bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rookie Tourism Destinations—The Effects of Attractiveness Factors on Destination Image and Revisit Intention with the Satisfaction Mediation Effect
Authors: Ćulić Milan , Vujičić Miroslav D. , Kalinić Časlav , Dunjić Milosav , Stankov Uglješa , Kovačić Sanja , Vasiljević Đorđije A. , Anđelković Željko
Published: May 2021

Emerging tourism destinations repeatedly face many managerial challenges, often leading to common pitfalls and rookie mistakes. The current study aims to analyze relationships between destination attractiveness factors (Destination Amenities, Tourism Infrastructure and Accessibility, Active Family Destination, Hospitality and Services, and Social–Safety–Economic Values), satisfaction, destination image, and revisit intentions to test a mediating role of satisfaction between destination attractiveness factors and both destination image and revisit choices within so-called rookie destinations. For this purpose, a quantitative study was carried out using a questionnaire as an instrument for data collection. Data were collected from a sample of 2030 visitors to Serbia. Structural equation modeling (SEM) in R was applied to analyze the data. The results revealed the positive direct effects of destination attractiveness factors on satisfaction, destination image, and revisit intentions. Moreover, the research confirmed the mediating role of satisfaction in the relationship between destination attractiveness and destination image, and revisit intentions. The results are further discussed from the perspective of emerging tourism destinations to make their management more sustainable for the future and mitigate the repetition of rookie mistakes.
Probabilistic Seismic Demand Analysis of Soil Nail Wall Structures Using Bayesian Linear Regression Approach
Authors: Bayat Mahdi , Kosarieh Amir Homayoon , Javanmard Mehran
Published: May 2021

This paper presents the seismic analytic fragility curve of soil nail wall structures. The numerical modeling procedure of the soil nail wall is presented and discussed in detail. Nonlinear elements have been used to provide an accurate finite element modeling of the soil nail wall. The effect of different soil modeling approaches is studied. Detailed procedures to select an efficient intensity measure are presented. Analytical fragility curves for the different performance levels of the soil nail wall are developed. Detailed techniques have been used to generate accurate soil modeling, such as the Mohr-Coulomb model (MC), Hardening Soil model (HS), and Hardening Soil model with Stiffness effect from small strains (HSS), and these are studied. Incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) is implemented to capture the response of the wall from linear to nonlinear levels. The efficiency of the two common intensity measures is studied (PGA and Sa(T1,5%)). It has been demonstrated that HSS and HS models are more reliable techniques for soil modeling. Two common intensity measures are studied, and the efficiency and the sufficiency of them are compared. It has been suggested that Sa(T1,5%) is a more efficient intensity measure than PGA for soil nail structures due to less depression in the IDA results. Different performance levels were defined to develop analytical fragility curves for different damage states.
Probabilistic Optimization of Networked Multi-Carrier Microgrids to Enhance Resilience Leveraging Demand Response Programs
Authors: Azimian Mahdi , Amir Vahid , Habibifar Reza , Golmohamadi Hessam
Published: May 2021

Microgrids have emerged as a practical solution to improve the power system resilience against unpredicted failures and power outages. Microgrids offer substantial benefits for customers through the local supply of domestic demands as well as reducing curtailment during possible disruptions. Furthermore, the interdependency of natural gas and power networks is a key factor in energy systems’ resilience during critical hours. This paper suggests a probabilistic optimization of networked multi-carrier microgrids (NMCMG), addressing the uncertainties associated with thermal and electrical demands, renewable power generation, and the electricity market. The approach aims to minimize the NMCMG costs associated with the operation, maintenance, CO2e emission, startup and shutdown cost of units, incentive and penalty payments, as well as load curtailment during unpredicted failures. Moreover, two types of demand response programs (DRPs), including time-based and incentive-based DRPs, are addressed. The DRPs unlock the flexibility potentials of domestic demands to compensate for the power shortage during critical hours. The heat-power dual dependency characteristic of combined heat and power systems as a substantial technology in microgrids is considered in the model. The simulation results confirm that the suggested NMCMG not only integrates the flexibility potentials into the microgrids but also enhances the resilience of the energy systems.
Structure Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Cross-Border Electricity Trade: A Complex Network Perspective
Authors: Pu Yue , Li Yunting , Wang Yingzi
Published: May 2021

Electricity is one of the most widely used forms of energy. However, environmental pollution from electricity generation and the mismatch between electricity supply and demand have long been bothering economies across the world. Under this background, cross-border electricity trade provides a new direction for sustainable development. Based on the complex network approach, this paper aims to explore the structural characteristics and evolution of cross-border electricity trade networks and to figure out the factors influencing the formation of the network by using the more advanced network analysis method—ERGM. The results show that: (1) The scale of the electricity trade network is expanding, but there are still many economies not involved. (2) The centrality of the network shifts from west to east. The level of internal electricity interconnection is high in Europe, and Asian countries’ coordination role in cross-border electricity trade networks is enhanced. (3) Cross-border electricity trade helps to reduce CO2 emissions, achieve renewable energy transformation, and reduce power supply and demand mismatch. Large gaps in GDP, electricity prices, industrial structure, geographical distance and institutional distance between economies are not conducive to form the cross-border trade network, while the common language is on the contrary.
Impact of Green Credit Financing and Carbon Emission Limits on the Supply Chain Based on POF
Authors: Deng Liurui , Yang Lan , Li Wei
Published: May 2021

