bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Firefly and Crow Algorithms for the Resilient Sizing and Siting of Renewable Distributed Generation Systems under Faulty Scenarios
Authors: Al-Shamma’a Abdullrahman A. , Hussein Farh Hassan M. , Alsharabi Khalil
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to optimize the sizing and allocation of renewable distributed generation (RDG) systems, with a focus on renewable sources, under N-1 faulty line conditions. The IEEE 30-bus power system benchmark served as a case study for us to analyze and enhance the reliability and quality of the power system in the presence of faults. The firefly algorithm (FFA) combined with the crow search (CS) optimizer was used to achieve optimal RDG sizing and allocation through solving the optimal power flow (OPF) under the most severe N-1 faulty line. The reason for hybridization lies in leveraging the global search capabilities of the CS optimizer for the sizing and allocation of RDGs and the local search proficiency of the FFA for OPF. Two severe N-1 faulty conditions—F27-29 and F27-30—were separately applied to the IEEE 30-bus distribution system. The most severe N-1 faulty line of these two faulty lines was F27-30, based on a severity ranking index including both the voltage deviation index and the overloading index. Three candidate buses, namely 27, 29, and 30, were considered in the optimization process. Our methodology incorporated techno-economic multi-objectives, encompassing overall costs, power losses, and voltage deviation. The optimizer can eliminate the impractical buses/solutions automatically while remaining the practical one. The results revealed that optimal RDG allocation at bus 30 effectively alleviated line overloading, ensuring compliance with the line flow limit, reducing costs, and enhancing voltage profiles, thereby improving system performance under N-1 faulty conditions compared to the equivalent case without RDGs.
Computer-Aided Planning for Land Development of Post-Mining Degraded Areas
Authors: Białas Andrzej , Kozłowski Artur
Published: February 2024

This paper concerns the revitalization of post-mining heaps using a developed software tool. Revitalizing degraded areas is crucial for sustainable development because heaps pose numerous hazards to people and the environment, and there are significant numbers of waste heaps across Europe. The applied approach enables us to consider essential factors when deciding on the heap revitalization strategy. This includes heap properties, assumed land use, and various risks to people and environment, financial, and intangible factors. The methodology addresses various revitalization aims, ranging from heap liquidation to different forms of nature restoration and industrial or energy applications. A computer-aided tool was developed based on this approach, allowing the specification of the revitalized heap and proposed revitalization alternatives. It assesses risk reduction, costs/benefits, and non-financial factors such as social, environmental, technological, and political aspects for each alternative. This provides decision-makers with input to manually select the target alternative for implementation. The revitalization planning process is supported comprehensively, and there are additional cost-, quality-, and time-related advantages due to computer aid. The authors suggest future tool enhancements, especially to extend the range of applications and better formalize the decision process.
Physiological Investigations of the Plants Involved in Air Biofiltration: Study Case
Authors: Soreanu Gabriela , Tanase Catalin , Mardari Constantin , Gorgan Dragos Lucian , Cretescu Igor
Published: February 2024

In this study, the behavior of an aerial plant (Tillandsia xerographica) during air biofiltration was investigated by monitoring the trend of the CO2 concentration in the processed air as a response to a change in the environmental conditions. In this regard, a botanical biofilter equipped with T. xerographica was continuously operated with ambient air for about three weeks under different light intensity, air flow rate, ambient temperature, and relative humidity. The plant was able to decrease the CO2 concentration in the processed gas in both the presence/absence of light, as long as a regular alternate day/night regime was kept, this behavior being attributed to its specific plant metabolism. Overall, plant physiology under the influence of the above mentioned factors is pointed out, which in turn reveals the plant potential in urban air biofiltration, with the possibility to further address not only the carbon dioxide removal but also other trace gaseous contaminants in ambient air as well, improving the air quality and reducing the health risks associated with exposure to polluted air. Therefore, further modeling and optimization of this process, along with the investigation of the plant’s response under different contaminated environments, is expected to significantly contribute to the development of new such versatile biofilters for air treatment.
Investigating Public Support for the Carbon Generalized System of Preference through the Lens of Protection Motivation Theory and Information Deficit Model
Authors: Li Wanyan , Liu Jincan
Published: February 2024

The pressing challenges of climate change require government policy interventions. The carbon generalized system of preference (CGSP) is a novel incentive policy that has tremendous potential to reduce carbon emissions in response to climate change. However, there have been few studies focusing on public support for the CGSP, which is the precondition for its seamless implementation. Drawing on the protection motivation theory and information deficit model, this study presents and empirically validates a holistic theoretical framework in which information (information about climate change and information about the CGSP), threat appraisal (threat vulnerability and threat severity), and coping appraisal (response efficacy, self-efficacy, and response cost) are the factors influencing public support for the CGSP. Survey data of 372 respondents were empirically analyzed using the PLS-SEM method. The results show that threat vulnerability, threat severity, response efficacy, and self-efficacy positively affect public support for the CGSP, while response cost does not influence public support for the CGSP. Information about climate change indirectly influences public support for the CGSP through threat vulnerability and threat severity. Information about the CGSP not only directly affects public support for the CGSP but also indirectly affects public support for the CGSP through response efficacy and self-efficacy. The theoretical framework of this study can serve as a reference for future research on public support for environmental policies. The findings of this study also furnish insights for policymakers to develop feasible strategies for the seamless implementation of the CGSP.
Comparative Evaluation of Crash Hotspot Identification Methods: Empirical Bayes vs. Potential for Safety Improvement Using Variants of Negative Binomial Models
Authors: Khattak Muhammad Wisal , De Backer Hans , De Winne Pieter , Brijs Tom , Pirdavani Ali
Published: February 2024

