bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resource Matching in the Supply Chain Based on Environmental Friendliness under a Smart Contract
Authors: Wei Jinyu , Liang Zihan , Liu Yaoxi , Yang Xin
Published: January 2023

This study aims to solve the problem of environmental pollution caused by industry through the upgrading and transformation of the supply chain, supply chain resource allocation, and related aspects. Specifically, environmental friendliness is added to the resource-matching problem of the cloud platform supply chain. Additionally, learning theory and dynamic evaluation systems are introduced when creating a preference sequence. The deferred-acceptance algorithm is used for matching. Finally, the automatic matching of blockchain smart contracts ensures the interests of both matching parties. Through the analysis of the example at the end of the study, we found that (1) the deviation table of demand side 5 and supply side 7 in the example shows that the deviation between demand side 5 as demand side and supply side 7 is only 11.55186, and the deviation between supply side 7 as demand side and demand side 5 is only 6.56778, and both sides form a high-quality pairing when matched with other partners. No excessive waste of its resources occurs. (2) Effectively ensure the openness and transparency of the supply chain production process; (3) The impact of environmental factors on enterprises is fully considered. In the analysis of the calculation cases, it can be found that demand side 10 has extremely high requirements for the environmental friendliness of its partners, and although supplier 2 has a very high preference for demand side 10, it is not successfully matched because the environmental friendliness of its own enterprise is not up to the standard, while supplier 1 has an environmental friendliness of up to 92 and is finally matched with Demand side 10; (4) Through the comparison test in the appendix, it can be found that the improved GS algorithm achieves the distinction between positive and negative partners. After multiple rounds of scoring, positive demand side 1, 3 was matched with positive supply side 2, 4, which can strengthen the enthusiasm of both partners and avoid negative cooperation.
Dynamic and Static Analysis of Carbon Emission Efficiency in China’s Transportation Sector
Authors: Chen Benchang , Ji Xiangfeng , Ji Xiangyan
Published: January 2023

As the main undesirable output of the transportation sector, carbon dioxide (CO2) emission is the key point to achieving carbon balance in the whole sector. In this paper, the bounded adjustment measure (BAM) data envelopment analysis method is used to measure the total factor production (TFP) efficiency of transportation system and the source of its inefficiency. Based on this, we use the global Malmquist index combined with the BAM to analyze the key factors of environmental productivity change from 2004 to 2019 in terms of dynamic changes in technology level, production scale and management efficiency. The results show that the main reasons for the low efficiency of carbon emission production in China’s transportation sector are unreasonable energy utilization, excess labor resources and excessive CO2 emission caused by low technology level. Further analysis shows that China’s overall environmental production efficiency has begun to show a slow rising trend. Improvement of management level is the biggest driving force for the growth of total factor productivity of China’s transportation sector, while the improvement of scale and technology should be strengthened for the improvement of overall production efficiency. There are spatial differences in the production efficiency of China’s transportation sector. In the future, different provinces should focus on improving the production efficiency of transport industry.
Utilization and Verification of Imaging Technology in Smart Bridge Inspection System: An Application Study
Authors: Choi Youngjin , Choi Yangrok , Cho Jun-sang , Kim Dongwoo , Kong Jungsik
Published: January 2023

Image-based inspection technologies involving various sensors and unmanned aerial vehicles are widely used for facility inspections. The level of data analysis technology required to process the acquired data algorithmically (e.g., image processing and machine learning) is also increasing. However, compared with their development rate, the applicability of new inspection technologies to actual bridges is low. In addition, only individual technologies (for inspecting specific deteriorations) are being developed; integrated inspection systems have been neglected. In this study, the bottom-up method (which systematizes the applications of a specific technology) is avoided; instead, several technologies are summarized and a system of preliminary frameworks is established using a top-down method, and the applicability of each technology is verified in a testbed. To this end, the utility of the initially constructed technical system was assessed for two bridges; then, a strong utility technology was selected and applied to an offshore bridge under extreme conditions. The data obtained from the inspection were accumulated in a database, and a 3D-type external inspection map was produced and applied in the subsequent inspection via virtual and augmented reality equipment. Through the system, it was possible to obtain cost-effective and objective bridge inspection images in extreme environments, and the applicability of various technologies was verified.
Assessment of Influence Mechanisms of Built Environment on Street Vitality Using Multisource Spatial Data: A Case Study in Qingdao, China
Authors: Li Mingyi , Pan Jinghu
Published: January 2023