In recent years, environmental protection has been paid more and more attention. Green credit policy (GCP) is one of the significant preferential policies for government to encourage enterprises to vigorously develop green projects. We are interested in the impact of the central bank’s GCP on the profits and optimal strategies of manufacturers and suppliers related to POF (purchase order financing). Specifically, we build a game-theoretical model consisting of a manufacturer, a bank and a green supplier and a non-green supplier. Furthermore, the optimal strategies of the manufacturer and suppliers when the bank or the government sets a carbon emission cap on suppliers are discussed. We come to some important conclusions about a GCP that promotes the development of green projects since it brings higher profits to both the manufacturer and suppliers than the lack of a GCP. Furthermore, the higher the production cost, the better the effect of a GCP. Under the carbon emission restrictions required by the government, the effect of GCP is weakened and the profits of the manufacturer and the suppliers are reduced to zero due to the gradually increasing delivery risks as production costs increase.
Effects of Dual Credit Policy and Consumer Preferences on Production Decisions in Automobile Supply Chain
Authors: Peng Liangui , Li Ying , Yu Hui
Published: May 2021

New energy vehicles have a significant advantage in energy saving and environmental pollution reduction in the transportation industry; however, they are still at a disadvantage in the market competition. The Chinese government has introduced lots of policy measures to promote the mass adoption of new energy vehicles (NEVs), specifically the dual credit policy. Moreover, consumer’s preferences are vital factors in their purchase decision making. This study focuses on the production decisions of automobile manufacturers under the decentralized and centralized supply chain, considering the factors of both consumer preferences and dual credit policy. First, under the centralized decision mode, higher demand drives the manufacturer to expand production; however, retailers’ profits are harmed. With the increase in consumers’ environmental preference and cognition of endurance ability, market pricing and demand increase under the decentralized decision mode. The cross effects of preferences bring more profits for manufacturers and retailers. Second, the difference in prices and profits widens, under the two decision modes, as increases in consumer preferences’ value. When consumers have higher environmental preferences, manufacturers and retailers should increase the new energy vehicle pricing. Otherwise, they should decrease pricing to increase the market penetration ratio. In addition, the impacts of one preference on the profit difference are related to the other preference.
Prediction of Depth of Seawater Using Fuzzy C-Means Clustering Algorithm of Crowdsourced SONAR Data
Authors: Kamolov Ahmadhon Akbarkhonovich , Park Suhyun
Published: May 2021

Implementing AI in all fields is a solution to the complications that can be troublesome to solve for human beings and will be the key point of the advancement of those spheres. In the marine world, specialists also encounter some problems that can be revealed through addressing AI and machine learning algorithms. One of these challenges is determining the depth of the seabed with high precision. The depth of the seabed is utterly significant in the procedure of ships at sea occupying a safe route. Thus, it is considerably crucial that the ships do not sit in shallow water. In this article, we have addressed the fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering algorithm, which is one of the vigorous unsupervised learning methods under machine learning to solve the mentioned problems. In the case study, crowdsourced data have been trained, which are gathered from vessels that have installed sound navigation and ranging (SONAR) sensors. The data for the training were collected from ships sailing in the south part of South Korea. In the training section, we segregated the training zone into the diminutive size areas (blocks). The data assembled in blocks had been trained in FCM. As a result, we have received data separated into clusters that can be supportive to differentiate data. The results of the effort show that FCM can be implemented and obtain accurate results on crowdsourced bathymetry.
Fear, Stress, Resilience and Coping Strategies during COVID-19 in Spanish University Students
Authors: Morales-Rodríguez Francisco Manuel
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 (2019 coronavirus pandemic) and the resulting confinement has had an impact on mental health and the educational environment, affecting the stress, concerns, fear, and life quality of the university population. This study aimed to examine the correlation between fear of COVID-19, stress with COVID-19, and technological stress in university students, and their resilience, self-esteem, and coping strategies. The final sample comprised 180 Spanish university students, with an average age of 20.76 years (SD = 4.59). The above-mentioned effects were administered a series of self-report scales. We found statistically significant associations between fear of COVID-19 and stress with COVID-19, technological stress (total score), overload, and complexity (subdimensions of technological stress). Likewise, we found inverse relationships between the students’ fear of COVID-19 and the use of the coping strategy, cognitive restructuring. Ascertaining the factors that influence the coping strategies of undergraduate university students and their fears, psychological stress, and resilience provides valuable information for the development of educational interventions. This research has relevant implications for the diagnosis, orientation, and design of psycho-educational and clinical interventions that can improve students’ well-being and training for effective coping strategies for daily stress and this pandemic situation.
Mixed Analysis of the Flipped Classroom in the Concrete and Steel Structures Subject in the Context of COVID-19 Crisis Outbreak. A Pilot Study
Authors: Campanyà Carles , Fonseca David , Amo Daniel , Martí Núria , Peña Enric
Published: May 2021