The empirical Bayes (EB) method is widely acclaimed for crash hotspot identification (HSID), which integrates crash prediction model estimates and observed crash frequency to compute the expected crash frequency of a site. The traditional negative binomial (NB) models, often used to estimate crash predictive models, typically struggle with accounting for the unobserved heterogeneity in crash data. Complex extensions of the NB models are applied to overcome these shortcomings. These techniques also present new challenges, for instance, applying the EB procedures, especially for out-of-sample data. This study applies a random parameter negative binomial (RPNB) model within the EB framework for HSID using out-of-sample data, comparing its performance with a varying dispersion parameter NB model (VDPNB). The research also evaluates the potential for safety improvement (PSI) scores for both models and compares them with EB estimates using three generalised criteria: high crashes consistency test (HCCT), common sites consistency test (CSCT), and absolute rank differences test (ARDT). The results yield dual insights. Firstly, the study highlights associations between crash covariates and frequency, emphasising the significance of roadway geometric design characteristics (e.g., lane width, number of lanes, and parking type) and traffic volume. Some variables also influenced overdispersion parameters in the VDPNB model. In the RPNB model, annual average daily traffic (AADT) and lane width emerged as random parameters. Secondly, the HSID performance assessment revealed the superiority of the EB method over PSI. Notably, the RPNB model, compared to the VDPNB, demonstrates superior performance in EB estimates for HSID with out-of-sample data. This research recommends adopting the EB method with RPNB models for robust HSID.
The Impact of Tie Strength on the Sustainable Participation of Farmers in Contract Farming: An Empirical Study in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Gao Zhihui , Liu Xinrui , Zhang Xinling
Published: February 2024

Contract farming can reduce transaction costs and improve agricultural productivity. With the establishment of stable and effective contractual relationships, not only have agricultural products been provided with a stable market, but the standardization, refinement, and branding transformation of agricultural products can also be realized, thus further promoting the progress of agricultural modernization. The willingness of farmers to renew their contracts is a key factor in maintaining long-term, stable cooperative relationships. This research involves the empirical verification of the impact model of tie strength between enterprises and farmers in contractual agriculture on the willingness of farmers to renew their contracts and reveals the working mechanism of tie strength on sustainable participation of farmers in contract farming. We utilized survey data from 276 agricultural households in Inner Mongolia, China, and the method of structural equation modeling (SEM), with the following results: (1) Interaction and reciprocity have a significantly positive influence on trust; (2) trust has a significantly positive impact on farmers’ willingness to renew their contracts. Also, reciprocity and interaction have an indirect impact on contract renewal willingness through trust; and (3) the perceived economic value can significantly increase the contract renewal willingness of farmers and plays a mediating role between trust and contract renewal willingness. Overall, on the basis of tie strength, this research provides a new perspective for the investigation of the sustainable stability of contract farming and presents empirical evidence for the sustainable development of the contract farming supply chain.
A Comparative Analysis of the Criteria for Choosing Sustainable Materials for Façades in Turkey and the European Union
Authors: Daskin Haney Bașak , Bărbulescu Alina , Muntean Radu , Akcay Emre Caner
Published: February 2024

One of the primary contributors to energy consumption is the construction industry. To address the urgent demand for eco-friendly approaches in this field, this study conducted an investigation on Scopus and Web of Science databases to identify the criteria for selecting sustainable materials for façades. Three groups of criteria were derived after a systematic review: Environmental, Social/economic and Technical. The main goal of the research was to answer the question of whether there are differences in these materials’ selection between Turkey and European Union countries. After applying statistical tests, it was found that there are significant differences in selecting eco-friendly material only from the social/economic perspective. The most important sub-criterion is the economic cost. Comparisons with results from China and US confirm this finding.
Characteristics of Soil Moisture and Heat Change during Freeze–Thaw Process in the Alpine Grassland of Duogerong Basin in the Source of the Yellow River
Authors: Li Bei , Zhang Yuxi , Chen Liang , Liu Jingtao , Xie Fie , Zhu Liang , Zhou Bing , Chen Xi
Published: February 2024

