bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen Migration during Pyrolysis of Raw and Acid Leached Maize Straw
Authors: Li Huan , Mou Huawei , Zhao Nan , Yu Yaohong , Hong Quan , Philbert Mperejekumana , Zhou Yuguang , Dizaji Hossein Beidaghy , Dong Renjie
Published: March 2021

Solid biofuel is considered as a possible substitute for coal in household heat production because of the available and sustainable raw materials, while NOx emissions from its combustion have become a serious problem. Nitrogen-containing compounds in pyrolysis products have important effects on the conversion of fuel-N into NOx-N. Understanding these converting pathways is important for the environmentally friendly use of biomass fuels. The nitrogen migration during pyrolysis of raw and acid leached maize straw at various temperatures was investigated in this study. Thermal gravimetric analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to investigate the performances of thermal decomposition and pyrolysis products from samples. The main nitrogen functional groups in biomass and biochar products were N-A (amine-N/amide-N/protein-N), pyridine-N, and pyrrole-N, according to the findings. The most common gaseous NOx precursor was NH3, which was produced primarily during the conversion of N-A to pyridine-N and pyrrole-N. The formation of HCN mainly came from the secondary decomposition of heterocyclic-N at high temperatures. Before the pyrolysis temperature increased to 650 °C, more than half of the fuel-N was stored in the biochar. At the same pyrolysis temperature, acid-leached maize straw yielded more gas-N and char-N than the raw biomass. The highest char-N yield of 76.39 wt% was obtained from acid-leached maize straw (AMS) pyrolysis at 350 °C. Low pyrolysis temperature and acid-leaching treatment can help to decrease nitrogen release from stable char structure, providing support for reducing nitrogenous pollutant emissions from straw fuel.
Statistical Modeling for Spatial Groundwater Potential Map Based on GIS Technique
Authors: Azma Aliasghar , Narreie Esmaeil , Shojaaddini Abouzar , Kianfar Nima , Kiyanfar Ramin , Seyed Alizadeh Seyed Mehdi , Davarpanah Afshin
Published: March 2021

In arid and semi-arid lands like Iran water is scarce, and not all the wastewater can be treated. Hence, groundwater remains the primary and the principal source of water supply for human consumption. Therefore, this study attempted to spatially assess the groundwater potential in an aquifer in a semi-arid region of Iran using geographic information systems (GIS)-based statistical modeling. To this end, 75 agricultural wells across the Marvdasht Plain were sampled, and the water samples’ electrical conductivity (EC) was measured. To model the groundwater quality, multiple linear regression (MLR) and principal component regression (PCR) coupled with elven environmental parameters (soil-topographical parameters) were employed. The results showed that that soil EC (SEC) with Beta = 0.78 was selected as the most influential factor affecting groundwater EC (GEC). CaCO3 of soil samples and length-steepness (LS factor) were the second and third effective parameters. SEC with r = 0.89 and CaCO3 with r = 0.79 and LS factor with r = 0.69 were also characterized for PC1. According to performance criteria, the MLR model with R2 = 0.94, root mean square error (RMSE) = 450 µScm−1 and mean error (ME) = 125 µScm−1 provided better results in predicting the GEC. The GEC map indicated that 16% of the Marvdasht groundwater was not suitable for agriculture. It was concluded that GIS, combined with statistical methods, could predict groundwater quality in the semi-arid regions.
Job Satisfaction and Implications for Organizational Sustainability: A Resource Efficiency Perspective
Authors: Lange Thomas
Published: March 2021

This study contributes to the organizational sustainability literature by exploring a methodology for defining and making the notion of employee flourishing at work operational. It applies stochastic frontier methods on British longitudinal data to estimate the maximum job satisfaction that employees can achieve should they utilize their resources efficiently. It offers a new perspective on the notion of social comparisons and extends the literature by demonstrating the scope for organizational intervention in the context of commonly assumed, time invariant variables, which are often thought to be beyond interventionist possibilities. Findings suggest that many British employees fail to reach their job satisfaction potential, reporting satisfaction scores below those of their peers with similar resource endowments. This inefficiency correlates strongly with personality traits. Implications for organizational sustainability policy and practice are discussed.
Complex Vascular Reconstruction following Resection of a Large Retroperitoneal Teratoma
Authors: Stüben Björn-Ole , Heumann Asmus , Giannou Anastasios D. , Wipper Sabine , Bannas Peter , Li Jun
Published: March 2021

Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are a common malignancy in males, with variations in differentiation making different therapeutic strategies necessary. Generally, GCTs show good curation rates due to their good response to radiotherapy or chemotherapy. However, certain subtypes are resistant to these therapies and require surgery. We present a case of a 25-year-old patient with a large retroperitoneal GCT with somatic malignant transformation, where resection of large abdominal blood vessels with complex reconstruction was necessary to completely remove the tumor. The tumor was completely resected, and the patient has since been recurrence-free in the follow-up period. GCTs with somatic transformation show high resistance rates to chemo- and radiotherapy, and the patient in the presented case study did indeed show only a limited response to carboplatin-based chemotherapy. Patients suffering from these conditions should be resected whenever possible, as curation can be achieved by complete tumor resection. Infiltration of neighboring structures is no contraindication to surgery. The case presented here shows that interdisciplinary surgical planning including vascular and general surgeons as well as radiologists is vital to ensure successful tumor resection.
A Cooperative Partner Selection Study of Military-Civilian Scientific and Technological Collaborative Innovation Based on Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Set
Authors: Li Bing , Zhang Jihai
Published: March 2021

