bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing Complex Knowledge in Sustainable Planning: A Semantic-Based Model for Multiagent Water-Related Concepts
Authors: Patano Mauro , Camarda Domenico
Published: July 2023

The concepts of green infrastructures, nature-based solutions and ecosystem services are today considered an integral part of the broader theme of the urban bioregion, with an intrinsic character of complexity. It is certainly difficult to structure bioregional processes in a balanced and sustainable way, able to keep local energy production and consumption cycles closed. It is a complex issue of knowledge bases, and problems are increased by the participatory dimension of environmental planning. In fact, when rational planning models have failed in the face of prominent individual needs and environmental complexity, a path has emerged towards the inclusion of multiple citizens’ and stakeholders’ knowledge. The cognitive structure of the plans has thus changed from systems of exclusively expert, formal knowledge to systems of diffused, multi-agent knowledge. This has involved richness but also significant problems in understanding and managing knowledge bases. In this complexity, there are some common peculiarities when it comes to socio-environmental systems. A common feature of the reference domains of ecosystem services, nature-based solutions and green infrastructures is the water resource. A management model of hydrological data, which are structurally relevant and cross-sectoral in environmental planning actions, could represent a flagship initiative. The used approach could be conveyed to more complex and extensive areas of the environmental domain in a perspective of sustainable planning. The present paper is part of a research work oriented toward handling complex environmental subjects, such as green infrastructures, nature-based solutions or ecosystem services, with a knowledge modelling approach. This approach is based on semantic extensions, elaborated form the concept of semantic web, to allow shared interpretations of knowledge coming from different languages and scientific domains. It is also based on using applied ontologies, elaborated from the concept of ontology-based classification, to support a structured organization of knowledge contents. The main research objective is therefore to investigate about a knowledge management system with semantic extensions, populated with hydrological knowledge contents, as well as to propose a preliminary functional architecture. A simple ontology of data is extracted, aiming at clarifying and improving inter-domain communication, so as to enhance a common semantic understanding in a complex environmental system.
Trend Analysis of the Impact of Ecological Governance on Industrial Structural Upgrading under the Dual Carbon Target
Authors: You Siqing , Zhang Chaoyu , Zhao Han , Zhou Hongli , Li Zican , Xu Jiayi , Meng Yan
Published: July 2023

The Chinese government faces significant challenges in achieving the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality (dual carbon targets), particularly in the realms of implementing a low-carbon economy and achieving ecological balance. In order to assist the Chinese government in formulating more effective ecological governance policies, this paper focuses on 288 cities in China and proposes a predictive model combining gray forecasting, Backpropagation Neural Network, and threshold effect testing to forecast yearly ecological governance intensity. Under the premise of examining the predictive effect, fixed effects testing and threshold regression analysis were conducted to assess the future intensity of ecological governance. The empirical research results reveal that the increasing intensity of future ecological governance has a promoting effect on China’s upgrading of industrial structure, but this effect gradually diminishes. On the contrary, there is significant potential for optimizing industry’s internal structure. Efforts should be directed towards intensified governance, emphasizing energy-saving and emission reduction in high-carbon industries, and promoting environmentally and economically beneficial models. Our research provides a widely applicable method for studying the trend of research as it pertains to government decision-making effectiveness and valuable insights for governments to make more informed decisions in the pursuit of sustainable development.
Simulation Study on Local Scour Characteristics of Tandem Bridge Piers in a Straight River under a Changing Environment
Authors: Gao Pengcheng , Mou Xianyou , Ji Honglan
Published: July 2023

Hydrodynamics is a common manifestation that causes natural scouring of riverbeds, and it is one of the factors that exacerbate the natural disasters of local scouring of bridge piers, causing sustainability of environmental changes in the water. The evolution pattern and scour characteristics of the bed surface around the submerged structures under different scouring conditions vary greatly. In order to investigate the scour mechanism, the reformed group (RNG) turbulence model in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation software (v11.2) was used to simulate the scour under the clear-water scour and live-bed scour environments, and different scour morphology characteristics around the tandem piers under the clear-water scour and live-bed scour environments were obtained in the final simulation. By capturing the cross-sectional vortex and bed shear stress during the scouring process, the characteristic pattern of scouring topography around the pier and the relationship between the scour hole structure scale were analyzed, and the relationship equation between the development of scour depth and time scale was established. The study shows that: under the clear-water scouring environment, the sediment transport rate lags behind, but the contribution time is superior; under the live-bed scouring environment, by the shading and reinforcement influence of the upstream piers, the extent and development of the downstream pier surrounding the scour hole is small; the development trend of the maximum sediment transport rate of the scour hole and the great value of the shear stress is more synergistic, and the peri-pier eddy is positively correlated with the bed shear stress; through the regression equation to compare the relevant test and simulation results, the two are in good agreement, indicating that the simulated local scour evolution law is consistent with the actual law.
Export Potential Analysis of Vietnamese Bottled Coconut Water by Incorporating Criteria Weights of MCDM into the Gravity of Trade Model
Authors: Sharkasi Nora , Chau Nguyen Vo Hien , Rajasekera Jay
Published: July 2023

