bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Air Pollution Monitoring System with Prediction Abilities Based on Smart Autonomous Sensors Equipped with ANNs with Novel Training Scheme
Authors: Banach Marzena , Długosz Rafał , Talaśka Tomasz , Pedrycz Witold
Published: January 2022

The paper presents a concept of an air pollution monitoring system with prediction abilities, based on wireless smart sensors, that takes into account local conditions (microclimate) prevailing in particular areas of the city. In most cases reported in the literature, artificial neural networks (ANNs) are used to predict future pollution levels. In existing solutions of this type, ANNs are trained with generalized datasets common for larger areas, e.g., cities. Our investigations show, however, that conditions may strongly differ even between particular streets in the city, which may impact prediction quality. This results from varying density of urban development, different levels of insolation, airiness, amounts of greenery, etc. As a result, with similar values of ANN input signals, such as current pollution levels, temperature, pressure, etc., the results of the prediction may differ significantly from reality. For this reason, we propose an innovative solution, in which particular sensors are equipped with miniaturized low-power ANNs, trained with datasets gathered directly from their closest environment, without a need for the obtaining of such data from a base station. This may simplify the installation and maintenance process of a network of such sensors. In a further part of this work, we dealt with solutions that enable the reduction of the computational complexity of ANNs in the case of their implementation on specialized integrated circuits. We propose replacing the most complex mathematical operations used in the learning algorithm with simpler solutions. A prototype chip containing the main blocks of such an ANN was also designed.
Small Object Detection Method Based on Adaptive Spatial Parallel Convolution and Fast Multi-Scale Fusion
Authors: Qi Guanqiu , Zhang Yuanchuan , Wang Kunpeng , Mazur Neal , Liu Yang , Malaviya Devanshi
Published: January 2022

As one type of object detection, small object detection has been widely used in daily-life-related applications with many real-time requirements, such as autopilot and navigation. Although deep-learning-based object detection methods have achieved great success in recent years, they are not effective in small object detection and most of them cannot achieve real-time processing. Therefore, this paper proposes a single-stage small object detection network (SODNet) that integrates the specialized feature extraction and information fusion techniques. An adaptively spatial parallel convolution module (ASPConv) is proposed to alleviate the lack of spatial information for target objects and adaptively obtain the corresponding spatial information through multi-scale receptive fields, thereby improving the feature extraction ability. Additionally, a split-fusion sub-module (SF) is proposed to effectively reduce the time complexity of ASPConv. A fast multi-scale fusion module (FMF) is proposed to alleviate the insufficient fusion of both semantic and spatial information. FMF uses two fast upsampling operators to first unify the resolution of the multi-scale feature maps extracted by the network and then fuse them, thereby effectively improving the small object detection ability. Comparative experimental results prove that the proposed method considerably improves the accuracy of small object detection on multiple benchmark datasets and achieves a high real-time performance.
The Effect of Artificial Rearing on Live Weight Gain and Bone Morphology of the Tibia in Lambs Prior to Weaning
Authors: Gibson Michaela J. , Rogers Chris W. , Pettigrew Emma J. , Pain Sarah J. , Dittmer Keren E. , Herath Hitihamy M. G. P. , Back Penny J.
Published: January 2022

Growth rates associated with different artificial rearing systems have been thoroughly examined in many species. However, the effect of different rearing systems on bone morphology has not been described. The objective of this study was to examine differences in the bone mass and the relationship of peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) measures of bone with muscle area of ewe-reared lambs and artificially reared lambs. Lambs were opportunistically collected from a concurrent trial examining changes in ewe mammary glands during lactation. Thirteen lambs were artificially reared while the remaining nine were left on their dam. Measures of stature were taken throughout the six-week trial period. At approximately six weeks of age, the lambs were euthanized and the tibia was collected and scanned using peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Artificially reared lambs had reduced live weight gain and an altered pattern of stature growth. There was no effect of treatment on bone morphology (p > 0.05), but ewe reared lambs had a greater cortical bone content to muscle area ratio than artificially reared lambs (0.06 vs. 0.15, respectively). Differences in growth between ewe reared lambs and artificially reared lambs emphasizes the importance of adequate preweaning nutrition for livestock production systems that routinely use artificial rearing systems.
Steam and Pressure Management for the Conversion of Steelworks Arising Gases to H2 with CO2 Capture by Stepwise Technology
Authors: Sebastiani Francesco , Lucking Leonie , Sarić Marija , James Jebin , Boon Jurriaan , van Dijk H. J. A. , Cobden Paul , Pieterse Johannis
Published: January 2022

