bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pelletization of Refuse-Derived Fuel with Varying Compositions of Plastic, Paper, Organic and Wood
Authors: Rezaei Hamid , Yazdan Panah Fahimeh , Lim C. Jim , Sokhansanj Shahab
Published: June 2020

The combustible fraction of municipal solid waste (MSW) is called refuse-derived fuel (RDF). RDF is a blend of heterogeneous materials and thus its handling is challenging. Pelletization is an efficient treatment to minimize the heterogeneity. In this research, typical RDF compositions were prepared by mixing several mass fractions of paper, plastic, household organic and wood. The collected compositions were ground, wetted to 20% moisture content (wet basis) and pelletized. Increasing the plastic content from 20% to 40% reduced the pelletization energy but increased the pellet’s calorific value. Pellets with higher plastic content generated more dust when exposed to shaking. Making durable pellets with 40% plastic content needed an increase in die temperature from 80 °C to 100 °C. Increasing the paper content from 30% to 50% increased the durability but consumed higher energy to form pellets. Paper particles increased the friction between pellet’s surface and die wall as was evident from expulsion energy. Force versus displacement curve for material compression revealed that the RDF compositions have rigid material characteristics.
Role of Situational Dependence in the Use of Self-Service Technology
Authors: Yoon Cheolho , Choi Byongcheon
Published: June 2020

Although numerous studies have been conducted on the use of self-service technology (SST), little is known about the importance of the situation for individuals’ acceptance of SSTs. This study proposed the situational dependency construct and analyzed the role of the construct in the use of SSTs. To conduct an empirical analysis, a research model combining the situational dependency variable with the perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of the technology acceptance model variables, which are the most frequently used in studies related to SSTs, was developed. A total of 213 valid data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis through structural equation modeling. The results showed that situational dependence influenced attitude toward using along with perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness and that situational dependence had a strong influence on intention to use. This study provides strategic insight for practitioners to lead acceptance of SSTs.
Preventing Internal COVID-19 Outbreaks within Businesses and Institutions: A Methodology Based on Social Networks Analysis for Supporting Occupational Health and Safety Services Decision Making
Authors: Calvo Gallardo Elena , Fernandez de Arroyabe Juan Carlos , Arranz Nieves
Published: June 2020

This study aims at developing and demonstrating in a real case study a methodology for supporting Occupational Health and Safety Services in the design and assessment of preventive measures to reduce the risks of COVID-19 outbreaks within their entities. The proposed methodology applies the concepts from Social Network Analysis (SNA) to the current challenge of preventing risks of contagion of viruses like SARS-COV-2 among employees. For this purpose, the authors consider a network of employees whose interaction is caused by triggers, which are defined as common circumstances between two workers that may result in contagion, like sharing an office or participating in the same management board. The network cohesion is then evaluated, and those core nodes, which are the most significant contributors to its integration, are identified to be addressed in the design of the preventive measures. The impact of the designed preventive measures on the networks’ cohesion is assessed for its prioritization and further deployment. The methodology has been demonstrated in a real case, a Spanish Research Center, providing promising results in a quick and easy manner. The objective insights provided by its application were demonstrated as very valuable for the Occupational Health and Safety Services in the design and evaluation of the set of preventing measures to be implemented before the return of the employees to the facilities after the Spanish confinement period. The current COVID-19 outbreak brings the need to develop tools and methods to support businesses and institutions in the use of SNA for preventing outbreaks among their employees. Although some literature does exist in the field of SNA application in epidemiology, its adaptation for extensive use by the Occupational and Health Services is still a challenge.
A Blockchain-Based Framework for Green Logistics in Supply Chains
Authors: Tan Bing Qing , Wang Fangfang , Liu Jia , Kang Kai , Costa Federica
Published: June 2020

The logistics industry around the world has proliferated over recent years as a large number of business organizations have come to recognize the importance of logistics. Cost control used to be emphasized to remain competitive, but recently green logistics has gained attention with the awareness of the integration of economy and society as a whole. Nowadays, green logistics is a useful concept to improve the sustainability of logistics operations, and its related policies and theoretical research have been investigated and explored. However, the practical applications of green logistics are impeded by real-time data sharing, which is common in the logistics industry. Blockchain technology is adopted to address this challenge and enable data sharing among related stakeholders. This paper presents a reference framework for green logistics based on blockchain to reach the sustainable operations of logistics, with the integration of the Internet of Things and big data. Finally, potential benefits and limitations are analyzed when implementing this framework.
Effect of KOH Pretreatment on Lignocellulosic Waste for the Reduction of Nitrobenzene to Aniline without Metal
Authors: Tadrent Sarra , Khelfa Anissa , Len Christophe
Published: June 2020

