bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symptomatic Chikungunya Virus Infection and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Nested Case-Control Study in French Guiana
Authors: Basurko Célia , Hcini Najeh , Demar Magalie , Abboud Philippe ,   the CMFdeng study group, Nacher Mathieu , Carles Gabriel , Lambert Véronique , Matheus Séverine
Published: December 2022

During the Chikungunya epidemic in the Caribbean and Latin America, pregnant women were affected by the virus in French Guiana. The question of the impact of the virus on pregnancy was raised because of the lack of scientific consensus and published data in the region. Thus, during the Chikungunya outbreak in French Guiana, a comparative study was set up using a cohort of pregnant women. The objective was to compare pregnancy and neonatal outcomes between pregnant women with Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection and pregnant women without CHIKV. Of 653 mothers included in the cohort, 246 mothers were included in the case-control study: 73 had CHIKV fever during pregnancy and 173 had neither fever nor CHIKV during pregnancy. The study did not observe any severe clinical presentation of CHIKV in the participating women. There were no intensive care unit admissions. In addition, the study showed no significant difference between the two groups with regard to pregnancy complications. However, the results showed a potential excess risk of neonatal ICU admission of the newborn when the maternal infection occurred within 7 days before delivery. These results suggest that special attention should be paid to neonates whose mothers were infected with CHIKV shortly before delivery.
First-Trimester Influenza Infection Increases the Odds of Non-Chromosomal Birth Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mátrai Ákos , Teutsch Brigitta , Váradi Alex , Hegyi Péter , Pethő Boglárka , Fujisawa Akari , Váncsa Szilárd , Lintner Balázs , Melczer Zsolt , Ács Nándor
Published: December 2022

Viral infections during pregnancy raise several clinical challenges, including birth defects in the offspring. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to prove and highlight the risk of birth defects after first-trimester maternal influenza infection. Our systematic search was performed on 21 November 2022. Studies that reported maternal influenza infection in the first trimester and non-chromosomal congenital abnormalities were considered eligible. We used odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to measure the effect size. Pooled ORs were calculated with a random effects model. Heterogeneity was measured with I² and Cochran’s Q tests. We found that first-trimester maternal influenza was associated with increased odds of developing any type of birth defects (OR: 1.5, CI: 1.30–1.70). Moreover, newborns were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with neural tube defects (OR: 2.48, CI: 1.95–3.14) or cleft lip and palate (OR: 2.48, CI: 1.87–3.28). We also found increased odds of developing congenital heart defects (OR: 1.63, CI: 1.27–2.09). In conclusion, influenza increases the odds of non-chromosomal birth defects in the first trimester. The aim of the present study was to estimate the risk of CAs in the offspring of mothers affected by first-trimester influenza infection.
Co-Infection of the Epstein–Barr Virus and the Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus
Authors: Böni Michelle , Rieble Lisa , Münz Christian
Published: December 2022

The two human tumor viruses, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), have been mostly studied in isolation. Recent studies suggest that co-infection with both viruses as observed in one of their associated malignancies, namely primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), might also be required for KSHV persistence. In this review, we discuss how EBV and KSHV might support each other for persistence and lymphomagenesis. Moreover, we summarize what is known about their innate and adaptive immune control which both seem to be required to ensure asymptomatic persistent co-infection with these two human tumor viruses. A better understanding of this immune control might allow us to prepare for vaccination against EBV and KSHV in the future.
Influenza D Virus: A Review and Update of Its Role in Bovine Respiratory Syndrome
Authors: Ruiz Miguel , Puig Andrea , Bassols Marta , Fraile Lorenzo , Armengol Ramon
Published: December 2022

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the most prevalent, deadly, and costly diseases in young cattle. BRD has been recognized as a multifactorial disease caused mainly by viruses (bovine herpesvirus, BVDV, parainfluenza-3 virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and bovine coronavirus) and bacteria (Mycoplasma bovis, Pasteurella multocida, Mannheimia haemolytica and Histophilus somni). However, other microorganisms have been recognized to cause BRD. Influenza D virus (IDV) is a novel RNA pathogen belonging to the family Orthomyxoviridae, first discovered in 2011. It is distributed worldwide in cattle, the main reservoir. IDV has been demonstrated to play a role in BRD, with proven ability to cause respiratory disease, a high transmission rate, and potentiate the effects of other pathogens. The transmission mechanisms of this virus are by direct contact and by aerosol route over short distances. IDV causes lesions in the upper respiratory tract of calves and can also replicate in the lower respiratory tract and cause pneumonia. There is currently no commercial vaccine or specific treatment for IDV. It should be noted that IDV has zoonotic potential and could be a major public health concern if there is a drastic change in its pathogenicity to humans. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding IDV structure, pathogenesis, clinical significance, and epidemiology.
Measuring the Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines Used during a Surge of the Delta Variant of SARS-CoV-2 in Bangladesh: A Test-Negative Design Evaluation
Authors: Khanam Farhana , Islam Md Taufiqul , Ahmmed Faisal , Ahmed Shams Uddin , Hossen Md Ismail , Rajib MdNazmul Hasan , Haque Shahinur , Biswas Prasanta Kumar , Tauheed Imam , Zaman K , Alam Ahmed Nawsher , Billah Mallick Masum , Monalisa Monalisa , Ashrafi Shah Ali Akbar , Rahman Mohammed Ziaur , Bin Manjur Omar Hamza , Afrad Mokibul Hassan , Shamsuzzaman S M , Saleh Ahmed Abu , Sumon Mostafa Aziz , Rashed Asif , Bhuiyan Md Taufiqur Rahman , Chowdhury Fahima , Khan Ashraful Islam , Flora Meerjady Sabrina , Shirin Tahmina , Clemens John D. , Qadri Firdausi
Published: December 2022