Steel production is a main source of CO2 emissions globally. These emissions must be drastically reduced to meet climate change mitigation goals. STEPWISE is a Sorption Enhanced Reactive Process (SERP) technology that converts steel works arising gases to H2 with simultaneous CO2 capture. The main energy requirements of the process are the high- and low-pressure steam quantities that are needed to rinse and regenerate the adsorbent. In this simulation study, the separation performance of STEPWISE is evaluated over a range of steam and feed pressure inputs by searching those design points where CO2 recovery and purity percentages are equalized. This method is used to facilitate the comparison of different operating regimes. Results highlight the importance of the rinse to purge ratio (R/P) as a design variable. A higher R/P ratio is demonstrated to maintain CO2 recovery and purity of ~95.5%, while total steam consumption and feed carbon loading are reduced by 27% and 20%, respectively. This is achieved without changing other parameters, like cycle time. Additionally, it is demonstrated that the CO2 capture performance can be maintained for varying feed pressure values by tuning the feed carbon loading. Future studies are recommended to focus on the expected role of the feed gas steam content on these findings.
Analysis of Forest Fire Dynamics, Distribution and Main Drivers in the Atlantic Forest
Authors: Singh Minerva , Huang Zhuhua
Published: January 2022

The fire susceptibility of the Atlantic Forest has largely increased over the past two decades due to a combination of climate change and anthropogenic factors such as land cover change and human modification. High rates of forest fragmentation have contributed to escalating fires in this imperilled global biodiversity hotspot. Understanding fire patterns is essential to developing an effective forest fire management strategy. In this research, we utilized the Random Forest (RF) machine learning approach for identifying the role of climatic and anthropogenic factors in influencing fire occurrence probability and mapping the spatial distribution of fire risk. We found that the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index value and climate variables (i.e., temperature and solar radiation) were significant drivers of fire occurrence risk. Results also confirm that forest fragmentation increases with fire density in the region.
Utilization of Agro-Industrial Wastes for the Production of Quality Oyster Mushrooms
Authors: Akter Morzina , Halawani Riyadh F. , Aloufi Fahed A. , Taleb Md. Abu , Akter Sharmin , Mahmood Shreef
Published: January 2022

The objective of this study was to utilize agro-lignocellulosic wastes for growing oyster mushroom which become problematic for disposal. Pleurotus ostreatus was cultivated on five agro-industrial wastes: rice straw (RS), wheat straw (WS), corncobs (CC), saw dust and rice husk @ 3:1 (SR) and sugarcane bagasse (SB). Approximately 500 g sized polypropylene bags (20.32 × 30.48 cm) were used for each substrate. The SR significantly improved the number of fruiting body (27.80), size of the fruiting body (5.39 g), yield (115.13 g/packet), ash and shortened the days for stimulation to primordial initiation and harvest (9.2 days). The maximum percentage of visual mycelium growth with the least time (15.0 days) to complete the mycelium running was found in SB, whereas the highest biological efficiency value (56.5) was calculated in SR. The topmost value of total sugar (33.20%) and ash (10.87 g/100 g) were recorded in WS, whereas the utmost amount of protein (6.87 mg/100 g) and total polyphenolics (196.88 mg GAE/100 g) were detected from SB and SR, respectively. Overall SR gave the highest amount of the fruiting body with the topmost polyphenols and ash, moderate protein and total sugar, and secured maximum biological efficiency too. The results demonstrate that saw dust with rice husk could be used as an easy alternative substrate for oyster mushroom cultivation.
The Effect of Plant-Based Nutrition Diets on Plasma Lipids Profile—A Study Case in Romania
Authors: Zugravu Corina Aurelia , Otelea Marina Ruxandra , Vladareanu Radu , Grigoriu Corina , Salmen Teodor , Manolache Fulvia Ancuta , Bohiltea Roxana Elena
Published: January 2022

Diet is an important tool in managing dyslipidemic disorders, thus contributing to the prophylaxis of cardiovascular morbidity. Research has shown that a plant-based diet could have positive effects through many pathways. We conducted a study on a group of 38 plant-based individuals from Romania who have adopted the diet for at least one year. The aim of the research was to evaluate eventual changes in their lipid profile. We analyzed to what extent the values of different markers significantly changed following the dietary transition. Improvements were obtained for body mass index (BMI) and all lipid markers, with the exception of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Results showed that 75.0% of persons with elevated TGs (triglycerides) succeeded in normalizing them, as well as individuals with high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, where 72.7% from the borderline elevated became optimal. The total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C ratio shifted from elevated to optimum in 78.6% of cases. Results were poor in three participants with presumed familial hypercholesterolemia, which were later successfully managed by using lipid-lowering medication. In conclusion, although dyslipidemias are only a surrogate marker for cardiovascular morbidity, the actions by which a plant-based diet can influence cardiovascular diseases are multiple, and we consider that our study confirms its positive effect.
Quality of Forecasts as the Factor Determining the Coordination of Logistics Processes by Logistic Operator
Authors: Kramarz Marzena , Kmiecik Mariusz
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: Currently, logistics operators are struggling with the problem of acquiring new areas to create added value. One of such challenges is acquiring a new function in the form of demand forecasting and coordination skills. The increase in the need to forecast demand is related to the increasing complexity of the distribution network, omnichannel systems and turbulent environment. It is necessary to have a comprehensive approach to the distribution network and to develop competences related to coordination. For the authors, one of the most important coordination factors is the quality of forecasts, especially in relation to modern logistics operators. (2) Methods: In literature studies, the authors combine prognostic abilities with a predisposition to coordinate logistic processes in distribution networks. The aim of the research is to develop a forecasting model that will allow a logistic operator who aspires to coordinate logistics processes to create forecasts in the distribution system. The tool was developed in the R programming language and allows for forecasting based on data from the Warehouse Management System; (3) Results: The quality of forecasts is correlated with the characteristics of the products, the relationship between the manufacturing company and the logistics operator, and the configuration of the distribution network in individual chains. The results of the forecasts were compared with selected features of each of the 5 distribution networks that were tested. In parallel, the attributes of a company capable of forecasting in the distribution network were analyzed. These attributes were also compared to those of the logistics operator. (4) Conclusions: The authors proved that a logistic operator with a set of defined features is capable of generating demand in the entire distribution network.
Assessing the Performance of Vietnam’s Banks in the Era of Free Trade Agreements
Authors: Nguyen Hoang , Ryu Youngbok
Published: January 2022

