bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral vaccination with recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum encoding Trichinella spiralis inorganic pyrophosphatase elicited a protective immunity in BALB/c mice
Authors: Hu Chen Xi , Xu Yang Xiu Yue , Hao Hui Nan , Liu Ruo Dan , Jiang Peng , Long Shao Rong , Wang Zhong Quan , Cui Jing
Published: October 2021

Background

Trichinellosis is a serious zoonotic disease distributed around the world. It is needed to develop a safe, effective and feasible anti-Trichinella vaccine for prevention and control of trichinellosis. The aim of this study was to construct a recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum encoding Trichinella spiralis inorganic pyrophosphatase (TsPPase) and investigate its immune protective effects against T. spiralis infection.

Methodology/Principal findings

The growth of recombinant L. plantarum was not affected by TsPPase/pSIP409-pgsA′ plasmid, and the recombinant plasmid was inherited stably in bacteria. Western blot and immunofluorescence assay (IFA) indicated that the rTsPPase was expressed on the surface of recombinant L. plantarum. Oral vaccination with rTsPPase induced higher levels of specific serum IgG, IgG1, IgG2a and mucosal secretory IgA (sIgA) in BALB/c mice. ELISA analysis revealed that the levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 released from spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes and Peyer’s patches were evidently increased at 2–4 weeks following vaccination, compared to MRS (De Man, Rogosa, Sharpe) medium control group (P < 0.05). Immunization of mice with rTsPPase exhibited a 67.18, 54.78 and 51.91% reduction of intestinal infective larvae, adult worms and muscle larvae at 24 hours post infection (hpi), 6 days post infection (dpi) and 35 dpi, respectively (P < 0.05), and the larval molting and development was significantly inhibited by 45.45% at 24 hpi, compared to the MRS group.

Conclusions

TsPPase plays a crucial role in T. spiralis molting and development, oral vaccination with rTsPPase induced a significant local mucosal sIgA response and systemic Th1/Th2 immune response, and immune protection against T. spiralis infection in BALB/c mice.
The GH19 Engineering Database: Sequence diversity, substrate scope, and evolution in glycoside hydrolase family 19
Authors: Orlando Marco , Buchholz Patrick C. F. , Lotti Marina , Pleiss Jürgen
Published: October 2021

The glycoside hydrolase 19 (GH19) is a bifunctional family of chitinases and endolysins, which have been studied for the control of plant fungal pests, the recycle of chitin biomass, and the treatment of multi-drug resistant bacteria. The GH19 domain-containing sequences (22,461) were divided into a chitinase and an endolysin subfamily by analyzing sequence networks, guided by taxonomy and the substrate specificity of characterized enzymes. The chitinase subfamily was split into seventeen groups, thus extending the previous classification. The endolysin subfamily is more diverse and consists of thirty-four groups. Despite their sequence diversity, twenty-six residues are conserved in chitinases and endolysins, which can be distinguished by two specific sequence patterns at six and four positions, respectively. Their location outside the catalytic cleft suggests a possible mechanism for substrate specificity that goes beyond the direct interaction with the substrate. The evolution of the GH19 catalytic domain was investigated by large-scale phylogeny. The inferred evolutionary history and putative horizontal gene transfer events differ from previous works. While no clear patterns were detected in endolysins, chitinases varied in sequence length by up to four loop insertions, causing at least eight distinct presence/absence loop combinations. The annotated GH19 sequences and structures are accessible via the GH19 Engineering Database (GH19ED,https://gh19ed.biocatnet.de). The GH19ED has been developed to support the prediction of substrate specificity and the search for novel GH19 enzymes from neglected taxonomic groups or in regions of the sequence space where few sequences have been described yet.
Built environment profiles for Latin American urban settings: The SALURBAL study
Authors: Sarmiento Olga L. , Useche Andrés F. , Rodriguez Daniel A. , Dronova Iryna , Guaje Oscar , Montes Felipe , Stankov Ivana , Wilches Maria Alejandra , Bilal Usama , Wang Xize , Guzmán Luis A. , Peña Fabian , Quistberg D. Alex , Guerra-Gomez John A. , Diez Roux Ana V.
Published: October 2021

The built environment of cities is complex and influences social and environmental determinants of health. In this study we, 1) identified city profiles based on the built landscape and street design characteristics of cities in Latin America and 2) evaluated the associations of city profiles with social determinants of health and air pollution. Landscape and street design profiles of 370 cities were identified using finite mixture modeling. For landscape, we measured fragmentation, isolation, and shape. For street design, we measured street connectivity, street length, and directness. We fitted a two-level linear mixed model to assess the association of social and environmental determinants of health with the profiles. We identified four profiles for landscape and four for the street design domain. The most common landscape profile was the “proximate stones” characterized by moderate fragmentation, isolation and patch size, and irregular shape. The most common street design profile was the “semi-hyperbolic grid” characterized by moderate connectivity, street length, and directness. The “semi-hyperbolic grid”, “spiderweb” and “hyperbolic grid” profiles were positively associated with higher access to piped water and less overcrowding. The “semi-hyperbolic grid” and “spiderweb” profiles were associated with higher air pollution. The “proximate stones” and “proximate inkblots” profiles were associated with higher congestion. In conclusion, there is substantial heterogeneity in the urban landscape and street design profiles of Latin American cities. While we did not find a specific built environment profile that was consistently associated with lower air pollution and better social conditions, the different configurations of the built environments of cities should be considered when planning healthy and sustainable cities in Latin America.
Effects of irrigation rates on cotton yield as affected by soil physical properties and topography in the southern high plains
Authors: Neupane Jasmine , Guo Wenxuan , West Charles P. , Zhang Fangyuan , Lin Zhe
Published: October 2021

