bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of IoT on Manufacturing Industry 4.0: A New Triangular Systematic Review
Authors: Kalsoom Tahera , Ahmed Shehzad , Rafi-ul-Shan Piyya Muhammad , Azmat Muhammad , Akhtar Pervaiz , Pervez Zeeshan , Imran Muhammad Ali , Ur-Rehman Masood
Published: November 2021

The Internet of Things (IoT) has realised the fourth industrial revolution concept; however, its applications in the manufacturing industry are relatively sparse and primarily investigated without contextual peculiarities. Our research undertakes an intricate critical review to investigate significant aspects of IoT applications in the manufacturing Industry 4.0 perspective to address this gap. We adopt a systematic literature review approach by Denyer and Tranfield (2009) to carry out critical analyses that help develop future research domains based on empirical studies. We describe key knowledge gaps in the existing literature and empirical studies by exploring the main contribution categories and finding six critical differences between traditional and manufacturing Industry 4.0 and 10 enablers and 11 challenges of IoT applications. Finally, an agenda for future research is proposed with 11 research domains to focus on the recognised gaps.
High-Efficiency Combined Heat and Power through a High-Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell and Gas Turbine Hybrid System
Authors: Loreti Gabriele , Facci Andrea Luigi , Ubertini Stefano
Published: November 2021

High-temperature proton-exchange membrane fuel cells are a promising technology for distributed power generation thanks to their high-power density, high efficiency, low emissions, fast start-up, and excellent dynamic characteristics, together with their high tolerance to CO poisoning (i.e., CO in the feed up to 3%). In this paper, we present an innovative, simple, and efficient hybrid high-temperature proton-exchange membrane fuel cell gas turbine combined heat and power system whose fuel processor relies on partial oxidation. Moreover, we demonstrate that the state-of-the-art fuel processors based on steam reformation may not be the optimal choice for high-temperature proton-exchange membrane fuel cells’ power plants. Through steady-state modeling, we determine the optimal operating conditions and the performance of the proposed innovative power plant. The results show that the proposed hybrid combined heat and power system achieves an electrical efficiency close to 50% and total efficiency of over 85%, while a state-of-the-art system based on steam reformation has an electrical efficiency lower than 45%. The proposed innovative plant consists of a regenerative scheme with a limited power ratio between the turbine and fuel cell and limited optimal compression ratio. Therefore, micro-gas turbines are the most fitting type of turbomachinery for the hybrid system.
Implementation of Circular Economy Technologies: An Empirical Study of Slovak and Slovenian Manufacturing Companies
Authors: Šebo Juraj , Šebová Miriam , Palčič Iztok
Published: November 2021

Circular Economy (CE) practices and technologies are essential for increasing sustainability performance in manufacturing. Due to the increasing number of environmental regulations and growing public awareness of environmental issues, especially in the EU, CE is increasingly seen as a valuable factor in improving competitiveness. Therefore, there is a need for a fuller understanding of the ways in which CE technologies can be implemented into the manufacturing industries. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the identification of the characteristics of manufacturing companies and their perceptions of the barriers to the adoption of CE technologies. This survey-based study of 241 manufacturing companies (comprising a sub-sample of Slovak and Slovenian companies from the more extensive European Manufacturing Survey) uses a series of statistical tests to examine the implementation of three CE technologies. The results show that there is significant relationship between the adoption of CE technologies in manufacturing companies and their size, location, R&D activities, company age and product batch size. Finally, the research reveals the surprising finding that there is no apparent link between the perception of CE barriers and the plans of companies to implement selected CE technologies.
Substitute Building Materials in Geogrid-Reinforced Soil Structures
Authors: Schwerdt Sven , Mirschel Dominik , Hildebrandt Tobias , Wilke Max , Schneider Petra
Published: November 2021

The feasibility of substitute building materials (SBMs) in engineering applications was investigated within the project. A geogrid-reinforced soil structure (GRSS) was built using SBM as the fill material as well as vegetated soil for facing and on top of the construction. Four different SBMs were used as fill material, namely blast furnace slag (BFS), electric furnace slag (EFS), track ballast (TB), and recycled concrete (RC). For the vegetated soil facing, a mixture of either recycled brick (RB) material or crushed lightweight concrete (LC) mixed with organic soil was used. The soil mechanical and chemical parameters for all materials were determined and assessed. In the next step, a GRSS was built as a pilot application consisting of three geogrid layers with a total height of 1.5 m and a slope angle of 60°. The results of the soil mechanical tests indicate that the used fill materials are similar or even better than primary materials, such as gravel. The results of the chemical tests show that some materials are qualified to be used in engineering constructions without or with minor restrictions. Other materials need a special sealing layer to prevent the material from leakage. The vegetation on the mixed SBM material grew successfully. Several ruderal and pioneer plants could be found even in the first year of the construction. The porous material (RB and LC) provide additional water storage capacity for plants especially during summer and/or heat periods. With regard to the results of the chemical analyses of the greening layers, they are usable under restricted conditions. Here special treatment is necessary. Finally, it can be stated that SBMs are feasible in GRSS, particularly as fill material but also as a mixture for the greenable soil.
Sustainable Self-Cooling Framework for Cooling Computer Chip Hotspots Using Thermoelectric Modules
Authors: Saber Hamed H. , Hajiah Ali E. , Alshehri Saleh A.
Published: November 2021

