bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pollution Characteristics and Risk Assessments of Mercury in Jiutai, a County Region Thriving on Coal Mining in Northeastern China
Authors: Xiao Yuliang , Zhang Gang , Guo Jiaxu , Zhang Zhe , Wang Hongyi , Wang Yang , Wang Zhaojun , Yuan Hailong , Cui Dan
Published: August 2022

Among human activities, coal mining and the combustion of fossil fuels are important sources of mercury in the environment. Research on mercury pollution in coal mining areas and surrounding cities, especially in densely populated areas, has always been at the forefront of this research field. In order to study the characteristics of environmental mercury pollution in small and medium-sized coal mining areas and surrounding towns in China, this study selected the main urban area of Jiutai District, a typical mining town in the Changchun City circle industrial base in northeast China, as the research object. In this study, the geo-accumulation index (Igeo) was used to study the soil mercury pollution degree in Jiutai District, the potential ecological risk index (Er) was used to evaluate the potential ecological risk of soil mercury in the study area, and the human exposure risk assessment model was used to evaluate the non-carcinogenic risk of soil mercury to the human body. The results showed that 32% of the soil samples in the study area had a higher mercury content than the regional soil background value of Jilin Province (0.04 mg·kg−1). According to the Igeo, 19% of the sample sites in the study area were polluted (index > 0). In general, the soil mercury pollution level in Jiutai District is low, and the polluted areas are mainly concentrated in the northeast of the study area. The Er of the soil mercury in the study area ranged from 7.2 to 522.0, with 32% of the sampling sites having a moderate or above potential ecological risk (Er > 40), and the potential ecological risk level of the soil mercury was higher in the northeast of the study area. The non-carcinogenic risk index (HQ) and total non-carcinogenic risk value (HI) of the soil mercury were all far less than 1, indicating that soil mercury pollution in the study area did not harm the health of local adults. The oral ingestion of soil mercury is the main form of human exposure to mercury.
Refined Network Topology for Improved Reliability and Enhanced Dijkstra Algorithm for Optimal Path Selection during Link Failures in Cluster Microgrids
Authors: Pradeep Reddy Gogulamudi , Kumar Yellapragada Venkata Pavan , Kalyan Chakravarthi Maddikera , Flah Aymen
Published: August 2022

Cluster microgrids are a group of interoperable smart microgrids, connected in a local network to exchange their energy resources and collectively meet their load. A microgrid can import/export energy to the neighboring microgrid in the network based on energy deficit/availability. However, in executing such an operation, a well-established communication network is essential. This network must provide a reliable communication path between microgrids. In addition, the network must provide an optimal path between any two microgrids in the network to optimize immediate energy generation, import requirements, and export possibilities. To meet these requirements, different conventional research approaches have been used to provide reliable communication, such as backup/alternative/Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP)-based redundant path concepts, in addition to traditional/renowned Dijkstra algorithms, in order to find the shortest path between microgrids. The HSRP-based mechanism provides an additional path between microgrids, but may not completely solve the reliability issue, especially during multiple link failures and simultaneous failures of the actual path and redundant path. Similarly, Dijkstra algorithms discussed in the literature do not work for finding the shortest path during link failures. Thus, to enhance reliability, this paper proposes a refined network topology that provides more communication paths between microgrids, while retaining the same number of total links needed, as in conventional HSRP-based networks. In addition, this paper proposes an enhanced Dijkstra algorithm to find the optimum path during link failures. Simulations are executed using NetSimTM by implementing test cases such as single-link and multiple-link failures. The results prove that the proposed topology and method are superior to conventional approaches.
A Systematic Review of Smart City Infrastructure Threat Modelling Methodologies: A Bayesian Focused Review
Authors: Wright Marc , Chizari Hassan , Viana Thiago
Published: August 2022

Smart city infrastructure and the related theme of critical national infrastructure have attracted growing interest in recent years in academic literature, notably how cyber-security can be effectively applied within the environment, which involves using cyber-physical systems. These operate cross-domain and have massively improved functionality and complexity, especially in threat modelling cyber-security analysis—the disparity between current cyber-security proficiency and the requirements for an effective cyber-security systems implementation. Analysing risk across the entire analysed system can be associated with many different cyber security methods for overall cyber risk analysis or identifying vulnerability for individually modelled objects. One method for performing risk analysis proposed in the literature is by applying Bayesian-based threat modelling methodologies. This paper performs a systematic literature review of Bayesian networks and unique alternative methodologies for smart city infrastructure analysis and related critical national infrastructures. A comparative analysis of the different methodological approaches, considering the many intricacies, metrics, and methods behind them, with suggestions made for future research in the field of cyber-physical threat modelling for smart city infrastructure.
Comparison between CMIP5 and CMIP6 Models over MENA Region Using Historical Simulations and Future Projections
Authors: Hamed Mohammed Magdy , Nashwan Mohamed Salem , Shiru Mohammed Sanusi , Shahid Shamsuddin
Published: August 2022

