bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
District Reliance by Service Function: A Study of Public Financing of American Special Districts
Authors: Park HyungGun , Shi Yu
Published: April 2021

Over the past several decades, special districts have proliferated and become the most rapidly growing type of local governments in the U.S. This study provides an exploratory investigation of special district finance reliance from two aspects, including expenditure reliance of general–purpose governments on special districts’ service delivery and financing mode of special districts. Using financial data collected from the Bureau of Census, this study provides detailed descriptive analyses on temporal trends and geographical patterns of expenditure reliance and revenue financing mode for four service functions. From the perspective of expenditure reliance, this study shows that special districts have replaced the role of general–purpose governments. In terms of revenue modes, special districts tend to rely on user fees, equating payers and beneficiaries of services. Moreover, this study shows that on which revenue sources the districts rely the most vary by service function and geography.
Timoshenko Beam Theory Exact Solution For Bending, Second-Order Analysis, and Stability
Authors: Fogang Valentin
Published: April 2021

This paper presents an exact solution to the Timoshenko beam theory (TBT) for bending, second-order analysis, and stability. The TBT covers cases associated with small deflections based on shear deformation considerations, whereas the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory neglects shear deformations. A material law (a moment-shear force-curvature equation) combining bending and shear is presented, together with closed-form solutions based on this material law. A bending analysis of a Timoshenko beam was conducted, and buckling loads were determined on the basis of the bending shear factor. First-order element stiffness matrices were calculated. Finally second-order element stiffness matrices were deduced on the basis of the same principle.
“Next, It Will Be You”: Women's Fear of Victimization and Precautionary Safety Behaviors in Informal Settlement Communities in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Winter Samantha , Aguilar Nathan Jason , Obara Lena Moraa , Johnson Laura
Published: April 2021

Around one billion people live in informal settlements, globally, including over half of Nairobi, Kenya’s three million residents. The purpose of this study was to explore women’s fear of victimization within Mathare, an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya and how fear of victimization influences behavior. Fifty-five in-depth interviews were conducted with women in 2016. A modified grounded theory approach guided data collection and analysis. Findings suggest fear of victimization is a serious concern in informal settlements. Women have found ways to adopt their behaviors that allow them to continue to function and protect their children despite fearing victimization, but at a potential cost to their health and well-being. Thus, there is a critical need for more research focused on social, economic, structural, community, infrastructure, technological, and individual strategies to prevent violence, enhance residents’ sense of safety, and, subsequently, minimize women’s fear of victimization in informal settlements.
Medieval Monastery Gardens in Iceland and Norway
Authors: Åsen Per Arvid
Published: April 2021

Gardening was an important part of the daily duties within several of the religious orders in Europe during the Middle Ages. The rule of Saint Benedict specified that the monastery should, if possible, contain a garden within itself, and before and above all things, special care should be taken of the sick, so that they may be served in very deed, as Christ himself. The cultivation of medicinal and utility plants was important to meet the material needs of the monastic institutions, but no physical garden has yet been found and excavated in either Scandinavia or Iceland. Especially the Cistercians were well known for being pioneer gardeners, but also other orders like the Benedictines and Augustinians practised gardening. The monasteries and nunneries operating in Iceland during medieval times are assumed to have belonged to either the Augustinian or the Benedictine orders. In Norway in addition other orders included the Dominicans, Fransiscans, Premonstratensians and Knights Hospitallers. Based on botanical investigations at all the Icelandic and Norwegian monastery sites, it is concluded that many of the plants found may have a medieval past as medicinal and utility plants, and with all the evidence combined, most probably were cultivated in monastery gardens.
A simple modification to the EDAS method for two exceptional cases
Authors: Keshavarz-Ghorabaee Mehdi
Published: April 2021

Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods and techniques have been applied to many real-world problems in different fields of engineering science and technology. The evaluation based on distance from average solution (EDAS) method is a new and efficient MCDM method. The aim of this study is to propose a modification to address two exceptional cases in which the EDAS method fails to solve an MCDM problem.
Generalizing the Physical Time Impact on the Astronauts Living on the International Space Station to the Theory of Relativity
Authors: Karami Danial
Published: April 2021

Traveling in the time has been an interesting topic almost for everyone in the world. The representatives of the community who are scientists worked on this project a lot. As time passed by, humanity information has developed more and more so by considering the obtained information throughout history, some scientists have succeeded in explaining some hypothesis that changed the mind of society about being not capable to travel in the time. Anyway in this research we will get familiar with the suggested paths that make us capable to travel in the time and find out how it is possible. Also, by analyzing and checking out some figures and available data about astronauts, it investigated that traveling in time is not a dream anymore and the rate of passing time can be changed by using nowadays technology.
Detection of Microcystins in Lake Manatee and Lake Washington – Two Florida Drinking Water Systems
Authors: Melaram Rajesh , Lopez-Dueñas Brandon
Published: April 2021

