bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uranium and Radium in Groundwater and Incidence of Colorectal Cancer in Georgia Counties, USA: An Ecologic Study
Authors: Rooney Taylor , Soares Lissa , Babalola Tesleem , Kensington Alex , Williams Jennie , Meliker Jaymie R.
Published: September 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly occurring cancer in the United States, with higher incidence rates among Black populations. Groundwater concentrations of natural radionuclides uranium and radium have seldom been investigated in relation to CRC despite their known carcinogenicity. We investigate spatial patterns of CRC by race, and in relation to groundwater concentrations of uranium and radium, testing the hypothesis that uranium and radium in groundwater might differentially contribute to incident CRC in Black and White populations in counties of Georgia, USA. Black populations showed a higher incidence of CRC than White populations; the median incident rate difference was 9.23 cases per 100,000 (95% CI: 2.14, 19.40). Spatial cluster analysis showed high incidence clusters of CRC in similar regions for Black and White populations. Linear regression indicated there are, on average, 1–2 additional cases of colorectal cancer in counties with higher levels of radium in their groundwater, irrespective of race. Uranium was not associated with CRC. This ecologic study suggests that radium in groundwater may be linked with increased incidence of CRC, although it did not explain higher CRC incidence rates in Black populations. Further studies are needed to verify this association given the inherent limitations in the ecologic study design and the crude exposure assessment.
Fish Health Altered by Contaminants and Low Water Temperatures Compounded by Prolonged Regional Drought in the Lower Colorado River Basin, USA
Authors: Goodbred Steven L. , Patiño Reynaldo , Alvarez David A. , Johnson Darren , Hannoun Deena , Echols Kathy R. , Jenkins Jill A.
Published: September 2024

The goal of this study was to assess health of male Common Carp (carp, Cyprinus carpio) at four sites with a wide range in environmental organic contaminant (EOC) concentrations and water temperatures in Lake Mead National Recreation Area NV/AZ, US, and the potential influence of regional drought. Histological and reproductive biomarkers were measured in 17–30 carp at four sites and 130 EOCs in water per site were analyzed using passive samplers in 2010. Wide ranges among sites were noted in total EOC concentrations (>10Xs) and water temperature/degree days (10Xs). In 2007/08, total polychlorinated biphenyls (tPCBs) in fish whole bodies from Willow Beach (WB) in the free-flowing Colorado River below Hoover Dam were clearly higher than at the other sites. This was most likely due to longer exposures in colder water (12–14 °C) and fish there having the longest lifespan (up to 54 years) for carp reported in the Colorado River Basin. Calculated estrogenicity in water exceeded long-term, environmentally safe criteria of 0.1–0.4 ng/L by one to three orders of magnitude at all sites except the reference site. Low ecological screening values for four contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) in water were exceeded for one CEC in the reference site, two in WB and Las Vegas Bay and three in the most contaminated site LVW. Fish health biomarkers in WB carp had 25% lower liver glycogen, 10Xs higher testicular pigmented cell aggregates and higher sperm abnormalities than the reference site. Sperm from LVW fish also had significantly higher fragmentation of DNA, lower motility and testis had lower percent of spermatozoa, all of which can impair reproduction. Projections from a 3D water quality model performed for WB showed that EOC concentrations due to prolonged regional drought and reduced water levels could increase as high as 135%. Water temperatures by late 21st century are predicted to rise between 0.7 and 2.1 °C that could increase eutrophication, algal blooms, spread disease and decrease dissolved oxygen over 5%.
Variations in Oil Occurrence State and Properties during High-Speed Stirring Treatment of Oily Sludge
Authors: Bao Yuwei , Zhu Yimin , Liu Yang , Zhao Jiao , Tang Xiaojia , Li Tie , Wang Yin , Liu Xianmeng , Zhang Hao
Published: September 2024

Oily sludge (OS) has long been regarded as a hazardous waste, and improper disposal may lead to serious environmental concerns and human health risks. Despite various methods having been proposed and applied to the treatment of OS, the oil occurrence states and properties in sludge are rarely characterized, which may directly link to the selection and effectiveness of treatment methods. Here, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), gas chromatography (GC), and four components (SARA) analysis were utilized to characterize the changes in the oil occurrence states and compositions in OS samples before and after high-speed stirring (HSS) treatment. Our results show a substantial reduction in the oil concentration of OS after HSS treatment (from 32.98% to 1.65%), while SARA analysis reveals a similar oil composition before and after treatment, suggesting the broad applicability of HSS in removing oil and its insignificant selectivity towards various hydrocarbon components. This is further supported by the total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) analysis results, which show that the separated oil phase has a hydrocarbon composition similar to that of the original OS sample. The CLSM and fluorescence analysis suggest a homogeneous distribution of oil in the sludge, with relatively light components more concentrated in the pore systems between coarse mineral particles, whereas relatively heavy components tend to coexist with clay minerals. After HSS cleaning, both light and heavy components are removed to varying degrees, but light components are preferentially removed while heavy components tend to be retained in the sludge due to adsorption by clay minerals. This is consistent with TPH analysis, where a significant decrease in n-alkanes with lower carbon numbers (n-C14 to n-C20) was observed in the residual sample. Our findings demonstrate the dynamic response of oil occurrence states and compositions to the OS treatment process and highlight the importance of characterizing these fundamental properties prior to the selection of OS treatment methods.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction Plays a Relevant Role in Heart Toxicity Caused by MeHg
Authors: Silva Marcia Gracindo , Martinez Camila Guerra , Cavalcanti de Albuquerque Joao Paulo , Gouvêa André Luiz , Freire Monica Maria , Lauthartte Leidiane Caroline , Mignaco Julio , Bastos Wanderley Rodrigues , Mattos Elisabete Cesar de , Galina Antonio , Kurtenbach Eleonora
Published: September 2024

