014 on invasive alien species (IAS) ; the adoption of the Directive 2014/ 89/ EU on maritime spatial planning and the Directive 2014/ 52/ EU amending EIA Directive 2011/ 92/ EU.
Réflexions sur les méthodes d’une doctrine environnementale à travers l’exemple des tribunaux environnementaux des peuples
Authors: Cournil Christel
Published: March 2021

Si la doctrine juridique a été traditionnellement «confinée » dans des espaces dédiés, souvent exclusivement universitaires, la doctrine environnementale (française et internationale) innove en promouvant, aujourd’hui, son discours dans des espaces originaux d’expression (non académiques) tels que les tribunaux des peuples ou tribunaux d’opinion. De nombreux juristes, praticiens (anciens magistrats, juges, avocats) ou universitaires concourent à la mise en place de cette justice alternative. Il devient alors intéressant de chercher si ces tribunaux sont devenus une méthode doctrinale (assumée ou non) de diffusion d’un discours sur des thématiques environnementales. On se concentrera essentiellement sur l’étude des récentes sessions du Tribunal permanent des peuples et sa prochaine session sur le gaz de schiste, à la 3e session du Tribunal international des droits de la nature (2015) et à celle du Tribunal de Monsanto (2016). Ces tribunaux offrent, d’une part, des tribunes singulières d’expression pour une doctrine environnementale portées à la fois par la société civile et le concours d’universitaires engagés. D’autre part, ils sont des catalyseurs de discours doctrinaux véhiculant l’idée d’une justice environnementale à ré(i)nventer. Enfin, cette justice non étatique participerait à faire évoluer le discours sur le droit, voire à façonner indirectement sa production.
Le positionnement de la doctrine en droit de l’environnement en Allemagne
Authors: Rehbinder Eckard
Published: March 2021

L’article analyse le positionnement de la doctrine universitaire et extra-universitaire en droit de l’environnement allemand sous des perspectives différentes. L’accent est mis sur le positionnement de la doctrine par rapport aux intérêts des parties intéressées (stakeholders). Sous cet angle, l’article développe une typologie simplifiée pour classifier le spectre pluraliste de la doctrine moderne. Cependant, il souligne aussi les effets d’harmonisation causés par le « verdissement » de la politique, la société civile et l’économie en Allemagne. En outre, l’article analyse le positionnement de la doctrine environnementaliste par rapport aux réformes législatives et l’ouverture au droit de l’environnement de l’Union européenne.
Triple A Sendromlu Hastada Genel Anestezi Yönetimi – Olgu Sunumu
Authors: TOPÇU İsmet , BAHAR BAŞKAVAS İlknur
Published: March 2021

Triple A (Allgrove, AAA) sendromu akalazya, alakrima ve adrenal yetmezliğin birlikte görüldüğü nadir otozomal resesif bir bozukluktur. Nörolojik bozukluklar ve otonom nöropati de bu sendromla birlikte sık görülen durumlardır. Adrenal yetmezlik; ameliyat, enfeksiyon veya travma gibi durumlarda adrenal krize sebep olabilir. Bu da çeşitli ameliyatlar için anestezi sırasında anestezistleri zor durumlarla karşı karşıya getirebilir. Bu olgu ile Triple A sendromlu bir çocuğun anestezi yönteminde dikkat edilmesi gereken noktalarla ilgili deneyimlerimizi paylaşmayı amaçladık.
Transmigration Of An Intrauterine Device Which Presents Abscess In Sigmoid Mesocolon
Authors: DEMİRLİ ATICI Semra , KİLİNC Gizem , ÇALIK Bülent , AKBULUT Gökhan
Published: March 2021

