bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Routine and Necessary Advances in Soft Tissue Tumor Imaging Based on the ESSR Guideline: Initial Findings
Authors: Korthaus Alexander , Weiss Sebastian , Barg Alexej , Salamon Johannes , Schlickewei Carsten , Frosch Karl-Heinz , Priemel Matthias
Published: June 2022

Soft tissue sarcomas are malignant diseases with a complex classification and various histological subtypes, mostly clinically inconspicuous appearance, and a rare occurrence. To ensure safe patient care, the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) issued a guideline for diagnostic imaging of soft tissue tumors in adults in 2015. In this study, we investigated whether implementation of these guidelines resulted in improved MRI protocol and report quality in patients with soft tissue sarcomas in our cancer center. All cases of histologically confirmed soft tissue sarcomas that were treated at our study center from 2006 to 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. The radiological reports were examined for their compliance with the recommendations of the ESSR. Patients were divided into two groups, before and after the introduction of the 2015 ESSR guidelines. In total, 103 cases of histologically confirmed sarcomas were studied. The distribution of, age, gender, number of subjects, performing radiology, and MRI indication on both groups did not show any significant differences. Only using the required MRI sequences showed a significant improvement after the introduction of the guidelines (p = 0.048). All other criteria, especially the requirements for the report of findings, showed no improvement. The guidelines of the European Society for Musculoskeletal Radiology are not regularly followed, and their establishment did not consistently improve MRI quality in our study group. This poses a risk for incorrect or delayed diagnosis and, ultimately, therapy of soft tissue tumors. However, this study is the first of its kind and involves a limited collective. A European-wide multicenter study would be appreciated to confirm these results.
Nanoplastics in Aquatic Environments: Impacts on Aquatic Species and Interactions with Environmental Factors and Pollutants
Authors: Trevisan Rafael , Ranasinghe Prabha , Jayasundara Nishad , Di Giulio Richard
Published: June 2022

Plastic production began in the early 1900s and it has transformed our way of life. Despite the many advantages of plastics, a massive amount of plastic waste is generated each year, threatening the environment and human health. Because of their pervasiveness and potential for health consequences, small plastic residues produced by the breakdown of larger particles have recently received considerable attention. Plastic particles at the nanometer scale (nanoplastics) are more easily absorbed, ingested, or inhaled and translocated to other tissues and organs than larger particles. Nanoplastics can also be transferred through the food web and between generations, have an influence on cellular function and physiology, and increase infections and disease susceptibility. This review will focus on current research on the toxicity of nanoplastics to aquatic species, taking into account their interactive effects with complex environmental mixtures and multiple stressors. It intends to summarize the cellular and molecular effects of nanoplastics on aquatic species; discuss the carrier effect of nanoplastics in the presence of single or complex environmental pollutants, pathogens, and weathering/aging processes; and include environmental stressors, such as temperature, salinity, pH, organic matter, and food availability, as factors influencing nanoplastic toxicity. Microplastics studies were also included in the discussion when the data with NPs were limited. Finally, this review will address knowledge gaps and critical questions in plastics’ ecotoxicity to contribute to future research in the field.
Exposure to the Dioxin-like Pollutant PCB 126 Afflicts Coronary Endothelial Cells via Increasing 4-Hydroxy-2 Nonenal: A Role for Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2
Authors: Roy Bipradas , Yang Zhao , Pan Guodong , Roth Katherine , Agarwal Manisha , Sharma Rahul , Petriello Michael C. , Palaniyandi Suresh Selvaraj
Published: June 2022

Exposure to environmental pollutants, including dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), play an important role in vascular inflammation and cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) by inducing oxidative stress. Earlier, we demonstrated that oxidative stress-mediated lipid peroxidation derived 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4HNE) contributes to CMDs by decreasing the angiogenesis of coronary endothelial cells (CECs). By detoxifying 4HNE, aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), a mitochondrial enzyme, enhances CEC angiogenesis. Therefore, we hypothesize that ALDH2 activation attenuates a PCB 126-mediated 4HNE-induced decrease in CEC angiogenesis. To test our hypothesis, we treated cultured mouse CECs with 4.4 µM PCB 126 and performed spheroid and aortic ring sprouting assays, the ALDH2 activity assay, and Western blotting for the 4HNE adduct levels and real-time qPCR to determine the expression levels of Cyp1b1 and oxidative stress-related genes. PCB 126 increased the gene expression and 4HNE adduct levels, whereas it decreased the ALDH2 activity and angiogenesis significantly in MCECs. However, pretreatment with 2.5 µM disulfiram (DSF), an ALDH2 inhibitor, or 10 µM Alda 1, an ALDH2 activator, before the PCB 126 challenge exacerbated and rescued the PCB 126-mediated decrease in coronary angiogenesis by modulating the 4HNE adduct levels respectively. Finally, we conclude that ALDH2 can be a therapeutic target to alleviate environmental pollutant-induced CMDs.
Fasting Enhances the Acute Toxicity of Acrylonitrile in Mice via Induction of CYP2E1
Authors: Wang Suhua , Xing Guangwei , Li Fang , Yang Bobo , Zhang Yu , Aschner Michael , Lu Rongzhu
Published: June 2022

Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) plays an essential role in the susceptibility to acute acrylonitrile (AN)-induced toxicity. Here, we investigated the toxicity and mechanism of AN in fasting mice and potential underlying mechanisms. Convulsions, loss of righting reflex, and death 4 h after AN treatment were observed and recorded for each group of mice. Relative to ad lib-fed mice, 48 h fasting significantly increased the acute toxicity of AN, as noted by a more rapid onset of convulsions and death. In addition, fasting significantly enhanced CYP2E1-mediated oxidative metabolism of AN, resulting in increased formation of CN- (one of the end-metabolites of AN). Moreover, fasting decreased hepatic GSH content, abrogating the detoxification of GSH. However, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (DCE), a CYP2E1 inhibitor, altered the level of hepatic CYP2E1 activity in response to fasting, reduced the acute toxic symptoms of AN and the content of CN- in AN-treated mice. These data establish that fasting predisposes to AN toxicity, attributable to induced CYP2E1 and reduced hepatic GSH.
Effects of Chronic Exposure to Diets Containing Moldy Corn or Moldy Wheat Bran on Growth Performance, Ovarian Follicular Pool, and Oxidative Status of Gilts
Authors: Zhuo Yong , Yang Pu , Hua Lun , Zhu Lei , Zhu Xin , Han Xinfa , Pang Xiaoxue , Xu Shengyu , Jiang Xuemei , Lin Yan , Che Lianqiang , Fang Zhengfeng , Feng Bin , Wang Jianping , Li Jian , Wu De , Huang Jiankui , Jin Chao
Published: June 2022

Background: We investigated the effect of replacing normal corn (NC) or normal wheat bran (NW) with moldy corn (MC) or moldy wheat bran (MW) on growth, ovarian follicular reserves, and oxidative status. Methods: Sixty-three Landrace × Yorkshire gilts were assigned to seven diets formulated by using MC to replace 0% (control), 25% (25% MC), 50% (50% MC), 75% (75% MC), and 100% NC (100% MC), MW to replace 100% NW (100% MW), and MC and MW to replace 100% NC and 100% NW (100% MC + MW), from postnatal day 110 to day 19 of the second estrous cycle. Results: Feeding the gilts with MC or MW induced a lower average daily gain at days 29–56 of the experiment. Age at puberty remained unchanged, but MC inclusion resulted in a linear decrease in antral follicles with diameter >3.0 mm, and control gilts had a 12.7 more large antral follicles than gilts in the 100% MC + MW treatment. MC inclusion linearly decreased the numbers of primordial follicles, growing follicles, and corpora lutea, associated with a lower anti-Müllerian hormone level in serum and 17β-estradiol level in follicular fluid. MC inclusion decreased the serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor 1 and its mRNA levels in the liver, combined with higher malondialdehyde concentration and lower total superoxide dismutase activities in serum and liver. Conclusion: Chronic exposure to MC-containing diets caused the loss of follicles, even if levels of deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, and aflatoxin B1 were below the levels allowed by China and Europe standards.
Impacts of Gaseous Ozone (O3) on Germination, Mycelial Growth, and Aflatoxin B1 Production In Vitro and In Situ Contamination of Stored Pistachio Nuts
Authors: Baazeem Alaa , Medina Angel , Magan Naresh
Published: June 2022

Pistachio nuts can become colonized by mycotoxigenic fungi, especially Aspergillus flavus, resulting in contamination with aflatoxins (AFs). We examined the effect of gaseous O3 (50–200 ppm; 30 min; 6 L/min) on (a) in vitro germination, (b) mycelial growth, and (c) aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) production on a milled pistachio nut-based medium at different water activity (aw) levels and at 30 °C. This was complimented with in situ studies exposing raw pistachio nuts to 50–200 ppm of O3. Exposure of conidia to gaseous O3 initially resulted in lower germination percentages at different aw levels. However, 12 h after treatment, conidial viability recovered with 100% germination after 24–48 h. Growth rates of mycelial colonies were slightly decreased with the increase of the O3 dose, with significant inhibition only at 0.98 aw. The production of AFB1 after O3 treatment and storage for 10 days was stimulated in A. flavus colonies at 0.98 aw. Raw pistachio nuts inoculated with A. flavus conidia prior to O3 exposure showed a significant decrease in population after 20 days of storage. However, AFB1 contamination was stimulated in most O3 treatments. The relationship between exposure concentration, time and prevailing aw levels on toxin control needs to be better understood for these nuts.
Influenza Virus Infections in Polarized Cells
Authors: Praena Beatriz , Wan Xiu-Feng
Published: June 2022