Street vitality is a significant indicator of a city’s capacity for sustainable development. Significant progress has been made on the basis of measurements of a single indicator of street vitality, but few studies have used multisource data to measure street vitality in a comprehensive way. In this study, in order to explore the multidimensional vitality characteristics of streets, streets were taken as the analysis unit, and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) evaluation model with combined weights was used to identify the spatial pattern of streets vitality from social, economic, and cultural dimensions using multisource spatial data such as Baidu heat map, Meituan store rating, and cultural facilities points of interest in the main urban area of Qingdao City, China. Using a Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) model, the spatial correlations and differences between street built environment components and multidimensional street vitality were examined, to reveal the influence mechanism of street vitality creation in each street. The study found that the comprehensive vitality of the streets in the main urban area of Qingdao City exhibits the spatial differentiation features of “weak east–west, strong central, multicenter, cluster type”. Furthermore, although commercial and public services are essential for enhancing street vitality and attracting crowds, a very high degree of functional mix has not resulted in a high degree of street vitality. Lastly, high spatial heterogeneity between built environment factors and street vitality necessitates considering the functional positioning and development basis of the street, tailoring to local conditions and policies, considering the street’s vitality development status and development needs, complementing strengths, promoting coordinated development, and releasing and enhancing the street’s vitality. Therefore, it is essential to explore street vitality and its influencing mechanisms to improve people’s quality of life and promote sustainable urban development.
Study on Joint Distribution Mode and Evolutionary Game of Express Enterprises in Rural Areas
Authors: Zhao Hongxiang , Li Meiyan
Published: January 2023

Express delivery in rural areas of China has many problems, such as high delivery cost and low efficiency. As an effective way to solve the difficulties of rural delivery, it is important to study the innovation and application of a joint distribution model. In the background, this paper takes express delivery enterprises in rural areas as the research object. First, it proposes to construct a three-level “county-town-village” joint distribution system in which e-commerce platforms participate. Next, it establishes an evolutionary game model of express delivery enterprise joint distribution alliance and solves it. Finally, the model is analyzed through numerical simulation. The results show that the distribution system of express delivery enterprises in rural areas is affected by excess returns, early input costs, operating costs, cooperation risks, penalty costs, learning and absorption capacity of enterprises and other factors. After introducing the rewards and punishments of e-commerce platforms as an independent influencing factor in the evolutionary game model, the shorter time for express companies to finally make cooperation strategies indicates that the rewards and punishments of e-commerce platforms have a positive significance in promoting the rapid development and stable operation of a rural logistics joint distribution system.
Green Synthesis of Nickel and Copper Nanoparticles Doped with Silver from Hammada scoparia Leaf Extract and Evaluation of Their Potential to Inhibit Microorganisms and to Remove Dyes from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Bouzekri Omayma , El Gamouz Sabah , Ed-Dra Abdelaziz , Moussout Hamou , Dehmani Younes , Ziyat Hamid , El Idrissi Mostafa , Choukrad M’barek , Abouarnadasse Sadik
Published: January 2023

Hammada scoparia (Pomel) is a powerful plant with important biological properties. In this study, we report on the green synthesis of silver-doped nickel and copper nanoparticles (NPs) in the presence of H. scoparia leaf extract using a self-propagating sol–gel autocombustion process. The synthesized NiO, CuO, Ag-NiO, and Ag-CuO NPs were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Afterward, they were tested for their antimicrobial activity as well as their potential to remove dyes from aqueous solutions using adsorption processes for malachite green (MG) and photocatalytic degradation for methylene blue (MB). Our results showed that the mass of the adsorbent had a significant effect on the adsorption rate, which increased to reach a maximum value of 98%. The Ag-CuO NP showed the best final conversion of MB (97.95%) compared to NiO, CuO, and Ag-NiO. In addition, we noted that the NPs doped with silver had the best performance in the removal of dyes. These results indicated that the photocatalytic performance was significantly improved after the addition of silver. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity showed that the studied NPs had moderate activity against the tested bacteria and a weak activity or were ineffective against Candida albicans. Therefore, the green synthesis of NPs from H. scoparia leaf extract is considered a sustainable alternative to removing dyes from aqueous solutions. However, further investigation should be performed on the other dyes to understand the overall effectiveness of these NPs.
How Personality Traits and Professional Skepticism Affect Auditor Quality? A Quantitative Model
Authors: Chen Ya-Hui , Wang Kung-Jeng , Liu Shih-Hsun
Published: January 2023

A qualified auditor is responsible for auditing the financial information of the corporation and providing recommendations for the managerial level to improve operations management, risk management, inside control, and other related operations. The study of the effects of personality traits and professional skepticism on audit quality has become critical but has not been fully clarified for the success of the audit system. This study investigates the hypothesis regarding how audit quality is affected by personality traits and professional skepticism using a quantitative model. The Big Five Model and Hurtt Model are adopted in the proposed research framework. A questionnaire with a total of 254 samples is collected. The data are analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis to test the hypothesis. The results of this study indicate that the moderation effect between personality traits of “extroversion” and “professional skepticism” is significantly associated with audit quality. Additionally, this finding contributes to human resource management decisions in that one should be mindful of the increase in perceived audit risk that arises from the professional and personal attributes of the auditor when recruiting individuals to serve on their audit procedures. This research provides empirical evidence of the important relationship between personality traits and professional skepticism regarding auditor quality. The outcomes from the study will reduce the operations risk faced by auditors and improve auditing performances.
Exploring Explanatory Mechanisms of Adjustment-Specific Resources Underlying the Relationship between Leader–Member Exchange and Work Engagement: A Lens of Conservation of Resources Theory
Authors: Liu Haifeng , Song Zibin , Xu Yanbo , Xu Xing’an , Li Jie
Published: January 2023