The intrauterine device (IUD) is an effective, reversible, widely used contraception method. After RIA placement, rare, serious complications such as migration to abdominopelvic viscera, pelvis, bladder, rectum and colon can be observed. A 33-year-old female had a previous history of IUD insertion in an external center presented emergency service with abdominal pain. Due to the presence of acute abdominal findings, explorative laparotomy was performed. The exploration revealed a RIA with a limited abscess formation migrated to the sigmoid colon wall and mesocolon. IUD was excised with limited mesocolon of sigmoid and primary suturing was performed. The patient was discharged uneventfully on the 7th postoperative day. Transmigration of IUD to sigmoid colon is a rare condition. Physicians should keep in mind that patients with a history of IUD who had changes in bowel habits and chronic pelvic pain symptoms may be a sign of colonic migration of IUD.
Direkt Grafi ve Manyetik Rezonans Görüntüleme Yöntemleri ile Tespit Edilen Os Trigonum Olgusu
Authors: GÜRLEK ÇELİK Nihal , ÖZTÜRK Mehmet , KARABULUT Ahmet Kağan , FAZLIOĞULLARI Zeliha , ÜNVER Nadire
Published: March 2021

Os trigonum ilk kez 1804 yılında Rosenmuller tarafından tanımlanmıştır. Os trigonum talus’un posterolateral tarafında yer alan aksesuar bir kemiktir. Genellikle 8-13 yaşlarında talus’un yanında ayrı bir ossifikasyon merkezi olarak gelişim gösterir ve 12 ay içinde kaynaşması beklenir. Kaynaşma gerçekleşmez ise ayrı bir kemik olarak gelişir ve os trigonum adını alır. Os trigonum ayağın aşırı plantar fleksiyonu sonucu talus ve calcaneus arasında sıkışarak ayak arka kısmında ağrıya neden olur ve böylece asemptomatik olan durumun semptom göstermesine os trigonum sendromu denilmektedir. Hastanemizin acil travma birimine futbol oynarken ayak bileğinde burkulma sonucu sağ ayağında ağrı ve şişlik şikayeti ile başvuran 15 yaşında erkek hastada Direkt Grafi (DG) ve Manyetik Rezonans Görüntüleme (MRG) yöntemleri yardımı ile os trigonum tespit edilmiştir.
Finer-Resolution Mapping of Global Land Cover: Recent Developments, Consistency Analysis, and Prospects
Authors: Liu Liangyun , Zhang Xiao , Gao Yuan , Chen Xidong , Shuai Xie , Mi Jun
Published: March 2021

Land-cover mapping is one of the foundations of Earth science. As a result of the combined efforts of many scientists, numerous global land-cover (GLC) products with a resolution of 30 m have so far been generated. However, the increasing number of fine-resolution GLC datasets is imposing additional workloads as it is necessary to confirm the quality of these datasets and check their suitability for user applications. To provide guidelines for users, in this study, the recent developments in currently available 30 m GLC products (including three GLC products and thematic products for four different land-cover types, i.e., impervious surface, forest, cropland, and inland water) were first reviewed. Despite the great efforts toward improving mapping accuracy that there have been in recent decades, the current 30 m GLC products still suffer from having relatively low accuracies of between 46.0% and 88.9% for GlobeLand30-2010, 57.71% and 80.36% for FROM_GLC-2015, and 65.59% and 84.33% for GLC_FCS30-2015. The reported accuracies for the global 30 m thematic maps vary from 67.86% to 95.1% for the eight impervious surface products that were reviewed, 56.72% to 97.36% for the seven forest products, 32.73% to 98.3% for the six cropland products, and 15.67% to 99.7% for the six inland water products. The consistency between the current GLC products was then examined. The GLC maps showed a good overall agreement in terms of spatial patterns but a limited agreement for some vegetation classes (such as shrub, tree, and grassland) in specific areas such as transition zones. Finally, the prospects for fine-resolution GLC mapping were also considered. With the rapid development of cloud computing platforms and big data, the Google Earth Engine (GEE) greatly facilitates the production of global fine-resolution land-cover maps by integrating multisource remote sensing datasets with advanced image processing and classification algorithms and powerful computing capability. The synergy between the spectral, spatial, and temporal features derived from multisource satellite datasets and stored in cloud computing platforms will definitely improve the classification accuracy and spatiotemporal resolution of fine-resolution GLC products. In general, up to now, most land-cover maps have not been able to achieve the maximum (per class or overall) error of 5%–15% required by many applications. Therefore, more efforts are needed toward improving the accuracy of these GLC products, especially for classes for which the accuracy has so far been low (such as shrub, wetland, tundra, and grassland) and in terms of the overall quality of the maps.