Background: From May to December 2021, Bangladesh experienced a major surge in the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2. The earlier rollout of several vaccines offered the opportunity to evaluate vaccine effectiveness against this variant. Methods: A prospective, test-negative case-control study was conducted in five large hospitals in Dhaka between September and December 2021. The subjects were patients of at least 18 years of age who presented themselves for care, suffering COVID-like symptoms of less than 10 days’ duration. The cases had PCR-confirmed infections with SARS-CoV-2, and up to 4 PCR test-negative controls were matched to each case, according to hospital, date of presentation, and age. Vaccine protection was assessed as being the association between the receipt of a complete course of vaccine and the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 disease, with symptoms beginning at least 14 days after the final vaccine dose. Results: In total, 313 cases were matched to 1196 controls. The genotyping of case isolates revealed 99.6% to be the Delta variant. Receipt of any vaccine was associated with 12% (95% CI: −21 to 37, p = 0.423) protection against all episodes of SARS-CoV-2. Among the three vaccines for which protection was evaluable (Moderna (mRNA-1273); Sinopharm (Vero Cell-Inactivated); Serum Institute of India (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19)), only the Moderna vaccine was associated with significant protection (64%; 95% CI: 10 to 86, p = 0.029). Protection by the receipt of any vaccine against severe disease was 85% (95% CI: 27 to 97, p = 0.019), with protection estimates of 75% to 100% for the three vaccines. Conclusions: Vaccine protection against COVID-19 disease of any severity caused by the Delta variant was modest in magnitude and significant for only one of the three evaluable vaccines. In contrast, protection against severe disease was high in magnitude and consistent for all three vaccines. Because our findings are not in complete accord with evaluations of the same vaccines in more affluent settings, our study underscores the need for country-level COVID-19 vaccine evaluations in developing countries.
Immunogenicity Rates after SARS-CoV-2 Three-Dose Vaccination in Patients under Dialysis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Xiuhong , Zhang Hua , Bao Wenjing , Fu Shunkun , Jin Huimin
Published: December 2022

Background: Considering the indeterminate effects following the administration of three doses of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to patients under dialysis, the present study aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity rates of patients who received the three-dose vaccine. Methods: MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials were searched to select the relevant literature to perform the present review. We included randomized controlled trials, non-randomized trials, prospective, observational cohort, and case-control studies to assess the humoral and cellular immune responses following the administration of the three-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to patients receiving dialysis. Results: Overall, 38 studies are included in the meta-analysis presented in this paper. For patients on dialysis, the overall humoral antibody response rate is 97% following three doses of mRNA or viral vector vaccines and 100% following four doses of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. A subgroup analysis shows that the antibody response rate is 96% for patients on hemodialysis (HD) and 100% for those receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD). The antibody response rate in the different immunogen-vaccinated groups tends to be higher than that in the same immunogen-vaccinated group (99% vs. 96%). For those who exhibit no response following two doses of the vaccine, the third and fourth doses can elevate the antibody response rate to 81%, and that number for low responders increases to 96%. However, the pooled results obtained from the relatively few trials conducted indicate that the positive T-cell response rate only increases to 59% following three doses of the vaccine. The antibody response rate is not different between dialysis and non-dialysis groups (relative risk = 0.95, 95% CI 0.90–1.02) following three doses of the vaccine. The relative risks for a SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection, all-cause mortality, and hospital admissions are 0.59 (95% CI 0.30–1.04), 0.63 (95% CI 0.35–1.12), and 0.53 (95% CI 0.37–0.74), respectively, when comparing three doses with two doses of the vaccine administered to the dialysis population. Conclusions: The third or fourth dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine significantly increases the immunogenicity rates in dialysis patients, and this beneficial effect does not vary with the type of vaccine (the same or different immunogen vaccination), dialysis modality (HD or PD), or previous low response following the administration two doses of the vaccine. We believe that healthcare workers should encourage patients receiving dialysis to receive a third or fourth vaccine dose to strengthen their immunity against SARS-CoV-2.
COVID-19 Vaccines for Adults and Children with Autoimmune Gut or Liver Disease
Authors: Peshevska-Sekulovska Monika , Bakalova Plamena , Snegarova Violeta , Lazova Snezhina , Velikova Tsvetelina
Published: December 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic raised many challenges for all patients with chronic conditions and those with autoimmune diseases, both adults and children. Special attention is paid to their immunological status, concomitant diseases, and the need for immunosuppressive therapy. All of these factors may impact their COVID-19 course and outcome. COVID-19 vaccination is accepted as one of the most successful strategies for pandemic control. However, individuals with immune-mediated chronic diseases, including autoimmune liver and gut diseases, have been excluded from the vaccine clinical trials. Therefore, we rely on real-world data from vaccination after vaccine approval for these patients to fill the evidence gap for the long-term safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in patients with autoimmune gut and liver diseases. Current recommendations from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) societies suggest COVID-19 vaccination in children older than 5 years old, adults and even pregnant females with IBD. The same recommendations are applied to patients with autoimmune liver diseases. Nevertheless, autoimmune disease patients still experience high levels of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, and more studies have to be conducted to clarify this issue.
Machine Learning-Based Control for Fuel Cell Hybrid Buses: From Average Load Power Prediction to Energy Management
Authors: Peng Hujun , Li Jianxiang , Deng Kai , Hameyer Kay
Published: December 2022

