bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approaches Applied to Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE): A Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Marinello Samuele , Gamberini Rita
Published: January 2021

The global demand for electrical and electronic equipment has undergone continuous growth in recent years due to the effect of industrialization and technological development. This indicates substantial quantities of e-waste that need to be managed properly to reduce their environmental impact and to avoid inappropriate forms of disposal. The purpose of this paper is to review the most popular multi-criteria decision-making approaches applied to the management of waste electrical and electronic equipment, analyzing how they are used to contribute to the improvement of management strategies along the entire supply chain. For this purpose, a methodological protocol for the collection, selection, and analysis of the scientific literature was applied, identifying 44 papers on which to conduct this study. The results showed that numerous authors have developed multi-criteria approaches, with particular attention to recycling phase. The analytic hierarchy process is the most widespread multi-criteria approach, often coupled with VIKOR, DELPHI, and TOPSIS methods. The numerous decision making criteria adopted cover different reference dimensions: environmental, economic, social, technical, and legal. Considering environmental aspects also in decision making processes means enhancing the relevance of this dimension, as well as encouraging practices that reduce the impact of toxic substances on the environment and living organisms.
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Thyroid Cancer: An Overview
Authors: Alsen Mathilda , Sinclair Catherine , Cooke Peter , Ziadkhanpour Kimia , Genden Eric , van Gerwen Maaike
Published: January 2021

Endocrine disruptive chemicals (EDC) are known to alter thyroid function and have been associated with increased risk of certain cancers. The present study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of available studies on the association between EDC exposure and thyroid cancer. Relevant studies were identified via a literature search in the National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health PubMed as well as a review of reference lists of all retrieved articles and of previously published relevant reviews. Overall, the current literature suggests that exposure to certain congeners of flame retardants, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and phthalates as well as certain pesticides may potentially be associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer. However, future research is urgently needed to evaluate the different EDCs and their potential carcinogenic effect on the thyroid gland in humans as most EDCs have been studied sporadically and results are not consistent.
The Presence of Selected Elements in the Microscopic Image of Pine Needles as an Effect of Cement and Lime Pressure within the Region of Białe Zagłębie (Central Europe)
Authors: Szwed Mirosław , Żukowski Witold , Kozłowski Rafał
Published: January 2021

In this study, we present the results of microscopic observations of pine needles Pinus sylvestris L. collected in the area of cement-lime pressure in the south-western part of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains in the region of Białe Zagłębie. Images of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirm the presence of particles with a size of about 2 to 20 µm on the surface of the needles. Analysis using X-ray energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS) allowed, in turn, to identify lead, iron, aluminium, calcium, and silicon in particles deposited in the surface layer of assimilation organs and dispersed in the surface layer of vegetation tissue within cell structures. Chemical composition, size and shape of particles of foreign bodies on the needles’ surface allow them to be identified as cement-lime dust coming from production plants located in the Białe Zagłębie. Negative influence on the condition and liveliness of Scots pine in the study area is manifested by images on which stomata is sealed, which limits the possibility of gas exchange.
Chikungunya Manifestations and Viremia in Patients Who Presented to the Fever Clinic at Bangkok Hospital for Tropical Diseases during the 2019 Outbreak in Thailand
Authors: Imad Hisham A , Phadungsombat Juthamas , Nakayama Emi E , Kludkleeb Sajikapon , Matsee Wasin , Ponam Thitiya , Suzuki Keita , Leaungwutiwong Pornsawan , Piyaphanee Watcharapong , Phumratanaprapin Weerapong , Shioda Tatsuo
Published: January 2021

Chikungunya virus is an Alphavirus belonging to the family Togaviridae that is transmitted to humans by an infected Aedes mosquito. Patients develop fever, inflammatory arthritis, and rash during the acute stage of infection. Although the illness is self-limiting, atypical and severe cases are not uncommon, and 60% may develop chronic symptoms that persist for months or even for longer durations. Having a distinct periodical epidemiologic outbreak pattern, chikungunya virus reappeared in Thailand in December 2018. Here, we describe a cohort of acute chikungunya patients who had presented to the Bangkok Hospital for Tropical Diseases during October 2019. Infection was detected by a novel antigen kit and subsequently confirmed by real-time RT-PCR using serum collected at presentation to the Fever Clinic. Other possible acute febrile illnesses such as influenza, dengue, and malaria were excluded. We explored the sequence of clinical manifestations at presentation during the acute phase and associated the viral load with the clinical findings. Most of the patients were healthy individuals in their forties. Fever and arthralgia were the predominant clinical manifestations found in this patient cohort, with a small proportion of patients with systemic symptoms. Higher viral loads were associated with arthralgia, and arthralgia with the involvement of the large joints was more common in female patients.
Contemporary Urban Expansion in the First Fastest Growing Metropolitan Region of China: A Multicity Study in the Pearl River Delta Urban Agglomeration from 1980 to 2015
Authors: Xu Shuai , Sun Yan , Zhao Shuqing
Published: January 2021