Military-civilian scientific and technological collaborative innovation (MCSTCI) is an important intersection of civil-military integrated development strategies and innovation-driven development strategies, and has become a brand-new model for Chinese key scientific and technological research. The selection of cooperative partner between military and civilian innovation entities is not only the primary segment to carry out MCSTCI activities, but also an important foundation for achieving complementary advantages and win-win cooperation. Therefore, on the basis of summarizing and combing the evaluation indicators, a partner selection model based on interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy set multi-attribute decision-making is proposed. Firstly, we improve the traditional scoring function, and combine the new scoring function and entropy weight method to determine the weight of each evaluation indicator. Secondly, considering the impact of decision-makers’ risk attitudes, a method of transforming evaluation matrix based on hesitancy distribution is proposed. Finally, the grey correlation and TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution) method is used to mark and rank the candidates, and the innovation entities with the highest score is selected as the collaborative innovation partner. An example of a military equipment manufacturing enterprise in Beijing for partner selection in order to carry out joint technological research on a certain anti-ship missile weapon shows that the model is more comprehensive and flexible in solving fuzzy multi-attribute decision-making problems, and can assess and select cooperative partners for MCSTCI scientifically and objectively.
Tikhonov Regularization Terms for Accelerating Inertial Mann-Like Algorithm with Applications
Authors: Hammad Hasanen A. , Rehman Habib ur , Almusawa Hassan
Published: March 2021

In this manuscript, we accelerate the modified inertial Mann-like algorithm by involving Tikhonov regularization terms. Strong convergence for fixed points of nonexpansive mappings in real Hilbert spaces was discussed utilizing the proposed algorithm. Accordingly, the strong convergence of a forward–backward algorithm involving Tikhonov regularization terms was derived, which counts as finding a solution to the monotone inclusion problem and the variational inequality problem. Ultimately, some numerical discussions are presented here to illustrate the effectiveness of our algorithm.
Structure-Property Relationship in Selected Naphtho- and Anthra-Quinone Derivatives on the Basis of Density Functional Theory and Car–Parrinello Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Kizior Beata , Panek Jarosław J. , Szyja Bartłomiej M. , Jezierska Aneta
Published: March 2021

Intra- and inter-molecular interactions were studied in 2,3-dichloro-5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone and 1,4-dihydroxy-anthraquinone to shed more light on the molecular assembly phenomena. The electronic ground and excited states features of the compounds were investigated to find structure-property dependencies. The theoretical study was carried out on the basis of Density Functional Theory (DFT), its Time-Dependent (TD-DFT) extension, and using Car–Parrinello Molecular Dynamics (CPMD). In order to show how the environmental effects modulate the physico-chemical properties, the simulations were performed in vacuo, with the solvent reaction field (Polarizable Continuum Model (PCM) and water as a solvent) and crystalline phase. The intramolecular hydrogen bonds and the bridged proton dynamics were analyzed in detail. The aromatic rings and electronic structure changes were estimated using the Harmonic Oscillator Model of Aromaticity (HOMA) and Atoms in Molecules (AIM) theory. The Symmetry-Adapted Perturbation Theory (SAPT) was employed for interaction energy decomposition in the studied dimers and trimers. It was found that the presence of a polar solvent decreased the energy barrier for the bridged proton transfer. However, it did not significantly affect the aromaticity and electronic structure. The SAPT results showed that the mutual polarization of the monomers in the dimer was weak and that the dispersion was responsible for most of the intermolecular attraction. The intermolecular hydrogen bonds seem to be much weaker than the intramolecular bridges. The TD-DFT results confirmed that the electronic excitations do not play any significant role in the intramolecular proton transfer. The CPMD results indicated that the protons are very labile in the hydrogen bridges. Short proton transfer and proton-sharing events were observed, and a correlation between them in the twin bridges was noticed, especially for the first investigated compound.
A Weak Tripled Contraction for Solving a Fuzzy Global Optimization Problem in Fuzzy Metric Spaces
Authors: Hammad Hasanen A. , De la Sen Manuel
Published: March 2021

In the setting of fuzzy metric spaces (FMSs), a global optimization problem (GOP) obtaining the distance between two subsets of an FMS is solved by a tripled fixed-point (FP) technique here. Also, fuzzy weak tripled contractions (WTCs) for that are given. This problem was known before in metric space (MS) as a proximity point problem (PPP). The result is correct for each continuous τ—norms related to the FMS. Furthermore, a non-trivial example to illustrate the main theorem is discussed.
Controllability of Semilinear Multi-Valued Differential Inclusions with Non-Instantaneous Impulses of Order α ∈ (1,2) without Compactness
Authors: Alsheekhhussain Zainab , Ibrahim Ahmed Gamal
Published: March 2021