A green reduction of nitrobenzene to aniline was carried out using lignocellulosic biomass as a hydrogen source in a subcritical polar protic solvent, such as water and alcohol. The method is simple to implement, inexpensive, and easily applicable on a larger scale. The present method does not demand elaborated experimental conditions nor any metal catalyst. Optimal conditions provided aniline with a 90% yield by reduction of nitrobenzene in the presence of sawdust impregnated by KOH in subcritical methanol at 240 °C for 6 h.
Cumulative Environmental Impacts in the Gwich’in Cultural Landscape
Authors: Proverbs Tracey , Lantz Trevor ,   Gwich’in Tribal Council Department of Cultural Heritage
Published: June 2020

Environmental changes are impacting northern environments and human communities. Cumulative impact assessments are vital to understanding the combined effects of regional industrial developments and natural disturbances that affect humans and ecosystems. A gap in cumulative impacts literature includes methods to evaluate impacts in cultural landscapes. In this study, we utilized spatial overlay analysis to assess cumulative environmental impacts in the cultural landscape of northern Canada’s Gwich’in Settlement Region. In three analyses, we quantified and mapped: (1) Cultural feature density, (2) cumulative environmental disturbance, and (3) potential overlap between disturbances and cultural features. Our first analysis depicts the extent and pattern of cultural relationships with regional landscapes and illustrates the Gwich’in cultural landscape, with widespread harvesting trails, named places, traditional use areas, and archaeological sites found in highest densities near important waterways. Our second analysis suggests that spatial overlay can track multiple disturbances, illustrating diffuse, lower intensity cumulative environmental impacts. The final analysis shows that overlaying disturbance and cultural feature data provides a novel way to investigate cumulative impacts in a cultural landscape, indicating relatively low levels of potential overlap between Gwich’in cultural features and disturbances. These methods provide one way to investigate cumulative impacts, relevant for well- documented cultural landscapes.
Perspectives of the Moldavian Agricultural Sector by Using a Custom-Developed Analytical Framework
Authors: PETREA Ștefan-Mihai , Cristea Dragos Sebastian , Turek Rahoveanu Maria Magdalena , Zamfir Cristina Gabriela , Turek Rahoveanu Adrian , Zugravu Gheorghe Adrian , Nancu Dumitru
Published: June 2020

Moldova possesses the largest area of farmland as a share of its total land surface, an advantage which should encourage economic development strategies oriented towards the agriculture sector. Government subsidies and agriculture loans have been used as tools for developing the Moldavian agriculture. However, considering the challenges generated by both climate change (the drought from year 2012 that affected 80% of farmland) and a difficult political situation (restrictions imposed by the Russian Federation on the Republic of Moldova’s agri-food imports and exports between 2013 and 2014), the country’s agricultural system ranks very low when it comes to agricultural production efficiency. The present paper analyses the performances of the agricultural sector and its impact on the Moldavian economy over a nine-year period (between 2008 and 2016), by using a custom-developed analytical framework based on a dataset containing 21 relevant indicators. The analytical framework generates various perspectives that can be used to elaborate an economic sustainable development strategy of the Moldavian agriculture sector. The development of the analytical framework is based on the dynamics of agriculture subsidies, agricultural loans, the agricultural sector’s gross domestic product (GDP) and gross value added (GVA), as well as the dynamics of agricultural production and production value, also considering the main crops belonging to the Moldavian agriculture sector. The results are presented as sets of mathematical regression models that quantify the relationships found between the relevant agricultural parameters and their impact on the economics of the agricultural sector. It has been identified that the agriculture sector has a considerable impact on the Moldavian economy, a fact revealed by the significant model between the agriculture GVA and total GVA and GDP. A significant, negative correlation model was identified between agriculture subsidies and agriculture loans, although a small percentage of Moldavian agriculture farms were subsidized. Strong correlation models were also identified between wheat and maize production and total agriculture production, emphasizing the importance of these two crops for the Moldavian agricultural economy. Grape and maize production values also generated a correlation model, emphasizing the market interconnection between these crops It can be concluded that the increase in value of governmental agriculture subsidies, as well as expanding their addressability in order to maximize the access possibility for a higher number of agriculture farms, are essential for the Moldavian agriculture sector’s future development, since considering the limiting value of and accessibility to subsidies, a direct correlation model was identified between governmental agriculture subsidies and agriculture GVA.
On the Use of Historical Flights for the Urban Growth Analysis of Cities Through Time: The Case Study of Avila (Spain)
Authors: Picon-Cabrera Inmaculada , Garcia-Gago Jesus Maria , Sanchez-Aparicio Luis Javier , Rodriguez-Gonzalvez Pablo , Gonzalez-Aguilera Diego
Published: June 2020

