bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Digital Educational Scenario in Italian High Schools during the Pandemic: Challenges and Emerging Tools
Authors: Guzzo Tiziana , Caschera Maria Chiara , Ferri Fernando , Grifoni Patrizia
Published: January 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, educational institutions around the world were forced to move from face-to-face lessons to distance learning. The application of distance learning fostered the use of new tools and applications that impacted the school system and produced several challenges to be addressed. This paper provides an analysis of distance learning tools that have been used during COVID-19 in Italian schools and the related emerging needs and challenges. A quantitative survey was carried out by using a standardized online questionnaire that involved 420 Italian teachers of different ages, gender, and teaching areas. This survey collected information about experiences, opportunities, and challenges of distance learning, used tools, and students’ inclusion and involvement. In addition, this work analyses emerging technologies and how they can be integrated into distance learning tools to overcome the identified challenges.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Outdoor Physical Activities for People with Disabilities, including the Risks for Psychophysical Well-Being
Authors: Farì Giacomo , Fiore Pietro , Ricci Vincenzo , Zonno Alessandra , Joksimovic Marko , Petruzzella Domenico , Gioia Giulia , Giarrizzo Denise , Mastrorillo Savino , Coretti Brunella , Bianchi Francesco Paolo , Agostini Francesco , Muscella Antonella , Ranieri Maurizio , Megna Marisa
Published: January 2023

The restrictions and social distancing measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic have created many obstacles in the practice of outdoor physical activity (OPA) throughout the world, particularly for the most vulnerable people, such as those with disabilities. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of pandemic-related limitations on the OPA of an Italian cohort of people with disabilities practicing sports. A retrospective observational study was conducted using an online survey. The questionnaire was distributed to 121 disabled athletes who practiced different outdoor physical activities. A total of 96 completed the survey, which collected demographic data, information about daily outdoor physical activity and sports habits, and about physical and psychological health before and during the pandemic. The frequency of daily OPA per week, along with the hours of physical activity, significantly decreased during the pandemic compared to those of the year before (p < 0.0001). A statistically significant deterioration was also found in the physical and mental well-being of disabled athletes during the pandemic (p < 0.0001) when compared to those from the year before the advent of COVID-19. This research demonstrated the negative impact of COVID-19 restrictions on OPA levels and on the physical and mental well-being of athletes with disabilities. It also highlighted a new challenge regarding the sustainability and integration of the national health system, demonstrating the necessity of improving the consistent accessibility of people with disabilities to OPA, both under normal conditions and emergency situations, in order to guarantee their psychophysical well-being.
Simulation of Water Balance Components Using SWAT Model at Sub Catchment Level
Authors: Pandi Dinagarapandi , Kothandaraman Saravanan , Kuppusamy Mohan
Published: January 2023

Simulation of Water Balance Components (WBCs) is import for sustainable water resources development and management. The Soil Water and Assessment Tool (SWAT) is a semi-distributed hydrological model to estimate the WBCs by forcing the hydrological response unit (HRU) and meteorological variables. The developed model simulates five WBCs viz. surface runoff, lateral flow, percolation, actual evapotranspiration and soil water at sub catchment level. To demonstrate the model compatibility a case study taken over Chittar catchment, Tamilnadu, India. The catchment was divided in to 11 sub catchments. The ten year interval LULC (i.e., 2001 and 2011), twenty year daily meteorological data (i.e., 2001–2020) and time invariant soil and slope data were used in developing the water balance model. Developed model was calibrated and evaluated with river gauge monthly discharging using SUFI-2 algorithm in SWAT-CUP. The model calibration performed in two stage i.e., pre-calibration (2001–2003) and post-calibration (2004–2010). The model performance was evaluated with unseen river gauge discharging data (i.e., 2011–2015). Then, results of statistical outputs for the model were coefficient of determination (R2) is 0.75 in pre-calibration, 0.94 in post-calibration and 0.81 in validation. Further strengthen the model confidential level the sub catchments level monthly actual evapotranspiration were compared with gridded global data GLEAM v3.6a. Finally, the developed model was simulate the five WBCs whereas, surface runoff, lateral flow, percolation, actual evapotranspiration and soil water at sub catchment level during 2001–2020. The sub catchment level WBCs trend helps to make fast and accurate decision. At all 11 sub catchments a long drought was observed during 2016–2018 due to failure of northeast monsoon. The WBCs were directly reinforced by their north east monsoon which gives the major portion of rainfall i.e., September to December. Hence all the WBCs were directly correlated with rainfall with or without time lag. By understanding the sub catchment level of monthly WBCs over the Chittar catchment is useful for land and water resource management.
Generation of Renewable Energy (Biogas) in the Western Region of Paraná/Brazil—A Multicase Study from the Viewpoint of Contracts
Authors: Cielo Ivanete Daga , Ribeiro Marcia Carla Pereira , Rocha Júnior Weimar Freire da , Fragoso Rui Manuel de Sousa , Schmidt Carla Maria
Published: January 2023

