bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Shore Power Deployment in Green Ports Considering Government Subsidies
Authors: Lu Hanyu , Huang Lufei
Published: February 2021

Shipping trade and port operations are two of the primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions. The emission of air pollutants brings severe problems to the marine environment and coastal residents’ lives. Shore power technology is an efficient CO2 emission reduction program, but it faces sizeable initial investment and high electricity prices. For shipping companies, energy such as low-sulfur fuels and liquefied natural gas has become an essential supplementary means to meet emission reduction requirements. This research considers the impact of government subsidies on port shore power construction and ship shore power use. It constructs a multi-period dual-objective port shore power deployment optimization model based on minimizing operating costs and minimizing CO2 emissions. Multi-combination subsidy strategies, including unit subsidy rate and subsidy demarcation line, are quantitatively described and measured. The proposed Epsilon constraint method is used to transform and model the dual-objective optimization problem. Numerical experiments verify the effectiveness of the model and the feasibility of the solution method. By carrying out a “cost-environment” Pareto trade-off analysis, a model multi-period change analysis, and a subsidy efficiency analysis, this research compares the decision-making results of port shore power construction, ship berthing shore power use, and ship berthing energy selection. Government subsidy strategy and operation management enlightenment in the optimization of port shore power deployment are discussed.
Evaluation of China’s Circular Agriculture Performance and Analysis of the Driving Factors
Authors: Li Biao , Feng Yunting , Xia Xiqiang , Feng Mengjie
Published: February 2021

Along with industry upgrading and urbanization, the agricultural industry in China has been experiencing a stage of rapid development, on the bright side. On the other side, ecological environment deterioration and resource scarcity have become prevalent. Called by the current situation, circular agriculture arises as a direction for the industry to achieve sustainable development. This study develops an evaluation indicator system for circular agriculture using an entropy method, and evaluates factors that could drive the Chinese agricultural industry to achieve better performance. We employ the method using provincial data collected from the province of Henan, in which around 10% of the total grain in China is produced. It was found that agricultural technology and water resources per capita are positively related to circular performance in agriculture. In contrast, urbanization and arable land per capita are negatively related to circular performance. This article provides support to the government in policy-making related to the improvement of circular agricultural performance.
A Guiding Framework for Levels of Sustainability in Marketing
Authors: Kelleci Alpaslan , Yıldız Oğuz
Published: February 2021

Up to now, far more attention has been paid to assessing the environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainability. However, what makes this paper distinct is that it proposes a guiding framework that can be employed as a useful tool for business enterprises and other related stakeholders in transforming the potential of marketing disciplines towards upper levels of marketing orientations and sustainable consumption patterns. This present paper follows a typological model that classifies the conceptual approximations that are relatively dispersed in the literature. In doing so, the authors trace back to Kotler’s distinction of positive and normative scopes of marketing, then based on this dichotomy, they propose five different sustainability marketing levels and tag them. This paper aims to provide a convenient roadmap for traditional growth-oriented and transitionary firms who are stuck in short-term positive marketing level and thus need to include sustainability and sufficiency as the most prospective options for long term competitive advantage.
Consumer Attitude towards Sustainability of Fast Fashion Products in the UK
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhang Yaozhong , Zhou Peng
Published: February 2021

This paper attempts to provide an up-to-date depiction and analysis of the consumer’s attitude towards sustainability of fast fashion products in the UK. Four related strands of literature are reviewed to establish a tri-component model of attitude (ABC), i.e., Affective, Behavioural and Cognitive. A wide set of determinants for attitude is identified, including income, price, gender, culture, religion, age, etc. Based on this conceptual framework, an online questionnaire is designed and sent to university students and alumni in the UK, returning 128 valid responses. Both descriptive statistics and regression analysis (oprobit) are employed to shed light on the three components of attitude towards sustainability. It is found that cognitive and behavioural components converge across cultures and religions, but the affective component remains significantly diverse. Employment status contributes to the awareness, decision and feeling of sustainability features, but gender only matters for purchase decisions. In general, there is an improved cognitive and affective awareness of sustainability, but this does not automatically translate to purchase behaviour. Policy interventions like taxes and subsidies are still needed to foster sustainability in the fast fashion industry.
Recycling and Reuse of Sediments in Agriculture: Where Is the Problem?
Authors: Renella Giancarlo
Published: February 2021

Though suggested by international conventions for a long time, there are still several technical and legislative limitations to a complete reuse and recycling of dredged sediments. In particular, reuse of unpolluted sediments can be practiced, whereas sediment recycling is still affected by several downsides, and a significant proportion of the recycled fine sediments has no practical use and must be landfilled. However, the silty clayey fraction of the recycled sediments is rich in organic matter and macro- and micronutrients useful for plant growth. Nevertheless, sediment recycling in agriculture is not possible, even in non-food agricultural sectors, due to the lack of a permissive legislation and of consolidated supply chains. In addition to plant nutrients, the silty-clay sediment fraction may also accumulate organic and inorganic pollutants, and while the organic pollutants can be effectively biodegraded, metals and metalloids may concentrate at concentrations higher than the limits set by the environmental and agricultural legislations. In this paper, I briefly summarize the scientific evidence on the potential reuse and recycling of sediments in agriculture, and I discuss the main reasons for hindrance of sediment recycling in agriculture. I also present evidence from a real industrial biodegradation process that produces bioremediated fine sediment fractions with suitable properties as a mineral ingredient for plant-growing media. I propose that nutrient-rich recycled sediments could be reconsidered as a component material category in the new EU regulation on fertilizers.
Adaptive versus Conventional Positive Position Feedback Controller to Suppress a Nonlinear System Vibrations
Authors: Saeed N. A. , Awwad Emad Mahrous , Abdelhamid Talaat , El-Meligy Mohammed A. , Sharaf Mohamed
Published: February 2021

