bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value Creation with Project Risk Management: A Holistic Framework
Authors: Testorelli Raffaele , Tiso Anna , Verbano Chiara
Published: January 2024

The conceptual shift, from a traditional task perspective and a managerial approach to project risks toward a value-centric view, underlines the challenge of creating different forms of value for multiple project stakeholders. This emerging theme arises the need for a new holistic framework for value creation through Project Risk Management (PRM). With this purpose, the paper aims at deepening the knowledge about PRM for value creation. A systematic literature review has been conducted, extracting a database of 116 papers. To address the research questions, a descriptive and a content analysis have been performed. The results of a systematic literature review reveal that the value created through PRM includes both economic and intangible (not monetary) benefits. Moreover, even if international standards are giving greater relevance to value creation and protection, considering also the potential positive effects of risks, empirical results show significant discrepancies. From the analysis of the results, a new theoretical framework emerges that integrates fundamental aspects not fully considered so far, incorporating the concepts of economic, ecological, and social impacts into the notion of value creation through PRM. This work extends the current research in this field and sets forth the definition of a holistic framework to promote the creation of value for project stakeholders in practice, through the management of negative and positive risks, providing a perspective on the sustainability orientation of projects.
Gravitational Light Bending in Weyl Gravity and Schwarzschild–de Sitter Spacetime
Authors: Sultana Joseph
Published: January 2024

The topic of gravitational lensing in the Mannheim–Kazanas solution of Weyl conformal gravity and the Schwarzschild–de Sitter solution in general relativity has featured in numerous publications. These two solutions represent a spherical massive object (lens) embedded in a cosmological background. In both cases, the interest lies in the possible effect of the background non-asymptotically flat spacetime on the geometry of the local light curves, particularly the observed deflection angle of light near the massive object. The main discussion involves possible contributions to the bending angle formula from the cosmological constant Λ in the Schwarzschild–de Sitter solution and the linear term γr in the Mannheim–Kazanas metric. These effects from the background geometry, and whether they are significant enough to be important for gravitational lensing, seem to depend on the methodology used to calculate the bending angle. In this paper, we review these techniques and comment on some of the obtained results, particularly those cases that contain unphysical terms in the bending angle formula.
Selectivity in Catalytic Asymmetric Formal [3 + 3] Annulation of 2-Enoyl-pyridine N-Oxide with Benzyl Methyl Ketone
Authors: Wrzeszcz Zuzanna , Warachim Jakub A. , Siedlecka Renata
Published: January 2024

The asymmetric formal [3 + 3] annulation process of (E)-2-(3-phenylacryloyl)pyridine N-oxide with benzyl methyl ketone was investigated. The possibility of a stereoselective outcome was checked using salts of natural amino acids, as well as chiral bifunctional derivatives containing amino groups and thiourea or squaramide fragments as organocatalysts. Different types of organocatalysts applied led to opposite enantiomers of 2-(3-oxo-4,5-diphenyl-cyclohex-1-en-yl)pyridine 1-oxide (up to 60% ee). Spectroscopic analysis of the isolated product and analysis of the reaction course was carried out, taking into account the obtained regio- and stereoselectivity. In order to verify the postulated results, calculations of the energy of the intermediate reaction products and the final product using the Kohn–Sham Density Functional Theory (KS-DFT) were made.
Spatial Variability of Rare Earth Elements in Groundwater in the Vicinity of a Coal-Fired Power Plant and Associated Health Risk
Authors: Vesković Jelena , Lučić Milica , Ristić Mirjana , Perić-Grujić Aleksandra , Onjia Antonije
Published: January 2024

This study investigated the occurrence and distribution of rare earth elements (REEs), including 14 lanthanoids, scandium (Sc), and yttrium (Y), in groundwater around a large coal-fired thermal power plant (TPP). The ICP-MS technique was used to analyze 16 REEs in groundwater samples collected from monitoring wells. REE concentrations ranged from 59.9 to 758 ng/L, with an average of 290 ng/L. The most abundant was Sc, followed by La, accounting for 54.2% and 21.4% of the total REE concentration, respectively. Geospatial analysis revealed the REE enrichment at several hotspots near the TPP. The highest REE concentrations were observed near the TPP and ash landfill, decreasing with the distance from the plant and the landfill. REE fractionation ratios and anomalies suggested the Light REE dominance, comprising over 78% of the total REEs. Correlation and principal component analyses indicated similar behavior and sources for most REEs. Health risk assessment found hazard indices (HI) of 1.36 × 10−3 and 1.98 × 10−3 for adults and children, respectively, which are far below the permissible limit (HI = 1). Likewise, incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCR) were all below 1 × 10−6. Nevertheless, ongoing ash disposal and potential accumulation in the environment could elevate the REE exposure over time.
Bacillus velezensis A2 Can Protect against Damage to IPEC-J2 Cells Induced by Zearalenone via the Wnt/FRZB/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Cai Jing , Yuan Xuanshuai , Sun Yuhang , Chen Jia , Li Peng , Yang Shuhua , Long Miao
Published: January 2024