The growth of Brazilian agribusiness has sparked interest in research and putting forth ideas for repurposing agricultural waste while reducing any negative effects on the environment. Therefore, taking into account the economics of transaction costs, this study aims to analyze the relationships that permeate the governance structure for the generation of bioenergy through swine farming waste in business models implemented in the Western Region of Paraná, Brazil, a region with significant production of pigs and a pioneer in the implementation of biogas production projects. The investigation strategy for this study was the case study methodology. Empirical data, analyzed qualitatively, were obtained through the analysis of contracts and interviews with power plant managers and pig producers. The main findings point to the evolution of business models for bioenergy generation, changes in the sector’s governance structure, and improvement in the contractual models used. Changes in the state’s conduct, including a decrease in its involvement as a financing agent and an increase in its role in promoting policies that structure the legal system, were also noted. Finally, it is inferred that the sector needs to structure an institutional setting capable of mitigating existing legal insecurities and uncertainties.
Urban Resilience and Sustainability in the Perspective of Global Consequences of COVID-19 Pandemic and War in Ukraine: A Systematic Review
Authors: Grum Bojan , Kobal Grum Darja
Published: January 2023

The study of urban resilience (UR) in the context of sustainable development (SD) is a relatively new chapter, so we give it our full attention in this article. We seek to link UR and SD by understanding the complexity of current anthropogenic hazards—more precisely, global consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine. In our study, we go a step further and create a hypothetical model based on hazards that links the key factors of UR and SD. We set the following two objectives: whether and how research incorporates newly perceived conceptual hazards (pandemic, war) and whether all groups of factors are explored equally and simultaneously. As these two hazards have only recently emerged and research on the subject is still well underway, we have opted for a systematic review method. We focused on articles from 2019 to 2022. The study showed that newly perceived conceptual tensions (pandemic, war) related to UR and SD have not been adequately explored. The study confirmed the lack of existing research in the broader context of understanding resilience of the built environment, and thus the lack of studies that provide a foundation and perspective for SD of the built environment. Therefore, we believe that further research should specifically focus on the plurality of approaches to understand the complex interactions, their impacts, and feedbacks in the context of multidimensional urbanization to understand UR as a perspective for SD.
Research on Optimal Configuration of Landscape Storage in Public Buildings Based on Improved NSGA-II
Authors: Li Shibo , Zhou Hu , Xu Genzhu
Published: January 2023

The transition to clean and low-carbon energy in public buildings is crucial to energy saving and green social development. This paper focus on the sustainable development of public buildings and the construction of complementary power generation systems in existing public buildings. In the study, it was found that the constraints of the energy storage system could not be satisfied, which would result in the failure of the energy storage system for the purpose of peak regulation and stable operation of the microgrid. In order to satisfy the constraint conditions of the energy storage system, a spatial transformation method was proposed that improves the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II). The simulation results show that the spatial transformation Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (STNSGA-II) has advantages in dealing with the strong constraints of the energy storage system. The introduction of the complementary power generation system with energy storage system in public buildings can save 23.74% to 31.17% from the perspective of optimal cost, and can reduce of CO2 emissions by at least 2478 kg from the perspective of carbon emission reduction. This study presents a case for transforming public buildings from simple consumers of energy systems to active contributors supporting large-scale wind and PV access.
Research on Coal Mine Goaf Restoration Based on Stability of Overlying Rocks and Numerical Simulation Analysis: A Case Study of Jingmen Garden Expo Park
Authors: Xu Zaicheng , Xu Wei , Zhou Peng , Zhu Zhenhua , Zhao Junyi , Gao Peng
Published: January 2023

Goaf restoration is an important part of urban space management. With mining of coal resources, appearance of goaf and subsidence areas causes serious geological disasters and environmental and ecological problems, which significantly affect urban safety, development, and construction. Therefore, repair of goafs is crucial. In this study, the goaf of Jingmen Garden Expo Park was taken as an example. Through acquisition of engineering geological condition parameters and data on the goaf combined with the mechanical parameters selected for the site, the deformation mechanism of the overlying strata of the goaf was analyzed, and a numerical model of the goaf was established. On this basis, FLAC(3D) was used for numerical simulation to evaluate the stability of the goaf; the suitability of the site was evaluated and divided, and the ecological restoration model of the goaf in Jingmen Garden Expo Park was studied. The results showed that different degrees of ecological restoration and construction of various facilities and buildings could be carried out in the goaf. Based on the varying degrees of stability in the goaf, an appropriate restoration path is suggested according to the suitability of these different degrees. The green, innovative, and sustainable restoration design of the goaf can be carried out according to these restoration paths in order to establish a green ecological system in Jingmen Garden Expo Park.
Procedure of Numerical Modelling and Estimation of Sieve Curve Changes as a Tool to Define Riverbed’s Erodibility
Authors: Florek Jacek , Wyrębek Maciej
Published: January 2023