Herein, we investigated the controllability of a semilinear multi-valued differential equation with non-instantaneous impulses of order α∈(1,2), where the linear part is a strongly continuous cosine family without compactness. We did not assume any compactness conditions on either the semi-group, the multi-valued function, or the inverse of the controllability operator, which is different from the previous literature.
A Time-Variant Reliability Analysis Method Based on the Stochastic Process Discretization under Random and Interval Variables
Authors: Li Fangyi , Liu Jie , Yan Yufei , Rong Jianhua , Yi Jijun
Published: March 2021

In practical engineering, it is a cost-consuming problem to consider the time-variant reliability of both random variables and interval variables, which usually requires a lot of calculation. Therefore, a time-variant reliability analysis approach with hybrid uncertain variables is proposed in this paper. In the design period, the stochastic process is discretized into random variables. Simultaneously, the original random variables and the discrete random variables are converted into independent normal variables, and the interval variables are changed into standard variables. Then it is transformed into a hybrid reliability problem of static series system. At different times, the limited state functions are linearized at the most probable point (MPP) and at the most unfavorable point (MUP). The transformed static system reliability problem with hybrid uncertain variables can be solved effectively by introducing random variables. To solve the double-loop nested optimization in the hybrid reliability calculation, an effective iterative method is proposed. Two numerical examples and an engineering example demonstrate the validity of the present approach.
An Intelligent Fusion Algorithm and Its Application Based on Subgroup Migration and Adaptive Boosting
Authors: Li Timing , Yang Lei , Li Kewen , Zhai Jiannan
Published: March 2021

Imbalanced data and feature redundancies are common problems in many fields, especially in software defect prediction, data mining, machine learning, and industrial big data application. To resolve these problems, we propose an intelligent fusion algorithm, SMPSO-HS-AdaBoost, which combines particle swarm optimization based on subgroup migration and adaptive boosting based on hybrid-sampling. In this paper, we apply the proposed intelligent fusion algorithm to software defect prediction to improve the prediction efficiency and accuracy by solving the issues caused by imbalanced data and feature redundancies. The results show that the proposed algorithm resolves the coexisting problems of imbalanced data and feature redundancies, and ensures the efficiency and accuracy of software defect prediction.
Symbiosis Evolution Model and Behavior of Multiple Resource Agents in the Smart Elderly Care Service Ecosystem
Authors: Zhang Chi , Liang Changyong , Zhang Chao , Ma Yiming
Published: March 2021

Population aging has become an important factor restricting China′s social and economic development. The smart health and elderly care industry has developed rapidly in the past five years. However, the service resources among various elderly service providers are relatively isolated and scattered. In other words, the core management problem in the components of the smart elderly care service ecosystem is how to deal with the relationships of interest among multiple resource agents. Thus, the main contribution of this study is to employ symbiosis theory and the logistic growth model to construct a model of the evolution of the symbiosis of multiple resource agents in the smart elderly care service ecosystem. Then, we carry out a stability analysis, and analyze the evolutionary model of two resource agents′ symbiosis under different values of interdependence coefficients. Finally, we use computer simulations to dynamically simulate the model and comparatively analyze the population density of the hospital–nursing home symbiotic relationship using real cases in China. According to the study, we find that the enterprise goal in the smart elderly care service ecosystem should be to maximize the overall value of the multiple resource agents, and the result of the symbiotic evolution between different resource agents depends on the symbiotic interdependence coefficient, while the resource agent uses different strategies under different symbiosis models. Therefore, regulation is needed to ensure the relative fairness of the distribution of value co-creation in the smart elderly care service ecosystem when the resource agent takes actions that benefit itself. Of course, when the ecosystem is in a reciprocal symbiosis model, each resource agent benefits from the activities of the other resource agents, which is ideal in reality; in other words, the best symbiosis model between the two resource agents should be the similar reciprocal symbiosis model.
Systemic States of Spreading Activation in Describing Associative Knowledge Networks II: Generalisations with Fractional Graph Laplacians and q-Adjacency Kernels
Authors: Koponen Ismo T.
Published: March 2021

Associative knowledge networks are often explored by using the so-called spreading activation model to find their key items and their rankings. The spreading activation model is based on the idea of diffusion- or random walk -like spreading of activation in the network. Here, we propose a generalisation, which relaxes an assumption of simple Brownian-like random walk (or equally, ordinary diffusion process) and takes into account nonlocal jump processes, typical for superdiffusive processes, by using fractional graph Laplacian. In addition, the model allows a nonlinearity of the diffusion process. These generalizations provide a dynamic equation that is analogous to fractional porous medium diffusion equation in a continuum case. A solution of the generalized equation is obtained in the form of a recently proposed q-generalized matrix transformation, the so-called q-adjacency kernel, which can be adopted as a systemic state describing spreading activation. Based on the systemic state, a new centrality measure called activity centrality is introduced for ranking the importance of items (nodes) in spreading activation. To demonstrate the viability of analysis based on systemic states, we use empirical data from a recently reported case of a university students’ associative knowledge network about the history of science. It is shown that, while a choice of model does not alter rankings of the items with the highest rank, rankings of nodes with lower ranks depend essentially on the diffusion model.
Evaluation of the Swallow-Tail Sign and Correlations of Neuromelanin Signal with Susceptibility and Relaxations
Authors: Lee Tzu-Wei , Chen Cheng-Yu , Chen Kuan , Tso Chao-Wei , Lin Hui-Hsien , Lai Ying-Liang Larry , Hsu Fei-Ting , Chung Hsiao-Wen , Liu Hua-Shan
Published: March 2021