Lack of precipitation and groundwater for irrigation limits crop production in semi-arid regions, such as the Southern High Plains (SHP). Advanced technologies, such as variable rate irrigation (VRI), can conserve water and improve water use efficiency for sustainable agriculture. However, the adoption of VRI is hindered by the lack of on-farm research focusing on the feasibility of VRI. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of irrigation rates on cotton yield as affected by soil physical properties and topography in the Southern High Plains. This study was conducted in two fields within a 194-ha commercially managed farm in Hale County, Texas, in 2017. An irrigation treatment with three rates was implemented in a randomized complete block design with two replications as separate blocks in each field. A total of 230 composite soil samples were collected from the farm in spring 2017 and analyzed for texture. Information on apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa), elevation, and final yield were collected from the fields. A statistical model showed that the effect of irrigation rates on cotton yield depended on its interaction with soil physical properties and topography. For example, areas with slope >2% and sand content >50% had no significant response to higher irrigation rates. This model suggests that applying irrigation amounts based on the yield response can be a basis for VRI. This study provides valuable information for site-specific irrigation to optimize crop production in fields with significant variability in soil physical properties and topography.
Field evaluation of thermal and acoustical comfort in eight North-American buildings using embedded radiant systems
Authors: Dawe Megan , Karmann Caroline , Schiavon Stefano , Bauman Fred
Published: October 2021

We performed a post-occupancy assessment based on 500 occupant surveys in eight buildings using embedded radiant heating and cooling systems. This study follows-up on a quantitative assessment of 60 office buildings that found radiant and all-air buildings have comparable temperature and acoustic satisfaction with a tendency for increased temperature satisfaction in radiant buildings. Our objective was to investigate reasons of comfort and discomfort in the radiant buildings, and to relate these to building characteristics and operations strategies. The primary sources of thermal discomfort are lack of control over the thermal environment (both temperature and air movement) and slow system response, both of which were seen to be alleviated with fast-response adaptive opportunities such as operable windows and personal fans. There was no optimal radiant design or operation that maximized thermal comfort, and building operators were pleased with reduced repair and maintenance associated with radiant systems compared to all-air systems. Occupants reported low satisfaction with acoustics. This was primarily due to sound privacy issues in open-plan offices which may be exacerbated by highly reflective surfaces common in radiant spaces.
Exogenous proanthocyanidins improve tolerance of Cu-toxicity by amelioration of oxidative damage and re-programming of gene expression in Medicago sativa
Authors: Zhao Siyi , Zhu Yanqiao , Liu Wenwen , Wang Xiaoshan , Wang Han , Cao Yingping , Chen Fei , Hu Longxing , Gong Lixia , Fu Chunxiang , Zhang Zhifei
Published: October 2021

Excess copper (Cu) in soil due to industrial and agricultural practices can result in reduced plant growth. Excess Cu resulted in severely retarded root growth with severe discoloration of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and Medicago truncatula. Growth in the presence of hydrogen peroxide resulted in similar symptoms that could be partially recovered by the addition of the reductant ascorbic acid revealing damage was likely due to oxidative stress. The addition of proanthocyanidins (PAs) in the presence of Cu prevented much of the damage, including plant growth and restoration of lignin synthesis which was inhibited in the presence of excess Cu. Transcriptome analyses of the impact of excess Cu and the amelioration after PAs treatment revealed that changes were enriched in functions associated with the cell wall and extracellular processes, indicating that inhibition of cell wall synthesis was likely the reason for retarded growth. Excess Cu appeared to induce a strong defense response, along with alterations in the expression of a number of genes encoding transcription factors, notably related to ethylene signaling. The addition of PAs greatly reduced this response, and also induced novel genes that likely help ameliorate the effects of excess Cu. These included induction of genes involved in the last step of ascorbic acid biosynthesis and of enzymes involved in cell wall synthesis. Combined, these results show that excess Cu causes severe oxidative stress damage and inhibition of cell wall synthesis, which can be relieved by the addition of PAs.
Accelerative action of topical piperonylic acid on mice full thickness wound by modulating inflammation and collagen deposition
Authors: Moreira Karina Gomes , do Prado Thais Paulino , Mendes Natália Ferreira , de Medeiros Bezerra Renan , Jara Carlos Poblete , Melo Lima Maria Helena , de Araujo Eliana Pereira
Published: October 2021

