bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foot Sole Contact Forces vs. Ground Contact Forces to Obtain Foot Joint Moments for In-Shoe Gait—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Sancho-Bru Joaquín L. , Sanchis-Sales Enrique , Rodríguez-Cervantes Pablo J. , Vergés-Salas Carles
Published: July 2023

In-shoe models are required to extend the clinical application of current multisegment kinetic models of the bare foot to study the effect of foot orthoses. Work to date has only addressed marker placement for reliable kinematic analyses. The purpose of this study is to address the difficulties of recording contact forces with available sensors. Ten participants walked 5 times wearing two different types of footwear by stepping on a pressure platform (ground contact forces) while wearing in-shoe pressure sensors (foot sole contact forces). Pressure data were segmented by considering contact cells’ anteroposterior location, and were used to compute 3D moments at foot joints. The mean values and 95% confidence intervals were plotted for each device per shoe condition. The peak values and times of forces and moments were computed per participant and trial under each condition, and were compared using mixed-effect tests. Test–retest reliability was analyzed by means of intraclass correlation coefficients. The curve profiles from both devices were similar, with higher joint moments for the instrumented insoles at the metatarsophalangeal joint (~26%), which were lower at the ankle (~8%) and midtarsal (~15%) joints, although the differences were nonsignificant. Not considering frictional forces resulted in ~20% lower peaks at the ankle moments compared to previous studies, which employed force plates. The device affected both shoe conditions in the same way, which suggests the interchangeability of measuring joint moments with one or the other device. This hypothesis was reinforced by the intraclass correlation coefficients, which were higher for the peak values, although only moderate-to-good. In short, both considered alternatives have drawbacks. Only the instrumented in-soles provided direct information about foot contact forces, but it was incomplete (evidenced by the difference in ankle moments between devices). However, recording ground reaction forces offers the advantage of enabling the consideration of contact friction forces (using force plates in series, or combining a pressure platform and a force plate to estimate friction forces and torque), which are less invasive than instrumented insoles (which may affect subjects’ gait).
Correction: Akagi et al. Micromagnetic Study of the Dependence of Output Voltages and Magnetization Behaviors on Damping Constant, Frequency, and Wire Length for a Gigahertz Spin Rotation Sensor. Sensors 2023, 23, 2786
Authors: Akagi Fumiko , Kaneko Terumi , Kan Hirotada , Honkura Yoshinobu , Honkura Shinpei
Published: July 2023

The authors wish to make the following corrections to the original paper [...]
A Data-Driven Based Response Reconstruction Method of Plate Structure with Conditional Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Zhang He , Xu Chengkan , Jiang Jiqing , Shu Jiangpeng , Sun Liangfeng , Zhang Zhicheng
Published: July 2023

Structural-response reconstruction is of great importance to enrich monitoring data for better understanding of the structural operation status. In this paper, a data-driven based structural-response reconstruction approach by generating response data via a convolutional process is proposed. A conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN) is employed to establish the spatial relationship between the global and local response in the form of a response nephogram. In this way, the reconstruction process will be independent of the physical modeling of the engineering problem. The validation via experiment of a steel frame in the lab and an in situ bridge test reveals that the reconstructed responses are of high accuracy. Theoretical analysis shows that as the sensor quantity increases, reconstruction accuracy rises and remains when the optimal sensor arrangement is reached.
SeniorSentry: Correlation and Mutual Information-Based Contextual Anomaly Detection for Aging in Place
Authors: Nandikotkur Achyuth , Traore Issa , Mamun Mohammad
Published: July 2023

With the ever-growing reliance on IoT-enabled sensors to age in place, a need arises to protect them from malicious actors and detect malfunctions. In an IoT smart home, it is reasonable to hypothesize that sensors near one another can exhibit linear or nonlinear correlations. If substantiated, this property can be beneficial for constructing relationship trends between the sensors and, consequently, detecting attacks or other anomalies by measuring the deviation of their readings against these trends. In this work, we confirm the presence of correlations between co-located sensors by statistically analyzing two public smart-home datasets and a dataset we collected from our experimental setup. Additionally, we leverage the sliding window approach and supervised machine learning to develop a contextual-anomaly-detection model. This model reaches a true positive rate of 89.47% and a false positive rate of 0%. Our work not only substantiates the correlations but also introduces a novel anomaly-detection technique to enhance security in IoT smart homes.
Fusing Self-Attention and CoordConv to Improve the YOLOv5s Algorithm for Infrared Weak Target Detection
Authors: Fan Xiangsuo , Ding Wentao , Qin Wenlin , Xiao Dachuan , Min Lei , Yuan Haohao
Published: July 2023

Convolutional neural networks have achieved good results in target detection in many application scenarios, but convolutional neural networks still face great challenges when facing scenarios with small target sizes and complex background environments. To solve the problem of low accuracy of infrared weak target detection in complex scenes, and considering the real-time requirements of the detection task, we choose the YOLOv5s target detection algorithm for improvement. We add the Bottleneck Transformer structure and CoordConv to the network to optimize the model parameters and improve the performance of the detection network. Meanwhile, a two-dimensional Gaussian distribution is used to describe the importance of pixel points in the target frame, and the normalized Guassian Wasserstein distance (NWD) is used to measure the similarity between the prediction frame and the true frame to characterize the loss function of weak targets, which will help highlight the targets with flat positional deviation transformation and improve the detection accuracy. Finally, through experimental verification, compared with other mainstream detection algorithms, the improved algorithm in this paper significantly improves the target detection accuracy, with the mAP reaching 96.7 percent, which is 2.2 percentage points higher compared with Yolov5s.
Enhancing Cyber-Resilience for Small and Medium-Sized Organizations with Prescriptive Malware Analysis, Detection and Response
Authors: Ilca Lucian Florin , Lucian Ogruţan Petre , Balan Titus Constantin
Published: July 2023