Clean, fresh, and safe drinking water is essential to human health and well-being. Occasionally, chemical pollutants taint surface water quality used for consumption. Microcystins (MCs) are toxic heptapeptides produced by freshwater cyanobacteria. These secondary metabolites can reach hazardous concentrations, impairing surface drinking water supplies. Inconsistent screening of MCs is not uncommon in Florida waters as no provisional guidance value is established to protect public health. The occurrence of MCs in Lake Manatee and Lake Washington was monitored over the potential peak algae bloom season (June-August). An indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA) quantified total MCs in two drinking water systems. Varied concentrations occurred between June and July, whereas concentrations peaked in August. Overall, MC prevalence was higher in Lake Manatee than Lake Washington. Colorimetric assays measured phosphate and nitrite in environmental water samples. Phosphate and nitrite concentrations strongly correlated with total MCs (p < 0.01). The results indicate the intrinsic nature of environmental MCs in surface drinking water supplies and the need to examine hepatotoxin dynamics to preserve drinking water quality in community served areas.
Prerequisites for Shallow-Transfer Machine Translation of Mordvin Languages: Language Documentation with a Purpose
Authors: Rueter Jack , Hämäläinen Mika
Published: April 2021

This paper presents the current lexical, morphological, syntactic and rule-based machine translation work for Erzya and Moksha that can and should be used in the development of a roadmap for Mordvin linguistic research. We seek to illustrate and outline initial problem types to be encountered in the construction of an Apertium-based shallow-transfer machine translation system for the Mordvin language forms. We indicate reference points within Mordvin Studies and other parts of Uralic studies, as a point of departure for outlining a linguistic studies with a means for measuring its own progress and developing a roadmap for further studies.
Analyzing the Factors Affecting the COVID-19 Risk Level in the US Counties
Authors: Ziyadidegan Samira , Razavi Moein , Pesarakli Homa , Javid Amir Hossein
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 disease spreads swiftly, and nearly three months after the first positive case was confirmed in China, Coronavirus started to spread all over the United States. Some states and counties reported an extremely high number of positive cases and deaths, while some reported too few COVID-19 related cases and mortality. In this paper, the factors that could affect the transmission of COVID-19 and its risk level in different counties have been determined and analyzed. Using Pearson Correlation, K-means clustering, and several classification models, the most critical ones were determined. Results showed that mean temperature, percent of people below poverty, percent of adults with obesity, air pressure, percentage of rural areas, and percent of uninsured people in each county were the most significant and effective attributes.
Applying Behavioral Science in Combating COVID-19 at the Workplace: A Narrative Review
Authors: Ahadzi Dzifa Francis , Owusu Hattie-Mary , Otoo John Ekow , Akumah Emily Esenam
Published: April 2021

In the absence of a vaccine, the adoption of responsible behavior is critical to the fight against COVID-19. Practicing preventive etiquettes such as hand washing, hand disinfection, wearing a face mask, practicing physical distancing, disinfection of surfaces and objects can help curb the transmission of the virus at the workplace. This paper focuses on interventions and behaviors required to curb the spread of COVID-19 at workplaces. We undertook a detailed multi-disciplinary literature search on the following topics: hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, physical distancing, quarantine and isolation, disinfection of objects and surfaces, behavior change, and health crisis communication. We identified interventions that are effective for preventing the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) at workplaces. These findings present very useful non-clinical interventions for preventing COVID-19 in the work environment.
The Health Conditions of the Elderly in Nursing Homes and Their Care Needs
Authors: Luthfa Iskim , Pandin Moses Glorino Rumambo
Published: April 2021

Bacground, the increasing number of elderly is a new challenge for health care systems around the world. The phenomenon of the complex health problems experienced by the elderly encourages families to bring the elderly to a nursing home. The purpose of this study was to describe the condition of the elderly living in nursing homes and their care needs. Methodology, this research design is a literature review, article search using 5 databases, namely Scopus, ProQuest, Pubmed, CINAHL and Scient Direct. Articles reviewed from 2019 to 2021. Protocol and evaluation of literature review using the PRISMA checklist, and the assessment guide using the Joanna Briggs Institute Guideline. Results, the health conditions of the elderly who live in the orphanage are mostly aged 60 years and over, physically experiencing disturbances in their daily activities and dependence. Psychologically experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness and even mental disorders and socially need family support. The care needs of the elderly in nursing homes include services by competent and culturally sensitive staff and nurses, safe and comfortable nursing home environmental services, privacy needs and social interactions, spiritual needs services, social guidance services, and skills guidance services. Conclusion, based on the literature review, it can be seen that nursing services should be provided in a humanistic and holistic manner, the elderly are clients who have both bio-psycho-socio-cultural and spiritual needs. So that nursing services are aimed at meeting the needs of the elderly in a comprehensive manner.
Photoionization Cross Sections of Carbon-Like N+ near the K-Edge (390 eV - 440 eV)
Authors: Mosnier Jean-Paul , Kennedy Eugene T , Bizau Jean-Marc , Cubaynes Denis , Guilbaud Ségolène , Blancard Christophe , McLaughlin Brendan M.
Published: April 2021