The sustainable competitiveness of an organization is largely dependent upon its effectiveness in developing and maintaining high levels of socializees’ work engagement. Based on COR (conservation of resources) theory, the present study proposes an integrative model of work engagement pathway to organizational socialization. LMX (leader–member exchange) is seen to create fertile or infertile ground for the creation or limitation of six adjustment-specific resources (e.g., task mastery), which in turn affect work engagement. SmartPLS 3.0 is employed to analyze the data with 455 respondents from 15 luxury hotels on China’s Hainan Island. As a result, the six adjustment-specific resources collectively and fully mediate the LMX–engagement relation. LMX positively influences all six adjustment-specific resources, which then either directly or conditionally affect work engagement. While engagement’s relationship with task mastery is moderated by income, its relationship with fitting in is moderated by line vs. staff department. The foregoing findings are exploratory and insightful, particularly considering that the work engagement pathway to organizational socialization has become a new paradigm with important implications for theory, research, and practice.
Explaining the Sustainability of Universities through the Contribution of Students’ Pro-Environmental Behavior and the Management System
Authors: Mohammadi Yaser , Monavvarifard Feyzallah , Salehi Laleh , Movahedi Reza , Karimi Saeid , Liobikienė Genovaitė
Published: January 2023

As the sustainable university makes sustainability a central priority in its teaching and research, it is important to understand how universities are transitioning towards sustainability. Their pioneering of new practices, and their education of future generations, are giving sustainable universities a special ability to create and influence change. However, the effective implementation of sustainability policies in universities is highly dependent on the willingness and commitment of the management and students to engage in sustainable activities, and there is a lack of systematic effort in how best to map this interaction. To address this gap, this study mainly aimed to explain the sustainability process of universities by emphasizing the roles of students and the management system. A mixed method approach was used to achieve the goal. First, a qualitative content analysis of related research papers was performed through the PRISMA method to figure out the most important factors affecting the integration of sustainability into the university structure. The results of this section showed that six factors contribute to the effective implementation of sustainability in universities, which are: university culture, university leadership, sustainability education, sustainability knowledge, attitudes towards sustainability and commitment to sustainability. Then, structural equation modeling was used to ensure the validity of the model obtained from the qualitative section. The results indicated that both university leadership and culture positively influence the implementation of sustainability education in universities, which in turn has a positive effect on students’ knowledge and attitudes towards sustainability. The students’ sustainability knowledge and attitudes along with university leadership and culture showed a positive effect on their commitment to sustainability. Also, the students’ commitment to sustainability issues had the most direct effect on their participation in sustainability-oriented activities, and then their sustainability attitude and knowledge, respectively. Finally, sustainability knowledge, attitude and participation in sustainability-oriented activities were significantly related to the integration of sustainability into the university structure. Transitioning to sustainable universities will make society greener and healthier, setting an example for other organizations and the results of this study will help policy makers, managers and students to understand how to contribute to this transition.
Evaluation of Accident Risk Level Based on Construction Cost, Size and Facility Type
Authors: Bang Saemi , Jeong Jaewook , Lee Jaehyun , Jeong Jaemin , Soh Jayho
Published: January 2023

Compared with other industries such as manufacturing, the construction industry has a higher danger of fatalities. In Korea, the risk level in the construction industry is managed using the fatality rate per 10,000 construction workers. However, this statistic is lacking in determining the exact risk level because it does not consider the exact number of workers and fails to reflect the specific characteristics of the construction industry. In this study, the fatality rate is deduced by considering the facility type and the project size based on total cost. From the results obtained, considering the facility type, “Assembly” is seen to be the most dangerous facility type. Considering the project size based on total cost, “Less than 0.008 billion dollars” is the most dangerous construction scale. Considering both the facility type and the project size based on total cost, it was confirmed that the overall fatality rate could exceed the fatality rate respective to each facility type and project size. Using the proposed method, it is possible to determine the quantitative risk level considering specific characteristics of the construction industry.
Do Environmental Regulation and Foreign Direct Investment Drive Regional Air Pollution in China?
Authors: Wu Qianqian , Wang Rong
Published: January 2023

With economic development, air pollution is becoming increasingly serious, which affects the sustainable development of the global economy. In order to explore policy measures to curb air pollution, this paper selects data from 30 regions in China and explores their impact studies on air pollution from the perspectives of environmental regulation and foreign direct investment using a systematic GMM model. Then, the threshold effect model is selected to verify their nonlinear relationship. The conclusions are as follows: (1) Environmental regulation does not pass the significance test. There is no significant “U-shaped” or “inverted U-shaped” relationship between environmental regulation and air pollution. In the eastern region, there is an inverted U-shaped relationship, which is consistent with the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis, and the effect in the central and western regions is higher than in the eastern region of China. (2) The entry of foreign direct investment (FDI) aggravates the environmental pollution problem in China, and the overall status quo is consistent with the pollution haven hypothesis, which shows an inverted U-shaped curve between FDI and air pollution. The eastern region does not have any U-shaped relationships. The other two regions show an inverted U-shaped curve between foreign direct investment and air pollution; these two regions are still in the left half of the curve, and the increase in foreign capital will lead to aggravation of the pollution status quo. (3) The industrial structure will aggravate air pollution in the whole country and the central and western regions; the eastern region shows a suppression effect, but this is not significant. Urbanization exacerbates air pollution in the central and western regions but has an insignificant effect in the eastern region. The level of economic development increases air pollution in all regions. The expansion of the population size brings a large amount of production and living pollution, which aggravates environmental pollution. The research in this paper can provide theoretical references for regional policies to control air pollution.
Narcissism and Pro-Environmental Behaviors: The Mediating Role of Self-Monitoring, Environmental Control and Attitudes
Authors: Dîrțu Mircea Cătălin , Prundeanu Oara
Published: January 2023