To deeply understand the characteristics of soil freeze–thaw water–heat change in the alpine grassland in the Duogerong Basin of the Yellow River source, the soil water–heat profile change monitoring was carried out based on the field monitoring station in the Duogerong Basin of the Yellow River source. By analyzing the comprehensive monitoring data from September 2022 to September 2023, the characteristics of the soil temperature and water content changes in the freeze–thaw cycle of the alpine grassland in the Duogerong Basin at the source of the Yellow River were explored. The results showed that the temperature and water content of each layer of the soil profile changed periodically, and the range of change was negatively correlated with the depth. The annual freeze–thaw process at the observation site is divided into five stages: 31 October to 3 November is the short initial freezing period, 4 November to 18 April is the stable freezing period, 19 April to 26 April is the early ablation period, 27 April to 30 April is the late ablation period, and 1 May to 30 October is the complete ablation period. The maximum soil freezing depth during the observation period was about 250 cm. Soil temperature and moisture content change affect each other; soil water is essential in heat transfer, and the two correlate well. The research results provide theoretical support for further understanding the characteristics of soil hydrothermal changes during the freeze–thaw process in the alpine grassland permafrost area at the source of the Yellow River.
Arid Urban Green Areas Reimagined: Transforming Landscapes with Native Plants for a Sustainable Future in Aksu, Northwest China
Authors: Liu Xiaocao , Li Chengzhi , Zhao Xiaobing , Zhu Tianyu
Published: February 2024

The exponential growth of the economy and society has resulted in a substantial need for superior urban green spaces, consequently fostering a significant surge in urban landscape construction. The integration of plant landscapes in urban landscape construction is crucial. The rational use of plant landscape resources to create high-quality urban green spaces is of great significance for promoting urban sustainable development. Hence, the primary aim of this study was to investigate the landscape and ecological functions of indigenous plants in the context of urban landscape implementation and then provide utilization strategies of indigenous plants for urban landscape construction. This research focuses on the utilization of native plants in Aksu’s urban green spaces (a city in northwest China). Through a contrastive analysis of the dust retention, windbreak and sand fixation, and landscaping capabilities of these native plants, certain indigenous species are identified as suitable candidates. Specifically, Styphnolobium japonicum and Ulmus densa exhibit a dust adhering per plant of 656.50 and 388.46 g·m−2, respectively. Consequently, augmenting their planting proportion can effectively augment the overall dust adhering within the garden. The windbreak distances of Populus bolleana, Populus euphratica, and Styphnolobium japonicum were found to exceed 60 m, indicating their effectiveness in mitigating wind and sand erosion. Therefore, strategically planting these species can contribute to the establishment of a robust urban windbreak forest. Additionally, optimizing the arrangement of Rosa multiflora, Hippophae rhamnoides, Berberis thunbergii, and Salix matsudana can enhance the aesthetic appeal of urban gardens. The utilization of native plants holds promise in enhancing the ecological and landscape functions of urban gardens in Aksu. The effective enhancement of the ecological function and the landscape effect of urban gardens can be achieved through the appropriate reconstruction with native plants. The findings of this study hold significant reference value for the urban landscape architecture in arid urban areas.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Amount of Plastic Waste and Alternative Materials in the Context of the Circular Economy
Authors: Madej-Kiełbik Longina , Jóźwik-Pruska Jagoda , Dziuba Radosław , Gzyra-Jagieła Karolina , Tarzyńska Nina
Published: February 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic was first reported on 31 December 2019, in Wuhan. Since then, the rapid spread of the virus has directly impacted various aspects of people’s lives, including culture, society, education, and the economy. The environment has also been affected, as the disposal of thousands of tons of single-use personal protective equipment has resulted in a significant increase in waste. The challenge was to create environmentally friendly materials for personal protective equipment. One of the alternatives to polypropylene materials is a biodegradable nonwoven produced using spun-bonded technology. The article discusses various physical and mechanical parameters, the biodegradation process, and the distribution of molar masses during the weeks of nonwoven biodegradation. Additionally, the paper presents the results of in vitro cytotoxicity tests conducted on the material. Biodegradable materials are a viable solution to the challenges posed by a circular economy.
Global Patterns in Construction and Demolition Waste (C&DW) Research: A Bibliometric Analysis Using VOSviewer
Authors: Petrović Emina Kristina , Thomas Caroline Ann
Published: February 2024

C&DW is contributing to exceeding all planetary boundaries and presents a range of other issues. In order to better understand the existing research on C&DW, a global bibliographic analysis was undertaken through seven groups of keyword searches of Scopus and the results visualised using VOSviewer. The study identifies phases in discussion of C&DW in terms of volume and themes and examines how search terms influence what is found. The results show that C&DW receives only a modest research attention compared to other areas of waste, and this is despite an exponential increase in C&DW research since 2016. The analyses also show that concrete is the most researched material in terms of C&DW, and that reuse, recycling, and circular economy are so far attracting only proportionally modest research attention. This signals a need for further acceleration of the C&DW research, and specifically for more research on reuse, recycling, and circular economy for materials other than concrete. One important finding are differences observed when using different search terms related to C&DW, which suggests that single search studies might provide limited insights.
Synthesis of WS2 Ultrathin Films by Magnetron Sputtering Followed by Sulfurization in a Confined Space
Authors: Sava Florinel , Simandan Iosif-Daniel , Buruiana Angel-Theodor , Bocirnea Amelia Elena , El Khouja Outman , Tite Teddy , Zaki Mohamed Yasssine , Mihai Claudia , Velea Alin
Published: February 2024