Zearalenone (ZEA) has adverse effects on human and animal health, and finding effective strategies to combat its toxicity is essential. The probiotic Bacillus velezensis A2 shows various beneficial physiological functions, including the potential to combat fungal toxins. However, the detailed mechanism by which the Bacillus velezensis A2 strain achieves this protective effect is not yet fully revealed. This experiment was based on transcriptome data to study the protective mechanism of Bacillus velezensis A2 against ZEA-induced damage to IPEC-J2 cells. The experiment was divided into CON, A2, ZEA, and A2+ZEA groups. This research used an oxidation kit to measure oxidative damage indicators, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) method to detect cell apoptosis, flow cytometry to determine the cell cycle, and transcriptome sequencing to screen and identify differentially expressed genes. In addition, gene ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were adopted to screen out relevant signaling pathways. Finally, to determine whether A2 can alleviate the damage caused by ZEA to cells, the genes and proteins involved in inflammation, cell apoptosis, cell cycles, and related pathways were validated using a quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot methods. Compared with the CON group, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the ZEA group increased significantly (p < 0.01), while the levels of antioxidant enzyme activity, total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and catalase (CAT) decreased significantly (p < 0.01). Compared with the ZEA group, the A2+ZEA group showed a significant decrease in ROS and MDA levels (p < 0.01), while the levels of T-SOD, GSH-PX, T-AOC, and CAT increased significantly (p < 0.01). TUNEL and cell cycle results indicated that compared with the ZEA group, the A2+ZEA group demonstrated a significant decrease in the cell apoptosis rate (p < 0.01), and the cell cycle was restored. Combining transcriptome data, qRT-PCR, and Western blot, the results showed that compared with the CON group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Wnt10 and β-catenin increased significantly (p < 0.01), while the expression level of FRZB decreased significantly (p < 0.01); compared with the ZEA group, the expression levels of these mRNA and proteins were reversed. Bacillus velezensis A2 can increase the antioxidant level, reduce inflammatory damage, decrease cell apoptosis, and correct the cell cycle when that damage is being caused by ZEA. The protective mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Wnt/FRZB cell/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Aflatoxin M1 Analysis in Urine of Mill Workers in Bangladesh: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ali Nurshad , Habib Ahsan , Mahmud Firoz , Tuba Humaira Rashid , Degen Gisela H.
Published: January 2024

Presence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in food and feed is a serious problem, especially in developing countries. Human exposure to this carcinogenic mycotoxin can occur through dietary intake, but also through inhalation or dermal contact when handling and processing AFB1-contaminated crops. A suitable biomarker of AFB1 exposure by all routes is the occurrence of its hydroxylated metabolite aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in urine. To assess mycotoxin exposure in mill workers in Bangladesh, we analyzed AFM1 levels in urine samples of this population group who may encounter both dietary and occupational AFB1 exposure. In this pilot study, a total of 76 participants (51 mill workers and 25 controls) were enrolled from the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. Urine samples were collected from people who worked in rice, wheat, maize and spice mills and from controls with no occupational contact to these materials. A questionnaire was used to collect information on basic characteristics and normal food habits of all participants. Levels of AFM1 in the urine samples were determined by a competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. AFM1 was detected in 96.1% of mill workers’ urine samples with a range of LOD (40) of 217.7 pg/mL and also in 92% of control subject’s urine samples with a range of LOD of 307.0 pg/mL). The mean level of AFM1 in mill workers’ urine (106.5 ± 35.0 pg/mL) was slightly lower than that of the control group (123.3 ± 52.4 pg/mL), whilst the mean AFM1 urinary level adjusted for creatinine was higher in mill workers (142.1 ± 126.1 pg/mg crea) than in the control group (98.5 ± 71.2 pg/mg crea). Yet, these differences in biomarker levels were not statistically significant. Slightly different mean urinary AFM1 levels were observed between maize mill, spice mill, rice mill, and wheat mill workers, yet biomarker values are based on a small number of individuals in these subgroups. No significant correlations were found between the study subjects’ urine AFM1 levels and their consumption of some staple food items, except for a significant correlation observed between urinary biomarker levels and consumption of groundnuts. In conclusion, this pilot study revealed the frequent presence of AFM1 in the urine of mill workers in Bangladesh and those of concurrent controls with dietary AFB1 exposure only. The absence of a statistical difference in mean biomarker levels for workers and controls suggests that in the specific setting, no extra occupational exposure occurred. Yet, the high prevalence of non-negligible AFM1 levels in the collected urines encourage further studies in Bangladesh regarding aflatoxin exposure.
Modulation of Broiler Intestinal Changes Induced by Clostridium perfringens and Deoxynivalenol through Probiotic, Paraprobiotic, and Postbiotic Supplementation
Authors: de Souza Marielen , Baptista Ana Angelita Sampaio , Menck-Costa Maísa Fabiana , Justino Larissa , da Glória Eduardo Micotti , Shimizu Gabriel Danilo , Ferraz Camila Rodrigues , Verri Waldiceu A. , Van Immerseel Filip , Bracarense Ana Paula Frederico Rodrigues Loureiro
Published: January 2024

