bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Model to Evaluate the Effect of Urban Road Pricing on Traffic Speed and Congestion in Madrid City Center and Its Surrounding
Authors: Muñoz Miguel Juan Pedro , García Sipols Ana Elizabeth , Simón de Blas Clara , Anguita Rodríguez Francisca
Published: July 2021

Currently, traffic intensity in large cities and their surroundings constitute the main unsustainability factor associated with urban transport, leading to significant traffic speed reduction due to high levels of congestion. Road pricing seems to be a measure of transport policy capable of improving efficiency and sustainability in urban transport, reducing traffic intensity and increasing traffic speed, as reflected in the main road pricing indicators currently in operation (Singapore, London, Stockholm, Milan…). Based on the data obtained through a mobility survey applied to a theoretical design of road pricing for the city of Madrid, we developed a traffic speed forecast model using time series analysis, to which we applied the mobility survey results. The research results show that theoretical urban road pricing could imply very significant positive effects in traffic speed increase and congestion reduction, fundamentally in the city center and metropolitan crown, as well as demonstrating positive effects in the improvement of traffic speed in those municipalities furthest from the urban center. Moreover, our findings reveal that road pricing would allow an average traffic speed increase in the protected area of the city center during the operating hours of between 10% and 32.5%: 15.9% in the metropolitan crown, 10% in M-30, and 32.5% in the case of Madrid’s city center.
Analysis of Bus Line Operation Reliability Based on Copula Function
Authors: Xiaoliang Zhang , Limin Jia
Published: July 2021

To promote the development level of urban sustainability, more and more cities have been paying attention to the improvement of public transportation. City managers intend to attract people from private cars to public transport by improving the service level of urban public transport. The operational reliability of bus lines plays a crucial role in maintaining high-level service of public transportation. Previous studies have focused on the service level of the whole line by investigating the overall stability of departure punctuality, line running time, and punctuality. This study aims to clarify the relationship between the whole line and sites in terms of the influence on the operational reliability of bus lines. This study proposes a bus route reliability evaluation method, based on copulas connect function, and the actual line data are taken as a case study. The results show that the method reveals the relationship between the overall line and the interstation paths in the context of operational reliability. This study finds the interstation path, which is more critical to the whole line. This method can provide a good reference for the diagnosis and evaluation of line operation and the optimization of bus routes. The results can support the sustainable development of public transportation.
Design of a Virtual Reality Software to Promote the Learning of Students with Dyslexia
Authors: Rodríguez-Cano Sonia , Delgado-Benito Vanesa , Ausín-Villaverde Vanesa , Muñoz-Martín Lucía
Published: July 2021

The research conducted is part of the European project Erasmus+ FORDYSVAR, whose main objective is to contribute to the educational inclusion of students with dyslexia, aged between 10 and 16 years old, through the use of technology, specifically virtual reality (VR), to improve the access, participation, and educational achievement of students with this learning difficulty. This is a qualitative and interpretative study with a descriptive character. The objective of this work is to design a VR application that contributes to the learning of students with dyslexia based on user-centered design as a methodology. The developmental lines to be addressed in the application have been defined, the features to be included have been determined, and the activities that make up the software have been designed. All this is based on the analysis of the needs and interests of the end users (students with dyslexia) as well as the vision of professionals (teachers and dyslexia intervention specialists). The results obtained allow us to conclude that VR technology is an interesting avenue of treatment, as it offers a ludic, safe, controlled, and motivating environment for students with dyslexia.
Evaluation of Profiles of Standard Deviation of Vertical Wind in the Urban Area of Rome: Performances of Monin–Obukhov Similarity Theory Using Different Scaling Variables
Authors: Pelliccioni Armando , Grandoni Livia , Di Bernardino Annalisa
Published: July 2021

The parametrizations of meteorological variables provided by the Monin–Obukhov similarity theory (MOST) is of major importance for pollutant dispersion assessment. However, the complex flow pattern that characterizes the urban areas limits the applicability of the MOST. In this work, the performance of different existing parametrizations of the standard deviation of vertical wind velocity were tested in the city of Rome. Results were compared with experimental data acquired by a sonic detection and ranging (SODAR) and a sonic anemometer. Different scaling variables estimated from the anemometer data by considering two coordinate systems—one aligned with the geodetic reference frame and the other following the flow streamlines—were used to evaluate the effects of flow distortion due to the presence of buildings. Results suggest that the MOST parametrizations perform better if the scaling variables obtained using the coordinate system following the flow streamlines are used. This estimation of the scaling variables would make it possible to overcome the difficulties in conducting measurements of turbulent fluxes, either at different altitudes or even in the constant flux layer.
BIM-Based Tools for Managing Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW): A Scoping Review
Authors: Nikmehr Bahareh , Hosseini M. Reza , Wang Jun , Chileshe Nicholas , Rameezdeen Raufdeen
Published: July 2021

