bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Entrepreneurial Orientation Lead to Successful Sustainable Innovation? The Evidence from Chinese Environmentally Friendly Companies
Authors: Mao Hongyi , Wang Zongjun , Yi Lin
Published: September 2021

This research examines the linkage between entrepreneurial orientation and sustainable innovation. Research shows that the effects of entrepreneurial orientation on the exploitation and exploration of sustainable innovation are significantly positive, whereby absorptive capacity acts in a significant mediating role. The interaction between entrepreneurial orientation and absorptive capacity helps organizations overcome organizational inertia and strengthen the sustainability of innovation. By introducing the absorptive capacity theory and the view of organizational inertia, we have conducted empirical research on 392 Chinese environmentally friendly companies that have passed China’s national high-tech enterprise certification. We verified the relevant hypotheses in our framework in a structural model analysis using Mplus. To further look at the interaction terms of potential and realized absorptive capacity, we used PROCESS in SPSS to evaluate the conditional effects of absorptive capacity on coefficient paths between entrepreneurial orientation and the two types of innovation. The results show that entrepreneurial orientation improves the absorptive capacity of organizations, thereby promoting their sustainable innovation. Furthermore, based on the theory of sustainable innovation, we proved the positive impact of realized and potential absorptive capacity on the exploitation and exploration of sustainable innovation. Organizations could balance exploitation and exploration to implement sustainable innovation by adjusting their potential and realized absorptive capacities. Our results can help environmentally friendly organizations adjust the combination of entrepreneurial orientation and absorptive capacity to overcome organizational inertia, manage exploitation and exploration, and implement sustainable innovation.
Analyzing Precision Agriculture Adoption across the Globe: A Systematic Review of Scholarship from 1999–2020
Authors: Lee Chin-Ling , Strong Robert , Dooley Kim E.
Published: September 2021

Precision agriculture (PA) is a holistic, sustainable, innovative systems approach that assists farmers in production management. Adopting PA could improve sustainable food security and community economic sustainability. Developing an understanding of PA adoption attributes is needed in order to assist extension practitioners to promote adoption and better understand the innovation adoption phenomena. A systematic review of literature was conducted to investigate attributes that foster PA adoption. Thirty-three publications were examined, and four themes were found among the reviewed publications. The results were interpreted using Rogers’ diffusion of innovations framework to address the research objectives. Relative advantage and compatibility were two dominant attributes needed to strengthen the adoption of PA, and the complexity attribute was rarely communicated to promote the adoption of PA. The systematic review indicated the rate of farmer’s PA adoption does not occur at the highest potential levels due to inadequate communication of PA attributes from change agents to farmers. Extension field staff need professional development in communicating the five PA adoption attributes to farmers in order to improve PA adoption and enhance local sustainable food security. Thus, authors recommend future complexity studies from agricultural extension specialists’ perspectives to comprehend demonstratable approaches to motivate farmers’ adoption of PA.
Challenges and Opportunities for Telecommuting in the School System: Building a Sustainable Online Education in the Context of the SARS-Cov-2 Pandemic
Authors: Simuț Corneliu C. , Petrila Laurențiu , Popescu Felix-Angel , Oprea Ionuț Mihai
Published: September 2021

The main idea of this investigation is to identify a series of challenges and opportunities presented by telecommuting within the school system as a result of the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic. The objective of the paper is to identify key elements which are able to provide concrete assistance in building a sustainable online education system, with particular reference to Romania, as a system that can be used beyond the timeframe of the current pandemic. The methodology used for our scientific investigation is quantitative, based on an eight-item data collection instrument/questionnaire with 459 respondents (bachelor, masters, doctoral, and postdoctoral students—which makes this research a study from the perspective of the students’ perceptions) with ages ranging from 18 to 53. In terms of results, the eight items were evaluated on a Likert Scale from 1 to 5, leading to the formulation of seven hypotheses (H1 to H6), of which six were accepted and one was rejected (H7) (the questionnaire has a margin error/confidence interval of ±4.5% and a confidence level of P = 95%). We concluded from the six validated hypotheses, coupled with the one which was invalidated, that telecommuting to online education was not only successful but also garnered a system characterized by sustainability. Despite the swiftness of telecommuting to online education and the perceptions of the student population, online learning can be efficient and sustainable, in which case further government policies can only improve a system that has already been proven to work.
The Influential Factors of Taiwan SMEs’ Clustering Keystone Business Strategy—The Perspective of Business Ecosystem Using FAHP
Authors: Chen Ming-Kuen , Wu Chung-Min , Chen Lee-Shing , Huang Ya-Ping
Published: September 2021

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are usually lacking in resources and technical capabilities. Clusters are considered to be a common development pattern to promote resource sharing and information exchange among SMEs. The business ecosystem provides a new perspective for contemporary companies. Through the symbiosis and evolution of the biomimetic system, companies can pursue their own interests on the platform and, at the same time, promote the growth of the overall ecosystem. This study used manufacturing and service Taiwan SMEs as the sample population, and utilized FAHP (Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process) and survey questionnaire methods to explore both the factors that influence the analysis and comparison of the keystone business strategy between manufacturing and service industries and the reasons behind it.
Can the Market Deliver 100% Organic Seed and Varieties in Europe?
Authors: Padel Susanne , Orsini Stefano , Solfanelli Francesco , Zanoli Raffaele
Published: September 2021

