bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of pH Adjustment on the Release of Carbon Source of Particulate Organic Matter (POM) in Domestic Sewage
Authors: Zhu Lei , Hao Jiahou , Lai Houwei , Li Guibai
Published: June 2022

The use of anaerobic hydrolytic fermentation to develop more available carbon sources from domestic sewage influent particulate organic matter (POM) has received increasing attention. However, the slow hydrolysis rate of POM limits the application of this technology. This study aimed to improve the carbon source release efficiency of POM by pH adjustment and to reveal the hydrolysis mechanism. Results showed that adjusting the initial pH of POM to 3, 9, and 11 enhanced carbon source release in the anaerobic hydrolysis fermentation process of POM. The pretreatment under pH value of 11 contributed to the highest yield and productivity of carbon source, reaching the soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) of 2782 mg/L at the 4th day. The pH 3 pretreatment was more beneficial for phosphorus resource recovery, which contributed to the highest release concentration of PO43−-P, reaching 48.2 mg/L at the 3rd day, accounting for 90% of TP. Microbial community structure analysis indicated that pH 11 preconditioning promoted the enrichment of proteolytic bacteria (Proteocatella and Proteiniclasticum) and polysaccharide hydrolytic bacteria (Trichococcus and Acinetobacter) and inhibited the growth of acetate-consuming methanogenic archaea, which contributed to the highest carbon release of POM in domestic sewage.
The Grain for Green Project in Contiguous Poverty-Stricken Regions of China: A Nature-Based Solution
Authors: Xu Tingyu , Niu Xiang , Wang Bing
Published: June 2022

The Grain for Green Project (GGP) is one of many Nature-based Solutions (NbS), which aims to address the challenge of ecological restoration while providing livelihood security for farmers in poverty-dominated regions. Evaluating the success of such a project can prove difficult. Here, we choose the contiguous poverty-stricken regions (CPSR) of China to study the multiple benefits of the GGP in the context of NbS. We collect ecological-monitoring data, forest-resources data, and socioeconomic data and use them in a distributed method with relevant indicators, to evaluate the ecological benefits of the GGP. Additionally, the socioeconomic benefits are evaluated using questionnaire-based surveys. Our results showed that the ecological benefits of the GGP in the CPSR were 5.6 × 1011 RMB/a in 2017, with the proportion of each ecosystem’s services being 27.1% (water conservation), 21.1% (biodiversity conservation), 18.4% (purification of the atmospheric environment), 13.1% (soil conservation), 12.9% (carbon sequestration and oxygen release), 5.4% (forest protection), and 1.6% (nutrient accumulation). In terms of socioeconomic benefit, the GGP changed the production methods of farmers, which resulted in income growth, with an average increase of 5100 RMB/a per household. In the context of NbS, ecological conservation, and restoration, the accurate and systematic monitoring of the socioeconomic and ecological benefits will become more important for government decisions.
Synthesis and Characterization of Zero-Valent Fe-Cu and Fe-Ni Bimetals for the Dehalogenation of Trichloroethylene Vapors
Authors: Settimi Clarissa , Zingaretti Daniela , Sanna Simone , Verginelli Iason , Luisetto Igor , Tebano Antonello , Baciocchi Renato
Published: June 2022

In this study, zero-valent iron-copper (Fe-Cu) and iron-nickel (Fe-Ni) bimetals were prepared by disc milling for the dehalogenation of trichloroethylene vapors. For both Fe-Ni and Fe-Cu, three combinations in terms of percentage of secondary metal added were produced (1%, 5%, 20% by weight) and the formation of the bimetallic phase by milling was evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The disc milled bimetals were characterized by a homogenous distribution of Ni or Cu in the Fe phase and micrometric size visible from scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis and by a relatively low specific surface area (0.2–0.7 m2/g) quantified by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method. The reactivity of the produced bimetals was evaluated by batch degradation tests of TCE in the gas phase with 1 day of reaction time. Fe-Ni bimetals have shown better performance in terms of TCE removal (57–75%) than Fe-Cu bimetals (41–55%). The similar specific surface area values found for the produced bimetals indicated that the enhancement in the dehalogenation achieved using bimetals is closely related to the induced catalysis. The obtained results suggest that ZVI-based bimetals produced by disc milling are effective in the dehalogenation of TCE vapors in partially saturated conditions.
The Application of Advanced Information Technologies in Civil Infrastructure Construction and Maintenance
Authors: Li Clyde Zhengdao , Guo Zhenchao , Su Dong , Xiao Bing , Tam Vivian W. Y.
Published: June 2022

Information technologies have widely been used in the construction and maintenance of civil infrastructure. The advantages of information technologies provided a broader range of methods for infrastructure and enhanced its level of maintenance. However, a systematic summary of the research development of information technologies used in civil infrastructure is limited. This study aims to supplement this field by providing an objective, systematic summary of relevant literature in mainstream journals employing bibliometric retrieval and quantitative analysis from 2010 to 2020. The following results are obtained: (1) This study discusses the application of advanced information technologies in different phases and provides a critical analysis of the application of these existing information technologies, which includes wireless sensor networks (WSN), fiber optic sensing (FOS), building information modelling (BIM), radio frequency identification (RFID) and other advanced information technologies. (2) The digital twins can be used as tools for the planning and management of next-generation smart infrastructure, making the future of civil infrastructure smarter and more sustainable.
Novel Axial Flux-Switching Permanent Magnet Machine for High-Speed Applications
Authors: Zhang Hongbin , Xu Zhike , Liu Chenglei , Jin Long , Yu Haitao , Xu Bingxin , Fang Shuhua
Published: June 2022