High-resolution K-shell photoionization cross-sections for the C-like atomic nitrogen ion (N+) are reported in the 398 eV (31.15 Å) to 450 eV (27.55 Å) energy (wavelength) range. The results were obtained from absolute ion-yield measurements using the SOLEIL synchrotron radiation facility for spectral bandpasses of 65 meV or 250 meV. In the photon energy region 398 eV - 403 eV, 1s⟶2p autoionizing resonance states dominated the cross section spectrum. Analyses of the experimental profiles yielded resonance strengths and Auger widths. In the 415 eV - 440 eV photon region 1s⟶1s2s22p2 4Pnp and 1s⟶1s2s22p2 2Pnp resonances forming well-developed Rydberg series up n=7 and n=8 , respectively, were identified in both the single and double ionization spectra. Theoretical photoionization cross-section calculations, performed using the R-matrix plus pseudo-states (RMPS) method and the multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock (MCDF) approach were bench marked against these high-resolution experimental results. Comparison of the state-of-the-art theoretical work with the experimental studies allowed the identification of new resonance features. Resonance strengths, energies and Auger widths (where available) are compared quantitatively with the theoretical values. Contributions from excited metastable states of the N+ ions were carefully considered throughout.
Play Therapy to Reduce Anxiety in Children
Authors: Endang Setyowati Wahyu , Glorino Rumambo Pandin Moses
Published: April 2021

Play therapy is an approach to providing assistance in overcoming problems using media such as toys, art media, games, and communication. The purpose of this paper is to find out that play therapy can reduce anxiety in children. The research design used in this study was a study-literature review. The data used in this research comes from the results of research that have been conducted and published in national and international online journals. The method of analysis used in this study is the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) method.
Intracellular Interactions between Arboviruses and Wolbachia in Aedes aegypti
Authors: Reyes Jerica Isabel , Suzuki Yasutsugu , Carvajal Thaddeus , Muñoz Maria Nilda , Watanabe Kozo
Published: April 2021

Aedes aegypti is inherently susceptible to arboviruses. The geographical expansion of this vector host species has led to the persistence of Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya human infections. These viruses take advantage of the mosquito’s cell to create an environment conducive for their growth. Arboviral infection triggers transcriptomic and protein dysregulation in Ae. aegypti and in effect, host antiviral mechanisms are compromised. Currently, there are no existing vaccines able to protect human hosts from these infections and thus, vector control strategies such as Wolbachia mass release program is regarded as a viable option. Considerable evidence demonstrates how the presence of Wolbachia interferes with arboviruses by decreasing cellular components vital for the pathogen and strengthening antiviral host responses. However, variation in the magnitude of Wolbachia’s viral inhibition that is neither due to strain nor density has been observed. Furthermore, the cellular mechanisms involved in the endosymbiont’s pathogen-blocking differs among hosts. This prompts the need to explore the cellular interactions between Ae. aegypti-arboviruses-Wolbachia and how these interactions overall affect the mosquito’s cell. Understanding what happens at the cellular and molecular level will provide evidence on the sustainability of Wolbachia vector control.
White Hole Cosmology - One Best Alternative for Standard Cosmology
Authors: Satya Seshavatharam U V , Lakshminarayana S
Published: April 2021

By modifying the basic definition of cosmic red shift, considering ‘speed of light’ as an absolute cosmic expansion rate and adopting ‘Planck mass’ as the basic seed of the observed large scale universe, it is certainly possible to review and revise the basic picture of ‘standard cosmology’ and in near future, a perfect model of ‘white hole cosmology’ can be developed. In this context we have developed five assumptions. First three assumptions are based on ‘time reversed’ black holes and seem to be well connected with General theory of relativity as well as Quantum mechanics. 4th and 5th assumptions are helpful in understanding current galactic dark matter and flat rotation speeds. It may be noted that, considering our first three assumptions and considering the Planck Legacy 2018 data’s enhanced lensing amplitude in cosmic microwave background power spectra - conceptually, a closed universe having a positive curvature seems to be a best fit for the observed universe. With reference to our recent publication [26], for clarity on the subject, in this short communication, we make an attempt to review and explain our proposed assumptions at fundamental level. Our aim is to see that, professional and non-professional cosmologists must understand the basics of workable quantum cosmology.
FEEDING HABITS OF Lutjanus synagris (TELEOSTEI: LUTJANIDAE) IN THE AMAZON COAST OF THE NORTHEAST REGION OF BRAZIL
Authors: FERNANDES Jackellynne Fernanda Farias , FREITAS Jailza , NUNES Yago Bruno Silveira , LOBATO Rafael Santos , FIGUEIREDO Marina Bezerra
Published: April 2021