This paper considers European organic seed as a market in the sense of economic theory and explores factors impacting seed supply and demand. Under the organic regulation, farmers have to use seed multiplied in organic farming or apply for a derogation. We evaluated the functioning of the organic seed market, based on case studies of seed supply chains for arable, vegetable and forage crops; a farmer survey; and a status-quo analysis of the organic seed sector from the European LIVESEED project. The organic seed market is characterised by small size, great diversity of crops grown, unsolved technical problems for some crops and limited capacity of breeding varieties adapted to organic farming conditions. Demand vastly outstrips supply for most crops, but strong regional and sector differences were observed. A lack of information about availability and price for organic seed is likely to act as barrier to investment. Full enforcement of the regulation to use only organic seed might have unforeseen consequences, such as a reduction of agrobiodiversity in organic farming, rather than supporting an increase in supply. We conclude that the market alone is not likely to deliver 100% organic seed and government intervention is justified.
Social Media Marketing as a Branding Strategy in Extraordinary Times: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dubbelink Sanne Ichelle , Herrando Carolina , Constantinides Efthymios
Published: September 2021

This review expands our insight into the ways the required adaptation to digital channels caused by COVID-19 has affected the creation of brand equity through social media marketing. Based on a systematic literature review, we propose a conceptual framework that answers the following research question: How can businesses, amidst and after the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt their social media marketing strategy to create positive brand equity? The conceptual framework describes four components as the basis for a potential social media marketing strategy. First, (1) businesses need to develop a clear perspective on their current social media marketing activities, and (2) evaluate current branding elements. Based on this, (3) the timeline of marketing activities must be postponed or adapted to the needs of consumers. Lastly, (4) businesses must adapt their messaging to show empathy and deliver relevant information. Within this process, governmental parties, financial institutions, influencers, and consumers are identified as stakeholders who influence and assist businesses in optimizing their social media marketing strategy. These findings are relevant for academics and businesses to further understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 on social media marketing. Additionally, they highlight that the roles of online channels and the consumer are expanding in the future.
Small Towns Recovery and Valorisation. An Innovative Protocol to Evaluate the Efficacy of Project Initiatives
Authors: D’Andria Emanuela , Fiore Pierfrancesco , Nesticò Antonio
Published: September 2021

In many Countries, the depopulation of small towns is a significant phenomenon, which is causing the disappearance of a vast material and immaterial heritage, the beating heart of national identities. However, in recent years, with the environmental and metropolitan crisis, a gradual change of trend is taking place in which small towns play a crucial role in rebuilding the city-countryside relationship. The sustainable development of territories is possible, but in order to achieve it, it is essential to reverse the gaze and consider small municipalities as the main driving force for a radical change. Nevertheless, too often administrations are inadequate in dealing with the complexity of small realities, defining strategies and funding projects that are inconsistent with the real and varied local needs. This work deals with the issue of the recovery and valorisation of small towns through multi-criteria analysis schemes able to capture not only the specific characteristics of the small municipality, but also its relations with the territory and with neighbouring medium/large cities or other surrounding small towns (city-villages network or small municipalities network), also with reference to the multiple infrastructural components. The aim was to identify the critical points of intervention actions and to effectively address future investments. The idea was to propose a technical-economic evaluation protocol structured on social, economic, environmental, and historic-architectural components. The study of the criteria, divided into several sub-criteria, led to the proposal of innovative datasets of evaluation indicators. The model was applied to a case study. The results showed the validity of the investigation protocol, which can be an important tool for prioritising the interventions to be implemented, thus optimising the processes of resources allocation—both public and private—according to the principles of sustainable development, with relevant effects in terms of economic policy.
Feeding Strategies to Increase Nitrogen Retention and Improve Rumen Fermentation and Rumen Microbial Population in Beef Steers Fed with Tropical Forages
Authors: Durango Sandra Guisela , Barahona Rolando , Bolívar Diana , Chirinda Ngonidzashe , Arango Jacobo
Published: September 2021

