bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parameters Affecting the Water Vapour Permeability of Gelatin Films as Evaluated by the Infrared Detecting Method ASTM F1249
Authors: Tyuftin Andrey A. , Pecorini Francesca , Zanardi Emanuela , Kerry Joe P.
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study was to assess testing parameters for measurement of water vapour permeability (WVP) properties of bovine gelatin films by ASTM F1249. This method utilises an infrared sensor to determine the WVP of conventional plastic-based films and has been widely applied within the packaging industry, but has had very limited application with hydrophilic compostable/edible packaging materials. These films have low WVP properties with highly variable WVP values (as studied by ASTM E96); consequently, this parameter has to be carefully controlled. Assessment of the module was carried out using bovine gelatin films with different thicknesses of film, and gelatin was chosen as an example of such film types using the following Mocon Permatran testing parameters: 50 or 70% relative humidity (RH), 100 or 150 cm3 nitrogen gas flow rates for the module’s RH-cell (100 cm3 for all other cells). In all cases, WVP increased with an increase in gas flow rate. This method showed that WVP increased with increasing gelatin film thickness, and categorically supports previous—and often unexplained—WVP findings for other hydrophilic, biopolymer films. The current study is a helpful guide to the examination of water barrier properties of hydrophilic edible/biodegradable/compostable packaging materials in research and industry.
Integrating SDG 12 into Business Studies through Intercultural Virtual Collaboration
Authors: Ferreira-Lopes Luana , Van Rompay-Bartels Ingrid , Bezanilla Maria José , Elexpuru-Albizuri Iciar
Published: July 2022

Intercultural Virtual Collaboration (IVC) has been a growing field in recent decades as it allows students from different cultures to work together without having to move physically. Besides providing students with an authentic experience that they are going to encounter in their future professional careers in increasingly globalised and digitised workplaces, more recently, IVC has also been used as a means to engage university students from different cultures in social and political issues that are common across societies. In this paper, we present an analysis of an IVC project that involved undergraduate Business students from a university in Spain and a university in the Netherlands where students from both universities were asked to collaborate online to develop a business case to analyse how companies communicate about the way they integrate SDGs in the different cultures involved. A content analysis of group reports delivered by students was carried out. In addition, intercultural competence development was measured through a questionnaire. Results show that the IVC project contributed to raising students’ awareness of how companies approach SDGs and adapt their products to different cultures. Students were also perceived to have developed intercultural knowledge, intercultural virtual teamwork, intercultural attitudes and intercultural awareness.
Sustainable Adaptive Cycle Pavements Using Composite Foam Concrete at High Altitudes in Central Europe
Authors: Decky Martin , Hodasova Katarina , Papanova Zuzana , Remisova Eva
Published: July 2022

Climate pavement adaptability is an integral part of a holistic concept of road design, construction, and pavement management. One of the possibilities for fulfilling the mentioned author’s premise in sustainable cycle pavements in the cold region of Central Europe is using composite foam concrete (CFC). To establish the credibility of the design of these pavements, we objectified the correlation dependencies of average annual air temperatures and frost indexes, for altitude regions from 314 to 858 m in the period 1971 to 2020, at its height above sea level. As part of the research on the increase in tensile strength during bending of CFC, extensive laboratory measurements were carried out and validated by isomorphic models of real roads, which enabled an increase in tensile strength during bending from 0.376 to 1.370 N·mm−2 for basalt reinforcing mesh. The research results, verified through FEM (Finite Element Method) models of cycle pavements, demonstrated a possible reduction of total pavement thickness from 56 to 38 cm for rigid pavements and 48 to 38 cm for flexible pavements.
Relationships between Springtime PM2.5, PM10, and O3 Pollution and the Boundary Layer Structure in Beijing, China
Authors: Zhou Qing , Cheng Lei , Zhang Yong , Wang Zhe , Yang Shili
Published: July 2022

Complex pollution with high aerosol and ozone concentrations has recently been occurring in several densely populated cities in China, raising concerns about the influence of meteorological factors, including synoptic circulation and local conditions. In this study, comprehensive analyses on the associations between PM2.5, PM10, and O3 and meteorological conditions were conducted based on observations from radar wind profiler, microwave radiometer, automatic weather station, and air quality monitoring sites in Beijing during the spring of 2019. The results showed that the boundary layer height and temperature inversion were negatively (positively) correlated with PM (O3) concentrations, modulating the degree of air pollution. Five identified synoptic patterns were derived using geopotential height data of the ERA5 reanalysis, among which Type 1, characterised by south-westerly prevailing winds with high pressure to the south, was considered to be associated with severe PM and O3 contamination. This indicates that air pollutants originating from southern regions exert a major influence on Beijing through the transportation effect. In addition, high temperature, relative humidity, and low wind velocity exacerbate pollution. Overall, this study provides significant information for understanding the vital roles played by meteorological elements at both the regional and local scales in regulating air contamination during spring in Beijing.
Food-Related Consumer Behavior Endorsing European Food Chain Sustainability—A Marketing Study on the Romanian Consumer
Authors: Strambu-Dima Andreea
Published: July 2022