Historical aerial images are a unique and relatively unexplored means of deriving spatio-temporal information for scenes and landscapes. Such historical imagery can be combined with photointerpretation and image-based 3D modelling techniques, providing the fourth dimension of time to 3D geometrical representations. This allows urban planners, historians, and other specialists to identify, describe, and analyse changes in scenes and landscapes. Urban growth has an important impact on the sustainable development of cities. An important step for the analysis of urban growth is the identification of different urban sectors. To this end, this paper proposes a methodology for the 4D urban growth analysis of cities through time using a free and open source software developed by the authors. This approach uses the latest advances in photogrammetry, including the so-called incremental Structure from Motion, to evaluate the urbanistic changes of a city by means of confronting two-point clouds from different eras. The objectives of this paper are twofold: (i) first, the processing of historical aerial images using modern photogrammetric techniques; (ii) second, deriving spatio-temporal information for urban cities, offering a method for researchers to identify changes over time. In order to validate this method, the urban growth of the city of Avila between 1956 and 2017 was assessed taking the historical American flight of 1956 and the digital aerial flight of 2017. The results were statistically assessed according to georeferencing quality, confirming that the approach developed can be used to support urban growth analysis through time and providing relevant data in 2D and 3D.
River Restoration Integrated with Sustainable Urban Water Management for Resilient Cities
Authors: Veról Aline Pires , Bigate Lourenço Ianic , Fraga João Paulo Rebechi , Battemarco Bruna Peres , Linares Merlo Mylenna , Canedo de Magalhães Paulo , Miguez Marcelo Gomes
Published: June 2020

Urban floods can threaten citizens’ quality of life, produce socioeconomic losses, and act as an urban degradation driver. Restoring urban rivers, however, is not simple and its results are usually limited. It would be desirable to enhance urban fluvial systems, control flood risks, and increase city resilience while improving the city itself. This work suggests that river restoration, when applied to an urban watershed, should be supported by sustainable urban drainage measures to compensate for the negative effects induced by city growth in the water cycle, in a systemic approach to the entire watershed. A methodological framework is proposed to verify this hypothesis intending to assess urban flooding projects in a wide sense. This framework uses a hydrodynamic mathematical model and a set of multicriteria indices. A case study in Dona Eugênia Watershed, in Brazil, was developed. Two different design concepts were considered: the usual drainage design and the river restoration combined with sustainable urban drainage. Both solutions were designed to completely solve the problems, leading to virtually zero flooding in the present situation; however, environmental and urban gains were greater when using the proposed combination. Besides, when testing resilience behavior, it was also shown to be more consistent over time.
Estimation of Direct and Indirect Household CO2 Emissions in 49 Japanese Cities with Consideration of Regional Conditions
Authors: Hirano Yujiro , Ihara Tomohiko , Hara Masayuki , Honjo Keita
Published: June 2020

We conducted a detailed estimation of direct and indirect CO2 emissions related to multi-person households in 49 Japanese cities. Direct energy consumption was decomposed into energy use in order to consider the relationship with regional conditions. The results showed that CO2 emissions from direct energy consumption were almost as large as indirect CO2 emissions induced by consuming products and services, suggesting that lifestyle improvements are important for both energy savings and reducing CO2 emissions relating to product and service consumption. In addition, CO2 emissions from direct energy consumption varied widely between cities, making them susceptible to regional conditions. We also calculated CO2 emissions from direct energy consumption and examined the regional conditions for individual forms of energy use. CO2 emissions were higher in cold regions and lower in larger cities. In Japan, large cities are often located in relatively warm areas, so we conducted an analysis to distinguish the effects of climatic conditions from those of urbanization. This analysis allowed us to clarify the effects of regional conditions on factors such as heating/cooling and the ratio of detached houses to apartments.
Dynamics of the Fertilizer Value Chain in Mozambique
Authors: Zavale Helder , Matchaya Greenwell , Vilissa Delfim , Nhemachena Charles , Nhlengethwa Sibusiso , Wilson Duque
Published: June 2020

Mozambique is characterized by low agricultural productivity, which is associated with low use of yield-enhancing agricultural inputs. Fertilizer application rate averaged 5.7 kg ha−1 in Mozambique during the period 2006 to 2015, considerably low by regional targets, yet constraints that affect fertilizer use have not been thoroughly investigated. This study examined the constraints on fertilizer value chains in Mozambique to contribute to fertilizer supply chain strengthening. We used a combination of multivariate analysis and descriptive methods. Our findings indicate that fertilizer use has both demand and supply constraints. Key demand-side constraints include liquidity challenges, limited awareness about the benefits of using fertilizer, and low market participation, while the main supply-side constraints include high transaction costs, limited access to finance, and lack of soil testing results and corresponding fertilizer recommendations by soil type and crop uptake. These results suggest that scaling up the input subsidy program through vouchers (either paper-based vouchers or e-vouchers) with demonstration plots and effective targeting could drive up smallholders’ demand for fertilizer and fertilizer supply by strengthening a sustainable network of wholesalers and retailers. This would likely boost agricultural productivity.
Influence of Land Use/Land Cover on Surface-Water Quality of Santa Lucía River, Uruguay
Authors: Gorgoglione Angela , Gregorio Javier , Ríos Agustín , Alonso Jimena , Chreties Christian , Fossati Mónica
Published: June 2020

