bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Spatial Risk Factors with Social Media Data Analysis for an Ambulance Allocation Strategy: A Case Study in Bangkok
Authors: Jientrakul Ranon , Yuangyai Chumpol , Boonkul Klongkwan , Chaicharoenwut Pakinai , Nilsang Suriyaphong , Pimsakul Sittiporn
Published: August 2022

Emergency medical service (EMS) base allocation plays a critical role in emergency medical service systems. Fast arrival of an EMS unit to an incident scene increases the chance of survival and reduces the chance of victim disability. However, recently, the allocation strategy has been performed by experts using past data and experiences. This may lead to ineffective planning due to a lack of consideration of a recent and relevant data, such as disaster events, population density, public transportation stations, and public events. Therefore, we propose an approach of the integration of using spatial risk factors and social media factors to identify EMS bases. These factors are combined into a single domain by using the kernel density estimation technique, resulting in a heatmap. Then, the heatmap is used in a modified maximizing covering location problem with a heatmap (MCLP-Heatmap) to allocate ambulance base. To acquire recent data, social media is then used for collecting road accidents, traffic, flood, and fire incidents. Additionally, another data source, spatial risk information, is collected from Bangkok GIS. These data are analyzed using the kernel density estimation method to construct a heatmap before being sent to the MCLP-heatmap to identify EMS bases in the area of interest. In addition, the proposed integrated approach is applied to the Bangkok area with a smaller number of EMS bases than that of the existing approach. The simulated results indicated that the number of covered EMS requests was increased by 3.6% and the number of ambulance bases in action was reduced by approximately 26%. Additionally, the bases defined by the proposed approach covered more area than those of the existing approach.
Identifying Popular Frogs and Attractive Frog Calls from YouTube Data
Authors: Park Jun-Kyu , Park Woong-Bae , Do Yuno
Published: August 2022

Public interest in and preferences for certain species can sometimes provide an opportunity for conservation and management. Here, we attempted to identify ‘popular’ anurans from YouTube data. In addition, the attractiveness of anuran advertisement-calling sounds were analyzed using acoustic data. By searching YouTube with the search term ‘frog calling’, 250 videos were selected. Of these, 174 videos could be classified according to species; these videos aided in extracting clean calling sounds, free from the overlapping calls of other male frogs, as well as other sounds. To assess the interests and preferences of viewers for different species, the numbers of videos, view counts, ‘likes,’ and ‘dislikes’ were recorded. From the videos, the calls of 78 species belonging to 17 families were identified. Viewer interest was highest for the Hylidae and Ranidae species, which are often discoverable in the field. In addition, invasive frogs had large numbers of videos and large numbers of ‘likes.’ People tended to prefer frogs calling with lower dominant frequencies. However, there were few videos on endangered species, and these garnered relatively less interest than other species. To manage and conserve invasive or endangered frog species, there is a need to increase ecological understanding by adjusting species awareness and charisma.
Adaptive Responses to Water, Energy, and Food Challenges and Implications on the Environment: An Exploratory Study of Harare
Authors: Gandidzanwa Crecentia Pamidzai , Togo Muchaiteyi
Published: August 2022

Urban water, energy, and food (WEF) challenges are among the main barriers to poverty reduction and are some of the central targets of sustainable development goals (SDGs). SDGs seek to improve livelihoods in a sustainable manner through adequate and equitable distribution of the resources. In southern Africa, the scarcity of the resources has escalated due to increased pressure from urbanisation and climate change. This paper focuses on problems of the adaptive strategies that the communities are using in response to WEF challenges as well as the environmental implication of these choices. This article is based on qualitative research methods constituting interview guides administered to 6 city council officials, 2 NGO representatives, 35 households, and 1 Harare residents’ association. Observations were undertaken, and review of secondary data was also done to collect information. Data were collated into a narrative, which was then exposed to qualitative content analysis. Findings reveal the use of underground water in both low- and high-income areas. Firewood and charcoal are preferred for cooking in the low-income suburbs, with gas dominating in the high-income areas. Mobile tuckshops, extensive backyard farming, and open-space agriculture were the prevalent sources of food. Inaccessibility and lack of affordability are some of the identified WEF challenges. Overdependence on underground water lowers the water table, increasing the ecological footprint. Uncontrolled urban agriculture exposes available water sources to pollution.
The Relationship between Transportation Industry Efficiency, Transportation Structure, and Regional Sustainability Development in China: Based on DEA and PVAR Models
Authors: Li Zhuyuan , Hao Tianxu , Zheng Run
Published: August 2022