The study evaluated the ability of 11 global climate models of the latest two versions of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5 and CMIP6) to simulate observed (1965–2005) rainfall, maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin) temperatures, mean eastward (uas) and northward (vas) wind speed, and mean surface pressure. It also evaluated relative uncertainty in projections of climate variables using those two CMIPs. The European reanalysis (ERA5) data were used as the reference to evaluate the performance of the GCMs and their mean and median multimodel ensembles (MME). The study revealed less bias in CMIP6 GCMs than CMIP5 GCMs in simulating most climate variables. The biases in rainfall, Tmax, Tmin, uas, vas, and surface pressure were −55 mm, 0.28 °C, −0.11 °C, −0.25 m/s, −0.06 m/s, and −0.038 Kpa for CMIP6 compared to −65 mm, 0.07 °C, −0.87 °C, −0.41 m/s, −0.05 m/s, and 0.063 Kpa for CMIP5. The uncertainty in CMIP6 projections of rainfall, Tmax, Tmin, uas, vas, and wind speed was relative more narrow than those for CMIP5. The projections showed a higher increase in Tmin than Tmax by 0.64 °C, especially in the central region. Besides, rainfall in most parts of MENA would increase; however, it might decrease by 50 mm in the coastal regions. The study revealed the better ability of CMIP6 GCMs for a wide range of climatic studies.
Methodology for the Localization of Wool Collecting Centers: The Case Study of Sicily
Authors: Ganci Mariaconcetta , Biondi Luisa , Parlato Monica C. M. , Porto Simona M. C.
Published: August 2022

Sustainable rural development depends on a multidimensional process based on the interaction of the economic, cultural, social, environmental, and political subsystems. Many studies have ascribed the extensive livestock systems a potential role in sustainable rural development. Sheep farming in Europe involves meat or dairy breeds that produce coarse wool unsuitable for textile use. Coarse wool has been historically used for mattresses or pillows; nowadays, it is a farm waste. The aim of this study was to suggest a methodology for the localization of wool collecting centers within a study area, i.e., the Sicily Region, in order to valorize a livestock waste, i.e., sheep wool. This methodology is based on a detailed database of the local livestock population and GIS usage. Moreover, this method could be replicable in the whole EU territory, where the EC regulation n. 21/2004 has established that each Member State set up a system for the identification and registration of ovine animals, for traceability veterinary reasons. On the basis of the number of animals shorn on a municipal basis, and the existing main roads, the most suitable areas for the localization of four wool collection centers have been identified. Furthermore, it was also hypothesized that each collecting center could be specialized in a specific treatment for subsequent wool use (e.g., amendment fertilizers, keratin extraction, green building material or geo-textile production).
The Role of Renewable Energies, Storage and Sector-Coupling Technologies in the German Energy Sector under Different CO2 Emission Restrictions
Authors: Nebel Arjuna , Cantor Julián , Salim Sherif , Salih Amro , Patel Dixit
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to simulate the sector-coupled energy system of Germany in 2030 with the restriction on CO2 emission levels and to observe how the system evolves with decreasing emissions. Moreover, the study presented an analysis of the interconnection between electricity, heat and hydrogen and how technologies providing flexibility will react when restricting CO2 emissions levels. This investigation has not yet been carried out with the technologies under consideration in this study. It shows how the energy system behaves under different set boundaries of CO2 emissions and how the costs and technologies change with different emission levels. The study results show that the installed capacities of renewable technologies constantly increase with higher limitations on emissions. However, their usage rates decreases with low CO2 emission levels in response to higher curtailed energy. The sector-coupled technologies behave differently in this regard. Heat pumps show similar behaviour, while the electrolysers usage rate increases with more renewable energy penetration. The system flexibility is not primarily driven by the hydrogen sector, but in low CO2 emission level scenarios, the flexibility shifts towards the heating sector and electrical batteries.
A Study on the Influence of the Income Structure on the Consumption Structure of Rural Residents in China
Authors: Lu Yan , Zhou Yuqi , Liu Pengling , Zhang Shiyun
Published: August 2022

The gentle development of the economy is an important link to realize sustainable development in a holistic way. In recent years, due to the notable decline in the scale of exports and investment, China’s economic growth has decreased significantly, and consumption has become the main force driving economic growth. Promoting sustainable economic development is an important problem in the current development of China. In this study, the ELES model was adopted to analyze how the consumption structure is affected by the income structure among rural residents in China. The results show the following: (1) The income structure of rural residents has a significant impact on the consumption structure, and their consumption behaviors conform to the “mental accounting” hypothesis. (2) Net property income and net transfer income account for a small proportion, but marginal propensity to consume (referred to as MPC) is relatively large. Net operating income and wage income form a large proportion of disposable income with low MPC. (3) In the future, expenditures on food, tobacco, and alcohol will slow down remarkably, and more money will be spent on healthcare, transportation and communication, and housing, forming an increasing proportion of expenditures. In summary, this study suggests that scientific and effective policy measures should be issued to boost the income level of rural residents in a targeted manner, optimize the income structure, and improve the rural consumption environment, so as to comprehensively promote rural consumption.
Energy Transition towards Sustainable Development: Perspective of Individuals’ Engagement Amid Transition Process
Authors: Cheng Alex W. J. , Lee Harry F.
Published: August 2022