Land use/land cover is one of the critical factors that affects surface-water quality at catchment scale. Effective mitigation strategies require an in-depth understanding of the leading causes of water pollution to improve community well-being and ecosystem health. The main aim of this study is to assess the relationship between land use/land cover and biophysical and chemical water-quality parameters in the Santa Lucía catchment (Uruguay, South America). The Santa Lucía river is the primary potable source of the country and, in the last few years, has had eutrophication issues. Several multivariate statistical analyses were adopted to accomplish the specific objectives of this study. The principal component analysis (PCA), coupled with k-means cluster analysis (CA), helped to identify a seasonal variation (fall/winter and spring/summer) of the water quality. The hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) allowed one to classify the water-quality monitoring stations in three groups in the fall/winter season. The factor analysis (FA) with a rotation of the axis (varimax) was adopted to identify the most significant water-quality variables of the system (turbidity and flow). Finally, another PCA was run to link water-quality variables to the dominant land uses of the watershed. Strong correlations between TP and agriculture-land use, TP and livestock farming, NT and urban areas arose. It was found that these multivariate exploratory tools can provide a proper overview of the water-quality behavior in space and time and the correlations between water-quality variables and land use.
Innovation-Driven or Challenge-Driven Participation in International Energy Innovation Networks? Empirical Evidence from the H2020 Programme
Authors: Calignano Giuseppe , Trippl Michaela
Published: June 2020

The European Union (EU) Framework Programmes represent the ideal platform for exchanging knowledge potentially leading to innovation outcomes, in addition to providing vital research funds for various types of organisations (firms, universities, agencies, etc.) The present paper aims to assess whether innovativeness (‘innovation-driven’ participation) or energy demand/vulnerability (‘challenge-driven’ participation) determine a different degree of participation in the context of the energy programme funded under Horizon 2020 (2014–2020 period). By combining social network analysis and econometrics, our empirical analysis clearly shows that the more innovative EU regions hold a central or key position, while the regions characterised by higher energy demand or vulnerability play a marginal role in the EU energy network. These findings are not dissimilar to what other scholars have observed in relation to different EU programmes and funding schemes. Based on this, we argue that EU policymakers and evaluators should aim at encouraging challenge-driven participation and, more generally, a more balanced participation through appropriate and specific policy actions.
Recognizing Energy Dilemmas and Injustices: An Interview Study of Thermal Comfort
Authors: Henning Annette
Published: June 2020

This article argues for the importance of recognizing local energy dilemmas and injustices that may arise in the wake of energy saving ambitions. Such energy justice dilemmas can occur anywhere, even in the wealthier parts of the world. Qualitative interviews were conducted immediately before energy efficiency renovation in a Swedish housing area, and perceptions of thermal comfort were used to illustrate the arguments of the article. The results show little compatibility between the housing company’s energy saving ambitions and the tenants’ wishes for a comfortable home. It is such discrepancies between the main actors of a renovation process, in habits, experiences and expectations, which tend to produce energy dilemmas and injustices. In the article, it is suggested that a more emic (insider’s) view should be adopted within the building and housing industry. An attempt to change from an etic (outsider’s) perspective to an emic perspective may help housing companies to find compromises with tenants. As illustrated through the example of thermal comfort, energy injustices can then more easily be avoided, and the well-being of tenants increased.
Multisensory Gas Analysis System Based on Reconstruction Attractors
Authors: Cheremisina Olga , Kulagin Vladimir , El-Saleem Suad , Nikulchev Evgeny
Published: June 2020

The paper describes the substance image formation based on the measurements by multisensor systems and the possibility of the development of a gas analysis device like an electronic nose. Classification of gas sensors and the need for their application for the recognition of difficult images of multicomponent air environments are considered. The image is formed based on stochastic transformations, calculations of correlation, and fractal dimensions of reconstruction attractors. The paper shows images created for substances with various structures that were received with the help of a multisensor system under fixed measurement conditions.
Document Clustering Using K-Means with Term Weighting as Similarity-Based Constraints
Authors: Buatoom Uraiwan , Kongprawechnon Waree , Theeramunkong Thanaruk
Published: June 2020

In similarity-based constrained clustering, there have been various approaches on how to define the similarity between documents to guide the grouping of similar documents together. This paper presents an approach to use term-distribution statistics extracted from a small number of cue instances with their known classes, for term weightings as indirect distance constraint. As for distribution-based term weighting, three types of term-oriented standard deviations are exploited: distribution of a term in a collection (SD), average distribution of a term in a class (ACSD), and average distribution of a term among classes (CSD). These term weightings are explored with the consideration of symmetry concepts by varying the magnitude to positive and negative for promoting and demoting effects of three standard deviations. In k-means, followed the symmetry concept, both seeded and unseeded centroid initializations are investigated and compared to the centroid-based classification. Our experiment is conducted using five English text collections and one Thai text collection, i.e., Amazon, DI, WebKB1, WebKB2, and 20Newsgroup, as well as TR, a collection of Thai reform-related opinions. Compared to the conventional TFIDF, the distribution-based term weighting improves the centroid-based method, seeded k-means, and k-means with the error reduction rate of 22.45%, 31.13%, and 58.96%.
Garment Categorization Using Data Mining Techniques
Authors: Jain Sheenam , Kumar Vijay
Published: June 2020