This article provides a picture of the latest developments in providing BIM-based tools for construction and demolition waste (CDW) management. The coverage and breadth of the literature on offering BIM-based tools and technologies for dealing with CDW throughout the whole life cycle of construction are investigated, and gaps are identified. Findings reveal that, although various BIM-based technologies are closely associated with CDW, much of the existing research on this area has focused on the design and construction phase; indeed, the problem of CDW in post-construction stages has received scant attention. Besides, the now available tools and technologies are lacking in cross-phase insights into project waste aspects and are weak in theoretical rigor. This article contributes to the field by identifying the intellectual deficiencies in offering BIM-based tools and technologies when dealing with CDW. So, too, it points to major priorities for future research on the topic. For practitioners, the study provides a point of reference and raises awareness in the field about the most advanced available BIM-based technologies for dealing with CDW problems.
A Framework for Integration of Smart and Sustainable Energy Systems in Urban Planning Processes of Low-Income Developing Countries: Afghanistan Case
Authors: Sabory Najib Rahman , Senjyu Tomonobu , Danish Mir Sayed Shah , Ahmadi Mikaeel , Zaheb Hameedullah , Halim Mustafa
Published: July 2021

Population growth and city expansion in developing countries require traditional urban planning practices to be transformed in order to tackle climate change and follow Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agendas. Almost every expert in the urban sector believes that future cities should be sustainable, smart, and environmentally friendly, where energy is one of the most critical factors to achieve these goals. They also agree that smart and sustainable energy provision for cities requires a comprehensive and responsive legal and policy framework to be in place at the national level. However, this research’s findings reveal a lack of such frameworks for this group of countries. Considering the challenges and unique nature of Low-Income-Developing (LID) countries, there should be a framework based on the realities in these countries. In this research, key challenges of urban and energy sectors of LID countries, specifically Afghanistan, are identified, and a framework for the integration of sustainable and smart energy in the urban planning processes for LID countries is proposed. To make it easily replicable and adaptable for LID countries, the proposed framework is studied and analyzed around Afghanistan’s urban and energy sectors. This is one of the few frameworks of its kind for LID economies to the best of the authors’ knowledge. This framework lays a solid foundation for sustainable and smart energy integration in the urban planning process of developing countries. This study highlights that sustainable and smart energy systems could ensure climate change mitigation and economic growth enhancement but require close cross-sectoral coordination and policy maker’s commitments and involvement. This research will help many existing and emerging cities in the LID countries’ worldwide use and benefit from the proposed framework in their urban planning processes. It also enables policymakers, urban planners and designers, municipalities leadership, and other stakeholders of the urban, energy, and environment sectors to work together and make smart and rational decisions for the future of their cities and lead them towards smart and sustainable cities.
Planning a Green Infrastructure Network from Theory to Practice: The Case Study of Setúbal, Portugal
Authors: Ferreira José C. , Monteiro Renato , Silva Vasco R.
Published: July 2021

Green infrastructure is a strategically planned network of natural and semi-natural areas that are designed and managed to deliver a wide range of ecosystem services. It incorporates green and blue spaces and other physical features in terrestrial and marine areas. Despite the increase of green infrastructure planning in several regions of the world, such as Europe and North America, there is still a complexity and diversity associated with the concept of green infrastructure that influences the variance in approaches of green infrastructure planning. This research proposed a multi-criteria method that was organized in four steps for designing a green infrastructure for the municipality of Setúbal (Portugal) that efficiently integrated the ecological and social components in the planning and policymaking processes, as well as green infrastructure planning principles. The results show a green infrastructure that comprised around 91% of the territory of the case study, organized into two systems: the fundamental green infrastructure, which was related to the areas whose ecological interests were more favorable, and the urban green infrastructure, which aimed to enhance and intensify ecological processes in built-up areas. This approach focused on the protection of ecological functions, the preservation of the cultural and natural heritage, and the prevention of risks at a local level; it also followed several green infrastructure planning principles, namely, connectivity, multifunctionality, diversity, integration, and applicability.
How Successful Is Origin Labeling in a Developing Country Context? Moroccan Consumers’ Preferences toward Local Products
Authors: Lambarraa-Lehnhardt Fatima , Ihle Rico , Elyoubi Hajar
Published: July 2021