In this work, a machine learning-based energy management system is developed using a long short-term memory (LSTM) network for fuel cell hybrid buses. The neural network implicitly learns the complex relationship between various factors and the optimal power control from massive data. The selection of the neural network inputs is inspired by the adaptive Pontryagin’s minimum principle (APMP) strategy. Since an estimated value of the global average fuel cell power is required in the machine learning-based energy management strategy (EMS), some global features of driving cycles are extracted and then applied in a feedforward neural network to predict the average fuel cell power appropriately. The effectiveness of the machine learning-based energy management, with the integration of the mechanism of estimating the average fuel cell power based on the forward neural network, is tested under two different driving cycles from the training environment, with comparisons to a commercially used rule-based strategy. Based on the simulation results, the learning-based strategy outperforms the rule-based strategy regarding the charge-sustaining mode conditions and fuel economy. Moreover, compared to the best offline hydrogen consumption, the machine learning-based strategy consumed 0.58% and 0.36% more than the best offline results for both driving cycles. In contrast, the rule-based strategy consumed 1.80% and 0.96% more than optimal offline results for the two driving cycles, respectively. Finally, simulations under battery and fuel cell aging conditions show that the fuel economy of the machine learning-based strategy experiences no performance degradation under components aging compared to offline strategies.
Seat-to-Head Transmissibility Responses of Seated Human Body Coupled with Visco-Elastic Seats
Authors: Dewangan K. N. , Yao Yumeng , Rakheja S.
Published: December 2022

This study investigated the seat-to-head vibration transmissibility (STHT) responses of 58 subjects (31 males and 27 females) seated on three different elastic seats with (WB) and without back support (NB) and under three levels of vertical vibration (0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 m/s2 RMS) in the 0.50–20 Hz range. The STHT responses with elastic seats were significantly different from the widely reported responses with rigid seats, irrespective of sitting and excitation conditions. The peak STHT magnitudes with elastic seats were relatively higher than those obtained with a rigid seat. Moreover, the transmission of seat vibration showed a strong dependence on the elastic properties of the body-seat coupling. The primary resonance frequencies were also significantly different among the elastic seats. Compared to NB conditions, the peak STHT magnitudes and the primary resonance frequencies obtained with WB conditions were significantly lower. An increase in excitation magnitude resulted in a statistically significant (p < 0.001) decrease in the primary resonance frequency.
Hydrological Simulation in a Rift-Bounded Lake System and Implication of Water Abstraction: Central Rift Valley Lakes Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Balcha Sisay Kebede , Awass Adane Abebe , Hulluka Taye Alemayehu , Ayele Gebiaw T. , Bantider Amare
Published: December 2022

The Katar and Meki subbasins play a significant role in supporting the livelihoods of people in the region. However, the subbasins are currently under heavy human pressures, mainly associated with the ever-increasing human population and the subsequent intensification of irrigated agricultural activities. The aims of this study are to quantify the water balance components of the Katar and Meki rivers using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model and to assess the implication of water abstraction on river hydrology. The Katar and Meki subbasins were discretized into 107 and 87 micro-subbasins, which were then subdivided further into Hydrologic Response Units (HRUs) of 683 and 658, respectively. Hydro-meteorological data from 1997 to 2014 were used for model setup, calibration, and validation. Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE), coefficient of determination (R2), and Percent Bias (PBIAS) were used for model performance evaluation. The results of the simulation revealed NSE = 0.68–0.83, R2 = 0.72–0.85, and PBIAS = 1.6–22.7 during calibration and validation. More than 65% of the simulated flow was bracketed with the 95PPU for both subbasins, with the thickness of the 95PPU in the range of 0.90 to 1.41 calibration and 1.15 to 1.31 validation, which indicates that the overall performance of the water balance model can be rated as “very good”. The results of the water balance show that evapotranspiration (ET), surface runoff (Qs), and groundwater discharge (Qgw) were large in the Meki subbasin, while percolation (PERC) and water yield (WYLD) were large in the Katar subbasin. The model estimated 140 and 111 mm of average annual WYLD for the Katar and Meki subbasins, respectively, and the Katar subbasin is a major contributor of water to Lake Ziway. A total volume of 19.41 million cubic meters (MCM) of water is abstracted from Katar and Meki rivers for irrigation and domestic use, which significantly reduces Lake Ziway’s level by 4.5 cm (m). If the current trend of development continues, 149.92 MCM water will be abstracted each year from the lake environment and will reduce the lake level by 1.72 m. It is suspected that the Katar and Meki rivers are likely to cease to exist after a few decades and that Lake Ziway will also dry out.
Daily Streamflow Time Series Modeling by Using a Periodic Autoregressive Model (ARMA) Based on Fuzzy Clustering
Authors: Khazaeiathar Mahshid , Hadizadeh Reza , Fathollahzadeh Attar Nasrin , Schmalz Britta
Published: December 2022