The efforts of regulators and food industry actors to achieve ambitious European sustainability objectives should not only be based on, but also supported by, consumers’ behavior, since customers’ demand has the ability to determine changes in the whole food system. This paper’s systemic approach to customers’ sustainable food-related habits and opinions during purchase, consumption and waste management offers a comprehensive view of their decision criteria, their motivations and their preferred incentives. Researching the Romanian consumer’s sustainable habits yields some results which confirm findings of previous studies, including customers’ distrust of sustainable labels and ecological products being considered too expensive. Meanwhile, other results offer novel insights on the matter, such as distrust in the European Union food policy and the high importance of proximity both for retailers and for recycling facilities. Four customer profiles with different interests and behaviors were identified: the Principled, adopting many sustainable behaviors out of principle, despite their low level of food expenditures; the Wannabes, adopting some fashionable sustainable habits; and the Privileged and the Sceptics, adopting very few sustainable habits, the first to ensure their social and economic status and the second to save some money.
An Efficient Fault Detection Method for Induction Motors Using Thermal Imaging and Machine Vision
Authors: Javed Muhammad Rameez , Shabbir Zain , Asghar Furqan , Amjad Waseem , Mahmood Faisal , Khan Muhammad Omer , Virk Umar Siddique , Waleed Aashir , Haider Zunaib Maqsood
Published: July 2022

Induction motors (IMs) are the backbone of industry, and play a vital role in daily life as well. However, induction motors face various faults during their operation, which may cause overheating, energy losses, and failure in the motors. Keeping in mind the severity of the issues associated with fault occurrence, this paper proposes a novel method of fault detection in induction motors by using “Machine Vision (MV)” along with “Infrared Thermography (IRT)”. It is worth mentioning that the timely prevention of faults in the IM ensures the motor’s safety from failures, and provides longer service life. In this work, a dataset of thermal images of an induction motor under different conditions (i.e., normal operation, overloaded, and fault) was developed using an infrared camera without disturbing the working condition of the motor. Then, the extracted thermal images were effectively used for the feature extraction and training by local octa pattern (LOP) and support-vector machine (SVM) classifiers, respectively. In order to enhance the quality of feature extraction from images, the LOP was implemented along with a genetic algorithm (GA). Finally, the proposed methodology was implemented and validated by detecting the faults introduced in an induction motor in real time. In addition to that, a comparative study of the suggested methodology with existing methods also verified the supremacy and effectiveness of the proposed method in comparison to the previous techniques.
Numerical Analysis of the Crown Displacements Caused by Tunnel Excavation with Rock Bolts
Authors: Chen Shong-Loong , Hsu Kuen-Jeng , Tang Chao-Wei , Zhang Xiao-Ling , Lai Chia-Hung
Published: July 2022

The complex geological structure of Taiwan often makes it difficult to control the deformation behavior of tunnel excavations. To simplify analyses, most traditional empirical formulations and modern numerical analyses do not consider the existence of rock bolts. For this reason, this study aimed to investigate the vertical displacements caused in tunnel crowns under various geological conditions using a three-dimensional finite element analysis with tunnels of different cross sections as an example. The analysis was performed using two rock material models: the Mohr–Coulomb and Hoek–Brown models. The results indicated that there was an insignificant difference between the two models in terms of the magnitudes of displacement and the distribution profiles obtained. When a tunnel was being excavated, the weaker the site was geologically and the larger the cross section, the larger the vertical crown displacement. In addition, the presence of rock bolts had a significant influence on the displacement in areas where the geology was weak and the cross section was large. The numerical analysis results of the Mohr–Coulomb and Hoek–Brown models were compared with the values calculated using the formulas suggested by Unlu and Gercek. At the excavation face, the displacement ratio derived from the prediction formula of Unlu and Gercek was smaller than the numerical analysis result, and the difference between the two became larger when the rock mass quality was worse.
On Filters of Bitonic Algebras
Authors: Ayar Özbal Şule
Published: July 2022

With the deep study in this work, we introduce the concept of filters of a bitonic algebra A. We study some fundamental structures of such determined filters. We also focus on features of filters with respect to homomorphisms. With the help of the idea of upper sets, we investigate basic ideas of filters in a bitonic algebra, and we also state some important theorems related to them. We obtain some relations between filters of bitonic algebras and upper sets. We obtain an equivalent condition of the filters with the help of the notion of upper sets.
Generalized Inequalities of Hilbert-Type on Time Scales Nabla Calculus
Authors: Zakarya Mohammed , AlNemer Ghada , Saied Ahmed I. , Butush Roqia , Bazighifan Omar , Rezk Haytham M.
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we prove some new generalized inequalities of Hilbert-type on time scales nabla calculus by applying Hölder’s inequality, Young’s inequality, and Jensen’s inequality. Symmetrical properties play an essential role in determining the correct methods to solve inequalities.
An Effective Projection Method for Solving a Coupled System of Fractional-Order Bagley–Torvik Equations via Fractional Shifted Legendre Polynomials
Authors: Althubiti Saeed , Mennouni Abdelaziz
Published: July 2022

This work proposes a valuable and successful strategy for approximating the solutions to the Bagley–Torvik system, which plays an essential role in fractional calculus. The Caputo sense is used to derive the basic conformable fractional. The Bagley–Torvik problem is numerically solved in this study using an effective symmetric projection method. From this symmetry, there are some interesting original results. The proposed approach has two key benefits. We began by converting the connected fractional Bagley–Torvik equations into two fractional-order Bagley–Torvik equations, which we then solved using the current method. Second, two linear equation systems are solved to obtain approximate solutions.
Effects of Amendments and Indigenous Microorganisms on the Growth and Cd and Pb Uptake of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) in Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soils
Authors: Mi Nana , Hao Wenying , Zhou Zixin , Li Longcheng , Wang Fayuan , Gai Jingping
Published: July 2022