Contemporary urbanization in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) Urban Agglomeration is the epitome of China’s urbanization process as the PRD is the first fastest growing metropolitan region of China. Here, we mapped and quantified the spatiotemporal dynamics of urban expansion for seven major cities in the PRD between 1980 and 2015, using remotely sensed data integrated with landscape metrics, urban growth form, and rank clocks. Results showed that rapid land urbanization occurred in all the seven cities since the execution of reform and opening up, with the annual increase rate ranging from 8.1% to 11.3% among cities, suggesting a relatively equal level of urbanization within the PRD. Socioeconomic drivers underlying urban expansion in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai can be characterized as “top–down” mechanisms led by the municipal government, while those in Foshan, Jiangmen, Dongguan, and Zhongshan are “bottom–up” ones from low–level administrative organizations. The trajectory of urban expansion in Shenzhen conformed to the diffusion–coalescence urban growth hypothesis in terms of temporal evolution of landscape metrics and urban growth types. This is related to the fact that Shenzhen, the first special economic zone established by the Chinese government, was the first mover of urbanization in China and functioned under the umbrella of a robust socialist market economy relative to a highly centralized planned economy for other cities. The changes of Shenzhen in rank order in terms of both urban population and urbanization area were the largest, exemplifying its evolution from a small fishing village to a metropolis. Furthermore, we found that moving up in the rank order in terms of land use efficiency of wealth creation over time for all cities was accompanied with rank clocking up of population per area (crowd). How to balance trade–offs between the benefits and costs of urbanization is the challenge faced by the urban agglomeration.
Studies on the Efficacy, Potential Cardiotoxicity and Monkey Pharmacokinetics of GLP-26 as a Potent Hepatitis B Virus Capsid Assembly Modulator
Authors: Hurwitz Selwyn J. , McBrearty Noreen , Arzumanyan Alla , Bichenkov Eugene , Tao Sijia , Bassit Leda , Chen Zhe , Kohler James J. , Amblard Franck , Feitelson Mark A. , Schinazi Raymond F.
Published: January 2021

While treatment options are available for hepatitis B virus (HBV), there is currently no cure. Anti-HBV nucleoside analogs and interferon-alpha 2b rarely clear HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), requiring lifelong treatment. Recently, we identified GLP-26, a glyoxamide derivative which modulates HBV capsid assembly. The impact of GLP-26 on viral replication and integrated DNA was assessed in an HBV nude mouse model bearing HBV transfected AD38 xenografts. At day 45 post-infection, GLP-26 reduced HBV titers by 2.3–3 log10 versus infected placebo-treated mice. Combination therapy with GLP-26 and entecavir reduced HBV log10 titers by 4.6-fold versus placebo. Next, we examined the pharmacokinetics (PK) in cynomolgus monkeys administered GLP-26 via IV (1 mg/kg) or PO (5 mg/kg). GLP-26 was found to have 34% oral bioavailability, with a mean input time of 3.17 h. The oral dose produced a mean peak plasma concentration of 380.7 ng/mL, observed 0.67 h after administration (~30-fold > in vitro EC90 corrected for protein binding), with a mean terminal elimination half-life of 2.4 h and a mean area under the plasma concentration versus time curve of 1660 ng·hr/mL. GLP-26 was 86.7% bound in monkey plasma. Lastly, GLP-26 demonstrated a favorable toxicity profile confirmed in primary human cardiomyocytes. Thus, GLP-26 warrants further preclinical development as an add on to treatment for HBV infection.
Molecular Epidemiological Analysis of the Origin and Transmission Dynamics of the HIV-1 CRF01_AE Sub-Epidemic in Bulgaria
Authors: Alexiev Ivailo , Campbell Ellsworth M. , Knyazev Sergey , Pan Yi , Grigorova Lyubomira , Dimitrova Reneta , Partsuneva Aleksandra , Gancheva Anna , Kostadinova Asya , Seguin-Devaux Carole , Elenkov Ivaylo , Yancheva Nina , Switzer William M.
Published: January 2021

HIV-1 subtype CRF01_AE is the second most predominant strain in Bulgaria, yet little is known about the molecular epidemiology of its origin and transmissibility. We used a phylodynamics approach to better understand this sub-epidemic by analyzing 270 HIV-1 polymerase (pol) sequences collected from persons diagnosed with HIV/AIDS between 1995 and 2019. Using network analyses at a 1.5% genetic distance threshold (d), we found a large 154-member outbreak cluster composed mostly of persons who inject drugs (PWID) that were predominantly men. At d = 0.5%, which was used to identify more recent transmission, the large cluster dissociated into three clusters of 18, 12, and 7 members, respectively, five dyads, and 107 singletons. Phylogenetic analysis of the Bulgarian sequences with publicly available global sequences showed that CRF01_AE likely originated from multiple Asian countries, with Vietnam as the likely source of the outbreak cluster between 1988 and 1990. Our findings indicate that CRF01_AE was introduced into Bulgaria multiple times since 1988, and infections then rapidly spread among PWID locally with bridging to other risk groups and countries. CRF01_AE continues to spread in Bulgaria as evidenced by the more recent large clusters identified at d = 0.5%, highlighting the importance of public health prevention efforts in the PWID communities.
Environmental Surveillance through Next-Generation Sequencing to Unveil the Diversity of Human Enteroviruses beyond the Reported Clinical Cases
Authors: Lizasoain Andrés , Mir Daiana , Masachessi Gisella , Farías Adrián , Rodríguez-Osorio Nélida , Victoria Matías , Nates Silvia , Colina Rodney
Published: January 2021