Conventional high-speed flux-switching machines have either a high fundamental frequency or more even harmonics. This paper proposes a novel six-slot four-pole axial flux-switching permanent magnet machine for high-speed applications. The machine, consisting of two radially distributed stators and one rotor, can effectively eliminate even harmonics in the flux linkage. First, the structural parameters that affect the performance of the motor are determined by the equivalent magnetic circuit method, and the optimal structural parameters of the motor are obtained by simulation optimization. Then, through finite element analysis, the three-dimensional model of the proposed machine is built, and the static electromagnetic characteristics are analyzed, including magnetic field distribution, flux linkage, back-electromotive force, cogging torque, and efficiency. The simulation results show that the total harmonic distortion of the flux linkage and back-electromotive force waveforms of the proposed novel machine is 2.2% and 9.8% respectively. The cogging torque of the optimal model is only 9 N.
How Does Context Contribute to and Constrain the Emergence of Responsible Innovation in Food Systems? Results from a Multiple Case Study
Authors: Sabio Renata , Lehoux Pascale
Published: June 2022

Organizations and practices that contribute to the resolution of major societal challenges are key to achieving a transition towards sustainable and resilient food systems. Previous research identified contextual elements that affect the emergence of organizations and practices with responsibility characteristics, but how this process unfolds remains poorly articulated. Our study thus focuses on how contextual dimensions may contribute to or constrain the emergence of responsibility in food systems. We applied a multiple case study design and conducted 34 semi-structured interviews with 30 organizations in the province of Québec (Canada) and in the state of São Paulo (Brazil). Our across-case analyses clarify how multiple contextual dimensions both contribute to and constrain the emergence of responsibility. More specifically, our findings show that while contextual dimensions shaped by the dominant food system constrain the emergence of responsibility, the same dimensions also contribute to it when they embed responsibility principles. One key contribution of our study is to show that interpersonal relations are an important mediation mechanism that helps to modify contextual elements, so they can contribute to the emergence of responsibility. This study’s findings can inform research and policy aiming to design institutional environments that promote a transition towards more responsible food systems.
The Premium of Hilsa Sanctuary: A Socio-Economic and Ecological Evaluation from the Meghna Estuary, Bangladesh
Authors: Talukdar Anuradha , Schneider Petra , Begum Amany , Kawsar Md. Abu , Sultana Mst. Armina , Sumon Tofael Ahmed , Nabi Md. Rashed-Un- , Mozumder Mohammad Mojibul Hoque , Shamsuzzaman Md. Mostafa
Published: June 2022

Sanctuaries are widely regarded as a protected area where fishing has been placed under some restrictions by local, state, regional and national authorities for the conservation and management of fisheries resources. These sanctuaries have a broad array of positive and negative social, economic, cultural and political impacts on fishers. This study aims to analyze the socio-economic and ecological benefits and costs of hilsa sanctuaries to protect single most important hilsa species using Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA). Under the Protection and Conservation of Fish Act of 1950, six sites along the Padma, Meghna, Tetulia, and Andharmanik rivers have been designated as hilsa sanctuaries. Findings of the current study revealed that most fishers perceived production of hilsa and other species were increased as a direct consequences of sanctuaries establishment. However, a considerable proportion of hilsa fishermen was found to have low socioeconomic capital, as measured by monthly income, housing circumstances and asset ownership. During the restricted fishing season in the sanctuaries, these households are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity. The government’s compensation scheme is a good example of payment of ecosystem services in an open water fishery; however, this scheme does not include all the affected fishers. It is found that hilsa sanctuaries lead to income loss of the poor fishers which is insufficiently compensated by government support program. To compensate income loss, fishers resort illegal fishing which undermine the success of sanctuary. If the sanctuaries are to function effectively, affecting fishers must be addressed by offering enough compensation schemes so that fishers are able to support their families. Moreover, some fishers believed that a co-management approach involving fishers and government is the possible best management option for operating sanctuaries in a sustainable way.
Perception and Behavioural Changes of Residents and Enterprises under the Plastic Bag Restricting Law
Authors: Xu Liujie , Zhong Yuan , He Xi , Shi Xiong , Song Qingbin
Published: June 2022

With the severe plastic pollution issue worldwide, restrictions or bans on plastic bags have become the most popular policy intervention. As essential participants in reducing plastic consumption, residents and enterprises are vital in implementing the plastic bag restriction law (PBRL). Through a questionnaires survey of the 630 consumers and 50 enterprises, this study investigates residents’ and enterprises’ perceptions and behavioural changes toward PBRL in Macao and identifies the key influence factors. The results show that most of the respondents (95%) began to reduce the use of plastic bags after implementing the PBRL. The Internet and TV/radio were essential ways for respondents to acquire knowledge of the PBRL policy. The results of applying the binary regression model indicate that demographic characteristics (gender), plastic bags knowledge, environmental concern, and policy satisfaction were the key factors in individual consumers’ behavioural changes. For enterprises, the supermarkets have the most significant decline in sales of plastic bags. Moreover, some enterprises, especially grocery stores and supermarkets also imply that their sales are affected after implementing the PBRL. The obtained results in this study may serve as a reference for Macao and other regions to promote and improve PBRL in the future.
Estimation of the FST-Layering Time for Shock Ignition ICF Targets
Authors: Aleksandrova Irina , Koresheva Elena
Published: June 2022