The need to protect and preserve the environment is an important concern, and the behavioral change in order to obtain behaviors positively oriented towards the environment is sometimes difficult to achieve. There are multiple factors that influence people’s actions against the environment, but individualistic and egocentric tendencies (i.e., grandiose and vulnerable narcissism) may negatively impact pro-environmental behavior. This article expands existing research by providing a closer look at the mechanisms by which individuals with grandiose and vulnerable narcissistic tendencies self-monitor, make attributions about environmental problems, and embrace the new ecological paradigm, as well as their pro-environmental behaviors. Using a convenience sample (N = 945), two mediation models were tested to assess the effect of narcissism on pro-environmental behavior, mediated by self-monitoring, environmental control, and environmental attitudes. Results indicated that both grandiose and vulnerable narcissism negatively correlated with environmental control, but only grandiose narcissism negatively correlated with environmental attitudes and pro-environmental behavior. Furthermore, mediation analyses results revealed that only environmental control significantly mediated the relationship between narcissism types and pro-environmental behavior. The discussion focuses on the implications of narcissistic features on pro-environmental behavior. Ecological campaigns should aim to increase individual control and include strategies that stimulate narcissistic individuals to self-enhance and recognize their responsibility when they produce significant changes in the environment.
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Future Trends in Terrestrial Water Storage Anomalies at Different Climatic Zones of India Using GRACE/GRACE-FO
Authors: Hasan Mohd Sayeed Ul , Saif Mufti Mohammad , Ahmad Nehal , Rai Abhishek Kumar , Khan Mohammad Amir , Aldrees Ali , Khan Wahaj Ahmad , Mohammed Mustafa K. A. , Yaseen Zaher Mundher
Published: January 2023

This work is a climatological evaluation of terrestrial water storage anomalies (TWSAs), which act as driving forces for sustainable development, in one of the most populous countries of the world. The objective of this work is to evaluate RL06 mascon data from the GRACE and GRACE-FO satellite missions over India to explore seasonal and interannual changes in terrestrial water storage, encompassing an area of ~3.29 million km2 with 285 grid points, from 2002 through to 2020. Several statistical tests are performed to check the homogeneity (i.e., Pettitt’s test, the BRT, the SNHT, and the VNRT). Most of the homogeneous data are found in winter, pre-monsoon, and post-monsoon, approximately above 42% to 47%, and the least are found in monsoons and annual with only 33%, at a 95% significance level. According to Pettitt’s test, the majority of the breakpoints are present in 2014 for winter, 2012 for pre-monsoon, 2011 for monsoons and post-monsoon, and 2008 as well as 2011 for annual. Furthermore, to detect trends and magnitudes we employed the nonparametric MK test, the MMK test, Sen’s slope estimator, and the parametric SLR test. According to the MK and MMK tests, the most significant negative and positive trends indicate the chances of droughts and floods, respectively. The Indo–Gangetic region shows the highest declination. According to Sen’s slope and the SLR test, the most declining magnitude is found in Delhi, Panjab, Uttrakhand, the northern part of Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Based on our findings, the average declining rate of yearly terrestrial water storage data from the MK, MMK, and SLR tests is −0.0075 m (−0.75 cm/year) from 2002 to 2020. Koppen–Geiger climate zones are also used to depict the seasonal and interannual descriptive statistics of TWSA trends. Interestingly, the annual means of arid desert cold (−0.1788 cm/year) and tropical savanna (−0.1936 cm/year) have the smallest declining trends when compared to other climatic zones. Northern Indian regions’ temperate dry winter, hot/warm summer, and dry arid steppe hot regions show the maximum declining future trend. This study could be useful in planning and managing water resources, agriculture, and the long-term growth of the country by using an intelligent water delivery system.
Investigation of Optimum Sustainable Designs for Water Distribution Systems from Multiple Economic, Operational, and Health Perspectives
Authors: Torkomany Mohamed R. , Hassan Hassan Shokry , Shoukry Amin , Hussein Mohamed , Yoshimura Chihiro , Elkholy Mohamed
Published: January 2023