In humans and other mammals, the respiratory tract is represented by a complex network of polarized epithelial cells, forming an apical surface facing the external environment and a basal surface attached to the basement layer. These cells are characterized by differential expression of proteins and glycans, which serve as receptors during influenza virus infection. Attachment between these host receptors and the viral surface glycoprotein hemagglutinin (HA) initiates the influenza virus life cycle. However, the virus receptor binding specificities may not be static. Sialylated N-glycans are the most well-characterized receptors but are not essential for the entry of influenza viruses, and other molecules, such as O-glycans and non-sialylated glycans, may be involved in virus-cell attachment. Furthermore, correct cell polarity and directional trafficking of molecules are essential for the orderly development of the system and affect successful influenza infection; on the other hand, influenza infection can also change cell polarity. Here we review recent advances in our understanding of influenza virus infection in the respiratory tract of humans and other mammals, particularly the attachment between the virus and the surface of the polar cells and the polarity variation of these cells due to virus infection.
A Review on Equine Influenza from a Human Influenza Perspective
Authors: Whitlock Fleur , Murcia Pablo R. , Newton J. Richard
Published: June 2022

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) have a main natural reservoir in wild birds. IAVs are highly contagious, continually evolve, and have a wide host range that includes various mammalian species including horses, pigs, and humans. Furthering our understanding of host-pathogen interactions and cross-species transmissions is therefore essential. This review focuses on what is known regarding equine influenza virus (EIV) virology, pathogenesis, immune responses, clinical aspects, epidemiology (including factors contributing to local, national, and international transmission), surveillance, and preventive measures such as vaccines. We compare EIV and human influenza viruses and discuss parallels that can be drawn between them. We highlight differences in evolutionary rates between EIV and human IAVs, their impact on antigenic drift, and vaccine strain updates. We also describe the approaches used for the control of equine influenza (EI), which originated from those used in the human field, including surveillance networks and virological analysis methods. Finally, as vaccination in both species remains the cornerstone of disease mitigation, vaccine technologies and vaccination strategies against influenza in horses and humans are compared and discussed.
Virome of Grapevine Germplasm from the Anapa Ampelographic Collection (Russia)
Authors: Shvets Darya , Porotikova Elena , Sandomirsky Kirill , Vinogradova Svetlana
Published: June 2022

Grapevine germplasm collections are unique repositories of grape cultivars; therefore, it is necessary to minimize their infection with pathogens, including viruses, and develop various programs to maintain them in a virus-free state. In our study, we examined the virome of the largest Russian grapevine germplasm collection, the Anapa Ampelographic Collection, using high-throughput sequencing of total RNAs. As a result of bioinformatics analysis and validation of its results by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR), we identified 20 viruses and 3 viroids in 47 libraries. All samples were infected with 2 to 12 viruses and viroids, including those that cause economically significant diseases: leafroll, fleck, and rugose wood complex. For the first time in Russia, we detected Grapevine virus B (GVB), Grapevine virus F (GVF), Grapevine asteroid mosaic-associated virus (GAMaV), Grapevine Red Globe virus (GRGV), Grapevine satellite virus (GV-Sat), Grapevine virga-like virus (GVLV), Grapevine-associated jivivirus 1 (GaJV-1) and Vitis cryptic virus (VCV). A new putative representative of the genus Umbravirus with the provisional name Grapevine umbra-like virus (GULV) was also identified in Russian grape samples.
Investigating COVID-19 Vaccine Impact on the Risk of Hospitalisation through the Analysis of National Surveillance Data Collected in Belgium
Authors: Erazo Diana , Vincenti-Gonzalez Maria F. , van Loenhout Joris A. F. , Hubin Pierre , Vandromme Mathil , Maes Piet , Taquet Maxime , Van Weyenbergh Johan , Catteau Lucy , Dellicour Simon
Published: June 2022

The national vaccination campaign against SARS-CoV-2 started in January 2021 in Belgium. In the present study, we aimed to use national hospitalisation surveillance data to investigate the recent evolution of vaccine impact on the risk of COVID-19 hospitalisation. We analysed aggregated data from 27,608 COVID-19 patients hospitalised between October 2021 and February 2022, stratified by age category and vaccination status. For each period, vaccination status, and age group, we estimated risk ratios (RR) corresponding to the ratio between the probability of being hospitalised following SARS-CoV-2 infection if belonging to the vaccinated population and the same probability if belonging to the unvaccinated population. In October 2021, a relatively high RR was estimated for vaccinated people > 75 years old, possibly reflecting waning immunity within this group, which was vaccinated early in 2021 and invited to receive the booster vaccination at that time. In January 2022, a RR increase was observed in all age categories coinciding with the dominance of the Omicron variant. Despite the absence of control for factors like comorbidities, previous infections, or time since the last administered vaccine, we showed that such real-time aggregated data make it possible to approximate trends in vaccine impact over time.
Genomic Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Seychelles, 2020–2021
Authors: Morobe John Mwita , Pool Brigitte , Marie Lina , Didon Dwayne , Lambisia Arnold W. , Makori Timothy , Mohammed Khadija Said , de Laurent Zaydah R. , Ndwiga Leonard , Mburu Maureen W. , Moraa Edidah , Murunga Nickson , Musyoki Jennifer , Mwacharo Jedida , Nyamako Lydia , Riako Debra , Ephnatus Pariken , Gambo Faith , Naimani Josephine , Namulondo Joyce , Tembo Susan Zimba , Ogendi Edwin , Balde Thierno , Dratibi Fred Athanasius , Yahaya Ali Ahmed , Gumede Nicksy , Achilla Rachel A. , Borus Peter K. , Wanjohi Dorcas W. , Tessema Sofonias K. , Mwangangi Joseph , Bejon Philip , Nokes David J. , Ochola-Oyier Lynette Isabella , Githinji George , Biscornet Leon , Agoti Charles N.
Published: June 2022