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a predisposing factor for necrotic enteritis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a DON and Clostridium perfringens (CP) challenge on the intestinal morphology, morphometry, oxidative stress, and immune response of broilers. Additionally, we evaluated the potential of a Lactobacillus spp. mixture as an approach to mitigate the damage induced by the challenge. One-day-old broiler chickens (n = 252) were divided into seven treatment groups: Control, DON, CP, CP + DON, VL (DON + CP + viable Lactobacillus spp. mixture), HIL (DON + CP + heat-inactivated Lactobacillus spp. mixture), and LCS (DON + CP + Lactobacillus spp. mixture culture supernatant). Macroscopic evaluation of the intestines revealed that the CP + DON group exhibited the highest lesion score, while the VL and HIL groups showed the lowest scores. Microscopically, all Lactobacillus spp. treatments mitigated the morphological changes induced by the challenge. DON increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the jejunum, and CP increased ROS levels in the jejunum and ileum. Notably, the Lactobacillus spp. treatments did not improve the antioxidant defense against CP-induced oxidative stress. In summary, a Lactobacillus spp. mixture, whether used as a probiotic, paraprobiotic, or postbiotic, exerted a partially protective effect in mitigating most of the intestinal damage induced by DON and CP challenges.
Mycotoxins-Imprinted Polymers: A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Cavalera Simone , Anfossi Laura , Di Nardo Fabio , Baggiani Claudio
Published: January 2024

Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites of molds which can contaminate food and beverages. Because of their acute and chronic toxicity, they can have harmful effects when ingested or inhaled, posing severe risks to human health. Contemporary analytical methods have the sensitivity required for contamination detection and quantification, but the direct application of these methods on real samples is not straightforward because of matrix complexity, and clean-up and preconcentration steps are needed, more and more requiring the application of highly selective solid-phase extraction materials. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are artificial receptors mimicking the natural antibodies that are increasingly being used as a solid phase in extraction methods where selectivity towards target analytes is mandatory. In this review, the state-of-the-art about molecularly imprinted polymers as solid-phase extraction materials in mycotoxin contamination analysis will be discussed, with particular attention paid to the use of mimic molecules in the synthesis of mycotoxin-imprinted materials, to the application of these materials to food real samples, and to the development of advanced extraction methods involving molecular imprinting technology.
Testing Primordial Black Hole Dark Matter with Atacama Large Millimeter Array Observations of the Gravitational Lens B1422+231
Authors: Wen Di , Kemball Athol J.
Published: January 2024

We examine the flux density ratio anomaly in the quadruply imaged strong gravitational lens, B1422+231, and consider the contribution of 10–103M⊙ primordial black holes (PBHs) as a potential dark matter constituent. We describe the first flux density ratio measurement of B1422+231 in the millimeter-wave band using the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA). The flux density of the quasar at 233 GHz is dominated by synchrotron emission and the source size is estimated to be less than 66.9 pc. The observed flux density ratios at 233 GHz are similar to those measured in other wave bands, which cannot be explained by a simple smooth mass model of the lens galaxy. We examine the probability of the flux density ratio anomaly arising from PBH microlensing using ray tracing simulations. The simulations consider the cases where 10% and 50% of dark matter are 10–103M⊙ PBHs with a power law mass function. The simulated scenarios are consistent with the ALMA observations, so PBH dark matter cannot be ruled out as a cause of flux density ratio anomalies. Our analysis shows that the anomalous flux density ratio for B1422+231 can be explained by a lens model with a significant fraction of dark matter being PBHs. This study demonstrates the potential for new constraints on PBH dark matter using ALMA observations of multiply imaged strong gravitational lenses.
Primordial Gravitational Wave- and Curvature Perturbation-Induced Energy Density Perturbations
Authors: Chang Zhe , Kuang Yu-Ting , Zhang Xukun , Zhou Jing-Zhi
Published: January 2024

We study the second-order scalar and density perturbations generated by Gaussian curvature perturbations and primordial gravitational waves in the radiation-dominated era. After presenting all the possible second-order source terms, we obtain the explicit expressions of the kernel functions and the power spectra of the second-order scalar perturbations. We show that the primordial gravitational waves might affect second-order energy density perturbation δ(2)=δρ(2)/ρ(0) significantly. The effects of primordial gravitational waves are studied in terms of different kinds of primordial power spectra.
Evidence of Differences in Cellular Regulation of Wolbachia-Mediated Viral Inhibition between Alphaviruses and Flaviviruses
Authors: Rainey Stephanie M. , Lefteri Daniella A. , Darby Christie , Kohl Alain , Merits Andres , Sinkins Steven P.
Published: January 2024

The intracellular bacterium Wolbachia is increasingly being utilised in control programs to limit the spread of arboviruses by Aedes mosquitoes. Achieving a better understanding of how Wolbachia strains can reduce viral replication/spread could be important for the long-term success of such programs. Previous studies have indicated that for some strains of Wolbachia, perturbations in lipid metabolism and cholesterol storage are vital in Wolbachia-mediated antiviral activity against the flaviviruses dengue and Zika; however, it has not yet been examined whether arboviruses in the alphavirus group are affected in the same way. Here, using the reporters for the alphavirus Semliki Forest virus (SFV) in Aedes albopictus cells, we found that Wolbachia strains wMel, wAu and wAlbB blocked viral replication/translation early in infection and that storage of cholesterol in lipid droplets is not key to this inhibition. Another alphavirus, o’nyong nyong virus (ONNV), was tested in both Aedes albopictus cells and in vivo in stable, transinfected Aedes aegypti mosquito lines. The strains wMel, wAu and wAlbB show strong antiviral activity against ONNV both in vitro and in vivo. Again, 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (2HPCD) was not able to rescue ONNV replication in cell lines, suggesting that the release of stored cholesterol caused by wMel is not able to rescue blockage of ONNV. Taken together, this study shows that alphaviruses appear to be inhibited early in replication/translation and that there may be differences in how alphaviruses are inhibited by Wolbachia in comparison to flaviviruses.
Functional Analysis of KAP1/TRIM28 Requirements for HIV-1 Transcription Activation
Authors: Randolph Keyera , Hyder Usman , Challa Ashwini , Perez Erick , D’Orso Iván
Published: January 2024