The behavior of hydrological processes is periodic and stochastic due to the influence of climatic factors. Therefore, it is crucial to develop the models based on their periodicity and stochastic nature for prediction. Furthermore, forecasting the streamflow, as one of the main components of the hydrological cycle, is a primary subject. In this study, a statistical method, Fuzzy C-means clustering, was used to find the periodicity in the daily discharge time series, whereas autoregressive moving average, ARMA, was used in modeling every cluster. Dividing the daily stream flow time series into smaller groups based on their similar statistical behavior by using a statistical method for analyzing and a combination of Fuzzy C-means clustering and ARMA modeling is the innovation of this study. We draw on the daily discharge data of four different river stations in Hesse state in Germany. The collected data cover 18 years, from 2000 to 2017. Root mean square error (RMSE) was used to evaluate the accuracy. The results revealed that the performance of ARMA in four stations for predicting every cluster was reliable. In addition, it must be highlighted that by clustering the daily stream flow time series into smaller groups, forecasting different days of the year will be possible.
Model and Experimental Studies of the Seepage Failure of Damaged Geotextile at the Joint between Tubes in a Geotextile Tube Dam
Authors: Mao Wenlong , Wang Tianwen , Shu Yiming
Published: December 2022

This paper focuses on the impact of geotextile tube damage at the joints between tubes on dam structures subjected to seepage. First, a seepage-induced failure critical gradient model for damaged geotextile tubes was developed. Tests were conducted using geotextile specimens with precut O-shaped holes to simulate the seepage erosion process. Various overburden loads (0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 kPa) and hole radii (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2 cm) were examined. Based on the test phenomena and the changes in pore-water pressure and seepage flow, four progression stages (seepage stability, sand particle wash-out, preferential flow formation and development, and complete failure) were identified. The experimental critical gradients obtained under different conditions agreed well with the model results. The critical gradient is positively correlated with the overburden load and negatively correlated with the hole radius. Critical gradient growth gradually slows with increasing overburden load. The critical gradient difference caused by the hole size decreases rapidly. When the overburden load increases to 20 kPa, this difference is essentially unchanged. These findings can provide a better understanding of the performance of damaged geotextile tubes.
The Effect of Flood Protection Works on Flood Risk
Authors: Mitsopoulos Georgios , Diakakis Michalis , Bloutsos Aristeides , Lekkas Efthymios , Baltas Evangelos , Stamou Anastasios
Published: December 2022

We pose the following research question: “what is the effect of flood protection works on flood risk?” To answer this question, we developed a flood risk assessment method that combines the typical hazard assessment via integrated hydrological and hydrodynamic calculations using HEC-HMS and 1D/2D HEC-RAS, respectively, and an original procedure for vulnerability assessment at the building level, which we applied in the town of Mandra in Attica, Greece. We performed calculations for 15 scenarios—combinations of return periods (T = 20, 50, 100, 150, and 200 y) and rain durations (t = 6, 12, and 18 h)—for the conditions of the year 2017, when there were no flood protection works, and today with these works in place. We identified the regions with high flood risk and concluded that the presence of the works caused a decrease in the inundation areas by 53–89%, along with reductions in the maximum water depths, the maximum flow velocities, and the average flood risk in Koropouli Street—the main street of Mandra, which suffered severe damage during the 2017 flood—by 38–62%, 18–52%, and 27–74%, respectively. The effect of the flood protection works increased with the increases in the return period and rain duration, while for the same return period the effect of the rain duration was more pronounced for the smaller return periods.
Mathematical Modeling of Microalgal Growth during Anaerobic Digestion Effluent Bioremediation
Authors: Manthos Georgios , Koutra Eleni , Mastropetros Savvas Giannis , Zagklis Dimitris , Kornaros Michael
Published: December 2022

The development of kinetic models aims at predicting the behavior of a system or analyzing the underlying mechanisms. This process is essential for understanding microalgal growth and optimizing culture conditions. In the case of microalgal cultivation in wastewater, the analysis becomes even more difficult as growth is often inhibited by several factors, such as nutrient limitation and light inadequacy. In this context, a mathematical model was developed to describe the microbial growth of the species Parachlorella kessleri in different reactor setups using either sterile or non-sterile anaerobic digestion effluent as a substrate. Three different mass balances were taken into consideration to describe biomass growth, phosphorus, and nitrogen consumption. Concerning biomass growth, the logistic model was applied to evaluate the inhibition in biomass formation due to lack of illumination. The maximum optical density under which these species could grow was quantified with an ODmax parameter, which was estimated at 4.07 AU/cm for the Erlenmeyer flask and 2.79 AU/cm for cylindrical photobioreactors. Regarding the nitrogen mass balance, two different terms concerning microalgal assimilation and ammonia stripping were implemented into the equation. The proposed model predicted biomass growth with high accuracy in model training (R2 = 0.90) and validation (R2 = 0.89).
Evaluation and Prediction of Groundwater Quality in the Source Region of the Yellow River
Authors: Si Jianhua , Li Jianming , Yang Ying , Qi Xuejiao , Li Jiajun , Liu Zenghui , Li Mengyuan , Lu Sujin , Qi Yue , Jin Cheng , Qi Lijuan , Yi Bingyu , Wang Yujing
Published: December 2022