Seychelles, an archipelago of 155 islands in the Indian Ocean, had confirmed 24,788 cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by the 31st of December 2021. The first SARS-CoV-2 cases in Seychelles were reported on the 14th of March 2020, but cases remained low until January 2021, when a surge was observed. Here, we investigated the potential drivers of the surge by genomic analysis of 1056 SARS-CoV-2 positive samples collected in Seychelles between 14 March 2020 and 31 December 2021. The Seychelles genomes were classified into 32 Pango lineages, 1042 of which fell within four variants of concern, i.e., Alpha, Beta, Delta and Omicron. Sporadic cases of SARS-CoV-2 detected in Seychelles in 2020 were mainly of lineage B.1 (lineage predominantly observed in Europe) but this lineage was rapidly replaced by Beta variant starting January 2021, and which was also subsequently replaced by the Delta variant in May 2021 that dominated till November 2021 when Omicron cases were identified. Using the ancestral state reconstruction approach, we estimated that at least 78 independent SARS-CoV-2 introduction events occurred in Seychelles during the study period. The majority of viral introductions into Seychelles occurred in 2021, despite substantial COVID-19 restrictions in place during this period. We conclude that the surge of SARS-CoV-2 cases in Seychelles in January 2021 was primarily due to the introduction of more transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants into the islands.
Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents for Hepatitis C Virus Infection—From Drug Discovery to Successful Implementation in Clinical Practice
Authors: Dietz Christopher , Maasoumy Benjamin
Published: June 2022

Today, hepatitis C virus infection affects up to 1.5 million people per year and is responsible for 29 thousand deaths per year. In the 1970s, the clinical observation of unclear, transfusion-related cases of hepatitis ignited scientific curiosity, and after years of intensive, basic research, the hepatitis C virus was discovered and described as the causative agent for these cases of unclear hepatitis in 1989. Even before the description of the hepatitis C virus, clinicians had started treating infected individuals with interferon. However, intense side effects and limited antiviral efficacy have been major challenges, shaping the aim for the development of more suitable and specific treatments. Before direct-acting antiviral agents could be developed, a detailed understanding of viral properties was necessary. In the years after the discovery of the new virus, several research groups had been working on the hepatitis C virus biology and finally revealed the replication cycle. This knowledge was the basis for the later development of specific antiviral drugs referred to as direct-acting antiviral agents. In 2011, roughly 22 years after the discovery of the hepatitis C virus, the first two drugs became available and paved the way for a revolution in hepatitis C therapy. Today, the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection does not rely on interferon anymore, and the treatment response rate is above 90% in most cases, including those with unsuccessful pretreatments. Regardless of the clinical and scientific success story, some challenges remain until the HCV elimination goals announced by the World Health Organization are met.
Biological Therapy of Severe Asthma with Dupilumab, a Dual Receptor Antagonist of Interleukins 4 and 13
Authors: Pelaia Corrado , Pelaia Giulia , Crimi Claudia , Maglio Angelantonio , Armentaro Giuseppe , Calabrese Cecilia , Sciacqua Angela , Gallelli Luca , Vatrella Alessandro
Published: June 2022

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) are key cytokines involved in the pathophysiology of both immune-inflammatory and structural changes underlying type 2 asthma. IL-4 plays a pivotal role in Th2 cell polarization, immunoglobulin E (IgE) synthesis and eosinophil recruitment into the airways. IL-13 synergizes with IL-4 in inducing IgE production and also promotes nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, eosinophil chemotaxis, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and mucus secretion, as well as the proliferation of airway resident cells such as fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. The biological effects of IL-4 and IL-13 are mediated by complex signaling mechanisms activated by receptor dimerization triggered by cytokine binding to the α-subunit of the IL-4 receptor (IL-4Rα). The fully human IgG4 monoclonal antibody dupilumab binds to IL-4Rα, thereby preventing its interactions with both IL-4 and IL-13. This mechanism of action makes it possible for dupilumab to effectively inhibit type 2 inflammation, thus significantly reducing the exacerbation of severe asthma, the consumption of oral corticosteroids (OCS) and the levels of fractional exhaled NO (FeNO). Dupilumab has been approved not only for the add-on therapy of severe asthma, but also for the biological treatment of atopic dermatitis and nasal polyposis.
Effects of Backfat Thickness on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation of Placenta in Large White Pigs
Authors: Hu Jian , Yan Peishi
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the backfat thickness of sows on reproductive performance and on lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. At farrowing, 60 sows were assigned to three groups: the low-backfat-thickness group (LBF, n = 20): sows’ backfat thickness was between 9 and 12 mm; the medium-backfat-thickness group (MBF, n = 20): sows’ backfat thickness was between 13 and 20 mm; and the high-backfat-thickness group (HBF, n = 20): sows’ backfat thickness was between 21 and 25 mm. Maternal and fetal blood and placental samples were collected. Compared with the LBF and HBF groups, the MBF group delivered a significantly greater number of live piglets than the LBF or HBF groups. The different backfat thicknesses of sows had different effects on the lipid-related hormones and adipokines of maternal and fetal serum and placenta. Sows with poor or excessive backfat displayed higher levels of oxidative stress and higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. According to these data, the thickness of a sow’s backfat affects the characteristics of farrowing piglets and their lipid metabolism, as well as placental inflammation, maternal inflammation, and oxidative stress. A moderate backfat thickness (between 13 and 20 mm) was associated with greater reproductive performance in sows.
Drought Forecasting for Decision Makers Using Water Balance Analysis and Deep Neural Network
Authors: Jang Ock-Jae , Moon Hyeon-Tae , Moon Young-Il
Published: June 2022