The heat generation from recent advanced computer chips is increasing rapidly. This creates a challenge in cooling the chips while maintaining their temperatures below the threshold values. Another challenge is that the heat generation in the chip is not uniform where some chip components generate more heat than other components. This would create a large temperature gradient across the chip, resulting in inducing thermal stresses inside the chip that may lead to a high probability to damage the chip. The locations in the chip with heat rates that correspond to high heat fluxes are known as hotspots. This research study focuses on using thermoelectric modules (TEMs) for cooling chip hotspots of different heat fluxes. When a TEM is used for cooling a chip hotspot, it is called a thermoelectric cooler (TEC), which requires electrical power. Additionally, when a TEM is used for converting a chip’s wasted heat to electrical power, it is called a thermoelectric generator (TEG). In this study, the TEMs are used for cooling the hotspots of computer chips, and a TEC is attached to the hotspot to reduce its temperature to an acceptable value. On the other hand, the other cold surfaces of the chip are attached to TEGs for harvesting electrical power from the chip’s wasted heat. Thereafter, this harvested electrical power (HEP) is then used to run the TEC attached to the hotspot. Since no external electrical power is needed for cooling the hotspot to an acceptable temperature, this technique is called a sustainable self-cooling framework (SSCF). In this paper, the operation principles of the SSCF to cool the hotspot, subjected to different operating conditions, are discussed. As well, considerations are given to investigate the effect of the TEM geometrical parameters, such as the P-/N-leg height and spacing between the legs in both operations of the TEC mode and TEG mode on the SSCF performance.
Consumer Preferences for Cheese with Focus on Food Safety—A Segmentation Analysis
Authors: Zhllima Edvin , Mehmeti Gentjan , Imami Drini
Published: November 2021

This research work analyzes Albanian urban consumer preferences and purchasing behavior related to cheese, focusing on food safety and related attributes, including origin, packaging, and certification. This paper is based on a structured survey targeting urban consumers. The analysis consists of a two-step cluster and descriptive statistics. The clustering was based on key sociodemographic variables, namely, gender, education, and age. The results show that the local cheese is preferred to imported cheese, and the main sources of food safety guarantee are the producer name/brand and knowing the seller. Most consumers across all five identified clusters preferred buying unpacked cheese to packed cheese. The cluster of educated female consumers preferred to buy cheese mainly in supermarkets compared to other clusters that preferred convenience shops. Consumer clusters with a university education appeared to be more informed about both HACCP and ISO compared to other (less educated) consumer clusters. Low trust in state institutions to guarantee food safety calls for the need to strengthen their capacities, professionalism, and awareness engagement with consumers.
Gastronomy as a Sign of the Identity and Cultural Heritage of Tourist Destinations: A Bibliometric Analysis 2001–2020
Authors: Lin Min-Pei , Marine-Roig Estela , Llonch-Molina Nayra
Published: November 2021

Gastronomy represents a significant part of the cultural heritage and identity of tourist destinations; however, related scientific literature is scarce. Considering these aspects within the field of tourism and hospitality, and selecting the articles written in English indexed in the Web of Science and Scopus from 2001 to 2020, the objective of this research is twofold: (1) to present a bibliometric analysis of the literature on gastronomic heritage (71 articles); and (2) to analyze some aspects (main topics, frequency of key terms, methods, and data sources) of the research on case studies in Asia and Europe (46 articles), as they are the most prominent regions on the representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity (UNESCO). The study shows the temporal evolution of the literature on gastronomic heritage in parallel with UNESCO’s actions on cultural heritage. The results reveal that most articles relate gastronomic heritage to the sustainability of tourist destinations, and that European case studies address sustainability more than Asian studies do. Regarding the methodology to analyze Asian and European case studies, qualitative research predominates. Within quantitative studies, the use of online content generated by consumers and marketers as a data source is rare.
Low-Carbon Development for the Iron and Steel Industry in China and the World: Status Quo, Future Vision, and Key Actions
Authors: Lin Yuancheng , Yang Honghua , Ma Linwei , Li Zheng , Ni Weidou
Published: November 2021

