bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Waves of Change: Towards Ecosystem-Based Management to Climate Change Adaptation
Authors: Xavier Luciana Yokoyama , Guilhon Maila , Gonçalves Leandra Regina , Corrêa Marina Ribeiro , Turra Alexander
Published: January 2022

Coastal climate change impacts challenge policy and decision makers to adopt more effective adaptation measures. The ecosystem-based management approach can shift adaptation towards a more holistic, integrated and sustainable path. However, as countries work on strategies to adapt to climate change, the questions of if and how such agendas consider and operationalise ecosystem-based management remains. As one of the world’s largest coastal countries, Brazil can have a prominent role in advancing the implementation of ecosystem-based management to coastal zones. By analysing two national Brazilian climate change adaptation institutions, this article evaluates and discusses the country’s advances in promoting climate change adaptations based on ecosystem-based management principles. Our findings show that, although Brazil has incorporated many ecosystem-based management principles to climate change adaptation at the national level, greater attention should be given to operationalizing principles related to acknowledging uncertainties, sustainability, democracy and knowledge production and application. The challenges to implement these principles mirror historical challenges of Brazilian coastal management policies, such as balancing development and conservation, promoting social participation and implementing effective social-ecological assessments and monitoring programs. Policy makers, scientists and communities should be aware of the need to strengthen ecosystem-based management principles in the current adaptation agenda in order to enhance its capacity to foster adaptation and just coastal sustainability.
Optimal Strategies for Elderly Public Transport Service Based on Impact-Asymmetry Analysis: A Case Study of Harbin
Authors: Lan Jingxu , Xue Yang , Fang Dewei , Zheng Qian
Published: January 2022

The difficulty of travel for the elderly is a challenge for urban management. Quantifying the satisfaction of public transport services from the perspective of the elderly is a people-oriented scientific research method. Based on the survey data of 2019 and 2020 and by selecting the interview data of people over retirement age before analyzing the non-linear relationship between bus service elements and elderly satisfaction by the impact-asymmetry analysis and gradient boosting decision trees, the optimization strategy of ground public transportation for the elderly in Harbin was obtained. The results show that the following five factors have the greatest impact on overall satisfaction, namely, site broadcasting, complaint handling, awning facilities, driver driving habits, and the punctuality of bus operation. Among them, “awning,” the “punctuality of bus operation,” and “drivers’ driving habits” should be given priority to improve. The conclusion of this study provides a theoretical basis for the accurate optimization of public transport services.
The Assessment of Morphological Diversity of Colchicum luteum L., an Economically Important Threatened Medicinal Plant of Kashmir Himalaya
Authors: Rather Rauoof Ahmad , Bano Haleema , Firoz Ahmad , Mohammed Ali Hani , Bhat M. Ashraf , Padder Shahid Ahmad , Nafees Huda , Hakeem Khalid Rehman
Published: January 2022

Colchicum luteum L. is an economically important and endangered medicinal plant of the Kashmir Himalaya. The corm extract is used for the treatment of rheumatism, gout, Behcet’s syndrome, and Alzheimer disease. It is also used extensively in plant breeding programs for the doubling of chromosomes. The present study was carried out for two years (2017–2019) to study the genetic diversity of C. luteum, an economically important and endangered medicinal plant of Kashmir Himalaya. The mapping of genetic diversity of C. luteum was estimated using Mahalanobis D2 analysis in the Aharbal (Kulgam), Dhara (Theed), and Baera Baal Hills (Harwan) of Kashmir Valley. The results showed the presence of 5 clusters for 30 populations. There were 17 populations in cluster-1, 1 in cluster-2, 2 in cluster-3, 3 in cluster-4, and 7 in cluster-5. The majority of the population was a group in cluster-1 followed by cluster-5. The maximum intracluster distance (D2 values) was observed in cluster-5 (46.55588) followed by cluster-3 (41.61871), and the maximum inter-cluster distance (D2 values) was observed in cluster-3 (46.55588) followed by cluster-5 (41.61871). Our study revealed that plant species possessed sufficient genetic diversity among the populations. Cluster-5 showed superiority in plant−1 respect of the maximum mean plant height (28.46 cm), leaf area (47.0 cm2), number of seeds plant−1 (26.85), corm length (5.15 cm), corm width (3.17 cm), fresh weight of corm plant (6.87 g), and dry weight of corm plant (4.81 g) as compared to other clusters. Out of five clusters, cluster-5 is a promising one for better yield and yield attributing traits. The present study revealed that plant species possessed sufficient genetic diversity among the populations as 30 populations were arranged into 5 clusters. Therefore, cluster-5, consisting of seven populations from the undisturbed area of Harwan, and consequently the populations from the same cluster can be multiplied for initiating a conservation and breeding program and can serve as a tool for the scientific community to evolve better contemporary varieties of C. luteum with profitable characters such as more yield of corms, etc. This will assist farmers, particularly the marginal farmers, to alleviate their income.
HBIM between Antiquity and Industrial Archaeology: Former Segrè Papermill and Sanctuary of Hercules in Tivoli
Authors: Currà Edoardo , D’Amico Alessandro , Angelosanti Marco
Published: January 2022