With the disturbance of human factors, the groundwater resources in the source region of the Yellow River have gradually depleted and the water quality has become worse, which has seriously affected the development of high-altitude areas. The groundwater quality of the source region of the Yellow River from 2016 to 2020 was evaluated using single-component and comprehensive evaluation methods, following by a prediction of the groundwater quality from 2021 to 2100 based on the RCPS (RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5, and RCP 8.5) scenarios coupled with the SWAT hydrological model under the CMIP5 global climate model. The results indicated that the groundwater temperature had an increasing trend, pH showed an obvious decreasing trend, and total hardness (Th), sulfate, and ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) contents exhibited no obvious increasing or decreasing trend in the source region of the Yellow River during 2016–2020. The increase rate of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) in the future climate scenario followed the order of RCP 8.5 > RCP 4.5 > RCP 2.6, and the groundwater contents of TN and TP in the source region of the Yellow River gradually increased. This result is of great significance, as it can help clarify the current situation of groundwater in high-altitude and cold regions, showing the influence of groundwater on global climate change. It provides a reference for the development and utilization planning of groundwater resources in the source region of the Yellow River in the future.
Design and Field Monitoring of a Pile–Anchor–Brace Supporting System in a Soft Soil Area
Authors: Sun Lin , Mao Ke , Wang Zhengzhen , Ye Shuaihua , Su Tiantao , Dai Guoliang , Xu Guangxiang , Sun Jilong
Published: December 2022

With the continuous development of urbanization and the rapid development of science and technology, the requirements for foundation pit engineering are getting higher and higher. Foundation pit engineering is gradually developing in the direction of larger area and deeper excavation. In engineering examples, the combined supporting structure of a pile–brace and pile–anchor for foundation pits is widely used, while the engineering examples supported by a pile–anchor–brace supporting system are less frequently used. Based on a super-large deep foundation pit project in Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province, China, according to the surrounding environmental conditions, the foundation pit support scheme, and on-site construction situation, the design and on-site monitoring of the pile–anchor–brace supporting system were introduced and analyzed. The results show that: (1) the deformation of the pile–anchor–brace supporting system shows an obvious spatial effect, and the horizontal displacement of the pile and soil of the long side direction is greater than the short side direction; (2) in the initial state, the deep horizontal displacement of the soil is in the form of a ‘cantilever’, but in the later stage it changed to the form of a ‘drum belly’, and both the brace and anchor cable can limit the displacement of the soil effectively; (3) the axial force of the brace develops rapidly in the initial stage, but its development tends to be gentle after the completion of the first anchor cable construction. Through on-site monitoring, it was found that the axial force of the ring brace was larger than that of the corner brace, which was larger than the opposite brace; and (4) the development trend of the axial force for the two rows of anchor cables is quite different. The average axial force of the first row of anchor cables is greater than the second row of anchor cables, and the development trend of the first row of anchor cables is steep first and then gentle, while the change trend of the second row of anchor cables is just the opposite.
Large Eddy Simulation of Compound Open Channel Flows with Floodplain Vegetation
Authors: Zeng Cheng , Bai Yimo , Zhou Jie , Qiu Fei , Ding Shaowei , Hu Yudie , Wang Lingling
Published: December 2022

Floodplain vegetation is of great importance in velocity distribution and turbulent coherent structure within compound open channel flows. As the large eddy simulation (LES) technique can provide detailed instantaneous flow dynamics and coherent turbulent structure predictions, it is of great importance to perform LES simulations of compound open channel flows with floodplain vegetation. In the present study, a wall-modeled large eddy simulation (WMLES) method was employed to simulate the compound open channel flows with floodplain vegetation. The vegetation-induced resistance effect was modeled with the drag force method. The WMLES model, incorporating the drag force method, was verified against flume measurements and an analytical solution of vegetated open channel flows. Numerical simulations were conducted with a depth ratio of 0.5 and four different floodplain vegetation densities (frk = 0, 0.28 m−1, 1.13 m−1 and 2.26 m−1). The main flow velocity, secondary flow, bed shear stress and vortex coherent structure, based on the Q criterion, were obtained and analyzed. Based on the numerical results, the influences of floodplain vegetation density on the flow field and turbulent structure of compound open channel flows were summarized and discussed. Compared to the case without floodplain vegetation, the streamwise velocity in the main channel increased by 10.8%, 19.9% and 24.4% with the frk = 0.28 m−1, 1.13 m−1 and 2.26 m−1, respectively. The results also indicated that, when the floodplain vegetation density increased, the following occurred: the velocity increased in the main channel, while the velocity decreased in the floodplain; the transverse momentum exchange was enhanced; and the strip structures were more concentrated near the junction area of compound open channel flows.
Evaluation and Optimization of Hydrological Connectivity Based on Graph Theory: A Case Study in Dongliao River Basin, China
Authors: Tian Naixu , Zhang Yue , Li Jianwei , Du Walian , Liu Xingpeng , Jiang Haibo , Bian Hongfeng
Published: December 2022