The effect of the inclusion of Leucaena leucocephala and Tithonia diversifolia in Zebu steers receiving a diet based on improved pastures such as Brachiaria decumbens and Brachiaria hybrid cv Cayman on nitrogen (N) excretion, urinary volume and rumen microbial population was evaluated. To determine the dry matter intake and nutrient excretion, eight steers were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design consisting of four periods and four diets. Four of them were cannulated for ruminal fluid extraction and quantification of ruminal microorganisms in three times of grazing (T0, T7 and T15). Forage intake was calculated through the external marker titanium dioxide. Diet including forages with superior protein content generated an increase in the gene copy numbers of Prevotella ruminicola and total bacteria on 15 sampling day (p < 0.001). Animals receiving diets with the dietary inclusion of Leucaena and Tithonia had daily N intakes of 228 and 113.5g N intake d−1, of which they excreted 42% and 61%, respectively. Inclusion of both protein forages increased daily urinary volume (9% and 7% d−1), with respect to the pasture-based diet. This study revealed that the inclusion of 18% Leucaena in a pasture-based diet improves the dry matter intake and N retention in Zebu steers under tropical conditions.
Environmental and Climate Challenges to Agriculture in Poland in the Context of Objectives Adopted in the European Green Deal Strategy
Authors: Prandecki Konrad , Wrzaszcz Wioletta , Zieliński Marek
Published: September 2021

The European Green Deal strategy, prepared in 2019, involves a number of challenges for European agriculture. These challenges are broadly linked to a need for agriculture to undertake actions in order to improve environmental and climate protection, which will require changes in agricultural practices and the currently observed industrialization processes of agriculture that are destabilizing ecosystems and climate. In view of the diversity of agriculture and its impacts on the environment, it is important to identify the challenges faced by the EU Member States. The aim of this paper is to identify the main environmental and climate challenges that agriculture in Poland will have to face due to the current European Green Deal strategy and its objectives, taking into account the organizational changes in this sector so far and the existing forms of environmental protection in rural areas. The paper is based on empirical data from the Farm Structure Survey conducted by Statistics Poland in 2005, 2007 and 2016, data on greenhouse gas emissions of agricultural origin gathered by the National Centre for Emissions Management (KOBiZE), data from the European Commission, the General Directorate for Environmental Protection and the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation—State Research Institute concerning the delimitation of the Natura 2000 areas in Poland and the Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics—National Research Institute on three national variants of High Nature Value Farmland areas delimited for the needs of the European Commission, as well as data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development regarding the delimitation of the less favoured areas with high natural value. In addition, a literature review was conducted indicating the links between agriculture, the environment and climate. The results of the study illustrate the state of Polish agriculture and the changes in this sector in the context of environmental and climate challenges. The results also identify the most difficult areas that will require practical solutions in the future to implement the European Green Deal strategy in Poland. The findings will provide an important basis for policy makers in terms of effective support of agriculture and for the scientific community with regard to agricultural research, which should be particularly developed in order to be able to adapt the agricultural sector to new challenges.
The Framing of Sustainable Finance in Charitable Foundations—Findings from a Qualitative Study
Authors: Wiener Berenike
Published: September 2021

In the face of decreasing returns on investments and the growing influence of sustainability requirements, foundations have had to adjust the way they invest their assets. Sustainable investments have shown themselves to be as robust in terms of their returns as conventional investments and—more than that—they can support foundations’ goals much more effectively. But only very few foundations implement sustainable investment strategies. The present study analyses the reasons for this, by means of interviews with personnel responsible for assets. The interviewees operate as ‘sense givers’ who have to kickstart a process of strategic readjustment. The reference framework for their ways of thinking and acting has been investigated using framing analysis. So-called sense givers’ isolated position in their foundations is the rather disturbing finding of this study. Familiar strategies of action seem to be of little help in their endeavours. This is frequently expressed in sometimes poignant calls for external guidelines and role models, while specific ideas about courses of action remain relatively vague. This applies particularly to large foundations where strategic readjustments are hindered by complex structures and hierarchies, whereas in small-scale entities, decisions follow shorter, face-to-face pathways. The imperative of carving out a complex sustainability discourse in their foundations drives sense givers to activities like networking inside and outside their foundations in order to exchange ideas and build alliances, for example within the German Association of Charitable Foundations. Investment managers need first of all to develop new strategies to convince the range of stakeholders in their foundations.
Steel Slag and Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Grains as Low-Cost Adsorbents to Remove Cd2+ and Pb2+ in Wastewater: Effects of Mixing Proportions of Grains and Liquid-to-Solid Ratio
Authors: Kumara Gajanayake Mudalige Pradeep , Kawamoto Ken
Published: September 2021

This study investigated the applicability of industrial by-products such as steel slag (SS) and autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) grains (<0.105, 0.105–2, 2–4.75 mm) as low-cost adsorbents for simultaneous removal of Cd2+ and Pb2+ in wastewater. A series of batch adsorption experiments was carried out in single and binary-metal solutions of Cd2+ and Pb2+ by changing the mixing proportions of SS and AAC grains. In addition, the effect of the liquid-to-solid ratio (L/S) on the removal of Cd2+ and Pb2+ in multi-metal solution was examined. Results showed that SS grains had a high affinity with Cd2+ in the single solution, while AAC grains had an affinity with Pb2+. In the binary solution, the mixtures of SS and AAC grains removed both Cd2+ and Pb2+ well; especially, the tested adsorbents of SS+AAC [1:1] and SS+AAC [1:4] mixtures achieved approximately 100% removal of both metals. Based on the results in the multi-metal solutions, the metal removal % and selectivity sequence varied depending on the mixed proportions of SS and AAC grains and L/S values. It was found that the SS+AAC [1:1] mixture of SS and AAC grains showed 100% removals of Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+ simultaneously at L/S = 10 and 60.
Farm Production Diversification and Dietary Diversity among Subsistence Farming Households: Panel Data Evidence from South Africa
Authors: Sinyolo Sikhulumile , Murendo Conrad , Nyamwanza Admire Mutsa , Sinyolo Sithembile Amanda , Ndinda Catherine , Nwosu Chijioke Osinachi
Published: September 2021

