bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Fuel and Exhaust Emission Costs of Heavy-Duty Vehicles Intended for Gas Transportation
Authors: Vašalić Dragan , Ivković Ivan , Mladenović Dušan , Sekulić Dragan , Miličević Dejan , Suljovrujić Edin
Published: June 2024

This research focuses on heavy-duty vehicles intended to transport compressed natural gases, i.e., class-2 dangerous goods. The analysis includes heavy-duty vehicles powered by diesel and compressed natural gas and trailers with two body types. The body types used in the research are battery bodies and multiple-element gas containers, with pressure vessels made of composite materials (Type-4) and steel (Type-1). The paper presents the methodological procedure for predicting fuel and exhaust gas emission costs as a function of fuel consumption and transported gas quantities. The effects of different types of bodies and different types of fuel on the transported quantities of gas, vehicle mass utilization, fuel consumption, and exhaust gas emissions are shown. The obtained results show that bodies with Type-4 pressure vessels transport 44% more gas than bodies with Type-1 pressure vessels for one turn. The most cost-effective solution for emission costs is diesel-powered, newer-technology vehicles and Type-4 vessels, requiring EUR 2.82 per ton of gas. Similarly, the most economical choice for fuel costs is compressed natural-gas-powered vehicles with Type-4 bodies and a cost of EUR 19.77 per ton of gas. The research results’ practical application pertains to the selection procedures of vehicles and bodies intended for the transport of gases; they should be considered in the decision-making process, with the aim of attaining a sustainable transport sector with lower costs and less impact on the environment.
Towards Sustainable Rural Revitalization: A Multidimensional Evaluation of Rural Vitality in China’s Traditional Villages
Authors: Jia Anqiang , Yun Xin , Zheng Xiaowen , Wen Xuan , Liang Xiaoxu , Yun Yingxia
Published: June 2024

Traditional villages constitute a significant component of China’s rural heritage. In the context of national efforts to achieve sustainable rural revitalization, there is a lack of comprehensive assessments of rural vitality that can evaluate the balance between the competing demands of heritage conservation and rural development. This study addresses this gap by introducing an innovative evaluation index system, the rural vitality assessment (RVA). The RVA comprehensively evaluates both protective and developmental aspects while integrating natural and cultural ecological factors. This study leverages data from 206 traditional villages in Hebei Province and employs a hybrid model that combines subjective evaluations collected through interviews and questionnaires with spatial data analysis. This study shows that over 90% of traditional villages in Hebei Province exhibit an imbalance between protection and development, which could lead to gradual deactivation. Additionally, the spatial distribution of RVA outcomes shows polarization, with higher levels observed in the north and lower levels in the south. This study concludes that the RVA framework is an effective tool for analyzing the vitality level, spatial distribution, and disadvantage indicators of villages at different zoning levels. The results can provide a reference for the formulation of targeted heritage protection and development planning strategies and further aid in the rational allocation of resources, helping to narrow the development gap between urban and rural areas.
The Moderating Role of Country Governance in the Link between ESG and Financial Performance: A Study of Listed Companies in 58 Countries
Authors: Luo Zhonghuan , Li Yujia , Nguyen Luu Thi , Jo Irfan , Zhao Jing
Published: June 2024

Corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance is expected to positively affect financial performance because it helps firms gain sociopolitical legitimacy from receiving positive stakeholder awareness and gaining key resources. However, the research on the relationship between corporate ESG performance and financial performance has yielded mixed results. This paper explores the impact of the country governance environment on the ESG–financial performance link. We propose that the positive ESG–financial performance relationship is stronger for firms in countries with better governance. Empirical analyses using a large panel dataset covering 11 years and 58 countries support our arguments. We found that countries with more effective governance in political stability, regulatory quality, and control of corruption strengthen the positive ESG–financial performance relationship. The implications of our findings are significant for firms that face different governance environments and develop sustainable business strategies.
What Is Next for Consumer-Based Brand Equity in Digital Brands? Research Itineraries and New Challenges
Authors: Enes Yuri de Souza Odaguiri , Demo Gisela , Porto Rafael Barreiros , Zulato Thaiyan Sun
Published: June 2024

Considering the expanding e-commerce in the social media landscape and the increasing importance of brand management in the online sphere, our primary goal was to comprehensively review existing research on consumer-based brand equity in digital brands. The current post-pandemic environment has seen a significant surge in digital presence, particularly on social networks and e-commerce platforms. Although the available literature provides an overview of brand equity in general, digital brands have taken center stage in consumer interactions on social media, becoming highly commercialized in virtual environments and, recently, gaining significant value in financial markets. However, there is still a lot to uncover regarding the research trajectory for these brands. Using the PRISMA protocol, a corpus of 258 articles was obtained from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, with Journal Impact Factor and CiteScore impact factors. The bibliometric analysis for mapping the production was performed using SciMat, VosViewer, and Biblio-metrix software. According to the results, we found that consumer-based brand equity in digital brands is strongly linked to online consumer behavior variables, particularly engagement, electronic word-of-mouth, communication effects (such as social media advertising), impacts on various metrics, and applications in specific contexts. Overall, our research shows that the brand equity of digital brands is studied similarly to non-digital brands. Still, their virtual origin and their exposure on social media have increased consumer appreciation for them. The main studies and trending topics were discussed, providing a foundation for a research agenda regarding new challenges and approaches of consumer-based brand equity in the digital market.
Navigating Growth: The Nexus of Supply Chain Finance, Digital Maturity, and Financial Health in Chinese A-Share Listed Corporations
Authors: Mao Jie , Xie Jipeng , Gao Yuhu , Tang Qiqi , Li Zeyan , Zhang Bin
Published: June 2024

