bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Cost-Effectiveness in Earthworks: Early Warning System and Status of the Previous Work Period
Authors: Šopić Martina , Vukomanović Mladen , Car-Pušić Diana
Published: August 2024

Estimating earthwork costs is challenging due to the use of high-cost construction machines, the performance of works in dynamic, changing, and uncertain conditions, and the issues of machine actual productivity. In earthworks, there is a constant need to track, control, and analyze the progress to reduce costs. The management of machines’ work on construction sites is complex due to an unknown or insufficiently accurate assessment of their actual productivity, and it relies heavily on the site manager’s (in)experience. The cost-effectiveness of the contracted price for the operation of the machines may be questionable. This paper proposes a model for machine cost-effectiveness in earthworks. The proposed model consists of an Early warning system and Status of the previous work period. The Early warning system can provide timely and reliable detection of cost-effectiveness and profitability thresholds for excavators and tipper trucks during the excavation and material removal. The Status of the previous work period is time-dependent and provides a final assessment of the cost-effectiveness of excavators and tipper trucks for the past month or a more extended time. Applying the proposed model at the construction site of the infrastructure project demonstrated its practicality and purpose.
Renewable Energy Consumption Determinants: Do They Differ between Oil-Exporting Countries and Oil-Importing Ones?
Authors: Makki Mohammad , Kaspard Jeanne , Khalil Fleur , Mawad Jeanne Laure
Published: August 2024

This paper delves into the critical determinants of renewable energy consumption, focusing on the contrasting roles of oil imports and exports. It aims to bridge the knowledge gap by comparing these determinants across both oil-importing and oil-exporting nations, offering a comprehensive and nuanced perspective to inform policy recommendations. Using annual data from 1990 to 2018 sourced from the World Bank database, the study employs panel multiple regression analysis and adopts a fixed effects model to explore two main questions: What drives the use of renewable energy sources? How does a country’s oil importer or exporter status affect these factors? The findings reveal a significant but inverse relationship between oil rents and renewable energy consumption (REC) for both types of countries. Additionally, there is a notable negative correlation between GDP growth and REC for both oil-exporting and oil-importing countries. Interestingly, the crude oil average closing price and inflation show an insignificant impact on REC in both contexts. The study also highlights that net energy imports significantly affect REC, with a much stronger inverse relationship in oil-importing countries compared with oil-exporting ones. For oil-importing countries, diversifying energy sources is a crucial investment. Governments should prioritize research and development in renewable energy to spur technological advancements, enhancing efficiency and affordability. Economic growth-promoting policies, such as tax incentives and subsidies for renewable energy businesses, are vital for encouraging sustainable practices. Consistent, long-term policies are essential for providing investor confidence and supporting the transition to renewable energy. For oil-exporting countries, similar strategies are recommended. Additionally, allocating a portion of oil revenues to renewable energy infrastructure and funding research and development in renewable technologies through local universities and startups are crucial steps. This dual approach will not only enhance energy diversification but also foster innovation and sustainability in the energy sector.
Seasonal Dynamics of the Silica-Scaled Chrysophytes as Potential Markers of Climate Change in Natural Model: Deep Cold Lake–Shallow Warmer Reservoir
Authors: Bessudova Anna , Galachyants Yuri , Firsova Alena , Hilkhanova Diana , Marchenkov Artyom , Nalimova Maria , Sakirko Maria , Likhoshway Yelena
Published: August 2024

In the context of global climate changes, it is important to assess the sustainability perspective of aquatic ecosystems based on marker organisms. In this work, we analyzed seasonal dynamics of silica-scaled chrysophytes in freshwater communicating environments which have considerable differences in water temperature between two ecosystems: the deep and cold oligotrophic Lake Baikal versus the shallower and warmer downstream Irkutsk Reservoir having mesotrophic features. During three seasons of the open water period of 2023, 38 species of silica-scaled chrysophytes were observed at 17 stations using scanning and transmission microscopy. The distribution of silica-scaled chrysophytes was shown to correlate with the water temperature. The greatest species richness was observed in the spring season in a large bay of the Irkutsk Reservoir (23 species), the smallest in the cold spring waters of Southern Baikal (up to 7 species). Widespread species living in Southern Baikal continued to grow in warmer waters of the reservoir. Using the example of silica-scaled chrysophytes, the stability of the high-latitudinal freshwater ecosystems affected by climate change is discussed. Continuous increment of the water temperature can lead to an increased abundance of widespread species and the displacement of psychrophilic species, affecting the overall biodiversity in such ecosystems.
The “Butterfly Effect” of Volatility in Net International Capital Flows: An Analysis of Co-Movement Characteristics and Influencing Factors
Authors: Luo Hang , Tan Jianwei
Published: August 2024