The performance of banks is a great barometer of the sustainability of the economy, particularly for emerging economies. In the expansion of its economy, over the last decade, Vietnam has entered a series of free trade agreements, such as the European Union–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) in 2020. In that context, this study assesses the performance of Vietnam’s banks in the period of 2020–2021 and explores the relationship between performance and various demographic and environmental variables. This study utilizes data envelopment analysis with two disposability concepts where desirable outputs (e.g., return on equity) are maximized while undesirable outputs (e.g., non-performing loan ratio) are minimized. Subsequently, Tobit and bootstrap truncated regression analyses are conducted for the testing of two hypotheses: (1) EVFTA’s commitments, including the updating of the Fintech system, may be positively associated with bank’s performance, and (2) Locations of banks, encumbered by heterogeneous levels of urban concentration and real estate development in different regions, may be associated with the banks’ performance. The findings are twofold: (1) While EVFTA can contribute to Vietnamese banks’ financial profit performance through foreign trading and hedging activities, it may harm banks’ financial health performance due to Fintech-originated bad debts and a lack of relevant regulations; and (2) Banks in southern Vietnam outperform those in northern Vietnam in managing their credit risk by better controlling of bad debts, which result primarily from the volatility of the real estate market and from better positive externalities, in terms of economic, cultural, and political conditions.
Comprehensive Techno-Economic Analysis of a Multi-Feedstock Biorefinery Plant in Oil-Rich Country: A Case Study of Iran
Authors: Ruhani Behrooz , Movahedi Parsa , Saadi Sajad , Ghasemi Amir , Kheradmand Amanj , Dibaj Mahdieh , Akrami Mohammad
Published: January 2022

The high energy consumption in Iran, particularly in the transportation sector, has contaminated large cities and jeopardized the society health. Therefore, in this study technical and economic features of the production of biodiesel plant in Iran from various wastes are investigated. Based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method’s findings, the southern area of Iran is selected for establishing the biodiesel plant in Iran. The biorefinery, which includes three units of sewage sludge, edible waste oil and microalgae. The results of the economic evaluation show that the lowest costs of investment and production of biodiesel are related to microalgae units ($0.375/kg) and edible waste oil ($0.53/kg), respectively. Also, among all units, the lowest break even prices are related to biodiesel production ($1.17/kg) and the highest ATROR rate (29.16%) belongs to the microalgae unit. This indicates that this unit is more profitable than other units and the invested cost is returned to the investor in a shorter period of time (3.43 years). On the other hand, the results of sensitivity analysis show that the highest sensitivity of changes in the selling price of biodiesel and the cost of raw materials to ATROR to the microalgae and sludge unit. Therefore, the construction of a biorefinery in Iran has an economic justification.
A Pathway for the German Energy Sector Compatible with a 1.5 °C Carbon Budget
Authors: Simon Sonja , Xiao Mengzhu , Harpprecht Carina , Sasanpour Shima , Gardian Hedda , Pregger Thomas
Published: January 2022

We present an energy transition pathway constrained by a total CO2 budget of 7 Gt allocated to the German energy system after 2020, the Budget Scenario (BS). We apply a normative backcasting approach for scenario building based on historical data and assumptions from existing scenario studies. The modeling approach combines a comprehensive energy system model (ESM) with REMix—a cost optimization model for power and heat that explicitly incorporates sector coupling. To achieve the necessary CO2 reduction, the scenario focuses on electrifying all end use sectors until 2030, adding 1.5–2 million electric vehicles to the road per year. In buildings, 400,000–500,000 heat pumps would be installed annually by 2030, and the share of district heating would double until 2050. In the scenario, coal needs to be phased out by 2030. Wind and Photovoltaic (PV) capacities would need to more than double to 290 GW by 2030 and reach 500 GW by 2050. The BS results indicate that a significant acceleration of the energy transition is necessary before 2030 and that this higher pace must be maintained thereafter until 2050.
The Breath of the Metropolis: Smart Working and New Urban Geographies
Authors: Adobati Fulvio , Debernardi Andrea
Published: January 2022