The knowledge about circulation of Human Enteroviruses (EVs) obtained through medical diagnosis in Argentina is scarce. Wastewater samples monthly collected in Córdoba, Argentina during 2011–2012, and then in 2017–2018 were retrospectively studied to assess the diversity of EVs in the community. Partial VP1 gene was amplified by PCR from wastewater concentrates, and amplicons were subject of next-generation sequencing and genetic analyses. There were 41 EVs detected, from which ~50% had not been previously reported in Argentina. Most of the characterized EVs (60%) were detected at both sampling periods, with similar values of intratype nucleotide diversity. Exceptions were enterovirus A71, coxsackievirus B4, echovirus 14, and echovirus 30, which diversified in 2017–2018. There was a predominance of types from EV-C in 2017–2018, evidencing a common circulation of these types throughout the year in the community. Interestingly, high genetic similarity was evidenced among environmental strains of echovirus 30 circulating in 2011–2012 and co-temporal isolates obtained from patients suffering aseptic meningitis in different locations of Argentina. This study provides an updated insight about EVs circulating in an important region of South America, and suggests a valuable role of wastewater-based epidemiology in predicting outbreaks before the onset of cases in the community.
Analysis and Molecular Determinants of HIV RNase H Cleavage Specificity at the PPT/U3 Junction
Authors: Álvarez Mar , Sapena-Ventura Enrique , Luczkowiak Joanna , Martín-Alonso Samara , Menéndez-Arias Luis
Published: January 2021

HIV reverse transcriptases (RTs) convert viral genomic RNA into double-stranded DNA. During reverse transcription, polypurine tracts (PPTs) resilient to RNase H cleavage are used as primers for plus-strand DNA synthesis. Nonnucleoside RT inhibitors (NNRTIs) can interfere with the initiation of plus-strand DNA synthesis by enhancing PPT removal, while HIV RT connection subdomain mutations N348I and N348I/T369I mitigate this effect by altering RNase H cleavage specificity. Now, we demonstrate that among approved nonnucleoside RT inhibitors (NNRTIs), nevirapine and doravirine show the largest effects. The combination N348I/T369I in HIV-1BH10 RT has a dominant effect on the RNase H cleavage specificity at the PPT/U3 site. Biochemical studies showed that wild-type HIV-1 and HIV-2 RTs were able to process efficiently and accurately all tested HIV PPT sequences. However, the cleavage accuracy at the PPT/U3 junction shown by the HIV-2EHO RT was further improved after substituting the sequence YQEPFKNLKT of HIV-1BH10 RT (positions 342–351) for the equivalent residues of the HIV-2 enzyme (HQGDKILKV). Our results highlight the role of β-sheets 17 and 18 and their connecting loop (residues 342–350) in the connection subdomain of the large subunit, in determining the RNase H cleavage window of HIV RTs.
A New Variant among Newcastle Disease Viruses Isolated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2018 and 2019
Authors: Twabela Augustin T. , Nguyen Lam Thanh , Masumu Justin , Mpoyo Patrick , Mpiana Serge , Sumbu Julienne , Okamatsu Masatoshi , Matsuno Keita , Isoda Norikazu , Zecchin Bianca , Monne Isabella , Sakoda Yoshihiro
Published: January 2021

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly transmissible and devastating disease that affects poultry and wild birds worldwide. Comprehensive knowledge regarding the characteristics and epidemiological factors of the ND virus (NDV) is critical for the control and prevention of ND. Effective vaccinations can prevent and control the spread of the NDV in poultry populations. For decades, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported the impacts of ND on commercial and traditional poultry farming systems. The reports were preliminary clinical observations, and few cases were confirmed in the laboratory. However, data on the phylogenetic, genetic, and virological characteristics of NDVs circulating in the DRC are not available. In this study, the whole-genome sequences of three NDV isolates obtained using the next-generation sequencing method revealed two isolates that were a new variant of NDV, and one isolate that was clustered in the subgenotype VII.2. All DRC isolates were velogenic and were antigenically closely related to the vaccine strains. Our findings reveal that despite the circulation of the new variant, ND can be controlled in the DRC using the current vaccine. However, epidemiological studies should be conducted to elucidate the endemicity of the disease so that better control strategies can be implemented.
Control of Capsid Transformations during Reovirus Entry
Authors: Gummersheimer Stephanie L. , Snyder Anthony J. , Danthi Pranav
Published: January 2021

Mammalian orthoreovirus (reovirus), a dsRNA virus with a multilayered capsid, serves as a model system for studying the entry of similar viruses. The outermost layer of this capsid undergoes processing to generate a metastable intermediate. The metastable particle undergoes further remodeling to generate an entry-capable form that delivers the genome-containing inner capsid, or core, into the cytoplasm. In this review, we highlight capsid proteins and the intricacies of their interactions that control the stability of the capsid and consequently impact capsid structural changes that are prerequisites for entry. We also discuss a novel proviral role of host membranes in promoting capsid conformational transitions. Current knowledge gaps in the field that are ripe for future investigation are also outlined.
Study of the Drag Reduction Characteristics of Circular Cylinder with Dimpled Surface
Authors: Yan Fei , Yang Haifeng , Wang Lihui
Published: January 2021

To reduce the drag of a cylinder, numerical simulations and experiments for both smooth cylinder and circular cylinder with the dimpled surface are carried out in this paper. The numerical simulation focuses on the variation of pressure coefficient, skin friction coefficient, and vortex shedding strength of the smooth cylinder and the circular cylinder with the dimpled surface. It is found that the dimpled structure can effectively reduce the drag of the cylinder within a specific range of Reynolds number, and the maximum drag reduction rate reaches up to 19%. Another conclusion is that the pressure drag and skin friction drag have an essential influence on the total drag of the circular cylinder with the dimpled surface. On the other hand, the strength of vortex shedding also decreases with the decrease of cylinder drag. Then, the flow field of both cylinders is measured using the particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique, confirming that the dimpled structure can affect the velocity field, the release of vortices and the scale of the vortex. More specifically, the velocity recovery of the circular cylinder with the dimpled surface is faster than that of the smooth cylinder, and the dimpled structure delays the release of the vortex at a specific range of Reynolds number.
Minimization of N2O Emission through Intermittent Aeration in a Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR): Main Behavior and Mechanism
Authors: Liu Tang , Liu Shufeng , He Shishi , Tian Zhichao , Zheng Maosheng
Published: January 2021