The sustainable development of the transportation industry has always been a major concern after China’s reform and opening up. Existing studies only examine the transportation efficiency of a single mode of transportation or a certain region without considering the overall efficiency of the national transportation industry. Furthermore, most studies do not consider the impact of transportation structure on transportation efficiency and economic development. Moreover, the correlations and interactions between transportation efficiency, transportation structure, and regional economic development have not been considered. Based on the research status, this study uses a panel vector autoregressive model to analyze the relationship between the three. The results show that the transportation efficiency value is the highest in the eastern region, followed by the central region, and it is the lowest in the western region. The equilibrium degree of transportation structure has a slight difference in the national transportation structure from 2011 to 2020, and the proportion of major transportation modes in each province is unchanged. The correlation of the three variables is as follows: (1) transportation efficiency and transportation structure have a mutually reinforcing effect in the short term; (2) regional economic development has a long-term contribution to transportation efficiency and structure improvement; and (3) the level of transportation efficiency plays a leading role in regional economic development. According to the empirical analysis results, this study puts forward relevant feasible suggestions for the decision makers who formulate the development policies of the transportation industry in order to optimize the structure, reduce resource waste, improve the service quality of various transportation modes, and promote the high-quality, sustainable development of the transportation industry and economy.
Dynamic ARDL Simulations Effects of Fiscal Decentralization, Green Technological Innovation, Trade Openness, and Institutional Quality on Environmental Sustainability: Evidence from South Africa
Authors: Udeagha Maxwell Chukwudi , Ngepah Nicholas
Published: August 2022

Fiscal decentralization and green innovation are important to a country’s economic progress, but the externalities of increased pollution as a result of a rise in the energy used and economic growth must not be overlooked. The destruction of the environment presents a serious threat to human existence. South Africa, like several nations, has been working on reducing its dependence on fossil fuels such as coal by utilizing modern energy-efficient technologies that allow to establish a more carbon-neutral economy. Several attempts have been made to identify the major sources of environmental deterioration. Within the Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence, and Technology (STIRPAT) framework from 1960 to 2020, this study aims to check empirically the effect of fiscal decentralization (FD), green technological innovation (GI), trade openness (OPEN), population size (POP), per capita GDP (GDP), per capita GDP squared (GDP2), institutional quality (INS), and energy consumption (EC) on carbon emissions (CO2) in South Africa, as given its fast economic progress the country is facing problems with CO2 emission. The recently developed novel dynamic autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL)-simulations framework has been used. The outcomes of the analysis indicate that (i) FD, GI, and INS improve environmental sustainability in both the short and long run; (ii) OPEN deteriorates environmental quality in the long run, although it is environmentally friendly in the short run; (iii) per capita GDP increases CO2 emissions, whereas its square contributes to lower it, thus validating the presence of an environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis; (iii) POP and EC contribute to environmental deterioration in both the short and long run; and (iv) FD, GI, OPEN, POP, GDP, GDP2, INS, and EC Granger cause CO2 in the medium, long, and short run, suggesting that these variables are important to influence environmental sustainability. In light of our empirical evidence, this paper suggests that the international teamwork necessary to lessen carbon emissions is immensely critical to solve the growing trans-boundary environmental decay and other associated spillover consequences. Moreover, it is important to explain responsibilities at different tiers of government to effectively meet the objectives of low CO2 emissions and energy-saving fiscal expenditure functions.
Robust Optimization for a Bi-Objective Green Closed-Loop Supply Chain with Heterogeneous Transportation System and Presorting Consideration
Authors: Kaoud Essam , Abdel-Aal Mohammad A. M. , Sakaguchi Tatsuhiko , Uchiyama Naoki
Published: August 2022

In this study, we propose a robust bi-objective optimization model of the green closed-loop supply chain network considering presorting, a heterogeneous transportation system, and carbon emissions. The proposed model is an uncertain bi-objective mixed-integer linear optimization model that maximizes profit and minimizes carbon emissions by considering uncertain costs, selling price, and carbon emissions. The robust optimization approach is implemented using the combined interval and polyhedral, “Interval+ Polyhedral,” uncertainty set to develop the robust counterpart of the proposed model. Robust Pareto optimal solutions are obtained using a lexicographic weighted Tchebycheff optimization approach of the bi-objective model. Intensive computational experiments are conducted and a robust Pareto optimal front is obtained with a probability guarantee that the constraints containing uncertain parameters are not violated (constraint satisfaction).
Investigation of Some Property Changes of Light-Colored Turkish Natural Stones after High-Temperature Treatments
Authors: Özdemir Engin
Published: August 2022

Natural stones are a widely used construction material for both structural and decorative purposes. It is a material used for many floors and cladding due to its special beauty and quite aesthetic appearance. However, natural stones are exposed to different temperatures due to natural, urban or industrial activities and they lose their physico-mechanical properties. It is known that high temperatures and fire cause degradation of construction and building stones. There are many studies investigating the effect of high temperatures on physical and mechanical properties of natural stones, while there are very limited studies on color and gloss. In this study, the changing physical and mechanical properties, color and gloss of different light-colored polished natural stones exposed to room temperature up to 1000 °C in the oven were investigated. For this purpose, natural stones were gradually exposed to 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 °C, starting from room temperature. After exposure to different temperatures, water absorption, porosity, Schmidt hammer hardness, point load strength, color and gloss were measured and compared to reference samples (at room temperature). However, all samples were decayed at 1000 °C, changes at this temperature value could not be determined. The results obtained at other temperature values were evaluated separately for each parameter. While the change in physico-mechanical properties of all samples up to 400 °C was limited, a dramatic change was observed with increasing temperature. In all samples, point load strength losses were observed due to an increase in porosity and water absorption. In addition, all samples darkened at 400 °C, while the whiteness value (L*) of samples increased at 800 °C. Gloss values gradually decreased due to the increase in temperature.
Modelling Freight Trip Generation Based on Deliveries for Brazilian Municipalities
Authors: Oliveira Leise Kelli de , Araújo Gracielle Gonçalves Ferreira de , Bertoncini Bruno Vieira , Pedrosa Carlos David , Silva Francisco Gildemir Ferreira da
Published: August 2022