The apparel industry houses a huge amount and variety of data. At every step of the supply chain, data is collected and stored by each supply chain actor. This data, when used intelligently, can help with solving a good deal of problems for the industry. In this regard, this article is devoted to the application of data mining on the industry’s product data, i.e., data related to a garment, such as fabric, trim, print, shape, and form. The purpose of this article is to use data mining and symmetry-based learning techniques on product data to create a classification model that consists of two subsystems: (1) for predicting the garment category and (2) for predicting the garment sub-category. Classification techniques, such as Decision Trees, Naïve Bayes, Random Forest, and Bayesian Forest were applied to the ‘Deep Fashion’ open-source database. The data contain three garment categories, 50 garment sub-categories, and 1000 garment attributes. The two subsystems were first trained individually and then integrated using soft classification. It was observed that the performance of the random forest classifier was comparatively better, with an accuracy of 86%, 73%, 82%, and 90%, respectively, for the garment category, and sub-categories of upper body garment, lower body garment, and whole-body garment.
Graphical Modeling and Simulation for a Multi-Aircraft Collision Avoidance Algorithm based on Collaborative Decisions
Authors: Chen Xi , Wan Yu , Lao Songyang
Published: June 2020

The Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) is recognized worldwide as the last resort for avoiding midair collisions. The existing TCAS can solve pairwise conflict effectively, but cannot manage multi-aircraft conflict satisfactorily, and more seriously, can even trigger domino conflicts in some situation. In response to the increasingly frequent multi-aircraft conflicts, especially three-aircraft conflicts, it is necessary to improve the ability of TCAS. This paper studies the collision avoidance of multi-aircraft scenarios and innovatively proposes a collaborative optimization of a collision avoidance system (CAS) based on the state prediction of the aircraft. In the process, not only invading aircraft but also potential invading aircraft are considered in the plan for an optimal conflict resolution program. From the perspective of mathematics, the collaborative multi-aircraft conflict detection and resolution algorithm is described in detail in this paper. In the end, this paper conducts a comparative experiment to prove the feasibility of the algorithm in three-aircraft scenarios using InCAS software and Gmas simulation software based on graphical modeling of complex systems. The experimental results show that the CAS proposed in this paper can efficiently prevent the occurrence of domino conflicts and guide each aircraft to avoid conflict areas and return to their origin trajectories. In contrast, the existing TCAS will cause the target aircraft to intensify the conflict with the potential invading aircraft when avoiding intruder aircraft. The research greatly remedies the gaps in the area of multi-aircraft collision avoidance and greatly improves the ability and efficiency of TCAS.
Sequential Extraction of Potentially Toxic Metals: Alteration of Method for Cu-Ni Polluted Peat Soil of Industrial Barren
Authors: Slukovskaya Marina V. , Kremenetskaya Irina P. , Drogobuzhskaya Svetlana V. , Novikov Andrey I.
Published: June 2020

An evaluation of fraction composition and transformation of metal compounds emitted by metal ore processing enterprises and accumulated in soils is crucial for assessing the environmental risks of pollution and ecosystem benefit of remediation. The aim of this study was to develop a suitable sequential fractional procedure for metal pollutants for the peat soils matrix in the impact zone of a Cu-Ni smelter. Three experiment series were performed: (a) the study of the effect of ammonium acetate buffer pH in the range of 3.7–7.8 on the soil metal extraction; (b) the study of the effect of additional volume and frequency of soil treatment with solutions on the content of water-soluble, ammonium acetate extractable, and 0.1 N HNO3 extractable fractions; and, (c) the determination of the metal fraction composition in the modified technique. Soil treatment with ammonium acetate buffer with a pH range of 4.5–5.5 was the most appropriate for the determination of mobile compounds of Cu and other metals in highly polluted peat soil. Triple soil treatment with water and ammonium acetate is necessary for the complete extraction of the water-soluble and exchangeable fractions, respectively. Additionally, we propose a procedure of full extraction of the exchangeable metal fraction from peat soils while using single treatment with 0.1 N HNO3. This scheme allows evaluating geochemical mobility of metals and current environmental harm of polluted soils with a high content of organic matter.
Conversion of Cannabidiol (CBD) into Psychotropic Cannabinoids Including Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): A Controversy in the Scientific Literature
Authors: Golombek Patricia , Müller Marco , Barthlott Ines , Sproll Constanze , Lachenmeier Dirk W.
Published: June 2020