The effects of methylmercury (MeHg) on exposed populations are a public health problem. In contrast to widely studied neurological damage, few cardiovascular changes have been described. Our group evaluated the cardiotoxicity of a cumulative dose of 70 mg.kg−1 fractioned over a 14-day exposure period in mice (MeHg70 group). The effects of MeHg on proteins relevant to cardiac mitochondrial function were also investigated. The results obtained showed a reduction in oxygen consumption in the two settings. In cardiac tissue samples in oxygraphy studies, this reduction was related to a lower efficiency of complexes II and V, which belong to the oxidative phosphorylation system. In vivo, mice in the MeHg70 group presented lower oxygen consumption and running tolerance, as shown by ergometric analyses. Cardiac stress was evident in the MeHg70 group, as indicated by a marked increase in the level of the mRNA encoding atrial natriuretic peptide. Electrocardiogram studies revealed a lower heart rate at rest in the animals from the MeHg70 group, as well as prolonged left ventricular depolarisation and repolarisation. Through echocardiographic analysis, reductions in the left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular wall thickness of approximately 10% and 20%, respectively, were detected. These results indicate that the oral intake of MeHg can decrease cardiac function and oxidative metabolism. This finding highlights the importance of monitoring MeHg levels in humans and animals in contaminated areas, as well as periodically carrying out cardiac function tests.
Impact of Skin Decontamination Wipe Solutions on the Percutaneous Absorption of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Probert Chandler , Ormond R. Bryan , Baynes Ronald E.
Published: September 2024

Firefighter occupational exposures were categorized as a class 1 (known) carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2022. As a result, firefighters have become heavily focused on identifying effective and easy to implement decontamination strategies to reduce their chemical exposures. Skin decontamination using wipes post-exposure is one decontamination strategy that every firefighter has available to them. However, firefighters have expressed concerns over the ingredients in the wipe solution increasing dermal absorption. The goal of this study was to determine if the ingredients in skin decontamination wipe solution had any enhancement effect on the dermal absorption of phenanthrene. To determine any enhancement effects, the additive solution of four skin decontamination wipe products was applied to porcine skin 15 min after chemical dosing. The absorption of phenanthrene was tested in vitro using a flow-through diffusion cell system over eight hours. The wipe solution effects on dermal absorption were determined by measuring multiple absorption characteristics including cumulative absorption (µg/cm2), absorption efficiency (% dose absorbed), lag time (minutes), flux (µg/cm2/h), diffusivity (cm2/h), and permeability (cm/h). No penetration enhancement effects were observed in any of the skin decontamination wipe solutions tested; rather, all wipe solutions decreased the absorption of phenanthrene. Slight differences in cumulative absorption among two pairings of skin decontamination wipe solutions, wipes 1 and 3 vs. wipes 2 and 4, were observed, indicating that some ingredients may impact dermal absorption. These findings show that firefighters should continue using skin decontamination wipes to reduce their dermal exposures to fireground contaminants with little concern of increasing the absorption of phenanthrene.
Selenomethionine and Allicin Synergistically Mitigate Intestinal Oxidative Injury by Activating the Nrf2 Pathway
Authors: Liu Yongshi , Lv Xi , Yuan Heling , Wang Xiaoming , Huang Jinhu , Wang Liping
Published: September 2024

Oxidative stress frequently contributes to intestinal barrier injury in animals and humans. It was reported that both Selenomethionine (SeMet) and allicin exhibit protective effects against a range of diseases caused by oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic antioxidant effects and underlying mechanisms of SeMet and allicin on a H2O2-induced intestinal barrier injury model using IPEC-J2 cells and mice. The results showed that H2O2 induced severe oxidative stress, including a decrease in cell viability, antioxidant level, migration capacity, and cell integrity. SeMet and allicin exhibited significant synergistic anti-oxidative effects on intestinal epithelial cells. The combined use of SeMet and allicin increased SOD activity, GSH content, and GSH/GSSG ratio while decreasing MDA, NO, and ROS content levels. Furthermore, we found that SeMet and allicin synergistically activated the nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO1) signaling pathway and down-regulated endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress)-related proteins. However, the synergistic antioxidative and intestinal barrier protective effects of SeMet and allicin were abolished by Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, SeMet and allicin synergistically attenuate intestinal barrier injury induced by excessively oxidative stress through the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway and inhibition ER stress. These findings support that the combined use of SeMet and allicin could enhance antioxidative properties and alleviate intestinal injury in further clinical practice.
Unusual Unsatisfactory Treatment in Two Patients with Imported Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Authors: Kuna Anna , Olszański Romuald , Szostakowska Beata , Kulawiak Natalia , Kant Ravi , Grzybek Maciej
Published: September 2024