The nonlinear vibration control of a nonlinear dynamical system modeled as the well-known Duffing oscillators is investigated within this article. The conventional Positive Position Feedback (PPF) controller is proposed to mitigate the considered system nonlinear vibrations. The whole system mathematical model is analyzed by applying the multiple time scales perturbation method. The slow-flow modulation equations that govern the oscillation amplitudes of both the main system and controller are derived. The stability analysis is investigated based on Lyapunov’s first method. The effects of the different control parameters on both the main system and controller are explored. The obtained analytical and numerical results illustrated that the PPF controller can eliminate the main system nonlinear vibrations once the controller natural frequency is tuned to be the same value as the external excitation frequency, otherwise, the controller adds excessive vibrational energy to the main system rather than suppressing it. In addition, the PPF controller can destabilize the main system motion when excited by strong excitation force. Therefore, a modified version of the PPF controller named the Adaptive Positive Position Feedback (APPF) controller is proposed to overcome the main drawbacks of the conventional PPF controller. The idea is to track the external excitation frequency using an adaptive frequency measurement technique to update continuously the PPF controller natural frequency to become the same value of the excitation frequency. Based on this strategy, the system mathematical model is analyzed again by making the controller’s natural frequency equal to the external excitation frequency. The obtained analytical and numerical simulations showed that the adaptive positive position feedback controller can suppress the main system nonlinear vibration close to zero regardless of the excitation force amplitude and excitation frequency.
Integro-Differential Equation for the Non-Equilibrium Thermal Response of Glass-Forming Materials: Analytical Solutions
Authors: Minakov Alexander A. , Schick Christoph
Published: February 2021

An integro-differential equation describes the non-equilibrium thermal response of glass-forming substances with a dynamic (time-dependent) heat capacity to fast thermal perturbations. We found that this heat transfer problem could be solved analytically for a heat source with an arbitrary time dependence and different geometries. The method can be used to analyze the response to local thermal perturbations in glass-forming materials, as well as temperature fluctuations during subcritical crystal nucleation and decay. The results obtained can be useful for applications and a better understanding of the thermal properties of glass-forming materials, polymers, and nanocomposites.
Stochastic Diffusion Model for Analysis of Dynamics and Forecasting Events in News Feeds
Authors: Zhukov Dmitry , Andrianova Elena , Trifonova Olga
Published: February 2021

One of the problems of forecasting events in news feeds, is the development of models which allow for work with semi structured information space of text documents. This article describes a model for forecasting events in news feeds, which is based on the use of stochastic dynamics of changes in the structure of non-stationary time series in news clusters (states of the information space) on the basis of use of diffusion approximation. Forecasting events in a news feed is based on their text description, vectorization, and finding the cosine value of the angle between the given vector and the centroids of various information space semantic clusters. Changes over time in the cosine value of such angles between the above vector and centroids can be represented as a point wandering on the [0, 1] segment. This segment contains a trap at the event occurrence threshold point, which the wandering point may eventually fall into. When creating the model, we have considered probability patterns of transitions between states in the information space. On the basis of this approach, we have derived a nonlinear second-order differential equation; formulated and solved the boundary value problem of forecasting news events, which allowed obtaining theoretical time dependence on the probability density function of the parameter distribution of non-stationary time series, which describe the information space evolution. The results of simulating the events instance probability dependence on time (with sets of parameter values of the developed model, which have been experimentally determined for already occurred events) show that the model is consistent and adequate (all the news events which have been used for the model verification occur with high values of probability (within the order of 80%), or if these are fictitious events, they can only occur over the course of inadmissible long time).
Self-Assembly of Hydrogen-Bonded Cage Tetramers of Phosphonic Acid
Authors: Giba Ivan S. , Tolstoy Peter M.
Published: February 2021

The self-association of phosphonic acids with general formula RP(O)(OH)2 in solution state remains largely unexplored. The general understanding is that such molecules form multiple intermolecular hydrogen bonds, but the stoichiometry of self-associates and the bonding motifs are unclear. In this work, we report the results of the study of self-association of tert-butylphosphonic acid using low temperature liquid-state 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopy (100 K; CDF3/CDF2Cl) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. For the first time, we demonstrate conclusively that polar aprotic medium tert-butylphosphonic acid forms highly symmetric cage-like tetramers held by eight OHO hydrogen bonds, which makes the complex quite stable. In these associates. each phosphonic acid molecule is bonded to three other molecules by forming two hydrogen bonds as proton donor and two hydrogen bonds as proton acceptor. Though the structure of such cage-like tetramers is close to tetrahedral, the formal symmetry of the self-associate is C2.
Applications of Inequalities in the Complex Plane Associated with Confluent Hypergeometric Function
Authors: Oros Georgia Irina
Published: February 2021