As a derivative of traditional finance, supply chain finance plays a crucial role in facilitating the sound and stable operation of enterprises. This paper investigates the impact of supply chain finance on corporate sustainable growth. The findings reveal that supply chain finance not only fosters sustainable growth but also amplifies this effect through digital technology integration. Moreover, for firms and service-oriented businesses located in the central region, supply chain finance exerts a more pronounced positive influence on sustainable growth. In addition, the impact of supply chain finance on firm sustainable growth can be stage-specific depending on the financial situation.
Continuous Ozonation Coupled with UV-C Irradiation for a Sustainable Post-Harvest Processing of Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait. Fruits to Reduce Storage Losses
Authors: Matłok Natalia , Piechowiak Tomasz , Zardzewiały Miłosz , Saletnik Bogdan , Balawejder Maciej
Published: June 2024

Ozonation and UV irradiation are promising sustainable methods for extending the shelf life of stored fruits. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of the constructed system, enabling simultaneous ozonation and UV-C irradiation of cranberry fruits in extending their shelf life. The effectiveness of this solution was determined by analyzing the properties of fruits subjected to the processes. The impact of these processes on the shelf life of fruits was assessed during 42 days of storage at a temperature of 8 °C and 80% humidity. It was demonstrated that applying the ozonation process to fruits, as facilitated by the developed solution’s throughput, led to a reduction in microbiological load (fermentation bacteria count reduction by 3.4 log cfu−1), resulting in an extension of their shelf life and a reduction in storage losses (8.98% by mass). The implementation of the developed solution, by reducing water loss and limiting fruit losses (approximately 5% less compared to the control group) during storage, contributes to tangible benefits for the producers and distributors of these fruits. The proposed modification has a positive environmental effect by reducing waste and makes the cultivation of cranberries more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Effects of Pyrolysis Temperature on Biochar Physicochemical and Microbial Properties for H2S Removal from Biogas
Authors: Vaiškūnaitė Rasa , Mažeikienė Aušra , Mohammadi Kamyab
Published: June 2024

Sludge is produced in sewage treatment plants and is still a problematic waste type after anaerobic digestion. A sustainable sludge management strategy would be to pyrolyze it and obtain biochar suitable for use in biofilters. This article examines the physical and chemical properties of biochar obtained by pyrolyzing sewage sludge at a temperature of 300–600 °C. The pyrolyzed sludge was used in the biofilter as a filler. The results demonstrated biochar packing materials after pyrolysis at 300 °C, 400 °C, 500 °C, and 600 °C, which exhibited porosities of 35%, 42%, 67%, and 75%, respectively. During the research study, it was established that the biofilter showed excellent efficiency (between 55 and 99 percent) when using carbon pyrolyzed at temperatures of 500 °C and 600 °C. In this study, the average growth rates of the number of sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms were 1.55 × 104 CFU/g at the first stage of the biofilter, 2.63 × 104 CFU/g at the second stage, 3.65 × 104 CFU/g at the third stage, 5.73 × 104 CFU/g at the fourth stage, and 2.62 × 104 CFU/g at the fifth stage. The number of sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms in the packing bed of biofilters during the 60-day period of the experiment constantly increased. The experimental results of H2S purification in biogas were compared with mathematical modeling results. These comparative results revealed a consistent trend: the model-estimated filter efficiency also reached 70–90 percent after 60 days of investigation.
Numerical Simulation Study on the Hydrothermal Characteristics and Dynamic Response of the Embankment–Bridge Transition Zone in Cold Regions
Authors: Han Xiao , Tian Shuang , Dong Liang , Ling Xianzhang , Wu Yike
Published: June 2024