Heavy metal (HM) contamination of soils is a worldwide problem with adverse consequences to the environment and human health. For the safe production of vegetables in contaminated soil, efficient soil amendments need to be applied such as nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAP) and poly γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA), which can mitigate heavy metal uptake and enhance crop yield. However, the combined effects of soil amendments and indigenous microorganisms (IMOs) on HMs immobilisation and accumulation by crops have received little attention. We established a pot experiment to investigate the effects of IMOs combined with n-HAP and γ-PGA on coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) growth and its Cd and Pb uptake in two acidic soils contaminated with HMs. The study demonstrated that applying n-HAP, with and without IMOs, significantly increased shoot dry biomass and reduced plant Cd and Pb uptake and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) extractable Cd and Pb concentrations in most cases. However, γ-PGA, with and without IMOs, only reduced soil DTPA-extractable Pb concentrations in slightly contaminated soil with 0.29 mg/kg Cd and 50.9 mg/kg Pb. Regardless of amendments, IMOs independently increased shoot dry biomass and soil DTPA-extractable Cd concentrations in moderately contaminated soil with 1.08 mg/kg Cd and 100.0 mg/kg Pb. A synergistic effect was observed with a combined IMOs and n-HAP treatment, where DTPA-extractable Cd and Pb concentrations decreased in slightly contaminated soil compared with the independent IMOs and n-HAP treatments. The combined treatment of γ-PGA and IMOs substantially increased shoot dry biomass in moderately contaminated soil. These results indicate that solo n-HAP enhanced plant growth and soil Cd and Pb immobilisation, and mitigated Cd and Pb accumulation in shoots. However, the combination of n-HAP and IMOs was optimal for stabilising and reducing HMs’ uptake and promoting plant growth in contaminated soil, suggesting its potential for safe crop production.
Outcomes of COVID-19 in a Large Cohort of Lung Transplant Recipients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Franco-Palacios Domingo J. , Lu Mei , Fitzmaurice Mary Grace , Alangaden George
Published: July 2022

Background: Early reports of COVID-19 in lung transplant recipients (LTRs) showed high hospitalization and mortality rates. However, the outcomes of COVID-19 in LTRs since the advent of newer therapies and vaccines have been poorly defined. Methods: We evaluated the risks for SARS-CoV-2-related hospitalization and mortality in a cohort of LTRs at the Henry Ford Lung Transplant Program in Detroit, Michigan during the study period March 2020–March 2022. Univariate logistic regression, followed by multivariable modeling were performed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confident intervals (CI). Results: Sixty-four laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections were identified in 59 patients. For the primary analysis of the hospitalization and mortality risks, we included these 59 patients with symptomatic COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 infections were confirmed with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from a nasopharynx swab. The mean age (±STD) was 61 (±12), 63% were males, 27% were African Americans, and the time from lung transplant to COVID-19 was 5.5 (±4.8) years. Thirty-four (57.6%) patients were hospitalized, and the inpatient mortality rate was 24% (8/34). A multivariable analysis showed that patients with a higher baseline forced expiratory volume (FEV1) were less likely to be hospitalized (OR = 0.91 and 95% CI 0.87–0.98, p = 0.02). Seventy-five percent (75%; 6/8) of patients on invasive mechanical ventilation died, compared with only 8% mortality rate in those without mechanical ventilation (OR = 36.0 and 95% CI 4.2–310.4, p < 0.01). Although a trend toward a higher risk of death was observed in those infected during the Alpha (p = 0.17) and Delta (p = 0.22) waves, no significant risk was detected after adjusting for other covariates. Five LTRs were diagnosed with COVID-19 twice. Thirty of the sixty-four COVID-19 cases (46.8%) occurred in LTRs that had received at least two doses of any of the available mRNA vaccines at a median of 123 days (IQR 98–164 days) after vaccination. Twelve of the thirty (40%) were hospitalized, and four patients (33%) died during their hospitalizations. Conclusions: In our LTR population, the hospitalization and mortality rates associated with COVID-19 were high despite the increased use of new therapies. Vaccine-breakthrough infections were common and were associated with poor outcomes. Studies are needed to determine optimal prevention and therapeutic strategies to improve COVID-19 outcomes in LTRs.
Co-Infection with Plasmodium vivax and COVID-19 in Thailand
Authors: Boonyarangka Parat , Phontham Kittijarankon , Sriwichai Sabaithip , Poramathikul Kamonporn , Harncharoenkul Krit , Kuntawunginn Worachet , Maneesrikhum Napat , Srisawath Sarayouth , Seenuan Chanida , Thanyakait Chattakorn , Inkabajan Kanjana , Pludpiem Suda , Pidtana Kingkan , Demons Samandra , Vesely Brian , Wojnarski Mariusz , Griesenbeck John S. , Spring Michele
Published: July 2022