This paper employs social network analysis to investigate the characteristics and determinants of co-movement in the volatility of net cross-border capital flows. We have identified a significant “small-world” pattern in the co-movement network. Economies with highly positive or negative co-movement of volatility in net capital flows display regional differences. Furthermore, economies with high trade intensity, large interest-rate spreads, membership in the same economic organization, and geographical adjacency exhibit significantly increased co-movement of volatility in net private capital flows and net other investment flows. Economies with large differences in economic growth present less co-movement of volatility in net portfolio flows.
The Impacts of Digital Finance on Economic Resilience
Authors: Zou Xuxin , Dai Wenguan , Meng Shuang
Published: August 2024

Enhancing economic resilience is crucial to sustainable development. However, issues such as resource misallocation and financing difficulties have severely impacted supply chain stability and security. The rise of digital finance presents potential solutions to these problems. Based on panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2011 to 2020, this study explores the mechanisms and pathways through which digital finance enhances economic resilience. The results reveal four key findings. First, the development of digital finance significantly enhances economic resilience by improving innovation capabilities and consumption vitality. Second, a high degree of marketization strengthens the promoting effect of digital finance on economic resilience. Third, in areas with higher levels of industrial advancement or lower levels of traditional financial development, the enhancement effect of digital finance on economic resilience is more significant. Fourth, digital finance significantly improved the economic resilience of geographically adjacent areas through spatial spillover effects. Overall, this study provides a new perspective on the impact of digital finance on economic resilience in developing countries such as China. In addition to its academic contributions, this study offers detailed practical implications.
Exploring the Effects of Low-Carbon Labels on Purchase Intentions for Green Agricultural Products
Authors: Song Zhenjiang , Hu Mengting , Leng Mingni , Zhu Shubin
Published: August 2024

Expedited economic expansion and innovative technological advancement have precipitated considerable environmental predicaments, giving rise to extensive ecological conundrums worldwide. In response to the pressing situation, numerous countries have implemented policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions. One such initiative is the “low-carbon label”, which signifies a commitment to lowering carbon emissions. On one hand, it offers consumers an effective means to identify low-carbon products, thereby enhancing their willingness towards green consumption. On the other hand, it motivates businesses to transition towards greener practices, thereby guiding the market towards more environmentally friendly directions. This transition has had a significantly positive impact on reducing carbon emissions and promoting the development of a low-carbon economy, highlighting its critical value within the broader environmental movement. This study focuses on exploring whether the low-carbon label can influence consumers’ willingness to purchase green agricultural products. The theoretical framework was developed based on the theory of perceived value and SOR theory. The data were gathered through a randomized survey conducted in China. The research findings suggest that the perceived environmental value, functional value, and emotional value have significant impacts on consumers’ willingness to purchase green agricultural products. Trust in low-carbon labels plays a critical role in mediating the relationship between perceived value and consumers’ purchasing intentions for green agricultural products. Our research yielded the following conclusions. (1) Consumers are progressively cultivating an independent pro-environmental persona and increasingly aligning themselves with sustainable development, as indicated by their affinity towards carbon labels. (2) The selection of low-carbon agricultural products by consumers is contingent upon sensory perception, emphasizing environmental spillover value, functional enhancement, and emotional support. (3) Consumer confidence in green low-carbon agricultural products stems from an intuitive perception perspective, suggesting that low-carbon labels should accentuate functional and emotional values. The study suggests proactive measures to enhance the role of low-carbon labels in the consumption of green agricultural products. These measures include three parts: (1) Improving the content system of low-carbon labels and integrating digital technologies to reconstruct trust systems; (2) strengthening promotional efforts focusing on enhancing consumers’ intrinsic value perceptions; and (3) establishing a national-level low-carbon labels certification system, raising standards, and strengthening supervision.
Determining the Equilibrium Point between Efficiency and Well-Being in Enterprise Social Media Usage: A Hybrid Approach Using Response Surfaces and Optimization Methods
Authors: Wang Xizi , Hu Guangwei , Shu Yuanyuan , Si Wenfeng
Published: August 2024

With the progression of digital transformation in the workplace, the use of enterprise social media has become a daily routine in contemporary organizations. In the course of this transition, securing enterprise social media for both efficiency and individual well-being is pivotal as it steers digital transformation towards a sustainable future. Despite the huge benefits, the impact of enterprise social media on individuals is often seen as a double-edged sword, posing a managerial dilemma to organizations. To address this issue, our research developed a hybrid method aiming at maximizing efficiency and protecting employees’ psychological well-being with neither target being compromised. Polynomial regression with response surfaces was employed to visually elucidate the variations in work engagement and work exhaustion, thereby identifying the conditions for optimal values of work engagement. We then transformed the conflicting outcome variables into a single optimization goal. By calculating the equilibrium point and comparing various predictor limits, we determined an optimal condition to achieve both targets. Specifically, the equilibrium point is identified when employees’ psychological detachment slightly exceeds enterprise social media use. The optimal condition can be identified when two predictors are symmetrically aligned with each other. Our method demonstrates that a congruence framework of enterprise social media use is conducive to both efficiency and well-being, challenging the existing assertion that moderate usage is most favorable and questioning linear relationship assumptions. This study extends the innovative application of optimization techniques to broader managerial domains and provides practical solutions for reconciling the contradictory effects between well-being and efficiency, thereby promoting the sustainable success of enterprise social media.
Food Waste Valorization: Leveraging Singapore’s Zero Waste Master Plan and 30-by-30 Goal
Authors: Heng Kiangsoon , Tan Kyeteng , Chan Adeline , Lee Charles C. C.
Published: August 2024