In this study, the methodology of cyber-resilience in small and medium-sized organizations (SMEs) is investigated, and a comprehensive solution utilizing prescriptive malware analysis, detection and response using open-source solutions is proposed for detecting new emerging threats. By leveraging open-source solutions and software, a system specifically designed for SMEs with up to 250 employees is developed, focusing on the detection of new threats. Through extensive testing and validation, as well as efficient algorithms and techniques for anomaly detection, safety, and security, the effectiveness of the approach in enhancing SMEs’ cyber-defense capabilities and bolstering their overall cyber-resilience is demonstrated. The findings highlight the practicality and scalability of utilizing open-source resources to address the unique cybersecurity challenges faced by SMEs. The proposed system combines advanced malware analysis techniques with real-time threat intelligence feeds to identify and analyze malicious activities within SME networks. By employing machine-learning algorithms and behavior-based analysis, the system can effectively detect and classify sophisticated malware strains, including those previously unseen. To evaluate the system’s effectiveness, extensive testing and validation were conducted using real-world datasets and scenarios. The results demonstrate significant improvements in malware detection rates, with the system successfully identifying emerging threats that traditional security measures often miss. The proposed system represents a practical and scalable solution using containerized applications that can be readily deployed by SMEs seeking to enhance their cyber-defense capabilities.
Determination of β2-Agonist Residues in Meat Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry with N-Doped Carbon Dots in Molecular Sieves
Authors: Zhu Shanshan , Mou Binglin , Zheng Liao , Wen Luhong , Gan Ning , Zheng Lin
Published: July 2023

A simple, effective, and highly sensitive analytical approach was created and applied in this study for the accurate measurement of three β2-agonist residues (clenbuterol, salbutamol, and ractopamine) in meat samples. In the course of the experiment, new adsorbent molecular sieves (ZMS)@nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) composite materials were synthesized with the aid of hydrothermal synthesis. The composite adsorbent materials were prepared and characterized through scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, fluorescence, and zeta potential. Four determinants affecting the extraction and elution’s efficiency, such as the amount of adsorbent, the extraction time, desorption time, and the amount of extraction salt, were substantially optimized. The analytes were quantified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Final results of the methodological validation reflected that the ZMS@N-CQDs composite materials were able to adsorb three β2-agonist residues well and had good reproducibility. In the meantime, all analytes indicated good linearity with coefficient of determination R2 ≥ 0.9908. The limit of detection was 0.7–2.0 ng·g−1, the limit of quantification varied from 2.4 to 5.0 ng·g−1, the precision was lower than 11.9%, and the spiked recoveries were in the range of 79.5–97.8%. To sum up, the proposed approach was quite effective, reliable, and convenient for the simultaneous analysis of multiple β2-agonist residues. Consequently, this kind of approach was successfully applied for the analysis of such compounds in meat samples.
Effectiveness of a Judo Intervention Programme on the Psychosocial Area in Secondary School Education Students
Authors: Lindell-Postigo David , Zurita-Ortega Félix , Melguizo-Ibáñez Eduardo , González-Valero Gabriel , Ortiz-Franco Manuel , Ubago-Jiménez José Luis
Published: July 2023

Currently, many combat sports are pedagogically conceived as uneducational and unreliable for the development of young people. The present research aims to investigate the influence of a Judo intervention programme on the motivational climate towards sport, aggressive behaviour, emotional intelligence, and self-concept in secondary school students and to establish the relationships between them. This objective was broken down into (a) developing an explanatory model of the variables mentioned above and (b) testing the model equations through a multi-group analysis in terms of pre-test and post-test. The present study conducted a pre–post-test quasi-experimental design with a single experimental group. The sample consisted of a total of 139 adolescents (12.67 ± 1.066), 50.4% of whom were male (n = 70) and 49.6% female (n = 69). The results show that the intervention decreased all types of aggression and increased levels of emotional intelligence. An increase in social, physical and academic self-concept and decreases in the family and emotional areas were also observed. Finally, for the motivational climate, a tendency towards the ego climate to the detriment of the task climate was observed. It is concluded that the Judo intervention programme is effective in decreasing aggressive behaviour and effective in increasing levels of emotional intelligence and self-concept.
Analysis of Spatial Correlation and Influencing Factors of Building a Carbon Emission Reduction Potential Network Based on the Coordination of Equity and Efficiency
Authors: Zhang Sensen , Huo Zhenggang
Published: July 2023

