Genetic Characterization of Novel H7Nx Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses from Wild Birds in South Korea during the Winter of 2020–2021

Zoonotic infection with avian influenza viruses (AIVs) of subtype H7, such as H7N9 and H7N4, has raised concerns worldwide. During the winter of 2020–2021, five novel H7 low pathogenic AIVs (LPAIVs) containing different neuraminidase (NA) subtypes, including two H7N3, an H7N8, and two H7N9, were detected in wild bird feces in South Korea. Complete genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that the novel H7Nx AIVs were reassortants containing two gene segments (hemagglutinin (HA) and matrix) that were related to the zoonotic Jiangsu–Cambodian H7 viruses causing zoonotic infection and six gene segments originating from LPAIVs circulating in migratory birds in Eurasia. A genomic constellation analysis demonstrated that all H7 isolates contained a mix of gene segments from different viruses, indicating that multiple reassortment occurred. The well-known mammalian adaptive substitution (E627K and D701N) in PB2 was not detected in any of these isolates. The detection of multiple reassortant H7Nx AIVs in wild birds highlights the need for intensive surveillance in both wild birds and poultry in Eurasia.

Сomparative study of the accuracy of Earth observation by satellite constellations in high elliptical orbits

The paper provides results of estimated accuracy comparisons for applied satellite constellations (ASC) in Molniya-type high elliptical orbits based on a previously presented criterion for analysis of accuracy parameters of ASC that observe targets on the Earth surface and/or in the layer above the surface, which is not dependent on specific features of the onboard equipment, but rather on the structure and dynamics of the ASC. The paper provides an algorithm for numerical simulations of ASC. The paper discusses accuracy parameters for ASC in high elliptical orbits in various orbital configurations, as well as a combined option involving spacecraft in geostationary orbit. It defines key trajectory design parameters driving the ASC accuracy. The results can be used for selecting the initial ASC configuration in high elliptical orbits during preliminary design phase. Key words: observation satellite systems, high elliptical orbits, accuracy criterion, satellite constellation analysis.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE ACCURACY OF EARTH OBSERVATION BY SATELLITE CONSTELLATIONS IN HIGH ELLIPTICAL ORBITS

The paper provides results of estimated accuracy comparisons for applied satellite constellations (ASC) in Molniya-type high elliptical orbits based on a previously presented criterion for analysis of accuracy parameters of ASC that observe targets on the Earth surface and/or in the layer above the surface, which is not dependent on specific features of the onboard equipment, but rather on the structure and dynamics of the ASC. The paper provides an algorithm for numerical simulations of ASC. The paper discusses accuracy parameters for ASC in high elliptical orbits in various orbital configurations, as well as a combined option involving spacecraft in geostationary orbit. It defines key trajectory design parameters driving the ASC accuracy. The results can be used for selecting the initial ASC configuration in high elliptical orbits during preliminary design phase. Key words: observation satellite systems, high elliptical orbits, accuracy criterion, satellite constellation analysis.

Isolation and characterization of low pathogenic H7N7 avian influenza virus from a red-crowned crane in a zoo in South Korea

Background South Korea conducts annual national surveillance programs to detect avian influenza (AI) in domestic poultry, live bird markets, and wild birds. In March 2017, an AIV was isolated from fecal samples in an outdoor aviary flight cage in a zoo in Korea. Results Nucleotide sequencing identified the isolate as low pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIV) H7N7, and DNA barcoding analysis identified the host species as red-crowned crane. This isolate was designated A/red-crowned crane/Korea/H1026/2017 (H7N7). Genetic analysis and gene constellation analysis revealed that A/red-crowned crane/Korea/H1026/2017 (H7N7) showed high similarity with four H7N7 LPAIVs isolated from wild bird habitats in Seoul and Gyeonggi in early 2017. Conclusions Considering the genetic similarity and similar collection dates of the viruses, and the fact that zoo bird cages are vulnerable to AIV, it is likely that fecal contamination from wild birds might have introduced LPAIV H7N7 into the red-crowned crane at the zoo. Therefore, our results emphasize that enhanced biosecurity measures should be employed during the wild bird migration season, and that continued surveillance should be undertaken to prevent potential threats to avian species in zoos and to humans.

Water as a Weapon of War in the Tigris-Euphrates Basin

The paper aims to present water as a weapon of war in the Tigris-Euphrates Basin, as well as the role and significance of water for a new architecture of global security. The main goal of the study is to find an answer to the research question of whether water the Tigris-Euphrates Basin will be still a tool for fighting or cooperation as an effective tool for facing strategic challenges. The research hypothesis is that the issue of challenges related to water in the Euphrates River basin will, first of all, follow the social and political-economic relations between Turkey, Iraq and Syria and external factors. The research was conducted using a descriptive-analytical method. Moreover, this research is based on the neorealist theory of international relations, and the concept of international constellation analysis, as well as the theory of neo-institutionalism. Future anarchical global security architecture will lead to a hegemonic system of water relations. Therefore, without international coordination and far-reaching strategy in the face of the emerging anarchic global security structure, stable water cooperation in this region cannot be reached.

Bridging Theories and Practices: Boundary Objects and Constellation Analysis as Vehicles for Interdisciplinary Knowledge Integration

Knowledge integration is a major challenge of interdisciplinary research. Substantially different stocks of knowledge based on different scientific backgrounds, uses of language, methodologies, and epistemologies must be integrated into the research process. Addressing this challenge, this paper exemplifies the process of interdisciplinary knowledge integration drawing on the example of the junior research group DynaMo—Mobility-Energy Dynamics in Urban Areas that deals with the sustainable transformation of urban mobility systems. This paper shows how we apply the boundary object concept in combination with the method of Constellation Analysis as vehicles for interdisciplinary knowledge integration. By innovatively combining the boundary object concept with Constellation Analysis we a) suggest a self-reflective tool for structuring the process of knowledge integration and b) further operationalize the boundary object with the help of core concepts. The approach is illustrated with the boundary object sustainable transformation of urban passenger mobility used by DynaMo. In doing so, the paper aims to add an instrument to the toolkit of inter- and transdisciplinary research and offers practical knowledge for its application.