In the quest for advanced materials suitable for next-generation electronic and optoelectronic applications, tungsten disulfide (WS2) ultrathin films have emerged as promising candidates due to their unique properties. However, obtaining WS2 directly on the desired substrate, eliminating the need for transfer, which produces additional defects, poses many challenges. This paper aims to explore the synthesis of WS2 ultrathin films via physical vapor deposition (PVD) followed by sulfurization in a confined space, addressing the challenge of film formation for practical applications. Precursor layers of tungsten and WS2 were deposited by RF magnetron sputtering. Subsequent sulfurization treatments were conducted in a small, closed, graphite box to produce WS2 films. The physical and chemical properties of these precursor and sulfurized layers were thoroughly characterized using techniques such as X-ray reflectometry (XRR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The findings reveal notable distinctions in film thickness, structural orientation, and chemical composition, attributable to the different precursor used. Particularly, the sulfurized layers from the tungsten precursor exhibited a preferred orientation of WS2 crystallites with their (00L) planes parallel to the substrate surface, along with a deviation from parallelism in a small angular range. This study highlights the necessity of precise control over deposition and sulfurization parameters to tailor the properties of WS2 films for specific technological applications.
Exploring a Graph Complement in Quadratic Congruence
Authors: Daoub Hamza , Shafah Osama , Almutlg Ahmad
Published: February 2024

In this work, we investigate essential definitions, defining G as a simple graph with vertices in Zn and subgraphs Γu and Γq as unit residue and quadratic residue graphs modulo n, respectively. The investigation extends to the degree of G, Γu, and Γq, illuminating the properties of these subgraphs in the context of quadratic congruences.
Nuclear Matter Properties and Neutron Star Phenomenology Using the Finite Range Simple Effective Interaction
Authors: Viñas Xavier , Bano Parveen , Naik Zashmir , Routray Tusar Ranjan
Published: February 2024

The saturation properties of symmetric and asymmetric nuclear matter have been computed using the finite range simple effective interaction with Yukawa form factor. The results of higher-order derivatives of the energy per particle and the symmetry energy computed at saturation, namely, Q0, Ksym, Kτ, Qsym, are compared with the corresponding values extracted from studies involving theory, experiment and astrophysical observations. The overall uncertainty in the values of these quantities, which results from a wide spectrum of studies described in earlier literature, lies in the ranges −1200≲Q0≲400 MeV, −400≲Ksym≲100 MeV, −840≲Kτ≲−126 MeV and −200≲Qsym≲800 MeV, respectively. The ability of the equations of state computed with this simple effective interaction in predicting the threshold mass for prompt collapse in binary neutron star merger and gravitational redshift has been examined in terms of the compactness of the neutron star and the incompressibility at the central density of the maximum mass star. The correlations existing between neutron star properties and the nuclear matter saturation properties have been analyzed and compared with the predictions of other model calculations.
The Single-Photon Scattering Properties of Three-Level Giant Atoms under the Interaction of Dissipation and Local Coupling
Authors: Lin Liangwei , Zhang Weiwei , Cai Qipeng , Xu Yiguang , Yu Haipeng , Wang Xiaosheng , Fang Xiaohong , Chen Zixuan , Zhang Yicai , Ma Shengcan , Liu Chaofei
Published: February 2024

The coupling of three-level giant atoms with one-dimensional waveguides can show interesting phenomena of transmission and reflection. Since the non-waveguide mode can cause the dissipation of external atoms, we consider the effect of the dissipation rate on the scattering of single photons in the system with giant atom–waveguide coupling. We find that as the dissipation rate of giant atoms increases, the transmission rate of a single photon increases and the reflection rate decreases. In addition, by varying the phase difference and decay rate, the giant atoms are able to achieve perfect transmission and total reflection over the entire frequency range. We also find and show the conditions for the conversion of the optimal frequency. When the cumulative phase of photons reaches a certain value, the system can achieve perfect transmission, which is independent of frequency. This model of coupling giant atoms with waveguides has a promising application in quantum communication and quantum information processing.
Applications of Horadam Polynomials for Bazilevič and λ-Pseudo-Starlike Bi-Univalent Functions Associated with Sakaguchi Type Functions
Authors: Al-Shbeil Isra , Wanas Abbas Kareem , AlAqad Hala , Cătaş Adriana , Alohali Hanan
Published: February 2024

In this study, we introduce a new class of normalized analytic and bi-univalent functions denoted by DΣ(δ,η,λ,t,r). These functions are connected to the Bazilevič functions and the λ-pseudo-starlike functions. We employ Sakaguchi Type Functions and Horadam polynomials in our survey. We establish the Fekete-Szegö inequality for the functions in DΣ(δ,η,λ,t,r) and derive upper bounds for the initial Taylor–Maclaurin coefficients |a2| and |a3|. Additionally, we establish connections between our results and previous research papers on this topic.
Solutions with a Flat Horizon in D Dimensions within the Cubic Form of f(Q) Gravity
Authors: Nashed Gamal Gergess Lamee
Published: February 2024