Optimizing the design of water distribution systems often faces difficulties due to continuous variations in water demands, pressure requirements, and disinfectant concentrations. The complexity of this optimization even increases when trying to optimize both the hydraulic and the water quality design models. Most of the previous works in the literature did not investigate the linkage between both models, either by combining them into one general model or by selecting any representative solution to proceed from one model to another. This work introduces an integrated two-step framework to optimize both designs while investigating the reasonable network configuration selection from the hydraulic design view before proceeding to the water quality design. The framework is mainly based on a modified version of the multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm. The algorithm’s first step is optimizing the hydraulic design of the network by minimizing the system’s capital cost while maximizing the system’s reliability. The second step targets optimizing the water quality design by minimizing both the total consumed chlorine mass and the accumulated differences between actual and maximum chlorine concentrations for all the network junctions. The framework is applied to Safi Network in Yemen. Three scenarios of the water quality design are proposed based on the selected decision variables. The results show a superior performance of the first scenario, based on optimized 24-h multipliers of a chlorine pattern for a flow-paced booster station, compared to the other scenarios in terms of the diversity of final solutions.
The Application of PPGIS to Telecoupling Research: A Case Study of the Agricultural Landscape Transformation in an Indigenous Village in Taiwan
Authors: Kacaw Lameru , Tsai Bor-Wen
Published: January 2023

Telecoupling theory studies how land use is affected by human–environmental systems in different ways and avoids a binary opposition at local and global scales. The current study attempts to use the PPGIS approach in telecoupling research, taking the Kalibuan village in Taiwan’s high mountains as a case study; defining the scope of telecoupling systems from a local perspective; and analyzing the effect and significance of PPGIS research methods. The study observed that researchers were able to collect the various perspectives and information obtained through public participation methods, including social relations, historical and cultural contexts, and ecological conditions, and improves the quality of the data through mutual discussions and data verifications. We can obtain historical data, social-nature coupled data, and cross-scale data via the contribution of GIS visualization, storage, and zoom in/out functions, as well as by facilitating telecoupling research.
A Family of Higher Order Scheme for Multiple Roots
Authors: Singh Tajinder , Arora Himani , Jäntschi Lorentz
Published: January 2023

We have developed a two-point iterative scheme for multiple roots that achieves fifth order convergence by using two function evaluations and two derivative evaluations each iteration. Weight function approach is utilized to frame the scheme. The weight function named as R(υt) is used, which is a function of υt, and υt is a function of ωt, i.e., υt=ωt1+aωt, where a is a real number and ωt=g(yt)g(xt)1m˜ is a multi-valued function. The consistency of the newly generated methods is ensured numerically and through the basins of attraction. Four complex functions are considered to compare the new methods with existing schemes via basins of attraction, and all provided basins of attraction possess reflection symmetry. Further, five numerical examples are used to verify the theoretical results and to contrast the presented schemes with some recognized schemes of fifth order. The results obtained have proved that the new schemes are better than the existing schemes of the same nature.
Origanum vulgare Essential Oil Modulates the AFB1-Induced Oxidative Damages, Nephropathy, and Altered Inflammatory Responses in Growing Rabbits
Authors: Hassan Mona A. , Abo-Elmaaty Azza M. A. , Zaglool Asmaa W. , Mohamed Sally A. M. , Abou-Zeid Shimaa M. , Farag Mayada R. , Alagawany Mahmoud , Di Cerbo Alessandro , Azzam Mahmoud M. , Alhotan Rashed , EL-Hady Enas
Published: January 2023

The current study was performed to investigate the toxic effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) through the evaluation of kidney function tests and histopathological examination of renal tissues, targeting the therapeutic role of Marjoram (Origanum vulgare essential oil-OEO) in improving health status. Forty-eight New Zealand Whites growing rabbits (four weeks old) weighing on average 660.5 ± 2.33 g were randomly and equally distributed into four groups, each of which had four replicas of three animals as the following: Control group (only basal diet), AFB1 group (0.3 mg AFB1/kg diet), OEO group (1 g OEO/kg diet) and co-exposed group (1 g OEO/kg + 0.3 mg AF/kg diet). Our study lasted eight weeks and was completed at 12 weeks of age. The results revealed that OEO decreased the toxic effects of AFB1 in rabbit kidneys by substantially reducing the cystatin C levels in the AFB1 group. Additionally, OEO decreased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation levels in the co-exposed group. Moreover, OEO reduced DNA damage and inflammatory response in addition to the down-regulation of stress and inflammatory cytokines-encoding genes. Besides, OEO preserved the cytoarchitecture of rabbits’ kidneys treated with AFB1. In conclusion, O. vulgare essential oil supplementation ameliorated the deleterious effects of AFB1 on the rabbits’ kidneys by raising antioxidant levels, decreasing inflammation, and reversing oxidative DNA damage.
Evaluation of Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells as Carriers for the Delivery of Oncolytic HAdV-5 to Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Nilson Robin , Krutzke Lea , Wienen Frederik , Rojewski Markus , Zeplin Philip Helge , Funk Wolfgang , Schrezenmeier Hubert , Kochanek Stefan , Kritzinger Astrid
Published: January 2023