The challenge in the field of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) research is related to the study of alternative schemes for fuel ignition on laser systems of medium and megajoule scales. At the moment, it is considered promising to use the method of shock ignition of fuel in a pre-compressed cryogenic target using a focused shock wave (shock- or self-ignition (SI) mode). To confirm the applicability of this scheme to ICF, it is necessary to develop technologies for mass-fabrication of the corresponding targets with a spherically symmetric cryogenic layer (hereinafter referred to as SI-targets). These targets have a low initial aspect ratio Acl (Acl = 3 and Acl = 5) because they are expected to be more hydrodynamically stable during implosion. The paper discusses the preparation of SI-targets for laser experiments using the free-standing target (FST) layering method developed at the Lebedev Physical Institute (LPI). It is shown that, based on FST, it is possible to build a prototype layering module for in-line production of free-standing SI-targets, and the layering time, τform, does not exceed 30 s both for deuterium and deuterium-tritium fuel. Very short values of τform make it possible to obtain layers with a stable isotropic fuel structure to meet the requirements of implosion physics.
AI Denoising Improves Image Quality and Radiological Workflows in Pediatric Ultra-Low-Dose Thorax Computed Tomography Scans
Authors: Brendlin Andreas S. , Schmid Ulrich , Plajer David , Chaika Maryanna , Mader Markus , Wrazidlo Robin , Männlin Simon , Spogis Jakob , Estler Arne , Esser Michael , Schäfer Jürgen , Afat Saif , Tsiflikas Ilias
Published: June 2022

(1) This study evaluates the impact of an AI denoising algorithm on image quality, diagnostic accuracy, and radiological workflows in pediatric chest ultra-low-dose CT (ULDCT). (2) Methods: 100 consecutive pediatric thorax ULDCT were included and reconstructed using weighted filtered back projection (wFBP), iterative reconstruction (ADMIRE 2), and AI denoising (PixelShine). Place-consistent noise measurements were used to compare objective image quality. Eight blinded readers independently rated the subjective image quality on a Likert scale (1 = worst to 5 = best). Each reader wrote a semiquantitative report to evaluate disease severity using a severity score with six common pathologies. The time to diagnosis was measured for each reader to compare the possible workflow benefits. Properly corrected mixed-effects analysis with post-hoc subgroup tests were used. Spearman’s correlation coefficient measured inter-reader agreement for the subjective image quality analysis and the severity score sheets. (3) Results: The highest noise was measured for wFBP, followed by ADMIRE 2, and PixelShine (76.9 ± 9.62 vs. 43.4 ± 4.45 vs. 34.8 ± 3.27 HU; each p < 0.001). The highest subjective image quality was measured for PixelShine, followed by ADMIRE 2, and wFBP (4 (4–5) vs. 3 (4–5) vs. 3 (2–4), each p < 0.001) with good inter-rater agreement (r ≥ 0.790; p ≤ 0.001). In diagnostic accuracy analysis, there was a good inter-rater agreement between the severity scores (r ≥ 0.764; p < 0.001) without significant differences between severity score items per reconstruction mode (F (5.71; 566) = 0.792; p = 0.570). The shortest time to diagnosis was measured for the PixelShine datasets, followed by ADMIRE 2, and wFBP (2.28 ± 1.56 vs. 2.45 ± 1.90 vs. 2.66 ± 2.31 min; F (1.000; 99.00) = 268.1; p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: AI denoising significantly improves image quality in pediatric thorax ULDCT without compromising the diagnostic confidence and reduces the time to diagnosis substantially.
Effects of Turmeric Powder on Aflatoxin M1 and Aflatoxicol Excretion in Milk from Dairy Cows Exposed to Aflatoxin B1 at the EU Maximum Tolerable Levels
Authors: Girolami Flavia , Barbarossa Andrea , Badino Paola , Ghadiri Shiva , Cavallini Damiano , Zaghini Anna , Nebbia Carlo
Published: June 2022

Due to the climatic change, an increase in aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) maize contamination has been reported in Europe. As an alternative to mineral binders, natural phytogenic compounds are increasingly used to counteract the negative effects of AFB1 in farm animals. In cows, even low dietary AFB1 concentrations may result in the milk excretion of the genotoxic carcinogen metabolite aflatoxin M1 (AFM1). In this study, we tested the ability of dietary turmeric powder (TP), an extract from Curcuma longa (CL) rich in curcumin and curcuminoids, in reducing AFM1 mammary excretion in Holstein–Friesian cows. Both active principles are reported to inhibit AFM1 hepatic synthesis and interact with drug transporters involved in AFB1 absorption and excretion. A crossover design was applied to two groups of cows (n = 4 each) with a 4-day washout. Animals received a diet contaminated with low AFB1 levels (5 ± 1 µg/kg) for 10 days ± TP supplementation (20 g/head/day). TP treatment had no impact on milk yield, milk composition or somatic cell count. Despite a tendency toward a lower average AFM1 milk content in the last four days of the treatment (below EU limits), no statistically significant differences with the AFB1 group occurred. Since the bioavailability of TP active principles may be a major issue, further investigations with different CL preparations are warranted.
Prospective Comparison of Longer Needle Lengths to Assess the Risk of OnabotulinumtoxinA-Associated Neck Pain in Patients with Chronic Migraine
Authors: Dermitzakis Emmanouil V. , Vikelis Michail , Vlachos George S. , Argyriou Andreas A.
Published: June 2022