With the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, healthcare systems not only had to address the pressing clinical needs of the COVID-19 pandemic but anticipate the effect on and of other conditions and diseases. This was of particular concern in areas of the world endemic with malaria, a disease which takes hundreds of thousands of lives each year. This case report from Thailand describes a 25-year-old man diagnosed with Plasmodium vivax, who was then found to be co-infected with COVID-19. Both conditions can have overlapping acute febrile illness symptoms which may delay or complicate diagnoses. He had no prior history of malaria and had received two vaccinations against COVID-19. His clinical course was mild with no pulmonary complications or oxygen requirement, and he responded well to treatments for both conditions. Three months after cure, he again contracted COVID-19 but did not experience any P. vivax relapse. Review of the available literature produced less than 10 publications describing co-infections with P. vivax and COVID-19; nonetheless, in endemic areas, vigilance for both diseases should continue, as co-infections could significantly alter the course of clinical management and prognosis as well as affect the healthcare staff caring for these patients.
An Updated View of the Milky Way from Maser Astrometry
Authors: Immer Katharina , Rygl Kazi L. J.
Published: July 2022

Astrometric observations of maser sources in the Milky Way, using the Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) technique, have been exploited to determine the spiral structure of our Galaxy. Several major spiral arms have now been pinpointed in the first and second Galactic quadrants. Fundamental Galactic parameters such as the distance to the Galactic Centre and the rotation curve and speed have been determined. In this review, we discuss the latest results from the Bar and Spiral Structure Legacy survey, the VLBI Exploration of Radio Astrometry survey and other VLBI arrays and compare them with astrometric measurements of stars from the Gaia mission. In particular, we present the peculiarities of the individual spiral arms and a thorough discussion of the methods to determine different Galactic parameters as well as the obtained values.
A Novel Iridovirus Discovered in Deep-Sea Carnivorous Sponges
Authors: Canuti Marta , Large Gabrielle , Verhoeven Joost T. P. , Dufour Suzanne C.
Published: July 2022

Carnivorous sponges (family Cladorhizidae) use small invertebrates as their main source of nutrients. We discovered a novel iridovirus (carnivorous sponge-associated iridovirus, CaSpA-IV) in Chondrocladia grandis and Cladorhiza oxeata specimens collected in the Arctic and Atlantic oceans at depths of 537–852 m. The sequenced viral genome (~190,000 bp) comprised 185 predicted ORFs, including those encoding 26 iridoviral core proteins, and phylogenetic analyses showed that CaSpA-IV is a close relative to members of the genus Decapodiridovirus and highly identical to a partially sequenced virus pathogenic to decapod shrimps. CaSpA-IV was found in various anatomical regions of six C. grandis (sphere, stem, root) from the Gulf of Maine and Baffin Bay and of two C. oxeata (sphere, secondary axis) from Baffin Bay. Partial MCP sequencing revealed a divergent virus (CaSpA-IV-2) in one C. oxeata. The analysis of a 10 nt long tandem repeat showed a number of repeats consistent across sub-sections of the same sponges but different between animals, suggesting the presence of different strains. As the genetic material of crustaceans, particularly from the zooplanktonic copepod order Calanoida, was identified in the investigated samples, further studies are required to elucidate whether CaSpA-IV infects the carnivorous sponges, their crustacean prey, or both.
History of the Wastewater Assessment of Polio and Non-Polio Enteroviruses in the Slovak Republic in 1963–2019
Authors: Kissova Renata , Pastuchova Katarina , Lengyelova Viera , Svitok Marek , Mikas Jan , Klement Cyril , Bopegamage Shubhada
Published: July 2022

We describe the genesis of poliovirus (PV) and non-polio enterovirus (NPEV) surveillance program of sewage wastewaters from its inception to the present in the Slovak Republic (SR). Sampling procedures and evolution of the methodology used in the SR for the detection of PVs and NPEVs are presented chronologically. For statistical data processing, we divided our dataset into two periods, the first period from 1963 to 1998 (35 years), and the second period from 1999 to 2019 (21 years). Generalized additive models were used to assess temporal trends in the probability of occurrence of major EV serotypes during both periods. Canonical correspondence analysis on relative abundance data was used to test temporal changes in the composition of virus assemblages over the second period. The probability of occurrence of major viruses PV, coxsackieviruses (CVA, CVB), and Echoviruses (E)) significantly changed over time. We found that 1015 isolated PVs were of vaccine origin, called “Sabin-like” (isolates PV1, PV2, PV3). The composition of EV assemblages changed significantly during the second period. We conclude that during the whole period, CVB5, CVB4, and E3 were prominent NPEVS in the SR.
Isolation and Characterization of a Lytic Vibrio parahaemolyticus Phage vB_VpaP_GHSM17 from Sewage Samples
Authors: Liang Xunru , Wang Yuhang , Hong Bin , Li Yanmei , Ma Yi , Wang Jufang
Published: July 2022