The Green Moroccan Plan (GMP) is a national long-term strategy launched by the Moroccan government to support the agricultural sector as the main driver of social and economic development. The GMP involves a labeling strategy based on geographical indications, aimed at protecting and promoting the marketing of locally produced food specialties and linking their specific qualities and reputations to their domestic production region. We evaluated the success of this policy by comparing consumers’ attitudes and preferences toward a local product having a geographical indication label to one without. We conducted a survey of 500 consumers in main Moroccan cities. The potential consumer set for the local product was found to be segmented, indicating the potential for a domestic niche of environmentally aware consumers preferring organically and sustainably produced food. We applied the analytical hierarchy process to prioritize the attributes of the commodities of interest, which underscores the importance of the origin when choosing a local product without origin labeling; for the labeled product, intrinsic quality attributes are considered to be more important. These findings demonstrate the limited promotion of the established origin labeling in the domestic market. Hence, we recommend that the Moroccan government reinforce the labeling scheme with an organic label to increase the market potential of the environmentally aware consumers by ensuring sustainable production of local products.
Physical Activity, Natural Environment, Present Moment Awareness, and Its Consideration: A Qualitative Review
Authors: Uher Ivan , Buková Alena , Švedová Milena , Kimáková Tatiana , Küchelová Zuzana , Jusková Mária , Cholewa Jaroslaw
Published: July 2021

Longstanding research suggests a plausible relation between physical activity, the natural environment, and overall health. However, when investigating this relationship, most studies focused on the absence of disease or frailty as health indicators. The relation between physical activity (PA), subjective well-being (SWB), natural environment, and present moment awareness (PMA) remains unexplored. The presented qualitative review offers a perspective model of the relationship between physical activity, natural environment, and awareness of the present moment that helps us explore its underlying, relating pathways. Our review concludes that present moment awareness can be worthy of attention to detect the impact of physical activity, subjective well-being and staying in a natural environment on selected samples, as well as its influence on maximizing related benefits for health and well-being. The challenge after that is to consider how to monitor the complex interactions that will occur within the multiple levels of influence. Essentially, a unified model of research and practice which incorporates physiological and psychological theories is undoubtedly needed. If that happens, we can understand the role of the diverse regulators upon behavior and proceed to convey this evidence into future health-promoting interventions.
Intelligent Recognition Method of Decorative Openwork Windows with Sustainable Application for Suzhou Traditional Private Gardens in China
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhao Yuwei , Kong Jianlei , Cheng Chen , Liu Xinyan , Zhang Chang
Published: July 2021

Decorative openwork windows (DO-Ws) in Suzhou traditional private gardens play a vital role in Chinese traditional garden art. Due to the delicate and elegant patterns, as well as their rich cultural meaning, DO-Ws have quite high protection and utilization value. In this study, we firstly visited 15 extant traditional gardens in Suzhou and took almost 3000 photos to establish the DO-W datasets. Then, we present an effective visual recognition method named CSV-Net to classify different DO-Ws’ patterns in Suzhou traditional gardens. On the basis of the backbone module of the cross stage partial network optimized with the Soft-VLAD architecture, the proposed CSV-Net achieves a preferable representation ability for distinguishing different DO-Ws in practical scenes. The comparative experimental results show that the CSV-Net model achieves a good balance between its performance, robustness and complexity for identifying DO-Ws, also having further potential for sustainable application in traditional gardens. Moreover, the Canglang Pavilion and the Humble Administrator’s Garden were selected as the cases to analyze the relation between identifying DO-W types and their locations in intelligent approaches, which further reveals the design rules of the sustainable culture contained in Chinese traditional gardens. This work ultimately promotes the sustainable application of artificial intelligence technology in the field of garden design and inheritance of the garden art.
Experimental and Dynamic Analysis of a Small-Scale Double-Acting Four-Cylinder α-Type Stirling Engine
Authors: Cheng Chin-Hsiang , Tan Yi-Han , Liu Tzu-Sung
Published: July 2021

This research studies the double-acting four-cylinder α-type Stirling engine. A numerical model is developed by combining the thermodynamic model and dynamic model to study the engine performance. The pressure values of the working zone calculated using the thermodynamic model are taken into the dynamic model to calculate the forces acting on the mechanism. Then, the dynamic model further calculates the displacement, velocity, and acceleration of the mechanism link to provide the pistons’ displacements for the thermodynamic model. The model is also validated using experimental data obtained from testing an engine prototype. Under a heating temperature of 1000 K, cooling temperature of 315 K, charged pressure of 10 bar, and loading torque of 0.33 Nm, the engine is capable of achieving a shaft power of 26.0 W at 754 rpm. In addition, the thermal properties and the transient behavior of the engine can be further simulated using the validated numerical model.
The Effect of Strategic Human Resource and Knowledge Management on Sustainable Competitive Advantages at Jordanian Universities: The Mediating Role of Organizational Innovation
Authors: Alfawaire Fieras , Atan Tarik
Published: July 2021