Freight trip generation modelling is important for forecasting freight movements, and understanding freight movements is crucial to enabling sustainable freight transportation planning. The existing literature focuses on model development, and most of the previous models are estimated by ordinary least squares regression. However, few studies have carefully considered the OLS assumptions. The objective of this paper is to estimate freight trip generation models using deliveries to commercial establishments in Brazilian municipalities. A procedure is described to estimate models by ordinary least squares (OLS), and alternative techniques are considered to address the violations of the OLS assumptions. The analysis was conducted with data from 860 commercial establishments in nine Brazilian municipalities, and models were estimated for capital, non-capital, small, medium, and larger municipalities. The findings showed that alternative techniques to OLS regression can provide better-estimated parameters and more accurate results. Not evaluating the OLS assumptions could compromise the quality of the model and, consequently, planning using these models. Moreover, the results showed that the number of employees has a more significant influence in small cities and a lower influence in medium-sized municipalities. Finally, the findings demonstrated the importance of local models that include the municipalities’ characteristics and that can support freight transportation planning. These models can also include sustainable strategies for freight transport.
Transcriptional Stages of Conidia Germination and Associated Genes in Aspergillus flavus: An Essential Role for Redox Genes
Authors: Li Chong , Jia Sifan , Rajput Shahid , Qi Desheng , Wang Shuai
Published: August 2022

Aflatoxin is a threatening mycotoxin primarily present in the agricultural environment, especially in food and feedstuff, and poses significant global health risks. Aflatoxins are produced mainly by Aspergillus flavus. Conidia germination is the first step for A. flavus development. In this study, the transcriptome of A. flavus conidia was analyzed at three different stages of conidia germination, which were characterized by two different microscopes. Dormant conidia grew isotropically with the cell size increasing up to 5 h of after being inoculated in a liquid medium. Conidia changed towards polarized growth from 5 to 10 h of germination, during which germ tubes formed. Moreover, transcriptome analyses revealed that a larger number of genes changed in the isotropic growth stages compared to polarized growth, with 1910 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) up-regulated and 969 DEGs down-regulated in isotropic growth. GO and KEGG pathway analyses and pathway enrichment demonstrated that, in the isotropic growth stage, the top three pathways were translation, amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism. The ribosome was a key pathway in translation, as RPS28e, RPL53 and RPL36e were the top three DEGs. For polarized growth stage, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism were the top three most active pathways. POX1 from alpha-linolenic acid metabolism was a DEG in lipid metabolism as well. Genes related to the antioxidant system were crucial for conidia germination. Furthermore, RT-PCR results showed the same trends as the transcriptome for redox genes, and essential oils have a significant inhibitory effect on germination rate and redox gene expression. Therefore, redox genes play an important role during germination, and the disruption of redox genes is involved in the mechanism of action of coumalic acid and geraniol against A. flavus spore germination.
A Retrospective Evaluation of Snake Envenomation in Dogs in South Korea (2004–2021)
Authors: Lee Jeong-Min , Song Joong-Hyun , Song Kun-Ho
Published: August 2022

Snake envenomation is a medical emergency capable of causing local and systemic complications. However, information on venomous snakebite in dogs in South Korea is scarce. In this study, fifty-nine dogs treated at a private veterinary clinic from 2004 to 2021 were retrospectively studied. The aim was to characterize the demographics, elapsed time between snakebite and veterinary clinic presentation, laboratory findings, clinical signs, treatments, adverse reactions to antivenom, and prognosis of venomous snakebite. Snakebite was mostly observed between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. from April to October. On the days of envenomation, the weather conditions were mostly cloudy, followed by rain/precipitation, and least frequently fair weather. Grassland was the most common incident location, and leashed dog walking was the most frequent activity when snakebite occurred. The main local symptoms were edema, hemorrhagic discharge, cutaneous erythema, ulceration, and necrosis. Major systemic clinical signs were tachypnea, tachycardia, altered mentation, ptyalism, and hypotension. Based on the time interval between snakebite and presentation at the veterinary clinic, two groups were defined: <4 h (Group 1, 49.2%) and ≥4 h (Group 2, 50.8%). Systemic inflammation was more frequently observed in Group 2. The level of C-reactive protein at presentation (p = 0.036) and the highest-level during hospitalization (p = 0.023) were significantly elevated in Group 2 (≥4 h). The dogs in Group 2 displayed more frequent muscle damage (increased creatine kinase) than the dogs in Group 1, and a higher level of creatine kinase was associated with delayed (≥4 h) presentation after snakebite (p = 0.003). All of the dogs were treated symptomatically, and 34 dogs (58%) received antivenom. Treatment with antivenom showed no adverse reactions in this study. All of the treated dogs recovered. One dog was euthanized without any treatment due to respiratory distress, hypotension, and cost constraints. In conclusion, this study provides baseline information on venomous snakebite in dogs in South Korea. The prognosis was excellent, especially when the dogs were treated within 4 h.
Co-Radiation of Leptospira and Tenrecidae (Afrotheria) on Madagascar
Authors: Gomard Yann , Goodman Steven M. , Soarimalala Voahangy , Turpin Magali , Lenclume Guenaëlle , Ah-Vane Marion , Golden Christopher D. , Tortosa Pablo
Published: August 2022

Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonosis caused by pathogenic Leptospira that are maintained in the kidney lumen of infected animals acting as reservoirs and contaminating the environment via infected urine. The investigation of leptospirosis through a One Health framework has been stimulated by notable genetic diversity of pathogenic Leptospira combined with a high infection prevalence in certain animal reservoirs. Studies of Madagascar’s native mammal fauna have revealed a diversity of Leptospira with high levels of host-specificity. Native rodents, tenrecids, and bats shelter several distinct lineages and species of Leptospira, some of which have also been detected in acute human cases. Specifically, L. mayottensis, first discovered in humans on Mayotte, an island neighboring Madagascar, was subsequently identified in a few species of tenrecids on the latter island, which comprise an endemic family of small mammals. Distinct L. mayottensis lineages were identified in shrew tenrecs (Microgale cowani and Nesogale dobsoni) on Madagascar, and later in an introduced population of spiny tenrecs (Tenrec ecaudatus) on Mayotte. These findings suggest that L. mayottensis (i) has co-radiated with tenrecids on Madagascar, and (ii) has recently emerged in human populations on Mayotte following the introduction of T. ecaudatus from Madagascar. Hitherto, L. mayottensis has not been detected in spiny tenrecs on Madagascar. In the present study, we broaden the investigation of Malagasy tenrecids and test the emergence of L. mayottensis in humans as a result of the introduction of T. ecaudatus on Mayotte. We screened by PCR 55 tenrecid samples from Madagascar, including kidney tissues from 24 individual T. ecaudatus. We describe the presence of L. mayottensis in Malagasy T. ecaudatus in agreement with the aforementioned hypothesis, as well as in M. thomasi, a tenrecid species that has not been explored thus far for Leptospira carriage.
The Predictive Role of Hepatitis B Biomarkers on HBV Reactivation following Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy in HBV/HCV Coinfected Patients
Authors: Tseng Chih-Wei , Liu Wen-Chun , Ko Ping-Hung , Chen Yen-Chun , Tseng Kuo-Chih , Chang Ting-Tsung
Published: August 2022

Hepatitis B and C (HBV/HCV) coinfected patients have a potential risk of hepatitis B reactivation (HBVr) after direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) treatment. The study intends to investigate the predictive role of HBV biomarkers in HBVr. Forty-six HBV/HCV coinfected patients receiving DAAs were enrolled. All patients completed treatment and follow-up to the 12th-week post-DAA treatment (P12). Blood samples were measured for HBV biomarkers, including hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg), and HBV pregenomic RNA (HBV pgRNA). The predictive factors for HBVr after DAA treatment were analyzed. Among 31 patients without nucleot(s)ide analogue (NA) treatment, seven (22.5%, 7/31) developed HBVr without hepatitis flare-up. Patients with HBVr had higher HBsAg titers than those without HBVr from baseline to P12 (p = 0.008, 0.009, 0.004, and 0.006 at baseline, week 4, end of treatment, and P12, respectively). The baseline HBsAg level was the only predictive factor associated with HBVr (HR, 2.303; 95% CI, 1.086–4.882; p = 0.030). In predicting HBVr, a baseline HBsAg titer > 20 IU/mL had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 85.7%, 75.0%, 50%, and 94.7%, respectively. No patient had HBVr if the baseline HBsAg titer was <8 IU/mL. Serum HBcrAg and HBV pgRNA levels had no role in predicting HBVr. In conclusion, HBV/HCV coinfected patients are at risk of HBVr after DAA treatment. The baseline HBsAg level was the predictive factor associated with HBVr. Patients with a baseline HBsAg titer < 8 IU/mL can be considered as not having HBVr.
Rapid Amplicon Nanopore Sequencing (RANS) for the Differential Diagnosis of Monkeypox Virus and Other Vesicle-Forming Pathogens
Authors: Israeli Ofir , Guedj-Dana Yehoudit , Shifman Ohad , Lazar Shirley , Cohen-Gihon Inbar , Amit Sharon , Ben-Ami Ronen , Paran Nir , Schuster Ofir , Weiss Shay , Zvi Anat , Beth-Din Adi
Published: August 2022