The idea of inequality has been extended from the real plane to the complex plane through the notion of subordination introduced by Professors Miller and Mocanu in two papers published in 1978 and 1981. With this notion came a whole new theory called the theory of differential subordination or admissible functions theory. Later, in 2003, a particular form of inequality in the complex plane was also defined by them as dual notion for subordination, the notion of differential superordination and with it, the theory of differential superordination appeared. In this paper, the theory of differential superordination is applied to confluent hypergeometric function. Hypergeometric functions are intensely studied nowadays, the interest on the applications of those functions in complex analysis being renewed by their use in the proof of Bieberbach’s conjecture given by de Branges in 1985. Using the theory of differential superodination, best subordinants of certain differential superordinations involving confluent (Kummer) hypergeometric function are stated in the theorems and relation with previously obtained results are highlighted in corollaries using particular functions and in a sandwich-type theorem. An example is also enclosed in order to show how the theoretical findings can be applied.
A Critical Inquiry into the Value of Systems Thinking in the Time of COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Haley David , Paucar-Caceres Alberto , Schlindwein Sandro
Published: February 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic offers an historic precedent to review and challenge the values of social, economic, environmental, and cultural belief systems. The concept of the “New Normal” and the experience of the global pandemic provide points of transition in thinking about our relationship to our planet and to each other. These include the fragility of contemporary economics, dependency on industrialized urban infrastructures, and reliance on top-down governance, vulnerability to climate disasters, dislocation from the natural world, societal inequalities, and the loss of cultural memory. The paper considers the potential role of systems thinking in attempting to manage societies’ responses to the pandemic. To provide the methodological context in which some systems thinking can be applied to alleviate the pandemic, we conduct a focused literature review of systemic frameworks, and using examples from Brazil and England, the paper questions the validity of existing disaster management systems and proposes an integrated critical systems approach. Reflecting on these experiences, questions of systems criticality are further developed and considered in relation to critical recovery from disasters and as integral critical systems (ICS) to interrogate the intention of systems. Finally, the paper reflects upon the value of systems and the values embedded in systems that may or may not promote equitable well-being in recovery from disasters such as COVID-19.
Assessment of In Vitro Bioaccessibility and In Vivo Oral Bioavailability as Complementary Tools to Better Understand the Effect of Cooking on Methylmercury, Arsenic, and Selenium in Tuna
Authors: Charette Tania , Bueno Dalto Danyel , Rosabal Maikel , Matte J. , Amyot Marc
Published: February 2021

Fish consumption is the main exposure pathway of the neurotoxicant methylmercury (MeHg) in humans. The risk associated with exposure to MeHg may be modified by its interactions with selenium (Se) and arsenic (As). In vitro bioaccessibility studies have demonstrated that cooking the fish muscle decreases MeHg solubility markedly and, as a consequence, its potential absorption by the consumer. However, this phenomenon has yet to be validated by in vivo models. Our study aimed to test whether MeHg bioaccessibility can be used as a surrogate to assess the effect of cooking on MeHg in vivo availability. We fed pigs raw and cooked tuna meals and collected blood samples from catheters in the portal vein and carotid artery at: 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 300, 360, 420, 480 and 540 min post-meal. In contrast to in vitro models, pig oral bioavailability of MeHg was not affected by cooking, although the MeHg kinetics of absorption was faster for the cooked meal than for the raw meal. We conclude that bioaccessibility should not be readily used as a direct surrogate for in vivo studies and that, in contrast with the in vitro results, the cooking of fish muscle did not decrease the exposure of the consumer to MeHg.
Effects of Sub-Lethal Doses of Selenium Nanoparticles on the Health Status of Rats
Authors: Urbankova Lenka , Skalickova Sylvie , Pribilova Magdalena , Ridoskova Andrea , Pelcova Pavlina , Skladanka Jiri , Horky Pavel
Published: February 2021

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are fast becoming a key instrument in several applications such as medicine or nutrition. Questions have been raised about the safety of their use. Male rats were fed for 28 days on a monodiet containing 0.5, 1.5, 3.0 and 5.0 mg Se/kg. Se content in blood and liver, liver panel tests, blood glucose, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were analysed. Liver and duodenum were subjected to histopathology examination. The weight gain of rats showed no differences between tested groups. Se content in blood was higher in all treated groups compared to the control group. The liver concentration of Se in the treated groups varied in the range from 222 to 238 ng/g. No differences were observed in the activity of AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase) and TAS (total antioxidant status). A significant decrease in ALT activity compared to the control group was observed in the treated groups. GPx activity varied from 80 to 88 U/mL through tested groups. SOD activity in liver was decreased in the SeNP-treated group with 5 mg Se/kg (929 ± 103 U/mL). Histopathological examination showed damage to the liver parenchyma and intestinal epithelium in a dose-dependent manner. This study suggests that short-term SeNP supplementation can be safe and beneficial in Se deficiency or specific treatment.
Local Toxicity of Biocides after Direct and Aerosol Exposure on the Human Skin Epidermis and Airway Tissue Models
Authors: Lee Nahyun , Jang Dae Yong , Lee Do Hyeon , Jeong Haengdueng , Nam Ki Taek , Choi Dal-Woong , Lim Kyung-Min
Published: February 2021