The presence of a swallow-tail sign in the nigrosome-1 with hyperintense signal shown on the susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) has been shown to be sensitive in detecting the abnormal iron deposits in this area. A systematic evaluation in healthy subjects is required before this tool can be recommended in a widespread application. We evaluated a simple and practical SWI approach using a multiecho gradient-echo sequence with an improved contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). We also evaluated the association of the neuromelanin imaging contrast behavior with the susceptibility and relaxation measurements. Twenty-five older and 23 young healthy adults were evaluated. The CNRs of the nigrosome-1 were compared along with method and group. Correlations of the nigrosome-1 neuromelanin signal in the neuromelanin-sensitive imaging with CNRs in the susceptibility, T1 and T2 mappings were examined. Two different coils were used to confirm the reproducibility. Compared with the single-echo, multiecho SWI can improve the CNR of the swallow-tail sign. We found significant correlations between neuromelanin signal and CNRs in the susceptibility and T2 mappings, and T1 value. The older subjects exhibited increased CNRs compared with the young adults. No significant difference was observed in the measurements between 20 and 64 channels. The multiecho technique allows the high-quality nigrosome-1 images in SWI and allows for a joint analysis of T2* and quantitative-susceptibility mapping at high spatial resolution. The correlations of neuromelanin-sensitive imaging with susceptibility and T2 imply that the iron content in the nigrosome-1 may have significant influences on the hyperintensity of neuromelanin in the magnetization transfer-related contrast.
Participant Experiences in a Human Biomonitoring Study: Follow-Up Interviews with Participants of the Flemish Environment and Health Study
Authors: Morrens Bert , Jonker Hans , Den Hond Elly , Coertjens Dries , Colles Ann , Schoeters Greet , Van Larebeke Nicolas , Nawrot Tim , Covaci Adrian , Nelen Vera , Vandermoere Frédéric , Loots Ilse
Published: March 2021

Communicating individual human biomonitoring results to study participants has been the subject of debate for some time. This debate is dominated by ethical considerations from a researchers’ perspective on whether or not to communicate, thereby overlooking more practice-based questions from a participants’ perspective on what and how to communicate. We conducted a small scale follow-up study based on eleven face-to-face interviews with mothers participating in the third cycle of the Flemish Environment and Health Study (FLEHS III 2012–2015) to investigate how they experienced and interpreted individual biomonitoring results. Key findings indicate that respondents were generally satisfied with participating in the biomonitoring study, but the report-back process especially lacked contextualized information and interactive communication options to better comprehend and cope with personal results. These findings also argue in favor of a more tailored approach in which report-back methods, formats and content are diversified according to the type of results and the preferences of participants. A reflexive research practice with active engagement in follow-up research is crucial to improve participants’ understanding and use of personal biomonitoring results.
Transcriptional Analyses of Acute Exposure to Methylmercury on Erythrocytes of Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Authors: Hernández-Fernández Javier , Pinzón-Velasco Andrés , López Ellie Anne , Rodríguez-Becerra Pilar , Mariño-Ramírez Leonardo
Published: March 2021

To understand changes in enzyme activity and gene expression as biomarkers of exposure to methylmercury, we exposed loggerhead turtle erythrocytes (RBCs) to concentrations of 0, 1, and 5 mg L−1 of MeHg and de novo transcriptome were assembled using RNA-seq. The analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) indicated that 79 unique genes were dysregulated (39 upregulated and 44 downregulated genes). The results showed that MeHg altered gene expression patterns as a response to the cellular stress produced, reflected in cell cycle regulation, lysosomal activity, autophagy, calcium regulation, mitochondrial regulation, apoptosis, and regulation of transcription and translation. The analysis of DEGs showed a low response of the antioxidant machinery to MeHg, evidenced by the fact that genes of early response to oxidative stress were not dysregulated. The RBCs maintained a constitutive expression of proteins that represented a good part of the defense against reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by MeHg.
Systematic Evaluation of Parameters Important for Production of Native Toxin A and Toxin B from Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Aminzadeh Aria , Jørgensen René
Published: March 2021