Vietnam, an emerging economy, leads the Southeast Asian region in terms of the growth rate of coconut production; yet, its sustainability is questionable because Vietnam lacks a credible strategy to reap the benefits of its export potential. While the literature is rich with studies on coconut-related export competitiveness and readiness, it seems that studies focused on a single set of factors, and very few studies take Vietnam as a case study for analysis. Studies we found use aggregate data for econometric analysis. On the contrary, this study attempts to address the literature’s gaps by proposing a comprehensive view of key factors identifying the export potential of bottled coconut water. It also adds to our comprehension of how large- and small-scale manufacturers prioritize factors differently. To answer the research questions, we collect qualitative and quantitative data for analysis. We use AHP and M-CRITIC-RP methods for ranking the factors. This study also incorporates the criteria weights into the gravity of the trade model to identify export potential to target markets. Our findings can draw researchers’ and policymakers’ attention to the importance of considering how firms and manufacturers prioritize key factors in export readiness, and thereby impact export potential and target markets.
Application of Process Mining in Logistic Processes of Manufacturing Organizations: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alnahas Jasim
Published: July 2023

With the continuous development in technology and changes in the logistic systems, organizations should review their logistic processes that evolve over time. To attain a good insight into the conformance of these processes with the designed process model, constant detection and monitoring is required. The main objective of this systematic review is to investigate the state of the art in process mining applications in logistics specifically related to manufacturing organizations. The review aims to analyze and assess the use of process mining techniques and models in the logistics domain, based on the selected studies. In this review, literature was searched between the years 2004 and 2022 using several inclusion and exclusion criteria. Fifteen published studies were selected and analyzed on the use of process mining in the logistics domain based on the process mining techniques and models used. All of the selected studies used models and thirteen of them used real case studies. All of the fifteen studies used one or more algorithms. Only three of these studies did not mention the modeling language used to represent the process. Moreover, seven studies focused on discussing the process discovery alone and five more addressed process discovery in addition to other types of process mining. Eight studies mentioned the process mining tools used that included DISCO and several versions of ProM.
Research on an Investment Decision Model of Waste Incineration Power under Demand Guarantee Policies
Authors: Dong Yuqun , Zhuang Yaming
Published: July 2023

In order to encourage social capital to sustainably enter waste incineration power generation projects, policy-makers propose demand guarantee policies to ensure the fundamental interests of social capital. Nowadays, demand guarantee policies in China are artificially set based on industry experience and similar biomass power generation projects but lack theoretical support, thus bringing pitfalls to sustainable development. To address this issue, this paper constructs a decision model under the Real Option Approach to obtain investment triggers and guarantee level. Under lower, upper and bidirectional demand guarantee policies, this paper compares three Real Option models considering uncertain factors. The results show that demand guarantee policies usually have an excess guarantee phenomenon that affects long-term interests, and the lower demand guarantee policy can most effectively promote social capital to invest. Policy-makers can choose appropriate policies based on their demands or adjust existing guarantee policies to avoid the excessive guarantees phenomenon and attract social capital to invest in waste incineration.
The Varying Effects of Four Components of Employee Psychological Capital on Sustainable-Business-Model Innovation in the New Normal
Authors: Shan Yinan , Chin Tachia , Mutsvene Nomagugu
Published: July 2023

In view of the intensification of market uncertainty and complexity, interest in sustainable-business-model innovation (SBMI) has increased among both global companies and educational institutions in the new normal. However, although many organisations find it challenging to accomplish their sustainability goals, limited research has delved into SBMI in the post-pandemic era. To address this research gap, we adopt a unique micro-foundational approach to investigate how the four components of employees’ psychological capital (PsyCap) affect SBMI. Based on a primary survey of 430 employees of small and medium-sized Chinese enterprises using online and offline methods, we used structural equation modelling to analyse the results. We found that optimism, hope, and self-efficacy were each positively related to SBMI, with resilience moderating these positive associations. The main theoretical contribution of our study is the use of a micro-foundational approach to unravel the different effects of the four dimensions of PsyCap on SBMI, thus offering novel insights into a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of relevant issues in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic. Practically, our findings can help global managers to develop strategies to leverage the psychological resources of individuals in order to cope with firm-level innovation challenges during this turbulent time.
Assessment of Flood-Induced Geomorphic Changes in Sidere Creek of the Mountainous Basin Using Small UAV-Based Imagery
Authors: Yavuz Mehmet , Tufekcioglu Mustafa
Published: July 2023