Human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) are of significant therapeutic interest due to their ability to deliver oncolytic adenoviruses to tumors. This approach is also investigated for targeting head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). HAdV-5-HexPos3, a recently reported capsid-modified vector based on human adenovirus type 5 (HAdV-5), showed strongly improved infection of both hMSCs and the HNSCC cell line UM-SCC-11B. Given that, we generated life cycle-unmodified and -modified replication-competent HAdV-5-HexPos3 vector variants and analyzed their replication within bone marrow- and adipose tissue-derived hMSCs. Efficient replication was detected for both life cycle-unmodified and -modified vectors. Moreover, we analyzed the migration of vector-carrying hMSCs toward different HNSCCs. Although migration of hMSCs to HNSCC cell lines was confirmed in vitro, no homing of hMSCs to HNSCC xenografts was observed in vivo in mice and in ovo in a chorioallantoic membrane model. Taken together, our data suggest that HAdV-5-HexPos3 is a potent candidate for hMSC-based oncolytic therapy of HNSCCs. However, it also emphasizes the importance of generating optimized in vivo models for the evaluation of hMSC as carrier cells.
Disappearance and Re-Emergence of Influenza during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Association with Infection Control Measures
Authors: Takeuchi Hikaru , Kawashima Ryuta
Published: January 2023

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the influenza virus had a very low prevalence, and in many areas, outbreaks were almost non-existent. In this study, the associations between infection control measures taken for COVID-19 and the global disappearance of the influenza virus were investigated. The detection rate of influenza from baseline was investigated during four seasons (12 weeks from epidemiological week 49 in 2020 and 2021 and 12 weeks from epidemiological week 23 in 2020 and 2021) in each country participating in the surveillance system of the World Health Organization. Three measures of infection control: mask use ratio, social distancing index (an index of human mobility and physical distance obligations), and an index of stringency of measures taken by authorities were studied. In mid-2020, most countries analyzed had high levels of infection control measures, and in most countries, influenza was drastically reduced compared to previous years. Multiple regression analyses compared the study data with data from other seasons. There was an association between high mask use with low influenza detection in all three remaining seasons, an association between a low social distancing index (low mobility and more social contact obligations) with a low influenza detection rate in two seasons, and a marginal significant association of high stringency index with a low influenza detection rate(in 2020-end-seasons). These results support the notion that seasonal influenza is controllable through effective preventive measures, especially those of mask use and human social contact, and these measures should be recommended during future waves of novel influenza virus infection.
Rickettsia Vaccine Candidate pVAX1-OmpB24 Stimulates TCD4+INF-γ+ and TCD8+INF-γ+ Lymphocytes in Autologous Co-Culture of Human Cells
Authors: Dzul-Rosado Karla , Donis-Maturano Luis , Arias-León Juan , Machado-Contreras Jesús , Valencia-Pacheco Guillermo , Panti-Balam Candi , Balam-Romero Javier , Ku-González Angela , Peniche-Lara Gaspar , Mosqueda Juan , Zazueta Oscar E. , Lugo-Caballero Cesar , Puerto-Manzano Fernando
Published: January 2023

Background: In recent years, promising vaccination strategies against rickettsiosis have been described in experimental animal models and human cells. OmpB is considered an immunodominant antigen that is recognized by T and B cells. The aim of this study was to identify TCD4+INF-γ+ and TCD8+INF-γ+ lymphocytes in an autologous system with macrophages transfected with the vaccine candidate pVAX1-OmpB24. Lymphocytes and monocytes from 14 patients with Rickettsia were isolated from whole blood. Monocytes were differentiated into macrophages and transfected with the plasmid pVAX1-OmpB24 pVax1. Isolated lymphocytes were cultured with transfected macrophages. IFN-γ-producing TCD4+ and TCD8+ lymphocyte subpopulations were identified by flow cytometry, as was the percentage of macrophages expressing CD40+, CD80+, HLA-I and HLA-II. Also, we analyzed the exhausted condition of the T lymphocyte subpopulation by PD1 expression. Macrophages transfected with pVAX1-OmpB24 stimulated TCD4+INF-γ+ cells in healthy subjects and patients infected with R. typhi. Macrophages stimulated TCD8+INF-γ+ cells in healthy subjects and patients infected with R. rickettsii and R. felis. Cells from healthy donors stimulated with OmpB-24 showed a higher percentage of TCD4+PD1+. Cells from patients infected with R. rickettsii had a higher percentage of TCD8+PD-1+, and for those infected with R. typhi the larger number of cells corresponded to TCD4+PD1+. Human macrophages transfected with pVAX1-OmpB24 activated TCD4+IFN-γ+ and CD8+IFN-γ+ in patients infected with different Rickettsia species. However, PD1 expression played an important role in the inhibition of T lymphocytes with R. felis.
Past and Present Environmental Factors Differentially Influence Genetic and Morphological Traits of Italian Barbels (Pisces: Cyprinidae)
Authors: Quadroni Silvia , De Santis Vanessa , Carosi Antonella , Vanetti Isabella , Zaccara Serena , Lorenzoni Massimo
Published: January 2023