As of July 2022, more than 16,000 laboratory-confirmed monkeypox (MPX) cases have been reported worldwide. Until recently, MPX was a rare viral disease seldom detected outside Africa. MPX virus (MPXV) belongs to the Orthopoxvirus (OPV) genus and is a genetically close relative of the Variola virus (the causative agent of smallpox). Following the eradication of smallpox, there was a significant decrease in smallpox-related morbidity and the population’s immunity to other OPV-related diseases such as MPX. In parallel, there was a need for differential diagnosis between the different OPVs’ clinical manifestations and diseases with similar symptoms (i.e., chickenpox, herpes simplex). The current study aimed to provide a rapid genetic-based diagnostic tool for accurate and specific identification of MPXV and additional related vesicle-forming pathogens. We initially assembled a list of 14 relevant viral pathogens, causing infectious diseases associated with vesicles, prone to be misdiagnosed as MPX. Next, we developed an approach that we termed rapid amplicon nanopore sequencing (RANS). The RANS approach uses diagnostic regions that harbor high homology in their boundaries and internal diagnostic SNPs that, when sequenced, aid the discrimination of each pathogen within a group. During a multiplex PCR amplification, a dA tail and a 5′-phosphonate were simultaneously added, thus making the PCR product ligation ready for nanopore sequencing. Following rapid sequencing (a few minutes), the reads were compared to a reference database and the nearest strain was identified. We first tested our approach using samples of known viruses cultured in cell lines. All the samples were identified correctly and swiftly. Next, we examined a variety of clinical samples from the 2022 MPX outbreak. Our RANS approach identified correctly all the PCR-positive MPXV samples and mapped them to strains that were sequenced during the 2022 outbreak. For the subset of samples that were negative for MPXV by PCR, we obtained definite results, identifying other vesicle-forming viruses: Human herpesvirus 3, Human herpesvirus 2, and Molluscum contagiosum virus. This work was a proof-of-concept study, demonstrating the potential of the RANS approach for rapid and discriminatory identification of a panel of closely related pathogens. The simplicity and affordability of our approach makes it straightforward to implement in any genetics lab. Moreover, other differential diagnostics panels might benefit from the implementation of the RANS approach into their diagnostics pipelines.
Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among Children Visiting a Tertiary Hospital during the Prevaccination Period, Southwest Region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Asseri Ali Alsuheel , Alsabaani Abdullah
Published: August 2022

Background: In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, tests to ascertain whether individuals were infected with SARS-CoV-2 were often unavailable. One method to deal with this issue is to test for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. This study sought to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in children in Saudi Arabia before vaccines were available to them. Methods: This study was conducted among children who visited the tertiary Maternity and Children Hospital in Abha city, Saudi Arabia. Serum samples were screened for SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies using ELISA. The crude and adjusted seroprevalence values among the studied children were calculated. Results: Among the 413 children studied, the ages of enrolled patients ranged from newborn to 12 years, with a median age of three years. We identified 127 (30.7%) seropositive children. IgG was exclusively positive in 43 (10.4%); IgM was exclusively positive in 8 (1.9%), and IgA was exclusively positive in 15 (3.6%) children. Conclusions: This study is the first to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among the pediatric population seeking medical care in southwestern Saudi Arabia. The findings shed light on the dynamics of virus transmission in the community and provide a good reference for future studies. Future research should examine factors related to SARS-CoV-2 infection and seroprevalence among pediatric populations.
Satisfaction with COVID-19 Vaccines in Health Care Workers and the General Population: A Cross-Sectional Study in Urban Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Kunno Jadsada , Yubonpunt Pataraporn , Sumanasrethakul Chavanant , Kaewchandee Chuthamat , Robson Mark Gregory , Wanichnopparat Wachiraporn , Prasittichok Krit , Luangwilai Titaporn , Chaichan Chonlawat , Krainara Patcharaporn , Supawattanabodee Busaba
Published: August 2022

Background: COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy is a global issue. Many people are concerned about experiencing side effects from the vaccine. This study evaluated satisfaction with the COVID-19 vaccine in the general population (GP) and healthcare workers (HCWs) in Bangkok, Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was distributed from September-December 2021. Independent sample t-tests were used to compare GP and HCW participants’ total vaccine satisfaction scores as well as their satisfaction with varying vaccine types. Multiple linear regression was used to identify predictors of satisfaction scores among GP and HCWs. Results: A total of 780 valid questionnaire responses were obtained. The majority of GP participants (n = 390) had received their first (93.3%) and second (88.5%) vaccination shots by viral vector vaccine; however, 90% had not received a third dose (booster). In contrast, the majority of HCW participants (n = 390) had received their first (92.8%) and second (82.8%) vaccination doses by the inactivated vaccine, and 83% had received a third vaccine dose. HCWs had significantly higher total satisfaction scores than GP participants (p = 0.034), and they were also significantly more satisfied with the mRNA vaccine as a third dose (p = 0.001). Multiple linear regression models found less association with vaccine satisfaction among GP participants who had not isolated following exposure to COVID-19 and those who have never been at risk of infection (ᵦ −0.159; 95% CI −12.867, −1.877; p = 0.009). Among HCWs, being married (ᵦ 0.157; 95% CI 0.794, 3.278; p = 0.001) or divorced (ᵦ 0.198; 95% CI 3.303, 9.596; p < 0.01) was more closely associated with vaccine satisfaction than being single. Conclusion: HCWs were more satisfied with the type and efficacy of inactivated, viral vector, and mRNA vaccines than GP participants, and the former were also more satisfied with the cost of vaccine boosters. Our results indicate that satisfaction with the COVID-19 vaccine is based on academic knowledge sharing and the government’s promotion efforts. Future research will explore strategies to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination.
The SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies, Their Diagnostic Utility, and Their Potential for Vaccine Development
Authors: Hajissa Khalid , Mussa Ali , Karobari Mohmed Isaqali , Abbas Muhammad Adamu , Ibrahim Ibrahim Khider , Assiry Ali A , Iqbal Azhar , Alhumaid Saad , Mutair Abbas Al , Rabaan Ali A. , Messina Pietro , Scardina Giuseppe Alessandro
Published: August 2022