Floods often cause changes in the hydro-geomorphology of riverbeds and banks. These changes need to be closely monitored to find a balance and exchange between lateral and vertical erosion and deposition, upstream local sediment supply, and a stream’s transport capacity. Low-frequency cross-sectional field surveys cannot map hard-to-reach locations. Innovative techniques, such as small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), must be employed to monitor these processes. This research compared historical data with a UAV survey and the Pix4DMapper structure-from-motion (SfM) program to assess the longitudinal, lateral, and vertical changes of Sidere Creek in the eastern Black Sea, Türkiye. Digitization was undertaken using 2011–2015–2017 Google Earth photographs, 1960s topographic maps, and 2023 orthomosaics. ArcGIS 10.6 was used to delineate the centerlines (thalweg), left/right banks, alluvial bars, active channel widths, and channel confinement layers. Channel Migration Toolbox and CloudCompare were utilized for analyzing lateral and vertical morphological changes, respectively. The active channel migrated 25.57 m during 1960–2011, 15.84 m during 2011–2015, 6.96 m during 2015–2017, and 5.79 m during 2017–2023. Left-bank channel confinement rose from 2.4% to 42% and right-bank channel confinement from 5.9% to 34.8% over 63 years. Neither stream meandering nor sinuosity index changed statistically. Active channel boundary widths varied from 149.79 m to 9.46 m, averaging 37.3 m. It can be concluded that UAV surveys can precisely measure and monitor the stream channel longitudinal, lateral, and vertical morphological changes at a lower cost and in less time than previous methods.
Research on Green Vehicle Path Planning of AGVs with Simultaneous Pickup and Delivery in Intelligent Workshop
Authors: Zheng Xiaojun , Gao Feng , Tong Xiaoying
Published: July 2023

In this study, we present and discuss a variant of the classic vehicle routing problem (VRP), the green automated guided vehicle (AGV) routing problem, which involves simultaneous pickup and delivery with time windows (GVRPSPDTW) in an intelligent workshop. The research object is AGV energy consumption. First, we conduct a comprehensive analysis of the mechanical forces present during AGV transportation and evaluate the overall operational efficiency of the workshop. Then, we construct a green vehicle path planning model to minimize the energy consumption during AGV transportation and the standby period. Hence, the problems considered in this study are modeled based on asymmetry, making the problem solving more complex. We also design a hybrid differential evolution algorithm based on large neighborhood search (DE-LNS) to increase the local search ability of the algorithm. To enhance the optimal quality of solutions, we design an adaptive scaling factor and use the squirrel migration operator to optimize the population. Last, extensive computational experiments, which are generated from the VRPSPDTW instances set and a real case of an intelligent workshop, are designed to evaluate and demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed model and algorithm. The experimental results show that DE-LNS yields competitive results, compared to advanced heuristic algorithms. The effectiveness and applicability of the proposed algorithm are verified. Additionally, the proposed model demonstrates significant energy-saving potential in workshop logistics. It can optimize energy consumption by 15.3% compared with the traditional VRPSPDTW model. Consequently, the model proposed in this research carries substantial implications for minimizing total energy consumption costs and exhibits promising prospects for real-world application in intelligent workshops.
Robustness Analysis of Exponential Synchronization in Complex Dynamic Networks with Time-Varying Delays and Random Disturbances
Authors: Xie Tao , Zhang Qike , Xiong Xing
Published: July 2023

This paper aims to investigate the robustness of exponential synchronization in complex dynamic networks (CDNs) with time-varying delays and random disturbances. Via the Gronwall–Bellman lemma and partial inequality methods, by calculating the transcendental equations, the delays limits and maximum disturbance size of the CDNs are estimated. This means that the perturbed system achieves exponential synchronization if the disturbance strength is within our estimation range. The theoretical results are illustrated by several simulations.
A Novel Conservative Chaotic System Involved in Hyperbolic Functions and Its Application to Design an Efficient Colour Image Encryption Scheme
Authors: Neamah Ammar Ali , Shukur Ali A.
Published: July 2023

It is well known that, compared to low-dimension chaotic systems, three-dimensional chaotic systems have a wider parameter range, more complicated behaviour, and better unpredictability. This fact motivated us to introduce a novel image encryption method that employs a three-dimensional chaotic system. We proposed a novel three-dimensional conservative system that can exhibit chaotic behaviour involving hyperbolic functions. The dynamical behaviours of the proposed system are discovered by calculating Lyapunov exponents and bifurcation diagrams. Thereafter, we designed an image encryption method based on the proposed system and a 4×4 self-invertible matrix. A modified Diffie–Hellman key exchange protocol was utilised to generate the self-invertible key matrix Km employed in the diffusion stage. Our approach has three main stages. In the first stage, the proposed three-dimensional system utilises the original image to create three sequences, two of which are chosen for confusion and diffusion processes. The next stage involves confusing the image’s pixels by changing the positions of pixels using these sequences. In the third stage, the confused image is split into sub-blocks of size 4×4, and each block is encrypted by multiplying it with Km. Simulation findings demonstrated that the proposed image scheme has a high level of security and is resistant to statistical analysis, noise, and other attacks.
Quantile-Based Multivariate Log-Normal Distribution
Authors: Morán-Vásquez Raúl Alejandro , Roldán-Correa Alejandro , Nagar Daya K.
Published: July 2023