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring, non-psychotropic cannabinoid of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa L. and has been known to induce several physiological and pharmacological effects. While CBD is approved as a medicinal product subject to prescription, it is also widely sold over the counter (OTC) in the form of food supplements, cosmetics and electronic cigarette liquids. However, regulatory difficulties arise from its origin being a narcotic plant or its status as an unapproved novel food ingredient. Regarding the consumer safety of these OTC products, the question whether or not CBD might be degraded into psychotropic cannabinoids, most prominently tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), under in vivo conditions initiated an ongoing scientific debate. This feature review aims to summarize the current knowledge of CBD degradation processes, specifically the results of in vitro and in vivo studies. Additionally, the literature on psychotropic effects of cannabinoids was carefully studied with a focus on the degradants and metabolites of CBD, but data were found to be sparse. While the literature is contradictory, most studies suggest that CBD is not converted to psychotropic THC under in vivo conditions. Nevertheless, it is certain that CBD degrades to psychotropic products in acidic environments. Hence, the storage stability of commercial formulations requires more attention in the future.
Prebiotic Therapy with Inulin Associated with Low Protein Diet in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: Evaluation of Nutritional, Cardiovascular and Psychocognitive Parameters
Authors: Lai Silvia , Mazzaferro Sandro , Muscaritoli Maurizio , Mastroluca Daniela , Testorio Massimo , Perrotta Adolfo , Esposito Ylenia , Carta Maria , Campagna Linda , Di Grado Marta , Ramaccini Cesarina , De Leo Sabrina , Galani Alessandro , Amabile Maria Ida , Molfino Alessio
Published: June 2020

A relationship between dysbiotic gut microbiome and chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been recently documented; it contributes to CKD-related complications, including cardiovascular disease. Aim: We tested how a low-protein diet (LPD)—with or without oral inulin supplementation as a prebiotic—modulates some inflammatory, atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction indices and nutritional markers, as well as psychocognitive functions in CKD patients. We conducted a prospective, case–control study on CKD patients on conservative therapy, divided in two groups: the intervention group treated with LPD (0.6 g/kg/day) plus inulin (19 g/day) and a control group treated with LPD without inulin, for six consecutive months. Clinical and hematochemical parameters as well as instrumental, and psychocognitive assessments (by SF-36 survey and MMSE, HAM-D, BDI-II) were recorded in all the participants at baseline (T0), at three months (T1) and at six months (T2). A total of 41 patients were enrolled: 18 in the intervention group and 23 in the control group. At T2, in both groups, we observed a significant reduction of serum nitrogen and phosphorus (p ≤ 0.01) and serum uric acid (p ≤ 0.03), and an improvement in metabolic acidosis (bicarbonates, p ≤ 0.01; base excess, p ≤ 0.02). Moreover, at T2 the intervention group showed a reduction in serum insulin (p = 0.008) and fasting glucose levels (p = 0.022), HOMA-IR (p = 0.004), as well as lower total serum cholesterol (p = 0.012), triglycerides (p = 0.016), C-reactive protein (p = 0.044) and homocysteine (p = 0.044) and higher HDL (p < 0.001) with respect to baseline. We also observed a significant amelioration of some quality of life and functional status indices (SF-36 survey) among the intervention group compared to controls, without a significant improvement in the cognitive state (MMSE). On the other hand, an amelioration in mood (by HAM-D and BDI-II) was found in the intervention group and in controls (only by BID-II). In conclusion, LPD in association with oral inulin supplementation improved glycemic and lipid metabolism and ameliorated the systemic inflammatory state, likely reducing cardiovascular risk in CKD patients and this may represent a promising therapeutic option, also improving quality of life and mood.
Arboviruses and Muscle Disorders: From Disease to Cell Biology
Authors: Filippone Claudia , Legros Vincent , Jeannin Patricia , Choumet Valérie , Butler-Browne Gillian , Zoladek Jim , Mouly Vincent , Gessain Antoine , Ceccaldi Pierre-Emmanuel
Published: June 2020

Infections due to arboviruses (arthropod-borne viruses) have dramatically increased worldwide during the last few years. In humans, symptoms associated with acute infection of most arboviruses are often described as “dengue-like syndrome”, including fever, rash, conjunctivitis, arthralgia, and muscular symptoms such as myalgia, myositis, or rhabdomyolysis. In some cases, muscular symptoms may persist over months, especially following flavivirus and alphavirus infections. However, in humans the cellular targets of infection in muscle have been rarely identified. Animal models provide insights to elucidate pathological mechanisms through studying viral tropism, viral-induced inflammation, or potential viral persistence in the muscle compartment. The tropism of arboviruses for muscle cells as well as the viral-induced cytopathic effect and cellular alterations can be confirmed in vitro using cellular models. This review describes the link between muscle alterations and arbovirus infection, and the underlying mechanisms.
Tenth Scientific Biennial Meeting of the Australasian Virology Society—AVS10 2019
Authors: Helbig Karla J. , Bull Rowena A. , Ambrose Rebecca , Beard Michael R. , Blanchard Helen , Böcking Till , Chua Brendon , Colmant Agathe M. G. , Crosse Keaton M. , Purcell Damian F. J. , Fraser Johanna , Hayward Joshua A. , Hamilton Stuart T. , Husain Matloob , MacDiarmid Robin , Mackenzie Jason M. , Moseley Gregory W. , Nguyen Thi H. O. , Quiñones-Mateu Miguel E. , Robinson Karl , Rodrigo Chaturaka , Rodriguez-Andres Julio , Rudd Penny A. , Werno Anja , White Peter , Young Paul , Speck Peter , Hibma Merilyn , Drummer Heidi E. , Tachedjian Gilda
Published: June 2020