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is one of the most commonly diagnosed dermatological condition in travel medicine after diarrhoeal diseases and febrile status. The disease is transmitted by Phlebotomus and Lutzomyia sandflies. It appears in various clinical forms, the most common of which is a painless ulcer with raised edges, usually present on exposed parts of the body on the side where the insect bite occurred. Annually, over a million new cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) cases are reported globally. We present two cases of affliction, the first occurring in Patient 1, who attempted treatment through the Kambo cleanse in South America, which is considered a toxic, even life-threatening, procedure. It involves the subcutaneous application of a substance dangerous to humans derived from the surface mucus of a frog. Patient 2 applied caustic ointments, a fruitarian diet, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a private setting. After initial therapeutic failures caused by the patients’ unconventional treatment ideas, the causal treatment effect was satisfactory, demonstrating the efficacy of these treatments in resolving the infection when applied appropriately. Despite the typical CL presentation in both patients, their self-treatment course was unusual. It is worth noting that alternative, sometimes harmful, self-treatment initiatives by patients may be surprising and ineffective. Promoting knowledge about tropical diseases among travellers and medical staff is crucial to improving treatment outcomes.
Genomes of Alphanucleorhabdovirus Physostegiae Isolates from Two Different Cultivar Groups of Solanum melongena
Authors: Gryzunov Nikita , Morozov Sergey Yu. , Suprunova Tatiana , Samarskaya Viktoriya , Spechenkova Nadezhda , Yakunina Sofiya , Kalinina Natalia O. , Taliansky Michael
Published: September 2024

Plant rhabdoviruses cause considerable economic losses and are a threat to the agriculture of Solanaceae plants. Two novel virus isolates belonging to the family Rhabdoviridae are identified by high-throughput sequencing (HTS) in Russian eggplant cultivars grown in the Volga river delta region for the first time. The phylogenetic inference of L protein (polymerase) shows that these virus isolates belong to Alphanucleorhabdovirus physostegia (Physostegia chlorotic mottle virus—PhCMoV), and their minus-sense RNA genomes have the typical gene order 3′-nucleocapsid (N)—X protein (X)—phosphoprotein (P)—Y protein (Y)—matrix protein (M)—glycoprotein (G)—polymerase (L)-5′ observed in some plant-infecting alphanucleorhabdoviruses. One of the PhCMoV isolates from the eggplant cultivar Almaz is genetically very similar to the Russian PhCMoV isolate from tomato and grouped in a subclade together with four isolates from Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and France. However, another eggplant-infecting isolate from the Russian cultivar Boggart is the most divergent compared with the other 45 virus genomes of European PhCMoV isolates. Thus, our comparative analysis reveals that two virus isolates from Russia may either share a close evolutionary relationship with European isolates or significantly diverge from all known virus isolates. The potential to use the protein sequence comparative analysis of accessory polypeptides, along with the early developed strategy of the nucleotide sequence comparison of the RNA genomes, is shown.
A CRISPR-Cas13b System Degrades SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 RNA In Vitro
Authors: Andersson Klara , Azatyan Ani , Ekenberg Martin , Güçlüler Gözde , Sardon Puig Laura , Puumalainen Marjo , Pramer Theodor , Monteil Vanessa M. , Mirazimi Ali
Published: September 2024

In a time of climate change, population growth, and globalization, the risk of viral spread has significantly increased. The 21st century has already witnessed outbreaks of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome virus (SARS-CoV), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Ebola virus and Influenza virus, among others. Viruses rapidly adapt and evade human immune systems, complicating the development of effective antiviral countermeasures. Consequently, the need for novel antivirals resilient to viral mutations is urgent. In this study, we developed a CRISPR-Cas13b system to target SARS-CoV-2. Interestingly, this system was also efficient against SARS-CoV, demonstrating broad-spectrum potential. Our findings highlight CRISPR-Cas13b as a promising tool for antiviral therapeutics, underscoring its potential in RNA-virus-associated pandemic responses.
Asparagine Availability Is a Critical Limiting Factor for Infectious Spleen and Kidney Necrosis Virus Replication
Authors: Ma Baofu , Li Fangying , Fu Xiaozhe , Luo Xia , Lin Qiang , Liang Hongru , Niu Yinjie , Li Ningqiu
Published: September 2024

Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) has brought huge economic loss to the aquaculture industry. Through interfering with the viral replication and proliferation process that depends on host cells, its pathogenicity can be effectively reduced. In this study, we investigated the role of asparagine metabolites in ISKNV proliferation. The results showed that ISKNV infection up-regulated the expression of some key enzymes of the asparagine metabolic pathway in Chinese perch brain (CPB) cells. These key enzymes, including glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase 1/2 (GOT1/2) and malate dehydrogenase1/2 (MDH1/2) associated with the malate-aspartate shuttle (MAS) pathway and asparagine synthetase (ASNS) involved in the asparagine biosynthesis pathway, were up-regulated during ISKNV replication and release stages. In addition, results showed that the production of ISKNV was significantly reduced by inhibiting the MAS pathway or reducing the expression of ASNS by 1.3-fold and 0.6-fold, respectively, indicating that asparagine was a critical limiting metabolite for ISKNV protein synthesis. Furthermore, when asparagine was added to the medium without glutamine, ISKNV copy number was restored to 92% of that in the complete medium, indicating that ISKNV could be fully rescued from the absence of glutamine by supplementing asparagine. The above results indicated that asparagine was a critical factor in limiting the effective replication of ISKNV, which provided a new idea for the treatment of aquatic viral diseases.
The Role of Nucleocapsid Protein (NP) in the Immunology of Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV)
Authors: Pirincal Aysegul , Doymaz Mehmet Z.
Published: September 2024

Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is an orthonairovirus from the Bunyavirales order that is widely distributed geographically and causes severe or fatal infections in humans. The viral genome consists of three segmented negative-sense RNA molecules. The CCHFV nucleocapsid protein (CCHFV NP) is encoded by the smallest segment of the virus. CCHFV NP, the primary function of which is the encapsidation of viral RNA molecules, plays a critical role in various mechanisms important for viral replication and pathogenesis. This review is an attempt to revisit the literature available on the highly immunogenic and highly conserved CCHFV NP, summarizing the multifunctional roles of this protein in the immunology of CCHFV. Specifically, the review addresses the impact of CCHFV NP on innate, humoral, and cellular immune responses, epitopes recognized by B and T cells that limit viral spread, and its role as a target for diagnostic tests and for vaccine design. Based on the extensive information generated by many research groups, it could be stated that NP constitutes a significant and critical player in the immunology of CCHFV.
Molecular Detection by Rolling Circle Amplification Combined with Deep Sequencing of Mixed Infection by Bovine Papillomaviruses 2 and 4 in Carcinoma In Situ of the Bovine Esophageal Mucosa
Authors: Matias Bruna F. , Lunardi Michele , Gonçalves Kátia C. B. , Vilas-Boas Laurival A. , Gustani-Buss Emanuele , Bracarense Ana Paula F. R. L. , Filho Luiz Fernando C. Cunha , Alfieri Alice F. , Alfieri Amauri A.
Published: September 2024

Papillomaviruses (PVs) are oncogenic and infect the skin and mucosa of various host species. Considering the recent advances in research on PVs using rolling circle amplification (RCA) followed by high-throughput sequencing (HTS), in this study, we aimed to investigate the bovine papillomavirus (BPV) types associated with proliferative lesions in the upper alimentary tract of an affected bull and characterize the viral strains through complete genome sequencing using this strategy. We analyzed the PV strains associated with two hyperplastic esophageal lesions through PCR using degenerate primer pairs and RCA, followed by HTS. HTS of the libraries generated using RCA products provided the whole genome sequence of BPV4 present in squamous papilloma, whereas the complete genome sequence of BPV2 and subgenomic fragments of BPV4 were identified in carcinoma in situ (CIS). For the first time, we have sequenced BPV2 identified from the CIS of the bovine upper alimentary canal. Additionally, RCA followed by HTS allowed characterization of the mixed infection by BPV2 and BPV4 in this lesion. These data reveal that BPV4 is not the only BPV type present in CIS of the esophageal mucous membrane; moreover, a mixed infection caused by BPV2 and BPV4 at the tested anatomical site was demonstrated.
Marking-Based Perpendicular Parking Slot Detection Algorithm Using LiDAR Sensors
Authors: Gong Jing , Raut Amod , Pelzer Marcel , Huening Felix
Published: September 2024

The emergence of automotive-grade LiDARs has given rise to new potential methods to develop novel advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). However, accurate and reliable parking slot detection (PSD) remains a challenge, especially in the low-light conditions typical of indoor car parks. Existing camera-based approaches struggle with these conditions and require sensor fusion to determine parking slot occupancy. This paper proposes a parking slot detection (PSD) algorithm which utilizes the intensity of a LiDAR point cloud to detect the markings of perpendicular parking slots. LiDAR-based approaches offer robustness in low-light environments and can directly determine occupancy status using 3D information. The proposed PSD algorithm first segments the ground plane from the LiDAR point cloud and detects the main axis along the driving direction using a random sample consensus algorithm (RANSAC). The remaining ground point cloud is filtered by a dynamic Otsu’s threshold, and the markings of parking slots are detected in multiple windows along the driving direction separately. Hypotheses of parking slots are generated between the markings, which are cross-checked with a non-ground point cloud to determine the occupancy status. Test results showed that the proposed algorithm is robust in detecting perpendicular parking slots in well-marked car parks with high precision, low width error, and low variance. The proposed algorithm is designed in such a way that future adoption for parallel parking slots and combination with free-space-based detection approaches is possible. This solution addresses the limitations of camera-based systems and enhances PSD accuracy and reliability in challenging lighting conditions.
Radiated Sound and Transmitted Vibration Following the Ball/Racket Impact of a Tennis Serve
Authors: Paté Arthur , Petel Maxime , Belhassen Nesrine , Chadefaux Delphine
Published: September 2024