Given the AdS/CFT relationship, the study of higher-dimensional AdS black holes is extremely important. Furthermore, since the restriction derived from f(Q)’s field equations prevents it from deriving spherically symmetric black hole solutions, the result is either Q′=0 or fQQ=0. Utilizing the cylindrical coordinate system within the context the cubic form of f(Q) theory while imposing the condition of a coincident gauge, we establish the existence of static solutions in D-dimensions. The power-law ansatz, which is the most practical based on observations, will be used in this study, where f(Q)=Q+12γQ2+13γQ3−2Λ and the condition D≥4 are met. These solutions belong to a new solution class, the properties of which are derived only from the non-metricity Q modification, since they do not have a general relativity limit. We examine the singularities present in the solutions by calculating the non-metricity and curvature invariant values. In conclusion, we compute thermodynamic parameters such as Gibbs free energy, Hawking temperature, and entropy. These thermodynamic calculations confirm that our model is stable.
Digital Twin Prototypes for Supporting Automated Integration Testing of Smart Farming Applications
Authors: Barbie Alexander , Hasselbring Wilhelm , Hansen Malte
Published: February 2024

Industry 4.0 marks a major technological shift, revolutionizing manufacturing with increased efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. This transformation is paralleled in agriculture through smart farming, employing similar advanced technologies to enhance agricultural practices. Both fields demonstrate a symmetry in their technological approaches. Recent advancements in software engineering and the digital twin paradigm are addressing the challenge of creating embedded software systems for these technologies. Digital twins allow full development of software systems before physical prototypes are made, exemplifying a cost-effective method for Industry 4.0 software development. Our digital twin prototype approach mirrors software operations within a virtual environment, integrating all sensor interfaces to ensure accuracy between emulated and real hardware. In essence, the digital twin prototype acts as a prototype of its physical counterpart, effectively substituting it for automated testing of physical twin software. This paper discusses a case study applying this approach to smart farming, specifically enhancing silage production. We also provide a lab study for independent replication of this approach. The source code for a digital twin prototype of a PiCar-X by SunFounder is available open-source on GitHub, illustrating how digital twins can bridge the gap between virtual simulations and physical operations, highlighting the symmetry between physical and digital twins.
g.ridge: An R Package for Generalized Ridge Regression for Sparse and High-Dimensional Linear Models
Authors: Emura Takeshi , Matsumoto Koutarou , Uozumi Ryuji , Michimae Hirofumi
Published: February 2024

Ridge regression is one of the most popular shrinkage estimation methods for linear models. Ridge regression effectively estimates regression coefficients in the presence of high-dimensional regressors. Recently, a generalized ridge estimator was suggested that involved generalizing the uniform shrinkage of ridge regression to non-uniform shrinkage; this was shown to perform well in sparse and high-dimensional linear models. In this paper, we introduce our newly developed R package “g.ridge” (first version published on 7 December 2023) that implements both the ridge estimator and generalized ridge estimator. The package is equipped with generalized cross-validation for the automatic estimation of shrinkage parameters. The package also includes a convenient tool for generating a design matrix. By simulations, we test the performance of the R package under sparse and high-dimensional settings with normal and skew-normal error distributions. From the simulation results, we conclude that the generalized ridge estimator is superior to the benchmark ridge estimator based on the R package “glmnet”. Hence the generalized ridge estimator may be the most recommended estimator for sparse and high-dimensional models. We demonstrate the package using intracerebral hemorrhage data.
Magnetic Resonance Image Findings and Potential Anatomic Risk Factors for Chodromalacia in Children and Adolescents Suffering from Non-Overload Atraumatic Knee Pain in the Ambulant Setting
Authors: Bäumler Wolf , Popp Daniel , Ostheim Patrick , Dollinger Marco , Senk Karin , Weber Johannes , Stroszczynski Christian , Schaible Jan
Published: February 2024