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) promotes cell growth, proliferation, and survival in numerous tissues. Piperonylic acid, a metabolite present in peppers (Piper nigrum L. and Piper longum L.), can bind to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and induce an intracellular signaling cascade leading to the transcription of genes responsible for these actions, especially in keratinocytes. These cells are fundamental in maintaining cutaneous homeostasis and are the first to be damaged in the case of a wound. Thus, we hypothesized that piperonylic acid improves wound healing. C57BL6/J male mice were submitted to dorsal skin wounds caused by a 6 mm punch and treated topically with piperonylic acid or vehicle. The wounds were evaluated macro- and microscopically, and tissue samples were collected for immunofluorescence and real-time PCR analyses on days 6, 9 and 19 post-injury. Topical piperonylic acid improved wound healing from day 6 post-injury until closure. This phenomenon apparently occurred through EGFR activation. In addition, piperonylic acid modulated the gene expression of interleukin (Il)-6, il-1β, tumor necrosis factor (Tnf)-α, il-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein (Mcp)-1 and insulin-like growth factor (Igf)-1, which are important for the healing process. By day 19 post-injury, the new tissue showed greater deposition of type I collagen and a morphology closer to intact skin, with more dermal papillae and hair follicles. We conclude that piperonylic acid may be a viable option for the treatment of skin wounds.
A rapid, simple and sensitive LC-MS/MS method for lenvatinib quantification in human plasma for therapeutic drug monitoring
Authors: Zanchetta Martina , Iacuzzi Valentina , Posocco Bianca , Bortolin Giorgia , Poetto Ariana Soledad , Orleni Marco , Canil Giovanni , Guardascione Michela , Foltran Luisa , Fanotto Valentina , Puglisi Fabio , Gagno Sara , Toffoli Giuseppe
Published: October 2021

Lenvatinib (LENVA) is an oral antineoplastic drug used for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and thyroid carcinoma. LENVA therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) should be mandatory for a precision medicine to optimize the drug dosage. To this end, the development of a sensitive and robust quantification method to be applied in the clinical setting is essential. The aim of this work was to develop and validate a sensitive, rapid, and cost-effective LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of LENVA in human plasma. On this premise, sample preparation was based on a protein precipitation and the chromatographic separation was achieved on a Synergi Fusion RP C18 column in 4 min. The method was completely and successfully validated according to European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, with good linearity in the range of 0.50–2000 ng/mL (R≥0.9968). Coefficient of variation (CV) for intra- and inter-day precision was ≤11.3% and accuracy ranged from 96.3 to 109.0%, internal standard normalized matrix effect CV% was ≤2.8% and recovery was ≥95.6%. Successful results were obtained for sensitivity (signal to noise (S/N) ratio >21) and selectivity, dilution integrity (CV% ≤ 4.0% and accuracy 99.9–102%), and analyte stability under various handling and storage conditions both in matrix and solvents. This method was applied to quantify LENVA in patient’s plasma samples and covered the concentration range achievable in patients. In conclusion, a sensitive and robust quantification method was developed and validated to be applied in the clinical setting.
Identification and characterization of short leader and trailer RNAs synthesized by the Ebola virus RNA polymerase
Authors: Bach Simone , Demper Jana-Christin , Klemm Paul , Schlereth Julia , Lechner Marcus , Schoen Andreas , Kämper Lennart , Weber Friedemann , Becker Stephan , Biedenkopf Nadine , Hartmann Roland K.
Published: October 2021

Transcription of non-segmented negative sense (NNS) RNA viruses follows a stop-start mechanism and is thought to be initiated at the genome’s very 3’-end. The synthesis of short abortive leader transcripts (leaderRNAs) has been linked to transcription initiation for some NNS viruses. Here, we identified the synthesis of abortive leaderRNAs (as well as trailer RNAs) that are specifically initiated opposite to (anti)genome nt 2; leaderRNAs are predominantly terminated in the region of nt ~ 60–80. LeaderRNA synthesis requires hexamer phasing in the 3’-leader promoter. We determined a steady-state NP mRNA:leaderRNA ratio of ~10 to 30-fold at 48 h after Ebola virus (EBOV) infection, and this ratio was higher (70 to 190-fold) for minigenome-transfected cells. LeaderRNA initiation at nt 2 and the range of termination sites were not affected by structure and length variation between promoter elements 1 and 2, nor the presence or absence of VP30. Synthesis of leaderRNA is suppressed in the presence of VP30 and termination of leaderRNA is not mediated by cryptic gene end (GE) signals in the 3’-leader promoter. We further found different genomic 3’-end nucleotide requirements for transcription versus replication, suggesting that promoter recognition is different in the replication and transcription mode of the EBOV polymerase. We further provide evidence arguing against a potential role of EBOV leaderRNAs as effector molecules in innate immunity. Taken together, our findings are consistent with a model according to which leaderRNAs are abortive replicative RNAs whose synthesis is not linked to transcription initiation. Rather, replication and transcription complexes are proposed to independently initiate RNA synthesis at separate sites in the 3’-leader promoter, i.e., at the second nucleotide of the genome 3’-end and at the more internally positioned transcription start site preceding the first gene, respectively, as reported for Vesicular stomatitis virus.
Abducted ground: The ineffaceable Beaduric’s Island
Authors: Murray Shaun
Published: October 2021