The paper explores the potentialities of telework, a topic with rich literature published since the 1970s, which has become topical again with its forced application related to the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. The paper carries out an analysis of the potential territorial impact—transport networks and geographies of living—of telework in the Italian national context. The analysis highlights the potential relevance of the application of telework in certain metropolitan areas that present urban poles where economic sectors with a high propensity for telework are centralised. This survey relates the large stock of tourist housing in the vicinity of large metropolitan areas to a potential demand arising from the change in housing preferences towards more pleasant contexts made possible by the application of telework. In conclusion, this work aims to contribute to the construction of a platform for the Italian context—lagging behind but with recent legislative measures on smart working—aimed at favouring the definition of research lines able to enhance the potential offered by the application of telework for environmental, social, and territorial sustainability objectives, and it also aims to outline possible territorial scenarios for the main metropolitan areas
Eager to Develop Sustainable Business Ideas? Assessment through a New Business Plan (BP4S Model)
Authors: Henriques Paulo Lopes , Matos Pedro Verga , Jerónimo Helena Mateus
Published: January 2022

This article presents the BP4S (Business Plan for Sustainability), which builds on the literature about business models, as an innovation that considers sustainability as a characteristic of a business. Sustainability becomes the objective of business instead of being an attribute of business. This article also proposes the Global Sustainability Project Index (GSPI) as a metric to measure the effect of a business venture on sustainability to help with the decision-making on the viability of a project in supporting the pillars of sustainability. Additionally, a collection of indicators for the 3Ps of sustainability (planet, people, and profit) is also an asset of this article.
How to Use Live Streaming to Improve Consumer Purchase Intentions: Evidence from China
Authors: Ma Linye , Gao Shuqing , Zhang Xiaoyan
Published: January 2022

As a new business model, live-streaming commerce has great commercial value. This study used the stimulus–organism–response framework to explore the psychological mechanisms of how live peculiarities impact consumer behavioral responses as well as the effects of gender and platform differences, and to make clear how to choose the two dependent variables of engagement and purchase intentions. Using 454 valid questionnaires from consumers who had made purchases during live streaming, the authors employed partial least squares structural equation modeling to analysis the research model. The results suggest that interactivity, visualization, entertainment, and professionalization play considerable roles in consumer behavioral responses and that their psychological mechanisms are different. Male respondents are more satisfied with interactivity than females. E-commerce platforms are more interactive, visible and professional than social media platforms, and the trust mechanism of social media platforms is immature. If we use engagement to describe consumer behavioral responses of interactivity and purchase intentions to describe consumer behavioral responses of visualization, entertainment, and professionalization, this provides a basis for selecting the two dependent variables in live-streaming commerce. This study extends existing theoretical research on live-streaming commerce and provides some managerial implications for platforms, stores, and streamers.
On Mikheyev–Smirnov–Wolfenstein Resonance Widths
Authors: Chizhov Mihail
Published: January 2022

The aim of the present paper is the evaluation of the resonance half-widths of the first maximum for the probability of the total neutrino conversion in a medium. We consider the simplest case of two-neutrino mixing in matter with a constant refraction length. The results can be applied, for example, to studies of neutrino oscillations in the Earth’s mantle and elsewhere.
Adaptive Autonomous Robot Navigation by Neutrosophic WASPAS Extensions
Authors: Semenas Rokas , Bausys Romualdas
Published: January 2022

In this research, a novel adaptive frontier-assessment-based environment exploration strategy for search and rescue (SAR) robots is presented. Two neutrosophic WASPAS multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method extensions that provide the tools for addressing the inaccurate input data characteristics are applied to measure the utilities of the candidate frontiers. Namely, the WASPAS method built under the interval-valued neutrosophic set environment (WASPAS-IVNS) and the WASPAS method built under the m-generalised q-neutrosophic set environment (WASPAS-mGqNS). The indeterminacy component of the neutrosophic set can be considered as the axis of symmetry, and neutrosophic truth and falsity membership functions are asymmetric. As these three components of the neutrosophic set are independent, one can model the input data characteristics applied in the candidate frontier assessment process, while also taking into consideration uncertain or inaccurate input data obtained by the autonomous robot sensors. The performed experiments indicate that the proposed adaptive environment exploration strategy provides better results when compared to the baseline greedy environment exploration strategies.
The Use of E-Cigarettes among High School Students in Poland Is Associated with Health Locus of Control but Not with Health Literacy: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Duplaga Mariusz , Grysztar Marcin
Published: January 2022

Since their introduction, the use of electronic cigarettes has increased considerably in the population and among adolescents. Determinants of smoking conventional cigarettes were thoroughly studied in various social groups. However, we know less about the predictors of the use of e-cigarettes in younger generations. The main aim of this study was the assessment of the factors associated with the use of electronic cigarettes among high school students. Specifically, the roles of health literacy (HL) and health locus of control (HLC) were addressed. The analysis was based on the data from a ‘pen-and-pencil’ survey performed in a large sample of 2223 high school students from southern Poland. The tools used in the survey encompassed 133 items, including a 47-item European Health Literacy Survey questionnaire, an 18-item Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, and a set of questions asking about the health behaviors, and sociodemographic and economic characteristics of respondents. In the study sample, 47.5% of the respondents had used e-cigarettes in the past, and 18.6% had used them in the last month. HL was not significantly associated with dependent variables reflecting the use of e-cigarettes. Two types of external HLC were associated with using e-cigarettes in the past, and ‘Chance’ HLC (CHLC) was also associated with their use in the last month. Males, students of schools providing vocational training, and students declaring more Internet use during the week showed a higher likelihood of ever using e-cigarettes or using them in the last month. Students smoking conventional cigarettes were also more prone to use e-cigarettes. To sum up, it was an unexpected result that HL is not associated with the use of e-cigarettes. A greater likelihood of using e-cigarettes was positively associated with higher CHLC scores, as in the case of smoking traditional cigarettes.
Effect of Carbamazepine, Ibuprofen, Triclosan and Sulfamethoxazole on Anaerobic Bioreactor Performance: Combining Cell Damage, Ecotoxicity and Chemical Information
Authors: Díaz-Cubilla Mabel , Letón Pedro , Luna-Vázquez Carlos , Marrón-Romera Marta , Boltes Karina
Published: January 2022