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a major foodborne pathogen and the main cause of diarrheal diseases transmitted by seafood such as fish, shrimp, and shellfish. In the current study, a novel lytic phage infecting V. parahaemolyticus, vB_VpaP_GHSM17, was isolated from the sewage of a seafood market, Huangsha, Guangzhou, and its morphology, biochemistry, and taxonomy features were identified. Morphological observation revealed that GHSM17 had an icosahedral head with a short, non-contractile tail. The double-stranded DNA genome of GHSM17 consisted of 43,228 bp with a GC content of 49.42%. In total, 45 putative ORFs were identified in the GHSM17 genome. Taxonomic analysis indicated GHSM17 belonging to genus Maculvirus, family Autographiviridae. In addition, GHSM17 was stable over a wide range of temperatures (20–60 °C) and pH (5–11) and was completely inactivated after 70 min of ultraviolet irradiation. The bacterial inhibition assay revealed that GHSM17 could inhibit the growth of V. parahaemolyticus within 8 h. The results support that phage GHSM17 may be a potential candidate in the biological control of V. parahaemolyticus contamination in aquaculture.
Vaccination and Antibody Testing in Cats
Authors: Egberink Herman , Frymus Tadeusz , Hartmann Katrin , Möstl Karin , Addie Diane D. , Belák Sándor , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Hofmann-Lehmann Regina , Lloret Albert , Marsilio Fulvio , Pennisi Maria Grazia , Tasker Séverine , Thiry Etienne , Truyen Uwe , Hosie Margaret J.
Published: July 2022

Vaccines protect cats from serious diseases by inducing antibodies and cellular immune responses. Primary vaccinations and boosters are given according to vaccination guidelines provided by industry and veterinary organizations, based on minimal duration of immunity (DOI). For certain diseases, particularly feline panleukopenia, antibody titres correlate with protection. For feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus, a similar correlation is absent, or less clear. In this review, the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD) presents current knowledge and expert opinion on the use of antibody testing in different situations. Antibody testing can be performed either in diagnostic laboratories, or in veterinary practice using point of care (POC) tests, and can be applied for several purposes, such as to provide evidence that a successful immune response was induced following vaccination. In adult cats, antibody test results can inform the appropriate re-vaccination interval. In shelters, antibody testing can support the control of FPV outbreaks by identifying potentially unprotected cats. Antibody testing has also been proposed to support decisions on optimal vaccination schedules for the individual kitten. However, such testing is still expensive and it is considered impractical to monitor the decline of maternally derived antibodies.
Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Pustular Psoriasis: A Single-Center Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Gisondi Paolo , Bellinato Francesco , Girolomoni Giampiero
Published: July 2022

Clinical and epidemiologic data on pustular psoriasis are scarce. To investigate the phenotypes of pustular psoriasis and the patients’ characteristics observed in a real-life retrospective observational study. The number of incident cases of pustular psoriasis registered in the period 2005–2021 was retrieved from the electronic medical records of the University Hospital of Verona. One hundred and forty cases of pustular psoriasis were collected. Ninety-one out of 140 patients (65%) were females, with a median (IQR) age of 57 (43–66) years. According to the ERASPEN classification criteria, 116 patients (83%) had palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP), 13 (9%) generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), and 11 (8%) acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (ACH). Gender distribution and median age were consistent among the three groups. The prevalence of psoriatic arthritis in GPP, ACH, and PPP was 8%, 36%, and 28%, respectively. During the same period, a total of 4718 cases of plaque psoriasis were retrieved, with a 1:34 ratio of pustular over plaque psoriasis. Pustular psoriasis is much rarer than plaque psoriasis, with PPP being the more common subtype.
Monitoring Duckweeds (Lemna minor) in Small Rivers Using Sentinel-2 Satellite Imagery: Application of Vegetation and Water Indices to the Lis River (Portugal)
Authors: Gerardo Romeu , de Lima Isabel P.
Published: July 2022

Duckweed species, particularly Lemna minor, are widely found in freshwaters all over the world. This macrophyte provides multiple ecosystems’ functions and services, but its excessive proliferation can have negative environmental impacts (including ecological and socio-economic impacts). This work explores the use of remote sensing tools for mapping the dynamics of Lemna minor in open watercourses, which could contribute to identifying suitable monitoring programs and integrated management practices. The study focuses on a selected section of the Lis River (Portugal), a small river that is often affected by water pollution. The study approach uses spatiotemporal multispectral data from the Sentinel-2 satellite and from 2021 and investigates the potential of remote sensing-based vegetation and water indices (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (GNDVI), Normalized Difference Aquatic Vegetation Index (NDAVI), Green Red Vegetation Index (GRVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI)) for detecting duckweeds’ infestation and its severity. The NDAVI was identified as the vegetation index (VI) that better depicted the presence of duckweeds in the surface of the water course; however, results obtained for the other VIs are also encouraging, with NDVI showing a response that is very similar to NDAVI. Results are promising regarding the ability of remote sensing products to provide insight into the behavior of Lemna minor and to identify problematic sections along small watercourses.
Reconstruction of Hydrometeorological Data Using Dendrochronology and Machine Learning Approaches to Bias-Correct Climate Models in Northern Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Isaev Erkin , Ermanova Mariiash , Sidle Roy C. , Zaginaev Vitalii , Kulikov Maksim , Chontoev Dogdurbek
Published: July 2022