Antibodies (Abs) are important immune mediators and powerful diagnostic markers in a wide range of infectious diseases. Understanding the humoral immunity or the development of effective antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 is a prerequisite for limiting disease burden in the community and aids in the development of new diagnostic, therapeutic, and vaccination options. Accordingly, the role of antiviral antibodies in the resistance to and diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection was explored. Antibody testing showed the potential in adding important diagnostic value to the routine diagnosis and clinical management of COVID-19. They could also play a critical role in COVID-19 surveillance, allowing for a better understanding of the full scope of the disease. The development of several vaccines and the success of passive immunotherapy suggest that anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies have the potential to be used in the treatment and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this review, we highlight the role of antibodies in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and provide an update on their protective roles in controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as vaccine development.
Impact of log(Kow) Value on the Extraction of Antibiotics from River Sediments with Pressurized Liquid Extraction
Authors: Chabilan Amélie , Landwehr Nicolette , Horn Harald , Borowska Ewa
Published: August 2022

The quantification of antibiotics (ABs) in sediments is an analytical challenge, but at the same time, it is indispensable to understand the fate of ABs in aquatic systems such as rivers. The aim of this study was to develop a comprehensive method to determine 19 ABs classified as macrolides, sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, clindamycin and trimethoprim in river sediments, using a combination of pressurized liquid extraction and solid phase extraction with the separation and detection with liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Our results showed that the physical-chemical properties (e.g., log(Kow) value) of the analytes affected the extraction efficiency. Therefore, we propose to order ABs based on their log(Kow) values instead of traditional classification (macrolides, sulfonamides etc.) to select a suitable extraction solvent. ABs with log(Kow) values below zero (mainly fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines) were difficult to extract with all of the tested protocols compared to ABs with a log(Kow) larger than zero. After comparing different extraction protocols for ABs from solid and sediments, we concluded that recoveries in the range of 0.8 to 64.8% could be achieved for ABs with a log(Kow) value larger than zero using a mixture of acetonitrile and 50 mM phosphoric acid (50/50, v/v) in two extraction cycles at 100 °C.
Spatial-Temporal Pattern Analysis of Land Use and Water Yield in Water Source Region of Middle Route of South-to-North Water Transfer Project Based on Google Earth Engine
Authors: Niu Pengtao , Zhang Enchao , Feng Yu , Peng Peihao
Published: August 2022

The water source area of the middle route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project is an important water conservation and ecological protection area in China. Based on remote sensing data, this paper analyzed the evolution process of land use/cover change in water source region in the past 35 years. Then, based on the InVEST model, the spatial-temporal patterns of water yield in the water source region were calculated with land use cover, meteorology and soil data as inputs. The impacts of climate factors such as precipitation and temperature and land use change on water yield were discussed, and the responses of water yield to these two changes were also discussed. The results show that from 1985 to 2020, the average water yield depth in the middle route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project increases first and then decreases, from 615 mm in 1985 to 738 mm in 2000, and then decreases to 521 mm in 2020. The spatial heterogeneity of the water-producing capacity is obvious. The high value of the water-producing capacity is concentrated in the Daba Mountain area in the south, while the low values are concentrated in the Hanzhong Basin, Ankang Basin and the eastern plain area. The spatial pattern of water producing depth has no obvious change. The average water yield depth of forest, grassland and shrub in the region was the largest, and forest and cultivated land were the main contributors to the total water yield of the region, providing 82% and 14% of the total water yield in 2020. Precipitation has a significant effect on water yield, while land use/cover change has a small effect on water yield.
Application of Central Composite Design for Optimization of Adsorption of Chromium(VI) by Spirulina platensis Algae Biomass
Authors: Urréjola-Madriñán Santiago , Paz-Armada Iñaki , Cameselle Claudio , Gouveia Susana
Published: August 2022

Algal biomass from Spirulina platensis has been tested for the adsorption of chromium (VI) in aqueous effluents. The study was conducted using a central composite experimental design. The selected variables were: biomass (0.25–0.75 mg), initial chromium concentration (100–500 mg/L), and contact time (3–8 h). This study proved that spirulina biomass shows good adsorption capacity in the experimental space selected for the central composite experimental design (CCD). The maximum adsorption capacity was 40 mg Cr/g of biomass in the tests with 500 mg/L of Cr(VI) and 0.25 g of spirulina. The statistical analysis confirmed that the adsorption capacity can be modelled using a linear equation that only depends on the initial chromium concentration and the biomass dose. These results suggest that the adsorption of Cr in spirulina raw biomass can be considered in the development of large-scale applications.
A Novel Roughness and Flow Pattern for Steep Stream-Type Fishways: Preliminary Insights
Authors: Aoki Muneyuki , Nitta Masayuki , Funakoshi Tomoaki , Sato Taisei
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study was to allow fish to move upstream past barriers or difficult sections of passage, even on steep stream-type fishways. Therefore, the authors devised a roughness arrangement to raise the water depth in the fishway and reduce its flow velocity. Roughness was used as a group in the arrangement so as to expect afflux effects. Water depth was raised and the flow velocity was reduced around the roughness groups, which allowed fish to hold position and move upstream. Although rapid flow was locally formed in some spots in the fishway, its area was small, enabling the fish to move upstream sufficiently. The experimental results obtained in this study will be applied as a removable stream-type fishway to small channels, head constructions, and so on where fishways cannot be installed due to management.
Efficacy of the Toxicity Control during the Degradation of TBBPA by Ozonation
Authors: Han Qi , Dong Wenyi , Wang Hongjie , Yu Boping , Liu Peng , Xie Linshen , Dai Zhiguang
Published: August 2022