Singapore, being a land-scarce country, imports more than 90% of the food supply, which poses a challenge in ensuring food security. In the last five years, Singapore, with a population of 5.9 million, generated approximately 759 tonnes of food waste on average, thus further deepening food security challenges and imposing enormous pressure on the country’s food and land resources. The Zero Waste Plan and the 30-by-30 food security goal initiated by the Singapore government focus on reducing waste and improving resource efficiency and encourage the collective efforts from the local agri-food businesses to sustainably provide 30% of Singapore’s nutritional requirements by 2030. In recent years, valorizing food waste streams into higher-value products has been an increasing trend in tackling food wastage and offering a new source of food ingredients. Food wastes such as okara, spent barley grains, and fruit and vegetable wastes have been successfully valorized into a variety of prototypes by local research and development capabilities for food and agricultural applications. However, food waste valorization faces various challenges, i.e., infrastructure development, economy viability, consumer awareness, collaborative partnership, regulatory support, and data management. This review serves as a reference for other countries in ensuring food security and achieving sustainable development goals.
Evaluating the Digital Transformation Potential in Pre-Construction for Sustainable Practices Using Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Naji Khalid K. , Gunduz Murat , Al-Henzab Fahid
Published: August 2024

This study presents the development of a comprehensive model for evaluating the level of readiness of buildings for digital transformation during the pre-construction phase. The proposed model utilizes structural equation modeling (SEM) and includes a full list of key factors for achieving success. This tool is designed to support industry stakeholders in assessing operational efficiency in terms of digital transformation readiness in the pre-construction phase (DTRPC) and analyze the effectiveness and limitations of DTRPC across various management levels. Key success factors were identified through interviews with experts and a review of the relevant literature. These variables were then validated through two rounds of the 8 Delphi technique, which included the input of 13 highly qualified experts. Finally, an online questionnaire was disseminated to industry professionals, who assessed the factors’ relative levels of significance. Questionnaire responses were collected from a sample of 300 individuals from different professional fields. SEM was then used to quantitatively analyze the relationships between the various components of the DTRPC success factors. The goal was to determine the impact of each construct on the overall level of readiness. The model underwent a thorough evaluation to determine its strength and stability across several parameters, including accuracy, conformity to multivariate normalcy, and reliability and validity. A hypothesis analysis was also conducted. The collected data were used to develop the proposed DTRPC model, consisting of 30 essential performance indicators grouped into four categories. The use of SEM uncovered a significant correlation between the operational indicators of these critical factors and the construct groups, as well as the influence of effective DTRPC constructs on overall project performance. This research expands the current knowledge by identifying important indications for evaluating the success of the DTRPC model and using them to create a comprehensive global SEM that can be used as a tool for measuring readiness at the pre-construction stage. This has the potential to provide essential assistance to organizations, project managers, and policymakers in making informed decisions.
Analysis of Change in Summer Extreme Precipitation in Southwest China and Human Adaptation
Authors: Luo Junyao , Yang Aihua
Published: August 2024

This study analyzed the change in and mechanisms of summer extreme precipitation in Southwest China (SWC) during 1979–2021. The trend in summer extreme precipitation showed an evident interdecadal mutation in the late 1990s; it decreased during 1979–1996 (P1) and increased during 1997–2021 (P2). It is observed that the moisture flux in SWC is more abundant in P2 than in P1. The South Asian high (SAH) and western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) contributed to the change in extreme precipitation in SWC. Both the SAH and WPSH weakened in 1979–1996 and enhanced in 1997–2021. The enhanced SAH and WPSH are conducive to forming updrafts in SWC and transporting moisture from the Bay of Bengal (BOB) and South China Sea (SCS) into SWC. Further research found that the causes for the interdecadal variation of the SAH and WPSH are the anomalies of sensible heat flux (SSH) over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and sea surface temperature (SST) in the tropical western Pacific–Indian Oceans. The SSH is the main energy source of troposphere air and an essential component of the surface heat balance because it can maintain the intensity and influence range of the SAH. The increasing SST stimulated strong upward motion and thus maintained the strength of the WPSH, which also made the WPSH extend westward into mainland China. This study also summarized local human adaptation to climate change. The use of advanced science and technology to improve monitoring and forecasting ability is an important measure for human society to adapt to climate change. At the same time, increasing the participation of individuals and social organizations is also an indispensable way to increase human resilience to climate change.
Enabling Green Innovation Quality through Green Finance Credit Allocation: Evidence from Chinese Firms
Authors: Hao Liangfeng , Deng Biyi , Zhang Haobo
Published: August 2024