Improving the production of a variety of foods by subsistence farmers has been identified as a key strategy for improving dietary diversity. However, there is limited evidence in South Africa on how one’s own production is linked to dietary diversity. This study relies on nationally representative panel data to investigate the extent to which farm production diversity is correlated with dietary diversity. The data indicated a moderate level of household dietary diversity that has been on a declining trend between 2008 and 2017. The farm households produced three food groups (meat, cereals, and vegetables), suggesting more reliance on food purchases than own production. The study found a positive relationship between own production diversification and dietary diversity and that dietary diversity varied by demographics and socio-economic characteristics of households. However, production diversity was not significantly associated with the consumption of micronutrient-rich foods such as fruits or vegetables. Higher levels of education, income per capita, food expenditure, and geographic location were some of the key drivers of dietary diversity among subsistence households. The findings suggest that encouraging subsistence farming households to produce various crop and animal species can be an effective strategy to improve dietary diversity among poor households in South Africa.
Inventory Models for Non-Instantaneous Deteriorating Items with Expiration Dates and Imperfect Quality under Hybrid Payment Policy in the Three-Level Supply Chain
Authors: Liao Jui-Jung , Srivastava Hari Mohan , Chung Kun-Jen , Lee Shih-Fang , Huang Kuo-Nan , Lin Shy-Der
Published: September 2021

This article considers an inventory model for non-instantaneous deteriorating items with expiration dates, such as seasonal items, first-hand vegetables, and fruits. Interestingly, an inspection will be performed to manage the quality of the items during the state of no deterioration because it is difficult to purchase items with 100% perfection. Additionally, we assume that the upstream member has the power of controlling or influencing downstream members’ decisions. That is, the supplier asks the retailer for a partial advance payment to avoid cancellation of orders and offers them a credit payment to stimulate sales; in turn, the customer must pay some cash when placing an order and pay the remainder in credit for the retailer. The goal of this article is to determine an optimal replenishment cycle and the total annual cost function, so we explore the functional properties of the total annual cost function and show that the total annual cost function is convex. Theoretical analysis of the optimal properties shows the existence and uniqueness of the optimal solution. Then, we obtain simple and easy solution procedures for the inventory system. Moreover, numerical analysis of the inventory model is conducted, and the corresponding examples are considered with a view to illustrating the application of the supply chain model that we have investigated in this article. Finally, in the concluding section, we have not only provided the motivation and the need for our usages of mathematical analytic solution procedures based upon the convexity, monotonicity (increasing and decreasing) and differentiability properties of the object function (that is, the total annual cost function), which involve some symmetry aspects of the object function, but we have also indicated the limitations and shortcomings in our investigation, which will naturally lead to some potential directions for further research on the supply chain model, which we have considered and mathematically analyzed in this article.
Additional Solar System Gravitational Anomalies
Authors: Coleman Les
Published: September 2021

This article is motivated by uncertainty in experimental determinations of the gravitational constant, G, and numerous anomalies of up to 0.5 percent in Newtonian gravitational force on bodies within the solar system. The analysis sheds new light through six natural experiments within the solar system, which draw on published reports and astrophysical databases, and involve laboratory determinations of G, orbital dynamics of the planets and the moons of Earth and Mars, and non-gravitational acceleration (NGA) of ‘Oumuamua and comets. In each case, values are known for all variables in Newton’s Law F=G·M·mR2, except for the gravitational constant, G. Analyses determine the gravitational constant’s observed value, G^, which—across the six settings—varies with the mass of the smaller, moving body, m, so that G^=G×0.998+0.00016×lnm. While further work is required, this examination shows a scale-related Newtonian gravity effect at scales from benchtop to Solar System, which contributes to the understanding of symmetry in gravity and has possible implications for Newton’s Laws, dark matter, and formation of structure in the universe.
Symmetries of the Beijing Heping Temple Complex
Authors: Xie Fan , Cui Shuaijie , Sun Dongqi
Published: September 2021