The low-carbon development of China’s iron and steel industry (ISI) is important but challenging work for the attainment of China’s carbon neutrality by 2060. However, most previous studies related to the low-carbon development of China’s ISI are fragmented from different views such as production-side mitigation, demand-side mitigation, or mitigation technologies. Additionally, there is still a lack of a comprehensive overview of the long-term pathway to the low-carbon development of China’s ISI. To respond to this gap and to contribute to better guide policymaking in China, this paper conducted a timely and comprehensive review following the technology roadmap framework covering the status quo, future vision, and key actions of the low-carbon development of the world and China’s ISI. First, this paper provides an overview of the technology roadmap of low-carbon development around the main steel production countries in the world. Second, the potential for key decarbonization actions available for China’s ISI are evaluated in detail. Third, policy and research recommendations are put forward for the future low-carbon development of China’s ISI. Through this comprehensive review, four key actions can be applied to the low-carbon development of China’s ISI: improving energy efficiency, shifting to Scrap/EAF route, promoting material efficiency strategy, and deploying radical innovation technologies.
Producing Direct Food Packaging Using Deinked Office Paper Grades—Deinkability and Food Contact Suitability Evaluation
Authors: Jamnicki Hanzer Sonja , Lozo Branka , Barušić Lidija
Published: November 2021

Paper recycling is the most eco-efficient waste management option, since the use of recycled fibers reduces the need for virgin wood fiber and lowers energy consumption, and hence has a positive effect on the environment. The use of recycled paper is by far the highest in the packaging industry. In food packaging production, recycled paper is often favored over paper and board made from virgin fibers. However, due to the possible hazardous chemicals that can be found in recycled paper, there is a dilemma of how to overcome food safety issues while making food packaging more circular. The objective of the study was to determine if deinked office paper grades could be used as an alternative fiber source in the production of food packaging white top linerboards. For that purpose, three different types of digitally printed papers were submitted to a chemical deinking flotation in laboratory conditions, and the handsheets formed after each recycling trial were tested on the suitability for direct food contact. Evaluation of deinkability for each group of recycled prints was performed, as well. Deinkability was evaluated by calculating the flotation yield, pulp’s brightness and whiteness increase, ink elimination factor, determination of residual ink area, as well as ash content elimination. Food safety evaluation was performed by determining the content of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, and Cr VI), primary aromatic amines, diisopropylnaphthalenes (DIPN), phthalates, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) from aqueous or organic solvent extracts of recycled paper pulp. The fastness of the fluorescent whitening agents was determined, as well. Of all evaluated deinking flotation efficiency parameters, only flotation yield and ash reduction by flotation were positively assessed. High content of residual ink particles detected after the flotation stage indicates that the flotation was not a successful method for the elimination of disintegrated ink particles, which was also confirmed by deficient results of ink elimination measurements and whiteness increase. Flotation proved to be the least efficient in the recycling of inkjet prints, where the lowest ink elimination, whiteness, and brightness values were achieved. As far as food safety assessment of deinked pulp is concerned, all tested deinked handsheets were found suitable to be used in direct contact with foods.
Integrating Education for Sustainable Development Competencies in Teacher Education
Authors: Imara Kifah , Altinay Fahriye
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the publications focused on integrating education for sustainable development (ESD) competencies into teacher education during the last decade, in an endeavour to identify which competencies have been considered in the literature as key competencies for reorienting teacher education towards sustainability as well as explore the suggested assessment tools and approaches to integrate these competencies into teacher education programmes. The results show increased attention during the last decade to develop a set of ESD competencies for teachers, which reveals the absence of a unified framework for teacher competencies for ESD. However, the extent to which these competencies are effectively integrated into teacher education remains an undiscovered area. This paper highlights the progress and gaps in the research related to mainstreaming ESD competencies in teacher education, providing evidence from the literature that can inform policy and strategy improvement in higher education institutions.
OKAPI, an Emotional Education and Classroom Climate Improvement Program Based on Cooperative Learning: Design, Implementation, and Evaluation
Authors: Mira-Galvañ Maria-Jose , Gilar-Cobi Raquel
Published: November 2021

A positive school climate can directly influence the relationships and social interactions among students while also contributing to the development of socio-emotional skills. Simultaneously, the school climate depends on these said skills. Despite this close relationship, emotional education and school climate improvement programmes have traditionally been studied separately. This study describes and evaluates the effectiveness of a new programme, OKAPI (Organisation, Cooperation, Positive Environment, Participation and Emotional Intelligence), for the development of socio-emotional skills and the improvement of classroom climate for primary school students using a cooperative learning methodology. The total sample comprised 86 students aged 9–11 years. A quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test measures with a control group was used. The results show that the program’s implementation is effective both for the improvement of the classroom climate and the acquisition of training in the field of emotional intelligence, as well as for the development of cooperative competences. Among the fundamental pillars of the OKAPI programme are its simplicity and transversality, so that teachers are responsible for its application and monitoring; thus, the programme becomes an agent of change in their educational practice.
Smartphone Application for Determining the Segregation Index of Lightweight Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Tenza-Abril Antonio José , Compañ-Rosique Patricia , Satorre-Cuerda Rosana , Solak Afonso Miguel , Gavotti Freschi Daniel
Published: November 2021