The numerical 1-D HEC-RAS modelling tool was supported by the estimation of the sieve curve changes procedure to measure the scale of predicted discharges along a stretch of stream in southern Poland on the Olkusz Upland. The procedure was calibrated in southern Poland on the mountain streams during high-stage events, using a radiotracer application in bedload transport. Particular terrain hypsometry, created by the dissolution of limestone, forced the deep erosion of the river valley bottom; it is here that the current shape of the riverbed of the Prądnik stream is placed. While numerical modelling is widely used in hydraulics, standards have been set for the estimation of flood risk zones; these estimations suggest that the densities of the measured cross-sections are less then optimal, and that the erosive processes are more frequent. This was proved by identifying a number of erosive sections. A new procedure proposed combining the prediction of grain size distribution with hydraulic modelling. Calculations using the estimation of sieve curves, based on the processes of creation and destruction in the armouring layer, have proven to be a challenge for the existing standards of hydraulic modelling. We believe that it is easy to expand the usefulness of the 1D model by utilising its results for this procedure. For the purpose of this type of analysis, dense cross-section measurements are involved, careful modelling is required and a wide range of additional in-field data has to be gathered. For the interpretation of the results, the relation between channel-forming discharge, bankfull discharge, present and critical shear stresses, as well as the mean diameter of the grain size and other estimated sieve curve parameters, were evaluated. Channel-forming discharge is smaller than the bankfull discharge in more than one third of the segment where the erosion process is more frequent and the stability of the riverbed is compromised. Channel-forming discharge was at least twice as high in the stable sections, compared to the erosive section. The presented method will help to find unstable riverbed sections, in order to mitigate the dimension of river training techniques and protect the natural state of the river. While we are in the period of development in this region of Europe, limiting the scope of interference in rivers and streams by applying this method may create an opportunity for the concept of river training close to nature.
On the Solution of Fractional Biswas–Milovic Model via Analytical Method
Authors: Sunthrayuth Pongsakorn , Naeem Muhammad , Shah Nehad Ali , Shah Rasool , Chung Jae Dong
Published: January 2023

Through the use of a unique approach, we study the fractional Biswas–Milovic model with Kerr and parabolic law nonlinearities in this paper. The Caputo approach is used to take the fractional derivative. The method employed here is the homotopy perturbation transform method (HPTM), which combines the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) and Yang transform (YT). The HPTM combines the homotopy perturbation method, He’s polynomials, and the Yang transform. He’s polynomial is a wonderful tool for dealing with nonlinear terms. To confirm the validity of each result, the technique was substituted into the equation. The described techniques can be used to find the solutions to these kinds of equations as infinite series, and when these series are in closed form, they give a precise solution. Graphs are used to show the derived numerical results. The maple software package is used to carry out the numerical simulation work. The results of this research are highly positive and demonstrate how effective the suggested method is for mathematical modeling of natural occurrences.
Multiple Pathways for Dissociative Adsorption of SiCl4 on the Si(100)-c(4×2) Surface
Authors: Zhang Jianxun , Zhu Quan , Li Jun
Published: January 2023

The adsorption of silicon tetrachloride (STC, SiCl4) on the silicon surface is a crucial process in polysilicon manufacture. However, the underlying mechanism for the adsorption remains highly uncertain. Here, new dissociative adsorption (DA) reaction pathways involving a flip of a silicon dimer in the first layer and considering physisorption are identified. Different DA patterns, inter-row (IR), inter-dimer (ID), and on-dimer (OD), are confirmed by the density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the PBE-D3(BJ)/TZVP-MOLOPT-GTH level. The stable structures for all minima are searched by global optimization through the artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm. Findings reveal that the parent molecules dissociate first by breaking one Si-Cl bond, following which the resulting SiCl3 and Cl fragments are attached to adjacent Si-atom sites. Moreover, dimer flipping significantly reduces the energy barrier for chemisorption, mainly due to the change in electronic structure that enhances the interaction of the site with the SiCl3 radical. Physisorption may also be accompanied by dimer flipping to form a stable adsorption structure.
Investigation of Fractional Nonlinear Regularized Long-Wave Models via Novel Techniques
Authors: Naeem Muhammad , Yasmin Humaira , Shah Rasool , Shah Nehad Ali , Nonlaopon Kamsing
Published: January 2023

The main goal of the current work is to develop numerical approaches that use the Yang transform, the homotopy perturbation method (HPM), and the Adomian decomposition method to analyze the fractional model of the regularized long-wave equation. The shallow-water waves and ion-acoustic waves in plasma are both explained by the regularized long-wave equation. The first method combines the Yang transform with the homotopy perturbation method and He’s polynomials. In contrast, the second method combines the Yang transform with the Adomian polynomials and the decomposition method. The Caputo sense is applied to the fractional derivatives. The strategy’s effectiveness is shown by providing a variety of fractional and integer-order graphs and tables. To confirm the validity of each result, the technique was substituted into the equation. The described methods can be used to find the solutions to these kinds of equations as infinite series, and when these series are in closed form, they give the precise solution. The results support the claim that this approach is simple, strong, and efficient for obtaining exact solutions for nonlinear fractional differential equations. The method is a strong contender to contribute to the existing literature.
Optimal Production and Pricing Strategies of Automobile Manufacturers in Big Cities under Subsidy Policy and Dual-Credit Policy
Authors: Tang Li , Liang Xiaobei
Published: January 2023