Three-dimensional laser scanning technology has been more mature, and its application fields are expanding. It is being used in key projects and important work such as ancient building recording, restoration and reconstruction. In this paper, the technology is applied to the 3D scanning, data splicing and model simplification of Heping temple building complex in Beijing. After innovative research on ancient architecture, it is found that the group layout, single form and local components of Heping temple building complex in Beijing show symmetry everywhere, vividly reflecting the extensive and profound ancient architectural culture and order. This points out a new direction for the development and application of 3D laser scanning technology and opens up a new path for the in-depth study of the protection of ancient buildings in China.
Organic Cotton Clothing Purchase Behavior: A Comparative Study of Consumers in the United States and Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan Md Nakib Ul , Liu Chuanlan , Ahmed Bulbul
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the differences and similarities of organic cotton clothing (OCC) purchase behaviors of the consumers who lie at the top and the bottom of the apparel supply chain. The influences of consumers’ sustainability knowledge and social norms on consumers’ attitudes and purchase intentions were examined to understand within the framework of the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). Sample data were collected from the United States and Bangladesh and, finally, 136 useable responses were used for the data analysis. Among the useable responses, 85 samples were from the US (containing 91.76% female participants and 4.71% male participants) and 51 responses were from the Bangladesh sample (containing 7.84% female participants and 88.24% male participants). A structural equation model was conducted to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings showed that for US consumers, sustainability knowledge was a powerful predictor of positive attitudes towards OCC, while for Bangladeshi consumers, it was not. In the context of social norms, Bangladeshi consumers demonstrated a strong positive attitudes formation whereas American consumers were found to display less strong relationships. OCC marketers and retailers should concentrate on educating consumers about the real benefits of organic cotton consumption by disseminating proper information about organic cotton fiber and its processing.
Effect of Textile Characteristics on the AR-Glass Fabric Efficiency
Authors: Rampini Marco Carlo , Zani Giulio , Schouler Louis , Colombo Matteo , di Prisco Marco
Published: September 2021

Alkali-resistant (AR) glass textiles are used as the main reinforcement in several composite applications due to their good performance-to-cost ratio. A huge variety of textiles are already present in the market; they differ on various parameters, such as, for example, the filaments’ diameters, the geometry, the type of weaving, or the nature of the impregnation coating. To orient manufacturers towards the production of efficient textiles, the most important aspect is the balance between cost and performance. In this paper, a series of different fabrics designed for textile-reinforced cementitious composites were considered. Performance was assessed by means of uniaxial tensile tests and the results are presented in terms of load vs. displacement. Then, the selected AR-glass textiles were compared in terms of fabric efficiency, targeting the effect of each parameter on the textile capacity. The research here presented is part of a comprehensive campaign aimed at the optimization of glass-fabric-reinforced cementitious composites for structural retrofitting. To better discuss the different solutions tested, at the end, only considering a small number of the investigated textiles, an efficiency evaluation was carried out at the cementitious composite level.
Toward Isolation of Palytoxins: Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Low- or High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry for the Study on the Impact of Drying Techniques, Solvents and Materials
Authors: Mazzeo Antonia , Varra Michela , Tartaglione Luciana , Ciminiello Patrizia , Zendong Zita , Hess Philipp , Dell’Aversano Carmela
Published: September 2021

Palytoxin (PLTX) and its congeners are emerging toxins held responsible for a number of human poisonings following the inhalation of toxic aerosols, skin contact, or the ingestion of contaminated seafood. Despite the strong structural analogies, the relative toxic potencies of PLTX congeners are quite different, making it necessary to isolate them individually in sufficient amounts for toxicological and analytical purposes. Previous studies showed poor PLTX recoveries with a dramatic decrease in PLTX yield throughout each purification step. In view of a large-scale preparative work aimed at the preparation of PLTX reference material, we have investigated evaporation as a critical—although unavoidable—step that heavily affects overall recoveries. The experiments were carried out in two laboratories using different liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) instruments, with either unit or high resolution. Palytoxin behaved differently when concentrated to a minimum volume rather than when evaporated to complete dryness. The recoveries strongly depended on the solubility as well as on the material of the used container. The LC-MS analyses of PLTX dissolved in aqueous organic blends proved to give a peak intensity higher then when dissolved in pure water. After drying, the PLTX adsorption appeared stronger on glass surfaces than on plastic materials. However, both the solvents used to dilute PLTX and that used for re-dissolution had an important role. A quantitative recovery (97%) was achieved when completely drying 80% aqueous EtOH solutions of PLTX under N2-stream in Teflon. The stability of PLTX in acids was also investigated. Although PLTX was quite stable in 0.2% acetic acid solutions, upon exposure to stronger acids (pH < 2.66), degradation products were observed, among which a PLTX methyl-ester was identified.
Validation and Application of a Low-Cost Sorting Device for Fumonisin Reduction in Maize
Authors: Stafstrom William , Wushensky Julie , Fuchs John , Xu Wenwei , Ezera Nnenna , Nelson Rebecca J.
Published: September 2021