To explore the main behavior and mechanism of minimizing nitrous oxide (N2O) emission through intermittent aeration during wastewater treatment, two lab-scale sequencing batch reactors operated at intermittently aerated mode (SBR1), and continuously aerated mode (SBR2) were established. Compared with SBR2, the intermittently aerated SBR1 reached not only a higher total nitrogen removal efficiency (averaged 93.5%) but also a lower N2O-emission factor (0.01–0.53% of influent ammonia), in which short-cut nitrification and denitrification were promoted. Moreover, less accumulation and consumption of polyhydroxyalkanoates, a potential endogenous carbon source promoting N2O emission, were observed in SBR1. Batch experiments revealed that nitrifier denitrification was the major pathway generating N2O while heterotrophic denitrification played as a sink of N2O, and SBR1 embraced a larger N2O-mitigating capability. Finally, quantitative polymerase chain reaction results suggested that the abundant complete ammonia oxidizer (comammox) elevated in the intermittently aerated environment played a potential role in avoiding N2O generation during wastewater treatment. This work provides an in-depth insight into the utilization of proper management of intermittent aeration to control N2O emission from wastewater treatment plants.
Evapotranspiration Response to Climate Change in Semi-Arid Areas: Using Random Forest as Multi-Model Ensemble Method
Authors: Ruiz-Aĺvarez Marcos , Gomariz-Castillo Francisco , Alonso-Sarría Francisco
Published: January 2021

Large ensembles of climate models are increasingly available either as ensembles of opportunity or perturbed physics ensembles, providing a wealth of additional data that is potentially useful for improving adaptation strategies to climate change. In this work, we propose a framework to evaluate the predictive capacity of 11 multi-model ensemble methods (MMEs), including random forest (RF), to estimate reference evapotranspiration (ET0) using 10 AR5 models for the scenarios RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. The study was carried out in the Segura Hydrographic Demarcation (SE of Spain), a typical Mediterranean semiarid area. ET0 was estimated in the historical scenario (1970–2000) using a spatially calibrated Hargreaves model. MMEs obtained better results than any individual model for reproducing daily ET0. In validation, RF resulted more accurate than other MMEs (Kling–Gupta efficiency (KGE) M=0.903, SD=0.034 for KGE and M=3.17, SD=2.97 for absolute percent bias). A statistically significant positive trend was observed along the 21st century for RCP8.5, but this trend stabilizes in the middle of the century for RCP4.5. The observed spatial pattern shows a larger ET0 increase in headwaters and a smaller increase in the coast.
Evaluation and Correction of IMERG Late Run Precipitation Product in Rainstorm over the Southern Basin of China
Authors: Yu Chen , Zheng Jianchun , Hu Deyong , Di Yufei , Zhang Xiuhua , Liu Manqing
Published: January 2021

Satellite precipitation products play an essential role in providing effective global or regional precipitation. However, there are still many uncertainties in the performance of satellite precipitation products, especially in extreme precipitation analysis. In this study, a Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Integrated Multi-satellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) late run (LR) product was used to evaluate the rainstorms in the southern basin of China from 2015 to 2018. Three correction methods, multiple linear regression (MLR), artificial neural network (ANN), and geographically weighted regression (GWR), were used to get correction products to improve the precipitation performance. This study found that IMERG LR’s ability to characterize rainstorm events was limited, and there was a significant underestimation. The observation error and detection ability of IMERG LR decrease gradually from the southeast coast to the northwest inland. The error test shows that in the eastern coastal area (zone I and II), the central area (zone III), and the western inland area (zone IV and V), the optimal correction method is MLR, ANN, and GWR, respectively. The performance of three correction products is slightly better compared with the original product IMERG LR. From zone I to V, correlation coefficient (CC) and root mean square error (RMSE) show a decreasing trend. Zone II has the highest relative bias (RB), and the deviation is relatively large. The categorical indices of inland area performed better than coastal area. The correction product’s precipitation is slightly lower than the observed value from April to November with a mean error of 8.03%. The correction product’s precipitation was slightly higher than the observed values in other months, with an average error of 12.27%. The greater the observed precipitation, the higher the uncertainty of corrected precipitation result. The coefficient of variation showed that zone II had the highest uncertainty, and zone V had the lowest uncertainty. MLR had a high uncertainty with an average of 9.72%. The mean coefficient of variation of ANN and GWR is 7.74% and 7.29%, respectively. This study aims to generate a set of precipitation products with good accuracy through the IMERG LR evaluation and correction to support regional extreme precipitation research.
Science—Policy Engagement to Achieve “Water for Society—Including All”
Authors: Donoso Guillermo , Barron Jennie , Uhlenbrook Stefan , Hussein Hussam , Choi Gyewoon
Published: January 2021

After more than three years of implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the 2019 World Water Week in Stockholm chose to focus on inclusiveness with the theme “Water for society—Including all” [...]
A Canopy Transpiration Model Based on Scaling Up Stomatal Conductance and Radiation Interception as Affected by Leaf Area Index
Authors: Alam Muhammad Shahinur , Lamb David William , Warwick Nigel W. M.
Published: January 2021