Reliable damage forecasting from droughts, which mainly stem from a spatiotemporal imbalance in rainfall, is critical for decision makers to formulate adaptive measures. The requirements of drought forecasting for decision makers are as follows: (1) the forecast should be useful for identifying both the afflicted areas and their severity, (2) the severity should be expressed quantitatively rather than statistically, and (3) the forecast should be conducted within a short time and with limited information. To satisfy these requirements, this study developed a drought forecasting method that sequentially involves the water balance model and a deep neural network (DNN). The annual water shortage in the study area was estimated with the former, and meteorological data and the annual water shortage data were used as independent and dependent variables, respectively, for the latter model’s training. The results from the water balance analysis were more reliable for identifying the four severely impacted areas based on the amount of water shortage, while the meteorological drought index indicated that the 20 sub-basins were severely influenced in the worst year of the drought. For the DNN model’s training, representative concentration pathway scenarios (RCP scenarios) were adopted as future events to extend the available data for the model training. Compared to the model trained with a limited number of past observed data (correlation coefficient = 0.52~0.63), the model trained with the RCP scenarios exhibited a significant increase in the correlation coefficient of 0.82~0.83. Additionally, the trained model afforded reliable drought damage forecasting with various meteorological conditions for the next several months. The trained short-term forecasting model can help decision makers promptly and reliably estimate the damage from droughts and commence relief measures well before their onset.
Impacts of COVID-19 on Market Access and Pricing of Fisheries Value Chain in the Coastal Region of Bangladesh
Authors: Siddiqua Rafiya , Schneider Petra , Islam Md. Shahidul , Mozumder Mohammad Mojibul Hoque , Harun-Al-Rashid Ahmed , Begum Amany , Shamsuzzaman Md. Mostafa
Published: June 2022

The present study analyzes the market access of the biggest fish market at Chattogram coastal region of Bangladesh affected by COVID-19. The food chain was reduced locally, regionally, and globally as supply chains were disturbed and international seafood exports were halted for a certain period. For data collection several qualitative data collection tools, such as individual interviews as well as secondary document analysis were employed. To realize the overarching aim of this research the whole market system was analyzed including the supplier, wholesaler, retailer, as well as the consumer of the domestic market in the Chattogram district. The result shows that the pandemic slowed the supply and demand in the domestic fish market, and as a consequence the price of fish was distinctly reduced in the whole market system. The result highlights that the most affected stages of the supply chains are the supply quantity, the interval of the supply, and the quantity of fish sales. Furthermore, the principally affected stages of the demand chains are consumer demand and alternation in the preference of the consumer. To overcome such situation, this study recommends governmental financial support to trades to ensure the smooth flow of the supply and demand and create an alternative market system for the consumer. The pandemic and the measures to address the pandemic have created significant new challenges for market access and controlling pricing in domestic markets. Regularly engage of the policymakers are thus the prerequisite to overcome the compensation of trades and ensure food security in this sector.
Remediation of Saline Wastewater Producing a Fuel Gas Containing Alkanes and Hydrogen Using Zero Valent Iron (Fe0)
Authors: Antia David Dorab Jamshed
Published: June 2022

Zero valent iron (Fe0) water remediation studies, over the last 40 years, have periodically reported the discovery of CnH2n+2 in the product water or product gas, where n = 1 to 20. Various theories have been proposed for the presence of these hydrocarbons. These include: (i) reductive transformation of a more complex organic chemical; (ii) hydrogenation of an organic chemical, as part of a degradation process; (iii) catalytic hydrogenation and polymerisation of carbonic acid; and (iv) redox transformation. This study uses wastewater (pyroligneous acid, (pH = 0.5 to 4.5)) from a carbonization reactor processing municipal waste to define the controls for the formation of CnH2n+2 (where n = 3 to 9), C3H4, and C3H6. A sealed, static diffusion, batch flow reactor, containing zero-valent metals [181 g m-Fe0 + 29 g m-Al0 + 27 g m-Cu0 + 40 g NaCl] L−1, was operated at two temperatures, 273–298 K and 348 K, respectively. The reactions, reactant quotients, and rate constants for the catalytic formation of H2(g), CO2(g), C3H4(g), C3H6(g), C3H8(g), C4H10(g), C5H12(g), C6H14(g,l), and C7H16(g,l), are defined as function of zero valent metal concentration (g L−1), reactor pressure (MPa), and reactor temperature (K). The produced fuel gas (422–1050 kJ mole−1) contained hydrogen + CnHy(gas), where n = 3 to 7. The gas production rate was: [1058 moles CnHy + 132 moles H2] m−3 liquid d−1 (operating pressure = 0.1 MPa; temperature = 348 K). Increasing the operating pressure to 1 MPa increased the fuel gas production rate to [2208 moles CnHy + 1071 moles H2] m−3 liquid d−1. In order to achieve these results, the Fe0, operated as a “Smart Material”, simultaneously multi-tasking to create self-assembly, auto-activated catalysts for hydrogen production, hydrocarbon formation, and organic chemical degradation (degrading carboxylic acids and phenolic species to CO2 and CO).
Study of the Effects of Ten-Year Microclimate Regulation Based on Different Vegetation Type Combinations in a City Riparian Zone
Authors: Gao Jie , Li Dehao , Jiang Haibo , Wen Yang , Deng Guangyi , Wang Xue , Zhang Chaofan , He Chunguang
Published: June 2022