Background: We aimed to prospectively assess the role of needle length in improving the tolerability/safety profile of OnabotulinumtoxinA (BoNTA) for chronic migraine (CM) prophylaxis, with a specific focus on neck pain, based on patients’ body habitus and other variables. Methods: BoNTA was administered quarterly for two consecutive cycles, using the standard 0.5-inch 27 G needle at all pre-defined PREEMPT injection sites, except the left-hand side trapezius and paraspinal muscles, which were injected using longer needles of 1-inch 23 G at first and 1-inch 27 G at second infusion. Participants were interviewed at day 14 following each session for evidence of neck pain. The predictive significance of Body Mass Index (BMI) and other variables with neck pain was also examined. Results: A total of 100 consecutive CM patients were evaluated, and each patient served as her/his self-control. The incidence, duration and intensity of neck pain did not significantly differ using either 1-inch needle compared with standard 0.5-inch 27 G needle, although the incidence and characteristics of neck pain with the use of longer needles appeared slightly higher and more intense. The BMI index and other tested variables remained unrelated to neck pain. Conclusions: We were not able to identify significant differences or correlations in the incidence, characteristics and location of neck pain with the use of different needle length to inject BoNTA, although the use of the longer 1-inch needles likely increased the risk of this adverse event.
Clusters of Solar Radio Spikes Modulated by Quasi-Periodic Pulsations in a Confined Flare
Authors: Huang Jing , Tan Chengming , Chen Xingyao , Tan Baolin , Yan Yihua , Zhang Yin , Ma Suli , Zhou Zhichao , Zhang Minghui , Wang Wei , Chen Linjie
Published: June 2022

Spikes are typical radio bursts in solar flares, which are proposed to be the signal of energy release in the solar corona. The whole group of spikes always shows different spectral patterns in the dynamic spectrum. Here, we present a special new feature at 0.6–2 GHz in a confined flare. Each group of spikes is composed of many quasi-periodic sub-clusters, which are superposed on the broadband quasi-periodic pulsations (QPPs). The quasi-periodic cluster of spikes (QPSs) have very intense emissions, and each cluster includes tens of individual spikes. When the intensity of background pulsation is increased, the intensity, duration and bandwidth of the spike cluster are also enlarged. There are 21 groups of QPSs throughout the confined flare. The central frequency of the whole group shifts from 1.9 to 1.2 GHz, and the duration of each cluster shows a negative exponential decay pattern. We propose that nonthermal electron beams play a crucial role in emitting both pulsations and spikes. The tearing-mode oscillations of a confined flux rope produce periodic accelerated electron beams. These electron beams travel inside the closed magnetic structure to produce frequency drifting pulsations via plasma emission and scattered narrowband spikes by electron-cyclotron maser emission (ECME). The slow rise of flux rope makes the source region move upward, and thus, QPSs shift towards low frequency. We propose that the confined flux rope may provide the essential conditions for the formation of QPSs.
Starobinsky–Bel–Robinson Gravity
Authors: Ketov Sergei V.
Published: June 2022

A novel string-inspired gravitational theory in four spacetime dimensions is proposed as a sum of the modified (R+αR2) gravity motivated by the Starobinsky inflation and the leading Bel–Robinson-tensor-squared correction to the gravitational effective action of superstrings/M-theory compactified down to four dimensions. The possible origin of the theory from higher dimensions is revealed. The proposed Starobinsky–Bel–Robinson action has only two free parameters, which makes it suitable for verifiable physical applications in black hole physics, cosmological inflation and Hawking radiation.
Association of Pre-S/S and Polymerase Mutations with Acute and Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infections in Patients from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: de Almeida Ribeiro Camilla Rodrigues , Martinelli Katrini Guidolini , da Motta de Mello Vinícius , Spitz Natália , Araújo Oscar Rafael Carmo , Lewis-Ximenez Lia Laura , Araujo Natalia Motta , de Paula Vanessa Salete
Published: June 2022

Several hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related factors, including the viral load, genotype, and genomic mutations, have been linked to the development of liver diseases. Therefore, in this study we aimed to investigate the influence of HBV genetic variability during acute and chronic infection phases. A real-time nested PCR was used to detect HBV DNA in all samples (acute, n = 22; chronic, n = 49). All samples were sequenced for phylogenetic and mutation analyses. Genotype A, sub-genotype A1, was the most common genotype in the study population. A total of 190 mutations were found in the pre-S/S gene area and the acute profile revealed a greater number of nucleotide mutations (p < 0.05). However, both profiles contained nucleotide mutations linked to immune escape and an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinomas (acute, A7T; chronic, A7Q). Furthermore, 17 amino acid substitutions were identified in the viral polymerase region, including the drug resistance mutations lamivudine and entecavir (rtL180M), with statistically significant differences between the mutant and wild type strains. Owing to the natural occurrence of these mutations, it is important to screen for resistance mutations before beginning therapy.
Characterization of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis Bacteriophages against Bacterial Walnut Blight and Field Evaluation
Authors: Retamales Julio , Núñez Pablo , Alvarado Romina , Campan Erick D. M. , Otto Thierry , Segovia Cristopher , Vasquez Ignacio , Santander Javier
Published: June 2022

Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis (hereafter X. juglandis) is the etiological agent of walnut blight, the most important bacterial disease affecting walnut production worldwide. Currently, the disease is treated mainly with copper-derived compounds (e.g., CuSO4) despite the evidence of genetic resistance in these strains. Regarding the effectiveness and sustainability, the use of a bacteriophage appears to be a biocontrol alternative to reduce X. juglandis load and symptomatology of walnut blight. Here, the phages f20-Xaj, f29-Xaj, and f30-Xaj were characterized, and their effectiveness in walnut orchards against walnut blight was determined. These bacteriophages showed a specific lytic infection in X. juglandis strains isolated from Chile and France. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete genome of f20-Xaj and f30-Xaj indicates that these phages belong to the Pradovirus genus. In the field, the cocktail of these bacteriophages showed similar effectivity to CuSO4 in the reduction of incidence and severity in walnut tissue. Moreover, the bacterial load of X. juglandis was significantly reduced in the presence of bacteriophages in contrast to a CuSO4 treatment. These results show that the use of bacteriophages can be an alternative to combat the symptoms of walnut blight caused by X. juglandis.
Neutralizing Antibody Response to Sarbecovirus Is Delayed in Sequential Heterologous Immunization
Authors: Lv Huibin , So Ray T. Y. , Teo Qi Wen , Yuan Meng , Liu Hejun , Lee Chang-Chun D. , Yip Garrick K. , Ng Wilson W. , Wilson Ian A. , Peiris Malik , Wu Nicholas C. , Mok Chris Ka Pun
Published: June 2022

Antigenic imprinting, which describes the bias of the antibody response due to previous immune history, can influence vaccine effectiveness. While this phenomenon has been reported for viruses such as influenza, there is little understanding of how prior immune history affects the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2. This study provides evidence for antigenic imprinting through immunization with two Sarbecoviruses, the subgenus that includes SARS-CoV-2. Mice were immunized subsequently with two antigenically distinct Sarbecovirus strains, namely SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. We found that sequential heterologous immunization induced cross-reactive binding antibodies for both viruses and delayed the emergence of neutralizing antibody responses against the booster strain. Our results provide fundamental knowledge about the immune response to Sarbecovirus and important insights into the development of pan-sarbecovirus vaccines and guiding therapeutic interventions.
Genomic Divergence Characterization and Quantitative Proteomics Exploration of Type 4 Porcine Astrovirus
Authors: Tao Jie , Li Benqiang , Cheng Jinghua , Shi Ying , Qiao Changtao , Lin Zhi , Liu Huili
Published: June 2022

Porcine astrovirus (PAstV) has been identified as an important diarrheic pathogen with a broad global distribution. The PAstV is a potential pathogen to human beings and plays a role in public health. Until now, the divergence characteristics and pathogenesis of the PAstV are still not well known. In this study, the PAstV-4 strain PAstV/CH/2022/CM1 was isolated from the diarrheal feces of a piglet in Shanghai, which was identified to be a recombination of PAstV4/JPN (LC201612) and PAstV4/CHN (JX060808). A time tree based on the ORF2 protein of the astrovirus demonstrated that type 2–5 PAstV (PAstV-2 to 5) diverged from type 1 PAstV (PAstV-1) at a point from 1992 to 2000. To better understand the molecular basis of the virus, we sought to explore the host cell response to the PAstV/CH/2022/CM1 infection using proteomics. The results demonstrate that viral infection elicits global protein changes, and that the mitochondria seems to be a primary and an important target in viral infection. Importantly, there was crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis, in which ATG7 might be the key mediator. In addition, the NOD-like receptor X1 (NLRX1) in the mitochondria was activated and participated in several important antiviral signaling pathways after the PAstV/CH/2022/CM1 infection, which was closely related to mitophagy. The NLRX1 may be a crucial protein for antagonizing a viral infection through autophagy, but this has yet to be validated. In conclusion, the data in this study provides more information for understanding the virus genomic characterization and the potential antiviral targets in a PAstV infection.
The Neutralizing Antibody Responses of Individuals That Spontaneously Resolve Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Cowton Vanessa M. , Dunlop James I. , Cole Sarah J. , Swann Rachael E. , Patel Arvind H.
Published: June 2022