Estimating transpiration as an individual component of canopy evapotranspiration using a theoretical approach is extremely useful as it eliminates the complexity involved in partitioning evapotranspiration. A model to predict transpiration based on radiation intercepted at various levels of canopy leaf area index (LAI) was developed in a controlled environment using a pasture species, tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea var. Demeter). The canopy was assumed to be a composite of two indistinct layers defined as sunlit and shaded; the proportion of which was calculated by utilizing a weighted model (W model). The radiation energy utilized by each layer was calculated from the PAR at the top of the canopy and the fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (fAPAR) corresponding to the LAI of the sunlit and shaded layers. A relationship between LAI and fAPAR was also established for this specific canopy to aid the calculation of energy interception. Canopy conductance was estimated from scaling up of stomatal conductance measured at the individual leaf level. Other environmental factors that drive transpiration were monitored accordingly for each individual layer. The Penman–Monteith and Jarvis evapotranspiration models were used as the basis to construct a modified transpiration model suitable for controlled environment conditions. Specially, constructed self-watering tubs were used to measure actual transpiration to validate the model output. The model provided good agreement of measured transpiration (actual transpiration = 0.96 × calculated transpiration, R2 = 0.98; p < 0.001) with the predicted values. This was particularly so at lower LAIs. Probable reasons for the discrepancy at higher LAI are explained. Both the predicted and experimental transpiration varied from 0.21 to 0.56 mm h−1 for the range of available LAIs. The physical proportion of the shaded layer exceeded that of the sunlit layer near LAI of 3.0, however, the contribution of the sunlit layer to the total transpiration remains higher throughout the entire growing season.
Changing Water Levels in Lake Superior, MI (USA) Impact Periphytic Diatom Assemblages in the Keweenaw Peninsula
Authors: Woller-Skar M. Megan , Locher Alexandra , Audia Ellen , Thomas Evan W.
Published: January 2021

Predicted climate-induced changes in the Great Lakes include increased variability in water levels, which may shift periphyton habitat. Our goal was to determine the impacts of water level changes in Lake Superior on the periphyton community assemblages in the Keweenaw Peninsula with different surface geology. At three sites, we identified periphyton assemblages as a function of depth, determined surface area of periphyton habitat using high resolution bathymetry, and estimated the impact of water level changes in Lake Superior on periphyton habitat. Our results suggest that substrate geology influences periphyton community assemblages in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Using predicted changes in water levels, we found that a decrease in levels of 0.63 m resulted in a loss of available surface area for periphyton habitat by 600 to 3000 m2 per 100 m of shoreline with slopes ranging 2 to 9°. If water levels rise, the surface area of substrate will increase by 150 to 370 m2 per 100 m of shoreline, as the slopes above the lake levels are steeper (8–20°). Since periphyton communities vary per site, changes in the surface area of the substrate will likely result in a shift in species composition, which could alter the structure of aquatic food webs and ecological processes.
Spatially Variable Precipitation and Its Influence on Water Balance in a Headwater Alpine Basin, Nepal
Authors: Mahmood Taufique H. , Putkonen Jaakko , Sobbe Aaron
Published: January 2021

The current knowledge of the spatial variability of precipitation in High Mountain Asia is based on the remotely-sensed estimates (coarse spatial and temporal resolution) or data from sparsely-distributed rain gauges. However, as precipitation is strongly affected by topography in mountainous terrain, the spatially varying precipitation and the resulting water balances are currently poorly understood. To fill this gap in knowledge, we studied the spatial variation of the precipitation and its impact on water balance in a small headwater basin located in the foothills of the Himalaya, Nepal. We deployed ten rain gauges and climate stations, spanning the whole elevation range 700–4500 m above sea level (masl) for a period of four years. Our results show a quadratic polynomial relationship between annual precipitation and station elevation, which are used to produce annual precipitation maps. The performance of the elevation-based precipitation estimates is adequate in closing the water balance while the performances of average precipitation and Thiessen polygon method are poor and inconsistent in closing the water balance. We also demonstrate that precipitation estimates from one or two gauges at the lowest basin elevation substantially underestimate the water balance. However, the precipitation from one or two rain gauges at 2000–3000 masl provide a significantly better estimate of the water balance of a small headwater basin.
Assessing the Feasibility of a Cloud-Based, Spatially Distributed Modeling Approach for Tracking Green Stormwater Infrastructure Runoff Reductions
Authors: Conley Gary , Beck Nicole , Riihimaki Catherine , McDonald Krista , Tanner Michelle
Published: January 2021

Use of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) to mitigate urban runoff impacts has grown substantially in recent decades, but municipalities often lack an integrated approach to prioritize areas for implementation, demonstrate compelling evidence of catchment-scale improvements, and communicate stormwater program effectiveness. We present a method for quantifying runoff reduction benefits associated with distributed GSI that is designed to align with the spatial scale of information required by urban stormwater implementation. The model was driven by a probabilistic representation of rainfall events to estimate annual runoff and reductions associated with distributed GSI for various design storm levels. Raster-based calculations provide estimates on a 30-m grid, preserving unique combinations of drainage factors that drive runoff production, hydrologic storage, and infiltration benefits of GSI. The model showed strong correspondence with aggregated continuous runoff data from a set of urbanized catchments in Salinas, California, USA, over a three-year monitoring period and output sensitivity to the storm drain network inputs. Because the model runs through a web browser and the parameterization is based on readily available spatial data, it is suitable for nonmodeling experts to rapidly update GSI features, compare alternative implementation scenarios, track progress toward urban runoff reduction goals, and demonstrate regulatory compliance.
Physico-Chemical and Nutritional Characteristics of Soriz Flour (Sorghum Oryzoidum)
Authors: Siminiuc Rodica , Țurcanu Dinu
Published: January 2021