This study has focused on the evaluation of the biotoxicity controlling effects during the TBBPA degradation by ozonation, including the acute, chronic and genetic toxicity under different [O3]/[TBBPA] (1:1–11:1), initial solution pH (5.0–9.0) and temperatures (10–40 °C). In addition, the comprehensive biotoxicity of the treated water sample was evaluated by the method of potential ecotoxic effects probe (PEEP). The results showed that TBBPA could be completely degraded with an initial solution pH of 7.0, temperature of 25 °C and an [O3]/[TBBPA] ratio of 9:1. The chronic toxicity of the untreated sample was as high as 41.7 TU, which represented the main toxicity of TBBPA itself. In contrast, the TBBPA showed a much lower acute and genetic toxicity in this study. During the process of TBBPA degradation, the ozonation could effectively control the toxicity of wastewater and showed strong adaptability. When the ratio of [O3]/[TBBPA] was 11:1, the acute and chronic toxicity were reduced to 0.02 TU and 0.76 TU, respectively, with the controlling rates being as high as 96% and 98.2% and meeting the emission standards. The mutagenicity ratio of the water sample was less than 2.0, indicating no genotoxicity risk. The evaluation of the comprehensive biological toxicity showed that ozonation could control the PEEP value below 2.0 in ranges of low [O3]/[TBBPA] ratio (3:1), wide pH (5–9) and temperatures (10–40 °C).
Abundance, Composition, and Potential Ecological Risks of Microplastics in Surface Water at Different Seasons in the Pearl River Delta, China
Authors: Gao Yuan , Fan Keyu , Wang Chao , Zeng Yanyi , Li Haiyan , Mai Yongzhan , Liu Qianfu , Lai Zini
Published: August 2022

In this study, microplastics in the surface water in the Pearl River Delta during different seasons were studied to analyze their temporal and spatial distribution, morphological characteristics, related socio-economic indicators, and potential ecological risks. Based on an analysis of surface water samples from 13 sampling sites, we found that the temporal and spatial distribution of microplastics in the Pearl River Delta were unbalanced. The microplastic abundances at the Qingqi, Chencun, Zuotan, and Beijiao sites were tremendously higher than those at other sites. Nevertheless, the abundance of microplastics at most sites was tremendously higher in the rainy season than dry season. Meanwhile, the morphological characteristics of microplastics had a strong correlation with the changes of season and site location. During the rainy season, the major color, shape, and size distribution of microplastics were gray (38.64%), strip (78.29%), and 100–500 μm (57.38%), respectively. The most usual color, shape, and size distribution of microplastics in the dry season were black (38.64%), granular (78.29%), and 0–100 μm (70.29%), respectively. As for the socio-economic indicators, including the degree of afforestation as well as the extent of industrial, transportation, and other human activities, all had varying degrees of impact on microplastic abundances. The potential ecological risk assessments demonstrated that most sites in the Pearl River Delta had a high potential for ecological risk related to microplastic pollution, which should be given more attention in the future. In summary, our investigations offer a theoretical basis for research related to microplastics in the Pearl River Delta and can further improve our understanding of the need to protect aquatic environments by exploring the overall ecological risks posed by microplastics.
Interdisciplinary knowledge with an individual development trajectory
Authors:   JSC “Salus”, Moscow, Ivankov E.A. , Kibalnikov S.V. ,   aculty of Geography of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov
Published: August 2022

The authors consider the technology of training highly professional specialists capable of managing the innovative development of industries. A new method of organizing a human-centered educational process is proposed, in which actual curricula are created directly during the academic semester with the help of additive technologies — the method of additive technologies in education.
Hepatoprotective effects of Nigella Sativa oil against acrylamide-induced liver injury in rats
Authors: HATİPOĞLU Durmuş , ÖZSAN Mehmet , DÖNMEZ Hasan Hüseyin , DÖNMEZ Nurcan
Published: August 2022

Acrylamide (AA) is a heat-induced carcinogen founds in some foods due to cooking or other thermal processes. This study was designed to investigate the possible protective efficacy of Nigella sativa essential oil against acrylamide-induced liver toxicity. Four groups of 32 male Wistar albino rats were formed. The control group was fed ad libitum. Acrylamide was administered to the rats in Group AA at a daily dose of 40 mg/kg by gavage. Nigella sativa essential oil was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 10mg/kg to the rats in Group NS. In Group AA+NS, daily applications of acrylamide and Nigella sativa essential oil were applied simultaneously as mentioned above. The trial period lasted 15 days. While acrylamide statistically increased MDA levels in liver tissue (P<0.05), (146.13 %) and decreased GSH and SOD activity statistically (P<0.05), (55.28% and 40.46%). In addition, liver proinflammatory cytokine levels increased due to acrylamide administration (P<0.05), [TNF-α (78.17%), IL-6 (76.08%)], anti-inflammatory cytokine levels (P<0.05), [IL-10 (61.16%)] decreased. Co-administration of Nigella sativa essential oil with acrylamide significantly reduced oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in liver tissues (P<0.05). In conclusion, our findings highlighted the potential therapeutic role of Nigella sativa essential oil in preventing acrylamide-induced hepatotoxicity.
Desafíos regulatorios en Pandemia
Authors: Díaz Tito Janepsy
Published: August 2022