The feeding habit of lane snapper Lutjanus synagris was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively, related to seasonality, its ontogenetic development, and the relationship between food and biotic and abiotic conditions on the Amazon Coast of Maranhão, between June 2018 and May 2019. Numerical, gravimetric, and ecological index methods were used to show the relative importance or preference of a category or food item in the diet. The food composition was studied related to the sex, size of the predator and seasonality. Of 359 stomachs sampled, 54 were empty due to regurgitation and presented a vacuity coefficient (Cv%) of 15.04%. In the analysis of diets between the sexes, it was possible to identify a greater participation of fish (30.43%) and Crabs (26.10%) for females, Shrimp (36.23%) and Organic Matter Not Identified (OMNI) (18.84%) in males. The diet showed spatial differences in length distributions. The analysis of stomach contents showed the presence synthetic materials (mesoplastics ranging from 5.0 mm to 2.5 cm) in 5.52% of the samples. The main food items found were from the Brachyura and Caridea species. The results clearly demonstrate that lane snapper prefers benthic prey, presenting a carnivorous and generalist-opportunistic habit. Its diet is also composed of demersal-pelagic species, such as Cephalopods and Teleost fish.
EXTRACTION OF COLLAGENOLYTIC ENZYME FROM FISH VISCERA BY PHASE PARTITIONING (PEG/CITRATE) AND ITS POTENTIAL FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION
Authors: SILVA Jessica Costa , LINO Luiz Henrique Svintiskas , CARNEIRO DA CUNHA Márcia Nieves , BATISTA Juanize Matias da Silva , OLIVEIRA Vagne Melo , PORTO Ana Lúcia Figueiredo
Published: April 2021

Internal viscera fish are potential sources of protein biomolecules of biopharmaceutical interest. However, this residue is frequently discarded inappropriately. The possibility to obtain by products of higher added value is a reality. Inside this view attention must be given to processes for the recovery and extraction of target molecules. However, the high cost of processing these residues is one of the obstacles to their reuse; techniques that facilitate their handling and make the process cheaper are desirable, such as extraction in a two-phase aqueous system. Thus, the aim of this study was to extract collagenolytic enzymes from common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) using a two-phase aqueous system (polyethylene glycol/citrate), according to the 24 factorial design, using as variables: molar mass of PEG (MPEG), PEG concentration (CPEG), citrate concentration (CCIT), pH, still, considering purification factor (FP), partition coefficient (K), and yield (Y). The collagenolytic activity of the crude extract was 102.41 U mg-1, after partitioning, was purified 3.91 times (MPEG: 8000; CPEG: 20.0%; CCIT: 20.0% and pH 6.0). Inhibition (U mg-1) was observed in benzamidine (22.51), TLCK (21.05), TPCK (21.29), and PMSF (23.05), signaling to be a serine-protease. The results showed the advantage of this semipurification technique as concerns to the low cost of extraction and purification, adding value to the fishing source material and allocating the residues from its processing to the industry.
BILLFISH CATCHES FROM OCEANIC RECREATIONAL FISHING IN THE ROYAL CHARLOTTE BANK, BAHIA, BRAZIL
Authors: PRIMITIVO Camila , SCHIAVETTI Alexandre , FREIRE Kátia Meirelles Felizola
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to analyze the oceanic recreational fishing in the Royal Charlotte Bank, state of Bahia, Brazil. Only data from an oceanic recreational fishing operator based in the municipality of Canavieiras, southern Bahia, were used, from 2012 to 2017. Overall, 103 fish specimens were caught and released, during this period, belonging to the following species: Makaira nigricans, Kajikia albida, and Istiophorus platypterus. Fishery operations occurred from October to March, with the highest catch in number in December (56.3%). The largest annual catch was recorded in 2013, with 39 individuals. The catch per unit effort ranged from 1.0 to 1.4 fishes per trip, with the highest value in December. Even though data presented here are partial, they can help to establish a strategic scenario for the fishing sector in Bahia, along with data from other fishing sectors (artisanal, industrial, subsistence and scientific).
A NURSERY BUILDING AS A SPACE WITH VARIABLE FILLING IN ADAPTATION TO CURRENT NEEDS. IMPORTING AND INTERACTING UNITS
Authors:   SSC ARCHITEKCI, Szumielewicz Paweł
Published: April 2021

Steve Jobs said that future should not be sought in official and main trends in the development of technical thought but in niche projects, experimental solutions that are not a part of „mainstream”; in ideas that are not obvious and seem absurd or illogical at first glance. Do the wish to prove that the impossible is within our reach let the design conditions change and adjust the direction of creative thinking so that they meet the expectations of clients and inverstors. The purpose of this paper is to attract attention to the necessity of changing the way nursery buildings are perceived and imagined – as space limited by permanent architectural barriers in which typical processes of cyclical character and didactic activities in linear schemes occur.
URBAN PLANNING SITUATION IN POLAND
Authors:   Politechnika Warszawska, Wydział Architektury Akademia Biznesu i Finansów VISTULA, Guranowska-Gruszecka Krystyna
Published: April 2021