The higher education sector faces considerable competition around the world. Accordingly, universities need to make more efforts to increase their competitive advantages. This study aimed to empirically investigate the effect of organizational innovation (OI), knowledge management (KM), and strategic human resource management (SHRM), with a dependent variable of sustainable competitive advantages (SCAs), at Jordanian Universities. For this aim, a specially designed questionnaire has been distributed to study a convenience sample of 400 academic and administrative staff at Jordanian private and public universities, to obtain the required quantitative data. The study’s hypotheses were verified by Baron and Kenny’s mediation regression approach using the software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results of the study demonstrate that there is a significant positive relationship between the following pairs of variables: KM and SCA; SHRM and SCA; SHRM and OI; KM and OI; and OI and SCA, whereas OI was found to have a partial and indirect significant mediation impact on the direct relationship between KM and SHRM and universities (organizations) gaining SCAs. Finally, it was concluded that more attention needs to be paid to the OI aspect in organizations and to integrate it with KM and SHRM in a way that promotes SCAs. In addition, we propose that similar studies should be conducted in industries other than education or the education sector in different countries in a way that obtains generalized and representative results.
Business Model Development for Temporary Home Renovation Consultancy Centres: Experiences from European Pop-Ups
Authors: Kwon Minyoung , Mlecnik Erwin , Gruis Vincent
Published: July 2021

Local authorities (LAs) play an essential role in diffusing home energy renovation measures. However, there are rare business models developed for local authority actions. This paper aims to develop a critical review of the way that local authorities developed business models for pop-up centres where consultants can encourage home energy renovation measures. From 2017 to 2021, participatory research was conducted in collaboration with seven LAs from the UK, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Although local authorities could use business model approaches for the development of pop-up home renovation consultancy centres, we noticed that LAs could not apply specific strategies to fit various customer segment groups. Therefore, a traditional business model needs to be investigated further for local authority activities.
Water Quality Monitoring and Management of Building Water Tank Using Industrial Internet of Things
Authors: Singh Rajesh , Baz Mohammed , Gehlot Anita , Rashid Mamoon , Khurana Manpreet , Akram Shaik Vaseem , Alshamrani Sultan S. , AlGhamdi Ahmed Saeed
Published: July 2021

Water being one of the foremost needs for human survival, conservation, and management of the resource must be given ultimate significance. Water demand has increased tremendously all over the world from the past decade due to urbanization, climatic change, and ineffective management of water. The advancement in sensor and wireless communication technology encourages implementing the IoT in a wide range. In this study, an IoT-based architecture is proposed and implemented for monitoring the level and quality of water in a domestic water tank with customized hardware based on 2.4 GHz radiofrequency (RF) communication. Moreover, the ESP 8266 Wi-Fi module-based upper tank monitoring of the proposed architecture encourages provide real-time information about the tank through internet protocol (IP). The customized hardware is designed and evaluated in the Proteus simulation environment. The calibration of the pH sensor and ultrasonic value is carried out for setting the actual value in the prototype for obtaining the error-free value. The customized hardware that is developed for monitoring the level and quality of water is implemented. The real-time visualization and monitoring of the water tank are realized with the cloud-enabled Virtuino app.
Key Drivers of the Engagement of Farmers in Social Innovation for Marginalised Rural Areas
Authors: Baselice Antonio , Lombardi Mariarosaria , Prosperi Maurizio , Stasi Antonio , Lopolito Antonio
Published: July 2021

The European Union promotes social innovation (SI) initiatives for the support of marginalised rural areas through rural and sustainable development policies. These are based on the engagement of local actors and the strengthening of their mutual relationships to boost the fostering of professional collaborations. In this context, the Horizon 2020 Social Innovation in Marginalised Areas (SIMRA) project elaborated a conceptual framework for characterising the engagement in an SI initiative. Accordingly, this paper aims to demonstrate that engagement relies on specific key drivers, such as the existence of unmet social needs and the role of agency. To this end, a two-step Heckman model was applied to an SI initiative case study called Vàzapp’, a rural hub (agency) located in Southern Italy. It promotes relationships among farmers to valorise the marginalised rural areas. The results appear consistent with the theoretical framework, demonstrating that the farmers’ engagement was motivated by the existence of the aforementioned determinants. The implications are relevant for policymakers, consultants, and social innovators who may incorporate these elements in designing specific SI projects in different contexts.
Public—Private Partnership Governance for Accessible Tourism in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
Authors: De Matteis Fabio , Notaristefano Giovanni , Bianchi Piervito
Published: July 2021

Tourism is a relevant sector in terms of social development, considering its contribution to the quality of life for people with special needs. Accessible tourism, by virtue of its complexity, requires the development of studies on the collaboration among different actors. This leads to this article’s research interest in the public—private partnership (PPP) as a managerial tool that allows cooperation and that can support the development of accessible tourism objectives in marine protected areas (MPAs). Applying the case study methodology, we investigate certain aspects characterizing PPPs governance. Answering the two proposed research questions, we conclude that (1) sharing similar moral values facilitates trust between the partners and (2) differing skills of the partners represent advantages in facing the complexity related to accessible tourism objectives.
Redox Active Organic-Carbon Composites for Capacitive Electrodes: A Review
Authors: N’Diaye Jeanne , Bagchi Raunaq , Howe Jane Y. , Lian Keryn
Published: July 2021