The chain reaction of bridge abutment structure caused by frost heave of the embankment–bridge transition zone filler in cold regions has a great impact on the smoothness of railway lines, which will bring great challenges to the normal operation, safety, and maintenance of rail transit in cold regions under the action of long-term dynamic load. In this paper, the hydrothermal model and dynamic analysis model of the embankment–bridge transition zone are established, and the frost heave deformation rule and dynamic response characteristics of the embankment–bridge transition zone under frost heave conditions are studied. The results show that the effect of the bridge abutment structure on vertical frost heave is mainly concentrated in the range of the bridge abutment, and the vertical frost heave near the abutment is much smaller than other parts away from the abutment. The dynamic response and wheel–rail contact force of the embankment–bridge transition zone are significantly different under non-frost heave and frost heave conditions. Frost heave may cause a higher risk of derailment. This study provides a scientific reference for the design, construction, and safe operation and maintenance of embankment–bridge transition zones in cold regions, and has certain practical engineering significance.
A Structural Path Analysis Bangladeshi SMEs’ Sustainability through Social Media Marketing
Authors: Haque Rasheedul , Senathirajah Abdul Rahman bin S. , Khalil Md. Ibrahim , Qazi Sayeeduz Zafar , Ahmed Saif
Published: June 2024

Businesses use technological and social media marketing to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aims to better understand the factors that impact the spread of new technologies, the effectiveness of social media advertising, and the longevity of businesses. The researcher used a quantitative strategy based on partial least squares structural equation modeling to learn about the phenomenon of interest as much as possible. Dhaka, Bangladesh, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) participated in the survey. According to the findings, the popularity of internet and e-business technologies may be attributed to their apparent usefulness and practical experience ease of use. It is connecting internet/e-business technology, social media marketing, and the long-term success of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Still, the expense factor was insufficient to prove that SMEs engage in social media advertising. The mediating effects between components may be better understood via internet/e-business technology and social media interactions, as shown in the study. This study is the first of its kind in Bangladesh and sheds light on the resilience of SMEs in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, notwithstanding its focus on the capital city of Dhaka.
Framework and Function of Integrated Water Resources Management in Support of Sustainable Development
Authors: Grigg Neil S.
Published: June 2024

Sustainable Development Goal 6 addresses water issues, and Target 6.5.1 sets a goal to implement integrated water resources management (IWRM) at all levels. The reporting system shows slow progress, which indicates that changes are needed. The assessments focus mainly on the function of IWRM as a framework of institutional arrangements and less on its function as a process for water resources management, with emphasis on practices like multi-objective planning and stakeholder participation. While IWRM has a rich body of knowledge and wide recognition among water management communities, it is still misunderstood and criticized by some stakeholders, even after 25 years of explanations. While its support base appears stable, indications of fatigue and waning interest in IWRM point to the need for fresh explanations and demonstrations. These can be facilitated by distinguishing the functionalities of IWRM as a framework and a process. SDG data focuses on its framework function, which generally tracks the status of environmental governance in countries. Case studies provide better indicators of its use as a process, but their narratives may not be persuasive. If educators adopt the framework and function model of IWRM advocated in the paper, the narratives can improve and facilitate greater acceptance. Advancement of IWRM implementation to support the Sustainable Development Goals requires continued support by the Global Water Partnership, which might be bolstered by cooperation with international water associations for standardization, accreditation, and credentialing. IWRM’s future implementation will also depend on its adoption among educators and on interdisciplinary approaches.
Towards an Inclusive Education Policy for Sustainability: Advancing the ‘Educating for Gross National Happiness’ Initiative in Bhutan
Authors: Wangdi Phuntsho , Boossabong Piyapong
Published: June 2024

Education policies are often critiqued for short-sightedness and increasingly contended for their unsustainability. In the face of a bipolar characterisation of educational goals for economic utilitarianism and humanism with spiritual gratification, this study examines Bhutan’s Educating for Gross National Happiness (EGNH) as a policy tool. Aiming to understand whether EGNH is an inclusive, holistic, and sustainable policy instrument, this study pivots on coalesced methodological approaches of deliberative policy analysis, documentary policy reviews, and comparative policy analysis. The research design included examining the effectiveness and sustainability of the EGNH initiative through the lens of policy design. The main findings reveal that external and internal factors such as foreign policy influences, inconsistent internal policy interventions, interferences by party politics, weak policy coherence, and a lack of a comprehensive policy framework are the principal reasons for unsustainable policy gaps. This study offers valuable insights with a proposal for a comprehensive and dynamic framework to shape the future of education in the spirit of sustainability.
Effects of Per- and Polyfluoroalkylated Substances on Female Reproduction
Authors: González-Alvarez María Estefanía , Antwi-Boasiako Collins , Keating Aileen F.
Published: June 2024

Per- and poly-fluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) are a large group of chemicals that persist both in the environment and in the body. Legacy PFAS, e.g., perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, are implicated as endocrine disruptors and reproductive and developmental toxicants in epidemiological and animal model studies. This review describes female reproductive outcomes of reported studies and includes where associative relationships between PFAS exposures and female reproductive outcomes have been observed as well as where those are absent. In animal models, studies in which PFAS are documented to cause toxicity and where effects are lacking are described. Discrepancies exist in both human and animal studies and are likely attributable to human geographical contamination, developmental status, duration of exposure, and PFAS chemical identity. Similarly, in animal investigations, the model used, exposure paradigm, and developmental status of the female are important and vary widely in documented studies. Taken together, support for PFAS as reproductive and developmental toxicants exists, although the disparity in study conditions and human exposures contribute to the variation in effects noted.
Comparative Analysis of Therapeutic Efficacy and Adverse Reactions among Various Thrombolytic Agents
Authors: Xie Chenxi , Zheng Naying , Li Mingmei , Zhang Zhiyang , Huang Dongqin , Xiao Meizhu , Chen Dongdong , He Chengyong , Zuo Zhenghong , Chen Xintan
Published: June 2024