Ecological engineering construction is the main method for urban riparian landscape restoration. Continuous ecological environmental monitoring can reflect the effects of engineering construction and can provide a scientific basis for the improvement of engineering technology. However, the evaluation of riparian ecological engineering mainly focuses on the water environmental function and biodiversity conservation function after the construction period. Studies on the long-term evaluation of regional microclimate regulation and human settlement improvement are limited. In this paper, an ecological restoration project along the Yitong River in northern China was selected as the research object. Temperature, relative humidity and wind speed under different vegetation type combinations were monitored in the riparian ecological engineering construction during the first, second, third and tenth years. The temperature–humidity index (THI) was selected to evaluate human comfort and the improvement effect of microclimate was assessed for different vegetation type combinations. The results showed that vegetation type combinations can play a good role in regulating the microclimate and human comfort. The riparian ecological restoration project achieved a stable function for microclimate regulation in the third year. There was no significant regulation difference between tree–shrub–herb and tree–herb combinations. To realize the optimization of ecological benefits, economic benefits and social benefits, the tree–herb combination can be appropriately increased, and the tree–shrub–herb can be reduced in the application of ecological engineering. Microclimate regulation is an important achievement in engineering construction effects and can be regarded as one of the indices to evaluate the effect of ecological restoration.
County-Level Irrigation Water Demand Estimation Using Machine Learning: Case Study of California
Authors: Emami Mohammad , Ahmadi Arman , Daccache Andre , Nazif Sara , Mousavi Sayed-Farhad , Karami Hojat
Published: June 2022

Irrigated agriculture is the largest consumer of freshwater globally. Despite the clarity of influential factors and deriving forces, estimation of the volumetric irrigation demand using biophysical models is prohibitively difficult. Data-driven models have proven their ability to predict geophysical and hydrological phenomena with only a handful of influential input variables; however, the lack of reliable input data in most agricultural regions of the world hinders the effectiveness of these approaches. Attempting to estimate the irrigation water demand, we first analyze the correlation of potential influencing variables with irrigation water. We develop machine learning models to predict California’s annual, county-level irrigation water demand based on the statistical analysis findings over an 18-year time span. Input variables are different combinations of deriving meteorological forces, geographical characteristics, cropped area, and crop category. After testing various regression machine learning approaches, the result shows that Gaussian process regression produces the best results. Our findings suggest that irrigated cropped area, air temperature, and vapor pressure deficit are the most significant variables in predicting irrigation water demand. This research also shows that Gaussian process regression can predict irrigation water demand with high accuracy (R2 higher than 0.97 and RMSE as low as 0.06 km3) with different input variable combinations. An accurate estimation of irrigation water use of various crop categories and areas can assist decision-making processes and improve water management strategies. The proposed model can help water policy makers evaluate climatological and agricultural scenarios and hence be used as a decision support tool for agricultural water management at a regional scale.
A Water Resilience Evaluation Model for Urban Cities
Authors: Xu Wenping , Kong Yuli , Proverbs David , Zhang Yuwan , Zhang Yuan , Xu Jitao
Published: June 2022

Cities around the world are having to become more resilient to the effects of climate change and ongoing development pressures and consequently are seeking to improve urban water resource management. In order to analyze the key factors affecting a city’s water resilience, this research establishes an urban water resilience evaluation model. The DEMATEL method is used to calculate the intensity of the interaction among the water resilience indicators and to establish their causal relationships. Then, an ANP structured diagram is established and the weighting of the water resilience evaluation index for the city of Wuhan is obtained using the Super Decisions software. The key water resilience factors for Wuhan are shown to have significant mutual influences, with the main factors found to be the utilization of rainwater resources, the utilization of reclaimed water, and the total annual runoff control of the city. This method provides a sound basis for the evaluation of urban water resilience with scope to extend this to other cities. The results provide useful guidance for policy makers and other key stakeholders in supporting more sustainable urban development.
A Multiobjective Spatial Optimization Model of LID Based on Catchment Landuse Type
Authors: Zheng Kaiyuan , Guan Yuntao
Published: June 2022