Biocides are commonly used as spray- or trigger-type formulations, thus dermal and respiratory exposure to biocide aerosol is unavoidable. However, little is known about the impact of aerosolization on the local toxicity of biocides on the skin or the airway. We compared the local toxicity of biocides after direct or aerosol exposure on reconstructed human skin epidermis and upper airway models. Three biocides, 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one (BIT), 2-phenoxyethanol (PE), and 2-phenylphenol (OPP), most widely used in the market were selected. When the biocide was treated in aerosols, toxicity to the skin epidermis and upper airway tissue became significantly attenuated compared with the direct application as determined by the higher tissue viabilities. This was further confirmed in histological examination, wherein the tissue damages were less pronounced. LC-MS/MS and GC/MS analysis revealed that concentrations of biocides decreased during aerosolization. Importantly, the toxicity of biocides treated in 3 μm (median mass aerodynamic diameter (MMAD)) aerosols was stronger than that of 5 μm aerosol, suggesting that the aerosol particle size may affect biocide toxicity. Collectively, we demonstrated that aerosolization could affect the local toxicity of biocides on the skin epidermis and the upper airway.
Disturbance in Mammalian Cognition Caused by Accumulation of Silver in Brain
Authors: Antsiferova Anna A. , Kopaeva Marina Yu. , Kochkin Vyacheslav N. , Kashkarov Pavel K. , Kovalchuk Mikhail V.
Published: February 2021

The influence of daily prolonged administration of silver nanoparticles on the cognitive functions of a model mammal was studied. The accumulation of silver in the whole brain and the hippocampus, cerebellum, cortex and residual brain tissue of the mouse was investigated by highly precise and representative neutron activation analysis, and histological studies were conducted. Here, we show that long-term memory impairments were caused by the accumulation of silver nanoparticles in the brain and its subregions, such as the hippocampus, cerebellum and cortex, in a step-like manner by disturbance of hippocampal cell integrity. Three different approaches allowed us to observe this phenomenon and discover the reasons it occurred.
First Assessment of Plasticizers in Marine Coastal Litter-Feeder Fauna in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Lo Brutto Sabrina , Iaciofano Davide , Lo Turco Vincenzo , Potortì Angela Giorgia , Rando Rossana , Arizza Vincenzo , Di Stefano Vita
Published: February 2021

Micro and nanoplastics are harmful to marine life due to their high level of fragmentation and resistance to degradation. Over the past two decades, marine coastal sediment has shown an increasing amount of microplastics being a sort of trap for debris wastes or chemicals. In such an environment some species may be successful candidates to be used as monitors of environmental and health hazards and can be considered a mirror of threats of natural habitats. Such species play a key role in the food web of littoral systems since they are litter-feeders, and are prey for fishes or higher trophic level species. A preliminary investigation was conducted on five species of small-sized amphipod crustaceans, with the aim to understand if such an animal group may reflect the risk to ecosystems health in the central Mediterranean area, recently investigated for seawater and fish contamination. This study intended to gather data related to the accumulation of plasticizers in such coast dwelling fauna. In order to detect the possible presence of xenobiotics in amphipods, six analytes were scored (phthalic acid esters and non-phthalate plasticizers), identified and quantified by the gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. The results showed that among all the monitored contaminants, DEP and DiBP represented the most abundant compounds in the selected amphipods. The amphipod crustaceans analyzed were a good tool to detect and monitor plasticizers, and further studies of these invertebrates will help in developing a more comprehensive knowledge of chemicals spreading over a geographical area. The results are herein presented as a starting point to develop baseline data of plasticizer pollution in the Mediterranean Sea.
Thapsigargin Is a Broad-Spectrum Inhibitor of Major Human Respiratory Viruses: Coronavirus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Influenza A Virus
Authors: Al-Beltagi Sarah , Preda Cristian Alexandru , Goulding Leah V. , James Joe , Pu Juan , Skinner Paul , Jiang Zhimin , Wang Belinda Lei , Yang Jiayun , Banyard Ashley C. , Mellits Kenneth H. , Gershkovich Pavel , Hayes Christopher J. , Nguyen-Van-Tam Jonathan , Brown Ian H. , Liu Jinhua , Chang Kin-Chow
Published: February 2021