Collaborative promotion of carbon emission reduction has become one of the most significant strategies for China to realize the dual-carbon goal. The purpose of this study is to utilize “relational data” to investigate overall and regional building carbon emission reduction networks based on the coordination of equity and efficiency. Specifically, the difference in importance between equity and efficiency principles is measured by an improved Markov chain. The spatial correlation network is constructed under the principle of coordinating equity and efficiency, and the network is analyzed using the modified gravity model and social network analysis. The results indicate that (1) the long-term “low-efficiency” problem of building carbon emissions is more serious than the long-term “low-equity” problem, and (2) the efficiency principle should be given greater weight in calculating carbon emission reduction potential. (3) The strength of network spatial association is increasing, and the spillover effect is significant, but the network form remains unstable. (4) The network is significantly impacted by geographic proximity, environmental regulations, energy consumption intensity, and the development level of the construction industry. The main achievement will assist developing countries in promoting sustainable development and collaborative carbon emission reduction in the construction sector.
Circular Mining Wastes Management for Sustainable Production of Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze
Authors: Malyukova Lyudmila S. , Martyushev Nikita V. , Tynchenko Valeriya Valerievna , Kondratiev Viktor V. , Bukhtoyarov Vladimir V. , Konyukhov Vladimir Yu. , Bashmur Kirill Aleksandrovich , Panfilova Tatyana Aleksandrovna , Brigida Vladimir
Published: July 2023

Mining operations have a significant negative impact on the surrounding ecosystems. The operation of mines and quarries creates a large amount of waste that accumulate and are practically unrecyclable in the environment. The involvement of these wastes in economic activity is an extremely urgent task. This can make the economy more sustainable and reduce its influence on ecosystems. This work presents the attempts of using quarry wastes as a fertilizer applied for growing tea crops. The novelty of this research involves revealing the quarry wastes as a fertilizer when growing Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze and assessing changes in the productivity of this plant when applying these calcium wastes. The waste of a quarry intended for extracting crushed stone was studied in this article. The composition of the waste was analyzed. Fertilizers used for manuring the soil were prepared based on the waste. Two experimental sites were selected. One of them was a control, where Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze was grown without using fertilizers. Fertilizers obtained from the waste were applied on the second site. The experimental work proceeded for 10 years. When discussing the results, special attention was paid to climatic conditions. This was caused by the need to show that it was the use of the fertilizer that influenced the change in the yield, not the climatic conditions. As a result of using calcium fertilizers based on the waste, the productivity of Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze was increased. The application of the fertilizers based on the quarry wastes was shown to provide an increase in the yield. The possibility of using calcium fertilizers to overcome unfavorable agroclimatic conditions during the tea cultivation was also demonstrated. To assess the climatic impact of applying new fertilizers, three-dimensional modeling in the “gnuplot v.5.4” software was used. As a result, an increase in the average annual precipitation, from 1000 to 1980 mm/year, in the range of the average annual air temperature, from 14 to 16 °C, was found to lead to an increase (when using a new fertilizer) in the yield of Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze up to 4.8 times (from 20 to 95 centner/ha). The results have shown that applying fertilizers based on the quarry wastes is also possible in unfavorable climatic conditions.
Symmetry and Electronic Properties of Metallic Nanoclusters
Authors: Roduner Emil
Published: July 2023

Spherical nanoclusters with countable member atoms and delocalized valence orbitals are superatoms with properties analogous to those of simple atoms. This is reflected, in particular, in their optical spectra and magnetic properties, in a similar sense to transition metal ions and complexes. Clusters can be of low-spin or high-spin with considerable contributions to magnetism by the large cluster orbital magnetic moment. Due to the large radius of the clusters, they can be diamagnetic with an unusually high diamagnetic susceptibility. Gold and platinum, which in the bulk are non-magnetic, show pronounced superparamagnetism associated with their high-spin nature, and the magnetic moment can be trapped in symmetry-breaking environments so that hysteresis pertains far beyond room temperature. A significant deviation from hydrogen-like orbitals results from the shape of the confining potential, which has the effect that the orbital quantum number ℓ is not limited to values less than the principal quantum number n.
On Novel Results about the Algebraic Properties of Symbolic 3-Plithogenic and 4-Plithogenic Real Square Matrices
Authors: Merkepçi Hamiyet
Published: July 2023

Symbolic n-plithogenic sets are considered to be modern concepts that carry within their framework both an algebraic and logical structure. The concept of symbolic n-plithogenic algebraic rings is considered to be a novel generalization of classical algebraic rings with many symmetric properties. These structures can be written as linear combinations of many symmetric elements taken from other classical algebraic structures, where the square symbolic k-plithogenic real matrices are square matrices with real symbolic k-plithogenic entries. In this research, we will find easy-to-use algorithms for calculating the determinant of a symbolic 3-plithogenic/4-plithogenic matrix, and for finding its inverse based on its classical components, and even for diagonalizing matrices of these types. On the other hand, we will present a new algorithm for calculating the eigenvalues and eigenvectors associated with matrices of these types. Also, the exponent of symbolic 3-plithogenic and 4-plithogenic real matrices will be presented, with many examples to clarify the novelty of this work.
Ambient Volatile Organic Compound Characterization, Source Apportionment, and Risk Assessment in Three Megacities of China in 2019
Authors: Wang Zhanshan , Zhang Puzhen , Pan Libo , Qian Yan , Li Zhigang , Li Xiaoqian , Guo Chen , Zhu Xiaojing , Xie Yuanyuan , Wei Yongjie
Published: July 2023