This article illustrates some typical occupational modalities of drawing by abductive processes, involving the design of ecologies through chance and discovery – perhaps through radical innovations – in architecture. First described by the American philosopher Charles Sanders Peirce, abductive processes start with an observation or set of observations, then seek to reach the simplest and most likely conclusion from those observations. To design an ecology is to design a system of parts from things, creating a new kind of contextualism. This may not seem radical nor innovative, but the principle of symbiotically designing an ecology for a range of scaled interventions over time using the same context starts to become interesting. From drawing and sketching what you can see in the actual context for a design proposal, to then redrawing and composing the observational drawing in a studio, to the time taken to experience and reflect on the spaces drawn towards making physical objects from the forms resonating as the drawing develops, many modalities occupy a drawing as architecture. These could be viewed as a form of ‘possible worlds’, anticipations, opportunities to shape the drawing world and act in it. It could be of help in prefiguring the risks, possibilities and effects of the architect as the editor of situations in the architectural drawing, and in promoting or preventing broad rules of translation. Creating ethics means creating the world and acting in it, in different (real or abstract) situations and problems. In this way, events and situations can be reinvented, either as opportunities or as risks that lead in new directions. The second part of the article describes some of the ‘26 rules for translation’ through drawing related to the design of ecologies through chance and discovery.
Argentinian Elections
Authors: Ratto Maria Celeste , Lewis-Beck Michael S.
Published: October 2021

Election forecasts, based on public opinion polls or statistical structural models, regularly appear before national elections in established democracies around the world. However, in less established democratic systems, such as those in Latin America, scientific election forecasting by opinion polls is irregular and by statistical models is almost non-existent. Here we attempt to ameliorate this situation by exploring the leading case of Argentina, where democratic elections have prevailed for the last thirty-eight years. We demonstrate the strengths—and the weaknesses—of the two approaches, finally giving the nod to structural models based political and economic fundamentals. Investigating the presidential and legislative elections there, 1983 to 2019, our political economy model performs rather better than the more popular vote intention method from polling.
Ecological assessment of Eremogone saxatilis (L.) Ikonn habitat on the north-eastern border of the range
Authors: Belova K. D.
Published: October 2021

Eremogone saxatilis (L.) Ikonn – a Eurasian, boreal-temperate species distributed in the European partof Russia and Southern Siberia. Recently the species occurs in dry pine forests, on the edges, sandy forest glades, inthe steppes. Despite its rather extensive area, this species is specified in the Red Books of different regions of Russia,including the Kirov region. The aim of the research is to study the ecological and coenotic features of the Eremogone saxatilis habitat on the north-eastern border of the range. The research of the species distribution features was carried out inthe protected area “Medvedsky Bor”. On the basis of geobotanical descriptions, the analysis of ecological preferences andrealized ecological potencies of Eremogone saxatilis was carried out, which was realized out according to the amplitudephytoindication scales of D. N. Tsyganov. According to the data obtained, it was found that the studied species does nothave high adaptive capabilities to various environmental conditions. Eremogone saxatilis exists in areas with approximateconditions of its original habitats on the territory of the Kirov region. The main factors for the growth of the species werethe increased illumination and dryness on the poor soils of pine forests in the northern parts of its modern area.
Heterogeneity of the population of Lonicera caerulea L. in the tectonically active zone (Altai Mountains, Kurai ridge)
Authors: Boyarskikh I. G.
Published: October 2021

Depending on specific combinations of geoenvironmental factors, the micropopulations of the bluehoneysuckle in the valley of the Kuraika River (Gorny Altai) produced fruits of increased or decreased size and seednumber. The observed 3-fold higher accumulation of biologically active phenols in fruits, accompanied by the respectivedecreased accumulation in leaves, and narrower ratios of certain polyphenol classes in leaves and fruits are considered tobe the plant response to the stressing impact of environmental factors, resulting from the active tectonic processes in thestudied area of the Russian Altai.
Complex solution on solving problems of estimating plant resources by GIS and climate model methods
Authors: Vaganov A. V. , Pokalyakin Z. V. , Khvorova L. A.
Published: October 2021

The paper considers the applied aspects of the use of modern information technologies for an accurateassessment of plant resources using GIS and climate model methods. For the most effective achievement of the goals ofintegrated monitoring and assessment of plant resources, the authors discussed and proposed a number of requirementsfor the initial data, factors affecting the change in the area and the results of the assessment of plant resources. As anavailable free analogue of the method for correcting the spatial unevenness of the points of registration of species inSDMtoolbox (ArcGIS), we proposed the DBSCAN clustering method, which is implemented in the Python library sklearn.
Introduction of the species of the genera Cotoneaster Medik. and × Sorbocotoneaster pozdnjakovii Pojark. from the Siberian flora in the Botanical Garden acad. A. V. Fomin of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kiev (message 1, Cotoneaster)
Authors: Grevtsova A. T. , Vakulenko T. B. , Novischenko N. S.
Published: October 2021