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global health problem. In the majority of cases the virus is not cleared by the host immune response and progresses to chronic infection. Studies of the neutralizing antibody responses in individuals that naturally clear infection are limited. Understanding what constitutes a successful antibody response versus one that has ‘failed’ and resulted in chronic infection is important to understand what type of antibody response would need to be elicited by a protective vaccine. Samples from spontaneous clearers are difficult to obtain therefore studies are often limited. In our study through HCV Research UK, we had access to a cohort of over 200 samples. We identified the samples that contained HCV neutralizing antibodies using ELISA and HCV pseudoparticle (HCVpp) assays. We then utilised mutagenesis and cross-competition analysis to determine the profile of the neutralizing antibody responses. In addition, we analysed a cohort of samples from chronic infection using the same techniques to enable direct comparison of the antibody profiles observed in both cohorts. We conclude that similar profiles are present in both cohorts indicating that it is not the neutralizing antibody response per se that determines the outcome of infection. These data will provide useful information for future HCV vaccine design.
Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccination in Preventing All-Cause Mortality among Adults during the Third Wave of the Epidemic in Hungary: Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Pálinkás Anita , Sándor János
Published: June 2022

Our investigation aimed to describe the all-cause mortality rates by COVID-19 vaccination groups in Hungary for an epidemic period (1 April 2021–20 June 2021) and a nonepidemic period (21 June 2021–15 August 2021), and to determine the vaccines’ effectiveness in preventing all-cause mortality utilizing nonepidemic effectiveness measures to adjust for the healthy vaccinee effect (HVE). Sociodemographic status, comorbidity, primary care structural characteristics, and HVE-adjusted survival difference between fully vaccinated and unvaccinated cohorts in the epidemic period had been computed by Cox regression models, separately for each vaccine (six vaccines were available in Hungary). Hazard ratio (HR) reduction in epidemic period corrected with nonepidemic period’s HR with 95% confidence interval for each vaccine was used to describe the vaccine effectiveness (VE). The whole adult population (N = 6,404,702) of the country was followed in this study (4,026,849 fully vaccinated). Each vaccine could reduce the HVE-corrected all-cause mortality in the epidemic period (VEOxford/AstraZeneca = 0.592 [0.518–0.655], VEJanssen = 0.754 [0.628–0.838], VEModerna = 0.573 [0.526–0.615], VEPfizer-BioNTech = 0.487 [0.461–0.513], VESinopharm = 0.530 [0.496–0.561], and VESputnik V = 0.557 [0.493–0.614]). The HVE-corrected general mortality for COVID-19 vaccine cohorts demonstrated the real-life effectiveness of vaccines applied in Hungary, and the usefulness of this indicator to convince vaccine hesitants.
COVID-19 Booster Uptake among First Responders and Their Household Members May Be Lower than Anticipated
Authors: Frey Jennifer A. , Bachmann Daniel J. , Anghelina Mirela , Sircelj Valerie , Saadoon Osama , Stevens Patrick , Pietrzak Maciej , Fernández Soledad , McAlearney Ann Scheck , Panchal Ashish R.
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: COVID-19 vaccination status varies widely among law enforcement and emergency medical services professionals. Though at high risk of exposure, these first responders have demonstrated significant vaccine hesitancy, with only 70% reportedly vaccinated. We sought to understand whether similar vaccine hesitancy exists for first responders and their household contacts around COVID-19 boosters. (2) Methods: In a prospective longitudinal cohort of first responders and their household contacts, survey data was collected, including demographics, medical history, COVID-19 exposure risks, and vaccination and/or booster status. The statistical analysis focused on primary vaccination and booster rates of both the first responders and their household contacts. (3) Results: Across 119 study participants, 73% reported having received some combination of vaccine and/or booster, and 26% were unvaccinated. Vaccinated individuals were older, reported less prior exposure to COVID-19 and had more comorbidities. Only 23% reported having received a COVID-19 booster. Pairing of the data for household contacts demonstrated a 60% agreement to receive primary vaccination but only a 20% agreement for boosters within households. (4) Conclusions: This study provides insight into the vaccination and booster rates of first responders and household contacts. Focused efforts to enhance vaccinations is essential for the protection and maintenance of this critical workforce.
Self-Reported SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Is Consistent with Electronic Health Record Data among the COVID-19 Community Research Partnership
Authors: Tjaden Ashley H. , Fette Lida M. , Edelstein Sharon L. , Gibbs Michael , Hinkelman Amy N. , Runyon Michael , Santos Roberto P. , Weintraub William S. , Yukich Joshua , Uschner Diane ,   the COVID-19 Community Research Partnership Study Group
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Observational studies of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine effectiveness depend on accurate ascertainment of vaccination receipt, date, and product type. Self-reported vaccine data may be more readily available to and less expensive for researchers than assessing medical records. Methods: We surveyed adult participants in the COVID-19 Community Research Partnership who had an authenticated Electronic Health Record (EHR) (N = 41,484) concerning receipt of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination using a daily survey beginning in December 2020 and a supplemental survey in September–October 2021. We compared self-reported information to that available in the EHR for the following data points: vaccine brand, date of first dose, and number of doses using rates of agreement and Bland–Altman plots for visual assessment. Self-reported data was available immediately following vaccination (in the daily survey) and at a delayed interval (in a secondary supplemental survey). Results: For the date of first vaccine dose, self-reported “immediate” recall was within ±7 days of the date reported in the “delayed” survey for 87.9% of participants. Among the 19.6% of participants with evidence of vaccination in their EHR, 95% self-reported vaccination in one of the two surveys. Self-reported dates were within ±7 days of documented EHR vaccination for 97.6% of the “immediate” surveys and 92.0% of the “delayed” surveys. Self-reported vaccine product details matched those in the EHR for over 98% of participants for both “immediate” and “delayed” surveys. Conclusions: Self-reported dates and product details for COVID-19 vaccination can be a good surrogate when medical records are unavailable in large observational studies. A secondary confirmation of dates for a subset of participants with EHR data will provide internal validity.
Factors Involved in Removing the Non-Structural Protein of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus by Chloroform and Scale-Up Production of High-Purity Vaccine Antigens
Authors: Park Sun Young , Lee Sim-In , Jin Jong Sook , Kim Eun-Sol , Kim Jae Young , Kim Ah-Young , Park Sang Hyun , Park Jung-Won , Park Soonyong , Lee Eun Gyo , Park Jong-Hyeon , Ko Young-Joon , Park Choi-Kyu
Published: June 2022