Fumonisin mycotoxins are a persistent challenge to human and livestock health in tropical and sub-tropical maize cropping systems, and more efficient methods are needed to reduce their presence in food systems. We constructed a novel, low-cost device for sorting grain, the “DropSort”, and tested its effectiveness on both plastic kernel models and fumonisin-contaminated maize. Sorting plastic kernels of known size and shape enabled us to optimize the sorting performance of the DropSort. The device sorted maize into three distinct fractions as measured by bulk density and 100-kernel weight. The level of fumonisin was lower in the heaviest fractions of maize compared to the unsorted samples. Based on correlations among fumonisin and bulk characteristics of each fraction, we found that light fraction 100-kernel weight could be an inexpensive proxy for unsorted fumonisin concentration. Single kernel analysis revealed significant relationships among kernel fumonisin content and physical characteristics that could prove useful for future sorting efforts. The availability of a low-cost device (materials~USD 300) that can be used to reduce fumonisin in maize could improve food safety in resource-limited contexts in which fumonisin contamination remains a pressing challenge.
Probing Quantum Gravity with Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes
Authors: Terzić Tomislav , Kerszberg Daniel , Strišković Jelena
Published: September 2021

High energy photons from astrophysical sources are unique probes for some predictions of candidate theories of Quantum Gravity (QG). In particular, Imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescope (IACTs) are instruments optimised for astronomical observations in the energy range spanning from a few tens of GeV to ∼100 TeV, which makes them excellent instruments to search for effects of QG. In this article, we will review QG effects which can be tested with IACTs, most notably the Lorentz invariance violation (LIV) and its consequences. It is often represented and modelled with photon dispersion relation modified by introducing energy-dependent terms. We will describe the analysis methods employed in the different studies, allowing for careful discussion and comparison of the results obtained with IACTs for more than two decades. Loosely following historical development of the field, we will observe how the analysis methods were refined and improved over time, and analyse why some studies were more sensitive than others. Finally, we will discuss the future of the field, presenting ideas for improving the analysis sensitivity and directions in which the research could develop.
Baryon-Antibaryon Annihilation in the Evolution of Antimatter Domains in Baryon-Asymmetric Universe
Authors: Khlopov Maxim Y. , Lecian Orchidea Maria
Published: September 2021

Non-trivial baryosynthesis scenarios can lead to the existence of antimatter domains in a baryon-asymmetrical Universe. The consequences of antibaryon-baryon annihilation at the border of antimatter domains is investigated. Low-density antimatter domains are further classified according to the boundary interactions. A similar classification scheme is also proposed for higher-densities antimatter domains. The antiproton-proton annihilation interactions are therefore schematized and evaluated. The antinuclei-nuclei-interaction patterns are investigated. The two-point correlation functions for antimatter domains are studied in the case of baryon-antibaryon boundary interactions, which influence the space and time evolution. The space-time evolution of antimatter domains after the photon thermalization epoch is analyzed.
Combining Satellite Data and Spatial Analysis to Assess the UHI Amplitude and Structure within Urban Areas: The Case of Moroccan Cities
Authors: El Ghazouani Laila , Bounoua Lahouari , Nigro Joseph , Mansour Majid , Radoine Hassan , Souidi Hanane
Published: September 2021

Landsat-8 surface temperature and the European Space Agency land cover are used to assess the impact of land cover on the Urban Heat Island (UHI) and Urban Heat Sink (UHS). We analyzed five Moroccan cities selected for their different local climate, size, and typology during summer at three different spatial scales. The results show multiple causes defining the different forms and amplitudes of the UHI, namely: the ambient climate, the proximity to the sea, the presence of landscaped areas, and the color of building roofs and walls. Contrary to what was expected, the vegetation was not systematically an island of coolness, either because of its typology or its irrigation status. In the coastal cities of Tangier and Casablanca, UHIs around 20 °C are observed on the seaside, whereas a UHS of up to 11 °C is observed between the city center and the southern periphery of Casablanca. A moderate amplitude UHI of 7 °C is formed in the mountainous city of Ifrane. For cities built in desert-like environments, well-defined UHSs between 9 °C and 12 °C are observed in Smara and Marrakech, respectively. At a finer scale, towns recorded lower temperatures than their immediate surroundings, which are attributed to evaporation from irrigated plants.
The Isolated in Utero Environment Is Conducive to the Emergence of RNA and DNA Virus Variants
Authors: Udenze Daniel , Trus Ivan , Munyanduki Henry , Berube Nathalie , Karniychuk Uladzimir
Published: September 2021

The host’s immune status may affect virus evolution. Little is known about how developing fetal and placental immune milieus affect virus heterogeneity. This knowledge will help us better understand intra-host virus evolution and how new virus variants emerge. The goal of our study was to find out whether the isolated in utero environment—an environment with specialized placental immunity and developing fetal immunity—supports the emergence of RNA and DNA virus variants. We used well-established porcine models for isolated Zika virus (RNA virus) and porcine circovirus 2 (DNA virus) fetal infections. We found that the isolated in utero environment was conducive to the emergence of RNA and DNA virus variants. Next-generation sequencing of nearly whole virus genomes and validated bioinformatics pipelines identified both unique and convergent single nucleotide variations in virus genomes isolated from different fetuses. Zika virus and PCV2 in utero evolution also resulted in single nucleotide variations previously reported in the human and porcine field samples. These findings should encourage further studies on virus evolution in placenta and fetuses, to better understand how virus variants emerge and how in utero viral evolution affects congenital virus transmission and pathogenicity.
The Innate Immune DNA Sensing cGAS-STING Signaling Pathway Mediates Anti-PRRSV Function
Authors: Xu Yulin , Zhang Youwen , Sun Shaohua , Luo Jia , Jiang Sen , Zhang Jiajia , Liu Xueliang , Shao Qi , Cao Qi , Zheng Wanglong , Chen Nanhua , Meurens François , Zhu Jianzhong
Published: September 2021