In the attempt to improve the purification yield of native toxin A (TcdA) and toxin B (TcdB) from Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile), we systematically evaluated culture parameters for their influence on toxin production. In this study, we showed that culturing C. difficile in a tryptone-yeast extract medium buffered in PBS (pH 7.5) that contained 5 mM ZnCl2 and 10 mM glucose supported the highest TcdB production, measured by the sandwich ELISA. These culture conditions were scalable into 5 L and 15 L dialysis tube cultures, and we were able to reach a TcdB concentration of 29.5 µg/mL of culture. Furthermore, we established a purification protocol for TcdA and TcdB using FPLC column chromatography, reaching purities of >99% for both toxins with a yield around 25% relative to the starting material. Finally, by screening the melting temperatures of TcdA and TcdB in various buffer conditions using differential scanning fluorimetry, we found optimal conditions for improving the protein stability during storage. The results of this study present a complete protocol for obtaining high amounts of highly purified native TcdA and TcdB from C. difficile.
Effective Treatment of Neurological Symptoms with Normal Doses of Botulinum Neurotoxin in Wilson’s Disease: Six Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Hefter Harald , Samadzadeh Sara
Published: March 2021

Recent cell-based and animal experiments have demonstrated an effective reduction in botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) by copper. Aim: We aimed to analyze whether the successful symptomatic BoNT/A treatment of patients with Wilson’s disease (WD) corresponds with unusually high doses per session. Among the 156 WD patients regularly seen at the outpatient department of the university hospital in Düsseldorf (Germany), only 6 patients had been treated with BoNT/A during the past 5 years. The laboratory findings, indications for BoNT treatment, preparations, and doses per session were extracted retrospectively from the charts. These parameters were compared with those of 13 other patients described in the literature. BoNT/A injection therapy is a rare (<4%) symptomatic treatment in WD, only necessary in exceptional cases, and is often applied only transiently. In those cases for which dose information was available, the dose per session and indication appear to be within usual limits. Despite the evidence that copper can interfere with the botulinum toxin in preclinical models, patients with WD do not require higher doses of the toxin than other patients with dystonia.
Mycotoxins: Toxicology, Identification and Control
Authors: Juan García Cristina
Published: March 2021

The evaluation of the presence of mycotoxins in different matrices is achieved through different analytical tools (including quantitative or qualitative determinations) [...]
Medium Cut-Off Dialysis Membrane and Dietary Fiber Effects on Inflammation and Protein-Bound Uremic Toxins: A Systematic Review and Protocol for an Interventional Study
Authors: Herič Tjaša , Vivoda Tjaša , Bogataj Špela , Pajek Jernej
Published: March 2021

The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the effects of the use of a medium cut-off membrane (MCO) and dietary fiber on the concentration of protein-bound uremic toxins (PBUTs) and inflammatory markers in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Of 11,397 papers originally found, eight met the criteria of randomized controlled trial design. No study examined the effects of MCO membranes on PBUTs. Three studies examined the reduction in inflammatory markers with MCO membranes compared to high-flux HD membranes and showed no significant differences. Five studies of dietary fiber supplementation showed an inconclusive positive effect on PBUT levels and a significant positive effect on the reduction in inflammatory markers (interleukin-6 reduction: standardized difference in means −1.18; 95% confidence interval −1.45 to −0.9 for dietary fiber supplementation vs. control; p < 0.001). To date, no study has combined the use of an MCO membrane and fiber supplementation to reduce PBUT levels and inflammation with online hemodiafiltration as a comparator. A rationale and protocol for an interventional trial using a combination of MCO membrane dialysis and fiber supplementation to lower inflammatory markers and PBUT concentrations are presented.
Feasibility and Effectiveness Studies with Oral Vaccination of Free-Roaming Dogs against Rabies in Thailand
Authors: Chanachai Karoon , Wongphruksasoong Vilaiporn , Vos Ad , Leelahapongsathon Kansuda , Tangwangvivat Ratanaporn , Sagarasaeranee Onpawee , Lekcharoen Paisin , Trinuson Porathip , Kasemsuwan Suwicha
Published: March 2021

(1) Background: Thailand has made significant progress in reducing the number of human and animal rabies cases. However, control and elimination of the last remaining pockets of dog-mediated rabies have shown to be burdensome, predominantly as a result of the large numbers of free-roaming dogs without an owner that cannot be restrained without special efforts and therefore remain unvaccinated. To reach these dogs, the feasibility, and benefits of oral rabies vaccination (ORV) as a complementary tool has been examined under field conditions. (2) Methods: ORV of dogs was tested in five study areas of four provinces in Thailand. In these areas, sites with free-roaming dogs were identified with the support of local municipal workers and dog caretakers. ORV teams visited each of five study areas and distributed rabies vaccine (SPBN GASGAS) in three bait formats that were offered to the dogs using a hand-out and retrieval model. The three bait types tested included: egg-flavored baits, egg-flavored baits pasted with commercially available cat liquid snack, and boiled-intestine baits. A dog offered a vaccine bait was considered vaccinated when the discarded sachet was perforated or if a dog chewed vaccine bait at least 5 times before it swallowed the bait, including the sachet. (3) Results: A total of 2444 free-roaming dogs considered inaccessible for parenteral vaccination were identified at 338 sites. As not all dogs were approachable, 79.0% were offered a bait; of these dogs, 91.6% accepted the bait and subsequently 83.0% were considered successfully vaccinated. (4) Conclusion: Overall, 65.6% of the free-roaming dogs at these sites were successfully vaccinated by the oral route. Such a significant increase of the vaccination coverage of the free-roaming dog population could interrupt the rabies transmission cycle and offers a unique opportunity to reach the goal to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies in Thailand by 2030.
Lagos Bat Virus, an Under-Reported Rabies-Related Lyssavirus
Authors: Coertse Jessica , Geldenhuys Marike , le Roux Kevin , Markotter Wanda
Published: March 2021