The energy transition towards sustainable development is a significant propeller to achieving carbon neutrality and reducing the further impact of human-induced climate change through decarbonizing the energy sector. Yet, the discussion often neglects individual engagement and participation. Emerging studies and research focus on energy transition readiness and the attitude–behavior gap on both (inter-) national and public participation levels. Still, similar bottom-up research and studies on individual engagement in energy transition are rare in the context of Asia. Based on an online questionnaire (N = 150) conducted in Hong Kong from February to March 2022, this study followed the Attitude-Behavior-Context (A-B-C) Model to investigate whether individual pro-energy transition behavior was affected by both internal socio-psychological variables and the external socio-economic context. The data collected was analyzed by Cronbach’s alpha and multiple regression analysis. Statistical results show that individuals’ internal socio-psychological variables significantly contributed to the pro-energy transition behavior of Hong Kong citizens in terms of their pro-energy transition practices and other engagements in energy transition-related activities. In contrast, pro-energy transition behavior was less explained by the socio-economic context perceived by the respondents, and the explained behavior was limited to the respondents’ other engagements in energy-transition-related activities. The above findings suggest that citizens are in line with the related policies or more readily equipped for energy transition than the government. Government bodies are encouraged to set more ambitious targets and actions to achieve the 2050 carbon neutrality goal. The conceptualization of energy behavior and habit formation may help reduce the disparity of transition readiness among different stakeholders in Hong Kong.
How the COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts Green Inventions: Evidence from a Quasi-Natural Experiment in China
Authors: Wei Xuan , Liu Ranran , Chen Wei
Published: August 2022

This paper investigates whether the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic affects the green inventions of firms, universities, and firm–university collaborations (FUCs) differently. Our identification used provincial-level monthly data from China. Results from the difference-in-differences (DID) model showed that the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the output of three types of green invention patents. After the parallel-trend test, placebo test, and triple-difference estimation, our conclusion has good robustness. However, the COVID-19 pandemic also influences the role of other policies, such as the SO2-emissions-trading pilot policy for universities’ green inventions. There has been a slight change in the effect of dual carbon targets on green inventions since the start of the pandemic. The positive effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has been weaker for provinces where the pandemic has been more severe than in other provinces. The results of this study are compared with the results and empirical evidence of other related studies and the theoretical logic of COVID-19 crisis-promoted green inventions are discussed.
Personal Growth under Stress: Mediating Effects of Unit Cohesion and Leadership during Mandatory Military Training
Authors: Bekesiene Svajone , Smaliukiene Rasa
Published: August 2022

This study explores the phenomena of personal growth under stress and investigates the mediating effect of leadership and four elements of group cohesion (social, task, norm, and psychological). Data were collected at the beginning and end of mandatory military training in two units (n = 184), where the first unit was redeployed (transferred from one location to another) in the middle of the training period, and the second remained in the same physical place throughout the training period. Unit leadership and cohesion were found to mitigate the negative effect of perceived stress on personal growth; however, this effect depends on the phases of group dynamics. The modeling of structural equations revealed that social cohesion is a particularly important mediator (impact 71%) in reducing the negative impact of perceived stress on personal growth in a unit without redeployment. Meanwhile, leadership is an important mitigator when a group is in formation (at the beginning of mandatory military training, leadership mediates 15–18% of effects), as well as in the unit where the bonds between group members are weak due to physical disturbance while redeploying the unit to a new location (at the end of service, the effect of leadership is 38% in the redeployed unit). We conclude that leadership can replace a lack of social cohesion in a group with weak ties between group members and reduce the negative effect of perceived stress on personal growth. This is a new insight that allows social cohesion and leadership to be seen not only as complementary factors in group dynamics, but also as substitutes.
Relationship between Technology Acceptance and Self-Directed Learning: Mediation Role of Positive Emotions and Technological Self-Efficacy
Authors: An Fuhai , Xi Linjin , Yu Jingyi , Zhang Mohan
Published: August 2022

With the deep integration of ICT into education and teaching, the effect of technology acceptance on students’ self-directed learning has been one of the key concerns in the education field. This study examines the relationship between technology acceptance and self-directed learning and the mediating role played by positive emotions and technological self-efficacy in a sample of 501 middle school students in eastern China. The results show that: (1) positive emotions mediate the relationship between technology acceptance and self-directed learning; (2) technological self-efficacy also mediates the relationship between technology acceptance and self-directed learning; (3) positive emotions and technological self-efficacy play a mediating role between technology acceptance and self-directed learning. The findings not only reveal the mediating role of positive emotions and technological self-efficacy between technology acceptance and self-directed learning but are also valuable for Chinese teachers to guide middle school students to engage in self-directed learning with the help of technology.
Integrating Transformer and GCN for COVID-19 Forecasting
Authors: Li Yulan , Wang Yang , Ma Kun
Published: August 2022