As one of the world’s largest economies and the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, China plays a critical role in global environmental management. As China emphasizes new quality productive forces, understanding how green finance can enable green innovation quality (GIQ) is essential for projecting China’s influence in the sustainable development of the global ecological environment. This paper sets up a quasi-natural experiment using the Green Credit Policy (GCP) to examine the impact of green financial credit allocation on the enterprises’ GIQ. The findings demonstrate that the GCP has the potential to improve the GIQ of the green credit-restricted industries, compared to non-green credit-restricted ones. It is worth noting that as China speeds up its industrial digital transformation and productivity improvement, green financial credit allocation can elevate the digitization level and total factor productivity of green credit-restricted industries, leading to a higher GIQ by curbing corporate shadow banking. Further research shows that fintech and financial regulation can strengthen the positive influence of the GCP on GIQ. Moreover, regional intellectual property protection has a beneficial synergistic effect in combination with the policy.
Knowledge Graph of Low-Carbon Technologies in the Energy Sector and Cost Evolution Based on LDA2Vec: A Case Study in China
Authors: Zhao Xingjiu , Peng Zhiwen , Fu Sibao
Published: August 2024

Climate change has attracted global attention, highlighting the critical role of low-carbon technologies in addressing environmental challenges. Due to the multidisciplinary nature, complexity, and diversity of research content on low-carbon technologies, a comprehensive overview is still limited. This paper uses bibliometrics analysis to discuss the research status and hotspots of low-carbon technology from a macro-perspective. The LDA2Vec topic recognition model is adopted to identify key technical terms, and CiteSpace software 6.3.1 Advanced Edition is used to conduct in-depth analysis of the development trajectory of low-carbon technology. After checking the frequency of the relevant keywords, four key techniques were identified. In order to further analyze the research results, the learning curve theory is used to predict the cost development trend of key low-carbon technologies. The results show that: (i) low-carbon technologies play a key role in the energy sector and have a potential impact on policy making, and the cost of related technologies will be significantly reduced in the next few years. (ii) Global low-carbon technologies have entered an important period of development, but remaining challenges need to be addressed by optimizing technological performance. (iii) It is very important to strengthen the research on hydrogen production technology and photovoltaic power generation technology; the cost reduction in hydrogen production technology is still significant and there is room for further optimization. (iv) To effectively address the high costs and technical barriers associated with emerging low-carbon technologies, increased funding for research and development is critical.
Numerical Study of the Movement of Single Fine Particles in Porous Media Based on LBM-DEM
Authors: Zhou Yinggui , Fo Bin , Xu Ruifu , Xi Jianfei , Cai Jie
Published: August 2024

The fine particle liquid–solid flow in porous media is involved in many industrial processes such as oil exploitation, geothermal reinjection and particle filtration. Understanding the migration characteristics of single fine particles in liquid–solid flow in porous media can provide micro-detailed explanations for the fine particle liquid–solid flow in porous media. In this paper, an existing lattice Boltzmann method–discrete element method (LBM-DEM) is improved by introducing a new boundary thickening direct forcing (BTDF) immersed boundary method (IBM) to replace the classical IBM. The new method is used to investigate the migrations of one, two or three fine particles in a flow field in porous media and the reactions of one, two or three fine particles on the flow field. It is found that the movement distance of a fine particle in porous media does not show a linear correlation with the fine particle’s density. A fine particle with a higher density may move a shorter distance and then stagnates. Although a fine particle with a smaller diameter has a better following performance in a flow field, it is also likely to be stranded in a low-infiltration area in porous media. Under the same increase ratio, the increase in the diameter of a fine particle causes an increased pressure drop of the liquid–solid flow. In some cases, the increase in the quantity of fine particles can intensify the disturbance of fine particles on the flow field, improving the movement of fine particles.
Is the Interfacial Electrochemical Behavior of Quercetin the Same as That of Catechol Plus Resorcinol?
Authors: Ball Vincent
Published: August 2024

Background: Electrodeposition of functional films from polyphenol-containing solutions has emerged as a new field of surface functionalization from bio-sourced molecules. There is, however, almost no knowledge about the chemical structure of such complex films. It is the aim of this research to use the known electrodeposition of films made from catechol and resorcinol, two isomers of dihydroxybenzene, to understand the electrodeposition of a more complex polyphenol, quercetin, which is constituted from a fused catechol and resorcinol moiety. The aim of this article is hence to introduce some methodology in the interpretation of the electrochemical behavior of complex polyphenols starting from their building blocks. Methods: Cyclic voltammetry (CV) is used to deposit films from quercetin and from equimolar blends of catechol and resorcinol on amorphous carbon and gold working electrodes. The main experimental parameter was the potential sweep rate used during the CVs. Results: The CV of quercetin is not the exact sum of the CV of the catechol + resorcinol blends, but the major features are conserved, namely the presence of two main oxidation peaks affiliated to those of catechol and resorcinol but shifted to less anodic potentials. In addition, the anodic electron transfer coefficients of the two oxidation waves of quercetin are higher than those measured in the catechol resorcinol blend. However, film deposition ability is reduced with quercetin compared to catechol + resorcinol blend in probable relationship to steric hindrance occurring during the non-electrochemical crosslinking of the deposit. The quercetin-based films deposited at 10 mV·s−1 on gold electrodes are conformal and display some antioxidant activity.
A Patent Mining Approach to Accurately Identifying Innovative Industrial Clusters Based on the Multivariate DBSCAN Algorithm
Authors: Zeng Siping , Wang Ting , Lin Wenguang , Chen Zhizhen , Xiao Renbin
Published: August 2024