Industrial heritage with secular production activity constitutes a specific field of application to refine digital tools for knowledge within the HBIM (Heritage Building Information Modeling) process. Industrial sites are traditionally linked to the exploitation of local resources, and, not infrequently, are settled by recovering the ruins of ancient buildings and monuments. The Sanctuary of Hercules in Tivoli represents a significant case study that moves between classical and industrial archaeology, in particular the “Cartierà Segrè”, hereinafter referred to as former Segrè papermill, to test ArchaeoBIM concepts and to investigate current and lost heritage. Starting from the documents and the digital survey with the use of UAV videogrammetry, the aim is the construction of the informative model with particular attention to the 4D management to describe the evolution phases and the exploration of the construction specificities of buildings and machines between pre-modern techniques and industrial age. The results show the possibility of creating a diachronic HBIM to investigate a complex industrial heritage, its evolution and production phases, modeling components for this type of architecture, with the deepening of the LOD of BIM (Building Information Modeling) instances applied to machines. The application represents an augmented knowledge process applicable on industrial heritage through modeling instances of machines and industrial processes that would allow regional and transnational cross-sectional studies and the enhancement of fruition and reuse of these sites.
A Supervised Machine Learning Classification Framework for Clothing Products’ Sustainability
Authors: Satinet Chloe , Fouss François
Published: January 2022

These days, many sustainability-minded consumers face a major problem when trying to identify environmentally sustainable products. Indeed, there are a variety of confusing sustainability certifications and few labels capturing the overall environmental impact of products, as the existing procedures for assessing the environmental impact of products throughout their life cycle are time consuming, costly, and require a lot of data and input from domain experts. This paper explores the use of supervised machine learning tools to extrapolate the results of existing life cycle assessment studies (LCAs) and to develop a model—applied to the clothing product category—that could easily and quickly assess the products’ environmental sustainability throughout their life cycle. More precisely, we assemble a dataset of clothing products with their life cycle characteristics and corresponding known total environmental impact and test, on a 5-fold cross-validation basis, nine state-of-the-art supervised machine learning algorithms. Among them, the random forest algorithm has the best performance with an average accuracy of 91% over the five folds. The resulting model provides rapid environmental feedback on a variety of clothing products with the limited data available to online retailers. It could be used to quickly provide interested consumers with product-level sustainability information, or even to develop a unique and all-inclusive environmental label.
Meat Processing Waste as a Source of Nutrients and Its Effect on the Physicochemical Properties of Soil
Authors: Stępień Arkadiusz , Wojtkowiak Katarzyna , Grzywińska-Rąpca Małgorzata , Pawluczuk Jan
Published: January 2022

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of meat processing waste applied in the form of meat and bone meal (MBM) as a source of nutrients on the physicochemical properties of soil. A short–term small–area field experiment using MBM in maize monoculture was conducted in 2014–2017. Each year, MBM was applied presowing at 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 t ha−1 to maize grown in experimental plots. The application of MBM decreased the bulk density and specific density and increased the pH of Haplic Luvisol Loamic (HLL) soil. The mineral nitrogen (N) content was highest when MBM was applied at 3.0 t ha−1 in HLL soil and 2.0 t ha−1 in Haplic Luvisol Arenic (HLA) soil. The minor differences in the mineral N content of soil between the treatment without fertilization and MBM treatments could be attributed to high N utilization by maize plants. The phosphorus (P) content of soil increased with a rise in the MBM dose. The P content of the arable layer was lower in HLA soil than in HLL soil, which resulted from higher P uptake by maize grain. The highest maize grain yield was achieved in the last year of the study, in response to the highest MBM dose and due to the residual effect of MBM.
The Importance of Employees’ Knowledge in Sustainable, Green Manufacturing: Numerical Modeling Approach
Authors: Ojstersek Robert , Zhang Hankun , Buchmeister Borut
Published: January 2022

