bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barley Straw Biochar and Compost Affect Heavy Metal Transport in Soil and Uptake by Potatoes Grown under Wastewater Irrigation
Authors: Mawof Ali , Prasher Shiv O. , Bayen Stéphane , Anderson Emma C. , Nzediegwu Christopher , Patel Ramanbhai
Published: May 2022

Wastewater can supplement freshwater in agriculture; however, it contains toxic heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, and lead that are hazardous to humans and the environment. We investigated the effects of barley straw biochar, green and table waste compost, and their mix on heavy metal transport in soil and uptake by potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) irrigated with synthetic wastewater for two years. In both years, amending soil with compost significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05) cadmium uptake in potato flesh, skin, roots, and stems; zinc uptake in potato skin and roots; and copper uptake in potato flesh due to increased soil cation-exchange capacity, dissolved organic carbon, and soil pH. Co-amending the soil with compost and 3% biochar significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05) the bioavailability of cadmium, copper, and zinc in the contaminated soil. Relative to the non-amended soils, soil amendment with biochar, compost, and their mix affected neither the transport of chromium, iron, and lead in the soils nor their uptake by potatoes. It was concluded that amending soil with barley straw biochar and/or compost produced from city green table waste could be used to improve the safety of wastewater irrigated potatoes, depending on the biochar application rate and heavy metal type.
Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agricultural Fields through Bioresource Management
Authors: Khan Rimsha , Abbas Amna , Farooque Aitazaz A. , Abbas Farhat , Wang Xander
Published: May 2022

Efficient bioresource management can alter soil biochemistry and soil physical properties, leading to reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agricultural fields. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of organic amendments including biodigestate (BD), biochar (BC), and their combinations with inorganic fertilizer (IF) in increasing carbon sequestration potential and mitigation of GHG emissions from potato (Solanum tuberosum) fields. Six soil amendments including BD, BC, IF, and their combinations BDIF and BCIF, and control (C) were replicated four times under a completely randomized block design during the 2021 growing season of potatoes in Prince Edward Island, Canada. An LI-COR gas analyzer was used to monitor emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) from treatment plots. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results depicted higher soil moisture-holding capacities in plots at relatively lower elevations and comparatively lesser volumetric moisture content in plots at higher elevations. Soil moisture was also impacted by soil temperature and rainfall events. There was a significant effect of events of data collection, i.e., the length of the growing season (p-value ≤ 0.05) on soil surface temperature, leading to increased GHG emissions during the summer months. ANOVA results also revealed that BD, BC, and BCIF significantly (p-value ≤ 0.05) sequestered more soil organic carbon than other treatments. The six experimental treatments and twelve data collection events had significant effects (p-value ≤ 0.05) on the emission of CO2. However, the BD plots had the least emissions of CO2 followed by BC plots, and the emissions increased with an increase in atmospheric/soil temperature. Results concluded that organic fertilizers and their combinations with inorganic fertilizers help to reduce the emissions from the agricultural soils and enhance environmental sustainability.
Stacking Model for Photovoltaic-Power-Generation Prediction
Authors: Zhang Hongchao , Zhu Tengteng
Published: May 2022

Despite the clean and renewable advantages of solar energy, the instability of photovoltaic power generation limits its wide applicability. In order to ensure stable power-grid operations and the safe dispatching of the power grid, it is necessary to develop a model that can accurately predict the photovoltaic power generation. As a widely used prediction method, the stacking model has been applied in many fields. However, few studies have used stacking models to predict photovoltaic power generation. In the research, we develop four different stacking models that are based on extreme gradient boosting, random forest, light gradient boosting, and gradient boosting decision tree to predict photovoltaic power generation, by using two datasets. The results show that the prediction accuracy of the stacking model is higher than that of the single ensemble-learning model, and that the prediction accuracy of the Stacking-GBDT model is higher than the other stacking models. The stacking model that is proposed in this research provides a reference for the accurate prediction of photovoltaic power generation.
Investigating the Remanufacturing Potential of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Schoden Fabian , Detzmeier Joscha , Schnatmann Anna Katharina , Blachowicz Tomasz , Schwenzfeier-Hellkamp Eva
Published: May 2022

Resources are becoming more expensive and less accessible, for instance construction wood or semiconductors. In addition, climate change requires the conversion of the energy system to 100% renewable energy. Therefore, we need resources to prevent the climate crisis from worsening, but at the same time, we are suffering from a worsening resource crisis. State-of-the-art technologies, such as silicon-based photovoltaic or wind power plants, are harnessing renewable energy but causing problems and resource losses at the end of their useful life. This alarming situation must be addressed with renewable energy technologies that can be used longer, repaired and remanufactured, and properly recycled at the end of their useful life. An emerging technology that can complement the established systems is dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Their production is less energy intensive and they can be manufactured without toxic materials. In line with the concept of the circular economy, the service life of all products must be improved in order to reduce resource consumption. Therefore, we investigated the potential for remanufacturing DSSCs by taking apart old DSSCs, cleaning the components, and building new DSSCs from the remanufactured components. The remanufactured DSSCs have the same or higher efficiencies and can be remanufactured multiple times.
The Impact of Transport Exclusion on the Local Development of Biała County
Authors: Charnavalau Aliaksandr , Szymańska Elżbieta Jadwiga , Czapski Grzegorz
Published: May 2022