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are partially degraded in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), thereby leading to the formation of more toxic metabolites. Bacterial populations in bioreactors operated in WWTPs are sensitive to different toxics such as heavy metals and aromatic compounds, but there is still little information on the effect that pharmaceuticals exert on their metabolism, especially under anaerobic conditions. This work evaluated the effect of selected pharmaceuticals that remain in solution and attached to biosolids on the metabolism of anaerobic biomass. Batch reactors operated in parallel under the pressure of four individual and mixed PPCPs (carbamazepine, ibuprofen, triclosan and sulfametoxazole) allowed us to obtain relevant information on anaerobic digestion performance, toxicological effects and alterations to key enzymes involved in the biodegradation process. Cell viability was quantitatively evaluated using an automatic analysis of confocal microscopy images, and showed that triclosan and mixed pollutants caused higher toxicity and cell death than the other individual compounds. Both individual pollutants and their mixture had a considerable impact on the anaerobic digestion process, favoring carbon dioxide production, lowering organic matter removal and methane production, which also produced microbial stress and irreversible cell damage.
Safety of High-Dose Botulinum Toxin Injections for Parotid and Submandibular Gland Radioprotection
Authors: Mueller Joerg , Langbein Thomas , Mishra Aditi , Baum Richard P.
Published: January 2022

Botulinum Toxin injections into salivary glands (SG) up to a total dose of 100 units IncobotulinumtoxinA (IncoA) represent the treatment of choice for sialorrhea. However, BTX might also protect SG against sialotoxic radioligand cancer therapies. The radioligand Actinium-225-PSMA effectively targets Prostate Cancer (PCa) metastases but inevitably destroys SG due to unintended gland uptake. A preliminary case series with regular-dose IncoA failed to reduce SG PSMA-radioligand uptake. We therefore increased IncoA dosage in combination with transdermal scopolamine until a clinically relevant SG PSMA-radioligand uptake reduction was achieved. Ten consecutive men with metastasized PCa refractory to all other cancer therapies received gradually increasing IncoA dosages as part of a compassionate use PSMA-radioligand-therapy trial. The parotid gland received six and the submandibular gland three injection points under ultrasound control, up to a maximum of 30 units IncoA per injection point. A maximum total dose of 250 units IncoA was applied with up to 170 units per parotid and 80 units per submandibular gland. Treatment was well tolerated and all side-effects were non-serious. The most frequent side-effect was dry mouth of mild severity. No dysphagia, facial weakness, chewing difficulties or systemic side-effects were observed. SG injections with IncoA up to a total dose of 250 units are safe when distributed among several injection-points under ultrasound control by an experienced physician. These preliminary findings lay the basis for future trials including BTX as major component for SG protection in established as well as newly emerging radioligand cancer therapies.
Constraints on the Production of Phosphine by Venusian Volcanoes
Authors: Bains William , Shorttle Oliver , Ranjan Sukrit , Rimmer Paul B. , Petkowski Janusz J. , Greaves Jane S. , Seager Sara
Published: January 2022

The initial reports of the presence of phosphine in the cloud decks of Venus have led to the suggestion that volcanism is the source of phosphine, through volcanic phosphides ejected into the clouds. Here, we examine the idea that mantle plume volcanism, bringing material from the deep mantle to the surface, could generate observed amounts of phosphine through the interaction of explosively erupted phosphide with sulfuric acid clouds. The direct eruption of deep mantle phosphide is unphysical, but a shallower material could contain traces of phosphide, and could be erupted to the surface. The explosive eruption that efficiently transports material to the clouds would require ocean:magma interactions or the subduction of a hydrated oceanic crust, neither of which occur on modern Venus. The transport of the erupted material to altitudes coinciding with the observations of phosphine is consequently very inefficient. Using the model proposed by Truong and Lunine as a base case, we estimate that an eruption volume of at least 21,600 km3/year would be required to explain the presence of 1 ppb phosphine in the clouds. This is greater than any historical terrestrial eruption rate, and would have several detectable consequences for remote and in situ observations to confirm. More realistic lithospheric mineralogy, volcano mechanics or atmospheric photochemistry require even more volcanism.
In the Search of Marine Pestiviruses: First Case of Phocoena Pestivirus in a Belt Sea Harbour Porpoise
Authors: Stokholm Iben , Fischer Nicole , Baechlein Christine , Postel Alexander , Galatius Anders , Kyhn Line Anker , Thøstesen Charlotte Bie , Persson Sara , Siebert Ursula , Olsen Morten Tange , Becher Paul
Published: January 2022