The employees’ knowledge level is crucial because it ensures the long-term social, environmental, and financial sustainability of a company’s operations on the global market. In doing so, there is a problem of how to measure the employees’ knowledge level within the segment, and improve it based on performed measures. In our research, we proposed the use of real-world problem solving for the purpose of determining and improving the employees’ knowledge level potential. In the study, we present a numerical modeling approach to evaluate real-world problem-solving capabilities and find out how the captured data influence the important parameters for determining the employee’s knowledge level. We have measured seven parameters (number of solutions, technological feasibility of the proposed solutions, team thinking activities, age, prior knowledge about sustainable production methods, and education level). By using linear regression, we have defined general forms of functional dependencies that enable the individual company to calculate and, if necessary, increase the employees’ knowledge level for their team. The results of the research show the correlation dependence of individual parameters, in which we found a close relationship between the employees’ knowledge level and age, as well as the technological feasibility of proposed solutions and educational level. In the final phase of the research, we conducted an experiment with mixed groups consisting of participants from different age groups, with the results showing a high degree of intergenerational integration importance.
The Effect of Occupants’ Behaviour on the Building Performance Gap: UK Residential Case Studies
Authors: Bahadori-Jahromi Ali , Salem Radwa , Mylona Anastasia , Hasan Agha Usama , Zhang Hexin
Published: January 2022

Studies have shown that the assumptions used to create dynamic thermal models of buildings do not reflect their actual energy use. Bridging the energy performance gap is vital in ensuring that a designed or retrofitted building meets the energy performance targets. Using thermal analysis simulation software TAS, this paper presents a simulation model of seven different UK single family houses. The results from the various models are validated by comparing the actual energy demand against the simulated consumption. The simulation results show that the heating set point has the greatest impact on the simulated energy demand. The results also demonstrate that the energy demand of the dwellings can be reduced by applying window opening schemes and by controlling the heating setpoint temperature and schedule. Plug load consumption is also considered by using plug load data of real UK households, as obtained from a longitudinal study, and calibrating the model based on average plug load contributions for the households. The results showed that, by increasing the heating set point and window opening schedules by 10% from self-reported data, and by considering an additional 12% for plug loads, the energy performance gap is reduced to less than >15% for all examined houses.
The Social Dimension of Security: The Dichotomy of Respondents’ Perceptions during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kalinowski Sławomir , Łuczak Aleksandra , Koziolek Adam
Published: January 2022

The main goal of the study was to make a subjective assessment of the social security of households during the coronavirus pandemic. In order to achieve this goal, a three-stage primary research based on the CAWI method (computer-assisted web interview) was conducted on households in Poland in April, June, and September 2020. The research used statistical methods of structure evaluation and the fuzzy TOPSIS method. It assessed the security of households and respondents’ subjective perceptions of the loss of financial stability, income, and employment, as well as presenting the deterioration of the situation of their households in the immediate future. The respondents also assessed the possible deterioration of the situation in Poland, the growth of poverty in families and unemployment in the immediate future. In addition, the respondents’ subjective assessments of the level of insecurity about the future of their households and the situation in Poland were quantified. One of the most important conclusions was the dichotomy in the respondents’ perceptions, as they assessed the situation of their households better than the situation in Poland. The research shows that in April 2020, i.e., at the first stage of the research, the respondents strongly felt that the financial situation of their households had deteriorated. In June 2020 (stage II) this perception weakened slightly because they may have considered the pandemic situation to be temporary. However, in September 2020 (stage III) the sense of the possible deterioration of their financial situation increased again due to the ongoing pandemic and its consequences.
An EOQ Model with Carbon Emissions and Inflation for Deteriorating Imperfect Quality Items under Learning Effect
Authors: Alamri Osama Abdulaziz , Jayaswal Mahesh Kumar , Khan Faizan Ahmad , Mittal Mandeep
Published: January 2022

We developed an economic order quantity (EOQ) model with a learning effect and carbon emissions under inflationary conditions and inspection for retailers where the items deteriorate naturally. Finally, the total profit of the retailer is maximized with respect to cycle length. A sensitivity analysis was also performed to understand the robustness of the model. In the sensitivity analysis, we discuss the impact of learning rate, inflation rate, and deterioration rate on lot size and length of the cycle, as well as the retailer’s entire profit function. Observations and managerial insights are discussed. The effect of inventory parameters on the total profit is shown in the sensitivity section.
Evaluation Study on Extraction of Anthocyanins from Red Cabbage Using High Pressure CO2 + H2O: A Fuzzy Logic Model and Metabolomic Analysis
Authors: Wang Bingfeng , Yang Shini , Xu Lei , Wang Xue , Mi Lu , Wang Kewen , Liao Xiaojun , Xu Zhenzhen
Published: January 2022