The issue of transport exclusion is an important social problem. It is of major interest to both central and local authorities. For the purposes of this study, a research questionnaire was conducted on the issue of transport exclusion. The area of the research carried out was Biała County, composed of seventeen communes and two cities. The data were collected based on an electronic questionnaire, i.e., using the CAWI method (Computer Assisted Web Interview). In total, 473 inhabitants of the studied area took part in the survey. Logistic regression, Spearman’s rank correlation method, and Pearson’s chi-square test of independence were all used in the data analysis. The research shows that local communities emphasise the problem of an insufficient number of connections or point out the complete lack of connections with respect to particular localities. Transport exclusion affects, in particular, people living in small towns, the elderly, the disadvantaged, and the disabled. The lack of basic means of transport hinders access to the labour market, especially for people starting their vocational careers, as well as for education, health care, and other spheres of human life. The lack of collective transport forces the inhabitants to use their own cars. As a consequence, the environment suffers from it (more and more exhaust fumes are getting into the air), road infrastructure is excessively being used and the number of accidents is increasing. Additionally, there are traffic jams at the entrances to cities (congestion). Limited access to public transport or its total absence results in the depopulation of localities and halting the development of selected communes.
How High Is High Enough? Assessing Financial Risk for Vertical Farms Using Imprecise Probability
Authors: Baumont de Oliveira Francis J. , Ferson Scott , Dyer Ronald A. D. , Thomas Jens M. H. , Myers Paul D. , Gray Nicholas G.
Published: May 2022

Vertical farming (VF) is a method of indoor agricultural production, involving stacked layers of crops, utilising technologies to increase yields per unit area. However, this emerging sector has struggled with profitability and a high failure rate. Practitioners and academics call for a comprehensive economic analysis of vertical farming, but efforts have been stifled by a lack of valid and available data as existing studies are unable to address risks and uncertainty that may support risk-empowered business planning. An adaptable economic analysis is necessary that considers imprecise variables and risks. The financial risk analysis presented uses with a first-hitting-time model with probability bounds to evaluate quasi-insolvency for two unique vertical farms. The UK farm results show that capital injection, robust data collection, frequent cleaning, efficient distribution and cheaper packaging are pathways to profitability and have a safer risk profile. For the Japanese farm, diversification of revenue streams like tours or education reduce financial risk associated with yield and sales. This is the first instance of applying risk and uncertainty quantification for VF business models and it can support wider agricultural projects. Enabling this complex sector to compute with uncertainty to estimate financials could improve access to funding and help other nascent industries.
Perspectives for the Development of Sustainable Cultural Tourism
Authors: Stoica Georgiana Daniela , Andreiana Violeta-Andreea , Duica Mircea Constantin , Stefan Maria-Cristina , Susanu Irina Olimpia , Coman Mihaela Denisa , Iancu Dorin
Published: May 2022

The study involves a comparative analysis of cultural tourism in Bucharest and Paris to identify the main aspects of sustainable cultural tourism. A set of six characteristics (civil monuments and architectural assemblies, religious monuments and architectural assemblies, festivals, personalities, digitization of tourism, and cultural and educational institutions) was analyzed for both cities. For this purpose, the Benchmarking analysis, the SWOT analysis, and the Pareto analysis were used. The research results highlight the importance of a careful analysis of the categories and sub-categories identified for cultural tourism in the two cities, focusing on the situation in Bucharest to identify ways to improve the promotion and capitalization of cultural tourism and increase sustainability. The obtained results showed that cultural tourism in Bucharest is deficient in aspects such as Monuments and civil architecture and religious, and architectural monuments.
The Effects of Portland and Sulphoaluminate Cements Solidification/Stabilization on Semi-Dynamic Leaching of Heavy Metal from Contaminated Sediment
Authors: Sun Yan , Zhang Daofang , Tao Hong , Yang Yang
Published: May 2022

Cement-based solidification/stabilization technology is widely applied in the treatment of heavy metals in river sediment because it is an effective treatment, with the advantages of saving time and being economically and environmentally friendly. In this study, the heavy metal polluted sediment in Shanghai Fuxing Island Canal was used as the raw material, the cement solidified form was prepared by adding 10% Portland cement or sulphoaluminate cement, and semi-dynamic leaching tests were carried out on the solidified forms. In this study, we compare two types of cements as metal conditioners and curing agents aiming to determine the more economical and effective way to utilize river sediments. The results showed that the compressive strength of Portland cement solidified form (PSF) increased with an increase in curing time, which could reach 0.75 MPa after 28 days and met the requirements of general subgrade engineering. The compressive strength of sulphoaluminate cement solidified form (SSF) reached 0.35 MPa after curing for 1 day, however, it decreased later. The semi-dynamic leaching test results showed that the mobility of Cu and Cd in the cement solidified form was low, and the migration mechanism of heavy metals was mainly diffusion. The mobility of heavy metals in the PSF was lower than in the SSF, thus, the PSF had a better solidification effect and was more suitable for treating heavy metal-contaminated sediment.
Study on the Design of Variable Lane Demarcation in Urban Tunnels
Authors: Fang Song , Shen Linghong , Ma Jianxiao , Xu Chubo
Published: May 2022