The range of most species of the genus Cotoneaster Medik. located in the mountainous regions of Asia.According to the latest report by Janette Fryer and Bertil Hylmo, the genus Cotoneaster is represented by 2 subgenuses,11 sections and 37 series. Cotoneasters of Siberian flora: C. commixtus, C. laxiflorus, C. lucidus, C. megalocarpus, C. multiflorus, C. popovii, C. tjulinae, C. uniflorus, C. yakuticus, located in 2 subgenuses, 4 sections, 4 series. Collection of speciesof the genus Cotoneaster in the Botanical Garden acad. A.V. Fomin was created according the method of genus complexesby F. N. Rusanov, starting from 1972. The source material was attracted both by the extraction of seeds from the catalogsof foreign and Russian botanical gardens, and by the collection of seeds and living material in places of natural growth.Two expeditions were carried out to the regions of Siberia. The first one – Yakutsk in 1982 (10.08 – 29.08) along the route Kiev – Novosibirsk – Irkutsk – Tomsk – Krasnoyarsk – Aldan – Irkutsk – Kiev. The second – Central Siberian in 1983(24.07 – 17.08) along the route: Kiev – Irkutsk – Davsha – Nizhne –Angarsk – Severo –Baikalsk – Ulan –Ude – Kyakhta –Irkutsk – Chita – Moscow – Kiev. Morphological descriptions of annual shoots leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds of three typesof Cotoneasters: C. laxiflorus, C. lucidus, C. neo-popovii, micrographs of endocarp of bones, columns are given. The material is illustrated with photographs of plants introduced in the north-west of Ukraine (Kiev).
Introduction of the species of the genera Cotoneaster Medik. and × Sorbocotoneaster pozdnjakovii Pojark. from the Siberian flora to the Botanical Garden acad. A. V. Fomin of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kiev (message 3 – × Sorbocotoneaster pozd
Authors: Grevtsova A. T. , Vakulenko T. B. , Novischenko N. S.
Published: October 2021

A spontaneous intergeneric hybrid of Sorbus and Cotoneaster – Pozdnyakov’s sorbocotoneaster (× Sorbocotoneaster pozdnjakovii Pojark.) is an endemic of the South Yakutia. It is known from the river basin Aldan in the areafrom the city of Tommot to the mouth of the river Uchura and on the Aldan-Amga interfluve. It grows in the undergrowthof sparse pine and larch forests on stony-gravelly limestone slopes. It was first found by L. K. Pozdnyakov, a forester,an employee of the Institute of Forest of the Siberian Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences, on September 9, 1950,when examining forests on permafrost in Yakutia: “in the area of the confluence of the Aya-Sullalah river into Aldan,105–110 km down the Aldan from Tommot” (from the letter of L. K. Pozdnyakov to A. T. Grevtsova, 1982). The article provides data on the origin of the specimens × Sorbocotoneasters, the morphological description of leaves, flowers, fruits,the peculiarities of growth and development in conditions of Kiev, micrographs of pollen grains, micrographs of theendocarp of fruits of three forms, the beginning of the destruction of the scutellum and hypostyle from the ventral side ina hybrid of the third form. Botanical Garden named after acad. A. V. Fomin of the Taras Shevchenko National Universityof Kiev is the only ex situ conservation site in Eastern Europe of the unique Yakut hybrid × Sorbocotoneaster pozdnjakoviiwith leaves of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd forms.
On the dynamics of the ontogenetic structure of Astragalus henningii (Stev.) Klok. cenopopulations. (steppe Trans-Volga region)
Authors: Ilyina V. N.
Published: October 2021

Data on the ontogenetic structure of natural cenopopulations of the rare species Astragalus henningii (Stev.)Klok. on the territory of the Samara steppe Trans-Volga region are presented. Ontogenetic spectra have been determinedfor 35 cenopopulations on the territory of natural monuments of regional significance in the Samara region (Koshkinskaya Balka, Balka Kladovaya, Kostinskye loga, Gryzly, Mulin dol). The basic ontogenetic spectrum of cenopopulationsis one-vertex right-modal, the absolute maximum in it is represented by old generative individuals (35.7 %). The ontogeny of the species is at least 20 years, the longest in terms of time are the mature generative – 6–9 years and the old generative – 5–8 years.
The conditionality of the formation of territorial species complexes of weeds by natural and anthropogenic factors
Authors: Luneva N. N.
Published: October 2021

Territorial species complexes of weeds consist of a pool of species of regional flora (formed under the influence of natural factors), confined to secondary habitats with disturbed (natural or anthropogenic) vegetation and soilcover. Each territory is characterized by a certain species complex, the formation of which is due to the correspondence ofthe indicators of heat and moisture supply of this territory to the requirements of each type of weed plant of this complexto the main factors affecting the spread of plants – heat and moisture. This is the basis for the method of ecological andgeographical analysis, which consists in comparing the factors limiting the distribution of each species in the northern (indicators of the isoline of the sum of active temperatures above +5 ° C, describing the northern border of the weed species’range) and southern (indicators of the SCC isoline, describing the southern border of the species’ range) directions withthe indicators of heat and moisture availability of the studied territory. The species complex identified in this way is implemented within the region on a variety of secondary (disturbed) habitats, of which only those formed by anthropogenic means are taken into account in phytosanitary zoning. The equivalence and irreplaceability of the action of natural andanthropogenic factors is the basis for the formation of weed flora, as well as phytosanitary zoning in relation to weeds andlong-term forecast of their distribution.
Amur cork tree as a promising introduction plant for urban green spaces in Moscow and the Moscow region
Authors: Makhrova T. G.
Published: October 2021