Local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity can lead to environment-related morphological and genetic variations in freshwater fish. Studying the responses of fish to environmental changes is crucial to understand their vulnerability to human-induced changes. Here, we used a latitudinal gradient as a proxy for past and present environmental factors and tested its influences on both genetic and morphological patterns. We selected as a suitable biogeographic model, the barbels, which inhabit 17 Adriatic basins of the central-southern Italian Peninsula, and explored association among attributes from genetic, morphological, and environmental analyses. The analysis of the mitochondrial DNA control region evidenced a southward significant increase in the number of private haplotypes, supporting the isolation of the southernmost populations related to the Mio-Pleistocene events. In contrast, morphology was mainly affected by changes in the present environmental conditions. Particularly, the number of scales and fish coloration were clearly associated to latitude, and thus thermal and hydrological conditions. Other morphometric and functional traits varied under the selective pressure of other environmental factors like elevation and distance from headwater. These results highlight the sensitivity of barbels to climate changes, which can serve as a basis for future eco-evolutionary and conservation studies.
Does Fipronil Affect on Aquatic Organisms? Physiological, Biochemical, and Histopathological Alterations of Non-Target Freshwater Mussel Species
Authors: Arslan Pınar , Günal Aysel
Published: January 2023

Fipronil is widely used against insects in agriculture and ectoparasites in domestic areas and veterinary medicine. However, fipronil may influence non-target species as a result of the contamination of aquatic ecosystems. The present study aimed to investigate the acute and sublethal effects of fipronil in freshwater mussels (Unio delicatus), a non-target species, with physiological, antioxidant action mechanisms and histopathological observations. The 96-h LC50 value of fipronil was found to be 2.64 (1.45–4.56) mg/L. Sublethal concentrations were applied at 1/10 and 1/5 of 96-h LC50 as 0.264 mg/L and 0.528 mg/L for 48-h and 7-d. Haemolymph samples, digestive gland and gill tissues of mussels were taken after exposure times. While the Total Haemocyte Counts decreased in 48-h of exposure, it was only high at 0.264 mg/L fipronil-exposed for 7-d (p < 0.05). While glutathione values in digestive glands and gills were higher in the fipronil applied groups (p < 0.05), the AOPP values were only higher in the digestive glands at 7-d of exposure (p < 0.05). Moreover, fipronil caused histopathological alterations on gills and digestive glands. These things considered, the principal component analysis revealed that the most pronounced changes in the antioxidant action mechanisms were caused by the fipronil exposure. These results show that sublethal concentrations of fipronil are toxic to freshwater mussels.
The Impact of Tidal Straining and Advection on the Stratification in a Partially Mixed Estuary
Authors: Zhang Jin , Cheng Li , Wang Yajun , Jiang Chenjuan
Published: January 2023

Stratification and mixing of the water column is an important dynamic process in the estuary, which plays a significant role in the estuarine circulation, mass transport and energy exchange. Based on the multi-station synchronous observation data from 26 February to 6 March in 2011 during dry season in the North Channel of the Changjiang Estuary, the Richardson number, the Simpson number and the potential energy anomaly of water were calculated to analyze the tidal variation of the mixing and stratification processes. The roles of the depth-mean straining, longitudinal advection, non-mean straining and tidal stirring in the processes of mixing and stratification of the water column were analyzed by calculating the contribution terms of the time-derivative of potential energy anomaly. The results show that the mixing and stratification of the water column in the North Channel have significant spatiotemporal variation. Stability of the stratification gradually decreases from neap tide to spring tide. In the reaches of salt wedge migration, permanent stratification develops during neap and mean tide, with stability increasing on the flood and decreasing on the ebb, which is dominated by longitudinal advection. During spring tide, periodic stratification develops, with development of stratification on the flood and its breakdown on the ebb, which is dominated by longitudinal advection and tidal stirring. In the main reaches of saltwater intrusion, permanent stratification develops during neap tide, with stability increasing on the ebb and decreasing on the flood, which is dominated by depth-mean tidal straining. During mean and spring tide, periodic stratification occurs, with development of stratification on the ebb and its breakdown on the flood, which is controlled by depth-mean tidal straining and assisted by tidal stirring. In the North Channel, tidal advection is the main stratifying agent in the salt wedge migration reaches, and tidal straining is the main stratifying agent in the main reaches of saltwater intrusion.
Effect of Impounding on Bedrock Temperature of High Arch Dam Site: A Case Study of the Xiluodu Project, China
Authors: Zhang Linfei , Ren Qingwen , Shen Lei , Lu Wenyan , Tao Mei , Gu Jiafeng
Published: January 2023

The 300 m-level high arch dams built in China have different degrees of valley-narrowing deformation in the initial impoundment. This unexpected phenomenon may increase the long-term safety risk of high arch dams. There are several explanations for the valley-narrowing deformation phenomenon, and one of the explanations—that it is caused by a drop in bedrock temperature—is still under debate. In this paper, coupled thermo-hydromechanical (THM) simulations of the temporal and spatial evolutions of the bedrock temperature and seepage fields of the Xiluodu arch dam site were performed. The results showed that the mechanism of the bedrock temperature drop after impoundment can be divided into two types: short-term type and long-term. For the short-term type, the maximum temperature drop of 9 °C is caused by the heat exchange between the bedrock surface layer and the reservoir water during the initial impoundment. For the long-term type, the maximum temperature drop of 15 °C in front of the grouted curtain is caused by the long-term infiltration of cold water from upstream to downstream bypassing the grout curtain. The monitoring data showed that the valley-narrowing deformation mainly occurred in the initial impoundment, which corresponds to the short-term type. Notably, the valley-narrowing deformation may be overestimated if the long-term type of bedrock temperature drop is considered. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the bedrock temperature change due to impoundment is dominated by the short-term type and can be applied to study the effect of temperature on valley-narrowing deformation after impounding.
Szállézerek sugármenetének elemzése a nyalábvezető optikai szál végétől a fókuszfoltig
Authors: Meszlényi György , Bitay Enikő
Published: January 2023