A sudden lockdown was declared on 14 March 2020 due to COVID-19 crisis, leading to an immediate change from face-to-face to online learning in all universities within Spanish jurisdiction. At La Salle School of Architecture, the Concrete and Steel Structures subject started online classes immediately after the lockdown law was published, using a methodology based on the flipped classroom approach and adapting the monitoring of the student to the virtual environment. This article presents a pilot study to analyze the adaptation of the model to the online format using a mixed approach in which qualitative and quantitative surveys were conducted at the end of the course with 48 participants. Responses from both surveys were organized according to six categories (teachers, assessment, methods, class development, students and documents) and 14 subcategories, as developed in an undergoing research project involving the subject since the academic year 2017/2018. Thus, the open responses of the students have been analyzed alongside with the quantitative data. The results demonstrate a proper adaptation of the model, as well as the negative perception of the students of the online format due to the loss of face-to-face benefits of the flipped classroom.
The Impact of Biodegradable Geotextiles on the Effect of Sodding of Difficult Terrain
Authors: Kacorzyk Piotr , Strojny Jacek , Białczyk Barbara
Published: May 2021

Difficult terrain is characterized by deteriorated conditions for plant adaptation, e.g., owing to poor substrate, substantial land slope, or intensive insolation. In terms of plant adaptation, difficult terrain includes newly created ski slopes, any kind of embankment, scarps, levees, and etc. Application of grasses is an effective and economic method of stabilization of the ground. However, sowing of grass-legume mixtures to sod these areas does not typically produce adequate effects. Application of a new generation of protective fabrics with the addition of bird feathers may be a remedy to these problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of biodegradable fabrics for covering difficult areas to improve the habitat conditions for plants. To evaluate this issue, an area characterized by difficult conditions for plant development was selected. Five types of protective fabrics were applied. The main factor influencing the efficiency of the sodding of difficult terrain was the application of fabrics that were capable of absorbing water, which were then given to plants over a longer period of time. Vegetation grew easiest through the geotextile made of sheep wool with the addition of bird feathers. Fabrics manufactured from problematic waste materials contribute to an ecological effect as well as an economic effect resulting from lower costs of waste management as well as the income from selling the innovative product.
Can a Win–Win Situation of Economy and Environment Be Achieved in Cities by the Government’s Environmental Regulations?
Authors: Li Xinfei , Cheng Baodong , Hong Qiling , Xu Chang
Published: May 2021

Based on the panel data of 216 prefecture-level cities in China from 2003 to 2016, this study selected five emission-reduction indicators (industrial SO2 removal rate, soot removal rate, comprehensive utilization rate of industrial solid waste, domestic sewage treatment rate, and harmless treatment of domestic waste rate) to quantify the intensity of urban environmental regulations. Based on the intensity of environmental regulations, the authors further studied the impact of environmental regulations on economic quality (green total factor productivity) and environmental quality (PM2.5). The test results showed that the impact of environmental regulation on PM2.5 is a U-type change that first declines and then rises, while the impact of the implementation of environmental regulation on green total factor productivity is an inverted U-shaped change, which first increases and then decreases. On the one hand, appropriate environmental regulations are conducive to improving environmental quality and improving urban green total factor productivity. On the other hand, excessive environmental regulations have not only failed to improve environmental quality, but also have a negative impact on the improvement of economic quality. In addition, there are regional differences in the impact of environmental regulations, so it is necessary to formulate appropriate and local environmental regulatory policies.
Slime Mold Algorithm for Optimal Reactive Power Dispatch Combining with Renewable Energy Sources
Authors: ElSayed Salah K. , Elattar Ehab E.
Published: May 2021

The optimal reactive power dispatch (ORPD) is a complex, nonlinear, and constrained optimization problem. This paper presents the application of a new metaheuristic optimization technique called the slime mold algorithm (SMA) for solving the developed objective function of ORPD combining with renewable energy sources. The presented objective function is to minimize the total operating cost of the system through the minimization of all reactive power costs, total real power loss, voltage deviation of load buses, the system overload and improve voltage stability. The formulation of the ORPD problem combining with renewable energy sources with five different objective functions is then converted to a coefficient single objective function achieving various operating constraints. The SMA technique has been tested and proven on the IEEE 30-bus system and IEEE-118 bus system using different scenarios. Five different scenarios, with and without renewable energy sources, are presented on the two-test system and the simulation results of the SMA is compared to some optimization techniques from the literature under the same test system data, optimal control variables, and operational constraints. The superiority and effectiveness of the SMA are proven through comparison with the other obtained results from recently published optimization techniques.
Sustainability and Digital Transformation in the Visegrad Group of Central European Countries
Authors: Esses Diána , Csete Mária Szalmáné , Németh Bálint
Published: May 2021