The subject of the article relates to the current state of affairs of spatial planning system in force in Poland and the possibility to introduce positive changes to it. The author adopted the examples with which she attempts to illustrate the system from her own extensive experience in urban planning, especially in Warsaw, which was assumed as the main research field. In the article, the discussion on the abovementioned planning system starts with the statistics of urban plans made in Warsaw, the scope of social participation and analyzes conducted prior to projects. Then, focus was placed on contemporary trends: functional diversity, land and building ownership, the European Green Deal trend, as well as the necessity for management principles in urban planning and project implementations. The basic assumed research method was to compare the achievements of urban development elements in Poland with similar ones located in countries of Western Europe. In the conclusions, the final summary is presented. It consists in the author’s own recommendations for corrective action for functioning of the spatial planning system in Poland.
PARKS ON NEW YORK ISLANDS – A NEW COMPONENT IN THE URBAN SPACE AND CITYSCAPE
Authors:   Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski w Olsztynie Wydział Kształtowania Środowiska i Rolnictwa Katedra Architektury Krajobrazu, Gadomska Wiesława
Published: April 2021

This article raises the issue of setting up and developing urban parks on islands which are situated around New York’s borough of Manhattan. Among the principal consequences are an improved balance of developed green spaces in the city and the emergence of attractive public places with a variety of functions and high-quality design solutions. As for the urban landscape, interesting relations are created with respect to views of the unique silhouette of the city, and in particular of Manhattan.
ZAMORSCY – ART IN PUBLIC SPACE BY THE FAMILY OF ARTISTS
Authors:   Politechnika Wrocławska Wydział Architektury Katedra Projektowania Architektoniczno-Konstrukcyjnego, Jeziorna Paula
Published: April 2021

The main research problem of the study is an attempt to present the family of Anna, Ryszard and Jan Zamorscy as contemporary artists associated with Wrocław through the implementation of artistic objects in the public space of the city. Although their work goes beyond outdoor facilities, thanks to the openness and universality of the space in which their works are located, they have become a permanent part of the inhabitants' awareness and the history of the city. The work shows a different view of the artists' activity, where the point of reference is the place of exhibition of artistic objects, and not their subject, scale, material of execution or the entire creative output of the Zamorscy family.
BETWEEN HISTORICISM AND MODERNISM – VILLA ARCHITECTURE OF ADOLF THESMACHER IN SZCZECIN
Authors:   West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Poland Faculty of Architecture Department of Interior Architecture, Lamprecht Agnieszka
Published: April 2021

The dynamic development of Szczecin residential architecture, which began at the end of the nineteenth century, entered a new stage at the beginning of the twentieth century. Its shape was influenced by political, economic and social changes. New aesthetic currents, which heralded the coming new era, were also significant. One of the most important architects who was active in contemporaneous Szczecin was Adolf Thesmacher. An analysis of his achievements in the field of villa architecture of Szczecin can be a valuable analogy to the shaping of contemporary local architecture.
Characterisation of a carotenoid producing extremely halophilic archaeon Halorubrum sodomense MS5.1 isolated from a solar saltern in Tamil Nadu, South India
Authors: Neethu K. P. , Sobhana K. S. , Babu Keerthi R. , Jasmine S. , Ranjith L. , Jose Kingsly H. , Joshi K. K. , Gopalakrishnan A.
Published: April 2021

A carotenoid producing extremely halophilic archaeon designated MS5.1 was isolated out of brine samples from a crystalliser pond of a marine solar saltern in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, South India. The red pigmented, long rod shaped haloarchaeon was found to be able to grow at temperature range of 20-40°C, salt concentration of 10-35% and pH range of 6 to 9 with optimum conditions for growth being 28°C; 30% salt and pH 7. The archaeal cells were found to be Gram negative and got lysed when placed in distilled water. Analysis of 16S rDNA sequence revealed that the isolate is phylogenetically related to species of the genus Halorubrum under the family Halobacteriaceae, with close relationship to Halorubrum sodomense. Further analyses of the phenotypic and biochemical characteristics of the isolate confirmed the identity of the organism as Halorubrum sodemense. The gene sequence of the strain was deposited in the NCBI GenBank with Accession No. MW332265. Polar lipid characterisation of the strain by thin layer chromatography (TLC) identified the major polar lipids as Phosphatidylglycerol (PG), Phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester (PGP-Me), Diglycosyl archaeol (DGA) and Sulfated diglycosyl archaeol (S-DGA). The strain was further screened for antibiotic sensitivity and found insensitive to antibiotics that target peptidoglycan layer and found sensitive only to Nitrofurantoin and Rifampicin, which works by inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis. As halophilic archaea are known natural sources of carotenoids, an attempt was made to extract these pigments from the cells and analysed by UV-VIS spectroscopy. Present study characterised the haloarchaeal strain H. sodomense MS5.1 isolated from a coastal solar saltern, optimised the growth conditions and the results clearly indicated that the strain is a potential source of carotenoids and halophilic enzymes.
Blue revolution in India: Status and future perspectives
Authors: Lakra W. S. , Gopalakrishnan A.
Published: April 2021