Innovative Industrial Clusters (IIC), characterized by geographical aggregation and technological collaboration among technology enterprises and institutions, serve as pivotal drivers of regional economic competitiveness and technological advancements. Prior research on cluster identification, crucial for IIC analysis, has predominantly emphasized geographical dimensions while overlooking technological proximity. Addressing these limitations, this study introduces a comprehensive framework incorporating multiple indices and methods for accurately identifying IIC using patent data. To unearth latent technological insights within patent documents, Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) is employed to generate topics from a collection of terms. Utilizing the applicants’ names and addresses recorded in patents, an Application Programming Interface (API) map systems facilitates the extraction of geographic locations. Subsequently, a Multivariate Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (MDBSCAN) algorithm, which accounts for both technological and spatial distances, is deployed to delineate IIC. Moreover, a bipartite network model based on patent geographic information collected from the patent is constructed to analyze the technological distribution on the geography and development mode of IIC. The utilization of the model and methodologies is demonstrated through a case study on the China flexible electronics industry (FEI). The findings reveal that the clusters identified via this novel approach are significantly correlated with both technological innovation and geographical factors. Moreover, the MDBSCAN algorithm demonstrates notable superiority over other algorithms in terms of computational precision and efficiency, as evidenced by the case analysis.
From Learning Ecologies to a Social Ecosystem Model for Learning and Skills
Authors: Spours Ken
Published: August 2024

The growing relevance of socio-ecological systems (SESs) thinking reflects both the challenges of an anthropogenic poly crisis and attempts to understand the complexities of societal development in an era of globalisation. The article begins by suggesting there are two related variants of SES thinking; relationships between the natural and human worlds (Variant 1) and whole social and human system analysis using metaphorical transfer and theorisation of natural ecological principles (Variant 2). This article elaborates Variant 2 through the development a social ecosystem model (SEM) applied to post-compulsory education and skills development. An exploration of the SEM is conducted through a review of the literatures on ‘Learning Ecologies’ to assess the strengths and limitations of this human ecological approach. Perceived limitations are addressed by the development of the SEM that adds a political economy dimension to the learning ecological model, which is then applied to the field of learning and skills in the English context in support of an inclusive and place-based approach to vocational education and training (VET). The article concludes by suggesting that the SEM can be further expanded by its application to transitioning to more sustainable futures, being developed by scholars of indigenous communities and populations of the Global South, that arguably brings Variant 2 of SESs thinking closer to Variant 1.
Bioelectroremediation of a Real Industrial Wastewater: The Role of Electroactive Biofilm and Planktonic Cells through Enzymatic Activities
Authors: Díaz Laura Katherin Chaparro , Berná Antonio , Boltes Karina
Published: August 2024

Bioelectrochemical processes are emerging as one of the most efficient and sustainable technologies for wastewater treatment. Their application for industrial wastewater treatment is still low due to the high toxicity and difficulty of biological treatment for industrial effluents. This is especially relevant in pharmaceutical industries, where different solvents, active pharma ingredients (APIs), extreme pH, and salinity usually form a lethal cocktail for the bacterial community in bioreactors. This work evaluates the impact of the anode architecture on the detoxification performance and analyzes, for the first time, the profile of some key bioremediation enzymes (catalase and esterase) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the operation of microbial electrochemical cells treating real pharmaceutical wastewater. Our results show the existence of oxidative stress and loss of cell viability in planktonic cells, while the electrogenic bacteria that form the biofilm maintain their biochemical machinery intact, as observed in the bioelectrochemical response. Monitorization of electrical current flowing in the bioelectrochemical system showed how electroactive biofilm, after a short adaptation period, started to degrade the pharma effluent. The electroactive biofilms are responsible for the detoxification of this type of industrial wastewater.
Effects of Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo L.) Aqueous Leaf Extract and Arbutin on PK-15 and HepG2 Cells
Authors: Benković Vesna , Tkalčec Ines , Knežević Anica , Jurica Karlo , Knežević Fabijan , Brčić Karačonji Irena , Kopjar Nevenka
Published: August 2024