Pestiviruses are widespread pathogens causing severe acute and chronic diseases among terrestrial mammals. Recently, Phocoena pestivirus (PhoPeV) was described in harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) of the North Sea, expanding the host range to marine mammals. While the role of the virus is unknown, intrauterine infections with the most closely related pestiviruses— Bungowannah pestivirus (BuPV) and Linda virus (LindaV)—can cause increased rates of abortions and deaths in young piglets. Such diseases could severely impact already vulnerable harbour porpoise populations. Here, we investigated the presence of PhoPeV in 77 harbour porpoises, 277 harbour seals (Phoca vitulina), grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) and ringed seals (Pusa hispida) collected in the Baltic Sea region between 2002 and 2019. The full genome sequence of a pestivirus was obtained from a juvenile female porpoise collected along the coast of Zealand in Denmark in 2011. The comparative Bayesian phylogenetic analyses revealed a close relationship between the new PhoPeV sequence and previously published North Sea sequences with a recent divergence from genotype 1 sequences between 2005 and 2009. Our findings provide further insight into the circulation of PhoPeV and expand the distribution from the North Sea to the Baltic Sea region with possible implications for the vulnerable Belt Sea and endangered Baltic Proper harbour porpoise populations.
Immune Profiling of COVID-19 in Correlation with SARS and MERS
Authors: Khalil Bariaa A. , Shakartalla Sarra B. , Goel Swati , Madkhana Bushra , Halwani Rabih , Maghazachi Azzam A. , AlSafar Habiba , Al-Omari Basem , Al Bataineh Mohammad T.
Published: January 2022

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a major complication of the respiratory illness coronavirus disease 2019, with a death rate reaching up to 40%. The main underlying cause of ARDS is a cytokine storm that results in a dysregulated immune response. This review discusses the role of cytokines and chemokines in SARS-CoV-2 and its predecessors SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, with particular emphasis on the elevated levels of inflammatory mediators that are shown to be correlated with disease severity. For this purpose, we reviewed and analyzed clinical studies, research articles, and reviews published on PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. This review illustrates the role of the innate and adaptive immune responses in SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 and identifies the general cytokine and chemokine profile in each of the three infections, focusing on the most prominent inflammatory mediators primarily responsible for the COVID-19 pathogenesis. The current treatment protocols or medications in clinical trials were reviewed while focusing on those targeting cytokines and chemokines. Altogether, the identified cytokines and chemokines profiles in SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 provide important information to better understand SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and highlight the importance of using prominent inflammatory mediators as markers for disease diagnosis and management. Our findings recommend that the use of immunosuppression cocktails provided to patients should be closely monitored and continuously assessed to maintain the desirable effects of cytokines and chemokines needed to fight the SARS, MERS, and COVID-19. The current gap in evidence is the lack of large clinical trials to determine the optimal and effective dosage and timing for a therapeutic regimen.
Health and disease in the context of medical and spiritual-ecological discourses
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, Rozin Vadim Markovich
Published: January 2022

The author examines the complex problem of distinguishing between health and illness in relation to a person and shows that these two opposite states, as a rule, are determined relative to each other. “Healthy” in one of its meanings is “not sick”, and “sick” is “not healthy”. In addition, health is the norm, and illness is a deviation from it. The article makes an attempt to highlight the signs of the first and second states on the basis of the problematization procedures carried out by M. Foucault, and on the basis of the author’s own reflections.
Ethique vétérinaire et sélection du chien de race
Authors: Chaudieu Gilles
Published: January 2022

La cohabitation du chien et de l’Homme s’est traduite par l’émergence d’un morphotype canin ancestral, puis de races primaires, à partir desquelles la sélection a créé les races modernes que nous connaissons actuellement. Les standards en définissent les phénotypes, mais leur interprétation peut privilégier la production de certains morphotypes raciaux déviants, inductrice d’un appauvrissement de la variabilité génétique par pression sélective inappropriée. Le vétérinaire a toute légitimité pour s’impliquer dans le maintien de la nécessaire diversité génétique des effectifs ; il a le devoir de veiller au bien-être et à la santé du chien de race, en rappelant qu’une dépendance interspécifique harmonieuse du chien et de l’Homme impose à ce dernier de pratiquer une sélection morphologique raisonnable et de favoriser l’épanouissement des aptitudes comportementales naturelles dans chaque groupe de races. Mots-clés :chien,éthique, race, sélection, standard de race.
Antibiorésistance à l’échelle « Une seule santé » : stratégies, enjeux et opportunités
Authors: Lacotte Yohann , Ploy Marie-Cécile
Published: January 2022