Hydrological connectivity affects the material cycling and energy transfer of ecosystems and is an important indicator for assessing the function of aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, clarification of hydrologic connectivity and its optimization methods is essential for basin water resources management and other problems; however, most of the current research is focused on intermittently flooded areas, especially in terms of optimization, and on hydrological regulation within mature water structures, while research on hydrological connectivity in dry, low rainfall plain areas remains scarce. Based on the graph and binary water cycle theories, this study assessed and hierarchically optimized the structural hydrological connectivity of the Dongliao River Basin (DRB), integrating artificial and natural connectivity, and explored the hydrological connectivity optimization method in the arid plain region at the basin scale to increase connectivity pathways. The spatial analysis and evaluation of hydrological connectivity was also carried out based on the results of the hierarchical optimization, and provided three scenarios for the construction of hydrological connectivity projects in the basin. The hierarchical optimization yielded a total of 230 new water connectivity paths, and the overall hydrological connectivity increased from 5.07 to 7.64. Our results suggest a large spatial correlation in hydrological flow obstruction in the DRB. The center of gravity of circulation obstruction shifted to the south after optimization for different levels of connectivity. With the increase in the optimization level of hydrological connectivity, the national Moran index rose and then fell. The magnitude of the increase in hydrological connectivity effects varied at different optimization levels, and there were sudden points’ increase points. From an application point of view, Scenario 1 is necessary and the most cost effective is Scenario 2, which provides a scientific basis for guiding the construction of future ecological projects in the DRB.
Discussing the Silence and Denial around Population Growth and Its Environmental Impact. How Do We Find Ways Forward?
Authors: Washington Haydn , Kopnina Helen
Published: December 2022

Academia and government often ignore or deny the impact of population growth on the environment. However, key scientific institutions and reports confirm that population growth is a major driver of climate disruption and other environmental crises. We review the environmental science of population growth. Issues that block dialogue are discussed, such as growthism, anthropocentrism, denial, religious and cultural taboos, fear of being called a racist, the issue of rights claims, seeking political power through numbers, the framing of social justice issues, and sophistical claims regarding ‘racism’. We examine examples of denial about population in academia and government. We explore ways forward to gain dialogue, and we also consider success stories. We conclude that population growth, like overconsumption, must be foregrounded to create ecologocally sustainable economies and a sustainable future.
“We Just Want to Be Treated Normally and to Have That Healthcare That Comes along with It”: Rainbow Young People’s Experiences of Primary Care in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Ker Alex , Gardiner Tracey , Carroll Rona , Rose Sally B. , Morgan Sonya J. , Garrett Susan M. , McKinlay Eileen M.
Published: December 2022

There is growing recognition that primary care provision plays a pivotal role in improving health outcomes for LGBTQIA+ (rainbow) youth, but few studies have centered on youth experiences of primary care in Aotearoa New Zealand. This study aimed to explore the experiences and perspectives of rainbow youth when engaging with primary care. Two focus groups were held in 2021 with eleven rainbow young people aged 13–23 years recruited with assistance from local rainbow support organizations in Aotearoa NZ. Groups were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Four main themes were identified: (i) anticipated and enacted discrimination, (ii) building trust, (iii) confidentiality and (iv) healthcare provider knowledge and competence. Participants spoke of some positive experiences but perceived these to be lucky or surprising, with most also having encountered less supportive interactions and heteronormative views. Visual indicators of rainbow-friendliness in clinic settings were appreciated only if affirmed by inclusive and accepting practice. Frustrations were expressed about gaps in provider knowledge and the sense of having to educate clinicians about rainbow-specific health issues. Primary care providers can facilitate positive consultations with rainbow young people by using clear communication to build trusting relationships, and by being accepting, non-judgmental and transparent about confidentiality.
Foliage consumption of the Honshu white admiral Limenitis glorifica Fruhstorfer, 1909 (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) on Japanese honeysuckle Lonicera japonica Thunb. (Dipsacales: Caprifoliaceae) in Aotearoa / New Zealand
Authors: Parkinson Adam
Published: December 2022