Fisheries and aquaculture development in India witnessed impressive growth in recent years. The country is rich in aquatic genetic resources distributed from deep sea to the cold Himalayan rivers sharing about 10% of the global aquatic biodiversity. The capture fisheries production in the country has more or less stabilised but the growth in inland aquaculture has been tremendous during the past three decades. Freshwater aquaculture contributes to about 85-90% of the farmed fish. In 2018-19, India was the second largest producer of fish in the world with a total production of 13.4 million t comprising 3.7 million t from marine and 9.7 million t from inland sector. The technological advances enabled the country to significantly enhance production and productivity particularly in the fresh and brackishwater aquaculture sectors. Recent progress in cage culture in reservoirs and mariculture in the sea offer new avenues for aquaculture diversification and development. Major constraints in capture fisheries production are depleted stocks due to habitat degradation, overexploitation, poor governance, climate change, in addition to harvest and post-harvest losses. The key problems in culture fisheries include low average productivity due to low adoption of technology, disease prevalence, non-availability of quality seed and cost effective feed for desired species. Cutting edge translational research and technology upscaling and dissemination along with improved governance, fisher and farmer centric fisheries policy support and large scale capacity building in both aquaculture and marine fisheries sectors are the key strategies for achieving the targets of blue revolution in the country. This comprehensive review of the Indian fisheries and aquaculture provides latest information on resources, sectoral production, technology intervention and policy formulations along with recommendations as well as future perspectives.
Impact of cage culture in reservoir on the livelihood of fishers: A case study in Jharkhand, India
Authors: Pandit Arun , Das B. K. , Chandra Ganesh , Roy Aparna , Debroy Piyashi , Yadav A. K. , Chakraborty L. , Biswas D. K.
Published: April 2021

Cage fish farming in Indian reservoirs has the potential to enhance the reservoir production manifold. The present study estimated that around 14,000 cages have been installed in different reservoirs of the country which are producing around 16% of the current reservoir fish production. Around 7.5 lakh mandays of labour are being generated by cage fish farming in the country. An empirical study in the state of Jharkhand State found that the adoption of cage culture contributed around 30% to the livelihood of fishers. Cage culture not only increased monthly family income but also reduced the occupational migration. The fishermen households who adopted cage farming also accumulated some durable assets due to improvement in household income. However, high initial cost of cage culture operation, high feed cost and low market price of cultured pangas fish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) were some of the major constraints in adopting the technology as reported by the fishers. The study recommends that the state departments need to promote the use of low cost galvanised iron(GI) cages designed by the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI) in reservoirs which may play a significant role in fulfilling the vision of blue revolution in the country.
EFFECT OF HESPERETIN TREATMENT ON BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVEL, SPERMATOZOA QUALITY, AND SPERMATOZOA QUANTITY IN ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC MICE
Authors: Nerdy Nerdy , Meliala Linta , Barus Bunga Rimta , Lestari Puji , Ginting Selamat , Ariani Peny , Mierza Vriezka , Bakri Tedy Kurniawan
Published: April 2021

Male infertility has occurred rapidly in the last few decades, primarily in developing countries. An antioxidant, hesperetin is a flavonoid that is found in abundance in orange peels. The aims of this research were to determine the effect of hesperetin on blood sugar levels, spermatozoaquality, and spermatozoa quantity. The research structure included induction of diabetes mellitus and treatment for 8 weeks, followed bydetermination of blood sugar levels, spermatozoa quality, and spermatozoa quantity. Hesperetin has the ability to restore blood sugar levels, spermatozoa quantity, seminiferous tubules diameter, and testicular weight, volume, and germinal epithelial layer thickness with significant difference from the normal control group. Hesperetin did not fully restore spermatozoa motility, viability, and morphology with significant difference from the normal control group, nor from the positive control group. However, overall, hesperetin decreased blood glucose levels, increased spermatozoa quantity, and improved the spermatozoa quality in alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus mice. Dose-dependent activity was observed with the optimum dose at 200 mg/kg body weight.
Temperature-Dependent Irreducible Water Trapping in Heavy-Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Ji Dongqi , Wu Shuhong , Wang Baohua , Li Zhiping , Lai Fengpeng , Chen Zhangxin , Dong Mingzhe , Ge Chenqi
Published: April 2021

Temperature-dependent irreducible water saturation has great implications for heavy-oil production. Especially in processes using thermal methods, the irreducible water saturation varies significantly when temperature rises from the initial reservoir condition to the temperature of injected hot fluids. In this work, the irreducible water saturation retained in a heavy-oil/oil-sands reservoir has been theoretically analyzed as a function of temperature in the view of thermodynamics. This analysis involves oil/water interactions, thermodynamic stability, pendular rings between particles, and a dense random-packing theory. The temperature-dependent irreducible water saturation in two heavy-oil reservoir samples (Coalinga and Huntington Beach) and two oil-sands reservoir samples (Cat Canyon and Peace River) have been analyzed using an oil/water/silica system. The computed results have been compared with published experimental data. The good agreements of the comparison demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed analysis to describe the irreducible water saturation in a heavy-oil/oil-sands reservoir up to 300°C. Through these analyses, the theoretical understandings of temperature-dependent irreducible water in a heavy-oil/oil-sands reservoir have been provided. As temperature increases, the mutual water/oil solubilities are increased by enhanced molecular interactions, as well as the surface energy at an oil/water connecting interface. As a result, the oil/water interfacial tension (IFT) decreases, which diminishes the contact angle and enlarges a water-filled pendular ring between particles at elevated temperatures. Thus, the irreducible water saturation is increased by the enlarged pendular rings in a dense packing porous medium. In addition, this study demonstrates the possibilities to alter the irreducible water saturation appropriately in a heavy-oil/oil-sands reservoir to enhance oil recovery, decrease water cut, save costs of surface oil/water separation, and reduce heat consumption.
Implementation of an Integrated Geochemical Approach Using Polar and Nonpolar Components of Crude Oil for Reservoir-Continuity Assessment: Verification with Reservoir-Engineering Evidences
Authors: Asemani Morteza , Rabbani Ahmad Reza , Sarafdokht Hashem
Published: April 2021