The evolution of the digital transformation presents new challenges and many new opportunities, and provides unique solutions to individual issues, both for sectors and regions. The challenges posed by the digital world have a significant impact on social and economic processes, as well as our environment. This paper aims to provide an indicator-based understanding of the main characteristics of digitalization promoting sustainable development in the member countries of the Visegrad Cooperation. The main goal of this research is to study the relationship between digitalization transformation and sustainability together. One of the basic indicators of the article is the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI). We examined interconnections between the dimensions of the DESI index and the indicators of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets together in the V4, presented the change, evaluated the selected countries based on these aspects, and set up their ranking. Competitiveness performance data shed light on the situation in Hungary within the V4 countries, pointing out the strengths and shortcomings. The results show the extent of digital performance in each country and the relationship between their digital performance and sustainability indicators.
The Ebb and Flow of Study Abroad: A Comparative Analysis of PRC and International Students in Taiwan
Authors: Roberts Amy , Ching Gregory S.
Published: May 2021

The dialogue about study abroad is a contemporary trend. Since 2011, enrolments from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) have gradually increased and PRC students have now become one of the largest groups of incoming study abroad participants in Taiwan. In this study, investigators explored the characteristics of PRC students in comparison with other international students studying in Taiwan universities. Data were collected from 1870 study abroad students. Data collected include the various study abroad goals, prior study abroad experiences, the Short-term Study Abroad Situational Change Survey, the revised East Asian Acculturation Measures, the Study Abroad Acculturative Hassles, and their overall study abroad satisfaction. Data analyses included computation of the mean, frequency, cross-tabulation of respondents’ responses for identified questions, and various group comparisons. Implications suggest that the characteristics of PRC students are valuable and potentially transformative markers for sustainable cross-strait ties. Study abroad programs in Taiwan are noted as one piece of the emerging discourse for sustainable co-existence between Taiwan and the PRC. As such, PRC study abroad participants along with faculty and students in Taiwan universities have an opportunity to play a role in reshaping future exchanges as well as transforming themselves into stewards of a trans-Pacific community.
Key Challenges to Sustainable Humanitarian Supply Chains: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Karuppiah Koppiahraj , Sankaranarayanan Bathrinath , Ali Syed Mithun , Paul Sanjoy Kumar
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 has had a major impact on health, economic, social, and industrial activities. It has disrupted supply chain management and affected the movement of essential supplies to a large extent. This study aims to identify and evaluate the challenges hampering sustainable humanitarian supply chain management (SHSCM). Twenty critical challenges to SHSCM are identified using a comprehensive literature review, and three strategies were developed. The challenges and strategies were verified using expert input. The challenges were evaluated using the neutrosophic analytic hierarchical process (AHP) method. The neutrosophic TODIM (an acronym in Portuguese for interactive multicriteria decision making) method was then used to select the best strategy. The findings reveal that facility location problems, short lead times for emergency supplies, spread of rumors, rapid emergence of new clusters, and doubt concerning the available remedy are five critical challenges in SHSCM during COVID-19. Public–private partnerships are identified as the best strategy in SHSCM. Finally, this paper discusses the implications to sustainable development goals in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era.
An Extenics-Based Scheduled Configuration Methodology for Low-Carbon Product Design in Consideration of Contradictory Problem Solving
Authors: Ren Shedong , Gui Fangzhi , Zhao Yanwei , Zhan Min , Wang Wanliang , Zhou Jianqiang
Published: May 2021

Low-carbon product design involves a redesign process that requires not only structural module modification, but more importantly, generating innovative principles to solve design contradictions. Such contradictions include when current design conditions cannot satisfy design requirements or there are antithetical design goals. On the other hand, configuration tasks in the reconfiguration process are interdependent, which requires a well-scheduled arrangement to reduce feedback information. This study proposes an effective configuration methodology for low-carbon design. Firstly, configuration tasks and configuration parameters are designated through quality characteristics, and the directed network along with the associated values of configuration tasks are transformed into the design structure matrix to construct the information flow diagram. Then, the Extenics-based problem-solving model is presented to address design contradictions: low-carbon incompatibility and antithetical problems are clarified and formulated with a basic-element model; extensible and conjugate analysis tools are used to identify problematic structures and provide feasible measures; the Gantt chart of measures execution based on the information flow diagram is constructed to reduce feedback and generate robust schemes with strategy models. The methodology is applied to the vacuum pump low-carbon design, the results show that it effectively solves contradictions with innovative design schemes, and comparative analysis verifies the performance of Extenics.
Home Bias and Corporate Environmental Social Responsibility
Authors: Rong Xing , Song Bingjie , Zhang Tingting , Liu Kai
Published: May 2021