Tree-ring-width chronologies for 33 samples of Picea abies (L.) Karst. were developed, and a relationship between tree growth and hydrometeorological features was established and analyzed. Precipitation, temperature, and discharge records were extrapolated to understand past climate trends to evaluate the accuracy of global climate models (GCMs). Using Machine Learning (ML) approaches, hydrometeorological records were reconstructed/extrapolated back to 1886. An increase in the mean annual temperature (Tmeana) increased the mean annual discharge (Dmeana) via glacier melting; however, no temporal trends in annual precipitation were detected. For these reconstructed climate data, root-mean-square error (RMSE), Taylor diagrams, and Kling–Gupta efficiency (KGE) were used to evaluate and assess the robustness of GCMs. The CORDEX REMO models indicated the best performance for simulating precipitation and temperature over northern Tien Shan; these models replicated historical Tmena and Pa quite well (KGE = 0.24 and KGE = 0.24, respectively). Moreover, the multi-model ensembles with selected GCMs and bias correction can significantly increase the performance of climate models, especially for mountains region where small-scale orographic effects abound.
Invasive Alien Species of Benthic Macroinvertebrates and Fish in the Bulgarian Sector of the Danube River—Results of the Joint Danube Survey 4 (JDS4)
Authors: Trichkova Teodora , Todorov Milcho , Kenderov Marian , Hubenov Zdravko , Botev Ivan , Stefanov Tihomir , Georgiev Dilian , Jurajda Pavel
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was to assess the status of aquatic invasive alien species (IAS) in the shoreline zone of the Bulgarian sector of the Danube River, Danube tributaries, and adjacent standing water bodies in the frame of the Joint Danube Survey 4 (JDS4). Seven benthic macroinvertebrates and seven fish IAS were identified. The crayfish Faxonius limosus was frequently found and abundant in the tributaries. The mussels Corbicula fluminea, Dreissena rostriformis bugensis, and Sinanodonta woodiana dominated in the Danube River and the middle and lower reaches of the tributaries, while the fish Carassius gibelio, Perccottus glenii, and Lepomis gibbosus were most abundant in the standing water bodies. The integrated biocontamination estimated by taxonomic groups (crayfish, molluscs, and fish), sampling methods, and type of water bodies ranged from moderate in the shoreline zone of the Danube River, through moderate to high in the canals and lakes, to severe in the Danube tributaries and the reservoirs. The results demonstrate the importance of IAS in the assessment of the ecological status/potential of the water bodies in the DRB. The comprehensive evaluation of the aquatic IAS pressure will provide valuable information and support for the implementation of the national and EU IAS and water policies in the DRB.
Simulation Study on Hydrological Process of Soil Cracks in Open-Pit Coal Mine Dump
Authors: Lv Gang , He Cong , Du Xinpeng , Li Yexin
Published: July 2022

The dumping site is the most serious soil erosion area in an industrial and mining construction area. The development of cracks and water movement in the dumping site is the main factors that induce slope collapse. In this text, the influence of the crack width, rainfall intensity, and two simulation methods of hydrological processes are investigated under artificial rainfall conditions. The results show that the total runoff is affected by two factors, namely rainfall intensity and crack width, and the total runoff decreases with the increase in the crack width. The stable infiltration rate decreases with the increase in the crack width under the same rainfall intensities. When the rainfall intensity is greater than 90 mm/h, the contribution of leakage to the total infiltration is more than 50%. Under simulated rainfall conditions, the total runoff of the solid model was reduced by 5% to 13% compared with the equivalent model. Hence, the cumulative leakage of the solid model is 29% to 71% larger than that of the equivalent model under the same conditions. In this text, the transformation equations from the solid model of the dump site to the equivalent models of runoff, infiltration, and leakage are constructed, and then it can be corrected by the fitting equation.
Fotocatálisis con dióxido de titanio nanoparticulado como método alternativo para depurar agua de mar destinada a la acuicultura
Authors: Bernal José , Guevara Miguel , Pérez Francisco , Zapata-Vìvenes Edgar Alexander
Published: July 2022

El agua utilizada en acuicultura debe presentar excelente calidad microbiológica, de manera que garantice el éxito de la producción. En esta industria se utilizan frecuentemente algunos métodos de tratamientos microbicidas tales como filtración, cloración, luz UV, etc., que además de ser costosos, pueden generar compuestos tóxicos. En orden de buscar métodos alternativos para el tratamiento de agua para uso acuícola, la presente investigación evaluó las bondades de la fotolisis directa y la fotocatálisis heterogénea con nanopartículas de dióxido de titanio (FH-NPTiO2) con la finalidad de cultivar microalgas y rotíferos a baja escala. Una reducción significativa fue observada en el crecimiento de mesófilos aerobios totales y hongos en el agua de mar tratada con FH-NPTiO2, en comparación a la fotolisis directa. La calidad del agua tratada con FH-TiO2 permitió crecimiento de la microalga Tetraselmis chuii y del rotífero Brachionus plicatilis (alimentados con T. chuii), similar al cultivo en agua filtrada y esterilizada con UV. Cuarenta y ocho horas fue el tiempo de desinfección efectivo (TDE) para el agua tratada con FH-NPTiO2. Los resultados demuestran que la FH-NPTiO2 es una tecnología que puede aportar soluciones innovadoras en el tratamiento del agua para la acuicultura.
Efecto de medicamentos homeopáticos de uso humano en reproductores de ostión Americano Crassostrea virginica
Authors: Mazón-Suástegui José Manuel , García Bernal Milagro Ramona , Arcos-Ortega Guadalupe Fabiola , Tordecillas-Guillén Jorge Luis , Barajas-Ponce Ulysses , Rodríguez-Jaramillo Carmen , Betanzos-Vega Abel
Published: July 2022