We introduce a quantile-based multivariate log-normal distribution, providing a new multivariate skewed distribution with positive support. The parameters of this distribution are interpretable in terms of quantiles of marginal distributions and associations between pairs of variables, a desirable feature for statistical modeling purposes. We derive statistical properties of the quantile-based multivariate log-normal distribution involving the transformations, closed-form expressions for the mixed moments, expected value, covariance matrix, mode, Shannon entropy, and Kullback–Leibler divergence. We also present results on marginalization, conditioning, and independence. Additionally, we discuss parameter estimation and verify its performance through simulation studies. We evaluate the model fitting based on Mahalanobis-type distances. An application to children data is presented.
An Estimation of Distribution Algorithm for Permutation Flow-Shop Scheduling Problem
Authors: Lemtenneche Sami , Bensayah Abdallah , Cheriet Abdelhakim
Published: July 2023

Estimation of distribution algorithms (EDAs) is a subset of evolutionary algorithms widely used in various optimization problems, known for their favorable results. Each generation of EDAs builds a probabilistic model to represent the most promising individuals, and the next generation is created by sampling from this model. The primary challenge in designing such algorithms lies in effectively constructing the probabilistic model. The mutual exclusivity constraint imposes an additional challenge for EDAs to approach permutation-based problems. In this study, we propose a new EDA called Position-Guided Sampling Estimation of Distribution Algorithm (PGS-EDA) specifically designed for permutation-based problems. Unlike conventional approaches, our algorithm focuses on the positions rather than the elements during the sampling phase. We evaluate the performance of our algorithm on the Permutation Flow-shop Scheduling Problem (PFSP). The experiments conducted on various sizes of Taillard instances provide evidence of the effectiveness of our algorithm in addressing the PFSP, particularly for small and medium-sized problems. The comparison results with other EDAs designed to handle permutation problems demonstrate that our PSG-EDA algorithm consistently achieves the lowest Average Relative Percentage Deviation (ARPD) values in 19 out of the 30 instances of sizes 20 and 50 used in the study. These findings validate the superior performance of our algorithm in terms of minimizing the makespan criterion of the PFSP.
T-2 and HT-2 Toxins: Toxicity, Occurrence and Analysis: A Review
Authors: Meneely Julie , Greer Brett , Kolawole Oluwatobi , Elliott Christopher
Published: July 2023

One of the major classes of mycotoxins posing serious hazards to humans and animals and potentially causing severe economic impact to the cereal industry are the trichothecenes, produced by many fungal genera. As such, indicative limits for the sum of T-2 and HT-2 were introduced in the European Union in 2013 and discussions are ongoing as to the establishment of maximum levels. This review provides a concise assessment of the existing understanding concerning the toxicological effects of T-2 and HT-2 in humans and animals, their biosynthetic pathways, occurrence, impact of climate change on their production and an evaluation of the analytical methods applied to their detection. This study highlights that the ecology of F. sporotrichioides and F. langsethiae as well as the influence of interacting environmental factors on their growth and activation of biosynthetic genes are still not fully understood. Predictive models of Fusarium growth and subsequent mycotoxin production would be beneficial in predicting the risk of contamination and thus aid early mitigation. With the likelihood of regulatory maximum limits being introduced, increased surveillance using rapid, on-site tests in addition to confirmatory methods will be required. allowing the industry to be proactive rather than reactive.
Fusarium Species and Mycotoxins Associated with Sorghum Grains in Uruguay
Authors: Corallo Ana Belén , del Palacio Agustina , Oliver María , Tiscornia Susana , Simoens Macarena , Cea Jaqueline , de Aurrecoechea Inés , Martínez Inés , Sanchez Alicia , Stewart Silvina , Pan Dinorah
Published: July 2023

Grain mold and stalk rot are among the fungal diseases that cause significant losses in sorghum worldwide and are caused by different Fusarium spp. The presence of Fusarium species in sorghum grains causes yield losses and mycotoxin contamination, which represents a risk to consumers. In this study, Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC) had a high incidence, followed by Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC) and F. incarnatum-equiseti species complex. Within FFSC, F. proliferatum, F. andiyazi, F. fujikuroi, F. thapsinum, F. verticillioides and F. subglutinans were identified, and this was the first report of F. fujikuroi in sorghum. The most frequent toxins found in sorghum samples were deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN). The presence of fumonisins and nivalenol (NIV) was detected at low levels. This study adds new knowledge about the occurrence of Fusarium species and mycotoxins in sorghum grains. Furthermore, this is the first report in Uruguay on fungicide sensitivity for Fusarium isolates from sorghum, which constitutes an important starting point for defining management practices to minimize fungal infection and mycotoxin contamination.
Bioinformatic Surveillance Leads to Discovery of Two Novel Putative Bunyaviruses Associated with Black Soldier Fly
Authors: Walt Hunter K. , Kooienga Emilia , Cammack Jonathan A. , Tomberlin Jeffery K. , Jordan Heather R. , Meyer Florencia , Hoffmann Federico G.
Published: July 2023