Shock-induced vibrations transmitted from the racket to the tennis player’s upper limb have interested researchers, whether for investigating their effect on injury risk, or for designing new equipment. Measuring these vibrations is, however, very challenging in an ecological playing situation: sensors must be of very high quality in order to precisely measure high-energy and broad-frequency signals, as well as non-invasive in order to allow the players to perform their usual movements. The working hypothesis of this paper is that contactless sound recordings of the ball/racket impact carry the same information as direct vibratory measurements. The present study focuses on the tennis serve, as being tennis’ most energy-demanding stroke, therefore possibly being the most traumatic stroke for the upper limb. This article aims (a) to evaluate the propagation of vibration from the racket to the upper limb; and (b) to identify correlations with acoustic signals collected simultaneously. Eight expert tennis players performed serves with three rackets and two ball spin effects. Accelerometers measured the vibration on the racket and at five locations on the upper limb, and a microphone measured the impact sound. Resulting signals were analyzed in terms of energy and spectral descriptors. Results showed that flat serves produced louder sounds, higher vibration levels, lower acoustic spectral centroids, and higher vibratory spectral centroids than kick serves. The racket only had a marginal influence. Similarities between acoustic and vibratory measurements were found (levels were correlated), but so were differences (spectral centroids tended to be negatively correlated), encouraging further studies on the link between sound and vibration for the in situ measurement of shock-induced vibration.
Feasibility Study of Temperature Control Measures during the Construction of Large-Volume Concrete Gravity Dams in Cold Regions: A Case Study
Authors: Lv Ziyu , Yu Shu , Su Anshuang , Guan Rongcai , Jia Suizi , Yin Penghai
Published: September 2024

Effective temperature control measures are crucial for achieving temperature regulation and preventing cracking in the dam body during the construction of large-volume concrete gravity dams. Due to the low ambient temperatures in winter, it is especially important to focus on temperature control measures for concrete dam construction in cold regions. This paper employs a numerical simulation method that takes into account dam temperature control measures to simulate and predict the overall temperature and stress fields of the Guanmenzuizi Reservoir Dam, and validates these simulations with field monitoring results. This study finds that the ambient temperature significantly impacts the temperature and stress of the dam body’s concrete. The internal temperature of the dam reaches its highest value approximately 7 days after pouring, followed by periodic fluctuations, with the dam body’s temperature changes exhibiting a certain lag compared to the ambient temperature. The interior of the dam is under compression, while the upstream and downstream surfaces experience significant tensile stress. This project adopts targeted temperature control measures for the cold environmental conditions of the region, which are reasonably implemented and effectively reduce the temperature rise of the concrete during construction, achieving the temperature control objectives. This study also explores the impact of the cooling water pipe density on the dam body. The research results offer valuable references for the implementation of temperature control measures and the establishment of temperature control standards for concrete gravity dams in cold regions.
The Effect of Reynolds Numbers on Flow-Induced Vibrations: A Numerical Study of a Cylinder on Elastic Supports
Authors: Ma Chunhui , Huang Fenglai , Li Bin , Li Xujian , Liu Yu
Published: September 2024

In the field of fluid dynamics, the Reynolds number is a key parameter that influences the flow characteristics around bluff bodies. While its impact on flow around stationary cylinders has been extensively studied, systematic research into flow-induced vibrations (FIVs) under these conditions remains limited. This study utilizes numerical simulations to explore the FIV characteristics of smooth cylinders and passive turbulence control (PTC) cylinders supported elastically within a Reynolds number range from 0.8 × 104 to 1.1 × 105. By comparing the vibration responses, lift coefficients, and wake structures of these cylinders across various Reynolds numbers, this paper aims to elucidate how Reynolds numbers affect the flow and vibration characteristics of these structures. The research employs images of instantaneous lift changes and vortex shedding across multiple sections to visually demonstrate the dynamic changes in flow states. The findings are expected to provide theoretical support for optimizing structural design and vibration control strategies in high-Reynolds-number environments, emphasizing the importance of considering Reynolds numbers in structural safety and design optimization.
A Holistic Irrigation Advisory Policy Scheme by the Hellenic Agricultural Organization: An Example of a Successful Implementation in Crete, Greece
Authors: Kourgialas Nektarios N.
Published: September 2024