En laboratorio ostrícola comercial (Centro Ostrícola Tecnológico de Tabasco, COTET-México), se evaluó el efecto de medicamentos homeopáticos autorizados para uso humano por la Secretaría de Salud de México y productos homeopáticos diseñados por el CIBNOR (Patente en trámite), en adultos reproductores de ostión Americano Crassostrea virginica. La respuesta fisiológica se cuantificó mediante la frecuencia de estadios de desarrollo gonádico (%) en hembras y machos en un periodo de 30 días. En el diseño experimental se consideró una muestra inicial (T0), dos tratamientos homeopáticos [T1 (ViP-7C + ViA-7C), T2 (PhA- 7C + SiT-7C)] y un tratamiento control T3 (Agua Destilada). Al concluir el bioensayo (T30), los reproductores que recibieron tratamiento homeopático, fueron capaces de desovar y producir larvas viables.
Inteligencia social y convivencia escolar en una institución pública del Perú
Authors: VILLAVICENCIO FLORES JULIA MAXIMINA , BOCANEGRA MORALES MIRTHA Betty , CORDERO SARMIENTO Lisset Ketty , MORÁN ESPINO Cindy ELIZABETH
Published: July 2022

La investigación se realizó en el distrito de Los Olivos, tuvo como objetivo general  determinar la relación entre la inteligencia social y la convivencia escolar en los estudiantes del V ciclo de una institución educativa. El estudio se encuentra bajo el paradigma cuantitativo, método hipotético-deductivo, de diseño no experimental- transversal. La población estuvo conformada por 198 estudiantes y la muestra fue de 131. La técnica empleada para recolectar la información fue la encuesta y los instrumentos de recolección de datos fueron dos cuestionarios. Los resultados de la investigación dan una correlación de Rho de Spearman de ,978 entre la variable inteligencia social y la variable convivencia escolar, lo que indica que existe correlación fuerte entre las variables mencionadas y la significancia de p= ,000 es menor a ? = ,05 por lo cual se acepta la hipótesis del investigador. Concluyendo que existe una relación directa     y significativa entre la variable: inteligencia social y los componentes de la variable: convivencia escolar.
Estrategias innovadoras, su importancia en el siglo XXI
Authors: CASTRO SANTIAGO , GUZMÁN BELKYS
Published: July 2022

Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo interpretar la percepción de los entrevistados en relación con las estrategias en el proceso de aplicación del curso en función de: La red de relaciones entre los docentes y alumnos de cada grupo (interacciones, clima de aula), las estrategias metodológicas utilizadas en los procesos de enseñanza y aprendizaje, las estrategias de evaluación del aprendizaje. En función de su pertinencia y adecuación a las nuevas tendencias educativas. El estudio se abordó a través de la metodología cualitativa. Se realizaron entrevistas a profundidad, acompañadas de un proceso de observación y de análisis de documentos, lo que permitió describir, analizar e interpretar, las percepciones de los sujetos de estudio en cuanto a las estrategias del curso y sus interrelaciones. Entre los hallazgos se tienen que las estrategias son innovadoras son altamente efectivas, eficientes y dentro de un clima de respeto y democracia propician en el estudiante un aprendizaje significativo.
Reapertura de las escuelas durante la pandemia COVID-19
Authors: MEJIA NARRO ELIZABETH CATHELINE , PARRA OCAMPO PAOLA JULIA
Published: July 2022

El presente trabajo de investigación tiene como objetivo general, analizar la reapertura de los colegios durante la pandemia del COVID 19 de las zonas rurales, coadyuvando al sistema de educación peruano, aplicándolo en los planes nacionales y planes sectoriales que ayudarían a la mejora continua de la Educación. La adaptación al sistema académico en tiempos de pandemia ha demandado un doble esfuerzo al maestro y los estudiantes. El gobierno peruano adoptó medidas de emergencia que a decir verdad fueron transitorias, pero muy radicales, tanto así que, las Instituciones públicas no tuvieron oportunidad ni tiempo de reacción. La crisis actual por la pandemia, no tiene precedente histórico en el Perú, dada su extensa duración. Hemos investigado las políticas sectoriales al reingreso a las aulas de clases de los estudiantes por la crisis sanitaria en el Perú, y qué necesidades deberán atenderse, ante el panorama que se avizora para el futuro.
Distribution- and Metabolism-Based Drug Discovery: A Potassium-Competitive Acid Blocker as a Proof of Concept
Authors: Wang Ming-Shu , Gong Yi , Zhuo Lin-Sheng , Shi Xing-Xing , Tian Yan-Guang , Huang Chang-Kang , Huang Wei , Yang Guang-Fu
Published: July 2022

Conventional methods of drug design require compromise in the form of side effects to achieve sufficient efficacy because targeting drugs to specific organs remains challenging. Thus, new strategies to design organ-specific drugs that induce little toxicity are needed. Based on characteristic tissue niche-mediated drug distribution (TNMDD) and patterns of drug metabolism into specific intermediates, we propose a strategy of distribution- and metabolism-based drug design (DMBDD); through a physicochemical property-driven distribution optimization cooperated with a well-designed metabolism pathway, SH-337, a candidate potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB), was designed. SH-337 showed specific distribution in the stomach in the long term and was rapidly cleared from the systemic compartment. Therefore, SH-337 exerted a comparable pharmacological effect but a 3.3-fold higher no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) compared with FDA-approved vonoprazan. This study contributes a proof-of-concept demonstration of DMBDD and provides a new perspective for the development of highly efficient, organ-specific drugs with low toxicity.
Perancangan Buku Ilustrasi Sebagai Media Pengenalan Buah Tropis Indonesia Untuk Usia 6-12 Tahun
Authors: Bangsawan Arjuna , Noviadji Benny Rahmawan , Loadijaya Robin
Published: July 2022