La Covid-19 nous a rappelé les dangers liés aux zoonoses et nous invite à repenser notre vision de la Santé. Dans un monde où hommes, animaux et écosystèmes sont liés, seule une approche collective basée sur le partages des savoirs et expertises, dite Une Seule Santé ou One Health, peut espérer endiguer les menaces sanitaires à venir. Parmi ces menaces, l’antibiorésistance serait responsable, chaque année, de plus de 30 000 décès en Europe. Ces 20 dernières années, l’antibiorésistance a su fédérer des acteurs de la santé humaine, animale et des sciences de l’environnement à différentes échelles et selon diverses stratégies. Néanmoins, malgré des efforts évidents, le One Health se confronte encore à plusieurs enjeux pour s’ancrer dans les pratiques. Pour s’institutionnaliser, il doit apprendre à se structurer et à fédérer ses acteurs autour d’enjeux communs tels que l’échange de bonnes pratiques ou de données. Il doit également apprendre à mieux incorporer la dimension environnementale dans son action. Il doit enfin capitaliser sur l’éducation et la sensibilisation pour créer une dynamique One Health durable. Mots-clés : Une Seule Santé, One Health, santé publique, santé animale, environnement, résistance aux antibiotiques.
Description of a new species in the Genus Cosella Newkirk and Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) From China
Authors: Rajput Shahjahan , Yue Hong Xiao , Mushtaq Ahmed Agha , Haroon Hullio Muhammad , Khuhro Shahnawaz , Shabbir Dar Javeed
Published: January 2022

Eriophyoid mites are the most common groups of phytophagous mites found on various plants in Zhejiang Province of China. These mites are usually found on agricultural, horticultural, ornamental, and medicinal plants, including fruit and forest trees. Zhejiang Province is famous for its renowned mountains consist of Yandang, Putuo, Xuedou, Tianmu, Tiantai and Qingliang covered with green forest and wide range of vegetation due to which it is called as a treasure house of plants in China, which provide ecologically suitable living environment for eriophyoids species richness. Because of the diversity of host plants in Zhejiang Province, there is a dire need to investigate the presence of these minute creatures-especially those species that can be harmful to economic crops. Prior to this study genus Cosella Newkirk and Keifer held 43 species worldwide. Further one new leaf vagrant eriophyoid mite species in the genus Cosella was found from Zhejiang Province, China. A survey was carried out to determine the eriophyid mite fauna on natural vegetation of Linan City, Zhejiang Province China. One new species Cosella linanensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Rhododendron ovatum (Ericaceae). There was no apparent damage found on host plants where the new species was collected.

Keywords: Acari, phytophagous, Prostigmata, taxonomy, Tianmu, Qingliang
Targeting of FliC gene for the identification of Salmonella Typhimurium in Poultry chicken by PCR in District Swat
Authors: Khan Wajid , Kumar Jatish , Ullah Mehboob , Nazir Uddin Muhammad , Khan Jafar , un Nabi Habib
Published: January 2022

Salmonella is one of the prominent causes of food borne infection all over the world. The present study was performed to examine the existence of Salmonella typhimurium in poultry chicken samples and chicken wooden cutting boards. For this purpose, a total of 100 samples were collected to detect S. typhimurium. The samples were streaked on Salmonella Shigella agar media (SS media) for the growth of Salmonella. Out of total samples, 50% were appeared as positive on media plates. Total percentage of Samonella by sample wise was found to be higher in the liver (85%) followed by chicken wooden cutting boards (63%), food and proventriculus (50%), oesophagus and tissues (33%). Total percentage of Salmonella by area wise was found to be higher in Charbagh and Koza Bandai and Kanju (80%), Khwazakhela (55%), Mingora (55%), Sambat and Matta (30%). DNA was isolated from the positive samples and amplified with FliC gene-specific primer using optimized PCR protocol for the confirmation of S. typhimurium. In the screened samples, 28% of S. typhimurium were observed as positive samples by amplifying FliC gene sequence having a molecular band size of 620bp. Out of the total S. typhimurium positive samples, 6 were positive from Khwazakhela, 2 from Charbagh, 4 from Sambat and Matta and 2 from Mingora.
Comparative performance of top cross and population cross hybrids in white Maize using a common tester
Authors: Mahmood Faizan , -Ur-Rahman Hidayat , Ahmad Nazir , Khalid Ammara
Published: January 2022

Improved maize populations and cross hybrids can be beneficial alternatives for commercial single-cross hybrids and good elite sources for diverse inbred lines. A set of 22 genotypes comprised 10 population crosses, 10 top crosses, and two check cultivars were evaluated at Cereal Crop Research Institute, Pirsabak-Nowshera, in a randomized complete block design with three replicates in 2014. This research's major aims were to determine the magnitude of heterosis and the degree of character association between yield and its attributes to select superior genotypes from the breeding material. Data were recorded on maturity, and yield associated traits, where significant genetic variability was observed among the genotypes for all the studied traits except days to silking. Mean values for the studied traits ranged from 44 to 52 days for tasseling, 48 to 54 days for anthesis, 49 to 54 days for silking, -1.33 to 2.33 for the anthesis-silking interval, 2.53 to 8.47 kg for fresh ear weight, 12 to 16 rows for kernel rows cob-1, 27.15 to 37.49 g for 100-kernel weight and 2830 to 7649 kg ha-1 for grain yield. Days to silking, anthesis silking interval, and kernel rows cob-1 showed low broad sense heritability (12.08%, 24.84%, 27.59%), days to tasseling, days to anthesis revealed moderate heritability (40.53%, 36.62%), while fresh ear, 100-kernel weight, and grain yield exhibited high broad-sense heritability (94.89%, 82.33%, 90%). Negative and significant heterotic values were observed for maturity traits, while heterotic values were positive and significant for yield-associated traits. Correlation analysis revealed that characters like fresh ear weight (r = 0.93) and 100-kernel weight (r = 0.50) manifested a strong positive and significant association with grain yield. Based on mean performance and grain yield, promising hybrids were 3008F3 x 2007-WC and 3008F3 x 2010. The current study revealed significant genetic variability among the tested hybrids; hence, it can be used in future breeding programs to produce early maturing and high-yielding maize hybrids.Days to tasseling, genetic variability, heterosis, population cross, top cross