This paper analyzes the impact of executives’ hometown identification on corporate environmental social responsibility (CESR) using a sample of Chinese A-share-listed companies from 2007 to 2018. It finds that: the CESR scores of companies are higher when executives work in their hometowns, indicating that executives’ hometown identification significantly improves the fulfillment of CESR; mechanism tests show that the above relationship is more significant in regions with superior environmental quality, indicating that executives take CESR more seriously in their hometowns more due to social pressure; further tests found that executive characteristics, such as executive type and age, have a regulating effect on this relationship. In addition, the nature of property rights of listed companies also affects executives’ hometown identification. Executives of state-owned enterprises have a stronger hometown identification, which enhances the fulfillment of CESR to a higher extent. In the context of the micro level of the enterprise, this paper provides positive evidence that an informal system, named as “hometown identity”, can enhance the performance of CESR and the pressure effect implicitly behind the social network, which enriches and expands the research related to CESR fulfillment.
Groundwater, Graves and Golf: Layers of Heritage Tourism on a Fiji Resort Island
Authors: Spennemann Dirk H. R.
Published: May 2021

While island resorts in the South Pacific are primarily marketed as sun, sea and sand destinations, cultural dimensions value-add to and diversify the product for mixed audiences. Resort developments require, at minimum, the compliance with legally mandated environmental standards and adherence to national employment legislation. Socio-culturally and environmentally sustainable tourism concepts should exceed mandated environmental standards and be characterised by a close involvement with and respect for the expectations of local host communities who may hold land and/or traditional usufruct rights. But do resort developments comply? Using an example of a resort established on free-hold land during the pioneering days of resort development in Fiji, the aim of this paper is to provide a deliberation of the tension between organic resort development and sustainable tourism on private land. It will show that, where cultural and environmental planning controls were absent, development not only could progress unfettered but also that changes to tourism philosophies are not necessarily reflected in changes to a resort. The island of Malolo Lailai (Viti Levu, Fiji) has a rich and multi-layered history and heritage (Fijian, European and Chinese plantations, resort development) that provides an opportunity to value-add to the tourist experience. In reality, however, the ongoing resort development extinguishes past histories in favour of a post-occupation, twentieth-century colonial settler narrative, where heritage sites are merely allowed to co-exist provided they do not impact on resort development objectives. It demonstrates that, in the absence of external regulatory controls, the resort owner’s philosophy dominates and shapes the tourist experience.
A Review of Recent Research on the Use of R1234yf as an Environmentally Friendly Fluid in the Organic Rankine Cycle
Authors: García-Pabón Juan J. , Méndez-Méndez Dario , Belman-Flores Juan M. , Barroso-Maldonado Juan M. , Khosravi Ali
Published: May 2021

ORC technology is one of the most promising technologies for the use of residual energy in the generation of electrical energy, offering simple and environmentally friendly alternatives. In this field, the selection of working fluids plays an important role in the operation of the cycle, whether in terms of the energy efficiency or the minimization of environmental impacts. Therefore, in this paper, a comprehensive review is presented on the use of R1234yf refrigerant and its mixtures as working fluids in ORC systems. These fluids are used in low- and medium-temperature applications for the use of residual energy generated from solar energy, geothermal energy, and internal combustion engines. It was concluded that R1234yf and its mixtures are competitive as compared with conventional refrigerants used in ORC.
Spatiotemporal Differentiation of Coupling and Coordination Relationship of Tourism–Urbanization–Ecological Environment System in China’s Major Tourist Cities
Authors: Xie Xia , Sun Hui , Gao Jun , Chen Feifei , Zhou Chunshan
Published: May 2021

Determining the coupling development mode and evolution process of the tourism–urbanization–ecological environment system is of great significance in promoting high-quality and sustainable development of tourism and the urban economy. In this study, an evaluation index system of the tourism–urbanization–ecological environment system was established, and the spatiotemporal differentiation of the coupling and coordination relationship of the tourism–urbanization–ecological environment system was analyzed for 35 major tourist cities in China from 2009 to 2018. The results show that the comprehensive development indices of the tourism industry subsystem and urbanization subsystem of China’s major tourist cities have steadily increased. The comprehensive development indices of large-sized and medium-sized cities in the east are relatively high. From 2009 to 2018, the coordination degree and coupling degree of the tourism–urbanization–ecological environment’ system of 35 tourist cities showed an upward trend. The growth rate of the coupling coordination degree lags behind the growth rate of the coupling degree, and the overall system coordination level is still low. There are significant differences in the coupling degree and coupling coordination degree among the eastern, central, and western cities. This study offers both theoretical and practical implications for further equalizing the development level between the cities, as well as improving the overall coordination between the tourism industry, urbanization, and the ecological environment in China.
Exploring International and Inter-Sector Differences of Social Enterprises in the UK and India
Authors: Kruse Philipp
Published: May 2021