Buah tropis merupakan buah yang tumbuh di iklim tropis atau di daerah khatulistiwa. Indonesia memiliki ragam jenis buah tropis yang lezat dan bermanfaat, namun sebagian besar buah tersebut diekspor ke luar negeri. Hanya sebagian kecil orang yang mengenal dan mengonsumsi buah tropis termasuk anak-anak dalam usia pertumbuhannya, bahkan anak-anak lebih suka mengkonsumsi jajanan yang dijual di sekolah. Pentingnya edukasi tentang pengenalan buah-buahan khususnya buah tropis dan manfaatnya sangat diperlukan bagi pemenuhan gizi dan pertumbuhan anak. Perancangan ini menggunakan Metode penelitian kualitatif (wawancara) dengan dokter umum dan dokter ahli gizi, serta beberapa sumber lain seperti buku, jurnal dan internet. Metode perancangan yang digunakan terdiri dari empat tahapan, yaitu tahap preproduction planning, tahap perancangan konsep, tahap production, tahap final. Pada media utama memiliki dua seri buku ilustrasi yang berjudul “Mengenal Buah Tropis dan Manfaatnya”, seri pertama membahas buah tropis yang mudah ditemui dan seri kedua membahas buah tropis yang jarang ditemui, dengan masing-masing 20 jenis buah, serta pembuatan media pendukung untuk menunjang media utama. perancangan ini bertujuan agar anak dapat mengenal buah tropis di Indonesia dan sebagai media pembelajaran yang atraktif bagi anak usia 6-12 tahun, diharapkan dapat menarik perhatian pembaca dan pembaca dapat memahami buah tropis yang ada di Indonesia.
Assessment of Strategic Healthcare Purchasing Arrangements and Functions Towards Universal Coverage in Tanzania
Authors: Kuwawenaruwa August , Makawia Suzan , Binyaruka Peter , Manzi Fatuma
Published: July 2022

Background: Strategic health purchasing in low- and middle-income countries has received substantial attention as countries aim to achieve universal health coverage (UHC), by ensuring equitable access to quality health services without the risk of financial hardship. There is little evidence published from Tanzania on purchasing arrangements and what is required for strategic purchasing. This study analyses three purchasing arrangements in Tanzania and gives recommendations to strengthen strategic purchasing in Tanzania. Methods: We used the multi-case qualitative study drawing on the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), Social Health Insurance Benefit (SHIB), and improved Community Health Fund (iCHF) to explore the three purchasing arrangements with a purchaser-provider split. Data were drawn from document reviews and results were validated with nine key informant (KI) interviews with a range of actors involved in strategic purchasing. A deductive and inductive approach was used to develop the themes and framework analysis to summarize the data. Results: The findings show that benefit selection for all three schemes was based on the standard treatment guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health. Selection-contracting of the private healthcare providers are based on the location of the provider, the range of services available as stipulated in the scheme guideline, and the willingness of the provider to be contracted. NHF uses fee-for-service to reimburse providers. While SHIB and iCHF use capitation. NHIF has an electronic system to monitor registration, verification, claims processing, and referrals. While SHIB monitoring is done through routine supportive supervision and for the iCHF provider performance is monitored through utilization rates. Conclusion: Enforcing compliance with the contractual agreement between providers-purchasers is crucial for the provision of quality services in an efficient manner. Investment in a routine monitoring system, such as the use of the district health information system which allows effective tracking of healthcare service delivery, and broader population healthcare outcomes.
Beyond Microsystem Fixes: Targeting National Drivers of Low-Value Care Comment on "Key Factors that Promote Low-Value Care: Views of Experts From the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands"
Authors: Weinerman Adina , Soong Christine
Published: July 2022

Low-value care drivers and interventions are often focused on a microsystem (eg, clinic or inpatient ward) or within a health system. Identification of national drivers such as payment structure and medical culture of overuse can help identify regional approaches to reducing low-value care. However, these approaches in isolation are insufficient and require additional strategies. These can include policy and payment changes and adopting shared decision-making (SDM). SDM has the potential to move medical culture away from the ‘more is better’ paternalistic and physician-centric culture to one that actively engages patients as full partners in managing their care.
Linking Costs and Quality in Healthcare: Towards Sustainable Healthcare Systems Comment on "Hospitals Bending the Cost Curve With Increased Quality: A Scoping Review Into Integrated Hospital Strategies"
Authors: Bal Roland , Wallenburg Iris
Published: July 2022

Organisation-wide studies in cost and quality of care are rare, and Wackers et al make a valuable contribution in synthesizing the literature on this issue. Their paper provides a good overview of initiatives and a list of factors that help in furthering organisation-wide change. The eleven factors they distill from the literate however remain rather abstract and more work needs to be done to contextualize the factors and the work that is needed to accomplish them and to see how they are aligned. Challenges in healthcare quality and costs moreover increasingly cross organizational boundaries and we need new methods to study and evaluate these.