In order to alleviate the influence of low-speed vehicles on tunnel safety, this paper discusses the setting method of variable lane boundaries in urban tunnels. VISSIM simulation software is used to analyze the influence of low-speed vehicles on tunnel traffic flow when lane changes are allowed and when lane changes are prohibited. The results show that the influence of low-speed vehicles on the average speed of traffic flow in urban tunnels is the greatest, and the influence of low-speed vehicles on the average speed of traffic flow can be significantly alleviated when lane changes are allowed in the lane dividing line. When the speed of low-speed vehicles is 40 km/h and the variable lane is set, the average delay time is reduced by 30–50%. The existence of low-speed vehicles significantly increased the average delay time of the local lane, and the lower the vehicle speed and the greater the road traffic volume, the longer the average delay time. When the speed of low-speed vehicles is 40 km/h and the traffic volume is 1200 pcu/h, the traffic density of the right-hand lane decreases by 43.5% after the variable lane is set. While lane changing is prohibited, the presence of low-speed vehicles causes a backlog of vehicles in the rear of the lane, which leads to a significant increase in traffic density. Setting lane-changing permits can alleviate the impact of low-speed vehicles on traffic flow. The research results can provide a scientific basis for the operation and management of urban tunnels.
What Can Off- and Online Measures Tell about Students’ Self-Regulation and Their Achievement While Learning Science Expository Hypertext
Authors: Kavčič Alenka , Podlesek Anja , Komidar Luka , Hladnik Aleš , Boh Podgornik Bojana , Bohak Ciril , Depolli Steiner Katja , Gril Alenka , Lesar Žiga , Marolt Matija , Pečjak Sonja , Pesek Matevž , Pirc Tina , Puklek Levpušček Melita , Peklaj Cirila
Published: May 2022

Self-regulated learning (SRL) plays an important role in successful learning with hypertexts. The use of appropriate SRL strategies helps students acquire new knowledge more efficiently. We investigated the use of SRL strategies in individual learning from expository science hypertext, the correlations between different measures of self-regulation, and the differences in SRL between more and less successful students. A sample of 443 ninth graders from 15 different schools participated in the study. A variety of off- and online measures were used to measure SRL. Data were collected from student traces, questionnaires, tests scores, and notes. Low correlations between the off- and online measures of SRL suggest that they measure different aspects of SRL use in learning digital science texts. Student achievement in science positively correlated with their use of SRL strategies. Students with higher knowledge gains reported the higher use of deep cognitive strategies, higher motivation for learning, and used a higher number of strategies in note-taking while learning. The results of this study may have practical implications for teachers to support student SRL and for developers of digital learning materials to incorporate SRL scaffolding into learning topics.
How Stable Are Students’ Entrepreneurial Intentions in the COVID-19 Pandemic Context?
Authors: Botezat Elena-Aurelia , Constăngioară Alexandru , Dodescu Anca-Otilia , Pop-Cohuţ Ioana-Crina
Published: May 2022

The purposed longitudinal study analyzes the evolution of students’ Entrepreneurial Intentions (EI) and its antecedents over the COVID-19 pandemic period and explores the inter-individual differences and the intra-individual changes. Our main contribution consists of proposing two-panel estimations techniques: first, a Latent Change Score model (LCS) approach to analyze the stability of our constructs, and second, a Generalized Least Squares (GLS) Random-Effect estimation of a complex network of relationships that we have identified within the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework. Our empirical results show that students’ EI enrolled in an entrepreneurship education (EE) program increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals with initial higher scores for EI have changed less than those with lower initial scores, and a gender difference exists in the initial level of EI and its antecedents. Our results also document the moderation effects of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and the importance of inspiration and resources in building students’ EI and provide valuable policy recommendations for universities regarding the design of EE programs to contribute to the economic recovery in the post-pandemic era.
Parameter Sensitivity Analysis and Identification of an Improved Symmetrical Hysteretic Model for RC Hollow Columns
Authors: Yang Huaping , Li Jing , Shao Changjiang , Qian Yongjiu , Qi Qiming , He Jianxian
Published: May 2022