Due to the low density of the aggregates and the longer mixing times, lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC) is susceptible to segregation of the aggregates. Several studies have proposed different methods to estimate the segregation of concrete because segregation affects strength and durability in structures. Image analysis techniques have become very popular for quickly analysing different materials and, together with the widespread use of mobile applications, can make it much easier for engineers to obtain parameters that identify concrete segregation. The aim of this work was the development of a mobile application to photograph the section of a concrete specimen and indicate the segregation values. A simple, fast, and effective application was implemented, and the results were validated with other previously published results, which can facilitate the task of engineers and researchers to determine the segregation of concrete.
The Effect of COVID-19 on Airline Transportation Services: A Study on Service Robot Usage Intention
Authors: Meidute-Kavaliauskiene Ieva , Yıldız Bülent , Çiğdem Şemsettin , Činčikaitė Renata
Published: November 2021

Robots have started to be used in the service sector as well as in the manufacturing industry. The use of service robots in airport services, tourism, and hospital services also brings many advantages. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing physical contact and providing hygiene are essential benefits of service robots. For this purpose, the effect of COVID-19 fear on perceived trust in service robots and the intention to use them at airports was investigated in this study. For analysis, data were collected from 730 participants from 64 different countries, by questionnaire. The data were analyzed with the SPSS and AMOS package programs. As a result of the structural equation model analysis, it was determined that COVID-19 fear affects perceived trust in service robots and the intention to use them positively, and perceived trust also affects the intention to use service robots positively. In addition, as a result of the Process Macro analysis, it was found that perceived trust has a high mediating effect on the effect of COVID-19 fear on the intention to use. The research results show that people’s attitudes towards COVID-19 shape the perception of robot usage in air transport services.
Relationships among Perceived Control, Safety Attitude, and Safety Performance: A Case Study on Wastewater Treatment Plant Workers
Authors: Huang Chung-Fah , Tsai Yu-Long , Lu Wen-Hua
Published: November 2021

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are an indispensable part of the infrastructure of modern cities. However, because of the existence of many confined working spaces in them, they also pose significant risks of occupational hazards for workers. Therefore, this study was conducted on WWTP workers in Kaohsiung, Taiwan to explore the connections among the perceived control, safety attitude, and safety performance of WWTP workers. In total, 123 valid questionnaires were returned for descriptive statistical analysis, variance analysis, correlation analysis, and hierarchical regression analysis. According to the analysis results, the WWTP workers in this study indicated a mid to high level of perceived control, and they generally believed they were also responsible for industrial safety management. The variance analysis results showed that workers of a different gender, age, service unit, and seniority had significantly different safety attitudes. The hierarchical regression analysis results indicated that the perceived control of the WWTP workers had a significant influence on their safety performance through their safety attitude, which served as a mediator between perceived control and safety performance. It is hoped that these findings can provide references for WWTP managers and workers in their daily communication, operation, and safety management system introduction to ensure better safety.
Optimal Number of Pursuers in Differential Games on the 1-Skeleton of an Orthoplex
Authors: Azamov Abdulla , Ibragimov Gafurjan , Ibaydullaev Tolanbay , Alias Idham Arif
Published: November 2021

We study a differential game of many pursuers and one evader. All the players move only along the one-skeleton graph of an orthoplex of dimension d+1. It is assumed that the maximal speeds of the pursuers are less than the speed of the evader. By definition, the pursuit is completed if the position of a pursuer coincides with the position of the evader. Evasion is said to be possible in the game if the movements of players are started from some initial positions and the position of the evader never coincides with the position of any pursuer. We found the optimal number of pursuers in the game. The symmetry of the orthoplex plays an important role in the construction of the players’ strategies.
Review of Classical Analytical Results for the Motion of a Rydberg Electron around a Polar Molecule under Magnetic or Electric Fields of Arbitrary Strengths in Axially Symmetric Configurations
Authors: Oks Eugene
Published: November 2021

We review classical studies of the oscillatory-precessional motion of an electron in the field of an electric dipole (the latter representing the polar molecule) with or without external magnetic or electric fields. The focus is on the most recent studies. In one study (at zero external field), it was shown that, generally, the oscillations being in the meridional direction and the precession being along parallels of latitude can take place on the same time scale—contrary to the statement from the previous literature. In another study, it was shown that a magnetic field enables new ranges of the bound oscillatory-precessional motion of the Rydberg electron and that in one of the new ranges, the period of the θ-oscillations has the non-monotonic dependence on primary parameter of the system. This is a counterintuitive result. In yet another study, it was shown that under the electric field there are two equilibrium circular states of a positive energy and one equilibrium state of a negative energy. The existence of the equilibrium state of the negative energy is a counterintuitive result since at the absence of the field, the bound state was possible only for the zero energy. Thus, it is a counterintuitive result that in this case the electric field can play the role of a stabilizing factor.
Existence Results of a Nonlocal Fractional Symmetric Hahn Integrodifference Boundary Value Problem
Authors: Ouncharoen Rujira , Patanarapeelert Nichaphat , Sitthiwirattham Thanin
Published: November 2021