The aim of this communication article is to present a successful irrigation advisory scheme on the island of Crete (Greece) provided by the Hellenic Agricultural Organization (ELGO DIMITRA), which is well adapted to the different needs of farmers and water management agencies. The motivation to create this advisory scheme stems from the need to save water resources while ensuring optimal production in a region like Crete where droughts seem to occur more and more frequently in recent years. This scheme/approach has three different levels of implementation (components) depending on the spatial level and end-users’ needs. The first level concerns the weekly irrigation bulletins in the main agricultural areas of the island with the aim of informing farmers and local water managers about crop irrigation needs. The second level concerns an innovative digital web-based platform for the precise determination of the irrigation needs of Crete’s crops at a parcel level as well as optimal adaptation strategies in the context of climate change. In this platform, important features such as real-time meteorological information, spatial data on the cultivation type of parcels, validated algorithms for calculating crop irrigation needs, an accurate soil texture map derived from satellite images, and appropriate agronomic practices to conserve water based on cultivation and the geomorphology of a farm are considered. The third level of the proposed management approach includes an open-source Internet of Things (IoT) intelligent irrigation system for optimal individual parcel irrigation scheduling. This IoT system includes soil moisture and atmospheric sensors installed on the field, as well as the corresponding laboratory soil hydraulic characterization service. This third-level advisory approach provides farmers with specialized information on the automated irrigation system and optimization of irrigation water use. All the above irrigation advisory approaches have been implemented and evaluated by end-users with a very high degree of satisfaction in terms of effectiveness and usability.
The Synergistic Power of Rosehip Seed Powder and Aluminum Chloride in Steel Industry Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Abujazar Mohammed Shadi S. , Karaagaç Sakine Ugurlu , Amr Salem S. Abu , Alazaiza Motasem Y. D. , Albahnasavi Ahmed , Nassani Dia Eddin
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the efficiency of a hybrid coagulation–flocculation process for the treatment of industrial wastewater from the steel industry. The novel method combines a natural coagulant, processed Rosehip Seed Powder (RSP), with a chemical coagulant, aluminum chloride (AlCl3), across varying concentrations and pH levels. The study simulated the pH 8 conditions of iron and steel industrial wastewater and examined the removal of heavy metals, total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and ammonia–nitrogen (NH3-N). At pH 8, the optimal coagulant dosage was determined to be 0.75:0.75 (g/g) of RSP/AlCl3 powder, resulting in high removal efficiencies across several parameters: 88.29% for COD, 91.85% for color, 99% for TSS, 93.11% for NH3-N, 94.3% for Mn, 98.5% for Fe, 96.7% for Zn, and 99.3% for Ni. The pH optimization demonstrated high removal efficiencies without pH adjudication. The removal of heavy metals at pH 8 demonstrated high efficiencies, with Mn, Fe, Zn, and Al achieving 99.00%, 90.6%, 95.73%, and 92.3%, respectively. These results suggest that no pH adjustment is required when using RSP/AlCl3 for the treatment of iron and steel industry wastewater through the coagulation method.
Groundwater Level Prediction Using Machine Learning and Geostatistical Interpolation Models
Authors: Zowam Fabian J. , Milewski Adam M.
Published: September 2024

Given the vulnerability of surface water to the direct impacts of climate change, the accurate prediction of groundwater levels has become increasingly important, particularly for dry regions, offering significant resource management benefits. This study presents the first statewide groundwater level anomaly (GWLA) prediction for Arizona across its two distinct aquifer types—unconsolidated sand and gravel aquifers and rock aquifers. Machine learning (ML) models were combined with empirical Bayesian kriging (EBK) geostatistical interpolation models to predict monthly GWLAs between January 2010 and December 2019. Model evaluations were based on the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) and coefficient of determination (R2) metrics. With average NSE/R2 values of 0.62/0.63 and 0.72/0.76 during the validation and test phases, respectively, our multi-model approach demonstrated satisfactory performance, and the predictive accuracy was much higher for the unconsolidated sand and gravel aquifers. By employing a remote sensing-based approach, our proposed model design can be replicated for similar climates globally, and hydrologically data-sparse and remote areas of the world are not left out.
Experimental Investigation of Bridge Scour under Pressure Flow Conditions
Authors: Baduna Koçyiğit Müsteyde , Koçyiğit Önder
Published: September 2024