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an economically important and highly infectious viral disease, predominantly controlled by vaccination. The removal of non-structural proteins (NSPs) is very important in the process of FMD vaccine production, because vaccinated and naturally infected animals can be distinguished by the presence of NSP antibodies in the FMD serological surveillance. A previous study reported that 3AB protein, a representative of NSPs, was removed by chloroform treatment. Therefore, in this study, the causes of 3AB removal and factors affecting the effect of chloroform were investigated. As a result, the effectiveness of chloroform differed depending on the virus production medium and was eliminated by detergents. In addition, it was found that 3AB protein removal by chloroform is due to the transmembrane domain of the N-terminal region (59–76 amino acid domain). Further, industrial applicability was verified by applying the chloroform treatment process to scale-up FMD vaccine antigen production. A novel downstream process using ultrafiltration instead of polyethylene glycol precipitation for high-purity FMD vaccine antigen production was established. This result will contribute toward simplifying the conventional process of manufacturing FMD vaccine antigens and ultimately reducing the time and cost of vaccine production.
In Silico Designed Multi-Epitope Immunogen “Tpme-VAC/LGCM-2022” May Induce Both Cellular and Humoral Immunity against Treponema pallidum Infection
Authors: Gomes Lucas Gabriel Rodrigues , Rodrigues Thaís Cristina Vilela , Jaiswal Arun Kumar , Santos Roselane Gonçalves , Kato Rodrigo Bentes , Barh Debmalya , Alzahrani Khalid J. , Banjer Hamsa Jameel , Soares Siomar de Castro , Azevedo Vasco , Tiwari Sandeep
Published: June 2022

Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum, has seen a resurgence over the past years. T. pallidum is capable of early dissemination and immune evasion, and the disease continues to be a global healthcare burden. The purpose of this study was to design a multi-epitope immunogen through an immunoinformatics-based approach. Multi-epitope immunogens constitute carefully selected epitopes belonging to conserved and essential bacterial proteins. Several physico-chemical characteristics, such as antigenicity, allergenicity, and stability, were determined. Further, molecular docking and dynamics simulations were performed, ensuring binding affinity and stability between the immunogen and TLR-2. An in silico cloning was performed using the pET-28a(+) vector and codon adaptation for E. coli. Finally, an in silico immune simulation was performed. The in silico predictions obtained in this work indicate that this construct would be capable of inducing the requisite immune response to elicit protection against T. pallidum. Through this methodology we have designed a promising potential vaccine candidate for syphilis, namely Tpme-VAC/LGCM-2022. However, it is necessary to validate these findings in in vitro and in vivo assays.
Immunotherapeutic Targeting of NG2/CSPG4 in Solid Organ Cancers
Authors: Zhang Hongyu , Wu Zhenyu , Hu Deyu , Yan Min , Sun Jing , Lai Jiejuan , Bai Lianhua
Published: June 2022

Neuro-glia antigen 2/chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (NG2/CSPG4, also called MCSP, HMW-MAA, MSK16, MCSPG, MEL-CSPG, or gp240) is a large cell-surface antigen and an unusual cell membrane integral glycoprotein frequently expressed on undifferentiated precursor cells in multiple solid organ cancers, including cancers of the liver, pancreas, lungs, and kidneys. It is a valuable molecule involved in cancer cell adhesion, invasion, spreading, angiogenesis, complement inhibition, and signaling. Although the biological significance underlying NG2/CSPG4 proteoglycan involvement in cancer progression needs to be better defined, based on the current evidence, NG2/CSPG4+ cells, such as pericytes (PCs, NG2+/CD146+/PDGFR-β+) and cancer stem cells (CSCs), are closely associated with the liver malignancy, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), pancreatic malignancy, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) as well as poor prognoses. Importantly, with a unique method, we successfully purified NG2/CSPG4-expressing cells from human HCC and PDAC vasculature tissue blocks (by core needle biopsy). The cells appeared to be spheres that stably expanded in cultures. As such, these cells have the potential to be used as sources of target antigens. Herein, we provide new information on the possibilities of frequently selecting NG2/CSPG4 as a solid organ cancer biomarker or exploiting expressing cells such as CSCs, or the PG/chondroitin sulfate chain of NG2/CSPG4 on the cell membrane as specific antigens for the development of antibody- and vaccine-based immunotherapeutic approaches to treat these cancers.
Battery Management System for Unmanned Electric Vehicles with CAN BUS and Internet of Things
Authors: Pham Ngoc Nam , Leuchter Jan , Pham Khac Lam , Dong Quang Huy
Published: June 2022