HIV-1 latency maintenance and reactivation are regulated by several viral and host factors. One such factor is Krüppel-associated box (KRAB)-associated protein 1 (KAP1: also named TRIM28 or TIF1β). While initial studies have revealed KAP1 to be a positive regulator of latency reversal in transformed and primary CD4+ T cells, subsequent studies have proposed KAP1 to be a repressor required for latency maintenance. Given this discrepancy, in this study, we re-examine KAP1 transcription regulatory functions using a chemical genetics strategy to acutely deplete KAP1 expression to avoid the accumulation of indirect effects. Notably, KAP1 acute loss partially decreased HIV-1 promoter activity in response to activating signals, a function that can be restored upon complementation with exogenous KAP1, thus revealing that KAP1-mediated activation is on target. By combining comprehensive KAP1 domain deletion and mutagenesis in a cell-based reporter assay, we genetically defined the RING finger domain and an Intrinsically Disordered Region as key activating features. Together, our study solidifies the notion that KAP1 activates HIV-1 transcription by exploiting its multi-domain protein arrangement via previously unknown domains and functions.
Comparing the Infectivity of Recent SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Sub-Variants in Syrian Hamsters
Authors: Abdelnabi Rana , Lassaunière Ria , Maes Piet , Weynand Birgit , Neyts Johan
Published: January 2024

Since the emergence of the first omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant at the end of 2021, several sub-variants have evolved and become predominant in the human population, showing enhanced transmissibility and ability to (partly) escape the adaptive immune response. The XBB sub-variants (e.g., EG.5.1) have become globally dominant. Besides the XBB sub-variants, a phylogenetically distinct variant, i.e., BA.2.86, is also circulating; it carries several mutations in the spike protein as compared to its parental BA.2 variant. Here, we explored the infectivity of the BA.2.86 and EG.5.1 sub-variants compared to the preceding BA.5 sub-variant in Syrian hamsters. Such preclinical models are important for the evaluation of updated vaccine candidates and novel therapeutic modalities. Following intranasal infection with either variant, throat swabs and lung samples were collected on days 3 and 4 post infection. No significant differences in viral RNA loads in throat swabs were observed between these sub-variants. However, the infectious virus titers in the lungs of EG.5.1- and BA.2.86-infected animals were significantly lower compared to the BA.5-infected ones. The lung pathology scores of animals infected with EG.5.1 and BA.2.86 were also markedly lower than that of BA.5 sub-variant. Together, we show that EG.5.1 and BA.2.86 sub-variants exhibit an attenuated replication in hamsters’ lungs as compared to the BA.5 sub-variant.
The Development of a Rabies Virus-Vectored Vaccine against Borrelia burgdorferi, Targeting BBI39
Authors: Rios Shantel , Bhattachan Bibek , Vavilikolanu Kruthi , Kitsou Chrysoula , Pal Utpal , Schnell Matthias J.
Published: January 2024

Lyme disease (LD) is the most common tick-borne illness in the United States (U.S.), Europe, and Asia. Borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochete bacterium transmitted by the tick vector Ixodes scapularis, causes LD in the U.S. If untreated, Lyme arthritis, heart block, and meningitis can occur. Given the absence of a human Lyme disease vaccine, we developed a vaccine using the rabies virus (RABV) vaccine vector BNSP333 and an outer surface borrelial protein, BBI39. BBI39 was previously utilized as a recombinant protein vaccine and was protective in challenge experiments; therefore, we decided to utilize this protective antigen in a rabies virus-vectored vaccine against Borrelia burgdorferi. To incorporate BBI39 into the RABV virion, we generated a chimeric BBI39 antigen, BBI39RVG, by fusing BBI39 with the final amino acids of the RABV glycoprotein by molecular cloning and viral recovery with reverse transcription genetics. Here, we have demonstrated that the BBI39RVG antigen was incorporated into the RABV virion via immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. Mice vaccinated with our BPL inactivated RABV-BBI39RVG (BNSP333-BBI39RVG) vaccine induced high amounts of BBI39-specific antibodies, which were maintained long-term, up to eight months post-vaccination. The BBI39 antibodies neutralized Borrelia in vaccinated mice when challenged with Borrelia burgdorferi by either syringe injection or infected ticks and they reduced the Lyme disease pathology of arthritis in infected mouse joints. Overall, the RABV-based LD vaccine induced more and longer-term antibodies compared to the recombinant protein vaccine. This resulted in lower borrelial RNA in RABV-based vaccinated mice compared to recombinant protein vaccinated mice. The results of this study indicate the successful use of BBI39 as a vaccine antigen and RABV as a vaccine vector for LD.
The Impact of COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 Vaccinations in Special Populations
Authors: See Kay Choong
Published: January 2024