In order to illustrate pollution characterization, source apportionment, and risk assessment of VOCs in Beijing, Baoding, and Shanghai, field observations of CO, NO, NO2, O3, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were conducted in 2019. Concentrations of VOCs were the highest in Beijing (105.4 ± 52.1 ppb), followed by Baoding (97.1 ± 47.5 ppb) and Shanghai (91.1 ± 41.3 ppb). Concentrations of VOCs were the highest in winter (120.3 ± 61.5 ppb) among the three seasons tested, followed by summer (98.1 + 50.8 ppb) and autumn (75.5 + 33.4 ppb). Alkenes were the most reactive VOC species in all cities, accounting for 56.0%, 53.7%, and 39.4% of ozone formation potential in Beijing, Baoding, and Shanghai, respectively. Alkenes and aromatics were the reactive species, particularly ethene, propene, 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene, and m/p-xylene. Vehicular exhaust was the principal source in all three cities, accounting for 27.0%, 30.4%, and 23.3% of VOCs in Beijing, Baoding, and Shanghai, respectively. Industrial manufacturing was the second largest source in Baoding (23.6%) and Shanghai (21.3%), and solvent utilization was the second largest source in Beijing (25.1%). The empirical kinetic modeling approach showed that O3 formation was limited by both VOCs and nitric oxides at Fangshan (the suburban site) and by VOCs at Xuhui (the urban site). Acrolein was the only substance with an average hazard quotient greater than 1, indicating significant non-carcinogenic risk. In Beijing, 1,2-dibromoethane had an R-value of 1.1 × 10−4 and posed a definite carcinogenic risk.
Combined Effects of Micro- and Nanoplastics at the Predicted Environmental Concentration on Functional State of Intestinal Barrier in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Wu Yu , Tan Xiaochao , Shi Xian , Han Peiyu , Liu Huanliang
Published: July 2023

The possible toxicity caused by nanoplastics or microplastics on organisms has been extensively studied. However, the unavoidably combined effects of nanoplastics and microplastics on organisms, particularly intestinal toxicity, are rarely clear. Here, we employed Caenorhabditis elegans to investigate the combined effects of PS-50 (50 nm nanopolystyrene) and PS-500 (500 nm micropolystyrene) at environmentally relevant concentrations on the functional state of the intestinal barrier. Environmentally, after long-term treatment (4.5 days), coexposure to PS-50 (10 and 15 μg/L) and PS-500 (1 μg/L) resulted in more severe formation of toxicity in decreasing locomotion behavior, in inhibiting brood size, in inducing intestinal ROS production, and in inducting intestinal autofluorescence production, compared with single-exposure to PS-50 (10 and 15 μg/L) or PS-500 (1 μg/L). Additionally, coexposure to PS-50 (15 μg/L) and PS-500 (1 μg/L) remarkably caused an enhancement in intestinal permeability, but no detectable abnormality of intestinal morphology was observed in wild-type nematodes. Lastly, the downregulation of acs-22 or erm-1 expression and the upregulation expressions of genes required for controlling oxidative stress (sod-2, sod-3, isp-1, clk-1, gas-1, and ctl-3) served as a molecular basis to strongly explain the formation of intestinal toxicity caused by coexposure to PS-50 (15 μg/L) and PS-500 (1 μg/L). Our results suggested that combined exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics at the predicted environmental concentration causes intestinal toxicity by affecting the functional state of the intestinal barrier in organisms.
“I Don’t Want My Child to Be a Guinea Pig”: Reasons for Non-Participation in a Parental Tobacco Cessation Trial in the Pediatric Emergency Department Setting
Authors: Toraman Turk Sinem , Merianos Ashley L. , Stone Lara , Schnadower David , Bouvay Kamali , Mahabee-Gittens E. Melinda
Published: July 2023

(1) Background: Pediatric emergency department (PED) settings are opportune venues in which to recruit parental smokers into tobacco cessation interventions. However, the barriers associated with parents’ participation in PED-based cessation trials are unknown. The objective was to explore parents’ reasons for non-participation in a PED-based tobacco cessation trial. (2) Methods: We employed the framework method and conducted a qualitative data analysis of parental smokers who were eligible to participate in a PED-based tobacco cessation trial and did not choose to participate (n = 371). (3) Results: Two main themes emerged about reasons for non-participation: (a) Not interested in participating in a research study, and (b) concerns specific to the study. Parents had various reasons for not participating in the cessation trial including not being interested in quitting, parents’ health and well-being, parents’ beliefs about research, and time required for the study and follow-up visits. (4) Conclusion: General disinterest and specific study-related concerns were touted as reasons for non-participation in a PED-based tobacco cessation trial. Given the potential reductions in tobacco-related morbidity to both parents and children that tobacco control interventions can facilitate, future tobacco interventions should consider alterations in study design and recruitment strategies to encourage all eligible parental smokers to participate.
Assessing Changes in Surgical Site Infections and Antibiotic Use among Caesarean Section and Herniorrhaphy Patients at a Regional Hospital in Sierra Leone Following Operational Research in 2021
Authors: Kpagoi Satta Sylvia Theresa Kumba , Kamara Kadijatu Nabie , Carshon-Marsh Ronald , Delamou Alexandre , Manzi Marcel , Kamara Rugiatu Z. , Moiwo Matilda Mattu , Kamara Matilda , Koroma Zikan , Lakoh Sulaiman , Fofanah Bobson Derrick , Kamara Ibrahim Franklyn , Kanu Alex Bumble John , Kenneh Sartie , Kanu Joseph Sam , Margao Senesie , Kamau Edward Mberu
Published: July 2023