Aiming to solve the problem of the low efficiency and single objective of low impact development (LID) layout, the objectives of stormwater control, water quality purification, and economic cost are selected to present the performance of LID practices. A novel method of evaluating urban runoff and pollutant concentration is put forward based on the land-use type of each catchment. Shenzhen City is selected as the study area, and three LID scenarios are designed and contrasted for an ideal solution according to their land-use type. The results show that the multiobjective optimization model based on runoff evaluation, pollutant simulation, and investment calculation can be more efficient and can be applied in other areas.
Flow Field around a Vertical Cylinder in Presence of Long Waves: An Experimental Study
Authors: Basile Rosangela , De Serio Francesca
Published: June 2022

Long waves caused by storm surges or river floods can significantly impact marine and fluvial structures such as bridge piers. Apart from the forces that they generate on the structure, they also contribute to the formation of turbulent eddies downstream of the obstacle. This is relevant, as in this way they can affect both an erodible bottom and the ecosystem. The present study describes a medium-scale experiment, in which the propagation of two different long waves released on a steady current is investigated in the presence of a bottom-mounted rigid emergent cylinder. Velocity measurements were acquired by a Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system, providing instantaneous flow velocity vectors on selected 2D planes. For each experimental condition, the time-varying velocity field near the cylinder was examined in selected vertical and horizontal planes. First, we tested which analytical theory or approximated method can best represent the experimental waves. After this, we estimated the horizontal maps of velocity and vorticity downstream of the obstacle and finally processed the velocity signals by means of a wavelet-based technique, to derive the length scales of turbulent eddies. In such a way, we specifically derived how the spreading of coherent turbulent structures downstream of the cylinder depends on the features of the flume, cylinder, and wave.
Ozone β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex Characterization and Application in the Remediation of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons
Authors: Sung Menghau , Kuo Kuan-Yi
Published: June 2022

Green remediation is essential in the current practice of water resources management. In this study, a series of ozone β-cyclodextrin (O3-βCD) inclusion complexes were prepared under a selected range of different ozone concentrations, β-CD concentrations, and solution pHs to test their ozone release rates and efficiencies in the treatment of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in water. The main objectives of this study are to characterize the O3-βCD system, mathematically model its ozone release rate, and test its capability in the degradation of pollutants. From the results, it was found that by defining a set of dimensionless parameters, including β-CD to ozone molar ratio and various degrees of ozone saturation, the steady-state conditions in the O3-βCD system can be represented by a newly developed dimensionless plot. In an optimal condition, the dissolved ozone release rate of 6.8 × 10−5 mM/min can be achieved in the O3-βCD system. A mathematical model was successfully developed to estimate the ozone release rate. In the TPH removal experiments, the effects of β-CD to ozone molar ratio and ozone dosage on the removal efficiency were rigorously examined. Overall, an optimal TPH removal of nearly 90% can be achieved in the treatment of 50 mg/L of TPH in water using this inclusion complex reagent.
CLUSTERING THE REGIONS OF SIBERIA AND THE FAR EAST TO ACHIEVE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Authors: Blanutsa Viktor I.
Published: June 2022

The article is devoted to the analysis of the possibility of achieving the national development goals of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2030 in the regions of the Siberian and Far Eastern Federal Districts. A measure is proposed for quantifying the distance between regions in a multidimensional feature space. The initial data for the regions are taken from the appendix to the Unified Plan for Achieving the National Development Goals of the Russian Federation. Using the author’s algorithm of hierarchical cluster analysis, two clusters, two subclusters and five groups of regions are identified. A brief description of cluster formations is given. The results of clustering are interpreted through the position of the territories under consideration in the Russian Federation, the difference between clusters, the relationship of indicators, territorial structure, comparison with other groupings, support measures and political consequences. The practical significance of the results obtained may be related to the adjustment of the values of the target indicators for the regions and the annual monitoring of the achievement of national development goals at the regional level.
Model Peningkatan Kinerja Sumber Daya Manusia dengan Berbagi Pengetahuan berbasis Kemampuan Penggunaan Fintech
Authors: Laksono Rudi Joko , Widodo Widodo
Published: June 2022

This study aims to analyse the effect of knowledge sharing and knowledge gathering on the capability to use Fintech, and whether the capability to use Fintech affects the performance of human resources in Baitul Maal Wat Tamwil. This research was quantitative descriptive using path analysis method and data collection method used questionnaire distributed to Baitul Maal Wat Tamwil managers consisted of 96 respondents. Then verification analysis to test the hypothesis used Partial Least Squares (PLS) tool. The results showed that knowledge sharing and knowledge gathering had a significant positive effect on the capability to use Fintech services. The effect of the capability to use Fintech on the performance of human resources is also significantly positive.
Faktor-Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Harga Saham Pada Perusahaan Sub Sektor Infrastruktur, Utilitas dan Transportasi
Authors: Putri Melati Yudhitya , Suselo Dedi
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this research is to analyze the impact of key components of the firm, including return on equity, debt to equity ratio interest on the the value of the book shares of construction firms. The research model covers 8 companies in the manufacturing, utilities and transport sectors listed in IDX for the period 2019-2020 using the target selection method. The panel data were analyzed using SPSS 25 and this method was integrated to obtain the best regression results. According to the study, the main factor influencing the difference in the price of a group of animals. Significant positive correlations can be found in the return on equity, the ratio of debt to equity and the book value of changes in share prices.
Loan to Deposit Ratio dan Biaya Operasional Pendapatan Operasional Terhadap Kinerja Keuangan Industri Perbankan di Indonesia
Authors: Zahra Eriana
Published: June 2022