Thrombosis is a major health concern that contributes to the development of several cardiovascular diseases and a significant number of fatalities worldwide. While stent surgery is the current recommended treatment according to the guidelines, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the optimal approach for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, in remote areas with limited resources, PCI procedures may not be feasible, leading to a delay in treatment and irreversible outcomes. In such cases, preoperative thrombolysis becomes the primary choice for managing AMI in remote settings. The market for thrombolytic drugs is continuously evolving, and identifying a safe and effective thrombolytic agent for treating AMI is crucial. This study evaluated Urokinase, Alteplase, and Recombinant Human TNK Tissue-type Plasminogen Activator for Injection (rhTNK) as representatives of first-, second-, and third-generation thrombolytic drugs, respectively. The research included in vitro thrombolysis experiments, exposure of human cardiomyocytes, zebrafish tail vein injections, and vascular endothelial transgenic zebrafish models. The findings revealed that rhTNK is the most effective thrombolytic drug with the least adverse effects and lowest bleeding rate, highlighting its potential as the preferred treatment option for AMI. The order of thrombolytic effectiveness was Urokinase < Alteplase < rhTNK, with adverse effects on cardiomyocytes post-thrombolytic therapy ranking similarly as Urokinase < Alteplase < rhTNK, while the bleeding rate after thrombolysis followed the order of Urokinase > Alteplase > rhTNK.
Evaluating the Response of the Soil Bacterial Community and Lettuce Growth in a Fluorine and Cadmium Co-Contaminated Yellow Soil
Authors: Wang Mei , Chen Xiangxiang , Hamid Yasir , Yang Xiaoe
Published: June 2024

The impact of cadmium (Cd) and fluorine (F) on plant and human health has provoked significant public concern; however, their combined effects on plant and soil bacterial communities have yet to be determined. Here, a pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of exogenous F, Cd, and their combination (FCd) on lettuce growth and soil bacterial communities. The results revealed that F and Cd concentrations in lettuce ranged from 63.69 to 219.45 mg kg−1 and 1.85 to 33.08 mg kg−1, respectively, presenting lower values in shoots than in the roots. Moreover, low contamination levels had no discernable influence on lettuce growth, but showed a synergistic negative on plant biomass when exogenous F and Cd exceeds 300 and 1.0 mg kg−1, respectively. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that the most abundant bacterial community at the phylum level was Proteobacteria, with the relative abundance ranging from 33.42% to 44.10% across all the treatments. The contaminants had little effect on bacterial richness but impacted the structure of bacterial communities. The PCoA showed that compartment and contaminants were the primary contributors to the largest source of community variation, while the VPA indicated that F and Cd synergistically affected the bacterial communities. In turn, lettuce plants could enhance the resistance to the combined stress by increasing the relative abundance of Oxyphotobacteria, Subgroup 6, Thermoleophilia, and TK10 classes in the rhizosphere.
Characterization of PM2.5 Carbonaceous Components in a Typical Industrial City in China under Continuous Mitigation Measures
Authors: Niu Hongya , Wu Chunmiao , Schindler Michael , Silva Luis F. O. , Ma Bojian , Ma Xinyi , Ji Xiaoteng , Tian Yuting , Zhu Hao , Bao Xiaolei , Cheng Yanhai
Published: June 2024

The goals of the “dual carbon” program in China are to implement a series of air pollution policies to reduce the emission of carbon-bearing particulate matter (PM). Following improvements in the reduction in carbon emissions in Handan City, China, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was collected in the winters from 2016 to 2020 to characterize the concentrations and sources of carbonaceous components in PM2.5. Trend analysis revealed that both organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) concentrations significantly decreased. The proportion of total carbon aerosol (TCA) in PM2.5 decreased by 47.0%, highlighting the effective reduction in carbon emissions. Secondary organic carbon (SOC) concentrations increased from 2016 (12.86 ± 14.10 μg·m−3) to 2018 (36.76 ± 21.59 μg·m−3) and then declined gradually. SOC/OC was larger than 67.0% from 2018 to 2020, implying that more effective synergistic emission reduction measures for carbonaceous aerosol and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were needed. In the winters from 2016 to 2020, primary organic carbon (POC) concentrations reduced by 76.1% and 87.6% under a light/moderate pollution period (LP) and heavy/severe pollution periods (HPs), respectively. The TCA/PM2.5 showed a decreasing trend under LP and HP conditions, decreasing by 42.1% and 54.7%, respectively. Source analysis revealed that carbonaceous components were mainly from biomass burning, coal combustion and automotive exhaust emissions in the winters of 2016 and 2020. OC/EC and K+/EC analysis pointed out that air pollutant reduction measurements should focus on rectification biomass fuels in the next stage. Compared with 2016, the contributions of automotive exhaust emissions decreased in 2020. OC and EC concentrations decreased due to control measures on automotive exhaust emissions.
First Report on Mycotoxin Contamination of Hops (Humulus lupulus L.)
Authors: Dodlek Šarkanj Ivana , Vahčić Nada , Markov Ksenija , Haramija Josip , Uršulin-Trstenjak Natalija , Hajdek Krunoslav , Sulyok Michael , Krska Rudolf , Šarkanj Bojan
Published: June 2024