Lagos bat virus (LBV), one of the 17 accepted viral species of the Lyssavirus genus, was the first rabies-related virus described in 1956. This virus is endemic to the African continent and is rarely encountered. There are currently four lineages, although the observed genetic diversity exceeds existing lyssavirus species demarcation criteria. Several exposures to rabid bats infected with LBV have been reported; however, no known human cases have been reported to date. This review provides the history of LBV and summarizes previous knowledge as well as new detections. Genetic diversity, pathogenesis and prevention are re-evaluated and discussed.
Vaccination as a Control Tool in Bovine Tuberculosis: Social Media Monitoring to Assess Public Response to Government Policy Development and Implementation
Authors: Dicks Frederika , Marks Tatjana , Karafillakis Emilie , Chambers Mark A
Published: March 2021

Vaccine hesitancy does not only concern human vaccines but incorporates One Health policies also; including vaccination of cattle and badgers as part of the government’s bovine tuberculosis eradication strategy for England. Both digital and social media can propagate healthcare misinformation and thus affect vaccine policy support. The use of social media monitoring to understand real-time public perceptions of One Health policies is crucial to identify misinformation and address public concerns appropriately to achieve successful policy implementation. Digital and social media data surrounding two government announcements regarding the bovine tuberculosis eradication strategy for England were collected and screened using the Meltwater media monitoring platform. Communication patterns were studied using InfraNodus. Twitter analysis was conducted to identify key influencers, public engagement, and trending communications. Online social media activity increased rapidly after each announcement. Initially, badger culling took primary public concern and major influencers were identified. Cattle vaccination dominated discussion after the second announcement, with public perception being influenced by increased online activity from news sites, animal welfare charities, governmental bodies, and medical professionals. The greatest ambiguity towards the strategy was detected within farming communities, with the main disparity existing between cattle vaccination and badger culling opinions. Social media monitoring has potential use in surveying public perception of government policy, both prior to, and after implementation to identify and address areas of miscommunication and misinformation to improve public support for One Health policies.
Reasons for Taking the COVID-19 Vaccine by US Social Media Users
Authors: Benis Arriel , Seidmann Abraham , Ashkenazi Shai
Published: March 2021

Political and public health leaders promoting COVID-19 vaccination should identify the most relevant criteria driving the vaccination decision. Social media is increasingly used as a source of vaccination data and as a powerful communication tool to increase vaccination. In December 2020, we performed a cross-sectional social media-based survey addressing personal sentiments toward COVID-19 vaccination in the USA. Our primary research objective is to identify socio-demographic characteristics and the reasons for the 1644 survey participants’ attitudes regarding vaccination. We present clear evidence that, contrary to the prevailing public perceptions, young audiences using social media have mostly a positive attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination (81.5%). These younger individuals want to protect their families and their relatives (96.7%); they see vaccination as an act of civic responsibility (91.9%) and express strong confidence in their healthcare providers (87.7%). Another critical factor is the younger population’s fear of personal COVID-19 infection (88.2%); moreover, the greater the number of children the participants have, the greater is their intent to get the COVID-19 vaccine. These results enable a practical public-messaging pathway to reinforce vaccination campaigns addressing the younger population.
Immunogenicity and Neutralizing Activity Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Full-Length and Subunit Domain Proteins in Young Adult and Old-Aged Mice
Authors: Kim Ki-Hye , Bhatnagar Noopur , Jeeva Subbiah , Oh Judy , Park Bo Ryoung , Shin Chong Hyun , Wang Bao-Zhong , Kang Sang-Moo
Published: March 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to be expanding the pandemic disease across the globe. Although SARS-CoV-2 vaccines were rapidly developed and approved for emergency use of vaccination in humans, supply and production difficulties are slowing down the global vaccination program. The efficacy of many different versions of vaccine candidates and adjuvant effects remain unknown, particularly in the elderly. In this study, we compared the immunogenic properties of SARS-CoV-2 full-length spike (S) ectodomain in young adult and aged mice, S1 with receptor binding domain, and S2 with fusion domain. Full-length S was more immunogenic and effective in inducing IgG antibodies after low dose vaccination, compared to the S1 subunit. Old-aged mice induced SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific IgG antibodies with neutralizing activity after high dose S vaccination. With an increased vaccine dose, S1 was highly effective in inducing neutralizing and receptor-binding inhibiting antibodies, although both S1 and S2 subunit domain vaccines were similarly immunogenic. Adjuvant effects were significant for effective induction of IgG1 and IgG2a isotypes, neutralizing and receptor-binding inhibiting antibodies, and antibody-secreting B cell and interferon-γ secreting T cell immune responses. Results of this study provide information in designing SARS-CoV-2 spike vaccine antigens and effective vaccination in the elderly.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Biochar Fixed Bed Column for the Adsorption of Arsenic from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Boni Maria , Marzeddu Simone , Tatti Fabio , Raboni Massimo , Mancini Giuseppe , Luciano Antonella , Viotti Paolo
Published: March 2021