An innovative symmetrical hysteresis model for reinforced concrete (RC) rectangular hollow columns is presented. The Bouc–Wen–Baber–Noori (BWBN) model was selected to depict the inelastic restoring forces and was improved by introducing a coefficient to describe the relationship between stiffness degradation and peak displacement. Sensitivity analysis was conducted at the local and global levels to clarify the importance of each parameter in the improved BWBN model. As such, a hybrid intelligence algorithm named PSOGSA was employed to identify the parameters of the BWBN model utilizing quasi-static tests of 16 hollow columns. The empirical formulas were regressed to bridge the connection between the BWBN model and design parameters of hollow columns. The results showed that the hysteresis curves of the improved BWBN model calibrated by the PSOGSA agreed well with the measured loops. In addition, the accuracy of the empirical prediction method of hysteretic parameters was checked through comparison with other hollow members. The calibrated improved BWBN model produced more precise hysteretic responses for RC hollow columns, since the peak and residual performance levels were simultaneously considered.
New Comparison Results for Oscillation of Even-Order Delay Differential Equations
Authors: Almarri Barakah , Masood Fahd , Muhib Ali , Moaaz Osama
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we obtain new monotonic properties for positive solutions of even-order delay differential equations in the non-canonical case. Using these properties, we establish a new oscillation criterion for solutions by comparison with an equation of the first order. The approach adopted is based on the use of symmetry between positive and negative solutions.
Vibration Force Suppression of Magnetically Suspended Flywheel Based on Compound Repetitive Control
Authors: Zeng Yuan , Liu Kun , Wei Jingbo , Zhang Zhizhou
Published: May 2022

To realize the hyperstatic performance index of a magnetically suspended flywheel and simultaneously suppress the vibration force caused by mass imbalance and sensor runout, a compound control method based on a repetitive controller and displacement force compensation of the synchronous force is proposed. First, the mechanism of different interference vibration forces is analyzed by establishing a model of the magnetically suspended flywheel. The analysis shows that the x–y direction is symmetric, and the flywheel structure has symmetry. Second, considering the symmetry of the x- and y-directions, the x-direction is taken as an example for analysis, the parameter design and stability analysis are carried out, and the range of parameters of the compound repetitive control method is obtained. Finally, a flywheel with different speeds is simulated. It was found that the vibration force of each frequency can be suppressed by the compound control method, and the inhibition rate of the vibration force can reach as much as 95%. The results show that the unbalanced vibration and vibration force caused by the sensor runout can be effectively suppressed by using the compound repetitive control method.
The Cooperative Control of Subgrade Stiffness on Symmetrical Bridge–Subgrade Transition Section
Authors: Zhang Yang , Li Rui , Chen Jun
Published: May 2022

In the field of civil engineering and architecture, the concept of symmetry has been widely accepted. The bridge can be treated as a typical symmetrical structure of civil engineering buildings. Among them, the Subgrade can be identified as an important part to bear the vehicle loads. Severe pavement problems and bridge service capabilities will be caused by problems of the bridge–subgrade transition section. Therefore, setting the rigid–flexible transition is an important method to solve this problem. The bridge–subgrade transition section has been set at both ends of the bridge, which can be regarded as a typical symmetrical structure. Based on nonlinear finite element numerical simulation and synergistic theory, the cooperative control problems of the bridge–subgrade transition section were studied in this work. The change rule of the stiffness of the transition section was discussed and the influence of stiffness variation of the bridge–subgrade transition section on the stress state of the structure was also analyzed. Furthermore, the influence of subgrade stiffness change on the stress and strain field was analyzed. A permanent strain prediction model was established and stiffness or subsidence difference coordination control was also discussed.
Fixed-Time Synchronization Analysis of Genetic Regulatory Network Model with Time-Delay
Authors: Zhou Yajun , Gao You
Published: May 2022

The synchronous genetic regulatory networks model includes the drive system and response system, and the drive-response system is symmetric. From a biological point of view, this model illustrates the dynamic behaviors in gene-to-protein processes, in terms of transcription and translation. This paper introduces a model of genetic regulatory networks with time delay. The fixed-time synchronization control problem of the proposed model is studied based on fixed-time stability theory and the Lyapunov method. Concretely, the authors first propose a way to switch from the given model to matrix form. Then, two types of novel controllers are designed and the corresponding sufficient conditions are investigated respectively to ensure the fixed-time synchronization goal. Moreover, the settling times of fixed-time synchronization are estimated for the addressed discontinuous controllers, which are not dependent on the initial or delayed states of the model. Finally, numerical simulations are presented and compared to illustrate the benefits of the theoretical results.
M-YOLO: Traffic Sign Detection Algorithm Applicable to Complex Scenarios
Authors: Liu Yuchen , Shi Gang , Li Yanxiang , Zhao Ziyu
Published: May 2022