Encouraging the usage of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in big cities is not only a key area of priority for the government to encourage the transformation of the automobile industry, but it is also a crucial step in reducing environmental pollution. Big cities commonly limit the number of cars because they lack the resources and space to accommodate new vehicles. A crucial policy to reduce the number of cars in metropolitan areas is the license plate auction policy. Therefore, considering the fuel vehicle (FV)’s license plate auction policy, this study investigated the effects of the subsidy policy and the dual-credit policy on the production decisions of NEVs and FVs manufacturers. A competitive game model was constructed that considered NEV and FV manufacturers and accounted for consumer environmental awareness. The manufacturer’s optimal production decision was analyzed in four different scenarios—no government intervention, a license plate auction policy, a subsidy policy based on license plate auction policy, and a dual-credit policy based on the license plate auction policy. The results suggested that the manufacturer’s profit will be significantly higher in the absence of a license plate auction policy than in the presence of one. In other words, both NEV and FV manufacturers will suffer as a result of license plate restriction. Additionally, improvements in consumer environmental awareness, government subsidies, and credit cost/benefit ratios will improve the weak position of NEV manufacturers following the introduction of a license plate auction.
Eco-Friendly Natural Thickener (Pectin) Extracted from Fruit Peels for Valuable Utilization in Textile Printing as a Thickening Agent
Authors: Ebrahim Sara A. , Othman Hanan A. , Mosaad Mohamed M. , Hassabo Ahmed G.
Published: January 2023

Fruit peels are a rich source of many substances, such as pectin. Extraction of natural thickening agent (pectin) from fruit waste such as (orange and pomegranate peels) is an environmentally friendly alternative to commercial thickeners and is cheap for use in the printing of natural and synthetic fabrics, especially polyester and polyacrylic fabrics. Hexamine was used to treat the extracted pectin to make it appropriate for use in an alkali medium for printing cotton fabric. The results showed that the extracted and modified pectin have good rheological properties as well as bacterial resistance. Pectin is suitable for use in an acidic medium. All the printed samples with pectin and its modified synthetic dyes (reactive, acid, and disperse) exhibited good fastness towards washing and wet and dry rubbing. The light fastness of printed textiles was excellent (7), which is more than using alginate as a thickener (5). In both acidic and alkaline perspiration, the perspiration fastness characteristic revealed 3–4 to 4–5 color differences. Colorfastness to rubbing was tested in both dry and wet conditions, and it was revealed that dry rubbing had the same effect as wet rubbing. Printed textiles using pectin or modified pectin as thickeners exhibit antibacterial activity. Physical and mechanical properties of all printed fabrics such as (tensile strength, elongation, and surface roughness) were enhanced.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Electronic Cigarettes
Authors: Sobczak Andrzej , Kośmider Leon
Published: January 2023

Despite nearly nine thousand publications on e-cigarettes (EC) in the PubMed database, there is still no consensus in the scientific community and among decision makers regarding the risks and benefits of using these products [...]
Sustainable Strategies to Counteract Mycotoxins Contamination and Cowpea Weevil in Chickpea Seeds during Post-Harvest
Authors: Pisuttu Claudia , Risoli Samuele , Moncini Lorenzo , Nali Cristina , Pellegrini Elisa , Sarrocco Sabrina
Published: January 2023

Mycotoxins contamination and pest infestation of foods and feeds represent a pivotal threat for food safety and security worldwide, with crucial implications for human and animal health. Controlled atmosphere could be a sustainable strategy to reduce mycotoxins content and counteract the vitality of deleterious organisms in foodstuff. Ozone treatment (O3, 500 ppb for 30, 60 or 90 min) and high nitrogen concentration (N2, 99% for 21 consecutive days) were tested in the post-harvest management of four batches of Cicer arietinum grains to control the presence of mycotoxigenic fungi and their secondary metabolites, as well as pest (i.e., Callosobruchus maculatus) infestation. At the end of the treatment, O3 significantly decreased the incidence of Penicillium spp. (by an average of −50%, independently to the time of exposure) and reduced the patulin and aflatoxins content after 30 min (−85 and −100%, respectively). High N2 concentrations remarkably reduced mycotoxins contamination (by an average of −94%) and induced pest mortality (at 100% after 5 days of exposure). These results confirm the promising potential of O3 and N2 in post-harvest conservation strategies, leading to further investigations to evaluate the effects on the qualitative characteristics of grains.
Mycotoxin Occurrence in Feeds and Raw Materials in China: A Five-Year Investigation
Authors: Hao Wei , Guan Shu , Li Anping , Wang Jinyong , An Gang , Hofstetter Ursula , Schatzmayr Gerd
Published: January 2023