The long-term control strategy of SARS-CoV-2 and other major respiratory viruses needs to include antivirals to treat acute infections, in addition to the judicious use of effective vaccines. Whilst COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out for mass vaccination, the modest number of antivirals in use or development for any disease bears testament to the challenges of antiviral development. We recently showed that non-cytotoxic levels of thapsigargin (TG), an inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ ATPase pump, induces a potent host innate immune antiviral response that blocks influenza A virus replication. Here we show that TG is also highly effective in blocking the replication of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), common cold coronavirus OC43, SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus in immortalized or primary human cells. TG’s antiviral performance was significantly better than remdesivir and ribavirin in their respective inhibition of OC43 and RSV. Notably, TG was just as inhibitory to coronaviruses (OC43 and SARS-CoV-2) and influenza viruses (USSR H1N1 and pdm 2009 H1N1) in separate infections as in co-infections. Post-infection oral gavage of acid-stable TG protected mice against a lethal influenza virus challenge. Together with its ability to inhibit the different viruses before or during active infection, and with an antiviral duration of at least 48 h post-TG exposure, we propose that TG (or its derivatives) is a promising broad-spectrum inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2, OC43, RSV and influenza virus.
The First Whole Genome Sequence and Characterisation of Avian Nephritis Virus Genotype 3
Authors: Lagan Tregaskis Paula , Devaney Ryan , Smyth Victoria J.
Published: February 2021

Avian nephritis virus (ANV) is classified in the Avastroviridae family with disease associations with nephritis, uneven flock growth and runting stunting syndrome (RSS) in chicken and turkey flocks, and other avian species. The whole genome of ANV genotype 3 (ANV-3) of 6959 nucleotides including the untranslated 5′ and 3′ regions and polyadenylated tail was detected in a metagenomic virome investigation of RSS-affected chicken broiler flocks. This report characterises the ANV-3 genome, identifying partially overlapping open reading frames (ORFs), ORF1a and ORF1b, and an opposing secondary pseudoknot prior to a ribosomal frameshift stemloop structure, with a separate ORF2, whilst observing conserved astrovirus motifs. Phylogenetic analysis of the Avastroviridae whole genome and ORF2 capsid polyprotein classified the first complete whole genome of ANV-3 within Avastroviridae genogroup 2.
A Crucial Role of ACBD3 Required for Coxsackievirus Infection in Animal Model Developed by AAV-Mediated CRISPR Genome Editing Technique
Authors: Shin Hye Jin , Ku Keun Bon , Kim Soojin , Kim Heon Seok , Kim Yeon-Soo , Kim Bum-Tae , Kim Seong-Jun , Kim Chonsaeng
Published: February 2021

Genetic screens using CRISPR/Cas9 have been exploited to discover host–virus interactions. These screens have identified viral dependencies on host proteins during their life cycle and potential antiviral strategies. The acyl-CoA binding domain containing 3 (ACBD3) was identified as an essential host factor for the Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infection. Other groups have also investigated the role of ACBD3 as a host factor for diverse enteroviruses in cultured cells. However, it has not been tested if ACBD3 is required in the animal model of CVB3 infection. Owing to embryonic lethality, conventional knockout mice were not available for in vivo study. As an alternative approach, we used adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated CRISPR genome editing to generate mice that lacked ACBD3 within the pancreas, the major target organ for CVB3. Delivery of sgRNAs using self-complementary (sc) AAV8 efficiently induced a loss-of-function mutation in the pancreas of the Cas9 knock-in mice. Loss of ACBD3 in the pancreas resulted in a 100-fold reduction in the CVB3 titer within the pancreas and a noticeable reduction in viral protein expression. These results indicate a crucial function of ACBD3 in CVB3 infection in vivo. AAV-mediated CRISPR genome editing may be applicable to many in vivo studies on the virus–host interaction and identify a novel target for antiviral therapeutics.
Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) Cells Are Highly Activated and Functionally Impaired in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Deschler Sebastian , Kager Juliane , Erber Johanna , Fricke Lisa , Koyumdzhieva Plamena , Georgieva Alexandra , Lahmer Tobias , Wiessner Johannes R. , Voit Florian , Schneider Jochen , Horstmann Julia , Iakoubov Roman , Treiber Matthias , Winter Christof , Ruland Jürgen , Busch Dirk H. , Knolle Percy A. , Protzer Ulrike , Spinner Christoph D. , Schmid Roland M. , Quante Michael , Böttcher Katrin
Published: February 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), comprises mild courses of disease as well as progression to severe disease, characterised by lung and other organ failure. The immune system is considered to play a crucial role for the pathogenesis of COVID-19, although especially the contribution of innate-like T cells remains poorly understood. Here, we analysed the phenotype and function of mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, innate-like T cells with potent antimicrobial effector function, in patients with mild and severe COVID-19 by multicolour flow cytometry. Our data indicate that MAIT cells are highly activated in patients with COVID-19, irrespective of the course of disease, and express high levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-17A and TNFα ex vivo. Of note, expression of the activation marker HLA-DR positively correlated with SAPS II score, a measure of disease severity. Upon MAIT cell-specific in vitro stimulation, MAIT cells however failed to upregulate expression of the cytokines IL-17A and TNFα, as well as cytolytic proteins, that is, granzyme B and perforin. Thus, our data point towards an altered cytokine expression profile alongside an impaired antibacterial and antiviral function of MAIT cells in COVID-19 and thereby contribute to the understanding of COVID-19 immunopathogenesis.
Assessing Neutralized Nicotine Distribution Using Mice Vaccinated with the Mucosal Conjugate Nicotine Vaccine
Authors: Fraleigh Nya L. , Lewicky Jordan D. , Martel Alexandrine L. , Diaz-Mitoma Francisco , Le Hoang-Thanh
Published: February 2021