The Australasian Virology Society (AVS) aims to promote, support and advocate for the discipline of virology in the Australasian region. The society was incorporated in 2011 after 10 years operating as the Australian Virology Group (AVG) founded in 2001, coinciding with the inaugural biennial scientific meeting. AVS conferences aim to provide a forum for the dissemination of all aspects of virology, foster collaboration, and encourage participation by students and post-doctoral researchers. The tenth Australasian Virology Society (AVS10) scientific meeting was held on 2–5 December 2019 in Queenstown, New Zealand. This report highlights the latest research presented at the meeting, which included cutting-edge virology presented by our international plenary speakers Ana Fernandez-Sesma and Benjamin tenOever, and keynote Richard Kuhn. AVS10 honoured female pioneers in Australian virology, Lorena Brown and Barbara Coulson. We report outcomes from the AVS10 career development session on “Successfully transitioning from post-doc to lab head”, winners of best presentation awards, and the AVS gender equity policy, initiated in 2013. Plans for the 2021 meeting are underway which will celebrate the 20th anniversary of AVS where it all began, in Fraser Island, Queensland, Australia.
Propagation, Inactivation, and Safety Testing of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Jureka Alexander , Silvas Jesus , Basler Christopher
Published: June 2020

In late 2019, a novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in Wuhan, the capital of the Chinese province Hubei. Since then, SARS-CoV-2 has been responsible for a worldwide pandemic resulting in over 4 million infections and over 250,000 deaths. The pandemic has instigated widespread research related to SARS-CoV-2 and the disease that it causes, COVID-19. Research into this new virus will be facilitated by the availability of clearly described and effective procedures that enable the propagation and quantification of infectious virus. As work with the virus is recommended to be performed at biosafety level 3, validated methods to effectively inactivate the virus to enable the safe study of RNA, DNA, and protein from infected cells are also needed. Here, we report methods used to grow SARS-CoV-2 in multiple cell lines and to measure virus infectivity by plaque assay using either agarose or microcrystalline cellulose as an overlay as well as a SARS-CoV-2 specific focus forming assay. We also demonstrate effective inactivation by TRIzol, 10% neutral buffered formalin, beta propiolactone, and heat.
Evaluation of Chemical Protocols for Inactivating SARS-CoV-2 Infectious Samples
Authors: Pastorino Boris , Touret Franck , Gilles Magali , Luciani Lea , de Lamballerie Xavier , Charrel Remi N.
Published: June 2020

Clinical samples collected in coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), patients are commonly manipulated in biosafety level 2 laboratories for molecular diagnostic purposes. Here, we tested French norm NF-EN-14476+A2 derived from European standard EN-14885 to assess the risk of manipulating infectious viruses prior to RNA extraction. SARS-CoV-2 cell-culture supernatant and nasopharyngeal samples (virus-spiked samples and clinical samples collected in COVID-19 patients) were used to measure the reduction of infectivity after 10 min contact with lysis buffer containing various detergents and chaotropic agents. A total of thirteen protocols were evaluated. Two commercially available formulations showed the ability to reduce infectivity by at least 6 log 10, whereas others proved less effective.
Protective Passive Immunity in Escherichia coli ETEC-Challenged Neonatal Mice Conferred by Orally Immunized Dams with Nanoparticles Containing Homologous Outer Membrane Vesicles
Authors: Matías Jose , Pastor Yadira , Irache Juan M. , Gamazo Carlos
Published: June 2020

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains are a major cause of illness and death in mammals, including neonatal, recently weaned pigs and infant human beings. We have previously shown that outer membrane vesicles (OMV) obtained from ETEC serotypes encapsulated into zein nanoparticles, coated with a Gantrez-mannosamine polymer conjugate (OMV-NP), were immunogenic in mice and sows. In the present study, we show that pups from vaccinated mice were protected against ETEC F4 serotype challenge through maternal passive immunization. OMV from F4 cultures were collected and characterized. Two-week-pregnant BALB/c mice were orally immunized with a single dose of vesicles (0.2 mg) either free (OMV) or encapsulated into nanoparticles (OMV-NP). Evaluation of the antibodies in serum (IgG1, Ig2a or IgA) and feces (IgA) of dams immunized with OMV-NP revealed an enhancement of specific immunogenicity. The antibody response conferred by the nanoparticle adjuvant was also correlated with IL-6 and IL-10 splenic levels. Each mother was allowed to feed her progeny for one week. Suckling pups presented specific IgA in feces demonstrating their passive immunization through colostrum intake. Two weeks after the pups were born, they were infected orally with a single dose of F4 E. coli (1.2 × 108 CFU/pup). Results showed that 70% of the pups from dams immunized with OMV-NP were protected. In contrast, 80% of the pups from dams immunized with free OMV died as a result of the experimental challenge. These findings support the use of zein nanoparticles coated with a Gantrez-mannosamine shield as adjuvant delivery system for the oral immunization during pregnancy to confer immunity to the offspring through maternal immunization
Multiepitope-Based Subunit Vaccine Design and Evaluation against Respiratory Syncytial Virus Using Reverse Vaccinology Approach
Authors: Tahir ul Qamar Muhammad , Shokat Zeeshan , Muneer Iqra , Ashfaq Usman Ali , Javed Hamna , Anwar Farooq , Bari Amna , Zahid Barira , Saari Nazamid
Published: June 2020