Traffic signs can be seen everywhere in daily life. Traffic signs are symmetrical, and traffic sign detection is easily affected by distortion, distance, light intensity and other factors, which also increases the potential safety hazards of assisted driving in practical application. In order to solve this problem, a symmetrical traffic sign detection algorithm M-YOLO for complex scenes is proposed. The algorithm optimizes the delay problem by reducing the computational overhead of the network, and speeds up the speed of feature extraction. While improving the detection efficiency, it ensures a certain degree of generalization and robustness, and enhances the detection performance of traffic signs in complex environments, such as scale and illumination changes. Experimental results on CCTSDB dataset containing traffic signs in complex scenes and HRRSD small target dataset show that M-YOLO algorithm has good detection performance. Compared with other algorithms, it has higher detection accuracy and detection speed. The test results in real complex scenes show that the detection effect of this algorithm is better than that of YOLOv5l algorithm, and M-YOLO algorithm can accurately detect the traffic signs that cannot be detected by YOLOv5l algorithm. Therefore, the algorithm proposed in this article can effectively improve the detection accuracy of traffic signs, is suitable for complex scenes, and has a good detection effect on small targets.
Analytical Solution for the MHD Flow of Non-Newtonian Fluids between Two Coaxial Cylinders
Authors: Chen Li , Abbas Munawwar Ali , Khudair Wissam Sadiq , Sun Bo
Published: May 2022

This paper deals with the MHD peristaltic flow of Williamson fluids through a porous medium between two joint cylinders. The fluid flow was considered to be that of a non-Newtonian fluid, i.e., a Williamson fluid. The inner tube was uniform, while the flexible outer tube had a Sine wave moving down its wall. The analytical solutions for velocity and temperature were obtained as functions (Bessell functions of the first and second types). The solution for velocity profile, temperature, and concentration distribution were obtained as functions of the physical parameters of the problem (Darcy number, magnetic parameter, Grasoff thermal number, Reynolds number, Prantl number, and Schmidt number) along with other physical parameters. The effect of the physical parameters was discussed graphically. A comparison with previously published graphical results was also carried out. The ambition of the present paper is to contribute to practical applications in geographical and physiological fluid dynamics, such as on sandstone, in the human lungs, on beach sand, on limestone, and in the bile duct. This study is based on theoretical research and can be helpful in the fields of fluid mechanics and mathematics.
On the Aggregation of Comonotone or Countermonotone Fuzzy Relations
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Jia Fan
Published: May 2022

The properties of fuzzy relations have been extensively studied, and the preservation of their properties plays a fundamental role in the various applications. However, either sufficient or necessity conditions for the preservation requires the aggregated functions of fuzzy relations to dominate or to be dominated by the corresponding operations, which constructs a significant limitation on applicable functions. This work concentrates on the preservation of transitivities and Ferrers property for the aggregation of comonotone or countermonotone fuzzy relations. Firstly, definitions of comonotonicity and countermonotonicity for binary functions are initially proposed. On the foundation of that, the relations of commuting and bisymmetry between min/max and commonly used increasing/decreasing functions are found. Afterwards, with the condition that underlying fuzzy relations are pair-wisely comonotone or countermonotone, theorems on the aggregation functions which can preserve the transitivities and the Ferrers property are proposed. Moreover, an interesting conclusion that the equivalent condition for the min-Ferrers property of fuzzy relations is clarified.
A Deep Learning-Based Intelligent Garbage Detection System Using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Verma Vishal , Gupta Deepali , Gupta Sheifali , Uppal Mudita , Anand Divya , Ortega-Mansilla Arturo , Alharithi Fahd S. , Almotiri Jasem , Goyal Nitin
Published: May 2022

A population explosion has resulted in garbage generation on a large scale. The process of proper and automatic garbage collection is a challenging and tedious task for developing countries. This paper proposes a deep learning-based intelligent garbage detection system using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The main aim of this paper is to provide a low-cost, accurate and easy-to-use solution for handling the garbage effectively. It also helps municipal corporations to detect the garbage areas in remote locations automatically. This automation was derived using two Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models and images of solid waste were captured by the drone. Both models were trained on the collected image dataset at different learning rates, optimizers and epochs. This research uses symmetry during the sampling of garbage images. Homogeneity regarding resizing of images is generated due to the application of symmetry to extract their characteristics. The performance of two CNN models was evaluated with the state-of-the-art models using different performance evaluation metrics such as precision, recall, F1-score, and accuracy. The CNN1 model achieved better performance for automatic solid waste detection with 94% accuracy.
Eco-Efficiency Assessment of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Urban Agglomeration Based on Emergy Analysis and Two-Layer System Dynamics
Authors: Huo Huanhuan , Liu Haiyan , Bao Xinzhong , Cui Wei
Published: May 2022

In the process of the economic development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration, ecological and environmental issues are still an important factor restricting high-quality development. The study of eco-efficiency is of great significance for coordinating the relationship between economy, resources and environment. This paper used a combinated method of two-layer system dynamics and emergy analysis to construct an emergy–system dynamics coupling model for eco-efficiency evaluation from the subsystems of resource flow, energy flow, currency flow and population flow of urban system, which is used to simulate and analyze the eco-efficiency of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration. The results show that the overall eco-efficiency of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration is not high, with an average value of 0.3786, and there is a trend of the value rising first and then falling from 2000 to 2035. The index values of emergy waste rate, contaminant emergy ratio, emergy output rate and environmental load rate after the decomposition of the eco-efficiency show that the high environmental pressure, the low re-use rate of pollutants and the low production efficiency of the system are important reasons for the low eco-efficiency in regional economic development. Finally, through scenario simulation, we propose that optimizing the economic structure, adjusting the population size and rationally arranging the fixed assets investment are conducive to improving the eco-efficiency of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration.
The Role of Transperineal Ultrasound for the Assessment of the Anorectal Angle and Its Relationship with Levator Ani Muscle Avulsion
Authors: García-Mejido José Antonio , García-Pombo Sara , Fernández-Conde Cristina , Borrero Carlota , Fernández-Palacín Ana , Sainz-Bueno José Antonio
Published: May 2022