The spread of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has coincided with the rise of Transformer and graph neural networks, leading several studies to propose using them to better predict the evolution of a pandemic. The inconveniences of infectious diseases make it important to predict their spread. However, the single deep learning (DL) model has the problems of unstable prediction effect and poor convergence. When calculating the relationship between different positions within a sequence, Transformer does not consider the local context in which each position is located, which can make the prediction vulnerable to outliers, so the integration of the graph convolutional network (GCN) to capture local information is considered. In this paper, we use Transformer to encode the time sequence information of COVID-19 and GCN to decode the time sequence information with graph structure, so that Transformer and GCN are perfectly combined and spatial information is used to further study the integration of these two methods. In addition, we improve the traditional positional encoding structure and propose a dynamic positional encoding technique to extract dynamic temporal information effectively, which is proved to be the key to capture spatial and temporal patterns in data. To make our predictions more useful, we only focused on three states in the United States, covering one of the most affected states, one of the least affected states, and one intermediate state. We used mean absolute percentage error and mean square error as evaluation indexes. Experimental results show that the proposed time series model has better predictive performance than the current DL models. Moreover, the convergence of our model is also better than the current DL models, providing a more accurate reference for the prevention of epidemics.
Online Reservation Intention of Tourist Attractions in the COVID-19 Context: An Extended Technology Acceptance Model
Authors: Zhao Yuzong , Wang Hui , Guo Zhen , Huang Mingli , Pan Yongtao , Guo Yongrui
Published: August 2022

Travel reservation is an important way to improve tourist experiences and digitally manage tourist attractions in the COVID-19 context. However, few studies have focused on the online reservation intentions of tourist attractions and its influencing factors. Based on the theory of the technology acceptance model (TAM), two variables (perceived risk and government policy) are introduced to expand on the theoretical model. This study investigates the influence of subjective norms, government policy, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived risk on reservation intentions of tourist attractions. An online survey was conducted in China, and 255 questionnaires were collected. The data were analysed using SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 28.0 to construct a structural equation modelling and analyse the path. The findings show that (1) subjective norms have no significant impact on reservation behaviours under voluntary situations; (2) perceived usefulness positively affects tourists’ reservation intention; and (3) perceived risk has a significant negative impact on reservation intention, and government policy is the main factor affecting tourists’ reservation intentions. These findings enhance the understanding of tourists’ reservation intentions and extend the TAM theory. From the practice perspective, tourist attraction operators should continue to strengthen the construction of the reservation system, improve tourists’ experiences, reduce the perceived risk of tourists, and other stakeholders such as the government should strengthen cooperation, promote the reservation system, and create a good reservation atmosphere.
Progress and Prospects of Ecosystem Disservices: An Updated Literature Review
Authors: Guo Rong-Zhi , Song Yao-Bin , Dong Ming
Published: August 2022

Natural ecosystems may influence human well-being not only positively (i.e., ecosystem services), but also negatively (i.e., ecosystem disservices). As ecosystem services have become among the most important and active research domains of ecology, ecosystem disservices have been receiving more and more attention from ecologists. In this paper, the progress of ecosystem disservices research was reviewed based on the peer-reviewed literatures using the bibliometric method and knowledge graph visualization technology. Particularly, we focused on topic distribution and ecosystem types of ecosystem disservices, the balance and synergy between ecosystem services and disservices, the management and application of ecosystem disservices, and the indicator system in ecosystem disservices research. Furthermore, we discussed the limitations and shortcomings of the current ecosystem disservice research. We recommend that future research needs to be further deepened in establishing a comprehensive assessment of ecosystem services and disservices, promoting interdisciplinary participatory socio-ecological methods, and transforming research methods from static to dynamic.
Effect of Time since Afforestation on Soil Organic Carbon Stock and Turnover Rate
Authors: Zhou Xiaohe , Li Jia , Zhao Yunfei , Jiang Silong , Liu Huiying , Wang Xia
Published: August 2022

Forests can accumulate large quantities of SOC, but the trend in SOC accumulation with increasing stand age is inconclusive. In this study, we selected five plots in northwestern China: four stands of artificially planted Robinia pseudoacacia of different ages (5, 20, 40, and 56 years old), and a plot of wasteland as the control. The results showed that the SOC contents decreased, whereas δ13C values increased, with soil depth. The soil total nitrogen (TN) content and the carbon/phosphorus (C/P) ratio increased significantly with increasing stand age. The SOC storage in the 0–30 cm soil layer did not differ significantly among stands of different ages. However, SOC storage in the 0–100 and 30–100 cm soil layers was significantly higher in the 40- and 56-year-old stands than in 5-year-old stands. The SOC turnover rate decreased gradually over the 40 years after planting and then rapidly increased between 40 and 56 years after planting. The SOC stocks were most strongly correlated with TN and the C/P ratio, and SOC turnover was most closely related to soil porosity. Afforestation significantly improved soil properties to enhance SOC sequestration, but it took a long time for stored SOC to accumulate in this study area.
The Trend of Grassland Restoration and Its Driving Forces in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China from 1988 to 2018
Authors: Zhang Xiujuan , Zhao Yuting , Ma Kexin , Wang Danni , Lin Huilong
Published: August 2022