The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, BSF) has emerged as an industrial insect of high promise because of its ability to convert organic waste into nutritious feedstock, making it an environmentally sustainable alternative protein source. As global interest rises, rearing efforts have also been upscaled, which is highly conducive to pathogen transmission. Viral epidemics have stifled mass-rearing efforts of other insects of economic importance, such as crickets, silkworms, and honeybees, but little is known about the viruses that associate with BSF. Although BSFs are thought to be unusually resistant to pathogens because of their expansive antimicrobial gene repertoire, surveillance techniques could be useful in identifying emerging pathogens and common BSF microbes. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing data to survey BSF larvae and frass samples, and we identified two novel bunyavirus-like sequences. Our phylogenetic analysis grouped one in the family Nairoviridae and the other with two unclassified bunyaviruses. We describe these putative novel viruses as BSF Nairovirus-like 1 and BSF uncharacterized bunyavirus-like 1. We identified candidate segments for the full BSF Nairovirus-like 1 genome using a technique based on transcript co-occurrence and only a partial genome for BSF uncharacterized bunyavirus-like 1. These results emphasize the value of routine BSF colony surveillance and add to the number of viruses associated with BSF.
Airway Epithelial-Derived Immune Mediators in COVID-19
Authors: Guo Tony J. F. , Singhera Gurpreet K. , Leung Janice M. , Dorscheid Delbert R.
Published: July 2023

The airway epithelium, which lines the conducting airways, is central to the defense of the lungs against inhaled particulate matter and pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Recognition of pathogens results in the activation of an innate and intermediate immune response which involves the release of cytokines and chemokines by the airway epithelium. This response can inhibit further viral invasion and influence adaptive immunity. However, severe COVID-19 is characterized by a hyper-inflammatory response which can give rise to clinical presentations including lung injury and lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome, viral pneumonia, coagulopathy, and multi-system organ failure. In response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, the airway epithelium can mount a maladaptive immune response which can delay viral clearance, perpetuate excessive inflammation, and contribute to the pathogenesis of severe COVID-19. In this article, we will review the barrier and immune functions of the airway epithelium, how SARS-CoV-2 can interact with the epithelium, and epithelial-derived cytokines and chemokines and their roles in COVID-19 and as biomarkers. Finally, we will discuss these immune mediators and their potential as therapeutic targets in COVID-19.
Rapid Construction of an Infectious Clone of Fowl Adenovirus Serotype 4 Isolate
Authors: Gong Minzhi , Wang Yating , Liu Shijia , Li Boshuo , Du Enqi , Gao Yupeng
Published: July 2023

Adenovirus vectors possess a good safety profile, an extensive genome, a range of host cells, high viral yield, and the ability to elicit broad humoral and cellular immune responses. Adenovirus vectors are widely used in infectious disease research for future vaccine development and gene therapy. In this study, we obtained a fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) isolate from sick chickens with hepatitis–hydropericardium syndrome (HHS) and conducted animal regression text to clarify biological pathology. We amplified the transfer vector and extracted viral genomic DNA from infected LMH cells, then recombined the mixtures via the Gibson assembly method in vitro and electroporated them into EZ10 competent cells to construct the FAdV-4 infectious clone. The infectious clones were successfully rescued in LMH cells within 15 days of transfection. The typical cytopathic effect (CPE) and propagation titer of FAdV-4 infectious clones were also similar to those for wild-type FAdV-4. To further construct the single-cycle adenovirus (SC-Ad) vector, we constructed SC-Ad vectors by deleting the gene for IIIa capsid cement protein. The FAdV4 infectious clone vector was introduced into the ccdB cm expression cassette to replace the IIIa gene using a λ-red homologous recombination technique, and then the ccdB cm expression cassette was excised by PmeI digestion and self-ligation to obtain the resulting plasmids as SC-Ad vectors.
Emerging Genomic Trends on Rabies Virus in Davao Region, Philippines, 2018–2021
Authors: Capin Jessel Babe G. , Sanque Angela Jahn C. , Eng Maria Noreen J. , Lagare Arlene , Sepulveda Maria Corazon B. , Murao Lyre Anni E.
Published: July 2023