The presence of mycotoxins and other toxic metabolites in hops (Humulus lupulus L.) was assessed for the first time. In total, 62 hop samples were sampled in craft breweries, and analyzed by a multi-toxin LS-MS/MS method. The study collected samples from craft breweries in all of the Croatian counties and statistically compared the results. Based on previous reports on Alternaria spp. and Fusarium spp. contamination of hops, the study confirmed the contamination of hops with these toxins. Alternaria toxins, particularly tenuazonic acid, were found in all tested samples, while Fusarium toxins, including deoxynivalenol, were present in 98% of samples. However, no Aspergillus or Penicillium metabolites were detected, indicating proper storage conditions. In addition to the Alternaria and Fusarium toxins, abscisic acid, a drought stress indicator in hops, was also detected, as well as several unspecific metabolites. The findings suggest the need for monitoring, risk assessment, and potential regulation of Alternaria and Fusarium toxins in hops to ensure the safety of hop usage in the brewing and pharmaceutical industries. Also, four local wild varieties were tested, with similar results to the commercial varieties for toxin contamination, but the statistically significant regional differences in toxin occurrence highlight the importance and need for targeted monitoring.
Evaluation of Bait Acceptance and Immune Response in Local Dogs during an Oral Rabies Vaccination Field Study in Morocco
Authors: Aboulfidaa Nadia , Cliquet Florence , Robardet Emmanuelle , Darkaoui Sami , Wasniewski Marine , Kaiser Christian , Bobe Katharina , Vos Ad , Fihri Ouafaa Fassi
Published: June 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate the bait preference of three selected bait types by local dogs and the induced immunogenicity of the oral rabies vaccine strain SPBN GASGAS in Morocco. The vaccine strain, combined with different bait types, has been tested in many different settings, but not yet in northern Africa. Overall, bait consumption and preference were similar in other studies using the same materials (bait type and sachet). The intestine bait had the highest acceptance rate (97.6%, 95%CI: 87.4–99.9), followed by the egg bait (83.0%, 95%CI: 69.2–92.4). Only 52% (95%CI: 37.4–66.3) of the dogs showed an interest in the fish meal bait. However, considering the successful release of the contents of the sachet (blue-dyed water) into the oral cavity, the egg bait (65.7%, 95%CI: 47.8–80.9) scored better than the intestine bait (51.7%, 95%CI: 32.5–70.6). The dogs selected for the immunogenicity study were offered the egg bait containing a sachet filled with SPBN GASGAS (3.0 mL, 107.5 FFU/mL) or were given the same dose by direct oral administration (d.o.a.). In addition, several dogs were vaccinated by the parenteral route (s.c.) using a commercially available inactivated rabies vaccine. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions, it was not possible to collect blood samples directly after vaccination. The blood samples were collected pre-vaccination and on five occasions between 450 and 1088 days post vaccination. The seroconversion rate, as determined for rabies-virus-neutralizing antibodies by the FAVN test, was significantly lower than that found for binding antibodies, as determined by ELISA, for all blood samples collected post vaccination. No treatment effect (bait, d.o.a., s.c.) could be seen in the seroconversion rate. At 15 months post vaccination, 84.2% of the dogs offered vaccine bait still tested sero-positive in ELISA. Only after 3 years was a clear drop in the seroconversion rate observed in all three treatment groups. This study confirms the long-term immunogenicity of the oral rabies vaccine SPBN GASGAS in dogs under field conditions.
A T-Cell-Derived 3-Gene Signature Distinguishes SARS-CoV-2 from Common Respiratory Viruses
Authors: Li Yang , Tao Xinya , Ye Sheng , Tai Qianchen , You Yu-Ang , Huang Xinting , Liang Mifang , Wang Kai , Wen Haiyan , You Chong , Zhang Yan , Zhou Xiaohua
Published: June 2024