The article assesses the success of the introduction and decorativeness of Amur cork tree in several plantings on the territory of Moscow and the Moscow region, and also concludes on the expediency of its further use. The results of a survey of five previously created artificial populations are presented. The assessment of the sanitary conditionwas carried out according to the methodology recommended by the Rules of Sanitary Safety in Forests. Flowering andfruiting of plants were evaluated according to the method of N. E. Bulygin. The aesthetic evaluation of the trees was given on a three-point Agaltsova scale. Seasonal decorativeness was studied according to the method of N. V. Kotelova andO. N. Vinogradova. The success of the introduction was evaluated by the method of the Main Botanical Garden of theRussian Academy of Sciences. Studies have established that Amur cork tree in urban plantings in Moscow and the Moscow region is not affected by local diseases and plant pests, shows a high degree of winter hardiness, retains a high degreeof aesthetic appeal, has a consistently high winter decorative effect, blooms profusely and bears fruit, forming germinatingseeds. Therefore, it can be recommended for wider use when creating new green construction projects.
Resources of wild edible berry plants of Magadan region and Chukotka autonomous district
Authors: Nechaev A. A.
Published: October 2021

The author gives the list of 33 species of wild edible berry plants of Magadan region and Chukotkaautonomous district with short information about edibility and life form. The annual biological stock of berries is definedfor the whole territory and utilization area along with possible average volume of collecting. The yearly volumes of stockingof wild berry in 1966–1995 are presented.
Studies of the diversity of genus Pertusaria s.l. (lichenized ascomycetes) on Hokkaido
Authors: Paukov A. G. , Skopintseva E. E. , Davydov E. A. , Yakovchenko L. S.
Published: October 2021

The study of biodiversity of lichens in Hokkaido, Japan, revealed seven species of genus Pertusaria s. l., sixof which are new to the island or whole Japan. The full list of species of Pertusaria s. str. and Lepra known from Hokkaidocomprises 18 species.
Dynamics of Iris humilis Georgi (Iridaceae) coenopopulation in the urban environment (on the example of Kemerovo)
Authors: Romanova N. G. , Stepanyuk G. Y. , Filippova A.V. , Tarasova I. V. , Kovrigina L. N.
Published: October 2021

In 1996–2019, changes in population and morphometric parameters of the Iris humilis coenopopulationgrowing in Kemerovo in the recreational zone were assessed. The variation of these indicators was influenced by weatherconditions, endogenous processes and anthropogenic load. As a result of construction activities, the area of the coenopopulation decreased. Weather conditions influenced the values of population indicators and the size of shoots and fruits,as well as the number of flowers on the shoot, but their determination by weather conditions is lower than the density ofshoots. The nature of the variability of demographic characteristics was of a wave-like nature and was caused to a greaterextent by internal biological factors, but as a result of the pressure of recreational load, the values of density and numberdecreased in general. The percentage of flowering I. humilis in the studied coenopopulation is lower than in natural populations and in culture. In the years of the study, there was a steady decline in the vitality of the coenopopulation. At thesame time, this coenopopulation has the potential for self-healing and self-maintenance, and its vitality can be increasedby reducing the anthropogenic load on it
Epilithic lichen cover in assessing the quality of the coastal water environment in Karelia
Authors: Sonina A. V.
Published: October 2021

The paper summarizes the data obtained by analyzing the reaction of the coastal epilithic lichen cover tothe chemical parameters of water in reservoirs of different types and uses. The study was carried out on the shores of freshwater bodies (Lake Onega, Lake Ladoga, Lososinka, Suna rivers) with different anthropogenic pressures in the Republicof Karelia. At each place of study, the lichen cover was described at the survey sites (frame 10 x 20 cm) along the transectand water samples were taken for chemical analysis. The aim of the work is to identify indicators of the coastal epilithic lichen cover to indicate the quality of the aquatic environment and assess the state of coastal ecosystems. The lichen flora ofthe surveyed coasts of fresh water bodies has 53 species, the highest species diversity of lichens is characterized by placeswithout obvious sources of pollution – the Kivach reserve (29 species), the shores of Lake Ladoga (27 species) and the Botanical Garden of PetrSU (16 species), and in urban conditions ( Petrozavodsk), a large settlement (Yanishpole) and nearthe pulp and paper industry (Kondopoga), the number of lichen species is much lower (8, 5 and 4). Regression analysisshowed the dependence of the number of lichen species on the registration site on the concentration of phosphorus compounds in water (p < 0.05). A tendency to a decrease in species diversity and a decrease in the total coverage of lichens withan increase in nitrogenous compounds in water was noted. This made it possible to propose the epilithic lichen cover as anobject-indicator of the state of the coastal water environment under conditions of anthropogenic pollution of water bodies.
To the variability and ecology of the genus Fraxinus in the Far East
Authors: Urusov V. M. , Varchenko L. I.
Published: October 2021

The article clarifies the morphology, variability, species composition and ecology of the ash genus of theRussian Far East in connection with the prospects for their protection and economic use. Hybridization of ash trees hasbeen proven. In the Far East, 5 species of ash are known: Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr., F. rhynchhophylla Hance,F. densataNakai, F. stenopterus Urussov and F. sieboldiana Blume var. serrata Nakai. To study the variability of species, a gene-ecological decoding of specific characters was used, which makes it possible to clarify taxonomy and biology. The article describes the critical signs of ash trees, indicates the places of their growth.
Wormwoods (Artemisia L.) of Southern Siberia
Authors: Chigodaykina D. S. , Revyshkin A. S.
Published: October 2021