Rabies, caused by the rabies virus (RABV), remains a significant public health issue in the Philippines despite efforts to control it. To eliminate rabies by 2030, effective surveillance strategies are crucial. In this study, we examined RABV evolution and phylodynamics in the Davao Region using genome sequences from Davao City and nearby provinces. We adapted the RABV ARTIC Protocol for Oxford Nanopore High-Throughput Sequencing to optimize workflow efficiency under limited resources. Comparing new virus samples collected from June 2019 to June 2021 (n = 38) with baseline samples from June 2018 to May 2019 (n = 49), new sub-clades were observed in the phylogenetic tree, suggesting divergence from older variants that were previously undetected. Most of the new viruses belonged to the Asian SEA4_A1.1.1 lineage, but new (SEA4_B1 and SEA4_B1.1) and emerging (SEA4_B1.1_E1) lineages that have never been reported in the Philippines were also identified. The baseline study reported phylogeographic clustering of RABV isolates from the same areas. However, this pattern was disrupted in the current biosurveillance, with variants detected in areas outside the original cluster. Furthermore, our findings revealed significant transmission routes between Davao City and neighboring provinces, contrasting with the predominantly intra-city transmission observed in the baseline study. These results underscore the need for ongoing and timely genomic surveillance to monitor genetic diversity changes and the emergence of novel strains, as well as to track alterations in transmission pathways. Implementing cost-effective next-generation sequencing workflows will facilitate the integration of genomic surveillance into rabies control programs, particularly in resource-limited settings. Collaborations between different sectors can empower local laboratories and experts in genomic technologies and analysis.
BNT162b2 Elicited an Efficient Cell-Mediated Response against SARS-CoV-2 in Kidney Transplant Recipients and Common Variable Immunodeficiency Patients
Authors: La Civita Evelina , Zannella Carla , Brusa Stefano , Romano Paolo , Schettino Elisa , Salemi Fabrizio , Carrano Rosa , Gentile Luca , Punziano Alessandra , Lagnese Gianluca , Spadaro Giuseppe , Franci Gianluigi , Galdiero Massimiliano , Terracciano Daniela , Portella Giuseppe , Loffredo Stefania
Published: July 2023

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is the standard of care for the prevention of COVID-19 disease. Although vaccination triggers both humoral and cellular immune response, COVID-19 vaccination efficacy is currently evaluated by measuring antibodies only, whereas adaptative cellular immunity is unexplored. Our aim is to test humoral and cell-mediated response after three doses of BNT162b vaccine in two cohorts of fragile patients: Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) patients and Kidney Transplant Recipients (KTR) patients compared to healthy donors. We enrolled 10 healthy controls (HCs), 19 CVID patients and 17 KTR patients. HC BNT162b third dose had successfully mounted humoral immune response. A positive correlation between Anti-Spike Trimeric IgG concentration and neutralizing antibody titer was also observed. CVID and KTR groups showed a lower humoral immune response compared to HCs. IFN-γ release induced by epitopes of the Spike protein in stimulated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was similar among vaccinated HC, CVID and KTR. Patients vaccinated and infected showed a more efficient humoral and cell-mediated response compared to only vaccinated patients. In conclusion, CVID and KTR patients had an efficient cell-mediated but not humoral response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, suggesting that the evaluation of T cell responses could be a more sensitive marker of immunization in these subjects.
SARS-CoV-2 Recombination and Coinfection Events Identified in Clinical Samples in Russia
Authors: Chernyaeva Ekaterina N. , Ayginin Andrey A. , Kosenkov Alexey V. , Romanova Svetlana V. , Tsypkina Anastasia V. , Luparev Andrey R. , Stetsenko Ivan F. , Gnusareva Natalia I. , Matsvay Alina D. , Savochkina Yulia A. , Shipulin German A.
Published: July 2023

Recombination is one of the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 evolution along with the occurrence of point mutations, insertions, and deletions. Recently, recombinant variants of SARS-CoV-2 have been registered in different countries, and some of them have become circulating forms. In this work, we performed screening of SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences to identify recombination events and co-infections with various strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus detected in Russia from February 2020 to March 2022. The study included 9336 genomes of the COVID-19 pathogen obtained as a result of high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina platform. For data analysis, we used an algorithm developed by our group that can identify viral recombination variants and cases of co-infections by estimating the frequencies of characteristic substitutions in raw read alignment files and VCF files. The detected cases of recombination were confirmed by alternative sequencing methods, principal component analysis, and phylogenetic analysis. The suggested approach allowed for the identification of recombinant variants of strains BA.1 and BA.2, among which a new recombinant variant was identified, as well as a previously discovered one. The results obtained are the first evidence of the spread of recombinant variants of SARS-CoV-2 in Russia. In addition to cases of recombination we identified cases of coinfection: eight of them contained the genome of the Omicron line as one of the variants, six of them the genome of the Delta line, and two with the genome of the Alpha line.
An Oil-Based Adjuvant Improves Immune Responses Induced by Canine Adenovirus-Vectored Vaccine in Mice
Authors: Broutin Manon , Costa Fleur , Peltier Sandy , Maye Jennifer , Versillé Nicolas , Klonjkowski Bernard
Published: July 2023

There is a significant need for highly effective vaccines against emerging and common veterinary infectious diseases. Canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV2) vectors allow rapid development of multiple vaccines and have demonstrated their potential in animal models. In this study, we compared the immunogenicity of a non-replicating CAV2 vector encoding the rabies virus glycoprotein with and without MontanideTM ISA 201 VG, an oil-based adjuvant. All vaccinated mice rapidly achieved rabies seroconversion, which was associated with complete vaccine protection. The adjuvant increased rabies antibody titers without any significant effect on the anti-CAV2 serological responses. An RT2 Profiler™ PCR array was conducted to identify host antiviral genes modulated in the blood samples 24 h after vaccination. Functional analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed the up-regulation of the RIG-I, TLRs, NLRs, and IFNs signaling pathways. These results demonstrate that a water-in-oil-in-water adjuvant can shape the immune responses to an antigen encoded by an adenovirus, thereby enhancing the protection conferred by live recombinant vaccines. The characterization of early vaccine responses provides a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of CAV2-vectored vaccines.
Decreased Expression of CD314 by NK Cells Correlates with Their Ability to Respond by Producing IFN-γ after BCG Moscow Vaccination and Is Associated with Distinct Early Immune Responses
Authors: da Costa Adeliane Castro , de Souza Barbosa Lília Cristina , Kipnis André , Junqueira-Kipnis Ana Paula
Published: July 2023