The existence of solutions of nonlocal fractional symmetric Hahn integrodifference boundary value problem is studied. We propose a problem of five fractional symmetric Hahn difference operators and three fractional symmetric Hahn integrals of different orders. We first convert our nonlinear problem into a fixed point problem by considering a linear variant of the problem. When the fixed point operator is available, Banach and Schauder’s fixed point theorems are used to prove the existence results of our problem. Some properties of (q,ω)-integral are also presented in this paper as a tool for our calculations. Finally, an example is also constructed to illustrate the main results.
Imaging of Biliary Involvement in Sarcoidosis: Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography, and Gadolinium Ethoxybenzyl Diethylenetriamine Pentaacetic Acid-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings
Authors: Renzulli Matteo , Casavola Mario , Foà Alberto , Pizzi Carmine , Golfieri Rita
Published: November 2021

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease usually affecting the chest, hilar lymph nodes, and lungs, but can potentially involve any organ; therefore, its clinical presentation may vary. Hepatobiliary involvement is rare, and typically asymptomatic; however, it can lead to cirrhosis, and may require liver transplantation. In this report, we present a rare case of a patient affected by sarcoidosis with hepatobiliary involvement. He presented to our hospital complaining of dyspnea triggered by moderate efforts and oppressive thoracic discomfort. Chest X-ray showed multiple bilateral nodular opacities and enlargement of both hilar regions, confirmed by a subsequent total-body computed tomography scan and positron emission tomography, which also revealed cardiac, splenic, and hepatic involvement. Liver function was studied via gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) was also performed. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis was finally achieved via liver biopsy, revealing non-necrotizing granulomas in the periportal space. The patient was treated with prednisone per os, with regression of all lesions at all levels. Although other cases of biliary sarcoidosis have been described, this report provides a complete image set of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced magnetic resonance and MRCP images that is lacking in the English literature, and which may be useful for diagnosis.
The Importance of Data Reliability and Usability When Assessing Impacts of Marine Mineral Oil Spills
Authors: Wait A. Dallas
Published: November 2021

Spilled mineral oils in the marine environment pose a number of challenges to sampling and analysis. Mineral oils are complex assemblages of hydrocarbons and additives, the composition of which can vary considerably depending on the source oil and product specifications. Further, the marine microbial and chemical environment can be harsh and variable over short times and distances, producing a rigorous source of hydrocarbon degradation of a mineral oil assemblage. Researchers must ensure that any measurements used to determine the nature and extent of the oil release, the fate and transport of the mineral oil constituents, and any resultant toxicological effects are derived using representative data that adhere to the study’s data quality objectives (DQOs). The purpose of this paper is to provide guidance for crafting obtainable DQOs and provide insights into producing reliable results that properly underpin researchers’ findings when scrutinized by others.
The Residential Population Generator (RPGen): Parameterization of Residential, Demographic, and Physiological Data to Model Intraindividual Exposure, Dose, and Risk
Authors: East Alexander , Dawson Daniel , Glen Graham , Isaacs Kristin , Dionisio Kathie , Price Paul S. , Hubal Elaine A. Cohen , Vallero Daniel A.
Published: November 2021

Exposure to chemicals is influenced by associations between the individual’s location and activities as well as demographic and physiological characteristics. Currently, many exposure models simulate individuals by drawing distributions from population-level data or use exposure factors for single individuals. The Residential Population Generator (RPGen) binds US surveys of individuals and households and combines the population with physiological characteristics to create a synthetic population. In general, the model must be supported by internal consistency; i.e., values that could have come from a single individual. In addition, intraindividual variation must be representative of the variation present in the modeled population. This is performed by linking individuals and similar households across income, location, family type, and house type. Physiological data are generated by linking census data to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data with a model of interindividual variation of parameters used in toxicokinetic modeling. The final modeled population data parameters include characteristics of the individual’s community (region, state, urban or rural), residence (size of property, size of home, number of rooms), demographics (age, ethnicity, income, gender), and physiology (body weight, skin surface area, breathing rate, cardiac output, blood volume, and volumes for body compartments and organs). RPGen output is used to support user-developed chemical exposure models that estimate intraindividual exposure in a desired population. By creating profiles and characteristics that determine exposure, synthetic populations produced by RPGen increases the ability of modelers to identify subgroups potentially vulnerable to chemical exposures. To demonstrate application, RPGen is used to estimate exposure to Toluene in an exposure modeling case example.
Variable Fitness Response of Two Rotifer Species Exposed to Microplastics Particles: The Role of Food Quantity and Quality
Authors: Drago Claudia , Weithoff Guntram
Published: November 2021