The relationship between the anorectal angle (ARA) and the levator ani muscle (LAM) is well known. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate that the ARA changes when LAM avulsion occurs after vaginal delivery. This was a secondary, observational retrospective study with data obtained from three previous studies. Using transperineal ultrasound, the presence of avulsion was assessed when abnormal insertion of the LAM was observed in three central slices. In addition, the ARA was assessed in the midsagittal plane (at rest, in Valsalva and at maximum contraction) as the angle between the posterior border of the distal part of the rectum and the central axis of the anal canal. The ARA was higher in patients with bilateral LAM avulsion than in patients without LAM avulsion at rest (131.8 ± 14.1 vs. 136.2 ± 13.8), in Valsalva (129.4 ± 15.5 vs. 136.5 ± 14.4) and at maximum contraction (125.7 ± 15.5 vs. 132.3 ± 13.2). The differences between both groups expressed as the odds ratio (OR) adjusted for maternal age were 1.031 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.001–1.061; p = 0.041) at rest, 1.036 (95% CI, 1.008–1.064; p = 0.012) in Valsalva and 1.031 (95% CI, 1.003–1.059; p = 0.027) at maximum contraction. In conclusion, LAM avulsion produces an increase in the ARA at rest, during contraction and in Valsalva, especially in cases of bilateral LAM avulsion.
Dietary Exposure and Risk Assessment of Mycotoxins in Thyme and Thyme-Based Products Marketed in Lebanon
Authors: Hassan Hussein F. , Koaik Lara , Khoury André El , Atoui Ali , El Obeid Tahra , Karam Layal
Published: May 2022

This study aimed at evaluating the incidence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in thyme and thyme-based products, related dietary exposure, and cancer risk for regular and high consumption. A total of 160 samples were collected, and 32 composite samples were analyzed. AFB1 and OTA were respectively found in 84% (27/32) and 38% (12/32) of the samples. AFB1 exceeded the limits in 41% (13/32) and 25% (8/32) of the samples according to the Lebanese and European standards, respectively. OTA was unacceptable in only 6% (2/32) and 3% (1/32) of the samples according to the Lebanese and European standards, respectively. AFB1 and OTA daily exposure was shown to be 4.270 and 1.345 ng/kg bw/day, respectively. AFB1 was shown to be associated with 0.41 and 0.35 additional cancer cases per 100,000 persons per year for regular consumption, respectively; while for high consumption, an increase of 0.911 and 0.639 cancer cases per 100,000 person per year was noted, respectively. The margin of exposure (MOE) for OTA was >10,000 for the non-neoplastic effect and >200 for the neoplastic effect, representing no toxicological concerns for consumers.
Development and Scalable Production of Newcastle Disease Virus-Vectored Vaccines for Human and Veterinary Use
Authors: Fulber Julia P. C. , Kamen Amine A.
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for efficient vaccine platforms that can rapidly be developed and manufactured on a large scale to immunize the population against emerging viruses. Viral-vectored vaccines are prominent vaccine platforms that have been approved for use against the Ebola virus and SARS-CoV-2. The Newcastle Disease Virus is a promising viral vector, as an avian paramyxovirus that infects poultry but is safe for use in humans and other animals. NDV has been extensively studied not only as an oncolytic virus but also a vector for human and veterinary vaccines, with currently ongoing clinical trials for use against SARS-CoV-2. However, there is a gap in NDV research when it comes to process development and scalable manufacturing, which are critical for future approved vaccines. In this review, we summarize the advantages of NDV as a viral vector, describe the steps and limitations to generating recombinant NDV constructs, review the advances in human and veterinary vaccine candidates in pre-clinical and clinical tests, and elaborate on production in embryonated chicken eggs and cell culture. Mainly, we discuss the existing data on NDV propagation from a process development perspective and provide prospects for the next steps necessary to potentially achieve large-scale NDV-vectored vaccine manufacturing.
Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus (MMTV) and MMTV-like Viruses: An In-depth Look at a Controversial Issue
Authors: Parisi Francesca , Freer Giulia , Mazzanti Chiara Maria , Pistello Mauro , Poli Alessandro
Published: May 2022