Mycotoxins are ubiquitously present in feeds and raw materials and can exert toxicity on animals and humans. Therefore, mycotoxin occurrence should be monitored. We report here a multi-mycotoxin survey of feed samples in China from 2017 to 2021. Concentrations of aflatoxins, trichothecenes type B, fumonisins, and zearalenone were determined in a total of 9392 samples collected throughout China. Regional differences and year-to-year variation of mycotoxin occurrence were also assessed in new-season corn. Generally, Fusarium mycotoxins were prevalent, while mycotoxin contamination in each feed commodity showed a distinct pattern, e.g., wheat and bran were typically affected by trichothecenes type B, peanut meals were highly susceptible to aflatoxins, and finished feeds exhibited a comparatively high prevalence of all mycotoxins. In new-season corn, trichothecenes type B and fumonisins were most prevalent, with positive rates of 84.04% and 87.16%, respectively. Regions exhibited different patterns of mycotoxin occurrence. The Anhui and Jiangsu provinces of East China exhibited a high prevalence and concentrations of aflatoxins with a positive rate and a positive average of 82.61% and 103.08 μg/kg, respectively. Central China obtained high fumonisins levels of 4707.84 μg/kg. Trichothecenes type B and zearalenone occurred more frequently in temperate regions of Northeast China, and their positive rates reached 94.99% and 55.67%, respectively. In these regions, mycotoxin concentrations in new-season corn exhibited pronounced year-to-year variations and this could be due to the unusual changes of rainfall or temperature during sensitive periods of corn growing. A large fraction of new-season corn samples contained multiple mycotoxins with two to three classes (75.42%), and the most frequently observed co-contaminants were the combination of trichothecenes type B and fumonisins (73.52%). Trichothecenes type B and zearalenone concentrations were highly positively correlated with a coefficient of 0.775. In conclusion, mycotoxins contamination and co-contamination of feeds are common. Mycotoxin contamination in new-season corn exhibited regional patterns and year-to-year variations, with climate and weather conditions as determinant factors.
Alveolar Macrophages Participate in the Promotion of Influenza Virus Infection by Aflatoxin B1 at an Early Stage
Authors: Sun Yuhang , Yao Zhaoran , Long Miao , Zhang Ying , Huang Kehe , Li Lin
Published: January 2023

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), one of the most common environmental mycotoxin contaminations in food and feed, poses significant threats to human and animal health. Our previous study indicated that even non-toxic AFB1 concentrations could promote influenza virus replication and induce influenza virus-infected alveolar macrophages polarizing from M1 (immunostimulatory phenotype) to M2 (immunosuppressive phenotype) over time. However, whether AFB1 promotes influenza replication via modulating the polarization of alveolar macrophages is unknown. Here, we specifically depleted alveolar macrophages using clodronate-containing liposomes in swine influenza virus (SIV)-infected mice to explore the mechanism the promotion of SIV replication by AFB1. The results show that the depletion of alveolar macrophages significantly alleviated the AFB1-induced weight loss, inflammatory responses, and lung and immune organ damage of the SIV-infected mice after 14 days and greatly diminished the AFB1-promoted SIV replication. In contrast, the depletion of alveolar macrophages did not alleviate the AFB1-induced weight loss, and lung and immune organ damage of the SIV-infected mice after 28 days and slightly diminished the AFB1-promoted SIV replication. Collectively, the data indicate that alveolar macrophages play a crucial role the promotion of SIV infection by AFB1 in the early rather than late stage, and AFB1 can promote SIV replication by inducing alveolar macrophages to polarize towards M1 macrophages. This research provides novel targets for reducing the risk of AFB1-promoted influenza virus infection.
Dynamics and Stability of the Two-Body Problem with Yukawa Correction to Newton’s Gravity, Revisited and Applied Numerically to the Solar System
Authors: Hasan Nawras Abo , Joudieh Nabil , Chamoun Nidal
Published: January 2023

In this manuscript, we review the motion of a two-body celestial system (planet–sun) for a Yukawa-type correction on Newton’s gravitational potential using Hamilton’s formulation. We reexamine the stability using the corresponding linearization Jacobian matrix, and verify that the conditions of Bertrand’s theorem are met for radii ≪1015 m, meaning that bound closed orbits are expected. Applied to the solar system, we present the equation of motion of the planet, then solve it both analytically and numerically. Making use of the analytical expression of the orbit, we estimate the Yukawa strength α and find it to be larger than the nominal value (10−8) adopted in previous studies, in that it is of order (α=10−4−10−5) for the terrestrial planets (Mercury, Venus, earth, Mars, and Pluto) and even larger (α=10−3) for the giant planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune). Taking the inputs (rmin,vmas,e) observed by NASA, we analyse the orbits analytically and numerically for both the estimated and nominal values of α and determine the corresponding trajectories. For each obtained orbit, we recalculate the characterizing parameters (rmin,rmax,a,b,e) and compare their values according to the potential (Newton with/without Yukawa correction) and method (analytical and/or numerical) used. When compared to the observational data, we conclude that the path correction due to Yukawa correction is on the order of up to 80 million km (20 million km) as the maximum deviation occurring for Neptune (Pluto) for a nominal (estimated) value of α.
Polymycovirus Infection Sensitizes Aspergillus fumigatus for Antifungal Effects of Nikkomycin Z
Authors: Sass Gabriele , Kotta-Loizou Ioly , Martinez Marife , Larwood David J. , Stevens David A.
Published: January 2023