Plastic pollution is an increasing environmental problem, but a comprehensive understanding of its effect in the environment is still missing. The wide variety of size, shape, and polymer composition of plastics impedes an adequate risk assessment. We investigated the effect of differently sized polystyrene beads (1-, 3-, 6-µm; PS) and polyamide fragments (5–25 µm, PA) and non-plastics items such as silica beads (3-µm, SiO2) on the population growth, reproduction (egg ratio), and survival of two common aquatic micro invertebrates: the rotifer species Brachionus calyciflorus and Brachionus fernandoi. The MPs were combined with food quantity, limiting and saturating food concentration, and with food of different quality. We found variable fitness responses with a significant effect of 3-µm PS on the population growth rate in both rotifer species with respect to food quantity. An interaction between the food quality and the MPs treatments was found in the reproduction of B. calyciflorus. PA and SiO2 beads had no effect on fitness response. This study provides further evidence of the indirect effect of MPs in planktonic rotifers and the importance of testing different environmental conditions that could influence the effect of MPs.
Neutrophil Gelatinase–Associated Lipocalin Acts as a Robust Early Diagnostic Marker for Renal Replacement Therapy in Patients with Russell’s Viper Bite–Induced Acute Kidney Injuries
Authors: Senthilkumaran Subramanian , Patel Ketan , Salim Anika , Vijayakumar Pradeep , Williams Harry F. , Vaiyapuri Rajendran , Savania Ravi , Elangovan Namasivayam , Thirumalaikolundusubramanian Ponniah , Baksh M. Fazil , Vaiyapuri Sakthivel
Published: November 2021

Snakebite-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is frequently observed in patients following bites from vipers such as Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii) in India. Currently, the levels of serum creatinine are mainly used as a marker to determine the necessity for renal replacement therapy (RRT) (haemodialysis) in severe cases of AKI. However, it takes up to 48 h to ascertain a distinct change in creatinine levels compared to its baseline level upon admission. The time lost between admission and the 48 h timepoint significantly affects the clinical management of snakebite victims. Moreover, early diagnosis of AKI and decision on the necessity for RRT in snakebite victims is critical in saving lives, reducing long-term complications, and minimising treatment costs arising from expensive haemodialysis. Neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been recently studied as a robust early marker for AKI in non-snakebite patients. However, its suitability for clinical use in snakebite victims has not been rigorously established. Here, we demonstrate the clinical significance of plasma NGAL as a robust marker for RRT following AKI using a large cohort (309) of Russell’s viper victims without any pre-existing health conditions. NGAL levels upon admission are positively correlated with creatinine levels at 48 h in different stages of AKI. Overall, NGAL acts as a robust early marker to ascertain the need for RRT following Russell’s viper bites. The quantification of NGAL can be recommended as a routine test in hospitals that treat snakebites to decide on RRT at early time points instead of waiting for 48 h to confirm the increase in creatinine levels. The diagnostic use of NGAL in Russell’s viper victims with pre-existing comorbidities and for other vipers should be evaluated in future studies.
Mining Indole Alkaloid Synthesis Gene Clusters from Genomes of 53 Claviceps Strains Revealed Redundant Gene Copies and an Approximate Evolutionary Hourglass Model
Authors: Liu Miao , Findlay Wendy , Dettman Jeremy , Wyka Stephen A. , Broders Kirk , Shoukouhi Parivash , Dadej Kasia , Kolařík Miroslav , Basnyat Arpeace , Menzies Jim G.
Published: November 2021

Ergot fungi (Claviceps spp.) are infamous for producing sclerotia containing a wide spectrum of ergot alkaloids (EA) toxic to humans and animals, making them nefarious villains in the agricultural and food industries, but also treasures for pharmaceuticals. In addition to three classes of EAs, several species also produce paspaline-derived indole diterpenes (IDT) that cause ataxia and staggers in livestock. Furthermore, two other types of alkaloids, i.e., loline (LOL) and peramine (PER), found in Epichloë spp., close relatives of Claviceps, have shown beneficial effects on host plants without evidence of toxicity to mammals. The gene clusters associated with the production of these alkaloids are known. We examined genomes of 53 strains of 19 Claviceps spp. to screen for these genes, aiming to understand the evolutionary patterns of these genes across the genus through phylogenetic and DNA polymorphism analyses. Our results showed (1) varied numbers of eas genes in C. sect. Claviceps and sect. Pusillae, none in sect. Citrinae, six idt/ltm genes in sect. Claviceps (except four in C. cyperi), zero to one partial (idtG) in sect. Pusillae, and four in sect. Citrinae, (2) two to three copies of dmaW, easE, easF, idt/ltmB, itd/ltmQ in sect. Claviceps, (3) frequent gene gains and losses, and (4) an evolutionary hourglass pattern in the intra-specific eas gene diversity and divergence in C. purpurea.
Inhibition of miR-155 Promotes TGF-β Mediated Suppression of HIV Release in the Cervical Epithelial Cells
Authors: Gokavi Jyotsna , Sadawarte Sharwari , Shelke Anant , Kulkarni-Kale Urmila , Thakar Madhuri , Saxena Vandana
Published: November 2021