The pressing concerns of environmental sustainability and growing needs of clean energy have raised the demands of carbon and organic based energy storage materials to a higher level. Redox-active organic-carbon composites electrodes are emerging to be enablers for high-performance, high power and long-lasting energy storage solutions, especially for electrochemical capacitors (EC). This review discusses the electrochemical redox active organic compounds and their composites with various carbonaceous materials focusing on capacitive performance. Starting with the most common conducting polymers, we expand the scope to other emerging redox active molecules, compounds and polymers as well as common carbonaceous substrates in composite electrodes, including graphene, carbon nanotube and activated carbon. We then discuss the first-principles computational studies pertaining to the interactions between the components in the composites. The fabrication methodologies for the composites with thin organic coatings are presented with their merits and shortcomings. The capacitive performances and features of the redox active organic-carbon composite electrodes are then summarized. Finally, we offer some perspectives and future directions to achieve a fundamental understanding and to better design organic-carbon composite electrodes for ECs.
Online Dynamic Load Identification Based on Extended Kalman Filter for Structures with Varying Parameters
Authors: Li Hongqiu , Jiang Jinhui , Mohamed M Shadi
Published: July 2021

Dynamic load identification is an inverse problem concerned with finding the load applied on a structure when the dynamic characteristics and the response of the structure are known. In engineering applications, some of the structure parameters such as the mass or the stiffness may be unknown and/or may change in time. In this paper, an online dynamic load identification algorithm based on an extended Kalman filter is proposed. The algorithm not only identifies the load by measuring the structural response but also identifies the unknown structure parameters and tracks their changes. We discuss the proposed algorithm for the cases when the unknown parameters are the stiffness or the mass coefficients. Furthermore, for a system with many degrees of freedom and to achieve online computations, we implement the model reduction theory. Thus, we reduce the number of degrees of freedom in the resulting symmetric system before applying the proposed extended Kalman filter algorithm. The algorithm is used to recover the dynamic loads in three numerical examples. It is also used to identify the dynamic load in a lab experiment for a structure with varying parameters. The simulations and the experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is effective and can simultaneously identify the parameters and any changes in them as well as the applied dynamic load.
Iterants, Majorana Fermions and the Majorana-Dirac Equation
Authors: Kauffman Louis H.
Published: July 2021

This paper explains a method of constructing algebras, starting with the properties of discrimination in elementary discrete systems. We show how to use points of view about these systems to construct what we call iterant algebras and how these algebras naturally give rise to the complex numbers, Clifford algebras and matrix algebras. The paper discusses the structure of the Schrödinger equation, the Dirac equation and the Majorana Dirac equations, finding solutions via the nilpotent method initiated by Peter Rowlands.
On Normalized Laplacians, Degree-Kirchhoff Index and Spanning Tree of Generalized Phenylene
Authors: Ali Umar , Raza Hassan , Ahmed Yasir
Published: July 2021

The normalized Laplacian is extremely important for analyzing the structural properties of non-regular graphs. The molecular graph of generalized phenylene consists of n hexagons and 2n squares, denoted by Ln6,4,4. In this paper, by using the normalized Laplacian polynomial decomposition theorem, we have investigated the normalized Laplacian spectrum of Ln6,4,4 consisting of the eigenvalues of symmetric tri-diagonal matrices LA and LS of order 4n+1. As an application, the significant formula is obtained to calculate the multiplicative degree-Kirchhoff index and the number of spanning trees of generalized phenylene network based on the relationships between the coefficients and roots.
Shaking Table Test on the Tunnel Dynamic Response under Different Fault Dip Angles
Authors: Zhu Duan , Zhu Zhende , Zhang Cong , Xie Xinghua
Published: July 2021

Fault-crossing tunnels are often severely damaged under seismic dynamics. Study of the dynamic response characteristics of tunnels crossing faults is thus of great engineering significance. Here, the Xianglushan Tunnel of the Central Yunnan Water Diversion Project was studied. A shaking table experimental device was used, and four sets of dynamic model tests of deep-buried tunnels with different fault inclination angles were conducted. Test schemes of model similarity ratio, similar material selection, model box design, and sine wave loading were introduced. The acceleration and strain data of the tunnel lining were monitored. Analysis of the acceleration data showed that when the input PGA was 0.6 g, compared with the ordinary tunnel, the acceleration increases by 117% when the inclination angle was 75°, 127% when the inclination angle was 45°, and 144% when the inclination angle was 30°. This indicates that the dynamic response of the cross-fault tunnel structure was stronger than that of the ordinary tunnel, and the effect was more obvious as the fault dip angle decreased. Analysis of the strain data showed that the strain response of the fault-crossing tunnels was more sensitive to the fault dip. The peak strain and increase in fault-crossing tunnels were much larger than those of ordinary tunnels, and smaller fault dips led to larger increases in the strain peak; consequently, the tunnel would reach the ultimate strain and break down when the input PGA was smaller. Generally, the influence of fault inclination on the dynamic response of the tunnel lining should receive increased consideration in the seismic design of tunnels.
Assessment of Human Exposure to Deoxynivalenol, Ochratoxin A, Zearalenone and Their Metabolites Biomarker in Urine Samples Using LC-ESI-qTOF
Authors: Carballo Dionisia , Pallarés Noelia , Ferrer Emilia , Barba Francisco J. , Berrada Houda
Published: July 2021