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a major public health threat to the success of surgery. This study assessed changes in SSIs and use of antibiotics among caesarean section (CS) and herniorrhaphy patients at a regional hospital in Sierra Leone following operational research. This was a comparative before and after study using routine hospital data. The study included all the CS and herniorrhaphy patients who underwent surgery between two time periods. Of the seven recommendations made in the first study, only one concerning improving the hospital’s records and information system was fully implemented. Three were partially implemented and three were not implemented. The study population in both studies showed similar socio-demographic characteristics. The use of postoperative antibiotics for herniorrhaphy in both studies remained the same, although a significant increase was found for both pre- and postoperative antibiotic use in the CS patients, 589/596 (98.8%) in 2023 and 417/599 (69.6%) in 2021 (p < 0.001). However, a significant decrease was observed in the overall incidence of SSIs, 22/777 (2.8%) in 2023 and 46/681 (6.7%) in 2021 (p < 0.001), and the incidence of SSIs among the CS patients, 15/596 (2.5%) in 2023 and 45/599 (7.5%) in 2021 (p < 0.001). The second study highlights the potential value of timely assessment of the implementation of recommendations following operational research.
Analysis of the Ionospheric Response to Sudden Stratospheric Warming and Geomagnetic Forcing over Europe during February and March 2023
Authors: Bojilova Rumiana , Mukhtarov Plamen
Published: July 2023

A study of the behavior of the main characteristics of the ionosphere over Europe during the 26–28 February 2023 ionospheric storm was carried out in this present work. The additional influence of sudden stratospheric warming on the ionosphere was considered. The behavior of the critical frequency of the ionosphere foF2 (characterizing the maximum electron density), the peak height of the F2-layer (hmF2), and Total Electron Content (TEC) were investigated through their relative deviations from the quiet conditions. The behavior of the TEC over Europe showed the geographic latitudinal dependence of the response. The variability in the ionospheric critical frequency was represented by the data of 10 ionospheric stations for vertical sounding located in two groups: (i) near the prime meridian and (ii) near the 25° E meridian. Some differences were found in the response compared to the TEC response, which was explained by the different responses of the top maximum region and bottom maximum region. The peak height of the F2 layer varied strongly during the storm, which was due to the forced drift of ionospheric plasma induced by additional electric fields. The present detailed analysis of the ionospheric response shows that the considered storm exhibited characteristic features inherent in the winter season but with some manifestations of reactions in equinox conditions.
Functional Landscape of African Swine Fever Virus–Host and Virus–Virus Protein Interactions
Authors: Dolata Katarzyna Magdalena , Pei Gang , Netherton Christopher L. , Karger Axel
Published: July 2023

Viral replication fully relies on the host cell machinery, and physical interactions between viral and host proteins mediate key steps of the viral life cycle. Therefore, identifying virus–host protein–protein interactions (PPIs) provides insights into the molecular mechanisms governing virus infection and is crucial for designing novel antiviral strategies. In the case of the African swine fever virus (ASFV), a large DNA virus that causes a deadly panzootic disease in pigs, the limited understanding of host and viral targets hinders the development of effective vaccines and treatments. This review summarizes the current knowledge of virus–host and virus–virus PPIs by collecting and analyzing studies of individual viral proteins. We have compiled a dataset of experimentally determined host and virus protein targets, the molecular mechanisms involved, and the biological functions of the identified virus–host and virus–virus protein interactions during infection. Ultimately, this work provides a comprehensive and systematic overview of ASFV interactome, identifies knowledge gaps, and proposes future research directions.
Altered Proteomic Profile of Exosomes Secreted from Vero Cells Infected with Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus
Authors: Shen Xuehuai , Yin Lei , Xu Shuangshuang , Wang Jieru , Yin Dongdong , Zhao Ruihong , Pan Xiaocheng , Dai Yin , Hou Hongyan , Zhou Xueli , Hu Xiaomiao
Published: July 2023

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) infection causes severe diarrhea in pigs and can be fatal in newborn piglets. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles secreted by cells that transfer biologically active proteins, lipids, and RNA to neighboring or distant cells. Herein, the morphology, particle size, and secretion of exosomes derived from a control and PEDV-infected group are examined, followed by a proteomic analysis of the exosomes. The results show that the exosomes secreted from the Vero cells had a typical cup–shaped structure. The average particle size of the exosomes from the PEDV-infected group was 112.4 nm, whereas that from the control group was 150.8 nm. The exosome density analysis and characteristic protein determination revealed that the content of exosomes in the PEDV-infected group was significantly higher than that in the control group. The quantitative proteomics assays revealed 544 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the PEDV-infected group’s exosomes compared with those in the controls, with 236 upregulated and 308 downregulated proteins. The DEPs were closely associated with cellular regulatory pathways, such as the phosphatidylinositol–4,5–bisphosphate 3–kinase (PI3K)–protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, extracellular matrix–receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and cytoskeletal regulation. These findings provide the basis for further investigation of the pathogenic mechanisms of PEDV and the discovery of novel antiviral targets.
Discovery and Analyses of Caulimovirid-like Sequences in Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
Authors: Aboughanem-Sabanadzovic Nina , Allen Thomas W. , Frelichowski James , Scheffler Jodi , Sabanadzovic Sead
Published: July 2023