Infection with Aspergillus fumigatus polymycovirus 1 (AfuPmV-1) weakens resistance of Aspergillus fumigatus common reference strain Af293 biofilms in intermicrobial competition with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We compared the sensitivity of two infected and one virus-free Af293 strains to antifungal drugs. All three were comparably sensitive to drugs affecting fungal membranes (voriconazole, amphotericin) or cell wall glucan synthesis (micafungin, caspofungin). In contrast, forming biofilms of virus-free Af293 were much more resistant than AfuPmV-1-infected Af293 to nikkomycin Z (NikZ), a drug inhibiting chitin synthase. The IC50 for NikZ on biofilms was between 3.8 and 7.5 µg/mL for virus-free Af293 and 0.94–1.88 µg/mL for infected strains. The IC50 for the virus-free A. fumigatus strain 10AF was ~2 µg/mL in most experiments. NikZ also modestly affected the planktonic growth of infected Af293 more than the virus-free strain (MIC 50%, 2 and 4 µg/mL, respectively). Virus-free Af293 biofilm showed increased metabolism, and fungus growing as biofilm or planktonically showed increased growth compared to infected; these differences do not explain the resistance of the virus-free fungus to NikZ. In summary, AfuPmV-1 infection sensitized A. fumigatus to NikZ, but did not affect response to drugs commonly used against A. fumigatus infection. Virus infection had a greater effect on NikZ inhibition of biofilm than planktonic growth.
Pretreatment Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio as a Prognostic Marker for the Outcome of HPV-Positive and HPV-Negative Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Justesen Marius Meldgaard , Jakobsen Kathrine Kronberg , Bendtsen Simone Kloch , Garset-Zamani Martin , Mordhorst Christine , Carlander Amanda-Louise Fenger , Gothelf Anita Birgitte , Grønhøj Christian , von Buchwald Christian
Published: January 2023

The incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has increased in the past decades due to carcinogenic HPV infection. As this patient group suffers from considerable mortality and treatment morbidity it is important to improve prognostic strategies in OPSCC. Inflammation plays a key role in cancer and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in blood has been suggested as a prognostic factor for OPSCC. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of NLR on overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in a retrospective cohort of 1370 patients. Included patients had pretreatment neutrophil and lymphocyte counts available, as well as a known HPV status. Patients were treated with curative intent according to Danish national guidelines. We stratified patients in groups by NLR < 2, NLR 2–4, or NLR > 4 and analyzed the influence of the NLR tertile on OS and RFS. Kaplan–Meier curves illustrated survival probability in OS and RFS in the general cohort and were stratified by HPV status. We found that an increasing NLR was associated with inferior OS (HR = 1.5 for NLR > 4) and RFS (HR = 1.6 for NLR 2–4; HR = 1.8 for NLR > 4) in multivariable analysis. The Kaplan–Meier curves displayed inferior OS and RFS with an increasing NLR for both HPV+ and HPV− patients. In conclusion, we showed that an increasing NLR is prognostic for a worse outcome of OPSCC independently of HPV status. There are possible uses of NLR in prognostication and treatment de-escalation although further studies are warranted to determine the clinical utility.
Seroprevalence of Natural and Acquired Immunity against the SARS-CoV-2 Virus in a Population Cohort from Two Chilean Cities, 2020–2022
Authors: Núñez-Franz Loreto , Ramírez-Santana Muriel , Rubilar Paola , Vial Cecilia , Apablaza Mauricio , González Claudia , Said Macarena , Olivares Kathya , Cortés Lina Jimena , Hormazábal Juan , Canales Luis , Vial Pablo , Icaza Gloria , Quezada-Gaete Rubén , Aguilera Ximena
Published: January 2023

Background: Chile has achieved the highest coverage for vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 virus worldwide. Objective: To assess the progression of immunity (natural and acquired by vaccine) in a cohort from two Chilean cities. Methods: Individuals (n = 386) who participated in three phases of population-based serial prevalence studies were included (2020–2021 and 2022). Presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was measured in serum. Data including time of vaccination and type of vaccine received were analysed with descriptive statistics. Results: Seroprevalence was 3.6% in the first round and increased to 96.9% in the second and 98.7% in the third. In the third round, 75% of individuals who had received the basal full scheme were seropositive at 180 days or more since their last dose; 98% of individuals who received one booster dose were seropositive at 180 days or more, and 100% participants who received two boosters were seropositive, regardless of time since their last dose. Participants receiving mRNA vaccines had higher seroprevalence rates over time. Conclusions: The high vaccination coverage in Chile enabled the population to maintain high levels of antibodies. Vaccination boosters are essential to maintain immunity over time, which also depends on the type of vaccine administered.
A Phylogeographic Analysis of Porcine Parvovirus 1 in Africa
Authors: Franzo Giovanni , Zerbo Habibata Lamouni , Ouoba Bruno Lalidia , Dji-Tombo Adama Drabo , Kindo Marietou Guitti , Sawadogo Rasablaga , Chang’a Jelly , Bitanyi Stella , Kamigwe Aloyce , Mayenga Charles , Lo Modou Moustapha , Ndiaye Mbengué , Ba Aminata , Diop Gaye Laye , Anahory Iolanda Vieira , Mapaco Lourenço P. , Achá Sara J. , Kouakou Valere Kouame , Couacy-Hymann Emmanuel , Gacheru Stephen G. , Lichoti Jacqueline K. , Kasivalu Justus K. , Njagi Obadiah N. , Settypalli Tirumala B. K. , Cattoli Giovanni , Lamien Charles E. , Molini Umberto , Dundon William G.
Published: January 2023