TGF-β has been shown to play a differential role in either restricting or aiding HIV infection in different cell types, however its role in the cervical cells is hitherto undefined. Among females, more than 80% of infections occur through heterosexual contact where cervicovaginal mucosa plays a critical role, however the early events during the establishment of infection at female genital mucosa are poorly understood. We earlier showed that increased TGF-β level has been associated with cervical viral shedding in the HIV infected women, however a causal relationship could not be examined. Therefore, here we first established an in vitro cell-associated model of HIV infection in the cervical epithelial cells (ME-180) and demonstrated that TGF-β plays an important role as a negative regulator of HIV release in the infected cervical epithelial cells. Inhibition of miR-155 upregulated TGF-β signaling and mRNA expression of host restriction factors such as APOBEC-3G, IFI-16 and IFITM-3, while decreased the HIV release in ME-180 cells. To conclude, this is the first study to decipher the complex interplay between TGF-β, miR-155 and HIV release in the cervical epithelial cells. Collectively, our data suggest the plausible role of TGF-β in promoting HIV latency in cervical epithelial cells which needs further investigations.
In Vivo Bioluminescence Imaging of HBV Replicating Hepatocytes Allows for the Monitoring of Anti-Viral Immunity
Authors: Manske Katrin , Schneider Annika , Ko Chunkyu , Knolle Percy A. , Steiger Katja , Protzer Ulrike , Wohlleber Dirk
Published: November 2021

Immunity against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is complex and not entirely understood so far, including the decisive factors leading to the development of chronic hepatitis B. This lack of a mechanistic understanding of HBV-specific immunity is also caused by a limited number of suitable animal models. Here, we describe the generation of a recombinant adenovirus expressing an HBV 1.3-overlength genome linked to luciferase (Ad-HBV-Luc) allowing for precise analysis of the quantity of infected hepatocytes. This enables sensitive and close-meshed monitoring of HBV-specific CD8 T cells and the onset of anti-viral immunity in mice. A high dose of Ad-HBV-Luc developed into chronic hepatitis B accompanied by dysfunctional CD8 T cells characterized by high expression of PD1 and TOX and low expression of KLRG1 and GzmB. In contrast, a low dose of Ad-HBV-Luc infection resulted in acute hepatitis with CD8 T cell-mediated elimination of HBV-replicating hepatocytes associated with elevated sALT levels and increased numbers of cytotoxic HBV-specific CD8 T cells. Thus, the infectious dose was a critical factor to induce either acute self-limited or chronic HBV infection in mice. Taken together, the new Ad-HBV-Luc vector will allow for highly sensitive and time-resolved analysis of HBV-specific immune responses during acute and chronic infection.
Genetic Characterization of Novel H7Nx Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses from Wild Birds in South Korea during the Winter of 2020–2021
Authors: Lee Yu-Na , Lee Dong-Hun , Kwon Jung-Hoon , Shin Jae-In , Hong Seo Yun , Cha Ra Mi , Baek Yoon-Gi , Lee Eun-Kyoung , Sagong Mingeun , Heo Gyeong-Beum , Lee Kwang-Nyeong , Lee Youn-Jeong
Published: November 2021

Zoonotic infection with avian influenza viruses (AIVs) of subtype H7, such as H7N9 and H7N4, has raised concerns worldwide. During the winter of 2020–2021, five novel H7 low pathogenic AIVs (LPAIVs) containing different neuraminidase (NA) subtypes, including two H7N3, an H7N8, and two H7N9, were detected in wild bird feces in South Korea. Complete genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that the novel H7Nx AIVs were reassortants containing two gene segments (hemagglutinin (HA) and matrix) that were related to the zoonotic Jiangsu–Cambodian H7 viruses causing zoonotic infection and six gene segments originating from LPAIVs circulating in migratory birds in Eurasia. A genomic constellation analysis demonstrated that all H7 isolates contained a mix of gene segments from different viruses, indicating that multiple reassortment occurred. The well-known mammalian adaptive substitution (E627K and D701N) in PB2 was not detected in any of these isolates. The detection of multiple reassortant H7Nx AIVs in wild birds highlights the need for intensive surveillance in both wild birds and poultry in Eurasia.
The role of staffing in the context of protection of reproductive health of the younger generation in the Russian Federation
Authors: Smyshlyaev Aleksey Viktorovich
Published: November 2021

Special attention should be paid to the planning of human resources in health care, since this problem in the healthcare sector is quite urgent at present (there is a gradual decrease in nursing and medical personnel). The purpose of this study is to determine the role of staffing in the context of protection of reproductive health of the younger generation in the Russian Federation. The main analytical base of the research was statistical data and materials of domestic and foreign literary sources, periodicals, including various electronic resources. Research methods included: statistical method, study and generalization of experience, content analysis. In the course of the study, the issues of staffing with specialists in the conditions of protecting the reproductive health of the younger generation in the Russian Federation were analyzed, taking into account comparable indicators in the general structure of medical and mid-level medical personnel of various specialties; the experience of specialists in obstetrics and urological and andrological service has been studied, taking into account the resource capabilities of medical organizations. One of the main directions in the study of reproductive health is timely prevention, especially on the basis of antenatal clinics or health centers, medical prevention centers. Thus, we can conclude that staffing in the framework of the protection of adolescents’ reproductive health plays an important role, while in order to improve the situation with the participation of the state, it is necessary to revise and work out new programs for the development of human resources potential in health care, as well as to create adequate conditions for their implementation at various hierarchical levels of management, including the introduction of additional measures for social support and advanced training of specialists in this profile.
Defining Baseline Creatinine for Identification of AKI in Population-Based Laboratory Databases: A Danish Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Graversen Henriette V. , Jensen Simon K. , Vestergaard Søren V. , Heide-Jørgensen Uffe , Christiansen Christian F.
Published: November 2021

Key Points

Applying four different commonly used baseline creatinine definitions revealed AKI cohorts of comparable size, AKI rate, and mortality.