The ability of geochemistry techniques in reservoir-continuity studies has already been proved. Most of the traditional methods mainly involve analyzing nonpolar components of crude oil and overlooking polar components. Despite valuable information obtained from nonpolar components, these compounds are sometimes affected by various alterations or likely provide only a piece of the reservoir-compartmentalization puzzle. In this paper, an integrated geochemical approach that uses nonpolar (i.e., saturates and aromatics) and polar (i.e., asphaltenes) components of crude oil was performed to evaluate reservoir continuity efficiently. The Shadegan Oil Field in the Dezful Embayment in southwest Iran was investigated for reservoir-continuity studies to show the efficiency of this proposed technique. The selected interparaffin peak ratios and light hydrocarbons [the C7 oil correlation star diagram (C7CSD)] from whole-oil gas chromatography (GC) (WOGC) chromatograms were used to obtain oil fingerprints from the nonpolar fraction of crude oils. The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of asphaltenes was applied to obtain oil fingerprints from the polar fraction of crude oils. The pairwise comparison of studied wells by each technique was summarized in a similarity matrix with green, yellow, and red colors to show connectivity, limited connectivity, and disconnectivity according to oil fingerprints. Finally, a compartmentalization model was prepared from the integrated results of different techniques considering the worst-case scenarios regarding the occurrence or absence of reservoir continuity when relying on individual methods for the studied field. Results show that the Shadegan Oil Field comprises three zones in the Asmari Reservoir and two zones in the Bangestan Reservoir. Reservoir-engineering data, including pressure data and pressure/volume/temperature (PVT), completely corroborated the obtained results from the geochemical approach. The consistency of results suggested FTIR oil fingerprinting of asphaltene as a novel and straightforward technique, which is a complementary or even alternative method with respect to previous geochemical methods.
Prediction of machining deformation and reasonable design of gear blank for split straight bevel gear
Authors: Wang Bin , Yan Chenxiao , Feng Peiyao , Wang Shuaipu , Chen Shuo , Cao Xuemei
Published: April 2021

The deformation of gear blank is serious in the machining process of the split straight bevel gear,considering the material and the design of gear blank, the relationship between the change of additional stress and bending deformation of gear blank is studied, and the calculation model of the internal additional stress and additional torque during the gear cutting is established.According to the moment-area method, the calculation formula of the bending deformation of gear blank is derived, and combined with the time-varying stiffness, the mathematical model of the gear blank deformation is obtained. The theoretical calculation, finite element analysis and experimental results are highly consistent.Based on the above research, the internal relationships between the machining deformation and the geometric parameters such as the thickness, diameter and gear module of the split gear blank is analyzed, and the reasonable design of the geometric parameters of the split gear blank and the reasonable dividing law of the gear blank are explored.
Land use and landscape pattern impacts on water quality at multiple spatial scales in a subtropical large river
Authors: Shu Xiao , Wang Weibo , Zhu Mingyong , Xu Jilei , Tan Xiang , Zhang Quanfa
Published: April 2021

The coupling between land use/landscape pattern and water quality in river system varies across different spatial and temporal scales. It is important to understand the association between water quality and land use/landscape pattern across different spatial and temporal scales for the protection of water resources. Here, we measured seasonal water quality at 12 sub-basins in the upper reaches of the Han River (UHR) between 2010 and 2018. We conducted factor analysis and redundancy analysis to determine the links between land use and water quality at multiple spatial scales and to identify the main factors influencing water quality. We found that the concentration of nutrients, including total nitrogen, total phosphorus, nitrate-N, and ammonium-N were higher during the wet season than the dry season. Total nitrogen was identified as the main driver of nutrient pollution of UHR, whereas total phosphorus was identified as another potential nutrient pollutant. We also found that water quality parameters had a stronger related to land use types over the wet season than the dry season. Croplands and urban lands increased phosphorus concentrations of river water, whereas forest and grass lands decreased the nitrogen concentrations of river water at the sub-basins scale. Land use at riparian zone scales better explained variations in water quality than land use at sub-basin scales. The explained variations in landscape metrics were generally higher over the dry season compared to that over the wet season. The largest patch index and Shannon's diversity index were the main predictors of river water quality in UHR.
Separation of virgin plastic polymers and post-consumer mixed plastic waste by sinking-flotation technique
Authors: Quelal Orlando Washinton Meneses , Velázquez-Martí Borja , Gisbert Andrés Ferrer
Published: April 2021