Purpose: To evaluate magnetic resonance image (MRI) findings in children and adolescents suffering from knee pain without traumatic or physical overload history and to identify potential anatomic risk factors. Material and Methods: A total of 507 MRIs of 6- to 20-year-old patients (251 males; 256 females) were evaluated with regard to detectable pathologies of the knee. The results were compared to a control group without pain (n = 73; 34 males; 39 females). A binary logistic regression model and t-tests for paired and unpaired samples were used to identify possible risk factors and significant anatomic differences of the study population. Results: In 348 patients (68.6%), at least one pathology was detected. The most commonly detected finding was chondromalacia of the patellofemoral (PF) joint (n = 205; 40.4%). Chondral lesions of the PF joint occurred significantly more often in knee pain patients than in the control group (40% vs. 11.0%; p = 0.001), especially in cases of a patella tilt angle > 5° (p ≤ 0.001), a bony sulcus angle > 150° (p = 0.002), a cartilaginous sulcus angle > 150° (p = 0.012), a lateral trochlear inclination < 11° (p ≤ 0.001), a lateralised patella (p = 0.023) and a Wiberg type II or III patella shape (p = 0.019). Moreover, a larger patella tilt angle (p = 0.021), a greater bony sulcus angle (p = 0.042), a larger cartilaginous sulcus angle (p = 0.038) and a lower value of the lateral trochlear inclination (p = 0.014) were detected in knee pain patients compared to the reference group. Conclusion: Chondromalacia of the PF joint is frequently observed in children and adolescents suffering from non-overload atraumatic knee pain, whereby a patella tilt angle > 5°, a bony sulcus angle > 150°, a cartilaginous sulcus angle > 150°, a lateral trochlear inclination < 11°, a lateralised patella and a Wiberg type II or III patella shape seem to represent anatomic risk factors.
Differential Assessment of Internal Jugular Vein Stenosis in Patients Undergoing CT and MRI with Contrast
Authors: Abdalkader Mohamad , Miller Matthew I. , Klein Piers , Hui Ferdinand K. , Siracuse Jeffrey J. , Mian Asim Z. , Sakai Osamu , Nguyen Thanh N. , Setty Bindu N.
Published: February 2024

Objective: Internal Jugular Vein Stenosis (IJVS) is hypothesized to play a role in the pathogenesis of diverse neurological diseases. We sought to evaluate differences in IJVS assessment between CT and MRI in a retrospective patient cohort. Methods: We included consecutive patients who had both MRI of the brain and CT of the head and neck with contrast from 1 June 2021 to 30 June 2022 within the same admission. The degree of IJVS was categorized into five grades (0–IV). Results: A total of 35 patients with a total of 70 internal jugular (IJ) veins were included in our analysis. There was fair intermodality agreement in stenosis grades (κ = 0.220, 95% C.I. = [0.029, 0.410]), though categorical stenosis grades were significantly discordant between imaging modalities, with higher grades more frequent in MRI (χ2 = 27.378, p = 0.002). On CT-based imaging, Grade III or IV stenoses were noted in 17/70 (24.2%) IJs, whereas on MRI-based imaging, Grade III or IV stenoses were found in 40/70 (57.1%) IJs. Among veins with Grade I-IV IJVS, MRI stenosis estimates were significantly higher than CT stenosis estimates (77.0%, 95% C.I. [35.9–55.2%] vs. 45.6%, 95% C.I. [35.9–55.2%], p < 0.001). Conclusion: MRI with contrast overestimates the degree of IJVS compared to CT with contrast. Consideration of this discrepancy should be considered in diagnosis and treatment planning in patients with potential IJVS-related symptoms.
Adsorption Behavior and Kinetics of 1,4-Dioxane by Carbon Aerogel
Authors: Lu Tianyu , Huang Huihui , Lv Guifen , Li Fei , Song Ren-jie , Cai Yuting
Published: February 2024

1,4-dioxane is a potential carcinogen in water and is difficult to deal with due to its robust cycloether bond and complete miscibility with water. To remove 1,4-dioxane in an economically viable and environmentally friendly way, a series of carbon aerogels were synthesized as adsorbents for 1,4-dioxane. The experiment results showed that adsorption performances were closely related to the preparation conditions of carbon aerogels, such as the molar ratio, heating rate, pyrolysis temperature and residence time, which were carefully controlled. Scanning electron microscope analysis revealed the presence of a three-dimensional porous network structure in carbon aerogels. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis results demonstrated an increase in specific surface area (673.89 m2/g) and total pore volume after carbonization, with an increase in mesoporous porosity and a decrease in microporosity. When considering each variable individually, the highest specific surface area of prepared carbon aerogels was achieved at a pyrolysis temperature of 800 °C, a holding time of 1 h, and a heating rate of 2 °C/min. Under optimal experimental conditions, the adsorption removal of 1,4-dioxane by carbon aerogels exceeded 95%, following quasi-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isothermal adsorption isotherms, indicating that monolayer adsorption on the surface of carbon aerogels occurred. The maximum adsorption capacity obtained was 67.28 mg/g at a temperature of 318 K, which was attributed to the presence of a large proportion of mesopores and abundant micropores simultaneously in carbon aerogels. Furthermore, with the interference of chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethylene (TCE), the removal efficiency of 1,4-dioxane had no obvious inhibition effect. Regeneration experiments showed that after five continuous cycles, the carbon aerogels still kept a comparable adsorption capacity, which illustrates its potential application in 1,4-dioxane-polluted water purification.
Toxins, Pathogenicity, Anti-Toxins, a Bicentennial Contribution
Authors: Popoff Michel R. , Ladant Daniel
Published: February 2024

The bicentenary of Louis Pasteur’s birth raises the opportunity to revisit the activity and influence of L [...]
Best Practice Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Post-Stroke Spasticity: A Modified Scoping Review
Authors: Suputtitada Areerat , Chatromyen Supattana , Chen Carl P. C. , Simpson David M.
Published: February 2024