Human are exposed to a wide range of mycotoxins through dietary food intake, including processed food. Even most of the mycotoxin exposure assessment studies are based on analysis of foodstuffs, and evaluation of dietary intake through food consumption patterns and human biomonitoring methods are rising as a reliable alternative to approach the individual exposures, overcoming the limitations of the indirect dietary assessment. In this study, human urine samples were analyzed, seeking the presence of deoxynivalenol (DON), ochratoxin A (OTA), zearalenone (ZEA), and their metabolites. For this purpose, 40 urine samples from female and male adult residents in the city of Valencia (Spain) were evaluated by liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-qTOF) after salting-out liquid–liquid extraction. Analytical data showed that 72.5% of analyzed samples were contaminated by at least one mycotoxin at variable levels. The most prevalent mycotoxins were de-epoxy DON (DOM-1) (53%), ZEA (40%), and α-zearalenol (αZOL) (43%), while OTA was only detected in one sample. The mean concentrations in positive samples were DON (9.07 ng/mL), DOM-1 (20.28 ng/mL), ZEA (6.70 ng/mL), ZEA-14 glucoside (ZEA-14-Glc) (12.43 ng/mL), αZOL (27.44 ng/mL), αZOL-14 glucoside (αZOL-14-Glc) (12.84 ng/mL), and OTA (11.73 ng/mL). Finally, probable daily intakes (PDIs) were calculated and compared with the established tolerable daily intakes (TDIs) to estimate the potential risk of exposure to the studied mycotoxins. The calculated PDI was below the TDI value established for DON in both female and male adults, reaching a percentage up to 30%; however, this percentage increased up to 92% considering total DON (DON + DOM-1). On the other hand, the PDI obtained for ZEA and its metabolites were higher than the TDI value fixed, but the low urine excretion rate (10%) considered should be highlighted. Finally, the PDI calculated in the detected positive sample for OTA exceeded the TDI value. The findings of the present study confirm the presence of the studied mycotoxins and their metabolites as some of the most prevalent in urine.
Clinical Presentation and Laboratory Diagnostic Work-Up of a Horse with Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Switzerland
Authors: Fouché Nathalie , Oesch Solange , Ziegler Ute , Gerber Vinzenz
Published: July 2021

Tick-borne encephalitis is an important viral tick-borne zoonosis in Europe and Asia. The disease is induced by tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). This report describes a 16-year-old Warmblood gelding presenting with sudden onset of lethargy, ataxia, and muscle fasciculations on the nostrils, the lips, and the eye lids as the most important clinical findings. The horse further had a mild facial nerve paralysis with drooping of the right upper and lower lip. Diagnosis was based on paired serum samples using TBEV-ELISAs revealing high serum IgM in the first sample with normal IgM in the second sample and an increase in serum IgG and neutralizing antibodies, indicating acute and recent infection. TBEV was confirmed by a virus-neutralization test, revealing a fivefold increase in antibodies 32 days after of the onset of clinical signs. Although the specific PCR on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was negative, TBEV-specific IgG and IgM were identified in the CSF of the horse. Treatment consisted of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative treatment and the horse recovered with a mild drooping of the right nostril as the only remaining clinical sign. TBEV infection is a potential differential diagnosis of neurological disease in horses living in endemic areas and this is the first report to describe the diagnostic criteria in a horse as recommended in humans with suspected TBEV infection.
How Do Flaviviruses Hijack Host Cell Functions by Phase Separation?
Authors: Saito Akatsuki , Shofa Maya , Ode Hirotaka , Yumiya Maho , Hirano Junki , Okamoto Toru , Yoshimura Shige H.
Published: July 2021