Two laboratory tests were carried out to verify the suitability of an Italian commercial biochar as an adsorbing material. The chosen contaminant, considered dissolved in groundwater, was As. The circular economic concept demands the use of such waste material. Its use has been studied in recent years on several contaminants. The possibility of using an efficient material at low cost could help the use of low-impact technologies like permeable reactive barriers (PRBs). A numerical model was used to derive the kinetic constant for two of the most used isotherms. The results are aligned with others derived from the literature, but they also indicate that the use of a large amount of biochar does not improve the efficiency of the removal. The particular origin of the biochar, together with its grain size, causes a decrease in contact time required for the adsorption. Furthermore, it is possible that a strong local decrease in the hydraulic conductibility does not allow for a correct dispersion of the flow, thereby limiting its efficiency.
Driving Factors of Decoupling between Economic Development and Water Consumption in Food and Energy in North-West China—Based on the Tapio-LMDI Method
Authors: Pan Ziyu , Fang Zhou , Chen Junyu , Hong Jun , Xu Yisong , Yang Shiliang
Published: March 2021

The shortage of water resources has become a notable bottleneck, restricting the economic development of many countries and areas around the word, especially that of North-west China. The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Shaanxi Province are important energy bases and food production areas in North-west China. However, the region is suffering from perennial drought and water shortage, which has become the most significant shortcoming for energy and food production. Guiding the decoupling between regional economic development and water consumption is a critical way to achieve sustainable development. Based on the analysis of the food and energy production value and their water consumption in North-west China from 2009 to 2019, this paper uses the Tapio model to analyze the decoupling relationship between food, energy production, and water consumption, and uses the Logarithmic Mean Divisional Index (LMDI) model to analyze the driving factors affecting decoupling. The results show that most water consumption for food and energy production in North-west China is out of the ideal strong decoupling, the decoupling status is unstable, and re-coupling occurs frequently. The increase in water intensity and the change in industrial structure are the promoting factors of decoupling between production value and water consumption in food and energy in North-west China, while the increase in production value and population size are the main restraining factors. Therefore, in pursuit of strong decoupling, the government should guide the food and energy industry to move toward implementing in water saving measures through policies and promote the enthusiasm and efficiency of the labor force through financial support and other ways. Moreover, ecological protective measures are needed to be strengthened, such as water source protection, and sewage treatment.
Wastewater Treatment in Remote Arctic Settlements
Authors: Vialkova Elena , Glushchenko Ekaterina
Published: March 2021

The article deals with improving the sewage systems of small remote settlements in the Arctic climate to prevent industrial pollution of the environment. Preliminary monitoring of the wastewater temperature and quality was carried out. From the laboratory results of the experimental modelling, such as the coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, oxidation, and wastewater chemical precipitation, we developed a substitute for the traditional biological stage of sewage treatment with physicochemical methods. A real sewage water sample, taken for this study from a septic tank in a remote northern village, can be considered as a distinctive feature of the experiment. The best results obtained according to the scheme with the chemical precipitation of nitrogen compounds are demonstrated. In this case, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) index was reduced by 96.6%, the ammonium ions concentration by 99.5%, and the suspended solids concentration by 99.9%. A technological scheme for low-productivity wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in northern settlements is proposed. A comparison of the proposed scheme and the traditional schemes in terms of efficiency and cost was carried out. Further study and implementation of recommended methods of sewage treatment at existing and newly designed stations is expected to improve the effective operation of these treatment plants in arctic conditions.
Factors Affecting the Simultaneous Removal of Nitrate and Reactive Black 5 Dye via Hydrogen-Based Denitrification
Authors: Singhopon Tippawan , Shinoda Kenta , Rujakom Suphatchai , Kazama Futaba
Published: March 2021