Tobacco smoking continues to be a global epidemic and the leading preventable cause of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Nicotine vaccines have been investigated as an alternative to currently available smoking cessation strategies as a means to increase rates of success and long-term abstinence. Recently, we demonstrated that a mucosal nicotine vaccine was able to induce robust mucosal and systemic antibodies when delivered heterologously using intranasal and intramuscular routes. Herein, we investigated the neutralization ability of the anti-nicotine antibodies using both intranasal and intracardiac nicotine challenges. Combining the extraction of lyophilized organ samples with RP-HPLC methods, we were able to recover between 47% and 56% of the nicotine administered from the blood, brain, heart, and lungs up to 10 min after challenge, suggesting that the interaction of the antibodies with nicotine forms a stable complex independently of the route of vaccination or challenge. Although both challenge routes can be used for assessing systemic antibodies, only the intranasal administration of nicotine, which is more physiologically similar to the inhalation of nicotine, permitted the crucial interaction of nicotine with the mucosal antibodies generated using the heterologous vaccination route. Notably, these results were obtained 6 months after the final vaccination, demonstrating stable mucosal and systemic antibody responses.
COVID-19 Vaccination: From Interesting Agent to the Patient
Authors: Daou Anis
Published: February 2021

The vaccination for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is undergoing its final stages of analysis and testing. It is an impressive feat under the circumstances that we are on the verge of a potential breakthrough vaccination. This will help reduce the stress for millions of people around the globe, helping to restore worldwide normalcy. In this review, the analysis looks into how the new branch of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) came into the forefront of the world like a pandemic. This review will break down the details of what COVID-19 is, the viral family it belongs to and its background of how this family of viruses alters bodily functions by attacking vital human respiratory organs, the circulatory system, the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. This review also looks at the process a new drug analogue undergoes, from (i) being a promising lead compound to (ii) being released into the market, from the drug development and discovery stage right through to FDA approval and aftermarket research. This review also addresses viable reasoning as to why the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine may have taken much less time than normal in order for it to be released for use.
Plant Immunity and Crop Yield: A Sustainable Approach in Agri-Food Systems
Authors: Iriti Marcello , Vitalini Sara
Published: February 2021

Innate immunity represents a trait common to animals and plants. Indeed, similar to animals, plants also evolved a complex defense machinery to defend against pest and pathogen attacks. Due to the concerns posed by the intensive use of agrochemicals, the possibility to stimulate the plant immune system with environmentally friendly and low-risk chemical and biological inducers is intriguing. Therefore, some plant protection products are commercially available to trigger the plant’s immune system, with benefits in terms of consumer health and environmental protection.
Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratektomy after a Clear Lens Exchange
Authors: de Ortueta Diego
Published: February 2021

Purpose: We evaluated the refractive visual outcomes and efficacy of Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy (TransPRK) using Smart Pulse Technology with static and dynamic cyclotorsion and the AMARIS 1050 Hz RS laser platform from Schwind in the eyes after a refractive lens exchange. Setting/Venue: Aurelios Augenlaserzentrum, Recklinghausen. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the data of 552 consecutive eyes treated with refractive lens exchange between 2016 and 2019. A total of 47 eyes (8.5%) required a touch up after the clear lens exchange. From 43 eyes of 43 patients, we obtained a minimum follow up of 3 months. In all cases, we performed a TransPRK with a minimum optical zone of 7.2 mm, centering the ablation on the vertex of the cornea. Results: The average age of the treated eyes was 57 years old, with a range between 48 and 68 years. The mean treated sphere was 0.42 diopters (D), with a range between −1.0 and +1.75 D. The mean astigmatism was 1.06 D. Postoperatively, after laser vision correction, we reduced the sphere to a mean of 0.11 D (range −0.5 to +0.75 D), and, postoperatively, the mean astigmatism was 0.25 D (range −0.75 to 0 D). The predictability for a spheric equivalent (SEQ) of 0.5 D was 91%, and for 1 D it was 100% of the cases. No eye lost more than one Snellen line. Conclusions: TransPRK with smart pulse was predictable for correcting ametropia after Clear Lens Surgery.
Using Isotopic and Hydrochemical Indicators to Identify Sources of Sulfate in Karst Groundwater of the Niangziguan Spring Field, China
Authors: Tang Chunlei , Jin Hua , Liang Yongping
Published: February 2021