Aotearoa / New Zealand harbours more naturalised non-native plant species than almost any other island group in the world, some of which are serious threats to indigenous biodiversity. Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), a non-native climbing vine, is widespread across the country, and is considered a serious threat due to the nature of its growth habits and smothering effects upon indigenous flora. In 2014, the Honshu white admiral butterfly (Limenitis glorifica) was released in Aotearoa / New Zealand as a biological control agent, as this species has been shown to be narrowly oligophagous to Japanese honeysuckle. It is believed that the larva of this butterfly could cause substantial feeding damage; sufficient to reduce the plants’ fitness. However, the amount of foliage that could be consumed by Honshu white admiral larvae is unknown. This study monitored 30 larvae from egg to pupation, and found that a single larva could consume 2.13g of Japanese honeysuckle foliage before pupating. This equates to approximately 5.6 leaves (based on the mean weight of a mature honeysuckle leaf). These findings give an insight into the defoliation potential this biocontrol agent could have upon Japanese honeysuckle, although further research is needed to determine the physiological response of the invasive plant based on this level of herbivory.
Ensino de simulação: avaliação do impacto da escolha das distribuições de probabilidade na ausência de dados / Simulation teaching: evaluating the impact of the choice of probability distributions in the absence of data
Authors: Santos Luana Machado dos , Dantas Maria José Pereira
Published: December 2022

A simulação é um método numérico que pode ser aplicado para investigar praticamente qualquer tipo de sistema estocástico.  A identificação incorreta das distribuições de probabilidade pode levar à obtenção de estimativas das saídas do sistema real que não correspondem à realidade. Entre as muitas aplicações da simulação estão os estudos relacionados aos sistemas de filas. Neste trabalho experimentou-se fazer alterações nas distribuições de probabilidade que descrevem o tempo de atendimento de um sistema de filas simples, com um único canal de atendimento, que atende por ordem de chegada. Supôs-se que o tempo de atendimento fosse corretamente descrito por uma distribuição log-normal, e fez-se estimativas de distribuições alternativas como a triangular e beta, considerando parâmetros correspondentes obtidos por procedimentos heurísticos.  Avaliou-se, em seguida, o impacto no tempo de espera na fila. Os experimentos foram conduzidos na versão livre do Software de Simulação FLEXSIM, que pode ser facilmente obtido pelos estudantes e usado em aulas de laboratório. Observou-se nos resultados erros de até 87,25%. Uma etapa importante no ensino de simulação é mostrar ao estudante e futuro analista de modelos a importância da representação correta do comportamento das variáveis aleatórias presentes na descrição de um sistema real, na situação em que não existem dados disponíveis.
O ensino e a aprendizagem na engenharia: realidade e perspectivas / Teaching and learning in engineering: reality and perspectives
Authors: Kieckow Flávio , Freitas Denizard Batista de , Liesenfeld Janaina
Published: December 2022

Os cursos de engenharia são caracterizados pelo grau de dificuldade para a formação dos alunos e por apresentarem alto índice de reprovações e desistências. Diversas pesquisas realizadas em ambientes universitários têm comprovado esse estereótipo. No entanto, cabe o questionamento: na visão do aluno, que fatores estão dificultando a aprendizagem? Que ações poderiam reverter ou minimizar essa realidade? Este artigo apresenta um estudo realizado na URI, campus de Santo Ângelo, com acadêmicos dos cursos de engenharia mecânica, civil e química, e busca identificar os principais fatores de influência na aprendizagem. É um estudo transversal com pesquisa qualitativa e quantitativa. Os resultados mostram fragilidades no sistema de ensino universitário e sugerem mudanças metodológicas em sala de aula para que a aprendizagem seja significativa. São sugeridas diretrizes para um ensino de engenharia mais eficaz.
Panorama da evasão e permanência no ensino superior no instituto federal de Rondônia – Porto Velho zona norte / Panorama of evasion and permanence in higher education in the federal institute of Rondônia - Porto Velho northern zone
Authors: Brum Danielli Vacari de , Gamenha Danielly Eponina Santos , Pereira Maria Beatriz Souza
Published: December 2022

O presente artigo apresenta uma análise das razões de permanência e evasão dos alunos do curso Superior em Gestão Pública do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Rondônia – Campus Porto Velho Zona Norte. A coleta de dados baseou-se em métodos qualitativos e utilização de questionário. A população investigada foi composta de aproximadamente 180 acadêmicos do ano de 2016 e a amostra mínima (n) em função do erro (e) foi constituída por 80 alunos, onde se utilizou o erro amostral de 10% e percentual estimado de 0,5. Utilizou-se o software Sphinx Léxica na concepção e edição do questionário, entrada das respostas e apuração e análise estatística (tabulações simples e cruzadas). Com a pesquisa conclui-se a necessidade de um trabalho especializado da equipe pedagógica com o corpo docente reunindo informações para encontrar soluções práticas quando houver queda da assiduidade nas aulas, objetivando erradicar este crescente problema no processo educacional.
A CONDIÇÃO SEXUAL INFLUENCIA NO DESEMPENHO E RENDIMENTO DE CARCAÇA DE BOVINOS CRUZADOS ANGUS X NELORE?
Authors: Filho Cesar Daniel dos Santos , Valentim Jean Kaique , Medeiros Silvana Lúcia dos Santos , De Almeida Alexander Alexandre , Oliveira Gabriela Costa , Severino Ana Clara da Silva
Published: December 2022