Since the implementation of the grassland ecological protection policy of prohibition grazing on natural grasslands throughout the territory in 2003, the growth of grasslands in Ningxia has improved. This study investigated the spatial differentiation mechanism of normalized vegetation index (NDVI) in Ningxia grasslands from 1988 to 2018, analyzed the relative contributions of climate change (CC) and human activities (HA) to NDVI changes, and predicted the future trend of grassland changes. The results show that except in winter, the annual, seasonal and monthly average values of NDVI after grazing prohibition were higher than those before grazing prohibition. After grazing prohibition, the growth rate decreased by 17.91%, but the degradation rate increased by 3.92%. After grazing prohibition, the proportion of medium coverage increased by 16.15%, mainly in the path of “lower coverage grassland→medium coverage grassland”. The transformation trend was mainly positive, and the ecological construction project has achieved remarkable results. The main factors affecting NDVI differentiation in Ningxia grassland were snow depth, potential evapotranspiration, radiation, and precipitation. After grazing prohibition, the explanatory power of each factor and the interaction between the factors decreased significantly, but the explanatory power of wind speed was greatly improved. After the grazing prohibition, 53.22% of the total area was affected by human activities and climate change. The relative contribution of human activities decreased in NDVI-increased areas but increased in NDVI-decreased areas.
Influence of Population Agglomeration on Urban Economic Resilience in China
Authors: Jiang Jing , Zhang Xiaoqing , Huang Caihong
Published: August 2022

Under the background of complex domestic and international environment and the trend of urban population agglomeration, the impact of population agglomeration on urban economic resilience is worthy of attention. This paper uses a sample of 284 cities in China to empirically analyze the impact of population agglomeration on urban economic resilience in the context of the 2008 international financial crisis with the help of spatial econometric models. The results are as follows. First, population agglomeration can enhance the city’s resistance to the economic crisis, is more conducive to improving the city’s economic recovery and adjustment ability, and has a positive spatial spillover effect on surrounding cities. Moreover, population agglomeration enhances the economic resilience of urban secondary and tertiary industries. Secondly, in the population agglomeration context, the situation of the labor force structure affects the resilience of the urban economy. In terms of the labor force’s age structure, the agglomeration of prime-age labor is more conducive to improving urban economic resilience than youth and old labor. In terms of labor quality structure, homogeneous human capital agglomeration enhances cities’ resistance to economic crisis, while heterogeneous human capital agglomeration enhances cities’ ability to recover and adjust their economy.
Climate Variability in the Sudanian Zone of Côte d’Ivoire: Weather Observations, Perceptions, and Adaptation Strategies of Farmers
Authors: Timité Nakouana , Kouakou Akoua Tamia Madeleine , Bamba Issouf , Barima Yao Sadaiou Sabas , Bogaert Jan
Published: August 2022

Located in the extreme north of Côte d’Ivoire, the Sudanian zone is an area where 95% of the population depends on agricultural activities, particularly rain-fed agriculture. Given the serious threats that climate variability poses to food security and household incomes, it is important to understand the evolution of climate variables and their impacts on crops, perceptions, and adaptation measures taken by farmers. To do this, various statistical analyses were conducted using rainfall and temperature data from 1987 to 2018. These analyses were coupled with a survey of 287 farmers. The results showed a strong variability of precipitation marked by the succession of deficit and surplus periods with a return to wetter conditions since 2008. At the same time, an increase in temperature was observed. These phenomena have been perceived by farmers. Thus, to cope with the adverse effects of climate variability, farmers have developed numerous adaptation strategies that include the use of organic manure, agroforestry, changing planting dates, and introducing new crops, notably cashews.
Advances in the Effects of Biochar on Microbial Ecological Function in Soil and Crop Quality
Authors: Zhao Yaming , Wang Xiangjun , Yao Guangwei , Lin Zhizhong , Xu Laiyuan , Jiang Yunli , Jin Zewen , Shan Shengdao , Ping Lifeng
Published: August 2022

Biochar, a late-model environmental functional material, has been widely applied in environmental remediation, agricultural production, and energy utilization due to its excellent characteristics such as porosity and high specific surface area. In recent years, many studies on the effects of biochar on agricultural soil and crop quality have been performed. The application of biochar can influence soil microbial status directly or indirectly by changing the physicochemical properties of soil. Apart from increasing soil pH, biochar can also increase soil organic matter and nutrient elements, which ultimately affect crop yield and quality. This review summarizes and overviews the recent research advances on the influence of biochar application on soil microbial community diversity, microbial ecological functions, soil enzymes and their functional genes, and on crop quality and yield from the perspective of soil microorganisms. This review provides guidance and references for further research into biochar applications.
Notes on Recommendations for Enabling Policy Interventions in the Seaweed Cultivation and Processing Domain in India
Authors: Mantri Vaibhav A. , Ghosh Arup , Eswaran K. , Ganesan M.
Published: August 2022