Karst groundwater in the Niangziguan spring fields is the main source to supply domestic and industrial water demands in Yangquan City, China. However, the safety of water supply in this region has recently suffered from deteriorating quality levels. Therefore, identifying pollution sources and causes is crucial for maintaining a reliable water supply. In this study, a systematic sample collection for the karst groundwater in the Niangziguan spring fields was implemented to identify hydrochemical characteristics of the karst groundwater through comprehensive analyses of hydrochemistry (piper diagram, and ion ratios,) and stable isotopes (S and H-O). The results show that the karst groundwater in the Niangziguan spring fields was categorized as SO4·HCO3-Ca·Mg, HCO3·SO4-Ca·Mg, and SO4-Ca types. K+, Cl-, and Na+ are mainly sourced from urban sewage and coal mine drainage. In addition, SO42− was mainly supplied by the dissolution of gypsum and the oxidation of FeS2 in coal-bearing strata. It is noteworthy that, based on H-O and S isotopes, 75% of the karst groundwater was contaminated by acidic water in coal mines at different degrees. In the groundwater of the Niangziguan spring field, the proportions of SO42− derived from FeS2 oxidation were 60.6% (N50, Chengxi spring), 30.3% (N51, Wulong spring), and 26.0% (N52, Four springs mixed with water). Acid mine drainage directly recharges and pollutes karst groundwater through faults or abandoned boreholes, or discharges to rivers, and indirectly pollutes karst groundwater through river infiltration in carbonate exposed areas. The main source of rapid increase of sulfate in karst groundwater is acid water from abandoned coal mines.
Occurrence and Sources of Synthetic Musk Fragrances in the Sewage Treatment Plants and the Han River, Korea
Authors: Hong Ju-Hee , Lee Jun-Yeon , Ha Hyun-Ju , Lee Jin-Hyo , Oh Seok-Ryul , Lee Young-Min , Lee Mok-Young , Zoh Kyung-Duk
Published: February 2021

Levels of synthetic musk fragrances (SMFs) and various personal care products (PCPs) were measured in the Han River and its tributaries in Seoul, Korea. The most abundant SMF in all river and PCP samples was 4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethyl-1,3,4,7-tetrahydrocyclopenta(g)sochromene (HHCB), followed by 1-(3,5,5,6,8,8-hexamethyl-6,7-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)ethanone (AHTN), musk ketone (MK), and 1,1,2,3,3-pentamethyl-2,5,6,7-tetrahydroinden-4-one (DPMI). The most abundant SMF in both PCPs and the Han River samples was HHCB, followed by AHTN. Moving from upstream to downstream in the Han River, the median SMF concentration was 6.756, 2.945, 0.304, and 0.141 μg/L in the sewage treatment plant (STP) influents, effluents, tributaries, and mainstream, respectively, implying that effective SMF removal was achieved during the sewage treatment process, followed by dilution in the receiving water. Four STPs using advanced biological treatment processes had removal efficiencies of 58.5%, 56.8%, and 38.1% for HHCB, AHTN, and MK, respectively. The highest SMF concentrations in the tributaries were observed at locations close to the STPs. Our study confirmed that the main source of SMFs in the receiving water were sewage effluents containing untreated SMFs, which largely originate from household PCPs, especially hair care products (e.g., shampoo) and perfumes.
Multi-Biomarker Responses of Asian Clam Corbicula fluminea (Bivalvia, Corbiculidea) to Cadmium and Microplastics Pollutants
Authors: Parra Susana , Varandas Simone , Santos Dércia , Félix Luís , Fernandes Lisete , Cabecinha Edna , Gago Jesús , Monteiro Sandra Mariza
Published: February 2021

One of the most widespread aquatic organisms in the rivers and estuarine ecosystems, in the world, is Asian clam Corbiculafluminea. This clam, that can adapt to environmental changes, is an invasive species in several areas and it was adopted as a model for toxicity tests. This study evaluated the effects of the exposure to cadmium (Cd), to microplastics (MPs) and their mixtures on C. fluminea. The oxidative stress responses, lipid peroxidation (LPO), changes in the activity of energy-related enzymes and neurotoxicity were assessed on the gill, digestive gland and gonad. The results show that Cd, MPs and their mixtures cause oxidative stress, damage and neurotoxicity. The enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and the LPO levels could be chosen as biomarkers of Cd pollution. Exposure to MPs induced an increase in reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio and increased AChE activity. The combined exposure to Cd and MPs caused a synergetic effect in gill and gonad, while an antagonism response was recorded in the digestive gland. The results provide new insights for unveiling the biologic effects of heavy metal, microplastics and their mixtures on C. fluminea. Besides, we demonstrated that the Asian clam is a good bioindicator of microplastic pollution that can occur in aquatic environments.
Seasonal and Spatial Distribution and Pollution Assessment of Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Sediments from One of the World’s Largest Tidal Reservoirs
Authors: Shen Yihao , Peng Cheng , Yuan Peng , Wu Xuefei , Jiang Lei , Chen Si , Song Xinshan
Published: February 2021