The main objective of this research is to separate virgin polymers (PA, PC, PP, HDPE; PS and ABS) and post-consumer plastic waste from municipal solid waste (MSW) using the sinking-flotation technique. The separation was carried out on a pilot scale in a container of 800 l of useful volume with agitation of 160 rpm for one hour. Tap water, ethanol solutions and sodium chloride at different concentrations were used as the densification medium. The virgin polymers were separated into two groups, that is, a group of low-density polymers (HDPE and PP) and a group of high-density polymers (PS, ABS, PA, and PC). Polymers whose density was less than that of the medium solution floated to the surface, while those whose density was greater than that of the medium solution sank to the bottom. The experimental results showed that the complete separation of HDPE from PP was achieved at 23% v/v of ethanol. For the separation of the high-density polymers, up to 40% w / v sodium chloride was used. The recoveries of the polymers ranged from 70 to 99.70%. In post-consumer recycled plastic waste, fractions of 29.6% polyolefins, 37.54% PS, 11% ABS, 8% PA and 12% PC, PET and PVC were obtained. Finally, cast plates were made of the post-consumer waste to improve the identification of the type of polymer present in the separated fractions.
Biological elimination of a high concentration of hydrogen sulfide from landfill biogas
Authors: Ibrahim Rania , Hassni Abdessamad El , Navaee-Ardeh Shahram , Cabana Hubert
Published: April 2021

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is one of the main contaminants found in biogas which is one of the end products of the anaerobic biodegradation of proteins and other sulfur-containing compounds in solid waste. The presence of H2S is one of the factors limiting the valorization of biogas. To valorize biogas, H2S and other contaminants must be removed. This study evaluated the performance of a pilot-scale biotrickling filter system on H2S removal from landfill biogas. The biotrickling filter system, which was packed with stainless-steel pall rings and inoculated with an H2S-oxidizing consortium, was designed to process 1 to 10 SCFM of biogas and used to determine the removal efficiency of a high concentration of hydrogen sulfide from landfill biogas. The biofiltration system consisted of two biotrickling filters connected in series. Results indicate that the biofiltration system reduced H2S concentration by 94–97% without reduction of the methane concentration in the outlet biogas. The inlet concentration of hydrogen sulfide, supplied to the two-phase bioreactor, was in the range of 900 to 1500 ppmv. The hydraulic retention times (HRT) of the two biotrickling filters were 3.9 and 0.9 min, respectively. Approximately 50 ppmv of H2S gas was detected in the outlet gas. The maximum elimination capacity of the biotrickling filter system was found to be 272 g H2S.m− 3.h− 1. During the biological process, the performance of biotrickling filter was not affected when the pH of the recirculated liquid decreased to 2–3. The overall performance of the biotrickling filter system was described using a modified Michaelis–Menten equation, and the Ks and Vm values for the biosystem were 34.7 ppmv and 200 mg H2S/L.h− 1, respectively.
The inverse task solution for the calculation of sweeps of sheet parts by integral geometry
Authors: Mironenko Vladimir , Elovenko Denis , Graf Alexander , Kräusel Verena , Ledovskikh Catherine
Published: April 2021

This article deals with the search for a rational semi-finished product for parts of the integral form. Here a variant of the solution of the given problem is described based on the inverse solution of the mathematical problem. The reasons and the nature of the problem occurring in standard approaches to the calculation of the semi-finished product are shown using the example of two parts with aerodynamic curvature. The material and sheet thickness of the components are selected to suit the application. The forming process is also the same as the initial situation. The rational shape of the part can be found using the optimization solution based on the discrepancy of the contours with respect to the sweeps of the dynamic calculation and the CAD model. The new shape of the blank makes it possible to realize the forming process of the parts with minimal deviations from the contour of the 3D model.
Decline in Body Size and Female Fraction in the Grass Snake (Natrix Natrix, Linnaeus 1758) Population After 40 Years (Southern Poland)
Authors: Bury Stanisław , Zając Bartłomiej , Okarma Henryk , Kolanek Aleksandra
Published: April 2021

Depletion of free-living populations is often associated with changes in fitness-related traits, e.g. body size. Ongoing decrease in body size has been reported in most vertebrates, but reptiles remain understudied. Moreover, sexual size dimorphism, commonly observed in reptiles, indicates that environmental pressures on body size may appear sex-specific. This can also result in shifts in sex ratio, an aspect even less studied. We investigated body size and sex ratio in population of grass snake (Natrix natrix) surveyed over 40 years ago in comparison with the current state. We found that both sexes express similar magnitude in body size decline. The current sex ratio does not deviate from 1:1, while in the past females outnumbered males. The observed changes are likely an outcome of several non-mutually exclusive factors. In the studied area an increase in road traffic, human presence and a drop in prey availability has been documented. Both factors may exert higher pressure on larger individuals, particularly females, due to their high costs of reproduction. Recorded here increase in ambient temperatures and summer duration, may additionally enhance the mortality risk and resource requirements. Shifts in body size and sex ratio can catalyze further declines in abundance and reproductive potential of the population.