This article aims to provide a concise overview of the best available evidence for managing post-stroke spasticity. A modified scoping review, conducted following the PRISMA guidelines and the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR), involved an intensive search on Medline and PubMed from 1 January 2000 to 31 August 2023. The focus was placed on high-quality (GRADE A) medical, rehabilitation, and surgical interventions. In total, 32 treatments for post-stroke spasticity were identified. Two independent reviewers rigorously assessed studies, extracting data, and evaluating bias using GRADE criteria. Only interventions with GRADE A evidence were considered. The data included the study type, number of trials, participant characteristics, interventions, parameters, controls, outcomes, and limitations. The results revealed eleven treatments supported by GRADE A evidence, comprising 14 studies. Thirteen were systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and one was randomized control trial. The GRADE A treatments included stretching exercises, static stretching with positional orthosis, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, peripheral magnetic stimulation, non-invasive brain stimulation, botulinum toxin A injection, dry needling, intrathecal baclofen, whole body vibration, and localized muscle vibration. In conclusion, this modified scoping review highlights the multimodal treatments supported by GRADE A evidence as being effective for improving functional recovery and quality of life in post-stroke spasticity. Further research and exploration of new therapeutic options are encouraged.
Fusarium sporotrichioides Produces Two HT-2-α-Glucosides on Rice
Authors: Svoboda Thomas , Labuda Roman , Sulyok Michael , Krska Rudolf , Bacher Markus , Berthiller Franz , Adam Gerhard
Published: February 2024

Fusarium is a genus that mostly consists of plant pathogenic fungi which are able to produce a broad range of toxic secondary metabolites. In this study, we focus on a type A trichothecene-producing isolate (15-39) of Fusarium sporotrichioides from Lower Austria. We assessed the secondary metabolite profile and optimized the toxin production conditions on autoclaved rice and found that in addition to large amounts of T-2 and HT-2 toxins, this strain was able to produce HT-2-glucoside. The optimal conditions for the production of T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, and HT-2-glucoside on autoclaved rice were incubation at 12 °C under constant light for four weeks, darkness at 30 °C for two weeks, and constant light for three weeks at 20 °C, respectively. The HT-2-glucoside was purified, and the structure elucidation by NMR revealed a mixture of two alpha-glucosides, presumably HT-2-3-O-alpha-glucoside and HT-2-4-O-alpha-glucoside. The efforts to separate the two compounds by HPLC were unsuccessful. No hydrolysis was observed with two the alpha-glucosidases or with human salivary amylase and Saccharomyces cerevisiae maltase. We propose that the two HT-2-alpha-glucosides are not formed by a glucosyltransferase as they are in plants, but by a trans-glycosylating alpha-glucosidase expressed by the fungus on the starch-containing rice medium.
The Influence of Long-Term Storage on the Epiphytic Microbiome of Postharvest Apples and on Penicillium expansum Occurrence and Patulin Accumulation
Authors: Al Riachy Reem , Strub Caroline , Durand Noël , Chochois Vincent , Lopez-Lauri Félicie , Fontana Angélique , Schorr-Galindo Sabine
Published: February 2024

Patulin is a secondary metabolite primarily synthesized by the fungus Penicillium expansum, which is responsible for blue mold disease on apples. The latter are highly susceptible to fungal infection in the postharvest stages. Apples destined to produce compotes are processed throughout the year, which implies that long periods of storage are required under controlled atmospheres. P. expansum is capable of infecting apples throughout the whole process, and patulin can be detected in the end-product. In the present study, 455 apples (organically and conventionally grown), destined to produce compotes, of the variety “Golden Delicious” were sampled at multiple postharvest steps. The apple samples were analyzed for their patulin content and P. expansum was quantified using real-time PCR. The patulin results showed no significant differences between the two cultivation techniques; however, two critical control points were identified: the long-term storage and the deck storage of apples at ambient temperature before transport. Additionally, alterations in the epiphytic microbiota of both fungi and bacteria throughout various steps were investigated through the application of a metabarcoding approach. The alpha and beta diversity analysis highlighted the effect of long-term storage, causing an increase in the bacterial and fungal diversity on apples, and showed significant differences in the microbial communities during the different postharvest steps. The different network analyses demonstrated intra-species relationships. Multiple pairs of fungal and bacterial competitive relationships were observed. Positive interactions were also observed between P. expansum and multiple fungal and bacterial species. These network analyses provide a basis for further fungal and bacterial interaction analyses for fruit disease biocontrol.
Genomic Analyses of Major SARS-CoV-2 Variants Predicting Multiple Regions of Pathogenic and Transmissive Importance
Authors: Brugger Steven W. , Grose Julianne H. , Decker Craig H. , Pickett Brett E. , Davis Mary F.
Published: February 2024

The rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has fueled its global proliferation since its discovery in 2019, with several notable variants having been responsible for increases in cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Analyses of codon bias and usage in these variants between phylogenetic clades or lineages may grant insights into the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and identify target codons indicative of evolutionary or mutative trends that may prove useful in tracking or defending oneself against emerging strains. We processed a cohort of 120 SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences through a statistical and bioinformatic pipeline to identify codons presenting evidence of selective pressure as well as codon coevolution. We report the identification of two codon sites in the orf8 and N genes demonstrating such evidence with real-world impacts on pathogenicity and transmissivity.
Bivalent VSV Vectors Mediate Rapid and Potent Protection from Andes Virus Challenge in Hamsters
Authors: Marceau Joshua , Safronetz David , Martellaro Cynthia , Marzi Andrea , Rosenke Kyle , Feldmann Heinz
Published: February 2024

Orthohantaviruses may cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome or hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome. Andes virus (ANDV) is the only orthohantavirus associated with human–human transmission. Therefore, emergency vaccination would be a valuable public health measure to combat ANDV-derived infection clusters. Here, we utilized a promising vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-based vaccine to advance the approach for emergency applications. We compared monovalent and bivalent VSV vectors containing the Ebola virus (EBOV), glycoprotein (GP), and ANDV glycoprotein precursor (GPC) for protective efficacy in pre-, peri- and post-exposure immunization by the intraperitoneal and intranasal routes. Inclusion of the EBOV GP was based on its favorable immune cell targeting and the strong innate responses elicited by the VSV-EBOV vaccine. Our data indicates no difference of ANDV GPC expressing VSV vectors in pre-exposure immunization independent of route, but a potential benefit of the bivalent VSVs following peri- and post-exposure intraperitoneal vaccination.
Genetic Characterization and Phylogeographic Analysis of the First H13N6 Avian Influenza Virus Isolated from Vega Gull in South Korea
Authors: Flores Rochelle A. , Cammayo-Fletcher Paula Leona T. , Nguyen Binh T. , Villavicencio Andrea Gail M. , Lee Seung Yun , Son Yongwoo , Kim Jae-Hoon , Park Kwang Il , Yoo Won Gi , Jin Yeung Bae , Min Wongi , Kim Woo H.
Published: February 2024

Avian influenza virus (AIV) is a pathogen with zoonotic and pandemic potential. Migratory birds are natural reservoirs of all known subtypes of AIVs, except for H17N10 and H18N11, and they have been implicated in previous highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks worldwide. This study identified and characterized the first isolate of the H13N6 subtype from a Vega gull (Larus vegae mongolicus) in South Korea. The amino acid sequence of hemagglutinin gene showed a low pathogenic AIV subtype and various amino acid substitutions were found in the sequence compared to the reference sequence and known H13 isolates. High sequence homology with other H13N6 isolates was found in HA, NA, PB1, and PA genes, but not for PB2, NP, M, and NS genes. Interestingly, various point amino acid mutations were found on all gene segments, and some are linked to an increased binding to human-type receptors, resistance to antivirals, and virulence. Evolutionary and phylogenetic analyses showed that all gene segments are gull-adapted, with a phylogeographic origin of mostly Eurasian, except for PB2, PA, and M. Findings from this study support the evidence that reassortment of AIVs continuously occurs in nature, and migratory birds are vital in the intercontinental spread of avian influenza viruses.
Long-Term Dynamic Changes in Hybrid Immunity over Six Months after Inactivated and Adenoviral Vector Vaccination in Individuals with Previous SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Suntronwong Nungruthai , Kanokudom Sitthichai , Auphimai Chompoonut , Thongmee Thanunrat , Assawakosri Suvichada , Vichaiwattana Preeyaporn , Yorsaeng Ritthideach , Duangchinda Thaneeya , Chantima Warangkana , Pakchotanon Pattarakul , Nilyanimit Pornjarim , Srimuan Donchida , Thatsanathorn Thaksaporn , Sudhinaraset Natthinee , Wanlapakorn Nasamon , Poovorawan Yong
Published: February 2024

Numerous studies have largely focused on short-term immunogenicity in recovered individuals post mRNA vaccination. However, understanding the long-term durability, particularly in inactivated and adenoviral vectored vaccines, remains limited. We evaluated antibody responses, omicron variant neutralization, and IFN-γ responses in 119 previously infected individuals vaccinated with CoronaVac or ChAdOx1 up to six months post-vaccination. Both vaccines elicited robust immune responses in recovered individuals, surpassing those who were infection-naïve, and these persisted above pre-vaccination levels for six months. However, antibody levels declined over time (geometric mean ratio (GMR) = 0.52 for both vaccines). Notably, neutralizing activities against omicron declined faster in ChAdOx1 (GMR = 0.6) compared to CoronaVac recipients (GMR = 1.03). While the first dose of ChAdOx1 adequately induced immune responses in recovered individuals, a second dose demonstrated advantages in omicron variant neutralization and slower decline. Although both vaccines induced T cell responses, the median IFN-γ level at six months returned to pre-vaccination levels. However, more individuals exhibited reactive T cell responses. Extending the interval (13–15 months) between infection and vaccination could enhance antibody levels and broaden neutralization. Together, these findings demonstrate a robust humoral and cellular response that was sustained for at least six months after vaccination, thus guiding optimal vaccination strategies based on prior infection and vaccine platforms.