The immune response to vaccines is complex and results in various outcomes. BCG vaccination induces innate and specific responses that can lead to protection against tuberculosis, and cross-protection against other infections. NK cells have been associated with BCG-induced protection. Therefore, we hypothesize that differences in NK cell status before BCG vaccination may have a role in the ability of BCG to activate the immune response. Participants of a clinical trial were evaluated after BCG vaccination. The participants were assigned to different groups according to variation in IFN-γ expression by NK cells between days 1 and 15 after BCG vaccination. Individuals that presented a higher increase in IFN-γ expression by NK cells presented reduced CD314 expression at day 1, and after vaccination an increase in inflammatory NK cells and CD4 T-cell expression of IL-17. A negative correlation between expression of CD314 at day 1 and that of IFN-γ by NK cells after BCG vaccination was observed. Participants with lower of IFN-γ expression by NK cells after BCG vaccination presented an increase in the cytotoxic NK subpopulation and CD4 T-cell expression of IL-17 and IFN-γ. In conclusion, the expression of CD314 by NK cells before BCG vaccination influences their IFN-γ responses, generation of NK subpopulations, and the specific T immune response at 15 days after vaccination.
Real-Time Hardware-in-the-Loop Emulation of Path Tracking in Low-Cost Agricultural Robots
Authors: Moreno Ingrid J. , Ouardani Dina , Chaparro-Arce Daniel , Cardenas Alben
Published: July 2023

Reducing costs and time spent in experiments in the early development stages of vehicular technology such as off-road and agricultural semi-autonomous robots could help progress in this research area. In particular, evaluating path tracking strategies in the semi-autonomous operation of robots becomes challenging because of hardware costs, the time required for preparation and tests, and constraints associated with external aspects such as meteorological or weather conditions or limited space in research laboratories. This paper proposes a methodology for the real-time hardware-in-the-loop emulation of path tracking strategies in low-cost agricultural robots. This methodology enables the real-time validation of path tracking strategies before their implementation on the robot. To validate this, we propose implementing a path tracking strategy using only the information of motor’s angular speed and robot yaw velocity obtained from encoders and a low-cost inertial measurement unit (IMU), respectively. This paper provides a simulation with MATLAB/Simulink, hardware-in-the-loop with Qube-servo (Quanser), and experimental results with an Agribot platform to confirm its validity.
Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites, Risk Factors and Zoonotic Aspects in Dog and Cat Populations from Goiás, Brazil
Authors: Souza Juliana Bruno Borges , Silva Zara Mariana de Assis , Alves-Ribeiro Bruna Samara , Moraes Iago de Sá , Alves-Sobrinho Ana Vitória , Saturnino Klaus Casaro , Ferraz Henrique Trevizoli , Machado Mônica Rodrigues Ferreira , Braga Ísis Assis , Ramos Dirceu Guilherme de Souza
Published: July 2023

Gastrointestinal diseases caused by parasites are frequently diagnosed in the clinical routine of domestic animals, especially dogs and cats. In general, they trigger factors that can affect human health due to zoonoses. Therefore, this study aims to identify the main intestinal parasites obtained from the fecal samples of dogs and cats in the municipality of Jata, Brazil, and their associated risk factors. Between October 2020 and March 2022, fecal samples were collected from 359 dogs and 55 cats through spontaneous defecation and subsequently subjected to coproparasitological analyses using the Willis fluctuation and Hoffman spontaneous sedimentation techniques. The following parasitic species were identified: Ancylostoma spp., Toxocara spp., Trichuris vulpis, Dipylidium caninum; Giardia spp., Entamoeba spp., Cystoisospora spp., and Platynosomum fastosum. The risk factors associated with parasitism include age, average income of owners, access to garbage, sewage, waste, outdated deworming, and contact with animals. The results demonstrate the need to establish public policies and implement preventive and control measures to reduce the occurrence of parasites in animals and the exposure of humans to pathogenic agents
Climate Change Impacts on the Côa Basin (Portugal) and Potential Impacts on Agricultural Irrigation
Authors: Rodrigues Diogo , Fonseca André , Stolarski Oiliam , Freitas Teresa R. , Guimarães Nathalie , Santos João A. , Fraga Helder
Published: July 2023