Viral proteins interact with different sets of host cell components throughout the viral life cycle and are known to localize to the intracellular membraneless organelles (MLOs) of the host cell, where formation/dissolution is regulated by phase separation of intrinsically disordered proteins and regions (IDPs/IDRs). Viral proteins are rich in IDRs, implying that viruses utilize IDRs to regulate phase separation of the host cell organelles and augment replication by commandeering the functions of the organelles and/or sneaking into the organelles to evade the host immune response. This review aims to integrate current knowledge of the structural properties and intracellular localizations of viral IDPs to understand viral strategies in the host cell. First, the properties of viral IDRs are reviewed and similarities and differences with those of eukaryotes are described. The higher IDR content in viruses with smaller genomes suggests that IDRs are essential characteristics of viral proteins. Then, the interactions of the IDRs of flaviviruses with the MLOs of the host cell are investigated with emphasis on the viral proteins localized in the nucleoli and stress granules. Finally, the possible roles of viral IDRs in regulation of the phase separation of organelles and future possibilities for antiviral drug development are discussed.
Pathology and Pathogenesis of Eurasian Blackbirds (Turdus merula) Naturally Infected with Usutu Virus
Authors: Giglia Giuseppe , Agliani Gianfilippo , Munnink Bas B. Oude , Sikkema Reina S. , Mandara Maria Teresa , Lepri Elvio , Kik Marja , Ijzer Jooske , Rijks Jolianne M. , Fast Christine , Koopmans Marion P. G. , Verheije Monique H. , Gröne Andrea , Reusken Chantal B. E. M. , van den Brand Judith M. A.
Published: July 2021

The Usutu virus (USUV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic flavivirus. Despite its continuous circulation in Europe, knowledge on the pathology, cellular and tissue tropism and pathogenetic potential of different circulating viral lineages is still fragmentary. Here, macroscopic and microscopic evaluations are performed in association with the study of cell and tissue tropism and comparison of lesion severity of two circulating virus lineages (Europe 3; Africa 3) in 160 Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula) in the Netherlands. Results confirm hepatosplenomegaly, coagulative necrosis and lymphoplasmacytic inflammation as major patterns of lesions and, for the first time, vasculitis as a novel virus-associated lesion. A USUV and Plasmodium spp. co-infection was commonly identified. The virus was associated with lesions by immunohistochemistry and was reported most commonly in endothelial cells and blood circulating and tissue mononucleated cells, suggesting them as a major route of entry and spread. A tropism for mononuclear phagocytes cells was further supported by viral labeling in multinucleated giant cells. The involvement of ganglionic neurons and epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract suggests a possible role of oral transmission, while the involvement of feather follicle shafts and bulbs suggests their use as a diagnostic sample for live bird testing. Finally, results suggest similar pathogenicity for the two circulating lineages.
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Human Adenovirus Type 49 as a Vector for Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Bates Emily A. , Counsell John R. , Alizert Sophie , Baker Alexander T. , Suff Natalie , Boyle Ashley , Bradshaw Angela C. , Waddington Simon N. , Nicklin Stuart A. , Baker Andrew H. , Parker Alan L.
Published: July 2021

The human adenovirus phylogenetic tree is split across seven species (A–G). Species D adenoviruses offer potential advantages for gene therapy applications, with low rates of pre-existing immunity detected across screened populations. However, many aspects of the basic virology of species D—such as their cellular tropism, receptor usage, and in vivo biodistribution profile—remain unknown. Here, we have characterized human adenovirus type 49 (HAdV-D49)—a relatively understudied species D member. We report that HAdV-D49 does not appear to use a single pathway to gain cell entry, but appears able to interact with various surface molecules for entry. As such, HAdV-D49 can transduce a broad range of cell types in vitro, with variable engagement of blood coagulation FX. Interestingly, when comparing in vivo biodistribution to adenovirus type 5, HAdV-D49 vectors show reduced liver targeting, whilst maintaining transduction of lung and spleen. Overall, this presents HAdV-D49 as a robust viral vector platform for ex vivo manipulation of human cells, and for in vivo applications where the therapeutic goal is to target the lung or gain access to immune cells in the spleen, whilst avoiding liver interactions, such as intravascular vaccine applications.
What Is the Role of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange as an Adjunctive Treatment in Severe COVID-19: A Systematic Review
Authors: Krzych Łukasz J. , Putowski Zbigniew , Czok Marcelina , Hofman Mariusz
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, multiple promising treatment modalities have been tested, however, only several of them were proven to be effective. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been recently discussed as a possible supportive treatment for severe cases. Methods: To investigate a possible role of TPE in severe COVID-19 we used a structured systematic search strategy to retrieve all relevant publications in the field. We screened in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and clinicaltrials.gov for data published until the 4 June 2021. Results: We identified 18 papers, enrolling 384 patients, 220 of whom received TPE. The number of TPE sessions ranged from 1 to 9 and the type of replacement fluid varied markedly between studies (fresh frozen plasma or 5% albumin solution, or convalescent plasma). Biochemical improvement was observed in majority of studies as far as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer concentrations and lymphocyte count are concerned. The improvement at a laboratory level was associated with enhancement of respiratory function. Adverse effects were limited to five episodes of transient hypotension and one femoral artery puncture and thrombophlebitis. Conclusions: Although the effect of therapeutic plasma exchange on mortality remains unclarified, the procedure seems to improve various secondary end-points such as PaO2/FiO2 ratio or biomarkers of inflammation. Therapeutic plasma exchange appears to be a safe treatment modality in COVID-19 patients in terms of side effects.
Further Discussion on the Influence Radius of a Pumping Well: A Parameter with Little Scientific and Practical Significance That Can Easily Be Misleading
Authors: Zhai Yuanzheng , Cao Xinyi , Jiang Ya , Sun Kangning , Hu Litang , Teng Yanguo , Wang Jinsheng , Li Jie
Published: July 2021