Research on the host responses to respiratory viruses could help develop effective interventions and therapies against the current and future pandemics from the host perspective. To explore the pathogenesis that distinguishes SARS-CoV-2 infections from other respiratory viruses, we performed a multi-cohort analysis with integrated bioinformatics and machine learning. We collected 3730 blood samples from both asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, seasonal human coronavirus (sHCoVs), influenza virus (IFV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or human rhinovirus (HRV) across 15 cohorts. First, we identified an enhanced cellular immune response but limited interferon activities in SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially in asymptomatic cases. Second, we identified a SARS-CoV-2-specific 3-gene signature (CLSPN, RBBP6, CCDC91) that was predominantly expressed by T cells, could distinguish SARS-CoV-2 infection, including Omicron, from other common respiratory viruses regardless of symptoms, and was predictive of SARS-CoV-2 infection before detectable viral RNA on RT-PCR testing in a longitude follow-up study. Thereafter, a user-friendly online tool, based on datasets collected here, was developed for querying a gene of interest across multiple viral infections. Our results not only identify a unique host response to the viral pathogenesis in SARS-CoV-2 but also provide insights into developing effective tools against viral pandemics from the host perspective.
Designing a Conserved Immunogenic Peptide Construct from the Nucleocapsid Protein of Puumala orthohantavirus
Authors: Sehgal Ayushi , Sharma Diksha , Kaushal Neha , Gupta Yogita , Martynova Ekaterina , Kabwe Emmanuel , Chandy Sara , Rizvanov Albert , Khaiboullina Svetlana , Baranwal Manoj
Published: June 2024

Puumala orthohantavirus (PUUV) is an emerging zoonotic virus endemic to Europe and Russia that causes nephropathia epidemica, a mild form of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). There are limited options for treatment and diagnosis of orthohantavirus infection, making the search for potential immunogenic candidates crucial. In the present work, various bioinformatics tools were employed to design conserved immunogenic peptides containing multiple epitopes of PUUV nucleocapsid protein. Eleven conserved peptides (90% conservancy) of the PUUV nucleocapsid protein were identified. Three conserved peptides containing multiple T and B cell epitopes were selected using a consensus epitope prediction algorithm. Molecular docking using the HPEP dock server demonstrated strong binding interactions between the epitopes and HLA molecules (ten alleles for each class I and II HLA). Moreover, an analysis of population coverage using the IEDB database revealed that the identified peptides have over 90% average population coverage across six continents. Molecular docking and simulation analysis reveal a stable interaction with peptide constructs of chosen immunogenic peptides and Toll-like receptor-4. These computational analyses demonstrate selected peptides’ immunogenic potential, which needs to be validated in different experimental systems.
Learned Attentional Strategies in Word Holistic Processing
Authors: Ventura Paulo , Leite Isabel , Pereira Alexandre , Cruz Francisco
Published: June 2024

Previous research has shown that, like faces, words are processed either holistically or through the automatic representation of their parts combined. The automaticity assumed to underlie the holistic processing of words presupposes that individuals have a relatively low level of control over these processes. However, they may also be capable of learning from their environments whether processing words as a whole is the most efficient processing strategy—which would require at least some control over the corresponding processes. In fact, previous research supports this latter account in the context of the holistic processing of faces: when provided a task in which participants should ignore half of a stimuli (the irrelevant part) and pay selective attention to the other half (the target part), the participants become better at ignoring the irrelevant part when it is commonly misleading (i.e., this suggests a response that is different from that of the relevant part in the context of the task). In the present work, we extend these considerations to holistic word processing. Our results support a learned attentional account in the context of holistic word processing. When an irrelevant word part is systematically helpful for the judgment of a target word half, participants engage more in holistic processing (vs. when the irrelevant word half is misleading). This reflects an incidental statistical learning process in which individuals identify the irrelevant word half as either providing helpful or misleading information about the target half.
Brackish Water Phytodesalination by the Euhalophyte Sesuvium portulacastrum
Authors: Alharbi Abdulaziz , Rabhi Mokded , Alzoheiry Ahmed
Published: June 2024

In the Middle East and North Africa as well as in numerous countries in South America and Southeast Asia, water scarcity is a real concern. Therefore, water desalination has become a key solution and an important source of freshwater production. Solar stills are used for water desalination but they require low depth of sea or brackish water and sufficient solar radiation to evaporate water. In this investigation, a phytodesalinator is presented for the first time. The halophyte used in this work is Sesuvium portulacastrum L., a heat-tolerant euhalophyte. The presented phytodesalinator can replace basic solar stills during cold seasons if there is sufficient sunlight to ensure the transpiration process in the plant. The euhalophyte S. portulacastrum was tested for its ability to desalinate reject brine as grown for two subsequent phytodesalination cycles. Several factors were found to affect the productivity of the phytodesalinator, in particular, solar radiation, phytodesalination duration, and plant density. Nevertheless, it exhibited an average productivity of 2.44 kg/m2/d and showed several advantages in comparison with basic solar stills.
Attribution Analysis of Climate Change and Human Activities on Runoff and Vegetation Changes in the Min River Basin
Authors: Liu Shuyuan , Gu Yicheng , Wang Huan , Lin Jin , Zhuo Peng , Ao Tianqi
Published: June 2024