The antioxidant properties of the leaves of the Mediterranean strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) are mainly attributed to the main bioactive compound, the phenolic glycoside arbutin. In this study, the safety profile of strawberry tree aqueous leaf extract (STE) and arbutin at the DNA level was assessed in vitro using porcine PK-15 kidney cells and HepG2 cells derived from human hepatomas. To examine the effects on cell viability and DNA damage, cells were treated for 24 h with STE or arbutin at three concentrations presumed to be non-toxic (400, 200, and 11.4 µg/mL). Assessments were performed using the MTS viability assay, dual acridine orange/ethidium bromide fluorescent staining, and alkaline comet assay. Results showed that the highest concentration (400 µg/mL) of both tested compounds had no significant cytotoxic effects on either PK-15 or HepG2 cells. Apoptosis was the predominant type of cell death and the total amount of DNA damage in treated cells was within acceptable limits. These results on the in vitro cytocompatibility of arbutin and STE with PK-15 and HepG2 cells could serve to make more reliable judgements about safe levels of arbutin in cosmetic products and functional foods, given the increased popularity of the compound in recent years.
Toxicity Profile of eBAT, a Bispecific Ligand-Targeted Toxin Directed to EGFR and uPAR, in Mice and a Clinical Dog Model
Authors: Dicovitsky Rose H. , Schappa Jill T. , Schulte Ashley J. , Lang Haeree P. , Kuerbitz Ellen , Roberts Sarah , DePauw Taylor A. , Lewellen Mitzi , Winter Amber L. , Stuebner Kathy , Buettner Michelle , Reid Kelly , Bergsrud Kelly , Pracht Sara , Chehadeh Andrea , Feiock Caitlin , O’Sullivan M. Gerard , Carlson Tim , Armstrong Alexandra R. , Meritet Danielle , Henson Michael S. , Weigel Brenda J. , Modiano Jaime F. , Borgatti Antonella , Vallera Daniel A.
Published: August 2024

EGFR-targeted therapies are efficacious, but toxicity is common and can be severe. Urokinase type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR)-targeted drugs are only emerging, so neither their efficacy nor toxicity is fully established. Recombinant eBAT was created by combining cytokines EGF and uPA on the same single-chain molecule with truncated Pseudomonas toxin. Its purpose was to simultaneously target tumors and their vasculature in the tumor microenvironment. In prior studies on mice and dogs, the drug proved efficacious. Here, we report the safety of eBAT in normal wildtype, uPAR knockout, and immunoreplete and immunodeficient tumor-bearing mice, as well as in dogs with spontaneous sarcoma that more closely mirror human cancer onset. In immunocompetent mice, tumor-bearing mice, uPAR knockout mice, and mice receiving species-optimized eBAT, toxicities were mild and self-limiting. Likewise, in dogs with life-threatening sarcoma given dosages found to be biologically active, eBAT was well tolerated. In mice receiving higher doses, eBAT was associated with dose-dependent evidence of liver injury, including portal biliary hyperplasia, oval cell proliferation, lymphoplasmacytic inflammation, periportal hepatocellular microvesicular change, hemorrhage, necrosis, and apoptosis. The results support continuing the clinical development of eBAT as a therapeutic agent for individuals with sarcoma and other cancers.
E-Cyanoacrylamides and 5-Imino Pyrrolones against Trypanosoma cruzi: Activity and Induced Mechanisms of Cell Death
Authors: Bethencourt-Estrella Carlos J. , Delgado-Hernández Samuel , López-Arencibia Atteneri , Serafín-Pérez Irene , Rodríguez-Santana Paula , Rodríguez-Camacho Sara , Fernández-Serafín Carolina , Tejedor David , Lorenzo-Morales Jacob , Piñero José E.
Published: August 2024

Chagas disease is caused by a protozoan parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi. The infection produces a first clinical phase, commonly asymptomatic or showing non-specific symptoms, and a second chronic phase characterized by cardiac and digestive dysfunctions in some individuals with the disease. This disease affects 7 million people and has been categorized by the World Health Organisation as a neglected tropical disease. In addition, the drugs used to combat it were developed in the 1970s and present major toxicity problems and limited efficacy in the chronicity of the disease. This has led to research into new active compounds that are effective against the disease, with studies on cyanoderivatives showing promising activity. In this work, eight active E-cyanoacrylamides/5-imino pyrrolones were studied. Compounds B and F showed excellent activity, while compounds C and G stood out for their lower cytotoxicity. After correlating the activity and cytotoxicity of the compounds, it was observed that compounds B, C, and G obtained the most favourable results. Various cell death studies were carried out with these compounds, and it was determined that all of them produced programmed cell death, with compound B standing out as being at a late stage in the process.
Trypanocide Use and Molecular Characterization of Trypanosomes Resistant to Diminazene Aceturate in Cattle in Northern Côte D’Ivoire
Authors: Ekra Jean-Yves , Mafie Eliakunda Michael , Sonan Henri , Kanh Michael , Gragnon Biégo Guillaume , N’Goran Edouard K. , Srinivasan Jagan
Published: August 2024