Social Entrepreneurship (SE) describes a new entrepreneurial form combining the generation of financial and social value. In recent years, research interest in SE increased in various disciplines with a particular focus on the characteristics of social enterprises. Whereas a clear-cut definition of SE is yet to be found, there is evidence that culture and economy affect and shape features of SE activity. In addition, sector-dependent differences are supposed. Building on Institutional Theory and employing a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach, this study sheds light on the existence of international and inter-sector differences by examining 161 UK and Indian social enterprises. A content analysis and analyses of variance were employed and yielded similarities as well as several significant differences on an international and inter-sector level, e.g., regarding innovativeness and the generation of revenue. The current study contributes to a more nuanced picture of the SE landscape by comparing social enterprise characteristics in a developed and a developing country on the one hand and different sectors on the other hand. Furthermore, I highlight the benefits of jointly applying qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Future research should pay more attention to the innate heterogeneity among social enterprises and further consolidate and extend these findings.
Different Faces of Generalized Holographic Dark Energy
Authors: Nojiri Shin’ichi , Odintsov Sergei , Paul Tanmoy
Published: May 2021

In the formalism of generalized holographic dark energy (HDE), the holographic cut-off is generalized to depend upon LIR=LIRLp,L˙p,L¨p,⋯,Lf,L˙f,⋯,a with Lp and Lf being the particle horizon and the future horizon, respectively (moreover, a is the scale factor of the Universe). Based on such formalism, in the present paper, we show that a wide class of dark energy (DE) models can be regarded as different candidates for the generalized HDE family, with respective cut-offs. This can be thought as a symmetry between the generalized HDE and different DE models. In this regard, we considered several entropic dark energy models—such as the Tsallis entropic DE, the Rényi entropic DE, and the Sharma–Mittal entropic DE—and found that they are indeed equivalent with the generalized HDE. Such equivalence between the entropic DE and the generalized HDE is extended to the scenario where the respective exponents of the entropy functions are allowed to vary with the expansion of the Universe. Besides the entropic DE models, the correspondence with the generalized HDE was also established for the quintessence and for the Ricci DE model. In all the above cases, the effective equation of state (EoS) parameter corresponding to the holographic energy density was determined, by which the equivalence of various DE models with the respective generalized HDE models was further confirmed. The equivalent holographic cut-offs were determined by two ways: (1) in terms of the particle horizon and its derivatives, (2) in terms of the future horizon horizon and its derivatives.
Controlled Production of Zearalenone-Glucopyranoside Standards with Cunninghamella Strains Using Sulphate-Depleted Media
Authors: Peters Jeroen , Ash Edward , Gerssen Arjen , Van Dam Ruud , Franssen Maurice C. R. , Nielen Michel W. F.
Published: May 2021

In recent years, conjugated mycotoxins have gained increasing interest in food safety, as their hydrolysis in human and animal intestines leads to an increase in toxicity. For the production of zearalenone (ZEN) glycosides reference standards, we applied Cunninghamellaelegans and Cunninghamella echinulata fungal strains. A sulphate-depleted medium was designed for the preferred production of ZEN glycosides. Both Cunninghamella strains were able to produce zearalenone-14-β-D-glucopyranoside (Z14G), zearalenone-16-β-D-glucopyranoside (Z16G) and zearalenone-14-sulphate (Z14S). In a rich medium, Cunninghamellaelegans preferably produced Z14S, while Cunninghamellaechinulata preferably produced Z14G. In the sulphate-depleted medium a dramatic change was observed for Cunninghamellaelegans, showing preferred production of Z14G and Z16G. From 2 mg of ZEN in sulphate-depleted medium, 1.94 mg of Z14G and 0.45 mg of Z16G were produced. Following preparative Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) purification, both fractions were submitted to 1H and 13C NMR and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS). These analyses confirmed that the purified fractions were indeed Z14G and Z16G. In conclusion, the presented research shows that a single Cunninghamella strain can be an effective and efficient tool for the controlled biotransformation of ZEN glycosides and other ZEN metabolites. Additionally, the biotransformation method was extended to zearalanone, β-zearalenol and other mycotoxins.
Investigation of a Novel Multicomponent Mycotoxin Detoxifying Agent in Amelioration of Mycotoxicosis Induced by Aflatoxin-B1 and Ochratoxin A in Broiler Chicks
Authors: Tsiouris Vasilios , Tassis Panagiotis , Raj Jog , Mantzios Tilemachos , Kiskinis Konstantinos , Vasiljević Marko , Delić Nikola , Petridou Evanthia , Brellou Georgia D. , Polizopoulou Zoe , Mittas Nikolaos , Georgopoulou Ioanna
Published: May 2021