The assortment of gluten-free flours in the Republic of Moldova is very small, and the properties of these flours are not sufficiently studied. Sorghum (Sorghum Oryzoidum) is a relatively new cereal, the industrial production of which has recently begun, and the use of sorghum and derivatives, especially flour, are current. The purpose of this study is to determine the chemical composition and nutritional value of sorghum flour. This would have a direct impact on human well-being, contribute to the development of novel foods and reduce food insecurity in the Republic of Moldova, including people with gluten-related disorders. Physico-chemical methods were used to determine the chemical composition and nutritional aspects of the flour. The obtained results showed that the chemical composition of soriz flour is complex and similar to cereal flours, with a predominance of carbohydrates, followed by proteins, lipids etc.
The effects of personal income tax reform on employees’ taxable income in Uganda
Authors: Jouste Maria , Kaidu Barugahara Tina , Ayo Joseph Okello , Pirttilä Jukka , Rattenhuber Pia
Published: January 2021

We evaluate a major personal income tax reform in Uganda that came into effect in 2012–13. The reform increased the tax-free lower threshold, increased tax rates for higher incomes, and introduced an additional highest tax band. Using the universe of pay-as-you-earn administrative data submitted by employers in the formal sector, we analyse the impact on taxable income of the introduction of the additional top tax band. Our results indicate that the elasticity of taxable income in Uganda is larger than in previous results from developed countries. Overall, the additional revenue generated from the introduction of the additional top tax band by far offset the revenues lost from the decreased revenues from employees with medium to lower taxable incomes, despite the large elasticity of taxable income at the top. We contribute to the very scarce literature on the effects of personal income tax reform on employees’ income in a low-income country in Africa.
PENGARUH NET PROFIT MARGIN (NPM) DAN RETURN ON ASSETS (ROA) TERHADAP HARGA SAHAM DI PERUSAHAAN YANG TERDAFTAR DI JAKARTA ISLAMIC INDEKS (JII) (STUDI DI PT SEMEN INDONESIA TBK
Authors: Fitriani Siti Zaenab
Published: January 2021

ABSTRAKReturn on Assets atau disingkat dengan ROA adalah rasio yang membagi antara laba bersih setelah pajak dengan rata-rata aset pada awal periode dan akhir periode.  Rasio Net Profit Margin disebut juga dengan rasio pendapatan terhadap penjualan. Mengenai hal ini Margin laba bersih sama dengan laba bersih dibagi dengan penjualan bersih. Ini menunjukan kestabilan kesatuan untuk menghasilkan perolehan pada tingkat penjualan khusus. Rasio ini termasuk kedalam Rasio profitabilitas/keuntungan yaitu rasio yang digunakan untuk mengukur efisiensi penggunaan aktiva perusahaan aktiva perusahaan atau merupakan kemampuan suatu perusahaan untuk menghasilkan laba. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, peneliti memperoleh kesimpulan dengan hasil pengujian hipotesis diperoleh bahwa thitung  < ttabel = (0,729 < 1,8595)  artinya secara parsial terdapat tidak signifikan antara Net Profit Margin terhadap Harga Saham pada PT. Semen Indonesia. Return On Assets (ROA) secara parsial berpengaruh tidak signifikan terhadap Harga Saham hal ini dibuktikan dengan hasil thitung  < ttabel = (-1,400 < 1,8595). Secara simultan dengan hasil uji signifikasi atau uji F diperoleh hasil Fhitung > Ftabel = (7,227 < 4,74)  artinya terdapat pengaruh signifikan antara Net Profit Margin dan Return On Assets terhadap Harga Saham pada PT. Semen Indonesia. ABSTRACTReturn on Assets or abbreviated as ROA is a ratio that divides net income after tax with the average asset at the beginning of the period and the end of the period. The Net Profit Margin Ratio is also called the ratio of income to sales. Regarding this, the net profit margin is equal to the net profit divided by net sales. This shows the stability of the unity to produce gains at a special sales level. This ratio is included in the profitability/profit ratio, which is the ratio used to measure the efficiency of the use of company assets, company assets or the ability of a company to generate profits. Based on the results of the study, researchers obtained conclusions with the results of hypothesis testing obtained that account <ttable = (0.729 <1.8595) means that part there was no significant difference between the Net Profit Margin of the Share Price at PT. Semen Indonesia. Return On Assets (ROA) partially has an insignificant effect on the Stock Price this is evidenced by the results of tcount <ttable = (-1,400 <1.8595). Simultaneously with the results of the significance test or F test results obtained Fcount> Ftable = (7.227 <4.74) means that there is a significant influence between Net Profit Margin and Return On Assets on the Share Price at PT. Semen Indonesia.
APTITUD COMBINATORIA PARA CALIDAD DE SEMILLA DE MAÍCES NORMALES Y DE ALTA CALIDAD DE PROTEÍNA
Authors: Manjarrez-Salgado Margarito , Rodríguez-Herrera Sergio A. , Gómez-Montiel Noel O. , Moreno-Martínez Ernesto , Vázquez-Badillo Mario E. , Zamora-Villa Víctor M. , López-Benítez Alfonso
Published: January 2021