The IDX 30 indexed banks are the banks with the largest market capitalization values and are often referred to as bluechip stocks. So this research has the aim to see the effect of LDR and BOPO on Financial Performance. The research data is obtained from the bank's annual report. The method used is multiple linear regression analysis. The results of this research Loan Deposit Ratio partially does not affect financial performance. Meanwhile, Operating Costs, Operating Income, affect Financial Performance
Faktor-Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Organizational Citizenship Behavior (Studi Pada Pegawai KPP Madya Semarang)
Authors: Purwandi Purwandi , Rijanti Tristiana
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of servant leadership and career development on Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) of KPP Madya Semarang employees. It analyzes the influence of servant leadership, career development and OCB on employee performance of KPP Madya Semarang and analyzes OCB which mediates the effect of servant leadership and career development on employee performance of KPP Madya Semarang. The population in this study were all employees in the KPP Madya Semarang consisted of 108 people. The sample were 108 employees of KPP Madya Semarang obtained from census sampling technique. The data collection method used a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using linear regression analysis. The results showed that servant leadership had a significant positive effect on Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB). Career development had a significant positive effect on Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB). Servant leadership had a positive and significant effect on employee performance. Career development had a significant positive effect on employee performance. OCB had a significant positive effect on employee performance. OCB mediated the effect of servant leadership on employee performance. OCB mediated the effect of career development on employee performance.
Analisis Faktor-Faktor Fraud Pentagon Teori Pada Fraudelent Financial Report
Authors: Yunita Sari Indah , Rohman Fatchur
Published: June 2022

Fraudulent financial report is caused by the company's efforts to show the company's financial condition as well as possible to potential investors with the aim to make them have the desire to invest and cooperate with the company. This research aims to analyze the fraud pentagon factors that influence the emergence of fraudulent financial reports in manufacturing companies in the consumer product industry listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) during 2017 – 2020. The fraud pentagon variables include external pressure, ineffective monitoring, change in auditor, change of directors, and frequent number of CEO pictures. The population in this research were manufacturing companies in the consumer product industry that submit complete and good financial reports on the IDX or on the company's website. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling, and the data were analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis assisted by SPSS version 20 software. In this research, it was found that the external pressure variable positively affects the fraudulent financial report, while the ineffective monitoring, change in auditor, change of director, and frequent number of CEO pictures variables did not have an effect on the fraudulent financial report.
Diyet Polifenollerinin Kahverengileşme ve Kahverengi Yağ Dokusu Aktivitesi Üzerine Etkileri
Authors: ÇINAR Ezgi Nur , İLHAN Azad , TENGİLİMOĞLU METİN M.merve
Published: June 2022

Dünya Sağlık Örgütü (DSÖ) dünya yetişkin nüfusunun yaklaşık %13'ünün obez olduğunu belirtmektedir. Bu durum obeziteyi ve komplikasyonlarını, en önemli küresel halk sağlığı endişelerinden ve önlenebilir hastalıklardan biri haline getirmektedir. Beslenme, obezitenin önlenmesinde ve yönetiminde kilit role sahiptir. Birçok çalışma, besin kaynaklı ögelerin (özellikle polifenollerin) obezitenin önlenmesinde ve yönetiminde rol oynayabileceğini göstermektedir. Yetişkin insanlarda aktif kahverengi yağ dokusu varlığının tespiti ve kahverengi yağ dokusunun (KYD) aktivasyonu yoluyla enerji harcaması, obezite yönetiminde umut verici bir yöntem olarak gösterilmektedir. Polifenollerle ilişkilendirilen bazı anti-diyabetik ve obeziteyi önlemeye yönelik aktivitelerin, enerji harcaması üzerinde olumlu etkileri olabileceği düşünülmektedir. Bu derleme enerji harcamasının kahverengileşme yoluyla düzenlenmesinde bazı polifenollerin olası etkilerini değerlendirmektedir.
Homomorphic Relations and Goursat Lemma
Authors: Mbarga Brice Réné Amougou
Published: June 2022

Over the past years various authors have investigated the famous elementary result in group theory called Goursat's lemma for characterizing the subgroups of the direct product $A\times B$ of two groups $A,B$. Given a homomorphic relation $\rho = (R,A,B)$ where $A$ and $B$ are groups and $R$ is a subgroup of $A\times B.$ What can one say about the structure of $\rho$. In 1950 Riguet proved a theorem that allows us to obtain a characterization of $\rho$ induces by examining the sections of the direct factors. The purpose of this paper is two-fold. A first and more concrete aim is to provide a containment relation property between homomorphic relation. Indeed if $\rho,\sigma$ are homomorphic relations, we provide necessary and sufficient conditions for $\sigma\leq\rho$. A second and more abstract aim is to introduce a generalization of some notions in homological algebra. We define the concepts of $\theta$-exact. We also obtain some interesting results. We use these results to find a generalization of Lambek Lemma.