Textile wastewater (TW) contains toxic pollutants that pose both environmental and human health risks. Reportedly, some of these pollutants, including NO3−, NO2− and reactive black 5 (RB-5) dye, can be removed via hydrogen-based denitrification (HD); however, it is still unclear how different factors affect their simultaneous removal. This study aimed to investigate the effect of H2 flow rate, the sparging cycle of air and H2, and initial dye concentration on the TW treatment process. Thus, two reactors, an anaerobic HD reactor and a combined aerobic/anaerobic HD reactor, were used to investigate the treatment performance. The results obtained that increasing the H2 flow rate in the anaerobic HD reactor increased nitrogen removal and decolorization removal rates. Further, increasing the time for anaerobic treatment significantly enhanced the pollutant removal rate in the combined reactor. Furthermore, an increase in initial dye concentration resulted in lower nitrogen removal rates. Additionally, some of the dye was decolorized during the HD process via bacterial degradation, and increasing the initial dye concentration resulted in a decrease in the decolorization rate. Bacterial communities, including Xanthomonadaceae, Rhodocyclaceae, and Thauera spp., are presented as the microbial species that play a key role in the mechanisms related to nitrogen removal and RB-5 decolorization under both HD conditions. However, both reactors showed similar treatment efficiencies; hence, based on these results, the use of a combined aerobic/anaerobic HD system should be used to reduce organic/inorganic pollutant contents in real textile wastewater before discharging is recommended.
Water Quality and Financial Analysis of a System Combining Rainwater and Greywater in a House
Authors: Rosa Gustavo , Ghisi Enedir
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the installation of a system that combines rainwater to wash clothes and greywater to flush toilets in a house located in Florianópolis, southern Brazil. The evaluation consisted of determining the potable water savings, performing a financial analysis, and verifying the possibility of using rainwater and reusing greywater according to the local legislation. The reduction in potable water consumption was determined by comparing the monthly water and sewage bill, before and after installing the system, combining rainwater and greywater. The financial analysis was performed considering the financial benefits, operational costs, costs for installing the system, and local water tariffs. After installing the system, there was a decrease of 38.0% in the monthly potable water consumption, which represents a decrease of 7.00 m3 in the monthly potable water consumption. The payback periods for the old and new water tariffs were equivalent to, respectively, ten years and seven months, and eight years and five months. Both rainwater and greywater had parameters with concentrations higher than the limits established by the legislation. Therefore, the rainwater had to go through a device for discarding the first flush and needed disinfection; and the greywater needed to go through a treatment process. The results indicated that the system combining rainwater and greywater shows significant potential for potable water savings, which can be a good alternative to the preservation of potable water resources. It is important to note that current studies on rainwater use and greywater reuse are mainly related to non-potable purposes, but it was shown herein that rainwater can be used for washing clothes.
Soil Nitrogen Dynamics in a Managed Temperate Grassland Under Changed Climatic Conditions
Authors: Giraud Mona , Groh Jannis , Gerke Horst , Brüggemann Nicolas , Vereecken Harry , Pütz Thomas
Published: March 2021

Grasslands are one of the most common biomes in the world with a wide range of ecosystem services. Nevertheless, quantitative data on the change in nitrogen dynamics in extensively managed temperate grasslands caused by a shift from energy- to water-limited climatic conditions have not yet been reported. In this study, we experimentally studied this shift by translocating undisturbed soil monoliths from an energy-limited site (Rollesbroich) to a water-limited site (Selhausen). The soil monoliths were contained in weighable lysimeters and monitored for their water and nitrogen balance in the period between 2012 and 2018. At the water-limited site (Selhausen), annual plant nitrogen uptake decreased due to water stress compared to the energy-limited site (Rollesbroich), while nitrogen uptake was higher at the beginning of the growing period. Possibly because of this lower plant uptake, the lysimeters at the water-limited site showed an increased inorganic nitrogen concentration in the soil solution, indicating a higher net mineralization rate. The N2O gas emissions and nitrogen leaching remained low at both sites. Our findings suggest that in the short term, fertilizer should consequently be applied early in the growing period to increase nitrogen uptake and decrease nitrogen losses. Moreover, a shift from energy-limited to water-limited conditions will have a limited effect on gaseous nitrogen emissions and nitrate concentrations in the groundwater in the grassland type of this study because higher nitrogen concentrations are (over-) compensated by lower leaching rates.
РОЗВИТОК ПОНЯТІЙНО-КАТЕГОРІАЛЬНОГО АПАРАТУ ЩОДО ПУБЛІЧНОГО ПРОСТОРУ В ПРОЦЕСАХ ДЕРЖАВОТВОРЕННЯ
Authors: Lukin S. 
Published: March 2021

У статті актуалізується понятійно-категоріальний апарат, за допомогою якого описуються визначення сутності публічного простору, що сприяло виявленню суттєвих відмінностей у трактуванні поняття та дозволило поділити розглянуті підходи на дві основні групи: за об’єктною та суб’єктною складовими. Це змушує більш уважно розглянути питання міського планування як проблеми, що включає зміни фізичного і соціального ландшафту, розглянути місто як місце перерозподілу благ і ресурсів, а також, як інвестування в зміни трансформує образ міста. Представлено інтелект-карту поняття “публічний простір” для підкреслення природи елементів та їх властивостей.
КОНЦЕПТ МЕХАНІЗМУ ДЕРЖАВНОГО ВПЛИВУ НА ДІЯЛЬНІСТЬ СУСПІЛЬНОГО МОВЛЕННЯ
Authors: Cheban  O.  , Yasinevich  S. 
Published: March 2021

Розглянуто питання формування механізму державного впливу на діяльність суспільного мовлення та запропоновано концепт цього механізму. Відповідно до логіки проектування механізмів представлено концепт механізму державного регулювання діяльності суспільного мовлення в описовому та графічному вигляді з визначенням його складових. Наголошено, що важливим є розроблення концептуального змісту механізму державного впливу на діяльність суспільного мовлення, який потребує безпосереднього визначення його призначення, а саме визначення виду впливу – управління або регулювання. Визначено, що державний вплив на діяльність суспільного мовлення можна описати через механізм державного регулювання.