The present study was designed to determine the efficacy of a novel multicomponent mycotoxin detoxifying agent (MMDA) containing modified zeolite (Clinoptilolite), Bacillus subtilis, B. licheniformis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell walls and silymarin against the deleterious effects of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and Ochratoxin A (OTA) in broiler chicks. A total of 160 one-day-old Ross 308® broiler chicks were randomly allocated in four treatment groups, with four replicates, according to the following experimental design for 42 days. Group A received a basal diet; Group B received a basal diet contaminated with AFB1 and OTA at 0.1 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg, respectively; Group C received a basal diet contaminated with AFB1 and OTA and MMDA at 1 g/kg feed, and Group D received a basal diet contaminated with AFB1 and OTA and MMDA at 3 g/kg feed. Results showed that ingested mycotoxins led to significant (p ≤ 0.05) reduction in body weight and feed conversion from 25 days of age, induced histopathological changes, increased the pH of the intestinal content, and altered the biochemical profile of birds with significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) values (p ≤ 0.05). On the other hand, the supplementation of MMDA significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved the feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the second part of the study, diminished biochemical alterations, reduced pH in jejunal and ileal content, and E. coli counts in the caeca of birds (p ≤ 0.05). It may be concluded that the dietary supplementation of the MMDA partially ameliorated the adverse effects of AFB1 and OTA in broilers and could be an efficient tool in a mycotoxin control program.
Significance of the Gut Microbiota in Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Kobayashi Taku , Iwata Yasunori , Nakade Yusuke , Wada Takashi
Published: May 2021

Recent studies have revealed that the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy, as well as diseased condition. Various organs and systems, including the kidney, are affected by the gut microbiota. While the impacts of the gut microbiota have been reported mainly on chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury (AKI) is also affected by the intestinal environment. In this review, we discussed the pathogenesis of AKI, highlighting the relation to the gut microbiota. Since there is no established treatment for AKI, new treatments for AKI are highly desired. Some kinds of gut bacteria and their metabolites reportedly have protective effects against AKI. Current studies provide new insights into the role of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of AKI.
Lantox—The Chinese Botulinum Toxin Drug—Complete English Bibliography and Comprehensive Formalised Literature Review
Authors: Dressler Dirk , Pan Lizhen , Su Junhui , Teng Fei , Jin Lingjing
Published: May 2021

In 1997, lanbotulinumtoxinA (LAN) was introduced in China. It is now available in Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe under various brand names including Hengli®, Lantox®, Prosigne®, Lanzox®, Redux®, Liftox®, HBTX-A and CBTX-A. The literature on LAN is mostly published in Chinese language, restricting its international accessibility. We, therefore, wanted to generate a complete English bibliography of all LAN publications and then use it for a comprehensive formalised literature review. Altogether, 379 LAN publications (322 in Chinese and 57 in English) were retrieved from PubMed and Science and Technology Paper Citation Database. Indications covered are motor (257), glandular (16), pain (32) and aesthetics (48). Topics are neurological (250), aesthetic (48), paediatric (38), ophthalmological (18), urological (9), methodological (6), gastroenterological (5), ear, nose and throat (4) and surgical (1). Seventy-one publications are randomised controlled trials, forty-one publications are interventional studies and observational studies, fifteen publications are case studies, eighteen publications are reviews, and two publications are guidelines. LAN publications cover all relevant topics of BT therapy throughout a period of more than 20 years. This constitutes a publication basis resembling those of other BT drugs. None of the LAN publications presents data contradictory to those generated with other BT type-A drugs. LAN seems to have a similar efficacy and safety features when compared to onabotulinumtoxinA using a 1:1 LAN– onabotulinumtoxinA conversion ratio. Large controlled multicentre studies will become necessary for LAN’s registrations in Europe and North America.
Nonlinear Changes in Botulinum Toxin Treatment of Task-Specific Dystonia during Long-Term Treatment
Authors: Lee André , Al-Sarea Jabreel , Altenmüller Eckart
Published: May 2021