Vaccination to prevent human infection is a key driver for reducing morbidity and mortality [...]
Temporal Variability of the Dominant Fecal Microbiota in Healthy Adult Cats
Authors: Sung Chi-Hsuan , Marsilio Sina , Pilla Rachel , Wu Yu-An , Cavasin Joao Pedro , Hong Min-Pyo , Suchodolski Jan S.
Published: January 2024

While shifts in gut microbiota have been studied in diseased states, the temporal variability of the microbiome in cats has not been widely studied. This study investigated the temporal variability of the feline dysbiosis index (DI) and the abundance of core bacterial groups in healthy adult cats. The secondary aim was to evaluate the relationship between the fecal abundance of Clostridium hiranonis and the fecal concentrations of unconjugated bile acids. A total of 142 fecal samples collected from 17 healthy cats were prospectively included: nine cats with weekly collection over 3 weeks (at least four time points), five cats with monthly collection over 2 months (three time points), and three cats with additional collections for up to 10 months. The DI remained stable within the reference intervals over two months for all cats (Friedman test, p > 0.2), and 100% of the DI values (n = 142) collected throughout the study period remained within the RI. While some temporal individual variation was observed for individual taxa, the magnitude was minimal compared to cats with chronic enteropathy and antibiotic exposure. Additionally, the abundance of Clostridium hiranonis was significantly correlated with the percentage of fecal primary bile acids, supporting its role as a bile acid converter in cats.
Molecular Epidemiology of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Viruses in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Eltahir Yassir M. , Ishag Hassan Zackaria Ali , Wadsworth Jemma , Hicks Hayley M. , Knowles Nick J. , Mioulet Valérie , King Donald P. , Mohamed Meera Saeed , Bensalah Oum Keltoum , Yusof Mohd Farouk , Gasim Esmat Faisal Malik , Hammadi Zulaikha Mohamed Al , Shah Asma Abdi Mohamed , Abdelmagid Yasir Ali , Gahlan Moustafa Abdel meguid El , Kassim Mohanned Fawzi , Kayaf Kaltham , Zahran Ahmed , Nuaimat Mervat Mari Al
Published: January 2024

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an endemic disease in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in both wild and domestic animals. Despite this, no systematic FMD outbreak investigation accompanied by molecular characterisation of FMD viruses (FMDVs) in small ruminants or cattle has been performed, and only a single report that describes sequences for FMDVs in wildlife from the Emirate has been published. In this study, FMD outbreaks that occurred in 2021 in five animal farms and one animal market in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi were investigated. Cases involved sheep, goats, and cattle, as well as Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx). Twelve samples were positive for FMDV via RT-qPCR, and four samples (Arabian oryx n = 1, goat n = 2, and sheep n = 1) were successfully genotyped using VP1 nucleotide sequencing. These sequences shared 88~98% identity and were classified within the serotype O, Middle East–South Asia topotype (O/ME-SA). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Arabian oryx isolate (UAE/2/2021) belonged to the PanAsia-2 lineage, the ANT-10 sublineage, and was closely related to the FMDVs recently detected in neighbouring countries. The FMDV isolates from goats (UAE/10/2021 and UAE/11/2021) and from sheep (UAE/14/2021) formed a monophyletic cluster within the SA-2018 lineage that contained viruses from Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka. This is the first study describing the circulation of the FMDV O/ME-SA/SA-2018 sublineage in the UAE. These data shed light on the epidemiology of FMD in the UAE and motivate further systematic epidemiological studies and genomic sequencing to enhance the ongoing national animal health FMD control plan.
Use of Hydroacoustic Methods to Assess Ecological Status Based on Fish: A Case Study of Lake Dejguny (Poland)
Authors: Hutorowicz Andrzej
Published: January 2024

The idea of the article was to verify the thesis that acoustic studies of ichthyofauna in lakes provide sufficient information to determine the necessity (or lack thereof) of carrying out a full procedure for assessing the ecological status based on fish. The manuscript compares acoustic data collected in 2008 and 2021 in Lake Dejguny (Poland) as a result of acquisition carried out with the same EY-500 echosounder, on the same routes (transects), and the echogram analyses were carried out using software dedicated to this echosounder. Target strength (TS) distribution was determined in the lake and in individual water layers with a thickness of 2 m, as well as, using the mapping method, changes in the distribution of fish in selected water layers. Large changes in TS distribution in the vertical profile were demonstrated between both years of the study, as well as a clear reduction in the space available for fish in waters below 24 m in 2021, which was associated with a reduction in the concentration of dissolved oxygen below this depth to a value lower than 2.5 mg L−1. It was suggested that it could be possible to develop a simple index enabling the assessment of changes in fish structure, based, similarly to the Large Fish Index, on the ratio of the number of large fish to small fish. The obtained results confirmed that the proposed methods of acoustic data analysis can be the basis for the decision on the necessity (or lack thereof) of conducting an assessment using the Polish national LFI-EN method based on the results of one-off fishing with Nordic multimesh gillnets.
Comparative Analysis of Convolutional Neural Network-Long Short-Term Memory, Sparrow Search Algorithm-Backpropagation Neural Network, and Particle Swarm Optimization-Extreme Learning Machine Models for the Water Discharge of the Buzău River, Romania
Authors: Zhen Liu , Bărbulescu Alina
Published: January 2024