In this work, a fuzzy logic model was developed to elucidate the extraction performance of high-pressure CO2 + H2O compared with traditional H2O extraction and aqueous ethanol extraction. The high-pressure CO2 + H2O group acquired the highest comprehensive score considering yield, quality and stability. Both targeted and untargeted metabolomics results proved that the polarity of water was slightly modified; in particular, with the evidence from the untargeted metabolomics data, a higher proportion of water-insoluble compounds (2-methylindole, 3-formylindole, guanine, tyrosine and tryptophan) obtained by high-pressure CO2 + H2O extraction compared with traditional H2O extraction has been reported for the first time. Finally, the “3I” extraction mechanism of high-pressure CO2 + H2O is proposed, which offers an improvement in the solid–liquid mass transfer efficiency of phytochemicals, improving the polarity of solution and the isolation of O2.
Cubic–Quartic Optical Soliton Perturbation with Differential Group Delay for the Lakshmanan–Porsezian–Daniel Model by Lie Symmetry
Authors: Kumar Sachin , Biswas Anjan , Yıldırım Yakup , Moraru Luminita , Moldovanu Simona , Alshehri Hashim M. , Maturi Dalal Adnan , Al-Bogami Dalal H.
Published: January 2022

This paper employs Lie symmetry analysis to recover cubic–quartic optical soliton solutions to the Lakshmanan–Porsezian–Daniel model in birefringent fibers. The results are a sequel to the previously reported work on the same model in unpolarized fibers. Dark, singular, and straddled optical solitons that emerged from the scheme are presented.
Special Issue Editorial “Solvability of Nonlinear Equations with Parameters: Branching, Regularization, Group Symmetry and Solutions Blow-Up”
Authors: Sidorov Nikolai
Published: January 2022

Nonlinear dynamical models with parameters are at the heart of natural science, and they serve as essential instrument to analyze and solve various appealing problems in engineering areas [...]
Resilience Evaluation of the Existing Shield Tunnel Lining Induced by the Symmetrical Excavation of Adjacent Foundation Pit Based on Numerical Simulations
Authors: Jiang Long , Hao Shengyue
Published: January 2022

It is very important to evaluate the structural behavior of shield tunnel lining reasonably to ensure the safe operation and maintenance of subway trains. In this paper, by virtue of the resilience theory, the resilience evaluation of the existing shield tunnel lining induced by the symmetrical excavation of adjacent foundation pit is conducted using the numerical simulation. Firstly, the structural behavior index of the shield tunnel lining is defined. Moreover, using the evolution of structural behavior index along with the symmetrical excavation steps of adjacent foundation pit, the calculation method of the resilience index of the shield tunnel lining and grade of resilience are proposed. Secondly, numerical simulation is conducted to compare the degree of influence of three different block symmetrical excavation methods of the adjacent foundation pit on the structural deformation of existing shield tunnel lining. Finally, based on the proposed resilience evaluation method, the structural deformation index and the resilience index of the existing shield tunnel lining are calculated under three different block symmetrical excavation methods, which indicates that the control effect of different block symmetrical excavation methods of the adjacent foundation pit varies greatly. Moreover, it is necessary to adopt the fine excavation method of foundation pit by sections to better control the deformation of the existing shield tunnel lining.
Transient Propagation of Spherical Waves in Porous Material: Application of Fractional Calculus
Authors: Fellah Zine El Abiddine , Fellah Mohamed , Roncen Rémi , Ongwen Nicholas O. , Ogam Erick , Depollier Claude
Published: January 2022

A fractional-order wave equation is established and solved for a space of three dimensions using spherical coordinates. An equivalent fluid model is used in which the acoustic wave propagates only in the fluid saturating the porous medium; this model is a special case of Biot’s theory obtained by the symmetry of the Lagrangian (invariance by translation and rotation). The basic solution of the wave equation is obtained in the time domain by analytically calculating Green’s function of the porous medium and using the properties of the Laplace transforms. Fractional derivatives are used to describe, in the time domain, the fluid–structure interactions, which are of the inertial, viscous, and thermal kind. The solution to the fractional-order wave equation represents the radiation field in the porous medium emitted by a point source. An important result obtained in this study is that the solution of the fractional equation is expressed by recurrence relations that are the consequence of the modified Bessel function of the third kind, which represents a physical solution of the wave equation. This theoretical work with analytical results opens up prospects for the resolution of forward and inverse problems allowing the characterization of a porous medium using spherical waves.
Modeling and Numerical Methods of Supply Chain Trust Network with the Complex Network
Authors: Zhang Xuelong , Wang Hui , Nan Jiangxia , Luo Yuxi , Yi Yanling
Published: January 2022