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) modulates host innate immunity which plays a key role against PRRSV infection. As a RNA virus, PRRSV is mainly sensed by innate immune RNA receptors, whereas the role of innate immune DNA sensors in the PRRSV infection has not been elucidated. Here, we investigated the roles of DNA sensing cGAS-STING pathway in both PRRSV infected Marc-145 cells and porcine macrophages. The results show that in Marc-145 cells, the stable expression of STING with or without stimulations exhibited anti-PRRSV activity, and STING knockout heightened PRRSV infection. In CD163-3D4/21 porcine macrophages, either expression of STING or stimulation of cGAS-STING signaling obviously suppressed PRRSV infection, whereas in STING knockdown macrophages, the PRRSV infection was upregulated. Our results clearly demonstrate that the host cGAS-STING signal exerts an important antiviral role in PRRSV infection.
The MAPK/ERK Pathway and the Role of DUSP1 in JCPyV Infection of Primary Astrocytes
Authors: Wilczek Michael P. , Armstrong Francesca J. , Geohegan Remi P. , Mayberry Colleen L. , DuShane Jeanne K. , King Benjamin L. , Maginnis Melissa S.
Published: September 2021

JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) is a neuroinvasive pathogen causing a fatal, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) known as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Within the CNS, JCPyV predominately targets two cell types: oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. The underlying mechanisms of astrocytic infection are poorly understood, yet recent findings suggest critical differences in JCPyV infection of primary astrocytes compared to a widely studied immortalized cell model. RNA sequencing was performed in primary normal human astrocytes (NHAs) to analyze the transcriptomic profile that emerges during JCPyV infection. Through a comparative analysis, it was validated that JCPyV requires the mitogen-activated protein kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathway, and additionally requires the expression of dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs). Specifically, the expression of DUSP1 is needed to establish a successful infection in NHAs, yet this was not observed in an immortalized cell model of JCPyV infection. Additional analyses demonstrated immune activation uniquely observed in NHAs. These results support the hypothesis that DUSPs within the MAPK/ERK pathway impact viral infection and influence potential downstream targets and cellular pathways. Collectively, this research implicates DUSP1 in JCPyV infection of primary human astrocytes, and most importantly, further resolves the signaling events that lead to successful JCPyV infection in the CNS.
In Vitro Model Systems of Coxsackievirus B3-Induced Myocarditis: Comparison of Commonly Used Cell Lines and Characterization of CVB3-Infected iCell® Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Kraft Lisa , Sauter Martina , Seebohm Guiscard , Klingel Karin
Published: September 2021

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) belongs to the enteroviruses, which are a well-known cause of acute and chronic myocarditis, primarily infecting cardiac myocytes. As primary human cardiomyocytes are difficult to obtain, viral myocarditis is quite frequently studied in vitro in different non-cardiac and cardiac-like cell lines. Recently, cardiomyocytes that have been differentiated from human-induced pluripotent stem cells have been described as a new model system to study CVB3 infection. Here, we compared iCell® Cardiomyocytes with other cell lines that are commonly used to study CVB3 infection regarding their susceptibility and patterns of infection and the mode of cell death. iCell® Cardiomyocytes, HeLa cells, HL-1 cells and H9c2 cells were infected with CVB3 (Nancy strain). The viral load, CVB3 RNA genome localization, VP1 expression (including the intracellular localization), cellular morphology and the expression of cell death markers were compared. The various cell lines clearly differed in their permissiveness to CVB3 infection, patterns of infection, viral load, and mode of cell death. When studying the mode of cell death of CVB3-infected iCell® Cardiomyocytes in more detail, especially regarding the necroptosis key players RIPK1 and RIPK3, we found that RIPK1 is cleaved during CVB3 infection. iCell® Cardiomyocytes represent well the natural host of CVB3 in the heart and are thus the most appropriate model system to study molecular mechanisms of CVB3-induced myocarditis in vitro. Doubts are raised about the suitability of commonly used cell lines such as HeLa cells, HL-1 cells and H9c2 cells to evaluate molecular pathways and processes occurring in vivo in enteroviral myocarditis.
A Review of the Multipronged Attack of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 on the Host Transcriptional Machinery
Authors: Hennig Thomas , Djakovic Lara , Dölken Lars , Whisnant Adam W.
Published: September 2021