Recent studies have revealed that the frequency and magnitude of floods tend to increase due to climate change. Hence, excessive scouring due to flood events puts river bridges at greater risk of failure. This paper presents the initial findings of an experimental study to improve the understanding of the main characteristics of bridge pier scour under pressurized flow encountered during flooding. The experiments were carried out in four main groups according to two deck alignments with circular and oblong pier shapes. For each group of experiments, thirty-six tests were conducted under partially and fully pressurized flow conditions using four approach flow depths and three discharge values. The validity of the structured design approach for pier scour estimation implemented in the guidelines was investigated. The results showed that the bridge pier scour depths were up to 29.4% and 49.4% greater than the sum of the vertical contraction and local scour depths for 100 L/s for partially and fully pressurized flow conditions, respectively. However, as the discharge increased to 120 L/s, the bridge pier scour depth became 38.3% and 17.8% smaller than the sum of the vertical contraction and local scour depths for partially and fully pressurized flow, respectively. So, the structured design approach was determined to be safe for high discharge values. Furthermore, it was found that tests with a circular pier resulted in higher bridge pier scour depths than the sum of the vertical contraction and local scour depths up to 19.3% even for 120 L/s. Conversely, smaller bridge pier scour depths than the sum of the vertical contraction and local scour depths were observed up to 17.8% for tests with oblong piers. Thus, it can be concluded that the pier shape has a profound effect on scour holes and oblong piers cause smaller scour depths than circular piers in pressurized flow conditions. This study showed that the flow–pier–deck interaction significantly affects the depth and width of the scour hole, especially for small discharges and fully pressurized flow conditions.
Hydrological Evaluation of CRA40 and ERA5 Reanalysis Precipitation Products over Ganjiang River Basin in Humid Southeastern China
Authors: Li Zhi , Zhou Zelan , Chen Sheng , Li Yanping , Wei Chunxia
Published: September 2024

This study evaluates two reanalysis precipitation products (CRA40 and ERA5) over the Ganjiang River Basin with precipitation data from 37 ground rainfall gauges and surface-observed stream flow data from January 1998 to December 2008. Direct comparison with rain gauge observations shows that both CRA40 and ERA5 can capture the spatial and temporal characteristics of precipitation at the basin scale of the Ganjiang River and reflect most of the precipitation events, but there are pronounced differences in the quality of precipitation between them. ERA5 performs better on the daily scale, capturing precipitation changes more accurately over short periods of time, while CRA40 performs better on the monthly scale, providing more stable and long-term precipitation trends. The results of stream flow simulations using two reanalysis precipitation products driving the VIC hydrological model show that (1) CRA40 outperforms ERA5 with a better Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE, 0.65 and 0.6) and higher CC (0.96 and 0.91) in daily and monthly scale stream flow simulations, and ERA5 has a good CC (0.86 and 0.93, respectively), but its NSE is poor (0.29 and 0.30, respectively); (2) both CRA40 and ERA5 generally overestimate basin stream flows, especially during the flood season (April–September), with ERA5’s overestimation being more pronounced. This study is expected to provide a basis for the selection of reliable reanalysis products for Ganjiang River Basin precipitation and hydrological simulation.
Effect of Light Intensity on the Growth and Nutrient Uptake of the Microalga Chlorella sorokiniana Cultivated in Biogas Plant Digestate
Authors: Palikrousis Thomas L. , Manolis Christos , Kalamaras Sotirios D. , Samaras Petros
Published: September 2024

This study investigated the effect of light intensity on the growth and nutrient uptake of Chlorella sorokiniana cultivated in nitrogen-rich anaerobic digestion wastewater. Three light intensities (20, 68, and 162 µmol m⁻2 s⁻1) were applied over a 30-day period with a 16:8 h light–dark photoperiod. The goal was to understand how light affects biomass productivity, nutrient assimilation, and biochemical composition under varying nitrogen concentrations originating from biogas plant digestate, up to 5 g L⁻1. The results showed that higher light intensities significantly boosted biomass production, achieving a five-fold increase at 162 µmol m⁻2 s⁻1 compared to 20 µmol m⁻2 s⁻1. Nutrient uptake followed a similar pattern, with 94% of ammonium nitrogen removed in 7 days under high light, compared to 55% after 30 days under low light. Phosphorus content was also completely removed after 7 days under light intensities of 68 and 162 µmol m⁻2 s⁻1. Additionally, elevated light intensity led to increased lipid accumulation (from 29.7% to 34%) and reduced protein content (from 30.9% to 26.1%), with carbohydrate content not being affected by light intensity. These findings highlight light intensity as a critical factor for optimizing microalgae cultivation in nitrogen-rich biogas digestate, promoting both effective nutrient removal and biomass production for potential bioenergy applications.
Prediction of Floor Failure Depth Based on Dividing Deep and Shallow Mining for Risk Assessment of Mine Water Inrush
Authors: Liu Weitao , Han Mengke , Zhao Jiyuan
Published: September 2024