Durante esta pandemia, en que los países se enfrentan a grandes incertidumbres por evidencia científica insuficiente, la introducción de nuevas tecnologías en los mercados nacionales, como las pruebas diagnósticas para detección del virus SARS-CoV-2, plantea retos a las autoridades reguladoras a nivel mundial para disponer de un sistema de controles regulatorios y un manejo prudente del riesgo, que sea capaz de proteger la salud pública.Para asegurar el acceso oportuno a dispositivos médicos, incluidos los dispositivos médicos de diagnóstico in vitro (DMDIV), esenciales durante la pandemia de COVID-19, los países han flexibilizado sus normativas y procesos regulatorios. Así, por ejemplo, la Food and Drug Administration (FDA) de Estados Unidos otorgó autorización para uso de emergencia a las pruebas diagnósticas in vitro para la detección y/o diagnóstico del brote de COVID-19, debiendo equilibrar la necesidad urgente de acceso a estas pruebas y un nivel de supervisión que ayude a garantizar el desempeño adecuado de estas, con base en la información disponible y proporcionada por los fabricantes. Esta situación sirve para ilustrar la utilización práctica del principio de precaución, usualmente aplicado cuando hay un alto grado de incertidumbre científica y hay necesidad de tomar acciones aun cuando no hay evidencia absoluta.(...)
El Virus del Distemper Canino, ¿Podría ser una zoonosis?
Authors: Rodas Noemí B , Barra Guisselle , Vasquez Abel Eduardo
Published: August 2022

El Virus del Distemper Canino es una enfermedad de distribución mundial que afecta principalmente a perros y una amplia variedad de animales. Existen vacunas en base a virus vivos, que se han desarrollado con variantes del virus que se han aislados en países desarrollados, lo cual no siempre confiere la protección inmunológica necesaria para proteger frente a las variantes locales del virus. El desarrollo de vacunas de subunidades en base a proteínas conservadas del virus es un área en desarrollo y una vacuna mucosal sería una excelente alternativa a las vacunas disponibles en la actualidad.El virus infecta a las células del sistema inmune y se replica en los ganglios linfáticos, donde interacciona con el receptor CD150, conocido por la sigla en inglés de SLAM, que es exclusivo de células del sistema inmune, pero también infecta otras células y órganos, lo que indica que es ligando de otros receptores celulares. Se ha descrito mutaciones del virus que son más agresivas y evaden de mejor forma el sistema inmune, pero además, se ha descrito nuevas variantes del virus que podrían tener afinidad a otros receptores celulares y se ha observado la capacidad de infectar a células humanas en cultivos y podrían ser potencialmente zoonóticos para el humano, por lo que es recomendable hacer una vigilancia de los virus que circulan en las diferentes regiones del mundo y estar atentos a las diferentes mutaciones que se puedan generar.
Enfrentar la Pandemia Prolongada
Authors: Fábrega Lacoa Ricardo
Published: August 2022

Ya han pasado casi 2 años y medio desde que se declaró la emergencia internacional por COVID-19. Desde entonces hasta ahora se han sucedido diversas olas y han aparecido nuevas variantes que han tenido a nuestros países en permanente estado de alerta. La gigantesca cooperación internacional científico-técnica para desarrollar vacunas, métodos de diagnóstico y tratamientos, han tenido como contrapartida una enorme debilidad de los sistemas de salud y de la gobernanza internacional para lograr un acceso equitativo que permita controlar globalmente la amenaza.(...)
Traición, memoria y olvido. La política imperial y la historia en el cristianismo africano (s. III-V)
Authors: García Mac Gaw Carlos
Published: August 2022

Observaremos en estas páginas algunos efectos de la acción política del estado romano sobre las iglesias del norte africano entre los siglos III y V de nuestra era. Se analiza especialmente el resultado de la represión y las consecuencias de las intervenciones del Estado en las comunidades cristianas en relación con sus estructuras de poder. Nos detendremos en las situaciones producidas por la intervención estatal en el periodo de las persecuciones de Decio y Diocleciano y luego las de Constantino, aún cuando este emperador había impulsado poco antes un edicto de libertad religiosa. Para el caso del norte del África resultan de particular interés las derivaciones que tuvo para la comunidad cristiana el cambio de grupo perseguido a aliado del estado y la intervención del emperador en las disputas internas de los cristianos que derivaron en el cisma donatista. En especial, se estudian los conflictos de poder resultado del surgimiento de grupos que compitieron por el control de la institución, así como la persistencia de la memoria colectiva y las prácticas discursivas sobre las cuales esta se sostuvo.