Porcine parvovirus 1 (PPV1) is recognized as a major cause of reproductive failure in pigs, leading to several clinical outcomes globally known as SMEDI. Despite being known since the late 1960s its circulation is still of relevance to swine producers. Additionally, the emergence of variants such as the virulent 27a strain, for which lower protection induced by vaccines has been demonstrated, is of increasing concern. Even though constant monitoring of PPV1 using molecular epidemiological approaches is of pivotal importance, viral sequence data are scarce especially in low-income countries. To fill this gap, a collection of 71 partial VP2 sequences originating from eight African countries (Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania) during the period 2011–2021 were analyzed within the context of global PPV1 variability. The observed pattern largely reflected what has been observed in high-income regions, i.e., 27a-like strains were more frequently detected than less virulent NADL-8-like strains. A phylogeographic analysis supported this observation, highlighting that the African scenario has been largely shaped by multiple PPV1 importation events from other continents, especially Europe and Asia. The existence of such an international movement coupled with the circulation of potential vaccine-escape variants requires the careful evaluation of the control strategies to prevent new strain introduction and persistence.
The Fine Legacy of Giovanni P. Martelli (1935–2020), a Preeminent Plant Virologist and the Founder of Modern Grapevine Virology
Authors: Hadidi Ahmed , Barba Marina , Rubino Luisa
Published: January 2023

Giovanni Paolo Martelli passed away on 8 January 2020 [...]
Cutaneous Manifestations of SARS-CoV-2, Cutaneous Adverse Reactions to Vaccines Anti-SARS-CoV-2 and Clinical/Dermoscopical Findings: Where We Are and Where We Will Go
Authors: Cazzato Gerardo
Published: January 2023

From the very first months of the pandemic, it became apparent that a variety of skin reactions could occur during COVID-19 disease, starting with ‘erythema-pernio’-type lesions, similar to chilblains [...]
Ageing Curtails the Diversity and Functionality of Nascent CD8+ T Cell Responses against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Proietto Davide , Dallan Beatrice , Gallerani Eleonora , Albanese Valentina , Llewellyn-Lacey Sian , Price David A. , Appay Victor , Pacifico Salvatore , Caputo Antonella , Nicoli Francesco , Gavioli Riccardo
Published: January 2023

Age-related changes in the immune system are thought to underlie the vulnerability of elderly individuals to emerging viral diseases, such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, we used a fully validated in vitro approach to determine how age impacts the generation of de novo CD8+ T cell responses against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19. Our data revealed a generalized deficit in the ability of elderly individuals to prime the differentiation of naïve precursors into effector CD8+ T cells defined by the expression of interferon (IFN)-γ and the transcription factor T-bet. As a consequence, there was an age-related decline in the diversity of newly generated CD8+ T cell responses targeting a range of typically immunodominant epitopes derived from SARS-CoV-2, accompanied by an overall reduction in the expression frequency of IFN-γ. These findings have potential implications for the development of new strategies to protect the elderly against COVID-19.
Immunization with a Multivalent Listeria monocytogenes Vaccine Leads to a Strong Reduction in Vertical Transmission and Cerebral Parasite Burden in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Mice Infected with Neospora caninum
Authors: Imhof Dennis , Pownall William , Hänggeli Kai Pascal Alexander , Monney Camille , Román Laura Rico-San , Ortega-Mora Luis-Miguel , Forterre Franck , Oevermann Anna , Hemphill Andrew
Published: January 2023

Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite that causes abortion and stillbirth in cattle. We employed the pregnant neosporosis mouse model to investigate the efficacy of a modified version of the attenuated Listeria monocytogenes vaccine vector Lm3Dx_NcSAG1, which expresses the major N. caninum surface antigen SAG1. Multivalent vaccines were generated by the insertion of gra7 and/or rop2 genes into Lm3Dx_NcSAG1, resulting in the double mutants, Lm3Dx_NcSAG1_NcGRA7 and Lm3Dx_NcSAG1_NcROP2, and the triple mutant, Lm3Dx_NcSAG1_NcGRA7_NcROP2. Six experimental groups of female BALB/c mice were inoculated intramuscularly three times at two-week intervals with 1 × 107 CFU of the respective vaccine strains. Seven days post-mating, mice were challenged by the subcutaneous injection of 1 × 105N. caninum NcSpain-7 tachyzoites. Non-pregnant mice, dams and their offspring were observed daily until day 25 post-partum. Immunization with Lm3Dx_NcSAG1 and Lm3Dx_NcSAG1_NcGRA7_NcROP2 resulted in 70% postnatal pup survival, whereas only 50% and 58% of pups survived in the double mutant-vaccinated groups. Almost all pups had died at the end of the experiment in the infection control. The triple mutant was the most promising vaccine candidate, providing the highest rate of protection against vertical transmission (65%) and CNS infection. Overall, integrating multiple antigens into Lm3Dx_SAG1 resulted in lower vertical transmission and enhanced protection against cerebral infection in dams and in non-pregnant mice.
Acceptance and Preference for COVID-19 Vaccine among Japanese Residents at Early Stage of the Epidemic in Japan
Authors: Wu Jiwen , Cai Guoxi , Fan Yi , Arima Kazuhiko , Lin Yulan , Wong Liping , Zhang Zhuo , Yamamoto Taro , Morita Kouichi , Yoshikawa Akira , Lu Yixiao , Aoyagi Kiyoshi
Published: January 2023