To facilitate understanding and calculation, hydrogeologists have introduced the influence radius. This parameter is now widely used, not only in the theoretical calculation and reasoning of well flow mechanics, but also in guiding production practice, and it has become an essential parameter in hydrogeology. However, the reasonableness of this parameter has always been disputed. This paper discusses the nature of the influence radius and the problems of its practical application based on mathematical reasoning and analogy starting from the Dupuit formula and Thiem formula. It is found that the influence radius is essentially the distance in the time–distance problem in physics; therefore, it is a function of time and velocity and is influenced by hydrogeological conditions and pumping conditions. Additionally, the influence radius is a variable and is essentially different from the hydrogeological parameters reflecting the natural properties of aquifers such as the porosity, specific yield, and hydraulic conductivity. Furthermore, the parameterized influence radius violates the continuity principle of fluids. In reality, there are no infinite horizontal aquifers, and most aquifers are replenished from external sources, which is very different from theory. The stable or seemingly stable groundwater level observed in practice is simply a coincidence that occurs under the influence of various practical factors, which cannot be considered to explain the rationality of applying this parameter in production calculations. Therefore, the influence radius cannot be used to evaluate the sustainable water supply capacity of aquifers, nor can it be used to guide the design of groundwater pollution remediation projects, the division of water source protection areas, and the scheme of riverbank filtration wells. Various ecological and environmental problems caused by groundwater exploitation are related to misleading information from the influence radius theory. Generally, the influence radius does not have scientific or practical significance, but it can easily be misleading, particularly for non-professionals. The influence radius should not be used in the sustainable development and protection of groundwater resources, let alone in theoretical models. From the perspective of regional overall planning, the calculation and evaluation of sustainable development and the utilization of groundwater resources should be investigated in a systematic manner.
Influence of Rainwater Infiltration in Partial Anti-Seepage Bioretention on Adjacent Municipal Roads in Different Collapsible Grades Loess Sites
Authors: Wen Xin , Hu Zhiping , Jing Yanlin , Li Xiaole , Zhang Xun , Chai Shaobo
Published: July 2021

It is practical to carry out sponge cities to manage rain and floods in collapsible loess areas where water resources and water disasters are prominent. The infiltration laws of the partial anti-seepage bioretention in collapsible loess fields are helpful to ensure the effectiveness and safety of sponge city, which were learned from the field test and numerical model. The seepage field and displacement field of loess sites with different collapsibility grades were compared during rainwater infiltration of the bioretention with the numerical model; the suitability and optimization suggestions for foundation treatment of this structure in various sites were proposed. It is found that the infiltration characteristics can be divided into three stages, and the infiltration range of bioretention increases with increasing infiltration time under the same site type, and the higher the collapsibility level of the site is, the more significant the rise in infiltration range. The settlement of adjacent roads in class II and III collapsible fields is far greater than that in class I and is greater than the settlement standard. The facilities’ bottom part foundation can be replaced to ensure the functionality of the facilities and the safety of the surrounding roads in the actual project.
Improvement of Corrosion Resistance and Electrical Conductivity of Stainless Steel 316L Bipolar Plate by Pickling and Passivation
Authors: Leng Yu , Yang Daijun , Ming Pingwen , Li Bing , Zhang Cunman
Published: July 2021

Corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity of stainless steel bipolar plate remains a big challenge while it has been regarded as the most promising candidate for proton exchange membrane fuel cell. The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of pickling and passivation by sulfuric acid and a mixture of nitric and fluoric acids, respectively, on corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity of stainless steel 316L (SS316L) bipolar plate. First, pickling of the specimens of SS316L is performed in a 15 wt.% H2SO4. Afterwards, the specimens are passivated in a mixture of 12 wt.% HF and 4 wt.% HNO3. Electrochemical and interfacial conductivity tests are conducted to examine the change in corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity of SS316L. Finally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) reveal the evolution of surface morphology, chemical composition and surface conductivity. The results show that the corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity of SS316L could be improved significantly by pickling and passivation. The increase in Cr:Fe ratio as well as a more uniform surface with higher conductivity is the main reason for the improvement of corrosion resistance and interfacial conductivity of SS316L.