Modeling and forecasting the river flow is essential for the management of water resources. In this study, we conduct a comprehensive comparative analysis of different models built for the monthly water discharge of the Buzău River (Romania), measured in the upper part of the river’s basin from January 1955 to December 2010. They employ convolutional neural networks (CNNs) coupled with long short-term memory (LSTM) networks, named CNN-LSTM, sparrow search algorithm with backpropagation neural networks (SSA-BP), and particle swarm optimization with extreme learning machines (PSO-ELM). These models are evaluated based on various criteria, including computational efficiency, predictive accuracy, and adaptability to different training sets. The models obtained applying CNN-LSTM stand out as top performers, demonstrating a superior computational efficiency and a high predictive accuracy, especially when built with the training set containing the data series from January 1984 (putting the Siriu Dam in operation) to September 2006 (Model type S2). This research provides valuable guidance for selecting and assessing river flow prediction models, offering practical insights for the scientific community and real-world applications. The findings suggest that Model type S2 is the preferred choice for the discharge forecast predictions due to its high computational speed and accuracy. Model type S (considering the training set recorded from January 1955 to September 2006) is recommended as a secondary option. Model type S1 (with the training period January 1955–December 1983) is suitable when the other models are unavailable. This study advances the field of water discharge prediction by presenting a precise comparative analysis of these models and their respective strengths
Investigation of the Recent Ice Characteristics in the Bohai Sea in the Winters of 2005–2022 Using Multi-Source Data
Authors: Li Ge , Jiao Yan , Chen Xue , Zhao Yiding , Li Rui , Guo Donglin , Ge Lei , Hou Qiaokun , Wang Qingkai
Published: January 2024

The safety of winter activities in the Bohai Sea requires more detailed information on ice characteristics and a more refined ice zone division. In the present study, 1/12°-resolution sea ice characteristic data were obtained based on the NEMO-LIM2 ice–ocean coupling model that assimilated MODIS satellite sea ice observations from the years of 2005 to 2022 to acquire new sea ice hindcasting data. On this basis, the ice period, ice thickness, ice concentration, ice temperature, ice salinity, and design ice thickness for different return periods in the 1/4°-resolution refined zoning were analyzed, which were then compared with the sea ice characteristics in the previous 21-ice-zone standard. The distribution of ice temperature and ice salinity was closely related to the distribution of ice thickness. The results of ice period, ice thickness, and ice concentration, as well as design ice thickness for different return periods, and the comparison with the previous 21-ice-zone standards, showed that the ice condition on the west coast of the Bohai Sea has significantly reduced.
Evaluation of Field Applicability of Sewage Treated with an Electrochemical Floatation System Coupled with a Separation Membrane Process
Authors: Yun Sang-Leen , Kim Seogku , Oh Hye-Cheol , Hong Min
Published: January 2024

An electrochemical floatation system (EFS)-based sewage-treatment process that applied a dimensionally stable anode (DSA) was developed to secure treated sewage water from sewage-treatment plants for reuse. The DSA was fabricated at a temperature of 673–923 K by dispersing a low quantity of activated carbon on a titanium plate coated with mixed metal oxides (Pt, Re, Pd, Re, and Ir) to a thickness of 5 μm. The average size of the bubbles generated through the DSA of the EFS was 20–40 μm, thus confirming microbubble generation. An efficiency assessment of a titanium-based DSA confirmed metal oxide activity through the removal of Escherichia coli (100%) and total organic carbon (TOC; 48.83%) at a reaction time shorter than 10 min and a low current density (19.6 A/m2). During the long-term operation of the EFS with the separation membrane process, the average removal efficiency was 94.7%, 90.0%, 96.1%, 90.9%, and 98.0% for suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, TOC, total nitrogen, and total phosphorous, respectively. Coliforms were not detected. Overall, our EFS coupled with the separation membrane process produced high-quality recycled water that could be used for various purposes according to the water-quality standards for different applications.
The Effect of Different Swell and Wind-Sea Proportions on the Transformation of Bimodal Spectral Waves over Slopes
Authors: Wang Guangsheng , Zhang Kai , Shi Jian
Published: January 2024

In the laboratory experiment, 1:25 scaled models are constructed to investigate the effect of different swell and wind-sea proportions on the wave transformation. The source of the wave spectrum is related to the wave conditions in the Gulf of Guinea. Swell from the westerlies and local wind-sea forms the bimodal spectral waves in the region. To better understand the transformation of bimodal spectral waves, a series of wave conditions are measured by the wave gauges in a wave flume. Based on the wave spectrum at the Bight of Benin, the wave transformation along the slopes and variations of different swell proportions are analyzed. The result of the wave height variations shows that the slope and swell proportion play a significant role in the maximum wave height, and the wave height has an upward trend with a large swell proportion. The analysis of wave nonlinearity is conducted, showing that the large swell proportion in the wave spectrum leads to a more significant nonlinearity before wave breaking. Combining the variations of wave height and wave nonlinearity, the influence of bimodal spectral waves on nearshore wave prediction, shoreline change, marine operations, and structure design is discussed.
Enhancing Riverbank Protection along the Jamuna River, Bangladesh: Review of Previous Countermeasures and Morphological Assessment through Groyne-Based Solutions Using Numerical Modeling
Authors: Hasan Md. Zakir , Toda Yuji
Published: January 2024