In recent decades, the trend of using zero-emission vehicles has been constantly evolving. This trend brings about not only the pressure to develop electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) but also the demand for further developments in battery technologies and safe use of battery systems. Concerning the safe usage of battery systems, Battery Management Systems (BMS) play one of the most important roles. A BMS is used to monitor operating temperature and State of Charge (SoC), as well as protect the battery system against cell imbalance. The paper aims to present hardware and software designs of a BMS for unmanned EVs, which use Lithium multi-cell battery packs. For higher modularity, the designed BMS uses a distributed topology and contains a master module with more slave modules. Each slave module is in charge of monitoring and protecting a multi-cell battery pack. All information about the state of each battery pack is sent to the master module which saves and sends all data to the control station if required. Controlled Area Network (CAN) bus and Internet of Things technologies are designed for requirements from different applications for communications between slave modules and the master module, and between the master module and control station.
Isolation, Molecular Characterization, and Antibiotic Resistance of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli in Eastern China
Authors: Afayibo Dossêh , Zhu Hong , Zhang Beibei , Yao Lan , Abdelgawad Hosny , Tian Mingxing , Qi Jingjing , Liu Yali , Wang Shaohui
Published: June 2022

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes colibacillosis in avians, resulting in considerable losses in the poultry industry. APEC showed zoonotic potential initially related to the fact that APEC serves as the reservoir of virulence genes and antibiotic resistance genes for other E. coli. Thus, we determine the serotypes, phylogenetic groups, virulence genes distribution, and antibiotic resistance profiles of APEC isolates in eastern China. A total of 230 APEC were isolated from diseased chicken and duck with typical colibacillosis symptoms. Serotyping identified that O78 (44.78%) was the predominant serotype. The majority of APEC isolates were classified into B2 (29.57%), A (26.96%), D (20.00%), and B1 (18.26%), respectively. Among the 15 virulence genes, a high prevalence of ibeB (99.57%), fimC (91.74%), mat (91.30%), ompA (83.04%), and iss (80.43%) genes was observed. Except for low resistance rates for imipenem (1.7%) and polymyxin B (0.4%), most of the APEC isolates were resistant to erythromycin (98.7%), enrofloxacin (96.1%), tetracycline (95.2%), doxycycline (93.9%), lincomycin (90.0%), and streptomycin (90.0%). Moreover, all APEC exhibit multi-drug resistance. This study indicated that APEC isolates harbor a variety of virulence genes and showed multi-antibiotic resistance profiles, providing proof for understanding the epidemiological background and zoonotic potential of APEC in poultry farms.
Effect of Green Tea on Weight Gain and Semen Quality of Rabbit Males
Authors: Baláži Andrej , Sirotkin Alexander V. , Makovický Pavol , Chrastinová Ľubica , Makarevich Alexander , Chrenek Peter
Published: June 2022

The goal of the current study was to evaluate the action of the green tea plant (Camellia sinensis, L) on male rabbit reproduction and some non-reproductive indexes. Male rabbits were fed either a standard diet (control group) or a diet enriched with green tea powder (experimental groups; E): 5 g (E1) or 20 g (E2) per 100 kg of the milled complete feed mixture. Weight gain, sperm concentration, total and progressive motility, as well as haematological, and biochemical parameters and changes in testicular tissue histomorphology were evaluated. Feeding with green tea, at both tested concentrations, decreased weight gain per week and the total average weight gain compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, green tea decreased sperm concentration, motility and progressive motility in the group fed with a lower dose (5 g) of green tea powder (p < 0.05), whilst a higher dose (20 g) was neutral. Some haematological and biochemical indexes, like medium-size cell count (MID), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelet percentage (PCT), levels of phosphorus (P) and total proteins (TP) were decreased in one or both experimental groups (p < 0.05), whilst the triglyceride level (TG) was increased in the E2 group (p < 0.05). The thicknesses of the testicular seminiferous tubules and epithelial layer were not affected by any concentration of green tea powder (p > 0.05). These observations suggest that green tea in the diet may have an adverse effect on rabbit growth and sperm quality, but their effect may be potentially dose-dependent.
The Effects of Climate Change on the Tagus–Segura Transfer: Diagnosis of the Water Balance in the Vega Baja del Segura (Alicante, Spain)
Authors: Cañizares Antonio Oliva , Cantos Jorge Olcina , Baños Castiñeira Carlos J.
Published: June 2022

Climate change is one of the most important problems facing society in the 21st century. Despite the uncertainty about the behaviour of rainfall due to climate change, what is clear is that average rainfall has been reduced in the inland areas and headwaters of Spain’s river basins. The Tagus basin is one of the most affected, with implications for the Jucar and Segura basins. The working hypothesis is to corroborate with the data collected on the effects of climate change on the TTS. To this end, the following methodology has been applied: (a) analysis in the headwaters of the Tagus, using data on precipitation, surface runoff and reservoir water; (b) analysis of the resources of the Segura basin (supply and demand), based on the basin organisation’s own data; (c) construction of a water balance adjusted to the Bajo Segura district (Alicante), a user of the water transferred for agricultural use. Likewise, the data provided by the basin organisation have made it possible to corroborate the data on consumption and allocation of the corresponding volumes of water. The results obtained make it possible to put forward a novel proposal in the scientific field related to hydrological planning based on the principles of sustainability.