Hydrological processes and the sustainable use of water resources in a river basin are altered by climate change and changes in human variables. This study examined the significant effects of vegetation and hydrological, climatic, and human activity changes on the basin’s biological environment and usage of water resources. The Min River Basin (MRB) in the upper Yangtze River served as the study location. Mann–Kendall and Pettitt mutation test techniques were used to examine the features of runoff changes in the basin. The effects of meteorological and anthropogenic factors on runoff and vegetation changes in the MRB from 1982 to 2020 were quantitatively evaluated using the expanded Budyko equation. Following this, spatial and temporal variations in land use and the NDVI in the basin were studied. The results of the research demonstrated the following: (1) The MRB yearly runoff trended downward and that an abrupt change in runoff happened in 1994. (2) Precipitation (Pr) showed a decreasing tendency from the base period (S1) to the change period (S2), but potential evapotranspiration (ET0) showed an increasing trend. (3) From 1985 to 2020, the land use area of the MRB changed rapidly, and the construction land and water area increased by 322% and 58.85%, respectively, while the cultivated land area decreased by 11.72%. (4) From S1 to S2, there was a rising trend in both the NDVI and the Budyko parameter n. The contributions of Pr, ET0, NDVI, and n to the runoff change were 32.41%, 9.43%, 27.51%, and 30.65%, respectively.
Degradation of Azo Dye Orange II Using BiOI/HKUST-1 Activated Persulfate under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Zhang Shumeng , Wang Rui , Cheng Xianxiong , Lian Junfeng , Liu Xin , Tang Jiahua
Published: June 2024

Type I semiconductor heterojunction BiOI/HKUST-1 composites were prepared through a solvothermal method, with optimisation of the molar ratio and solvothermal reaction temperature. Comprehensive characterisation was conducted to assess the physical and chemical properties of the prepared materials. These composites were then evaluated for their ability to activate persulfate (PMS) and degrade high concentrations of azo dye orange II (AO7) under visible light conditions. The influence of various parameters, including catalyst dosage, PMS dosage, and initial AO7 concentration, were investigated. The AO7 degradation followed a pseudo-second order kinetic, and under visible light irradiation for 60 min, a degradation efficiency of 94.9% was achieved using a BiOI/HKUST-1 dosage of 0.2 g/L, a PMS concentration of 0.5 mmol/L, and an AO7 concentration of 200 mg/L. The degradation process involved a synergistic action of various active species, with O2−, 1O2, and h+ playing a pivotal role. Both BiOI and HKUST-1 could be excited by visible light, leading to the generation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs (e−-h+); BiOI can efficiently scavenge the generated e−, enhancing the separation rate of e−-h+ and subsequently improving the degradation efficiency of AO7. These findings highlight the excellent photocatalytic properties of BiOI/HKUST-1, making it a promising candidate for catalysing PMS to enhance the degradation of azo dyes in environmental waters.
Experimental Study for the Matching of Explosives and Rocks Based on Rock Hydrophysical Properties
Authors: Zhu Zhaozhen , Zhou Zhiyong
Published: June 2024

The study of the hydrophysical properties of rocks is indispensable for the development of hydraulic engineering, especially for blasting operations in water. Reasonable matching between explosives and rocks increases the utilization of explosive energy and improves the blasting performances. Based on the energy law in the rock blasting process, the matching relationship between explosives and rock is studied by combining experimental and theoretical methods for the hydrophysical properties of the rock itself. Firstly, the theoretical solutions for crushing-zone energy, fragmentation energy and fragment-throwing energy are derived. Subsequently, concrete blocks are prepared with four types of cement–sand ratios, and four types of emulsion explosives are used to carry out single-hole blasting tests in which a high-speed camera is used to capture the trajectory of the blasting fragments that are later collected. Finally, the crushing energy, fracturing energy and fragment-throwing energy are calculated according to the test results and the basic parameters of the used explosives and concrete models. The results show that the size and distribution pattern of blasting blocks are significantly affected by the hydrophysical properties of concrete and explosive properties; the higher the energy consumption in the rupture zone, the smaller the size of the fragments and the more uniform the distribution. Moreover, the median utilization efficiency of explosive energy on rock breaking is 26.4%, the energy consumption in the crushing zone is approximately 8.4%, that in the rupture zone is approximately 10.9%, and that in the throwing energy of fragments accounts for approximately 7.1%. It is also found that the traditional wave impedance matching theory fails to obtain the best explosive energy utilization. On the contrary, the concrete specimen had the best fracturing effect and the highest energy utilization of 30.77% when the impedance ratio of concrete to explosives is 1.479.
Research on Failure Modes and Causes of 100-m-High Core Wall Rockfill Dams
Authors: Li Yanan , Zhang Han , Yuan Yanling , Lan Ling , Su Yongqi
Published: June 2024