This study investigated riverbank protection strategies along the dynamic Jamuna River in Bangladesh, a braided river prone to erosion and sedimentation. It reviews past countermeasures and emphasizes the effectiveness of groyne-type structures in redirecting flow and preventing erosion. Notably, the left bank exhibited greater stability than the right bank, emphasizing the need for effective groyne installations. A systematic methodology utilizing numerical modeling using International River Interface Cooperation (iRIC Nays2DH) ensured accuracy in assessing morphological impacts. This research presents novel countermeasures incorporating groyne installations along the right bank of the Jamuna River. Simulations are undertaken to assess the effectiveness of these measures under a range of flood scenarios, identifying a zone highly prone to erosion that exhibits the utmost vulnerability. The simulation scenarios comprised a base condition without groynes, two series of groynes separately placed in two selected zones, and a combined approach for both areas. Analysis of the four simulation cases, each encompassing three flood conditions, revealed that implementing two ‘I’-shaped perpendicular groynes in series within the erosion-prone area effectively diverted oblique flow. This approach proved optimal, mitigating erosion risk by redirecting flow and shaping sandbars along the Jamuna River’s riverbank. This study enhances Jamuna River protection, emphasizing groyne-type structures’ importance and promoting a holistic understanding of morphological dynamics for future river management and effective countermeasures.
Creating a favorable working environment as a long-term goal of EU labor law
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University,  Gazprom Gazification LLC Russia, Saint Petersburg, Tsvetkov V. V.
Published: January 2024

The article examines current trends to take place in the EU and Western European countries, providing for the adaptation of the working environment to the characteristics and needs of a particular employee. The article also analyzes legal and theoretical approaches to understanding of the working environment in the Russian Federation and foreign countries.
Design of a cooling system from underground thermal energy storage (UTES, Underground) Thermal Energy Storage) based on experimental results
Authors: Barros-Enriquez Jose David , Lopez Milton Ivan Villafuerte , Morocho Angel Moises Avemañay , Rodriguez Edgar Gabriel Valencia
Published: January 2024

Geothermal energy is a renewable and clean source that has been used for electricity generation in some countries since the 50s, the main characteristic to be used in this application is that the subsoil must have a high temperature geothermal resource (+150 °C). However, it can also be used in applications such as air conditioning in places where the temperature is around 30°C; In Europe alone, there are more than one million thermal installations operating by harnessing geothermal energy. The objective of the work was to design a cooling system from the storage of underground energy, for that, it is essential to know the variation of subsoil temperatures during a certain period of time. For this purpose, sensors were used that were installed at different depths and by means of an Arduino, information of a whole year was stored; so that these data are as representative as possible of the energy storage conditions and the changes depending on the seasons that pass. Additionally, the characteristics of the soil (conductivity, humidity and composition) were taken into account, where the equipment is intended to be installed in subsequent works. For the determination of the necessary cooling load, the design requirements of the ASHRAE standard were used and for the design of the underground heat exchanger, references of designs recommended through experimental tests in other research works are included, together with internal fluid methodology and one-dimensional heat transfer. It includes elements that can help improve the dissipation of energy into the subsurface and maintain transfer properties as stable as possible. This design is designed for the air conditioning of a classroom of normal dimensions that are used in the University and therefore avoid the energy consumption of conventional air conditioning equipment.
ІНТЕНСИВНА ПЕРЕПІДГОТОВКА ОФІЦЕРІВ ЗАПАСУ, ЩО ПРИЗВАНІ ЗА МОБІЛІЗАЦІЄЮ: ДОСВІД, ВИКЛИКИ, ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ
Authors: Бондаренко А. П. , Пікус Д. Л.
Published: January 2024