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations ranks India at 13th position with 5300 wet tones of seaweed harvest (0.2% of global production). The domestic micro or medium enterprises still overwhelmingly rely on wild harvest for feedstock. The production of hydrocolloids and bio stimulants for agriculture has been the main product portfolio for the last several decades. Nevertheless, with 7516.6 km of coastline, this sector holds enormous promise for sustainable economic development. The strong “Innovation Quotient” proved to be the crucial driving force to develop several novel products backed up with intellectual property rights. Appreciable steps have been taken by the Union Government of India to give further fillip to the marine sector through different forums to achieve a sustainable and circular Blue Economy. The purpose of this thematic article is to collate the state-of-the-art information on the cultivation and processing sector in the country, and to provide recommendations for evidence-based sector management and policy decision making. The proposal of establishing a “Multipurpose Seaweed Park”—the first of its kind in the world—in Tamil Nadu is a very pertinent first step towards the cause of modernizing and improving the domestic industries, adopting improved processing and sustainable and green technologies. The analysis revealed that in order to fulfill these objectives, more coordinated efforts of several stakeholders are necessary, along with the cooperation of different government departments and industry participation. The lessons learned would help in furthering our collaboration with countries of the Indian Ocean region and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, for mutual benefit.
A General Picard-Mann Iterative Method for Approximating Fixed Points of Nonexpansive Mappings with Applications
Authors: Shukla Rahul , Pant Rajendra , Sinkala Winter
Published: August 2022

Fixed point theory provides an important structure for the study of symmetry in mathematics. In this article, a new iterative method (general Picard–Mann) to approximate fixed points of nonexpansive mappings is introduced and studied. We study the stability of this newly established method which we find to be summably almost stable for contractive mappings. A number of weak and strong convergence theorems of such iterative methods are established in the setting of Banach spaces under certain geometrical assumptions. Finally, we present a number of applications to address various important problems (zero of an accretive operator, mixed equilibrium problem, convex optimization problem, split feasibility problem, periodic solution of a nonlinear evolution equation) appearing in the field of nonlinear analysis.
New Iterative Schemes to Solve Nonlinear Systems with Symmetric Basins of Attraction
Authors: Cordero Alicia , Iqbal Smmayya , Torregrosa Juan R. , Zafar Fiza
Published: August 2022

We present a new Jarratt-type family of optimal fourth- and sixth-order iterative methods for solving nonlinear equations, along with their convergence properties. The schemes are extended to nonlinear systems of equations with equal convergence order. The stability properties of the vectorial schemes are analyzed, showing their symmetric wide sets of converging initial guesses. To illustrate the applicability of our methods for the multidimensional case, we choose some real world problems such as kinematic syntheses, boundary value problems, Fisher’s and Hammerstein’s integrals, etc. Numerical comparisons are given to show the performance of our schemes, compared with the existing efficient methods.
Performance of Machine Learning and Texture Analysis for Predicting Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer with 3T MRI
Authors: Bellini Davide , Carbone Iacopo , Rengo Marco , Vicini Simone , Panvini Nicola , Caruso Damiano , Iannicelli Elsa , Tombolini Vincenzo , Laghi Andrea
Published: August 2022

Background: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of a Machine Learning (ML) algorithm based on Texture Analysis (TA) parameters in the prediction of Pathological Complete Response (pCR) to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy (nChRT) in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer (LARC) patients. Methods: LARC patients were prospectively enrolled to undergo pre- and post-nChRT 3T MRI for initial loco-regional staging. TA was performed on axial T2-Weighted Images (T2-WI) to extract specific parameters, including skewness, kurtosis, entropy, and mean of positive pixels. For the assessment of TA parameter diagnostic performance, all patients underwent complete surgical resection, which served as a reference standard. ROC curve analysis was carried out to determine the discriminatory accuracy of each quantitative TA parameter to predict pCR. A ML-based decisional tree was implemented combining all TA parameters in order to improve diagnostic accuracy. Results: Forty patients were considered for final study population. Entropy, kurtosis and MPP showed statistically significant differences before and after nChRT in patients with pCR; in particular, when patients with Pathological Partial Response (pPR) and/or Pathological Non-Response (pNR) were considered, entropy and skewness showed significant differences before and after nChRT (all p < 0.05). In terms of absolute value changes, pre- and post-nChRT entropy, and kurtosis showed significant differences (0.31 ± 0.35, in pCR, −0.02 ± 1.28 in pPR/pNR, (p = 0.04); 1.87 ± 2.19, in pCR, −0.06 ± 3.78 in pPR/pNR (p = 0.0005); 107.91 ± 274.40, in pCR, −28.33 ± 202.91 in pPR/pNR, (p = 0.004), respectively). According to ROC curve analysis, pre-treatment kurtosis with an optimal cut-off value of ≤3.29 was defined as the best discriminative parameter, resulting in a sensitivity and specificity in predicting pCR of 81.5% and 61.5%, respectively. Conclusions: TA parameters extracted from T2-WI MRI images could play a key role as imaging biomarkers in the prediction of response to nChRT in LARC patients. ML algorithms can be used to efficiently combine all TA parameters in order to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Can Chest Ultrasound Replace Chest X-ray in Thoracic Surgery?
Authors: Grapatsas Konstantinos , Leivaditis Vasileios , Ehle Benjamin , Papaporfyriou Anastasia
Published: August 2022