The article presents the data on the species composition and geographical distribution of the genus Artemisia L. in Southern Siberia, which were revealed in the process of studying the literature, critical revision of the P. N. Krylov Herbarium, Tomsk State University (TK), as well as field research by the authors in Gorny Altai, Khakassia, Sayan,Tuva. Several species from this territory are questionable in a taxonomic review (Artemisia viridis Willd., A. sacrorumLedeb., A. marschalliana Spreng. and species of the subgenus Seriphidium (Besser ex Less.) Fourr.). It was determined thaton the territory of Southern Siberia there are 88 species of wormwood belonging to 3 subgenera (Artemisia Less., Dracunculus Besser, Seriphidium (Besser ex Less.) Fourr.), 7 sections and 20 subsections. A chorological analysis was carried out,during which 36 endemic taxa were identified on the territory of Southern Siberia. The authors also identified a separategroup of South Siberian endemics, including narrowly endemic, subendemic taxa and South Siberian species that have anarea of distribution from Altai to Northern Mongolia.
Materials to the creation of the “Lady slipper grove” nature monument of regional importance (Altai Krai)
Authors: Elesova N. V.
Published: October 2021

Materials on the flora and vegetation of the projected nature monument of regional importance “Ladyslipper grove” are given. Flora comprises 150 species of higher vascular plants, including 4 rare species: Cypripediumcalceolus L., C. macranthon Sw., C. ventricosum Sw., Orchis militaris L. The vegetation is typical for left-bank forest-steppe:birch, aspen and birch-aspen communities in combination with steppe meadows along the edges, and steppes with Festucavalesiaca.
A Project To Estimate The Power Capacity Of Geothermal Power Plants Based On The Enthalpy Of Geothermal Fluid And Plant Design
Authors: Oken Obumneme
Published: October 2021

Nigeria has some surface phenomena that indicate the presence of viable geothermal energy. None of these locations have been explored extensively to determine the feasibility of sustainable geothermal energy development for electricity generation or direct heating. In this context, the present study aims to provide insight into the energy potential of such development based on the enthalpy estimation of geothermal reservoirs. This particular project was conducted to determine the amount of energy that can be gotten from a geothermal reservoir for electricity generation and direct heating based on the estimated enthalpy of the geothermal fluid. The process route chosen for this project is the single-flash geothermal power plant because of the temperature
(180℃) and unique property of the geothermal fluid (a mixture of hot water and steam that exists as a liquid under high pressure). The Ikogosi warm spring in Ekiti State, Nigeria was chosen as the site location for this power plant. To support food security efforts in Africa, this project proposes the cascading of a hot water stream from the flash tank to serve direct heat purposes in agriculture for food preservation, before re-injection to the reservoir. The flowrate of the geothermal fluid to the flash separator was chosen as
3125 tonnes/hr. The power output from a single well using a single flash geothermal plant was evaluated to be
11.3 MW*. This result was obtained by applying basic thermodynamic principles, including material balance, energy balance, and enthalpy calculations. This particular project is a prelude to a robust model that will accurately determine the power capacity of geothermal power plants based on the enthalpy of fluid and different plant designs.
Mechanical Properties of Lightweight Foamed Concrete Reinforced with Raw Mesocarp Fibre
Authors: Othuman Mydin Md Azree
Published: October 2021

Lightweight foamed concrete (LFC) is recognised for its high flowability, minimal utilization of aggregates and superior heat insulation properties. LFC is excellent under compression but poor in tensile stress, as it produces multiple microcracks. LFC cannot withstand the tensile stress induced by applied forces without additional reinforcing elements. Hence, this study was conducted to examine the potential utilisation of oil palm mesocarp fibre (OPMF) reinforced LFC in terms of its mechanical properties. Two densities, 600kg/m3 and 1200kg/m3, were cast and tested with six different percentages of OPMF, which were 0.15%, 0.30%, 0.45% and 0.60%. The parameters evaluated were compressive strength, flexural strength and tensile strength. The results revealed that the inclusion of 0.45% of OPMF in LFC helps to give the best results for the compressive strength, flexural strength and splitting tensile strength. The OPMF facilitated to evade the promulgation of cracks in the plastic state in the cement matrix when the load was applied
BACK ANALYSIS OF OSTERBERG-CELL PILE LOAD TEST BY MEANS OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL GEOTECHNICAL MODELING
Authors: Kanizsár Szilárd
Published: October 2021

In 3D geotechnical modelling it is essential for the realistic simulation of soil behavior that the parameters of the hardening soil with small strain constitutive model are specified appropriately. The possibility of deriving these parameters for very stiff cohesive soils similar to the so called Kiscell clay that has a significant role in deep construction projects in Budapest, from laboratory and field tests is rather limited. The results of the pile load test completed for the MOL Campus high-rise building project proved to be useful data source. The article presents the circumstances of the quoted Osterberg-cell pile load tests and the modelling of the pile performed by the above-mentioned soil model. The parameters specified on the basis of laboratory tests - and in absence of those based on literature - data can be fine-tuned by approaching the load test results.
EFFECT OF RISK ANALYSIS ON PERFORMANCE OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN KUWAIT
Authors: Aldaiyat Rashid
Published: October 2021