La asociación entre caracteres agronómicos de campo e indicadores de calidad fisiológica de semillas y sus componentes genéticos, son factores importantes para ampliar la caracterización del germoplasma en un programa de mejoramiento. En esta investigación se analizan los efectos de aptitud combinatoria general (ACG) y específica (ACE) y el tipo de acción génica de los caracteres agronómicos y de calidad fisiológica de la semilla de maíz (Zea mays L.) normal y de alta calidad de proteína. El material genético correspondió a 14 líneas endogámicas de maíz, siete de grano normal y siete de alta calidad de proteína. Se analizaron las variables agronómicas: floración masculina y femenina, altura de planta y mazorca, calificación de planta y mazorca, y rendimiento de grano. La calidad fisiológica fue determinada por la germinación estándar inicial y final, longitud de plúmula inicial y final, y peso seco final. Los resultados mostraron variación significativa entre genotipos (P ≤ 0.05) en los efectos de ACG y ACE para todas las variables. Se identificaron a las cruzas: B-41 x CML- 144, CML-144 x CLQ-6203 y LT-154 x CML-177 con los mayores valores de rendimiento de grano con 1.39, 1.37 y 1.19 t ha-1 respectivamente, y a las cruzas T-45 x CLQ-6203, T-37 x CML-141 y LT- 154 x CML-177 con altos valores de ACE en la germinación estándar final de 23.2, 22.9 y 14.2 %, respectivamente. Las líneas T-45, T-44 y LT-155 mostraron el mayor valor de ACG para rendimiento de grano con 0.41, 0.78 y 0.45 t ha-1, y las líneas CML-144 y LT-155 las de mayor ACG para la variable germinación estándar final con 6 y 6 %, respectivamente. El tipo de acción génica que predominó fue la aditiva en todas las características agronómicas y fisiológicas.
DETERMINACIÓN DE INSECTICIDAS ORGANOFOSFORADOS EN NOPAL FRESCO Y DESHIDRATADO
Authors: Aldana-Madrid María Lourdes , García-Moraga María del Carmen , Rodríguez-Olibarria Guillermo , Silveira-Gramont María Isabel , Valenzuela-Quintanar Ana Isabel
Published: January 2021

El este estudio se identificaron y cuantificaron los insecticidas organofosforados presentes en cladodios de nopal (Opuntia ficus indica) fresco y deshidratado, mediante extracción con el método de fasesólida dispersiva, e identificación y cuantificación por cromatografía de gases. Se muestrearon seis campos de nopal cercanos a Hermosillo, Sonora, México, y se llevó a cabo una encuesta para conocer los antecedentes del predio referentes al tipo y frecuencia de aplicación del insecticida, así como área, número de plantas, fecha de plantación y cosecha. Los insecticidas organofosforados analizados fueron malatión, paratión metílico, diazinón y clorpirifos. Los porcentajes de recuperación del método de extracción fueron de 90 a 96 %, con una variación de 12 %. En todas las muestras de nopal fresco (n= 24), 60 % contenía tres de los insecticidas analizados, y en el resto hubo los cuatro insecticidas. El malatión se detectó en 97 % de las muestras, pero siempre por debajo de los límites máximos de residuos (LMRs) para hortalizas. Además se detectaron residuos de dos insecticidas no autorizados para su uso en hortalizas (clorpirifos y paratión metílico). El nopal deshidratado no presentó residuos de insecticidas. En las muestras de nopal fresco las concentraciones de insecticidas fueron menores al valor de la ingesta diaria admisible, para malatión, paratión metílico, diazinón y clorpirifos. El potencial de riesgo toxicológico proveniente del consumo de nopal fresco y su producto deshidratado es mínimo, ya que la ingesta diaria estimada fue 1000 veces menor que la dosis admisible.
SOLUBILIZACIÓN Y DESPOLIMERIZACIÓN DE PECTINAS DURANTE EL ABLANDAMIENTO DE FRUTOS DE PAPAYA
Authors: Sañudo-Barajas J. Adriana , Siller-Cepeda Jorge , Osuna-Enciso Tomás , Muy-Rangel Dolores , López-Álvarez Guadalupe , Osuna-Castro Juan Alberto , Greve Carl , Labavitch John
Published: January 2021

En este estudio se determinaron los principales cambios en la composición de la pared celular y la degradación de pectinas solubles en agua relacionados con el ablandamiento postcosecha de frutos de papaya (Carica papaya L. cv. ‘Maradol’). Se estudiaron frutos en estado de madurez 1/2 (50-75 % de coloración amarillo-naranja en la cáscara), los cuales se retrasaron en la maduración con 300 nL L-1 de 1-metilciclopropeno (1-MCP) o se adelantaron con 2.5 g L-1 de ácido 2-cloroetil fosfónico (etefón). Posterior a los tratamientos, los frutos se almacenaron en condiciones de simulación de mercadeo (20 ± 2 °C y HR 85 %) durante 6 d. Se evaluaron los cambios en firmeza, composición de la pared celular y despolimerización de las pectinas solubles en agua. La aplicación de 1-MCP inhibió totalmente el ablandamiento de los frutos. Los frutos testigo perdieron 69 % de la firmeza a los 3 d de almacenamiento y los frutos con etefón perdieron 84 % en el mismo periodo. El ablandamiento en los frutos testigo y etefón se acompañó de la solubilización de ácidos urónicos y azúcares totales de las fracciones CDTA, Na2CO3, KOH 4% y KOH 24 %. La despolimerización extensiva de pectinas solubles en agua y la acumulación de oligómeros derivados de pectinas sólo fue detectada en los tratamientos testigo y etefón, lo que muestra una relación con el ablandamiento de los frutos y sugire la posible acción de la poligalacturonasa.
NODULE SENESCENCE AND BIOMASS COMPONENTS IN COMMON BEAN CULTIVARS
Authors: Fernández-Luqueño Fabián , Espinosa-Victoria David , Munive Antonio , Corlay Chee Langen , Serrano-Covarrubias Luis M.
Published: January 2021