Background: There is growing evidence that supports the use of chest ultrasound (CUS) versus conventional chest X-ray (CXR) in order to diagnose postoperative complications. However, data regarding its use after thoracic surgery are scarce and contradictory. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review to evaluate the accuracy of CUS after thoracic surgery. Methods: An electronic search in MEDLINE (via PubMed), complemented by manual searches in article references, was conducted to identify eligible studies. Results: Six studies with a total of 789 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Performing CXR decreased in up to 61.6% of cases, with the main reasons for performing CXR being massive subcutaneous emphysema or complex hydrothorax. Agreement between CUS and routine-based therapeutic options was, in some studies, up to 97%. Conclusions: The selectively postoperative use of CUS may reduce the number of routinely performed CXR. However, if CUS findings are inconclusive, further radiological examinations are obligatory.
Forensic Aspects of a Fatal Intoxication Involving Acetaminophen, Citalopram and Trazodone: A Case Report
Authors: Mannocchi Giulio , Tittarelli Roberta , Pantano Flaminia , Vernich Francesca , Pallocci Margherita , Passalacqua Pierluigi , Treglia Michele , Marsella Luigi Tonino
Published: August 2022

We report the case of a young man, a former heroin addict, found dead at home by the Police Forces in an advanced state of decomposition. Numerous blisters and unpacked tablets of medications were found all over the bed and on the floor of the room. Multiple injuries to the face, left arm and neck of the deceased were noted. The latter damages were attributed to post-mortem dog bites, since no indications of a possible defense against the animal were observed. The autopsy findings were unremarkable. Toxicological investigations performed on peripheral blood and urine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique showed the presence of acetaminophen, citalopram and trazodone. Combined drug intoxication was proposed as the cause of death since acetaminophen and trazodone concentrations were comparable with the ones found in fatal cases. Moreover, citalopram concentration in peripheral blood was above the toxic range and in accordance with levels found in fatalities due to poly-drug intoxication.
The Occurrence and Co-Occurrence of Regulated, Emerging, and Masked Mycotoxins in Rice Bran and Maize from Southeast Asia
Authors: Siri-anusornsak Wipada , Kolawole Oluwatobi , Mahakarnchanakul Warapa , Greer Brett , Petchkongkaew Awanwee , Meneely Julie , Elliott Christopher , Vangnai Kanithaporn
Published: August 2022

Raw feed materials are often contaminated with mycotoxins, and co-occurrence of mycotoxins occurs frequently. A total of 250 samples i.e., rice bran and maize from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand were analysed using state-of-the-art liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for monitoring the occurrence of regulated, emerging, and masked mycotoxins. Seven regulated mycotoxins – aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, fumonisin B1, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, HT-2, and T-2 toxin were detected as well as some emerging mycotoxins, such as beauvericin, enniatin type B, stachybotrylactam, sterigmatocystin, and masked mycotoxins, specifically zearalenone-14-glucoside, and zearalenone-16-glucoside. Aspergillus and Fusarium mycotoxins were the most prevalent compounds identified, especially aflatoxins and fumonisin B1 in 100% and 95% of samples, respectively. Of the emerging toxins, beauvericin and enniatin type B showed high occurrences, with more than 90% of rice bran and maize contaminated, whereas zearalenone-14-glucoside and zearalenone-16-glucoside were found in rice bran in the range of 56–60%. Regulated mycotoxins (DON and ZEN) were the most frequent mycotoxin combination with emerging mycotoxins (BEA and ENN type B) in rice bran and maize. This study indicates that mycotoxin occurrence and co-occurrence are common in raw feed materials, and it is critical to monitor mycotoxin levels in ASEAN’s feedstuffs so that mitigation strategies can be developed and implemented.
Differences between Two Groups of Burmese Vipers (Viperidae: Azemiops) in the Proteomic Profiles, Immunoreactivity and Biochemical Functions of Their Venoms
Authors: Zheng Si-Rui , Sun Yan , Zhao Hong-Yan , Wen Lin , Ji Xiang , Gao Jian-Fang
Published: August 2022