Understanding and predicting floor failure depth is crucial for both mitigating mine water inrush hazards and safeguarding groundwater resources. Mining activities can significantly disturb the geological strata, leading to shifts and damage that may result in floor cracks. These disruptions can extend to confined aquifers, thereby increasing the risk of water inrushes. Such events not only pose a threat to the safety of mining operations but also jeopardize the sustainability of surrounding groundwater systems. Therefore, accurately predicting floor failure depth to take effective coal seam floor management measures is the key to reducing the impact of coal seam mining on water resources. Seventy-eight sets of data on coal seam floor failure depth in China were collected, and the main controlling factors were considered: mining depth (D1), working face inclination length (D2), coal seam inclination (D3), and mining thickness (D4). Firstly, the distance evaluation function based on Euclidean distance was constructed as the clustering effectiveness index, and the optimal cluster number K = 3 was determined. The collected data were clustered into three categories using the K-means clustering algorithm. It was found that the clustering results were positively correlated with the size of D1, indicating that D1 played a dominant role in the clustering. The D1 dividing points of the three types of samples were between 407.7~414.9 m and 750~900 m. On this basis, the grey correlation analysis method was used to analyze the order of the influence weights of the main controlling factors of coal seam floor failure depth. For the first group, the order was D2 > D1 > D3 > D4, while, in the other two, it was D1 > D2 > D3 > D4. D1 emerged as the most influential factor, surpassing D2. Therefore, D1 between 407.7 and 414.9 m could be used as the boundary, the first group could be classified as shallow mining, and the second and third groups could be classified as deep mining. Based on this boundary, CatBoost prediction models for the depth of coal seam floor failure in deep and shallow parts were constructed and the prediction results of the model test set were compared with the calculation results of the empirical formula. These models exhibited superior accuracy with a lower mean squared error (MSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) and a higher R-squared (R2) compared to the empirical formula. This study helps to enhance the understanding of coal seam floor behavior, guide floor management, and protect groundwater resources by defining deep and shallow mining to accurately predict floor failure depth.
Research on Braking Characteristics of Hybrid Excitation Rotary Eddy Current Retarder
Authors: Wang Fei , Guo Wenguang , Wu Guijun , Li Shi
Published: September 2024

According to the different excitation methods, automotive eddy current retarders (ECRs) can be divided into electrically excited retarders (EERs) and permanent magnet excited retarders (PMERs), and EERs and PMERs have certain complementarity in control and braking characteristics. Therefore, based on literature research, this article proposes a hybrid excitation rotary electromagnetic retarder (HERER) and conducts numerical simulation analysis and experimental research on the braking performance of the HERER. Firstly, the structure and working principle of the HERER are introduced. Secondly, based on the principles of electromagnetics, an equivalent magnetic circuit analysis model of the HERER is established. Then, a finite element analysis model of the HERER is established using Jmag 14 electromagnetic simulation software, and the braking performance of the HERER under different current and speed conditions is studied. Finally, bench tests are conducted on the air loss torque and eddy current braking performance of the HERER. The effectiveness of the finite element analysis model and equivalent magnetic circuit model of the HERER is verified.
Immunoprophylaxis of HBV infection in medical personnel
Authors:   Yaroslavl State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Bokhonov M. S. , Galitsina L. E. ,   Yaroslavl State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Sitnikov I. G. ,   Yaroslavl State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Published: September 2024

The intensity and duration of the preservation of the immune response to viral hepatitis B after vaccination among the medical staff of the polyclinic was studied. The features of postvaccinal immunity in medical staff have been revealed. No postvaccinal antibodies were found in 35 % of the examined patients. The intensity of post-vaccination immunity to the HBV virus among various groups of medical staff at the polyclinic depends on the type of professional activity. Revaccination led to the appearance of antibodies to the HB virus (anti-HBs) in 100 %, and the intensity of immunity was at medium or high levels.
Physical health of high school students with different levels of motor activity
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Privolzhsky Research Medical University » of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Nizhny Novgorod, Bogomolova E. S. , Maksimenko E. O. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Privolzhsky Research Medical University » of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Nizhny Novgorod, Olushina E. A. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Privolzhsky Research Medical University » of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Nizhny Novgorod, Kotova N. V. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Privolzhsky Research Medical University » of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Nizhny Novgorod, Koval’chuk S. N. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Privolzhsky Research Medical University » of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Nizhny Novgorod, Kiseleva A. S. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Privolzhsky Research Medical University » of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Nizhny Novgorod
Published: September 2024

The physical health of children and adolescents is an indicator of the sanitary and hygienic well-being of an educational establishments, reflects the efficiency of the physical education system at schools and the level of physical activity of schoolchildren. An analysis of physical health indicators (height, body weight, hemodynamic and physiometric indicators) in 252 tenth graders was carried out. It was noted that the majority of adolescents (70–82 %) had functional indicators within the age-sex norm; normal physical development was determined in 60 % of schoolchildren. The results of physical fitness tests showed that the «60 m run» was performed at the level of the gold GTO sign, with an unsatisfactory result of the «flexion and extension of the arms in a lying position» test in girls and low results of the «bend forward from a standing position» test in boys. Statistically significant differences were established in the results of pedometer testing among adolescents of health groups I and II (group 1) and schoolchildren with chronic diseases of health groups III and IV (group 2). The physical activity of adolescents in group 1 was 1817 steps higher on weekdays (p=0.000) and on weekends compared to peers in group 2. According to the survey and pedometer data, every third student (34.6 %) was characterized by a low level of physical activity, an average level was found in 49.5 % of tenth graders, and a high level in 15.9 % of schoolchildren. Thus, the average level of physical activity in most adolescents was at the level of 8–9 thousand steps per day and was characterized by low involvement in sports sections, which requires a system of measures to increase the motivation of children and adolescents to engage in physical education.