During lytic infection, herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 induces a rapid shutoff of host RNA synthesis while redirecting transcriptional machinery to viral genes. In addition to being a major human pathogen, there is burgeoning clinical interest in HSV as a vector in gene delivery and oncolytic therapies, necessitating research into transcriptional control. This review summarizes the array of impacts that HSV has on RNA Polymerase (Pol) II, which transcribes all mRNA in infected cells. We discuss alterations in Pol II holoenzymes, post-translational modifications, and how viral proteins regulate specific activities such as promoter-proximal pausing, splicing, histone repositioning, and termination with respect to host genes. Recent technological innovations that have reshaped our understanding of previous observations are summarized in detail, along with specific research directions and technical considerations for future studies.
Investigating the Viral Suppressor HC-Pro Inhibiting Small RNA Methylation through Functional Comparison of HEN1 in Angiosperm and Bryophyte
Authors: Sanobar Neda , Lin Pin-Chun , Pan Zhao-Jun , Fang Ru-Ying , Tjita Veny , Chen Fang-Fang , Wang Hao-Ching , Tsai Huang-Lung , Wu Shu-Hsing , Shen Tang-Long , Chen Yan-Huey , Lin Shih-Shun
Published: September 2021

In plants, HEN1-facilitated methylation at 3′ end ribose is a critical step of small-RNA (sRNA) biogenesis. A mutant of well-studied Arabidopsis HEN1 (AtHEN1), hen1-1, showed a defective developmental phenotype, indicating the importance of sRNA methylation. Moreover, Marchantia polymorpha has been identified to have a HEN1 ortholog gene (MpHEN1); however, its function remained unfathomed. Our in vivo and in vitro data have shown MpHEN1 activity being comparable with AtHEN1, and their substrate specificity towards duplex microRNA (miRNA) remained consistent. Furthermore, the phylogenetic tree and multiple alignment highlighted the conserved molecular evolution of the HEN1 family in plants. The P1/HC-Pro of the turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) is a known RNA silencing suppressor and inhibits HEN1 methylation of sRNAs. Here, we report that the HC-Pro physically binds with AtHEN1 through FRNK motif, inhibiting HEN1’s methylation activity. Moreover, the in vitro EMSA data indicates GST-HC-Pro of TuMV lacks sRNA duplex-binding ability. Surprisingly, the HC-Pro also inhibits MpHEN1 activity in a dosage-dependent manner, suggesting the possibility of interaction between HC-Pro and MpHEN1 as well. Further investigations on understanding interaction mechanisms of HEN1 and various HC-Pros can advance the knowledge of viral suppressors.
The Inaugural Australian Centre for Hepatitis Virology Public Panel Discussion on Viral Hepatitis Research—Lessons in Scientific Community Outreach
Authors: Tu Thomas , Rodrigo Chaturaka , Strasser Simone I , Bowden D Scott , MacLachlan Jennifer H , Drummer Heidi E
Published: September 2021

Viral hepatitis remains one of the most significant health issues globally, directly responsible for over 1 million deaths each year and affecting almost 300 million people around the world. Scientific research in recent decades has brought about improvements in the lives of people living with chronic viral hepatitis. On the 29 July 2021, the Australian Centre for Hepatitis Virology (ACHV) for the first time held a public educational forum for the general public. The main aim of this event was to inform the affected community about the importance of scientific research and give an overview of upcoming developments in the field. Here, we provide a detailed report of the panel discussion (including its organisation, execution, and lessons learned to incorporate into future events) and provide strategies that can be used by other scientific societies to hold similar events in their own communities.
Evaluation of Four Commercial Vaccines for the Protection of Piglets against the Highly Pathogenic Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (hp-PRRSV) QH-08 Strain
Authors: Ding Yaozhong , Wubshet Ashenafi Kiros , Ding Xiaolong , Zhang Zhongwang , Li Qian , Dai Junfei , Hou Qian , Hu Yonghao , Zhang Jie
Published: September 2021

Vaccination is the best way to prevent economic losses from highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (hp-PRRSV) disease. However, the commercially available vaccines need to periodically evaluate their efficacy against infections caused by new hp-PRRSV variants. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of four (two modified live vaccines (MLV) and two inactivated) PRRSV commercial vaccines in piglets challenged with QH-08 and to estimate the genetic distance of the vaccine strains from recently isolated (QH-08) filed strain. Randomly, piglets (n = 5) allocated in groups 1–4 were immunized with Ingelvac PRRS MLV, CH-1a, JXA1, and JXA1-RMLV vaccines, whereas the infected and non-infected control piglets in groups 5 and 6 (n = 3), respectively, were subjected to PBS. Results indicated that JXA1 and JXA1-R MLV vaccines showed complete protection, but Ingelvac PRRS MLV and CH-1α vaccines revealed partial protection against the QH-08 PRRSV challenge. Similarly, vaccinated and challenged pigs showed lower macroscopic and microscopic lesions than the pigs in group 5. Our findings demonstrated a new insight that the variation in ORF1a and 1b coding sequence could significantly affect PRRSV vaccines efficacy. In conclusion, QH-08 is a good candidate for the design and development of an innovative PRRSV vaccine that ultimately helps in the control and prevention strategies.