Окремої уваги науковців потребують питання інтенсивної перепідготовки офіцерів запасу, зокрема розкриття досвіду різних закладів освіти, визначення викликів та перспектив такої перепідготовки. Метою статті є узагальнення досвіду вищих військових навчальних закладів щодо інтенсивної перепідготовки офіцерів запасу, які призвані за мобілізацією, визначення викликів та перспектив як стратегічної відповіді у час воєнного стану. Методи дослідження: аналіз, синтез, узагальнення, спостереження. Узагальнений досвід вищих військових навчальних закладів щодо перепідготовки офіцерів запасу, які призвані за мобілізацією: перепідготовка офіцерів запасу в Україні є важливим елементом підготовки військових кадрів та забезпечення національної безпеки; вищі військові навчальні заклади розробляють і впроваджують спеціалізовані навчальні програми для офіцерів запасу, залучають до освітнього процесу викладачів-практиків, упроваджують інноваційні методи і технології, технічні засоби, намагаються враховувати індивідуальні потреби і рівень підготовки кожного мобілізованого, вибудовують систему внутрішнього забезпечення якості. Перед вищими військовими навчальними закладами постав і ряд викликів, а саме: багато офіцерів, що призвані за мобілізацією, не мають достатнього досвіду і знань у військовій сфері, командуванні та управлінні військовими підрозділами, навичок формування і керування командою, прийняття рішень у стресових ситуаціях, достатнього рівня розуміння військово-технічних аспектів, не ознайомлені з сучасними військовими доктринами, тактичними прийомами та стратегіями. Зважаючи на узагальнений досвід перепідготовки офіцерів запасу, у статті визначено перспективні шляхи вирішення окреслених викликів і труднощів: систематична підготовка та навчання офіцерів, які призвані за мобілізацією, з військових дисциплін, тактики та стратегії; інтенсивне тренування командирських навичок та управління особовим складом; посилення співпраці з професійними (досвідченими) офіцерами та використання їх досвіду та знань; залучення до перепідготовки військових експертів та консультантів.
БІБЛІЙНА ГЕРМЕНЕВТИКА ГРИГОРІЯ СКОВОРОДИ В ПЛОЩИНІ НАУКОВОЇ СТАТИСТИКИ ЛЕОНІДА УШКАЛОВА
Authors: Левченко Н. М.
Published: January 2024

The publication examines the biblical hermeneutics of Hryhoriy Skovoroda in the plane of scientific statistics of Leonid Ushkalov. Leonid Ushkalov's eleven books about the life and work of the Baroque philosopher-theologian Hryhoriy Skovoroda are a significant contribution to Ukrainian Skovorodastudies. The authenticity of the texts of Hryhoriy Skovoroda's works, restored by Professor L. Ushkalov, made it possible to eliminate the mistakes made by copyists and to free the thinker's works from Russification layers, to return him to the bosom of the Ukrainian literary baroque. It is noted that the phenomenal erudition of Leonid Ushkalov allowed him master the remarkable intellect of the last Ukrainian baroque writer, understand every word of Hryhoriy Skovoroda and comment on the most complex topos of the humanist's literary entertainment. It seems that he knew everything about Hryhoriy Skovoroda. Such omniscience about the Ukrainian philosopher-theologian pleased the professor, gave him the pleasure of a difficult and deep penetration into the depths of the prefigurations of the difficult-to-understand texts of the baroque exegete, because he chose, according to H. Skovoroda, "related work", about which he said: "A I wanted to make it so that when my reader later hears the words "Ukrainian literature", he will have a confident outlook on life, a joyful smile, a little drive..
Expression and Characterization of a Thermostable α-Glucuronidase from Geobacillus kaustophilus
Authors: TAŞDEMİR Hilal , ENSARİ Yunus
Published: January 2024

Fossil fuels are a crucial resource for the global economy, but they also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution. Lignocellulosic biomass, which includes cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin obtained from plants, is a promising alternative to fossil fuels. It can help address these problems while reducing environmental impact. Enzymatic pre-treatment is used to degrade lignocellulosic biomass into subunits. The degradation of the hemicellulose structure involves accessory enzymes of industrial importance, such as α-glucuronidase. α-glucuronidases (EC 3.2.1.139) catalyze the hydrolysis of the α-1,2-glycosidic bond between α-D-glucuronic acid (GlcA) or its 4-o-methyl ether form (MeGlcA) and d-xylose units in the structure of xylooligosaccharides. The aim of this study was cloning, heterologous expression and biochemical characterization of the α-glucuronidase enzyme from the thermophilic bacterium Geobacillus kaustophilus. With this aim, the codon optimized α-glucuronidase gene was cloned into pQE-30 vector, overexpressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3), and purified with nickel affinity chromatography. The biochemical characterization of the purified α-glucuronidase revealed that the enzyme has activity at elevated temperatures between 65-90 °C. Additionally, Geobacillus kaustophilus α-glucuronidase enzyme showed higher activity at acidic pH values from pH 4.0 to 6.5. This is the first study to report the gene cloning, recombinant expression and biochemical characterization of α-glucuronidase which could be used as accessory enzyme from a thermophilic bacterium Geobacillus kaustophilus.
ISSUES OF NATIONAL POLICY AND THE LEVEL OF LITERACY OF THE INDIGENOUS POPULATION OF UGRA ACCORDING TO PARTY POLITICAL DOCUMENTATION OF 1941–1944
Authors:   Surgut State University, Surgut, Russia, Leshukova E. V.
Published: January 2024

The relevance of the article is due to the following reasons: the increased research interest in regional history under extreme conditions of the Great Patriotic War; the controversy that exists in post-Soviet historiography over assessment of the Soviet national policy during the first decades of the Soviet regime; and the continuing need for studying historical records on the issue. The purpose of the article is to study and consider the historical experience in running national policy and creating a regional system of public education by the political parties of the Khanty-Mansiysk National Okrug in time of war. Based on the analysis of archival documents, the author has concluded that there was critical shortage of national leadership and its share among the leaders of Ugra was low as compared to other national administrative-territorial entities within the USSR. The level of literacy and culture of everyday life among the indigenous population during the studied period was low. However, neither the issues of the national policy nor the low level of literacy prevented the indigenous population of Ugra from participation in the anti-Nazis fight.