Finding reliable partners is the key to supply chain management. However, the symmetrical evaluation of enterprise trust is complex, so the decision-makers must understand its quantitative and qualitative characteristics in order to realize a reasonable evaluation. Based on the analysis of the causes and influencing factors of supply chain trust, this paper constructed four primary indexes and 16 secondary indexes to define enterprise trust, and used analytic network process (ANP) to evaluate and rank the indicators. Then, the paper constructed a supply chain directed weighted trust evolution network model based on complex network theory, integrated trust into the network with edge weights, and put forward the merit index of comprehensive node degree, weight, and efficiency to study the supply chain network evolution. The simulation results show that the node degree distribution in the trust evolution network conforms to the power-law distribution rule, and the trust evolution model of the complex network has obvious scale-free characteristics, which effectively avoid the situation that the node influence is too high due to the excessive strength of a single index. At the same time, it can quickly evaluate the node influence of the directed weighted complex network, and provide certain practical value for the node trust prediction of the supply chain network.
Data Security and Preservation Mechanisms for Industrial Control Network Using IOTA
Authors: Lin Iuon-Chang , Chang Chin-Chen , Chang Yu-Sung
Published: January 2022

In the Internet of Things (IoT), many devices can communicate with each other directly through the Internet, and there are already good applications in transportation systems, smart meters, and smart home appliances. Wireless sensor networks are used in these Internet of things applications. Playing a vital role, the upload of data requires multiple layers of transmission to reach the cloud. In the industrial control field, many IoT devices upload data to the cloud for storage, but the upload process is easily tampered with, and centralized cloud services also have security concerns. In addition, in the local IoT perception layer among them, the security of sensor identity verification is also very important for message transmission. The main reason why the past blockchain technology could not be widely used in industrial control and other application fields is the cost considerations, because the procedures for running blockchain nodes and uploading transactions are too expensive. Therefore, this paper proposes an IoT architecture based on the IOTA Tangle network to solve the centralization problem of IoT storage in the cloud, and uses the method of MAM (Masked Authenticated Message) to trace the information of WSNs, while achieving data security and data preservation. In the edge devices of WSNs, because of the insufficient memory and computing performance of many devices, it is impossible to perform proof of work calculations. Therefore, this paper uses the logical key hierarchy-based method to manage the sensors, and applies symmetric and asymmetric encryption in blockchain. The identity verification of the device can be effectively achieved, and the operating cost can be effectively reduced.
Application of Wastewater-Based Epidemiology for Tracking Human Exposure to Deoxynivalenol and Enniatins
Authors: Berzina Zane , Pavlenko Romans , Jansons Martins , Bartkiene Elena , Neilands Romans , Pugajeva Iveta , Bartkevics Vadims
Published: January 2022

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a promising biomonitoring approach with the potential to provide direct information on human intake and exposure to food contaminants and environmental chemicals. The aim of this study was to apply WBE while employing the normalization method for exploring human exposure to selected mycotoxins according to population biomarker 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). This type of normalization technique has been previously used to detect various other compounds. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study tracking human exposure to mycotoxins. A sensitive analytical methodology was developed to achieve reliable quantification of deoxynivalenol, enniatins, and beauvericin in wastewater (WW) samples. The applicability of the method was evaluated by testing 29 WW samples collected at WW treatment plants in Latvia. With frequency of detection greater than 86%, enniatins B, B1, A, and A1 were revealed in WW samples. The estimated total daily intake for enniatins was in the range of 1.8–27.6 µg/day per person. Free deoxynivalenol (DON) was determined in all analysed WW samples. Based on the average 5-HIAA excretion level and the determined 5-HIAA content in the samples, the intake of DON by the human population of Riga was estimated at 325 ng/kg b.w. day.
An Automatic Immunoaffinity Pretreatment of Deoxynivalenol Coupled with UPLC-UV Analysis
Authors: Liu Hongmei , Xuan Zhihong , Ye Jin , Chen Jinnan , Wang Meng , Freitag Stephan , Krska Rudolf , Liu Zehuan , Li Li , Wu Yu , Wang Songxue
Published: January 2022