Analyses of Illumina-based high-throughput sequencing data generated during characterization of the cotton leafroll dwarf virus population in Mississippi (2020–2022) consistently yielded contigs varying in size (most frequently from 4 to 7 kb) with identical nucleotide content and sharing similarities with reverse transcriptases (RTases) encoded by extant plant pararetroviruses (family Caulimoviridiae). Initial data prompted an in-depth study involving molecular and bioinformatic approaches to characterize the nature and origins of these caulimovirid-like sequences. As a result, here, we report on endogenous viral elements (EVEs) related to extant members of the family Caulimoviridae, integrated into a genome of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), for which we propose the provisional name “endogenous cotton pararetroviral elements” (eCPRVE). Our investigations pinpointed a ~15 kbp-long locus on the A04 chromosome consisting of head-to-head orientated tandem copies located on positive- and negative-sense DNA strands (eCPRVE+ and eCPRVE-). Sequences of the eCPRVE+ comprised nearly complete and slightly decayed genome information, including ORFs coding for the viral movement protein (MP), coat protein (CP), RTase, and transactivator/viroplasm protein (TA). Phylogenetic analyses of major viral proteins suggest that the eCPRVE+ may have been initially derived from a genome of a cognate virus belonging to a putative new genus within the family. Unexpectedly, an identical 15 kb-long locus composed of two eCPRVE copies was also detected in a newly recognized species G. ekmanianum, shedding some light on the relatively recent evolution within the cotton family.
Oxygen-Sensing Protein Cysteamine Dioxygenase from Mandarin Fish Involved in the Arg/N-Degron Pathway and Siniperca chuatsi Rhabdovirus Infection
Authors: Liu Wenhui , He Jian , Li Zhimin , Weng Shaoping , Guo Changjun , He Jianguo
Published: July 2023

Mammalia cysteamine (2-aminoethanethiol) dioxygenase (ADO) controls the stability of the regulator of G protein signaling 4 (RGS4) through the Cys branch of the Arg/N-degron pathway, thereby affecting the response of the body to hypoxia. However, the oxygen-sensing function of ADO remains unknown in teleost fish. Mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) is one of the most important freshwater economic fishes in China. As the scale of the rearing density continues to increase, hypoxia has become an important factor threatening the growth of mandarin fish. Herein, the molecular characterization, the oxygen-sensing enzyme function, and the role in virus infection of ADO from mandarin fish (scADO) were explored. Bioinformation analysis results showed that scADO had all the molecular foundations for achieving thiol dioxygenase function: three histidine residues coordinated with Fe(II), PCO/ADO domain, and a “jelly roll” β-barrel structure. The expression pattern analysis showed that scAdo was highly expressed in the immune-related tissues, liver, and kidneys and responded to hypoxia on the expression level. Protein degradation experiment results revealed that scADO could lead to the degradation of RGS4 protein through the Cys branch of the Arg/N-degron pathway. Furthermore, the expression levels of scADO responded to fish virus infection. scADO could significantly promote the replication of Siniperca chuatsi rhabdovirus, and this was associated with its thiol dioxygenase activity. These findings not only demonstrate scADO as an oxygen-sensing protein in teleost fish, but are also of considerable importance for clarifying the contribution of the mechanism of hypoxia to the outbreaks of fish viruses.
Just Keep Rolling?—An Encompassing Review towards Accelerated Vaccine Product Life Cycles
Authors: Stiefel Janis , Zimmer Jan , Schloßhauer Jeffrey L. , Vosen Agnes , Kilz Sarah , Balakin Sascha
Published: July 2023

In light of the recent pandemic, several COVID-19 vaccines were developed, tested and approved in a very short time, a process that otherwise takes many years. Above all, these efforts have also unmistakably revealed the capacity limits and potential for improvement in vaccine production. This review aims to emphasize recent approaches for the targeted rapid adaptation and production of vaccines from an interdisciplinary, multifaceted perspective. Using research from the literature, stakeholder analysis and a value proposition canvas, we reviewed technological innovations on the pharmacological level, formulation, validation and resilient vaccine production to supply bottlenecks and logistic networks. We identified four main drivers to accelerate the vaccine product life cycle: computerized candidate screening, modular production, digitized quality management and a resilient business model with corresponding transparent supply chains. In summary, the results presented here can serve as a guide and implementation tool for flexible, scalable vaccine production to swiftly respond to pandemic situations in the future.
Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptability among Healthcare Workers in Kenya—A Mixed Methods Analysis
Authors: Mudhune Victor , Ondeng’e Ken , Otieno Fanuel , Otieno Derick B. , Bulinda Collins M. , Okpe Ikechukwu , Nabia Sarah , Bar-Zeev Naor , Otieno Omondi , Wonodi Chizoba
Published: July 2023