Since its discovery as a milk factor, mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) has been shown to cause mammary carcinoma and lymphoma in mice. MMTV infection depends upon a viral superantigen (sag)-induced immune response and exploits the immune system to establish infection in mammary epithelial cells when they actively divide. Simultaneously, it avoids immune responses, causing tumors through insertional mutagenesis and clonal expansion. Early studies identified antigens and sequences belonging to a virus homologous to MMTV in human samples. Several pieces of evidence fulfill a criterion for a possible causal role for the MMTV-like virus in human breast cancer (BC), though the controversy about whether this virus was linked to BC has raged for over 40 years in the literature. In this review, the most important issues related to MMTV, from its discovery to the present days, are retraced to fully explore such a controversial issue. Furthermore, the hypothesis of an MMTV-like virus raised the question of a potential zoonotic mouse–man transmission. Several studies investigate the role of an MMTV-like virus in companion animals, suggesting their possible role as mediators. Finally, the possibility of an MMTV-like virus as a cause of human BC opens a new era for prevention and therapy.
The Genetic Characterization of a Novel Natural Recombinant Pseudorabies Virus in China
Authors: Huang Jianbo , Tang Wenjie , Wang Xvetao , Zhao Jun , Peng Kenan , Sun Xiangang , Li Shuwei , Kuang Shengyao , Zhu Ling , Zhou Yuancheng , Xu Zhiwen
Published: May 2022

We sequenced the complete genome of the pseudorabies virus (PRV) FJ epidemic strain, and we studied the characteristics and the differences compared with the classical Chinese strain and that of other countries. Third-generation sequencing and second-generation sequencing technology were used to construct, sequence, and annotate an efficient, accurate PRV library. The complete FJ genome was 143,703 bp, the G+C content was 73.67%, and it encoded a total of 70 genes. The genetic evolution of the complete genome and some key gene sequences of the FJ strain and PRV reference strains were analyzed by the maximum likelihood (ML) method of MEGA 7.0 software. According to the ML tree based on the full-length genome sequences, PRV FJ strain was assigned to the branch of genotype II, and it showed a close evolutionary relationship with PRV epidemic variants isolated in China after 2011. The gB, gC, gD, gH, gL, gM, gN, TK, gI, and PK genes of the FJ strain were assigned to the same branch with other Chinese epidemic mutants; its gG gene was assigned to the same branch with the classic Chinese Fa and Ea strains; and its gE gene was assigned to a relatively independent branch. Potential recombination events were predicted by the RDP4 software, which showed that the predicted recombination sites were between 1694 and 1936 bp, 101,113 and 102,660 bp, and 107,964 and 111,481 bp in the non-coding region. This result broke the previously reported general rule that pseudorabies virus recombination events occur in the gene coding region. The major backbone strain of the recombination event was HLJ8 and the minor backbone strain was Ea. Our results allowed us to track and to grasp the recent molecular epidemiological changes of PRV. They also provide background materials for the development of new PRV vaccines, and they lay a foundation for further study of PRV.
Non-B, Non-C Hepatocellular Carcinoma in an HBV- and HCV-Endemic Area: A Community-Based Prospective Longitudinal Study
Authors: Chang Te-Sheng , Hsu Nien-Tzu , Chen Shu-Chuan , Hsu I-Lin , Lee Mei-Hsuan , Lu Sheng-Nan
Published: May 2022

A large community cohort of adults who participated in a health screening program from 2003 to 2013 were prospectively analyzed for the risk factors of non-B, non-C (NBNC) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The serostatus of hepatitis B and C of 52,642 participants was linked to the mortality and cancer registration data of the Health and Welfare Data Science Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan. During a median follow-up of 6 years, 35 of the 43,545 participants who were negative for both HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody developed HCC. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that old age (hazard ratio, 95% CI: 1.058, 1.019–1.098, p = 0.003); male sex (2.446, 1.200–4.985, p = 0.014); high aspartate aminotransferase levels (6.816, 2.945–15.779, p < 0.001); fibrosis index based on four factor score (1.262, 1.154–1.381, p < 0.001); blood sugar (1.009, 1.002–1.015, p = 0.006); and alpha-fetoprotein ≥15 ng/mL (143.938, 43.094–480.760, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for HCC. By contrast, triglyceride >150 mg/dL was associated with a decreased risk of HCC (0.216, 0.074–0.625, p = 0.005). This prospective community-based study provided insights into the potential HCC risk factors which may shed some light in HCC prevention and screening.
Point-of-Care and Label-Free Detection of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome and Swine Influenza Viruses Using a Microfluidic Device with Photonic Integrated Circuits
Authors: Manessis Georgios , Frant Maciej , Wozniakowski Grzegorz , Nannucci Lapo , Benedetti Martina , Denes Lilla , Gyula Balka , Gelasakis Athanasios I. , Squires Clare , Recuero Sara , Sanchez Carlos , Griol Amadeu , Giusti Alessandro , Bossis Ioannis
Published: May 2022