An immunoaffinity magnetic beads (IMBs) based automatic pretreatment method was developed for the quantitative analysis of deoxynivalenol (DON) by ultra-performance liquid chromatography and ultraviolet detector (UPLC-UV). First, N-hydroxysuccinimide-terminated magnetic beads (NHS-MBs) with good magnetic responsivity and dispersibility were synthesized and characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and laser diffraction-based particle size analyzer. Then, the amino groups of anti-DON monoclonal antibody (mAb) and the NHS groups of NHS-MBs were linked by covalent bonds to prepare IMB, without any activation reagent. The essential factors affecting the binding and elution of DON were meticulously tuned. Under optimal conditions, DON could be extracted from a real sample and eluted from IMB by water, enabling environmentally friendly and green analysis. Hence, there was no need for dilution or evaporation prior to UPLC-UV analysis. DON in 20 samples could be purified and concentrated within 30 min by the mycotoxin automated purification instrument (MAPI), allowing for automated, green, high-throughput and simple clean-up. Recoveries at four distinct spiking levels in corn and wheat ranged from 92.0% to 109.5% with good relative standard deviations (RSD, 2.1–7.0%). Comparing the test results of IAC and IMB in commercial samples demonstrated the reliability and superiority of IMB for quantitatively analyzing massive samples.
Antiviral Toll-like Receptor Signaling in Non-Parenchymal Liver Cells Is Restricted to TLR3
Authors: Werner Melanie , Schefczyk Stefan , Trippler Martin , Treckmann Juergen W. , Baba Hideo A. , Gerken Guido , Schlaak Joerg F. , Broering Ruth
Published: January 2022

The role of non-parenchymal liver cells as part of the hepatic, innate immune system in the defense against hepatotropic viruses is not well understood. Here, primary human Kupffer cells, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatic stellate cells were isolated from liver tissue obtained after tumor resections or liver transplantations. Cells were stimulated with Toll-like receptor 1–9 ligands for 6–24 h. Non-parenchymal liver cells expressed and secreted inflammatory cytokines (IL6, TNF and IL10). Toll-like receptor- and cell type-specific downstream signals included the phosphorylation of NF-κB, AKT, JNK, p38 and ERK1/2. However, only supernatants of TLR3-activated Kupffer cells, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatic stellate cells contained type I and type III interferons and mediated an antiviral activity in the interferon-sensitive subgenomic hepatitis C virus replicon system. The antiviral effect could not be neutralized by antibodies against IFNA, IFNB nor IFNL, but could be abrogated using an interferon alpha receptor 2-specific neutralization. Interestingly, TLR3 responsiveness was enhanced in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells isolated from hepatitis C virus-positive donors, compared to uninfected controls. In conclusion, non-parenchymal liver cells are potent activators of the hepatic immune system by mediating inflammatory responses. Furthermore, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells were identified to be hyperresponsive to viral stimuli in chronic hepatitis C virus infection.
Structural Assembly of Qβ Virion and Its Diverse Forms of Virus-like Particles
Authors: Chang Jeng-Yih , Gorzelnik Karl V. , Thongchol Jirapat , Zhang Junjie
Published: January 2022

The coat proteins (CPs) of single-stranded RNA bacteriophages (ssRNA phages) directly assemble around the genomic RNA (gRNA) to form a near-icosahedral capsid with a single maturation protein (Mat) that binds the gRNA and interacts with the retractile pilus during infection of the host. Understanding the assembly of ssRNA phages is essential for their use in biotechnology, such as RNA protection and delivery. Here, we present the complete gRNA model of the ssRNA phage Qβ, revealing that the 3′ untranslated region binds to the Mat and the 4127 nucleotides fold domain-by-domain, and is connected through long-range RNA–RNA interactions, such as kissing loops. Thirty-three operator-like RNA stem-loops are located and primarily interact with the asymmetric A/B CP-dimers, suggesting a pathway for the assembly of the virions. Additionally, we have discovered various forms of the virus-like particles (VLPs), including the canonical T = 3 icosahedral, larger T = 4 icosahedral, prolate, oblate forms, and a small prolate form elongated along the 3-fold axis. These particles are all produced during a normal infection, as well as when overexpressing the CPs. When overexpressing the shorter RNA fragments encoding only the CPs, we observed an increased percentage of the smaller VLPs, which may be sufficient to encapsidate a shorter RNA.
Effects of between and within Herd Moves on Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) Recrudescence and Shedding in Captive Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus)
Authors: Titus Sanna Eriksson , Patterson Stuart , Prince-Wright Joanna , Dastjerdi Akbar , Molenaar Fieke Marije
Published: January 2022