The increasing gap between water demands and availability is a significant challenge for sustainable water management, particularly in the context of growing irrigation needs driven by climate change. In the Côa region (inner-north Portugal), agriculture plays a vital role in the local economy, ensuring food security and contributing to the conservation of natural resources, though also threatened by climate change. The present study assesses how streamflow in the Côa River can be affected by climate change. The HSPF (Hydrological Simulation Program-FORTRAN) hydrological model was coupled with three global–regional climate model chains to simulate historical monthly and annual streamflow (1986–2015), and to predict future (2040–2099) streamflow under RCP8.5. Irrigation scenarios were subsequently developed considering a potential future increase from 10% to 50% per decade. The evaluation of HSPF performance during the historical period revealed good agreement (R2 > 0.79) between simulated and observed flows. A general decrease in streamflow is found in the future, particularly in 2070–2099, with annual mean streamflow projected to decrease by −30% until 2099. Interannual variability is also expected to increase. Generally, the simulations indicated higher future flows in winter/early spring, whilst they are expected to decrease over the rest of the year, suggesting drought intensification. An increase in water demands for irrigation, potentially rising from 46 hm3·yr−1 (baseline scenario) up to 184 hm3·yr−1 (50% increase per decade) may lead to unsustainable irrigation. Managing these opposite trends poses significant challenges, requiring a comprehensive and integrated approach from stakeholders and policymakers. Strategies should focus on both demand-side and supply-side measures to optimize water use, improve water efficiency, and preserve water availability.
Finite Volume Method for Transient Pipe Flow with an Air Cushion Surge Chamber Considering Unsteady Friction and Experimental Validation
Authors: Liu Yue , Lu Jianwei , Chen Jian , Xia Yong , Liu Daohua , Hu Yinying , Feng Ruilin , Liu Deyou , Zhou Ling
Published: July 2023

In various water transmission systems such as long-distance water transfer projects and hydropower stations, accurate simulation of water hammer is extremely important for safe and stable operation and the realization of intelligent operations. Previous water hammer calculations usually consider only steady-state friction, underestimating the decay of transient pressure. A second-order Finite Volume Method (FVM) considering the effect of unsteady friction factor is developed to simulate the water hammer and the dynamic behavior of air cushion surge chamber in a water pipeline system, while an experimental pipe system is conducted to validate the proposed numerical model. Two unsteady friction models, Brunone and TVB models, were incorporated into the water hammer equations, which are solved by the MUSCL–Hancock method. One virtual boundary method was proposed to realize the FVM simulation of Air Cushion Surge Chamber. Comparisons with water hammer experimental results show that, while the steady friction model only accurately predicts the first pressure peak, it seriously underestimates pressure attenuation in later stages. Incorporating an unsteady friction factor can better predict the entire pressure attenuation process; in particular, the TVB unsteady friction model more accurately reproduces the pressure peaks and the whole pressure oscillation periods. For water pipeline systems with an air cushion surge chamber, energy attenuation of the elastic pipe water hammer is primarily due to pipe friction and the air cushion. The experimental results with the air cushion surge chamber demonstrate that the proposed FVM model with the TVB unsteady friction model and the air chamber polytropic exponent near 1.0 can well reproduce the experimental pressure oscillations.
Water Renewal Simulation in Two Flow-Through Water Bodies in Western Greece
Authors: Fourniotis Nikolaos Th. , Leftheriotis Georgios A.
Published: July 2023

The basic hydrodynamic characteristics and water renewal of two flow-through water bodies in Western Greece, the Gulf of Patras and Lysimachia Lake, are studied via numerical simulations. The currents on the northern coasts of the Gulf are much stronger compared with the southern region, and rapid water renewal is achieved in the area of the Rio–Antirio strait (<1 month). In the northern part of the Gulf, the residence time varies from 1 to 4 months, while in the central and southern parts, it is estimated to exceed 6 months. Regarding the water renewal of deep waters (>60 m), which are enclosed between sills, the same pattern was observed, with residence times exceeding 6 months. In Lysimachia Lake, the effect of inflow waters from surrounding water bodies was analyzed over a time period of approximately 2 months. Gyres formation was observed due to local topography, and the numerically predicted results for water renewal were found to be in good agreement with those in the literature. Specifically, Lysimachia Lake seems to be replenished approximately 13 times per year.
Experimental Research on Backward Erosion Piping Progression
Authors: Riha Jaromir , Petrula Lubomir
Published: July 2023

Internal erosion is caused by seepage body forces acting on the soil particles. One of the most dangerous modes of internal erosion at hydraulic structures is backward erosion piping, which usually initiates at the downstream end of a seepage path, e.g., at the downstream toe of the dam. The progress of backward erosion and the development of erosion pipes were tested in a newly developed laboratory device for three types of sand with grain sizes of 0/2, 0.25/2, and 0.25/1. The piezometric head along the gradually developing seepage “pipe” was observed by seventeen piezometers and seven pressure sensors. The seepage amount was measured by the volumetric method. The critical hydraulic gradient was determined and related to the soil porosity. The progression of the seepage path and relevant characteristics such as the piezometric and pressure heads and the amount of trapped sediment were observed by two synchronous cameras. Based on the analysis of the results of 42 tests, a new empirical formula for the backward erosion rate was proposed. The characteristics of lateral erosion were evaluated and compared with the available literature, which provided reasonably good agreement.