Healthcare workers (HCWs) were a priority group for COVID-19 vaccination. Adopting the World Health Organization’s 3C and the expanded 5C vaccine hesitancy models, we assessed the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptability among HCWs in Kenya. In a mixed methods study, respondents were from eight selected counties across the country. An online survey (n = 746), key informant interviews (n = 18) and focus group discussions (n = 3) were conducted. The data were analyzed concurrently. Quantitative data showed that all the 3C antecedents were strong predictors of vaccine acceptability. The association of vaccine acceptability was strongest with convenience (aOR 20.13, 95% CI 9.01–44.96), then complacency (aOR 10.15, 95% CI 4.63–22.21) and confidence (aOR 6.37, 95% CI 2.90–14.02). Marital status was a significant independent factor associated with vaccine acceptability (aOR 2.70, 95% CI 1.20–6.08). Qualitatively, convenience presented as the no-cost availability of vaccines at the health facilities, whereas non-complacency manifested from the first-hand observed experience of COVID cases, and the need to protect oneself and family members. Confidence was mainly attributed to increased knowledge, resulting from multiple training sessions and trust in regulatory authorities. Other social factors including workplace pressure, religion and misinformation had a role in influencing HCW vaccination decisions. In the background of a pandemic, the 3C model is a strong predictor of vaccine acceptability, and making the vaccines easily available and convenient to HCWs significantly impacts their uptake.
A Recombinant Chimera Vaccine Composed of LTB and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae Antigens P97R1, mhp390 and P46 Elicits Cellular Immunologic Response in Mice
Authors: Liu Wei , Jiang Peizhao , Song Tao , Yang Keli , Yuan Fangyan , Gao Ting , Liu Zewen , Li Chang , Guo Rui , Xiao Shaobo , Tian Yongxiang , Zhou Danna
Published: July 2023

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is the etiological agent of porcine enzootic pneumonia (EP), leading to a mild and chronic pneumonia in swine. Relative control has been attained through active vaccination programs, but porcine enzootic pneumonia remains a significant economic challenge in the swine industry. Cellular immunity plays a key role in the prevention and control of porcine enzootic pneumonia. Therefore, the development of a more efficient vaccine that confers a strong immunity against M. hyopneumoniae is necessary. In this study, a multi-antigen chimera (L9m6) was constructed by combining the heat-labile enterotoxin B subunit (LTB) with three antigens of M. hyopneumoniae (P97R1, mhp390, and P46), and its immunogenic and antigenic properties were assessed in a murine model. In addition, we compared the effect of individual administration and multiple-fusion of these antigens. The chimeric multi-fusion vaccine induced significant cellular immune responses and high production of IgG and IgM antibodies against M. hyopneumoniae. Collectively, our data suggested that rL9m6 chimera exhibits potential as a viable vaccine candidate for the prevention and control of porcine enzootic pneumonia.
Development and Immunoprotection of Bacterium-like Particle Vaccine against Infectious Bronchitis in Chickens
Authors: Zhang Pengju , Yang Tiantian , Sun Yixue , Qiao Haiying , Hu Nianzhi , Li Xintao , Wang Weixia , Zhang Lichun , Cong Yanlong
Published: July 2023

Infectious bronchitis (IB) is a major threat to the global poultry industry. Despite the availability of commercial vaccines, the IB epidemic has not been effectively controlled. The exploration of novel IBV vaccines may provide a new way to prevent and control IB. In this study, BLP-S1, a bacterium-like particle displaying the S1 subunit of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), was constructed using the GEM-PA surface display system. The immunoprotective efficacy results showed that BLP-S1 can effectively induce specific IgG and sIgA immune responses, providing a protection rate of 90% against IBV infection in 14-day-old commercial chickens. These results suggest that BLP-S1 has potential for the development of novel vaccines with good immunogenicity and immunoprotection.
SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Uptake among Patients with Chronic Liver Disease: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in Hebei Province, China
Authors: Liu Yongmei , Yuan Wenfang , Zhan Haoting , Kang Haiyan , Li Xiaomeng , Chen Yongliang , Li Haolong , Sun Xingli , Cheng Linlin , Zheng Haojie , Wang Wei , Guo Xinru , Li Yongzhe , Dai Erhei
Published: July 2023

Chronic liver disease (CLD) patients have higher mortality and hospitalization rates after infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study aimed to explore SARS-CoV-2 vaccine perceptions, side effects, factors associated with nonvaccination and attitudes toward fourth-dose vaccine among CLD patients. The differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups among 1491 CLD patients and the risk factors associated with nonvaccination status were analyzed. In total, 1239 CLD patients were immunized against SARS-CoV-2. CLD patients have a high level of trust in the government and clinicians and were likely to follow their recommendations for vaccination. Reasons reported for nonvaccination were mainly concerns about the vaccines affecting their ongoing treatments and the fear of adverse events. However, only 4.84% of patients reported mild side effects. Risk factors influencing nonvaccination included being older in age, having cirrhosis, receiving treatments, having no knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine considerations and not receiving doctors’ positive advice on vaccination. Furthermore, 20.6% of completely vaccinated participants refused the fourth dose because they were concerned about side effects and believed that the complete vaccine was sufficiently protective. Our study proved that SARS-CoV-2 vaccines were safe for CLD patients. Our findings suggest that governments and health workers should provide more SARS-CoV-2 vaccination information and customize strategies to improve vaccination coverage and enhance vaccine protection among the CLD population.
Reducing COVID-19 Vaccine Decisional Conflict in Parents of 5–11-Year-Old Children in Australia: A Single Arm Pre-Post Study
Authors: Hilton Zephaniah , Hoq Monsurul , Danchin Margie , Kaufman Jessica
Published: July 2023