Swine viral diseases challenge the sector’s sustainability by affecting productivity and the health and welfare of the animals. The lack of antiviral drugs and/or effective vaccines renders early and reliable diagnosis the basis of viral disease management, underlining the importance of point-of-care (POC) diagnostics. A novel POC diagnostic device utilizing photonic integrated circuits (PICs), microfluidics, and information and communication technologies for the detection of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and swine influenza A (SIV) was validated using spiked and clinical oral fluid samples. Metrics including sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, precision, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated to assess the performance of the device. For PRRSV, the device achieved a sensitivity of 83.5%, specificity of 77.8%, and DOR values of 17.66, whereas the values for SIV were 81.8%, 82.2%, and 20.81, respectively. The POC device and PICs can be used for the detection of PRRSV and SIV in the field, paving the way for the introduction of novel technologies in the field of animal POC diagnostics to further optimize livestock biosecurity.
Detection of Lassa Virus-Reactive IgG Antibodies in Wild Rodents: Validation of a Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunological Assay
Authors: Soubrier Hugo , Bangura Umaru , Hoffmann Chris , Olayemi Ayodeji , Adesina Adetunji Samuel , Günther Stephan , Oestereich Lisa , Fichet-Calvet Elisabeth
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of LASV-reactive IgG antibodies in Mastomys rodents. The assay was used for laboratory-bred Mastomys rodents, as well as for animals caught in the wild in various regions of West Africa. The ELISA reached an accuracy of 97.1% in samples of known exposure, and a comparison to an immunofluorescence assay (IFA) revealed a very strong agreement between the ELISA and IFA results (Cohen’s kappa of 0.81). The agreement is valid in Nigeria, and in Guinea and Sierra Leone where the lineages II and IV are circulating, respectively. Altogether, these results indicate that this capture ELISA is suitable for LASV IgG serostatus determination in Mastomys rodents as an alternative to IFA. This assay will be a strong, accurate, and semi-quantitative alternative for rodent seroprevalence studies that does not depend on biosafety level 4 infrastructures, providing great benefits for ecology and epidemiology studies of Lassa fever, a disease listed on the Research and Development Blueprint of the WHO.
Comprehensive Comparison of Novel Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) Integration Sites between B-Cell Lymphoma Lines BLSC-KU1 and BLSC-KU17 Using the Viral DNA Capture High-Throughput Sequencing Method
Authors: Yamanaka Meripet Polat , Saito Susumu , Hosomichi Kazuyoshi , Aida Yoko
Published: May 2022

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infects cattle and integrates into host DNA, causing enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL), an aggressive B-cell lymphoma. Here, we developed a novel proviral DNA-capture sequencing (proviral DNA-capture-seq) method investigating BLV proviral integration in two B-cell lymphoma lines, BLSC-KU1 and BLSC-KU17, derived from BLV-infected cattle with EBL. We designed BLV-specific biotinylated probes to capture the provirus genome and enrich libraries for next-generation sequencing. Validation showed high specificity and efficient enrichment of target sequence reads as well as identification of three BLV proviral integration sites on BLV persistently infected FLK-BLV cells as a positive control. We successfully detected a single BLV proviral integration site on chromosome 19 of BLSC-KU1 and chromosome 9 of BLSC-KU17, which were confirmed by standard PCR and Sanger sequencing. Further, a defective provirus in BLSC-KU1 and complete BLV proviral sequence in BLSC-KU17 were confirmed using long PCR and sequencing. This is the first study to provide comprehensive information on BLV proviral structure and viral integration in BLSC-KU1 and BLSC-KU17. Moreover, the proposed method can facilitate understanding of the detailed mechanisms underlying BLV-induced leukemogenesis and may be used as an innovative tool to screen BLV-infected cattle at risk at an earlier stage than those that have already developed lymphoma.
High Expression of HERV-K (HML-2) Might Stimulate Interferon in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Guo Yaolin , Yang Caiqin , Liu Yongjian , Li Tianyi , Li Hanping , Han Jingwan , Jia Lei , Wang Xiaolin , Zhang Bohan , Li Jingyun , Li Lin
Published: May 2022

Background. Interferon is a marker of host antiviral immunity, which is disordered in COVID-19 patients. ERV can affect the secretion of interferon through the cGAS-STING pathway. In this study, we explored whether IFN-I and HERV-K (HML-2) were activated in COVID-19 patients and whether there was an interaction between them. Methods. We collected blood samples from COVID-19 patients and healthy controls. We first detected the expression of HERV-K (HML-2) gag, env, and pol genes and IFN-I-related genes between patients and healthy people by qPCR, synchronously detected VERO cells infected with SARS-CoV-2. Then, the chromosome distributions of highly expressed HERV-K (HML-2) gag, env, and pol genes were mapped by the next-generation sequencing results, and GO analysis was performed on the related genes. Results. We found that the HERV-K (HML-2) gag, env, and pol genes were highly expressed in COVID-19 patients and VERO cells infected with SARS-CoV-2. The interferon-related genes IFNB1, ISG15, and IFIT1 were also activated in COVID-19 patients, and GO analysis showed that HERV-K (HML-2) can regulate the secretion of interferon. Conclusions. The high expression of HERV-K (HML-2) might activate the increase of interferon in COVID-19 patients, proving that HERV-K does not only play a negative role in the human body.