Rockfill dams are the most competitive type of dam in complex geological environments. Identifying the failure modes and causes in high dams over 100 m is critical for better guiding high dam designs and implementing safety prevention and control measures. To this end, this paper investigated numerous cases of earth–rock dam breaches and failure modes in rockfill dams globally, with a particular focus on dams over 100 m in height, encompassing all such dams in China. The study categorized dam failure modes based on whether the dams were built before or after 1980. It also examined the causes of dam failures in terms of dam height, foundation characteristics and thickness, and failure time. Additionally, the paper analyzed a rockfill dam in China, with a height of 136 m and over ten years of operation, as a case study. We analyzed the spatial and temporal characteristics and causes of failures, such as dam crest cracking, high-level seepage, and gallery cracking, using the design situation, monitoring data, and numerical simulation. The paper also addressed issues related to dam design and foundation treatment, providing recommendations for improvement. The study indicated that the overall risk of total failure for dams over 100 m is already low. However, longitudinal cracks on the dam crest, core wall seepage, hydraulic splitting, and seepage damage to the dam foundation are primary issues in the current high core wall rockfill dams. These issues are mainly caused by uneven structural deformation of the dam and its foundation. A reasonable design of rockfill materials and foundations can mitigate these failures.
The Characteristics and Application of Deuterium and Oxygen Isotopes to Karst Groundwater, Southwest China
Authors: Tang Mi , Yu Shi , You Shaohong , Jiang Pingping
Published: June 2024

Stable isotopes in natural water bodies serve as hydrologic tracers, with a history of extensive application in karst groundwater research. The present paper is a systematic review of previous research results, with the objective of sorting out and summarizing the stable isotopic characteristics of karst groundwater in southwest China, which is the most typical karst region worldwide. Comprehensive analysis reveals that the deuterium and oxygen isotope values of most karst groundwater are characterized temporally as ‘enriched in the rainy season and depleted in the dry season’, which is the opposite of the pattern of precipitation. While the spatial distribution feature is basically consistent with the spatial variation pattern of precipitation, which is characterized as ‘depleted from the coast to the interior’. Additionally, the main applications of stable isotopes to karst groundwater are discussed, including karst groundwater recharge source and recharge elevation identification, research on karst groundwater in the hydrological cycle, the hydrological process of karst groundwater, and karst groundwater contamination tracking. Finally, we looked forward to future research on karst groundwater based on deuterium and oxygen isotopes. It is our hope that this review may provide insight into the study of karst groundwater.
Sustainable Water Service Tariff Model for Integrated Watershed Management: A Case Study in the Ecuadorian Andes
Authors: Granda-Aguilar Fernando , Benavides-Muñoz Holger Manuel , Arteaga-Marín Juan , Massa-Sánchez Priscilla , Ochoa-Cueva Pablo
Published: June 2024

This study addresses the financial sustainability challenge of integrated watershed management (IWM) in regions with inadequate water service tariffs. A novel water service tariff model is proposed, incorporating supply costs, water loss reduction investments, and IWM expenses informed by user perceptions. The model is applied to an intermediate Andean city in southern Ecuador, where the current tariff impedes the financial viability of the water utility, reflecting a regional trend. The results indicate a necessary tariff increase exceeding 100% to cover the costs and support IWM. The economic value of watershed environmental services (WES) were estimated at USD 1,505,530.64 per year. This value translates to an average water consumption of 20 m3/user/month, equivalent to a WES of USD 2.60 per month. Despite the users’ willingness to pay falling below the estimated economic value of WES, there is a clear need for implementing incentive programs to promote water conservation and policy adjustments that favor the financial sustainability of water supply companies in developing countries.
Water, Wastewater, Waste Management in Agriculture and Agri-Food Industry
Authors: Czekała Wojciech , Pulka Jakub
Published: June 2024

Attaining sustainable development is one of the most important challenges of the 21st century [...]
Preparation of Bimetallic CoFe@CSC-700 Carbonated Microspheres and Activated Peroxymonosulfate for Degradation of Levofloxacin
Authors: Hu Tongke , Chen Yazhen , Guo Xiaolan , Peng Yongjun , Cheng Jianhua
Published: June 2024

The exploration of efficient, low-leaching, and recyclable transition-metal-based catalysts is of great importance for the removal of pollutants from peroxymonosulfate (PMS) in water purification processes. In this study, a bimetallic CoFe@CSC-700 composite was prepared by an alkaline gel pyrolysis reduction method using chitosan as a forming agent and applied to activate PMS to degrade levofloxacin (LEV). The leaching concentration of both cobalt and iron ions in the CoFe@CSC-700 catalyst was reduced by about 8-fold compared to the monometallic composite pellet catalyst. In addition, the removal efficiency of the CoFe@CSC-700 catalyst can still reach 90% after five cycles, showing good recyclability, recoverability and stability. Both free radical pathways (SO4·−, ·OH, and ·O2−) and non-free radical pathways (1O2) were detected in the oxidation reaction, with free radical pathways as the main contributor. The possible degradation pathways of LEV were proposed by LC-MS tests. Overall, this study provides new insights into the construction of efficient and stable PMS catalysts for wastewater treatment.