The resistance of trypanosomes to the doses of trypanocide administered by farmers to their animals acts as a real brake on efforts to control to combat African trypanosomiasis. Thus, in-depth knowledge of the use of these different molecules and their resistance profiles will be necessary to establish an integrated strategy to combat African trypanosomiasis. To achieve these objectives, a participatory survey among farmers and a resistance diagnosis of trypanosome strains identified in three regions of northern Côte d’Ivoire (Bagoué, Poro and Tchologo) was carried out using the PCR-RFLP technique, followed by sequencing of genes of interest. This study made it possible to identify three molecules that are commonly used by 85% (63/74) of farmers. In descending order of use, we identified Isometamidium chloride (43%), Diminazene aceturate (28%) and Homidium bromide (14%). Three species of trypanosomes, Trypanosoma congolense, Trypanosoma. theileri and Trypanosoma vivax, were identified in farms, and only one strain had the adenosine transporter gene (Trypanosoma congolense), but this strain was sensitive to the Diminazene aceturate molecule. Comparison of the sequence of this trypanosome strain showed that it is different to the Kenyan strain diagnosed as resistant to the Diminazene aceturate molecule. This study shows that a variety of trypanocides are used by farmers, and that the resistance profile of the strains to the Diminazene aceturate molecule could not be observed. However, it is important to further investigate the other molecules encountered in Côte d’Ivoire.
Concomitant Serological and Molecular Methods for Strongyloides stercoralis Screening in an Endemic Area of Spain
Authors: Lucas Dato Ana , Wikman-Jorgensen Philp , Borrajo Brunete Emilio , Hernández Rabadán María Dolores , García-Morante Hilarión , Merino Trigueros María Adelino , Saugar Cruz José María , García-Vazquez Elisa , Llenas-García Jara
Published: August 2024

Strongyloidiasis is a widespread parasitic disease that can be life-threatening in immunosuppressed people. In the Mediterranean basin, autochthonous cases coexist with imported ones. We aimed to assess the utility of different screening methods, along with the frequency of strongyloidiasis and its associated risk factors in migrants and the native population. This cross-sectional study took place from 2019 to 2022 in the area of the Vega Baja Hospital in Alicante, Spain. Screening was performed in people who were immunosuppressed, at risk of immunosuppression, with blood asymptomatic eosinophilia, and in asymptomatic people from highly endemic countries. Screening methods were serological techniques (ELISA), stool parasitological tests (fecal concentration methods and agar plate culture), and a stool molecular test (PCR). Of the 168 participants (62.5% males, 53.0% migrants, 36.3% immunosuppressed, median age 57 years), 14 (8.3%) had confirmed strongyloidiasis, where 6 were confirmed by serology, 4 by PCR, and 4 by both methods. Overall, 9% of the migrants and 7.6% of the native-born patients were infected. Elevated IgE and hemoglobin and Latin American origin were associated with strongyloidiasis diagnosis. Screening with serology alone would have missed 28.6% of cases. We conclude that strongyloidiasis prevalence is high in our population, both in native and migrant groups, and stool PCR is a useful tool to increase case detection.
Geographic Information System in the Optimization of Tourist Routes in the City of Faro (Algarve, Portugal)
Authors: Granja-Martins Fernando Miguel , Fernandez Helena Maria
Published: August 2024

This work aims to map the optimal routes based on time and distance, via e-scooters and walking, to visit 54 historical heritage sites in Faro. Implementing these routes promotes environmental sustainability by reducing CO2 emissions and encouraging healthier, greener tourism. The route optimization was conducted in ArcGIS, utilizing the Network Analyst extension and vector data obtained from OpenStreetMap. The results showed that there are routes that can be completed in one or more days, depending on visitors’ availability, physical capacity, or their chosen method of transportation. The optimal route to visit the 54 historical heritage sites forms a closed circuit spanning 17.35 km. If visits are split into two routes, one covering 31 monuments in the old city and the other 24 monuments in the exterior area of the urban center, the optimal closed-circuit routes measure 6.16 km and 11.31 km, respectively. This study is expected to enhance tourism promoted by the Faro municipality and make it more environmentally friendly.
Reassessing the Risk of Severe Parvovirus B19 Infection in the Immunocompetent Population: A Call for Vigilance in the Wake of Resurgence
Authors: Ceccarelli Giancarlo , Branda Francesco , Ciccozzi Alessandra , Romano Chiara , Sanna Daria , Casu Marco , Albanese Mattia , Alessandri Francesco , d’Ettorre Gabriella , Ciccozzi Massimo , Scarpa Fabio , Giovanetti Marta
Published: August 2024