Anyagmegmunkáló szállézereknél a zárt dobozban lévő rezonátor állítja elő a lézersugárzást. Azonos rezonátor esetén is a nyalábtovábbító optikai szál átmérője és a fókuszálófejben lévő optikai elemek tulajdonságai döntik el, hogy milyen lesz a megmunkáláshoz felhasznált, fókuszált nyaláb keresztmetszete. Ha összegezzük a szakirodalomban, különböző forrásokban szereplő képleteket, akkor meg tudjuk jósolni az egyes optikai elemek hatását: pl. mi lesz, ha másik fókuszálólencsét választunk, beteszünk a rendszerbe egy nyalábtágítót, vagy a nyalábtágítón beállítjuk, hogy hányszorosára táguljon a lézernyaláb. A másik fontos szempont, hogy ha meg szeretnénk ismételni egy kísérletet vagy el szeretnénk indítani egy gyártási folyamatot egy tudományos publikáció alapján, akkor a rezonátoron kívül jó lenne a fókuszálófejben lévő optikai elemek adatait ismerni, ami általában hiányosan szerepel a bemutatott cikkekben, de a jelen cikkben ismertetett négy összefüggés segítségével közelítőleg meg tudjuk határozni őket.
PENERAPAN APLIKASI SURAT (STUDI KASUS PADA PENGELOLAAN ADMINISTRASI SURAT PADA KANTOR KECAMATAN CIHAURBEUTI CIAMIS)
Authors: Nissa Rika Sovyatun , Waluya Firdaus Dony
Published: January 2023

Kantor Pemerintahan Kecamatan Cihaurbeuti yang beralamatkan di Jalan Raya Pamokolan - Panumbangan, Cihaurbeuti, Kec. Cihaurbeuti, Kabupaten Ciamis. Aktifitas kerja praktek penulis adalah melakukan kegiatan yang berhubungan dengan pengadministrasian surat yaitu menginput data surat masuk, surat keluar dan lain sebagainya secata manual, Berdasarkan uraian diatas maka penulis mengambil judul “Penerapan aplikasi pengelolaan administrasi surat”.  
Metode kerja praktik yang dipakai penulis adalah melakukan wawancara kepada pembimbing teknis, melakukan pengamatakn serta mengumpulkan data yang dibutuhkan. Hasil dari pelaksanaan kerja praktik ini adalah perancangan aplikasi pengelolaan surat berbasis web agar pencatatan atau pengarsipan surat di Kecamatan Cihaurbeuti dapat terkomputerisasi dengan baik.
 
Kata Kunci : Penerapan, Aplikasi, Kecamatan Cihaurbeuti Ciamis, Surat.
IMPLEMENTASI APLIKASI PENGENDALIAN INTERN TERHADAP QUALITY CONTROL PT. INDO SADANG FABRIKATOR BERBASIS WEBSITE MENGGUNAKAN PHP DAN POSTGRESQL
Authors: Syatriana Funny Putri , Firdaus Dony Waluya
Published: January 2023

Indo Sadang Fabrikator beralamatkan di Jalan Purwakarta- Subang, Kp. Kiara Dua RT.10/ RW.03 Desa Cikumpay, Kec. Campaka Kabupaten Purwakarta, Jawa Barat – 41181. Penulis melakukan kerja praktik di bagian departemen Quality Control yang dalam penginputan data dan pembuatan laporan-laporan sehari-hari, masih menggunakan Microsoft Excel, sehingga sering terjadi permasalahan dalam pencatatan, penginputan maupun pelaporannya. Berdasarkan permasalahan tersebut, penulis mengambil judul Kerja Praktik “Perancangan Aplikasi Pengendalian Intern Terhadap Quality Control PT. Indo Sadang Fabrikator berbasis Website Menggunakan PHP dan PostgreSQL”. Metode yang dipakai penulis dalam perancangan aplikasi ini adalah observasi atau dengan melakukan pengamatan dan mempelajari aplikasi-aplikasi serupa untuk diteliti agar penulis mendapatkan gambarang yang jelas mengenai hal-hal yang dapat dikembangkan pada perancangan. Hasil dari pelaksanaan kerja praktik ini adalah perancangan aplikasi sederhana Quality Control PT. Indo Sadang Fabrikator dengan menggunakan PHP dan PostgreSQL dan juga dilengkapi dengan pengendalian internal yang diharapkan dapat memantu kinerja pada departemen Quality control dalam pengolahan data maupun laporan.
Kata kunci: Perancangan, Pengendalian Internal, Quailty Control, Website, PHP, dan PostgreSQL