Haemorrhagic disease associated with elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (Elephantid herpesvirus, EEHV) infections is the leading cause of death for Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) calves. This study assessed the effect of captive herd management on EEHV shedding, as evidence of latent infection reactivation, focusing on: (1) the influence of social change on the odds of recrudescence; (2) the respective effects of between and within herd moves; and (3) characteristics of recrudescent viral shedding. Trunk and conjunctival swabs (n = 165) were obtained from six elephants at an EAZA-accredited zoo, collected during a period of social stability, and at times of social change. Longitudinal sampling took place at times of moving two bulls out of the collection and one new bull into an adjacent enclosure to the cow herd (between herd moves), and during a period of mixing this new bull with the cow herd to facilitate mating (within herd moves). Quantitative PCR was employed to detect EEHV 1a/b, 4a/b, and EF–1–α (housekeeping gene). Generalised estimating equations determined EEHV recrudescence odds ratios (OR) and relative viral DNA load. Sixteen EEHV 1a/b shedding events occurred, but no EEHV 4a/b was detected. All management-derived social changes promoted recrudescence (social change OR = 3.27, 95% CI = 0.412–26, p = 0.262; and between herd moves OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 0.178−14.4, p = 0.675), though within herd movements posed the most significant increase of EEHV reactivation odds (OR = 6.86, 95% CI = 0.823−57.1, p = 0.075) and demonstrated the strongest relative influence (post hoc Tukey test p = 0.0425). Shedding onset and magnitude ranged from six to 54 days and from 3.59 to 11.09 ΔCts. Differing challenges are associated with between and within herd movements, which can promote recrudescence and should be considered an exposure risk to naïve elephants.
Vectorial Release of Human RNA Viruses from Epithelial Cells
Authors: Chapuy-Regaud Sabine , Allioux Claire , Capelli Nicolas , Migueres Marion , Lhomme Sébastien , Izopet Jacques
Published: January 2022

Epithelial cells are apico-basolateral polarized cells that line all tubular organs and are often targets for infectious agents. This review focuses on the release of human RNA virus particles from both sides of polarized human cells grown on transwells. Most viruses that infect the mucosa leave their host cells mainly via the apical side while basolateral release is linked to virus propagation within the host. Viruses do this by hijacking the cellular factors involved in polarization and trafficking. Thus, understanding epithelial polarization is essential for a clear understanding of virus pathophysiology.
The Synthesis and Anti-Cytomegalovirus Activity of Piperidine-4-Carboxamides
Authors: Guo Xin , Ghosh Ayan Kumar , Keyes Robert F. , Peterson Francis , Forman Michael , Meyers David J. , Arav-Boger Ravit
Published: January 2022

Treatment options for human cytomegalovirus (CMV) remain limited and are associated with significant adverse effects and the selection of resistant CMV strains in transplant recipients and congenitally infected infants. Although most approved drugs target and inhibit the CMV DNA polymerase, additional agents with distinct mechanisms of action are needed for the treatment and prevention of CMV. In a large high throughput screen using our CMV-luciferase reporter Towne, we identified several unique inhibitors of CMV replication. Here, we synthesize and test in vitro 13 analogs of the original NCGC2955 hit (1). Analogs with no activity against the CMV-luciferase at 10 µM and 30 µM (2–6, 10–14) were removed from further analysis. Three analogs (7–9) inhibited CMV replication in infected human foreskin fibroblasts. The EC50 of (1) was 1.7 ± 0.6 µM and 1.99 ± 0.15 µM, based on luciferase and plaque assay, respectively. Compounds 7, 8, and 9 showed similar activities: the EC50 values of 7 were 0.21 ± 0.06 µM (luciferase) and 0.55 ± 0.06 (plaque), of 8: 0.28 ± 0.06 µM and 0.42 ± 0.07, and of 9: 0.30 ± 0.05 µM (luciferase) and 0.35 ± 0.07 (plaque). The CC50 for 7, 8, and 9 in non-infected human foreskin fibroblasts was > 500µM, yielding a selectivity index of >1500. Compounds 1, 7, and 8 were also tested in CMV-infected primary human hepatocytes and showed a dose–response against CMV by luciferase activity and viral protein expression. None of the active compounds inhibited herpes simplex virus 1 or 2. Compounds 7 and 8 inhibited mouse CMV replication in vitro. Both inhibited CMV at late stages of replication; 7 reduced virus yield at all late time points, although not to the same degree as letermovir. Finally, the activity of analog 8 was additive with newly identified CMV inhibitors (MLS8969, NFU1827, MSL8554, and MSL8091) and with ganciclovir. Further structural activity development should provide promising anti-CMV agents for use in clinical studies.
A Holocene Sedimentary Record and the Impact of Sea-Level Rise in the Karst Lake Velo Blato and the Wetlands on Pag Island (Croatia)
Authors: Ilijanić Nikolina , Miko Slobodan , Ivkić Filipović Ivona , Hasan Ozren , Šparica Miko Martina , Petrinec Branko , Terzić Josip , Marković Tamara
Published: January 2022