O presente trabalho, consistiu num estudo de caso dentro de um confinamento comercial, para avaliar o efeito da condição sexual (CS) sobre o desempenho e rendimento de carcaça (RC) no cruzamento Angus x Nelore. Foram registrados dados de 33 lotes com nº de animais/lote variados, ao todo, foram 3049 bovinos (1674 M e 1402 F). Os animais foram apartados por peso e sexo, buscando a homogeneização dos lotes, sendo as fêmeas com peso médio (PM) de 350 kg e os machos de 400 kg. O PM dos bovinos Angus x Nelore apresentaram diferença significativa entre machos e fêmeas durante todas as pesagens, sendo a média de peso maior para os animais machos. A CS se mostrou influente, também, no consumo de matéria seca e no consumo de nutrientes digestíveis totais, onde as fêmeas Angus x Nelore, apresentaram médias maiores para ambos os casos, comparados com os machos igualmente confinados. Machos tiveram maiores médias para ganho de médio diário e ganho de peso total por arroba, já para ganho diário de carcaça, as fêmeas apresentaram média superior por Kg/cabeça comparado aos machos. Ao considerar as eficiências produtivas, o estudo apontou diferença significativa apenas para a média de eficiência biológica, onde as fêmeas foram menos eficientes biologicamente em relação a quantidade de dieta usada para produzir uma @ de carcaça, uma vez que consumiram mais e ganharam menos, embora a eficiência alimentar entre os animais machos e fêmeas tenha se mantido indiferente estatisticamente.  O RC total foi superior nos machos Angus x Nelore. Contudo, a CS foi um fator influenciador no desempenho e rendimento de carcaça de bovinos cruzados Angus x Nelore dentro do confinamento comercial estudado.
Same-sex marriage as a human right: How the Strasbourg Court could draw inspiration from the US Supreme Court and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights to affirm marriage equality
Authors: Willems Geoffrey
Published: December 2022

In the last fifteen years, the European Court, the US Supreme Court and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights have all ruled on the issue of same-sex marriage. The Strasbourg Court has not, at this stage, dared to affirm the right to marriage, unlike its (inter)American counterparts. The article proposes a comparative analysis of the decisions rendered by the three jurisdictions: it highlights, beyond the (obvious and indisputable) differences between the three legal orders, the similar issues – of applicability, proportionality and subsidiarity – with which the judges responsible for ensuring respect for human rights are confronted. As the analysis also reveals, these issues are sometimes hotly debated within the courts themselves, while their understanding can be enriched by inter-jurisdictional dialogue. In conclusion, it is argued that, with regard to the recognition and protection of same-sex couples, the European Court should draw inspiration from American experiences and (1) clearly (re)affirm that the right to marry (art. 12 ECHR) applies to same-sex couples (2) mobilise the full potential of the prohibition of discrimination (art. 14 ECHR) and (3) move away from strict adherence to the European consensus rule.
Access to justice research: On the way to a broader perspective
Authors: Storgaard Asbjørn
Published: December 2022

In this paper a baseline of contemporary access to justice research is established. The baseline clearly illustrates key features of the research field suggesting that while the field of research has become more multifaceted in the course of the last two or three decades, it is nevertheless very much dominated by law scholarship and structural analysis of legal service provision. Departing from this overview of access to justice research as of today, five calls for future research on access to justice explicated in the reviewed literature is presented and discussed. I argue that future research on access to justice should: 1) Reach a clearer understanding of the problem (of access to justice), 2) consider a multidisciplinary approach, 3) support and develop evidence-based policy by committing to empirical research, 4) study a wider variety of social realities and 5) look for quality. The reasonings of this paper are based on a scoping literature review.
STRATEGI PEMERINTAH KECAMATAN MALUNDA DALAM PELAKSANAAN PROGRAM VAKSINASI COVID-19
Authors: Pangki Panki , Ibrahim Mahyuddin , Rifai Aco
Published: December 2022

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui Strategi Pemerintah Kecamatan Malunda Dalam Pelaksanaan Program Vaksinasi Covid-19 di kecamatan Malunda serta untukmengetahui peluang dan tantangan pemerintah dalam Dalam Pelaksanaan Program Vaksinasi Covid-19.Dalam penelitian ini menggunakan penelitian kualitatif, adapunteknik pengumpulan data menggunakan observasi, wawancara, serta dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan dalam Dalam Pelaksanaan Program Vaksinasi Covid-19, Pemerintah Kecamatan Malunda sudah melaksanakan tugasnya dengan baik. Dalam melakukan Dalam Pelaksanaan Program Vaksinasi Covid-19 pemerintah Malunda melakukan beberapa strategi seperti melakukanpublikasi serta melakukan layanan pelaksanaan vaksinasi. Adapun peluang yang didapat diantaranya seperti memutuskan rantai penyebaran covid-19 dan mempermudah pelaksanaan vaksinasi kepada masyarakat serta menerapkan prokes pada saat pelaksanaan vaksinasi. Selain itu juga terdapat tantangan yang dihadapi oleh pemerintah Kecamatan Malunda yaitu kurangnya pemahaman masyarakat terhadap vaksinasi, pengaruh sosial media, dan kurangnya kesadaran masyarakat dalam menerapkan prokesserta adanya pro dan kontra dikalangan medis terkait efektivitas vaksinasi covid-19.