Endogenous nutrients released from sediments are a potential hazardous source in aquatic ecosystems, especially reservoirs. Here, we investigated seasonal and spatial variations of different species of nitrogen and phosphorus and evaluated the pollution levels of nutrients in sediments from one of the world’s largest tidal reservoirs. The results indicate that most of the total nitrogen and phosphorus were accumulated in sediments from the reservoir downstream, which were enhanced by runoff and precipitation during seasonal alteration. Total nitrogen was increased to 2471.17 mg/kg during the saltwater intrusion period. Nitrate and ammonium were the major nitrogen fractions in flood and dry seasons, respectively, while the highest level of phosphorus, especially inorganic phosphorus, was found in summer. The sediment was slightly to moderately contaminated by nitrogen but not phosphorus, especially downstream in winter, according to the applied indices. Multivariate statistical analyses reveal that nutrient input in flood seasons was more complex than that in dry seasons, which possibly originated from upstream agricultural and domestic sewage.
Beyond the State of the Art of Electric Vehicles: A Fact-Based Paper of the Current and Prospective Electric Vehicle Technologies
Authors: Van Mierlo Joeri , Berecibar Maitane , El Baghdadi Mohamed , De Cauwer Cedric , Messagie Maarten , Coosemans Thierry , Jacobs Valéry , Hegazy Omar
Published: February 2021

Today, there are many recent developments that focus on improving the electric vehicles and their components, particularly regarding advances in batteries, energy management systems, autonomous features and charging infrastructure. This plays an important role in developing next electric vehicle generations, and encourages more efficient and sustainable eco-system. This paper not only provides insights in the latest knowledge and developments of electric vehicles (EVs), but also the new promising and novel EV technologies based on scientific facts and figures—which could be from a technological point of view feasible by 2030. In this paper, potential design and modelling tools, such as digital twin with connected Internet-of-Things (IoT), are addressed. Furthermore, the potential technological challenges and research gaps in all EV aspects from hard-core battery material sciences, power electronics and powertrain engineering up to environmental assessments and market considerations are addressed. The paper is based on the knowledge of the 140+ FTE counting multidisciplinary research centre MOBI-VUB, that has a 40-year track record in the field of electric vehicles and e-mobility.
An Overview of Parameter and Cost for Battery Electric Vehicles
Authors: König Adrian , Nicoletti Lorenzo , Schröder Daniel , Wolff Sebastian , Waclaw Adam , Lienkamp Markus
Published: February 2021

The launch of both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and autonomous vehicles (AVs) on the global market has triggered ongoing radical changes in the automotive sector. On the one hand, the new characteristics of the BEV powertrain compared to the combustion type have resulted in new central parameters, such as vehicle range, which then become an important selling point. On the other hand, electric components are as yet not optimized and the sensors needed for autonomous driving are still expensive, which introduces changes to the vehicle cost structure. This transformation is not limited to the vehicle itself but also extends to its mobility and the necessary infrastructure. The former is shaped by new user behaviors and scenarios. The latter is impacted by the BEV powertrain, which requires a charging and energy supply infrastructure. To enable manufacturers and researchers to develop and optimize BEVs and AVs, it is necessary to first identify the relevant parameters and costs. To this end, we have conducted an extensive literature review. The result is a complete overview of the relevant parameters and costs, divided into the categories of vehicle, infrastructure, mobility, and energy.
REAL-TIME CLASSIFICATION OF OBJECTS BY COLOR USING FIELD PROGRAMMABLE GATE ARRAY
Authors: Tamayo-Monsalve Manuel Alejandro , Montes-Castrillón Nubia Liliana , Osorio-Londoño Gustavo Adolfo
Published: February 2021

Este artículo presenta un sistema para la clasificación de objetos por color en tiempo real realizada sobre una secuencia de video a 20 cuadros por Segundo (Frames Per Second, FPS). Se utilizó la transformada a coordena-das esféricas (Spherical Coordinate Transform, SCT) para hacer el análisis de color. El histograma para la par-tición bidimensional en el espacio de color definido por la SCT es calculado en un circuito digital concurrente, logrando la clasificación de cinco colores diferentes. Los resultados mostraron que los colores verde, amarillo y naranja se pueden clasificar de forma confiable. Sin embargo, los colores rojo y magenta se confunden entre sí. La eficiencia del clasificador es de 95.2%. El prototipo se implementó usando una FPGA Cyclone® II 2C70 de Altera en una tarjeta de desarrollo DE2-70 de TERASIC y Quartus II para el diseño.
IMPLEMENTACIÓN DE UNA METODOLOGÍA PARA LA DETECCIÓN DE COMANDOS DE VOZ UTILIZANDO HMM
Authors: Acosta-Bedoya William , Sarria-Paja Milton , Duque-Muñoz Leonardo
Published: February 2021

En este artículo se plantea una solución que permite la identificación de comandos de voz, con un diccionario reducido. Se construyó una base de datos con los comandos: adelante, atrás, derecha, izquierda y pare. Se realizó la caracterización de los comandos de voz con características frecuenciales obtenidas de la trans-formada de Fourier en tiempo corto y se realiza el reconocimiento de dichos comandos con clasificadores estocásticos GMM y HMM. Los resultados obtenidos con este método presentan una alta tasa de acierto en el orden de 98-100% para el reconocimiento de estos comandos. Una posible aplicación de esta herramienta será asumir el mando de los motores acondicionados a una silla de ruedas. Lo que daría una solución al pro-blema de movilidad en personas con discapacidad motora, con lo cual se logrará dar una mayor autonomía en su movilidad; mejorando así su calidad de vida.