Two recently revised Azemiops snakes with apparent differences in their external appearances and skeletal morphologies but unclear genetic boundaries have been proposed. Some researchers have refrained from using the newly proposed taxonomy because these two “species” might be two clades corresponding to different geographical populations of Azemiops feae. To improve the understanding of the kinship of these two Burmese viper groups, more of their characteristics should be explored in depth. We performed a comparative analysis of the proteomic profiles and biochemical activities of snake venoms from these two groups (Sichuan A. feae and Zhejiang A. feae) and evaluated the immunorecognition capacity of commercial antivenoms toward them. Eight protein families were identified in venoms from these two groups, while phospholipase B was only detected in venom from Sichuan A. feae. These protein families displayed varying degrees of differences in relative abundance between venoms, and phospholipase A2 (Sichuan A. feae: 57.15%; Zhejiang A. feae: 65.94%) was the predominated component. Gloydius brevicaudus antivenom exhibited the strongest capacity to immunologically recognize these two venoms, but this was mainly limited to components with high molecular masses, some of which differed between venoms. Additionally, Zhejiang A. feae venom was more toxic than Sichuan A. feae venom, and the venoms expressed remarkable differences in enzymatic activities, probably resulting from the variation in the relative abundance of specific protein families. Our findings unveil differences between the two Burmese viper groups in terms of proteomic profiles, immunoreactivity, and the biochemical functions of their venoms. This information will facilitate the management of snakebites caused by these snakes.
Transmission Dynamics and Genomic Epidemiology of Emerging Variants of SARS-CoV-2 in Bangladesh
Authors: Sayeed Md. Abu , Ferdous Jinnat , Saha Otun , Islam Shariful , Choudhury Shusmita Dutta , Abedin Josefina , Hassan Mohammad Mahmudul , Islam Ariful
Published: August 2022

With the progression of the global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the new variants have become more infectious and continue spreading at a higher rate than pre-existing ones. Thus, we conducted a study to explore the epidemiology of emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 that circulated in Bangladesh from December 2020 to September 2021, representing the 2nd and 3rd waves. We collected new cases and deaths per million daily data with the reproduction rate. We retrieved 928 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from GISAID and performed phylogenetic tree construction and mutation analysis. Case counts were lower initially at the end of 2020, during January–February and April–May 2021, whereas the death toll reached the highest value of 1.587 per million on the first week of August and then started to decline. All the variants (α, β, δ, η) were prevalent in the capital city, Dhaka, with dispersion to large cities, such as Sylhet and Chattogram. The B.1.1.25 lineage was prevalent during December 2020, but the B.1.617.2/δ variant was later followed by the B.1.351/β variant. The phylogeny revealed that the various strains found in Bangladesh could be from numerous countries. The intra-cluster and inter-cluster communication began in Bangladesh soon after the virus arrived. The prominent amino acid substitution was D614G from December 2020 to July 2021 (93.5 to 100%). From February–April, one of the VOC’s important mutations, N501Y substitution, was also estimated at 51.8%, 76.1%, and 65.1% for the α, β and γ variants, respectively. The γ variant’s unique mutation K417T was detected only at 1.8% in February. Another frequent mutation was P681R, a salient feature of the δ variant, detected in June (88.2%) and July (100%). Furthermore, only one γ variant was detected during the entire second and third wave, whereas no η variant was observed in this period. This rapid growth in the number of variants identified across Bangladesh shows virus adaptation and a lack of strict quarantine, prompting periodic genomic surveillance to foresee the spread of new variants, if any, and to take preventive measures as soon as possible.
Carbapenem-Resistant Organisms Isolated in Surgical Site Infections in Benin: A Public Health Problem
Authors: Yehouenou Carine Laurence , Soleimani Reza , Kpangon Arsène A. , Simon Anne , Dossou Francis M. , Dalleur Olivia
Published: August 2022

An alarming worldwide increase in antimicrobial resistance is complicating the management of surgical site infections (SSIs), especially in low-middle income countries. The main objective of this study was to describe the pattern of carbapenem-resistant bacteria in hospitalized patients and to highlight the challenge of their detection in Benin. We collected pus samples from patients suspected to have SSIs in hospitals. After bacterial identification by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, antimicrobial susceptibility was performed according to the Kirby–Bauer method. Carbapenem-resistant strains were characterized using, successively, the Modified Hodge Test (MHT), the RESIST-5 O.K.N.V.I: a multiplex lateral flow and finally the polymerase chain reaction. Six isolates were resistant to three tested carbapenems and almost all antibiotics we tested but remained susceptible to amikacin. Four (66.7%) of them harbored some ESBL genes (blaCTX-M-1 and blaTEM-1). The MHT was positive for Carbapenems but not for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. As surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis, five of the six patients received ceftriaxone. The following carbapenems genes were identified: bla OXA-48(33.3%, n = 2), blaNDM (33.3%, n = 2) and blaVIM (33.3%, n = 2). These findings indicate a need for local and national antimicrobial resistance surveillance and the strengthening of antimicrobial stewardship programs in the country.