Background: This study aimed to survey the attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines and their acceptability among the Japanese public as soon as the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized vaccines and their rollouts started around the world. Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted in Japan between 4 January and 5 March 2021. A questionnaire was administered to evaluate attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines according to demographic characteristics, vaccine characteristics, and vaccine production. Results: A total of 1037 completed responses were received. More than half (63.5%) of the participants responded positively (extremely likely/likely) toward COVID-19 vaccines. The highest acceptance to be vaccinated was discovered among the youngest age group. As expected, participants who had never delayed acceptance or refused the vaccine in their history of vaccination had a significantly higher willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 (p < 0.001). Females (OR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.99–3.58) and participants who had ever delayed acceptance or refuse the vaccine (OR = 3.49, 95% CI: 2.42–5.05) had higher odds of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Participants with a postgraduate degree (OR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.40–1.00) presented the highest willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19. More than two-thirds (72.9%, 95% CI: 70.4%–75.8%) of the participants did not mind a booster dose required following primary vaccination. A total of 63.2% (95% CI: 60.0%–66.0%) of the participants only accepted a nearly 90% effective or above vaccine at preventing COVID-19. At the same, 86.4% (95% CI: 84.4%–88.4%) of the participants reported only accepting a vaccine with minor side effects. Conclusions: The moderate levels of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance found in the early phase of the pandemic demonstrate that it is important to improve the implementation of effective management for vaccine promotion and the acceptability of the vaccine to slow or delay transmission.
Impact of Elastic Diaphragm Hardness and Structural Parameters on the Hydraulic Performance of Automatic Flushing Valve
Authors: Gao Hao , Mo Yan , Wu Feng , Wang Jiandong , Gong Shihong
Published: January 2023

Automatic flushing valve (AFV) can improve the anti-clogging ability of the drip fertigation system. The minimum inlet pressure (Hamin) required for automatic closing and the maximum flushing duration (FDmax) are two important performance indexes of AFV. The existing AFV products have the problem of larger Hamin and smaller FDmax, which result higher investment and operating cost, and poor flushing efficiency. Based on the mechanical analysis of the AFV elastic diaphragm and the derivation of the FD, elastic diaphragm hardness (E), ascending channel offset distance (D), and drain hole width (W) were selected as the experimental factors, and nine AFVs were designed by L9(33) orthogonal test method to investigate the influence of elastic diaphragm hardness and structural parameters on the hydraulic performance of AFVs. The hydraulic performance test results showed that the Hamin of the nine AFVs ranged from 0.026 to 0.082 MPa and FDmax ranged from 36.3 to 95.7 s. Hamin was positively correlated with E and D and negatively correlated with W. FDmax was negatively correlated with E and W and tended to increase and then decrease with D. All elastic diaphragm hardness and structural parameters had a significant effect on Hamin, and E and W had a significant effect on FDmax. Based on the range analysis, two new combinations of AFV elastic diaphragm hardness and structural parameters with minimum Hamin (E = 40 HA, D = 0 mm, W = 2 mm) and maximum FDmax (E = 40 HA, D = 2 mm, W = 1.68 mm) were determined, and the corresponding Hamin was 0.022 MPa, 63.3% lower than that of the existing product, and FDmax was 116.4 s, 71.2% higher than that of the existing product. In this study, two ternary nonlinear mathematical regression models of Hamin and FDmax with elastic diaphragm hardness and structural parameters was constructed. The simulation accuracy of the models is good and can be used to quickly predict the optimal combination of AFV parameters to satisfy the actual engineering-required Hamin and FDmax.
Prediction of the Periglacial Debris Flow in Southeast Tibet Based on Imbalanced Small Sample Data
Authors: Du Jun , Zhang Hong-ya , Hu Kai-heng , Wang Lin , Dong Lin-yao
Published: January 2023

Using data sourced from 15 periglacial debris flow gullies in the Parlung Zangbo Basin of southeast Tibet, the importance of 26 potential indicators to the development of debris flows was analyzed quantitatively. Three machine learning approaches combined with the borderline resampling technique were introduced for predicting debris flow occurrences, and several scenarios were tested and compared. The results indicated that temperature and precipitation, as well as vegetation coverage, were closely related to the development of periglacial debris flow in the study area. Based on seven selected indicators, the Random Forest-based model, with its weighted recall rate and Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC) greater than 0.76 and 0.77, respectively, performed the best in predicting debris flow events. Scenario tests indicated that the resampling was necessary to the improvement of model performance in the context of data scarcity. The new understandings obtained may enrich existing knowledge of the effects of main factors on periglacial debris flow development, and the modeling method could be promoted as a prediction scheme of regional precipitation-related debris flow for further research.