Most legumes establish mutualistic symbiotic relationships with atmospheric nitrogen-fixing bacteria (rhizobia), giving origin to nodules. Nodules exhibit natural or induced aging which coincides with the drop in nitrogenase activity at the flowering period or at the pod filling stage. In this research, the onset of nodule senescence (NS) was evaluated under greenhouse conditions in five common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars of two growth habits, determined (Type I) and indeterminate (Type III), inoculated with Rhizobium etli CE-3. Weekly destructive samplings were taken to determine nitrogen fixation by the acetylene reduction assay, the number and fresh weight of nodules, as well as root and above ground biomass dry weight. It was found that NS in bean appears to be independent of host plant phenological stage (flowering or pod filling), the longer period the symbiotic system is fixing nitrogen the greater yield is obtained, and that the nodules number and fresh weight are reliable indicators of the nitrogen fixation capacity.
‘AZTECA’, PRIMER HÍBRIDO DE PAPAYA PARA EL TRÓPICO DE MÉXICO
Authors: Mirafuentes-Hernández Felipe , Azpeitia-Morales Alfonso
Published: January 2021

La papaya (Carica papaya L.) es una fruta tropical muy apetecible por su suave y agradable sabor, aunado a sus propiedades nutritivas y digestivas. El cultivo es atractivo para el agricultor, por su rentabilidad, periodo corto entre siembra y cosecha, y alto rendimiento por hectárea (Arango y Roman, 2000). Las plantaciones están asociadas a productores de gran escala con visión empresarial y para los asociados con otros productores, pues se necesitan cerca de $ 100 mil pesos ($10 mil dólares americanos) para el establecimiento de una hectárea. La rentabilidad de este cultivo es alta, pues por cada peso invertido se recuperan $ 2.74 pesos (Plan Rector del Sistema Producto Papaya, 2003), lo que genera mayores ingresos que cacao (Theobroma cacao L.), cocotero (Cocos nucifera L.) y naranja (Citrus sinencis L. Osbek). En México se cultivan 20 400 ha, con una producción de 952 194 t la cual se exporta 31 % (FAO, 2006). Se cultiva principalmente en los Estados de Veracruz (8 189 ha), Chiapas (1 809 ha), Michoacán (1 550 ha), Tabasco (1 200 ha), Guerrero (1 077 ha), Yucatán (1 028 ha), Oaxaca (804 ha) y Nayarit (608 ha) (Plan Rector del Sistema Producto Papaya, 2003).
WINTER METABOLISM IN DECIDUOUS TREES: MECHANISMS, GENES AND ASSOCIATED PROTEINS
Authors: García-Bañuelos Mónica L. , Vázquez-Moreno Luz , Winzerling Joy , Orozco J. Antonio , Gardea Alfonso A.
Published: January 2021

Plants vary greatly in their ability to survive cold temperatures; some may withstand extreme freezing conditions, while others will be irreversibly injured at temperatures above freezing. The maximum freezing tolerance of plants is induced in response to environmental signals. Temperate woody trees need to acclimate to survive the cold winter. Trees have evolved a complex dynamic process controlling the development of dormancy and cold hardiness that synchronize accurately the onset and termination of winter metabolism. Only recently has been obtained progress in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of dormancy and freezing tolerance development in woody plants, and emerging disciplines are opening a wide horizon for future studies. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent developments indicating that cold-responsive genes and proteins contribute to freezing tolerance during winter in woody plants.
EXPRESION DE GENES QUIMÉRICOS gag DEL VIRUS DE INMUNODEFICIENCIA HUMANA (VIH-1) EN TOMATE (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Y EN Escherichia coli
Authors: Donayre-Torres Alberto J. , Reynaga-Peña Cristina , Gómez-Lim Miguel A.
Published: January 2021

La secuencia nativa del gen gag del virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) se expresó tanto en plantas transformadas de tomate (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) como en E. coli. Dos versiones quiméricas del gen gag (gag-ENV y gag-RT) se expresaron independientemente. El análisis de la expresión permitió detectar el ARNm de las construcciones en tejidos de hoja y fruto de tomate. Sin embargo, no se pudo detectar la presencia de la proteína Gag completa, aunque el anticuerpo sí detectó un dominio (p24) de Gag expresado en frutos de dos líneas transgénicas Gag-ENV. En la expresión del VIH en células de mamíferos, las secuencias nativas de genes tardíos como gag promueven la desestabilización de los mensajeros virales, que probablemente también se produzca en las células vegetales. Gag es capaz de formar partículas tipo virus (PTV) del VIH en sistemas de expresión heteróloga, como E. coli y levaduras. En este trabajo, las construcciones Gag-RT y Gag-ENV se expresaron en células de E. coli para confirmar si las proteínas quiméricas Gag- ENV y Gag-RT podían formar PTV. La expresión de estas construcciones rindieron niveles en E. coli de 2 mg L-1 para la proteína Gag- RT y de 4 mg L-1 para Gag-ENV, de proteína purificada. Micrografías electrónicas permitieron verificar la formación de PTV en el citoplasma de E. coli expresando la proteína Gag-ENV, lo cual indica que la fusión de los epítopos no interfirió con el ensamblaje de Gag en células bacterianas.