Keywords: HBV, HCV, ICT, PCR, Risk factors, Mansehra
Assessing the genetic potential of mustard genotypes for water stress through PEG-6000 treatments
Authors: Bano Saima , Wahid Baloch Abdul , Nawaz Mari Shah , Gandahi Naila , Hussain Rao Sajid , Hussain Jatoi Ghulam , Ali Muharam
Published: January 2022

Water stress is a primary constraint to achieve the goal of sustainable crop production. Water stress severely affects the seed production and oil yield of mustard genotypes. To overcome this problem, the development of water stress resilient mustard cultivars with potential seed and oil yield is a sustainable solution. Therefore, in vitro screening of mustard genotypes through PEG-6000 treatments were carried out on ten mustard genotypes. Along with control, two PEG-6000 levels were set to impose osmotic stress, such as, 6% and 10% PEG-6000. Data analyses depicted significant differences among all genotypes and between PEG-6000 treatments for all the studied traits, such as, shoot and root length, shoot and root fresh weight, shoot and root dry weight, K+ content, Ca++ content and K+/Ca++ ratio, demonstrating the availability of genetic differences in mustard genotypes for future stress breeding. Under PEG-6000 (6% and 10%) treatments, the genotypes like AARI-Canola, Khanpur Raya, Dhoom-1, Super Raya, Galaxy and Coral-432 exhibited high performance for seedling traits and less reduction due to PEG-6000 treatments. Hence, these mustard genotypes tend to provide useful genetic potential for water stress breeding.

Keywords: Oilseed crops, genetic variations, drought stress, seed yield.
The Effects of the Re-imposition of US Sanctions on Food Security in Iran
Authors: Hejazi Jalal , Emamgholipour Sara
Published: January 2022

Background: Following the re-imposition of US sanctions against Iran in 2018, unprecedented inflation has occurred in Iran’s food market that will undoubtedly affect the food security of the Iranian people. The present study aims to determine the effects of the sanctions on food prices and food security of Iranian households. Methods: Interrupted time series (ITS) analysis was applied to assess the effects of sanctions on the average retail price of food products in Iran. Household food security was estimated by calculating the share of household food expenditure. Costs of following a healthy diet based on the food pyramid were estimated. Results: The import dependency ratio of Iran’s food market was about 25%. After sanctions due to the limitations in international financial exchanges a significant increase in the prices of all food groups occurred in 2018, the year after the re-imposition of sanctions. The highest inflation rate was observed in vegetable, meat, and fruit groups. The percentage of urban and rural households in Iran that were prone to food insecurity increased from 8.84% and 25.17% to 11.2% and 29.2%, respectively, from 2017 to 2019. The annual average cost of a healthy diet for a sample Iranian family of 3.3, based on the current prices, is 341 866 008 IRR (US$2849) which is 3.6 times greater than the average amount Iranian families spent on food last year (94 505 000 IRR or US$788). Conclusion: After the re-imposition of US sanctions against Iran, food insecurity as a result of economic vulnerability, has increased and due to the current status of food prices and incomes, following a healthy diet has become more difficult for most Iranians. This makes the Iranian population more prone to chronic diseases in the near future and if this trend persists, it places the country in danger of food crisis and political instability.
Examining the Influence of the Demographic Variables on Organizational Citizenship Behavior Levels among Bank Employees in Madurai District
Authors: Abarna Thevi M , Jeba Priya D
Published: January 2022

The study concentrates on the influence of the demographic variables on Organizational Citizenship Behavior levels among bank employees. The term Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) is defined as the voluntary commitment exhibited by the employees within an organization. OCB allows employees to maintain continuous interaction with the existing and prospective customers, especially in branch banking. To increase productivity, efficiency, and customer satisfaction and reduce turnover rates and absenteeism, the organization should motivate and encourage the employees to exhibit OCB. Also, voluntary behavior will result in the success of the organization. The study is focused on the effects of five dimensions of OCB as Altruism, Courtesy, Conscientiousness, Civic Virtue and Sportsmanship. The researcher uses a descriptive research design and a simple random sampling method with a sample size of 100 respondents. The main aim of the study is to examine the influence of the demographic variables on OCB levels among bank employees in the Madurai district.