COVID-19 vaccine uptake among 5–11-year-olds is significantly lower than that of the 12+ age group. Some parents may have decided against vaccinating their children for COVID-19; others may be undecided and may be seeking more information to support their decision. We aimed to assess the effect of a decision support tool on parents’ level of decisional conflict, vaccine hesitancy, and intention to vaccinate. We conducted a single-arm, cross-sectional online pre-post intervention survey of parents from Victoria, Australia, who had not yet vaccinated their 5–11-year-old child for COVID-19. We measured change in decisional conflict, intention, and hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines for children before and after viewing a decision support tool. We used logistic regression to identify characteristics associated with reduced decisional conflict. Between May and September 2022, 108 parents took part in the study. The tool reduced decision conflict in 25% (27/107) of parents, with reduced decisional conflict more likely among parents initially undecided about vaccinating, compared to parents who did not intend to vaccinate their child (OR, 12.58 95% CI 3.21 to 9.30). For most parents, hesitancy (83%, 90/108) and intention (89%, 96/108) remained the same. The decision support tool was modestly effective at reducing decisional conflict, particularly among undecided parents.
Al pan, pan y al vino, vino VOX, el resentimiento y la política de Perogrullo
Authors: Souroujon Gastón
Published: July 2023

El presente trabajo procura desentrañar la manera en que VOX articuló y dio forma a un sentimiento de longe durée que atraviesa a un sector de la sociedad española, el resentimiento. Creemos que la política de resentimiento es la clave para comprender esta nueva ola de derechas radicales a nivel global, este espacio en el seno social sobre el que se cimientan los partidos de esta naturaleza, y es sobre este sentimiento donde yacen los peligros más preocupantes que estas traen a nuestras democracias. Para explorar estas hipótesis hemos realizado un conjunto de entrevistas en profundidad (que no tienen la pretensión de ser estadísticamente relevantes, tan solo de poder ilustrar los argumentos y comprender las preocupaciones de los votantes de VOX), analizado a los youtubers afines con la derecha radical española y revisado discursos, entrevistas y apariciones de los referentes más relevantes del partido.
Turkey's Efforts to Normalize Diplomatic Relations with Israel After Withdrawal of Ambassadors both of the Two Countries in 2018
Authors: Salsabila Hawa , Prasodjo Haryo , Suhermanto Dedik Fitra
Published: July 2023

This study aims to provide information and literacy for readers regarding Turkey's efforts towards normalizing diplomatic relations with Israel after withdrawal of both of their embassies. What makes it interesting is that several times the relationship between Turkey and Israel has progressed and regressed due to the unfinished Israeli attack on Palestine, besides that Turkey also defended Palestine. However, Turkey is currently trying to normalize its relations with Israel for national interest. This study concludes that efforts to normalize relations with Israel are not easy to do because of the efforts of Turkey which still wants to cooperate with the enemy of Palestine. The findings in this study are Turkey's interest in peace efforts with Israel from an economic, political, and security perspective; and efforts to normalize diplomatic relations between Turkey and Israel in 2022. This study will use descriptive research methods and qualitative data analysis techniques that explain how the Turkish government's efforts to normalize relations with Israel are between improving and deteriorating in addition to Turkey's efforts to continue to defend Palestine using secondary data. This study will use the concept of strategy normalization to explain the stages of normalization sought by Turkey in improving its diplomatic relations with Israel.

Keywords: Diplomatic, Israel, Normalization, Turkey.
Diplomasi Publik Korea Selatan Dalam Membina Hubungan Bilateral Dengan Korea Utara Tahun 2017-2020
Authors: Asi Felicia Tarida , Maliki Musa , Nathanael Garcia Krisnando
Published: July 2023

Penelitian ini membahas upaya diplomasi publik yang dilakukan oleh Korea Selatan dengan tujuan untuk rekonsiliasi dan pembinaan hubungan bilateral yang baik dengan Korea Utara selama periode tahun 2017 – 2020. Untuk menjawab rumusan masalah, penulis menggunakan konsep diplomasi publik dan multitrack diplomacy. Penulis menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif - deskriptif dan melakukan studi literatur terhadap dokumen resmi pemerintah sebagai teknik pengumpulan data. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat tiga jenis kegiatan diplomasi publik yang dilakukan oleh Korea Selatan terhadap Korea Utara selama periode tahun 2017 – 2020. Pertama, upaya diplomasi olahraga yang dilakukan oleh Korea Selatan kepada Korea Utara dilakukan melalui penyelenggaraan Olimpiade Musim Dingin 2018, pembentukan tim demonstrasi gabungan taekwondo, penyelenggaraan pertandingan basket antar Korea, dan pembentukan tim olahraga gabungan Korea untuk pertandingan internasional. Kedua, upaya diplomasi budaya yang dilakukan adalah penyelenggaraan konser “Spring is Coming” dan penggalian situs bersejarah Manwoldae. Ketiga, penyaluran bantuan kemanusiaan menjadi upaya diplomasi publik yang sering dilakukan oleh Korea Selatan kepada Korea Utara.

Kata Kunci: Diplomasi Publik, Hubungan Bilateral, Korea Selatan, Korea Utara