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is primarily associated with respiratory disorders globally. Despite the availability of information, there is still no competitive vaccine available for RSV. Therefore, the present study has been designed to develop a multiepitope-based subunit vaccine (MEV) using a reverse vaccinology approach to curb RSV infections. Briefly, two highly antigenic and conserved proteins of RSV (glycoprotein and fusion protein) were selected and potential epitopes of different categories (B-cell and T-cell) were identified from them. Eminently antigenic and overlapping epitopes, which demonstrated strong associations with their respective human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and depicted collective ~70% coverage of the world’s populace, were shortlisted. Finally, 282 amino acids long MEV construct was established by connecting 13 major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-I with two MHC class-II epitopes with appropriate adjuvant and linkers. Adjuvant and linkers were added to increase the immunogenic stimulation of the MEV. Developed MEV was stable, soluble, non-allergenic, non-toxic, flexible and highly antigenic. Furthermore, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations analyses were carried out. Results have shown a firm and robust binding affinity of MEV with human pathogenic toll-like receptor three (TLR3). The computationally mediated immune response of MEV demonstrated increased interferon-γ production, a significant abundance of immunoglobulin and activation of macrophages which are essential for immune-response against RSV. Moreover, MEV codons were optimized and in silico cloning was performed, to ensure its increased expression. These outcomes proposed that the MEV developed in this study will be a significant candidate against RSV to control and prevent RSV-related disorders if further investigated experimentally.
Influenza Vaccination Experiences of Pregnant Women as a Predictor of the Intention to Become Vaccinated in Future Pregnancies in Spain
Authors: Rodríguez-Blanco Noelia , Tuells José , Nolasco Andreu
Published: June 2020

A good perception of the vaccines administered during pregnancy favors immunization coverage, which is still not optimal for the influenza vaccine. To understand the predisposition towards vaccination in future pregnancies, a study was performed that evaluated the experiences of women with the vaccine or influenza. A cross-sectional study was conducted through telephone interviews given to a total of 683 postpartum women in two health departments from the Valencia Community (Spain). This interview asked about their intention of becoming vaccinated in future pregnancies and whether they were favor or against vaccination. Most of them, 98.5% (n = 673 [95% CI: 97.6–99.4]) (p < 0.001) declared having received the systematic vaccines throughout their lives. The ones who were vaccinated against influenza, 91.9% (n = 387 [95% CI: 89.2–94.6]) (p < 0.001) manifested they would do so in future pregnancies. The probability of future non-vaccination was modeled, which was related to an unfavorable opinion towards vaccines (OR = 4.07 [95% CI: 2.01–8.24]) (p < 0.001), having suffered from influenza during pregnancy (OR = 3.84 [95% CI: 1.41–10.42]) (p < 0.05), and not having been vaccinated during previous pregnancies (OR = 38.47 [95% CI: 23.58–62.76]) (p < 0.001). Vaccination during pregnancy increases the intent of vaccination in the future.
May a Standard VOF Numerical Simulation Adequately Complete Spillway Laboratory Measurements in an Operational Context? The Case of Sa Stria Dam
Authors: Badas Maria Grazia , Rossi Riccardo , Garau Michela
Published: June 2020

The present work aims to assess whether a standard numerical simulation (RANS-VOF model with k − ϵ closure) can adequately model experimental measurements obtained in a dam physical model. The investigation is carried out on the Sa Stria Dam, a roller compacted concrete gravity dam currently under construction in Southern Sardinia (Italy). The original project, for which a physical model was simulated, included a downstream secondary dam. However, due to both economic and technical reasons, the secondary dam may not be built. Hence, it is important to assess the flood discharge routing and energy dissipation in the modified plan. Numerical validation is performed adopting the same laboratory configuration, in presence of the downstream dam, and results show a good agreement with mean experimental variables (i.e., pressure, water level). An alternative configuration without the downstream dam is here numerically tested to understand the conditions of flood discharge and assess whether its results can give relevant information for the design of mitigation measures. The topic is of interest also from a more general perspective. Indeed, the feasibility to integrate numerical models with existing laboratory measurements can be very useful not only for new constructions but also for existing dams, which may need either maintenance or upgrading works, such as in case of flood discharge increment.