Despite Parvovirus B19 (B19V) generally causing mild or asymptomatic infections, and only certain high-risk groups such as hematological or immunocompromised patients and pregnant women tending to develop complications, several factors challenge the assumption of a “benign” clinical course in immunocompetent adults and adolescents. A significant proportion of the population may harbor undiagnosed health conditions or genetic predispositions that could render them more susceptible to severe B19V complications. These could include mild hematological disorders, immune dysregulation not resulting in overt immunodeficiency, or underlying cardiac conditions. Concurrent infections with other pathogens, even seemingly minor ones, could synergistically increase the severity of B19V infection, leading to more pronounced clinical manifestations. While not definitively proven, the possibility of emerging B19V strains with increased virulence or altered tissue tropism cannot be entirely discounted. Additionally, the period of pandemic-related restrictions likely led to reduced B19V circulation, potentially resulting in a cohort of young adults with limited natural immunity, making them more vulnerable to infection. Potential clinical consequences include atypical and severe presentations, even in individuals without known risk factors. The traditional focus on B19V primarily as a pediatric concern might lead to underdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis in adults, potentially hindering timely intervention and management. A surge in B19V-related complications, even if individually mild, could collectively strain healthcare resources, particularly in settings with limited capacity or pre-existing pressures. Possible recommendations are to heighten clinical awareness with a high index of suspicion for B19V infection in adults and adolescents presenting with compatible symptoms, even in the absence of classic risk factors. Additionally, expanding testing criteria and enhancing public health surveillance efforts would be prudent.
The First Isolation of Insect-Specific Alphavirus (Agua Salud alphavirus) in Culex (Melanoconion) Mosquitoes in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Ramos Bruna , Carvalho Valéria , da Silva Eliana , Freitas Maria , Barros Landeson Junior , Santos Maissa , Pantoja Jamilla Augusta , Gonçalves Ercília , Nunes Neto Joaquim , Junior José Wilson , Vieira Durval , Dias Daniel , Cruz Ana Cecília , Nunes Bruno , Silva Sandro , Aragão Carine , Casseb Alexandre , Martins Lívia
Published: August 2024

Advances in diagnostic techniques coupled with ongoing environmental changes have resulted in intensified surveillance and monitoring of arbovirus circulation in the Amazon. This increased effort has resulted in increased detection of insect-specific viruses among hematophagous arthropods collected in the field. This study aimed to document the first isolation of Agua Salud alphavirus in mosquitoes collected within the Brazilian Amazon. Arthropods belonging to the family Culicidae were collected within a forest fragment located in the Environmental Protection Area of the metropolitan region of Belem. Subsequently, these specimens were meticulously identified to the species level. Afterward, the collected batches were macerated, and the resulting supernatant was then inoculated into C6/36 and Vero cell cultures to facilitate viral isolation. The presence of arboviruses within the inoculated cell cultures was determined through indirect immunofluorescence analysis. Furthermore, positive supernatant samples underwent nucleotide sequencing to precisely identify the viral strains present. Notably, a batch containing Culex (Melanoconion) mosquitoes was identified to be positive for the genus Alphavirus via indirect immunofluorescence. This study is the first report on insect-specific alphavirus isolation in Brazil and the first-ever description of Agua Salud alphavirus isolation within Amazon Forest remnants.
Rousettus aegyptiacus Fruit Bats Do Not Support Productive Replication of Cedar Virus upon Experimental Challenge
Authors: Mohl Björn-Patrick , Diederich Sandra , Fischer Kerstin , Balkema-Buschmann Anne
Published: August 2024

Cedar henipavirus (CedV), which was isolated from the urine of pteropodid bats in Australia, belongs to the genus Henipavirus in the family of Paramyxoviridae. It is closely related to the Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV), which have been classified at the highest biosafety level (BSL4) due to their high pathogenicity for humans. Meanwhile, CedV is apathogenic for humans and animals. As such, it is often used as a model virus for the highly pathogenic henipaviruses HeV and NiV. In this study, we challenged eight Rousettus aegyptiacus fruit bats of different age groups with CedV in order to assess their age-dependent susceptibility to a CedV infection. Upon intranasal inoculation, none of the animals developed clinical signs, and only trace amounts of viral RNA were detectable at 2 days post-inoculation in the upper respiratory tract and the kidney as well as in oral and anal swab samples. Continuous monitoring of the body temperature and locomotion activity of four animals, however, indicated minor alterations in the challenged animals, which would have remained unnoticed otherwise.
A Useful Method to Provide Infectious and Cultivable In Vitro Naked Viral Particles of Hepatitis A Virus
Authors: Verbrugghe Gwenaëlle , Soudan-Foulques Chloé , Fraisse Audrey , Waldman Vigne Prunelle , Perelle Sylvie , Ndoye Fatou-Toutie , Martin-Latil Sandra
Published: August 2024

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is an enteric virus mainly transmitted by the faecal–oral route. Belonging to the Picornaviridae family, HAV was first described as small naked particles, like all viruses of this family. However, for about a decade, it was demonstrated that HAV particles can exist surrounded by a lipid bilayer. This type of particle, called enveloped HAV (eHAV), acquires its lipid bilayer by hijacking a part of cell membranes during the virion egress in the last steps of the viral cycle. In vitro culture systems produce mainly eHAV, and so, to date, most of the studies on HAV have been carried out using this type of viral particle. In this study, a method based on lipid bilayer removal by chemical delipidation is proposed for the production of naked HAV particles. The resulting naked HAV particles conserve their infectivity and are therefore fully cultivable in vitro. By using this method, naked HAV particles can easily be produced in vitro and can be useful to perform further studies such as inactivation processes for the food industry, as HAV is a main concern for food safety.