Since construction projects are usually associated with high range of risks, risk analysis is an essential part within the decision-making processes in this industry. This study aims at finding the effect of appropriate risk analysis on enhancing the performance of the construction projects in Kuwait. Through this correlational descriptive study, a questionnaire was used to collect the main data where it was distributed on a sample of (150) engineers working in the construction projects in Kuwait. The results showed that risks analysis aspects are highly implemented in Kuwait and that the performance indices for the construction projects are high. Moreover, it was found that there is a statistically significant positive effect of risk analysis on the performance of the construction projects in Kuwait. Finally, the results showed that there were statistically significant differences in the effect of risk analysis on the performance of the construction projects attributed to the project type in favor of the private projects.
Análise Semiótica das Representações Didáticas das Placas Tectônicas no Ensino de Geografia
Authors: Zigante Thays Furlan , Santil Fernando Luiz de Paula
Published: October 2021

Esse artigo tem como proposta realizar uma discussão que contribua para o ensino de Geografia e áreas afins que se valem dos conteúdos referentes aos das Placas Tectônicas. Visa-se como este demostrar como se manifestam os diferentes signos que representam um mesmo tipo de fenômeno situado no espaço geográfico, uma vez que cada signo, que denota a dinâmica das Placas Tectônicas, possui como característica uma determinada potencialidade Semiótica a ser desenvolvida pelo sujeito. No que se refere a metodologia, esse estudo adotou uma abordagem qualitativa, cujo método se consolidou na pesquisa bibliográfica a partir de livros didáticos destinados aos alunos do 6º ano do Ensino Fundamental de Geografia – Anos finais. Para realização das análises, o presente artigo se valeu das considerações da teoria da Semiótica de Peirce e Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin. Sobre os resultados verificou-se que o entendimento das dinâmicas das Placas Tectônicas não se faz compatíveis com os processos envolvidos na dinâmica da semiose estabelecida pela teoria peirceana. Foi analisado que o conteúdo abordado se fundamentou principalmente em apresentar somente as particularidades geológicas do fenômeno das Placas Tectônicas e, que nesse sentido, propõe ao aluno ver o fenômeno de maneira isolada e, de modo consequente, distante porque o mesmo não faz parte do seu meio vivido.
Abordagem Estatística Aplicada à Investigação de Deformações Associadas ao Efeito de Carga Hidrológica na Amazônia Brasileira
Authors: Nascimento Lécio Alves , Dal Poz William Rodrigo , Emiliano Paulo César , Freitas Krisley Xavier Soares de
Published: October 2021

Pontos da superfície terrestre estão sujeitos a deslocamentos causados por fenômenos geodinâmicos e de deformação, tais como: o movimento de placa, a atividade vulcânica, a carga hidrológica etc. Nesse sentido, as investigações do efeito da carga hidrológica têm se concentrado nas deformações associadas às componentes verticais. Entretanto, devido à viscoelasticidade da Terra, tais deformações também afetam as componentes horizontais (planimétricas). Assim sendo, objetiva-se com este trabalho investigar as deformações ocorridas em duas estações da RBMC (NAUS e AMBC) que margeiam o Rio Negro, na Amazônia brasileira, fundamentando-se em análises estatísticas de tendência e periodicidade (sazonalidade e ciclo) das séries temporais posicionais e de cotas linimétricas.Observou-se que em ambas as estações as componentes Δn e Δe apresentaram tendência (deformação contínua) significativa, o que não ocorreu para a componente Δu. Taxas de deformação contínua de 0,01198 e -0,00347 m/ano e de 0,01084 e -0,00476 m/ano foram observadas para Δn e Δe das estações NAUS e AMBC, respectivamente. As deformações periódicas de Δn e Δu da NAUS apresentaram lag sazonal similar ao das cotas linimétricas (365,2 dias), o que não ocorreu para Δe (1217,2 dias). Os extremos de tais deformações ocorrem anteriormente aos picos das cheias em 100% dos anos para Δn e 90% para Δu e, posteriormente aos vales das secas, em 80% dos anos em Δn e Δu. Por fim, os extremos das deformações periódicas de Δn e Δu da AMBC ocorreram antes dos picos e vales em 100% dos anos. O contrário foi observado para Δe em 100% dos anos.
A New Multi Echelon Repair Network Model with Multiple Upstream Locations for Level of Repair Analysis Problem
Authors: Bıçakcı İsmail , İç Yusuf Tansel , Karasakal Esra , Dengiz Berna
Published: October 2021

Level of repair analysis (LORA) determines (1) the best decision during a malfunction of each product component; (2) the location in the repair network to perform the decision and (3) the quantity of required resources in each facility. Capital goods have long life cycles and their total life cycle costs are extremely high. LORA, which can be done repeatedly during the life cycle of the product, both at design and product support phase, plays an important role in minimising the total life cycle costs of capital goods. It is mostly applied to systems that operate in different geographical areas and deployed in different regions, which include different subsystems with special technology and expertise, and have a complex product structure. In this study, we propose a new mathematical model to the LORA problem, which is more comprehensive and flexible than the other pure LORA models in the literature. The proposed model uses the multiple upstream approach that allows the transfer of the components from a location in the lower echelon to the predefined locations in the upper echelon and determines the material movement paths between each facility, defining the facilities’ locations in the repair network. The performance of the proposed model is tested on benchmark instances and the results are compared with the single upstream model. Computational experiments show that the proposed model is more effective than the single upstream model and reduces the total life cycle costs by 4.85% on average, which is an enormous cost saving when total life cycle costs of capital goods are considered.