Botulinum toxin (BoTX) is the standard treatment for task-specific dystonias (TSDs) such as musician’s dystonia (MD). Our aim was to assess the long-term changes in BoTX treatment in a highly homogeneous and, to our knowledge, largest group of MD patients with respect to the following parameters: (1) absolute and (2) relative BoTX dosage, (3) number of treated muscles, and (4) inter-injection interval. We retrospectively assessed a treatment period of 20 years in 233 patients, who had received a cumulative dose of 68,540 MU of BoTX in 1819 treatment sessions, performed by two neurologists. Nonlinear correlation was used to analyze changes in the parameters over the course of repeated treatments. Post-hoc we applied a median-split to classify two subgroups (high-BoTX, low-BoTX) depending on the total amount of BoTX needed during treatment. Across all patients, we found a decrease of dosage for the first approximately 25 treatments with an increase afterwards. The number of muscles and inter-injection intervals increased with time with a discrete decrease of inter-injection intervals after about 35 treatments. Subgroup differences were observed in the amount of BoTX and inter-injection intervals, with continuously increasing inter-injection intervals and decreasing BoTX dosage in the low-BTX group. Both groups showed a continuously increasing number of injected muscles. In summary, we found nonlinear changes of BoTX dosage and inter-injection intervals and a continuously increasing number of injected muscles with treatment duration in TSD-patients. Furthermore, we, for the first time, identified two subgroups with distinct differences. Increasing inter-injection intervals and decreasing BoTX dosages in the low-BoTX group indicated improvement of symptoms with continued treatment. Continually increasing BoTX dosages with unchanged inter-injection intervals in the high-BoTX group indicated deterioration.
RNA-Binding Proteins at the Host-Pathogen Interface Targeting Viral Regulatory Elements
Authors: Embarc-Buh Azman , Francisco-Velilla Rosario , Martinez-Salas Encarnacion
Published: May 2021

Viral RNAs contain the information needed to synthesize their own proteins, to replicate, and to spread to susceptible cells. However, due to their reduced coding capacity RNA viruses rely on host cells to complete their multiplication cycle. This is largely achieved by the concerted action of regulatory structural elements on viral RNAs and a subset of host proteins, whose dedicated function across all stages of the infection steps is critical to complete the viral cycle. Importantly, not only the RNA sequence but also the RNA architecture imposed by the presence of specific structural domains mediates the interaction with host RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), ultimately affecting virus multiplication and spreading. In marked difference with other biological systems, the genome of positive strand RNA viruses is also the mRNA. Here we focus on distinct types of positive strand RNA viruses that differ in the regulatory elements used to promote translation of the viral RNA, as well as in the mechanisms used to evade the series of events connected to antiviral response, including translation shutoff induced in infected cells, assembly of stress granules, and trafficking stress.
Identification of a Putative Novel Genotype of Avian Hepatitis E Virus from Apparently Healthy Chickens in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Osamudiamen Fisayo Temilade , Akanbi Olusola Aanuoluwapo , Zander Steffen , Oluwayelu Daniel Oladimeji , Bock Claus-Thomas , Klink Patrycja
Published: May 2021

Avian hepatitis E virus (aHEV) is the major etiological agent of hepatitis-splenomegaly syndrome (HSS), big liver and spleen disease (BLSD), and hepatic rupture hemorrhage syndrome (HRHS) in chickens. Infections with aHEV cause a significant decrease in egg production and increased mortality in chickens worldwide. However, studies on the prevalence of aHEV in Nigeria are scarce. In this study, serum (n = 88) and fecal samples (n = 110) obtained from apparently healthy layer chickens from three states in southwestern Nigeria were analyzed by nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (nRT-PCR) targeting the helicase and capsid gene for the presence of aHEV. Avian HEV was detected in 12.5% (n = 11/88) of serum samples and 9.1% (n = 10/110) of fecal samples tested. Phylogenetic analysis showed that five of the twelve identified aHEV sequences belonged to genotype 2. The remaining seven sequences were only distantly related to other known aHEV isolates. After amplification of the near-complete ORF2 fragment (1618 bp) and part of the ORF1 (582 bp) of isolate YF40_aHEV_NG phylogenetic analysis revealed a nucleotide sequence identity between 79.0 and 82.6% and 80.1 and 83.5%, respectively, to other known aHEV strains, indicating that the Nigerian isolate YF40_aHEV_NG belongs to a novel aHEV genotype. This is the first report of co-circulation of aHEV genotypes in chickens in Nigeria.
How DNA and RNA Viruses Exploit Host Chaperones to Promote Infection
Authors: Speckhart Kaitlyn , Williams Jeffrey M. , Tsai Billy
Published: May 2021

To initiate infection, a virus enters a host cell typically via receptor-dependent endocytosis. It then penetrates a subcellular membrane, reaching a destination that supports transcription, translation, and replication of the viral genome. These steps lead to assembly and morphogenesis of the new viral progeny. The mature virus finally exits the host cell to begin the next infection cycle. Strikingly, viruses hijack host molecular chaperones to accomplish these distinct entry steps. Here we highlight how DNA viruses, including polyomavirus and the human papillomavirus, exploit soluble and membrane-associated chaperones to enter a cell, penetrating and escaping an intracellular membrane en route for infection. We also describe the mechanism by which RNA viruses—including flavivirus and coronavirus—co-opt cytosolic and organelle-selective chaperones to promote viral endocytosis, protein biosynthesis, replication, and assembly. These examples underscore the importance of host chaperones during virus infection, potentially revealing novel antiviral strategies to combat virus-induced diseases.