Including patients with no baseline creatinine yields cohorts with considerably lower AKI rate and higher mortality.

Consistent use and reporting of methods for defining baseline creatinine is important, especially in studies of community-acquired AKI.

Background

The baseline creatinine level is central in the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria of AKI, but baseline creatinine is often inconsistently defined or unavailable in AKI research. We examined the rate, characteristics, and 30-day mortality of AKI in five AKI cohorts created using different definitions of baseline creatinine.

Methods

This nationwide cohort study included all individuals aged ≥18 years in Denmark with a creatinine measurement in 2017. Applying the KDIGO criteria, we created four AKI cohorts using four different baseline definitions (most recent, mean, or median value of outpatient creatinine 365–368 days before, or median value 90–98 days before, if available, otherwise median value 365–391 days before) and one AKI cohort not using a baseline value. AKI rate and the distribution of age, sex, baseline creatinine, and comorbidity were described for each AKI cohort, and the 30-day all-cause mortality was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

The study included 2,095,850 adults with at least one creatinine measurement in 2017. The four different baseline definitions identified between 61,189 and 62,597 AKI episodes. The AKI rate in these four cohorts was 13–14 per 1000 person-years, and 30-day all-cause mortality was 17%–18%. The cohort created without using a baseline creatinine included 37,659 AKI episodes, corresponding to an AKI rate of 8.2 per 1000 person-years and a 30-day mortality of 23%. All five cohorts were similar regarding age, sex, and comorbidity.

Conclusions

In a population-based setting with available outpatient baseline creatinine, different baseline creatinine definitions revealed comparable AKI cohorts, whereas the lack of a baseline creatinine when defining AKI led to a smaller AKI cohort with a higher mortality. These findings underscore the importance of availability and consistent use of an outpatient baseline creatinine, particulary in studies of community-acquired AKI.
A Review of the Environmental Impact of Gas Flaring on the Physiochemical Properties of Water, Soil and Air Quality in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria
Authors: Elijah Adeoye Ademola
Published: November 2021

The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is of great socio-economic importance due to its huge crude oil reserves. However, the process of exploration has been of great detrimental effect on the physiochemical properties of the soil, water and air quality in the region and has caused several public health issues. This review article is focused on readdressing the extent of the impact of one of the processes, gas flaring on the environment, using some physiochemical parameters of rain water, soil and air quality in some selected communities in the Niger Delta region based on series of previous researches. The results show that gas flaring has negatively impacted the physical and chemical properties soil, water and air components of the environment, most especially impacting areas very close to the flaring site. Also, recommendations were made as to how the flaring of gas can be reduced to a very minimal level as well as how these gases can be utilized making it more economical than the flaring process which is a very good case for further research.
Pengelolaan dan Kesehatan Lingkungan di Sekolah Bersama SMAN Cahaya Madani Banten Boarding School, Kabupaten Pandeglang, Banten
Authors: Moerdjoko Sintorini , Widyatmoko Hilarion , Hadisoebroto Rositayanti , Aphirta Sarah , Besila Qurrotu ‘Aini , Trihidayanti Hera , Salim Milani Yolanda
Published: November 2021

Kesehatan lingkungan adalah elemen yang sangat penting dalam kaitannya dengan potensi penyebaran penyakit terutama di era pandemi Covid-19 bila kondisi lingkungan tidak layak. Melalui pengelolaan lingkungan yang baik disertai dengan edukasi yang rutin dan kontinyu pada lingkungan, maka sekolah berasrama dapat menjadi contoh penerapan pengelolaan kesehatan lingkungan yang baik. Melalui kegiatan penyuluhan ini, Tim Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat Program Studi Teknik Lingkungan dan Arsitektur Lanskap bertujuan untuk mengedukasi sivitas akademika SMAN CMBBS agar dapat meningkatakan kesadaran dalam memenuhi fasilitas dasar yang layak dan penerapan pola kesehatan lingkungan yang terpadu dengan menerapkan perilaku hidup bersih dan sehat (PHBS). Metode yang digunakan adalah penyuluhan materi edukasi dan poster melalui seminar daring menggunakan media tatap muka daring (video conference). Sebanyak 48,1% responden peserta penyuluhan ini belum memiliki kesiapan untuk memulai kembali sekolah tatap muka karena belum adanya persiapan matang dari pihak sekolah terkait sistem pengelolaan kesehatan lingkungan terpadu terutama tentang PHBS untuk mencegah terbentuknya klaster pandemi. Kegiatan penyuluhan tentang lingkungan yang berdampak pada Kesehatan ini sangat bermanfaat dalam membuka wawasan dan kesadaran sivitas akedemika CMBBS untuk menghadapi dimulainya proses belajar tatap muka di kelas.