Lakes in coastal lowland areas represent a critically vulnerable environment as a transitional space between freshwater and seawater environments. The paleoenvironmental reconstruction and anthropogenic impact are assessed through the lake sediment cores from Velo, Malo, and Kolanjsko Blato using multi-proxy analyses (sedimentological, mineralogical, geochemical, 137Cs and ostracod analyses, and AMS 14C radiocarbon dating). The freshwater lake Velo Blato was formed at 8100 cal yr BP due to rising groundwater levels as a consequence of sea-level rise. The brackish conditions in Lake Velo Blato started at 7100 cal yr BP, giving the index point for the sea-level curve of 7-m lower than present. Lead concentrations showed slightly increased values in the last 1800 cal yr BP, while the spike in Malo Blato lake sediments probably derived from bird hunting with lead bullets. Kolanjsko Blato sediment core archives the sediment record of the last 2050 years, which represents a shallow brackish coastal wetland under marine influence. Enrichment factors showed the accumulation of Cu, Hg, P, Pb, S, and Zn in the sediments from Kolanjsko Blato in the last 650 cal yr BP, which coincides with the high organic carbon content, and in sediments from Malo Blato after the lake’s formation (from the depth of 20 cm upwards). Anthropogenic Cu introduced into the Kolanjsko Blato sediments is the highest in the surface sample. Surficial sediments from Velo Blato are characterized by the high organic carbon, S, P, and N content, indicating high productivity and eutrophication which led to occasional anoxic conditions on the lake bottom in the last 200 years.
A Multi-View Image Feature Fusion Network Applied in Analysis of Aeration Velocity for WWTP
Authors: Li Junchen , Liu Yuheng , Jiang Hongchuan , Yang Mengxi , Lin Sijie , Hu Qing
Published: January 2022

The instability of the aeration system brings a significant challenge to the management of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). Using image recognition methods to monitor aeration conditions accurately and enhance management efficiency is a promising way to solve this problem. To improve the efficiency of aeration condition identification and provide support for troubleshooting, we propose a method for aeration velocity condition identification based on a multi-view image feature fusion network (MVNN). Firstly, an experimental platform for simulating aeration tanks is established, and two cameras are used to acquire aeration images from different perspectives. Secondly, an image data set with 10 aeration velocity gradients is constructed and applied to the network’s training. Finally, the MVNN is used to extract and fuse the features of aeration images, and the model’s performance is evaluated on the dataset. Experiments show that the average accuracy of the method is over 98.3%, and the AUC of aeration identification is above 0.98, which indicates that the model has the potential for practical application in WWTP.
Coefficient analysis in achieving a reliable assessment of the effectiveness of the organization’s activities
Authors:   Department of Financial Control, Analysis and Audit, Вasic chair of the Main control of the Department of Moscow, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Plaskova N.S.
Published: January 2022

The article presents methodological approaches to the formation of realistic values of financial coefficients for the purposes of reliable evaluation of the performance of commercial organizations by clarifying the classical algorithms of their calculations, taking into account the economic content of the initial indicators of financial and management reporting used, formed in accordance with the provisions of Russian and international standards. The use of adequate values of reporting indicators and the adjustment of formulas for calculating a number of coefficients contribute to obtaining a reliable retrospective assessment of the quality of the management system of organizations in the real sector of the economy, identifying and correctly measuring the impact of factors of the external and internal business environment on its effectiveness, optimizing the resource potential management policy to strengthen competitiveness, financial stability and investment attractiveness of companies.
The social significance of nuclear energy and investments in large infrastructure projects
Authors:   Department of Economics, Management and Humanities, Kursk State Agricultural Academy named after I. I. Ivanova, Russia, Ustinovich Elena Stepanovna
Published: January 2022

Nuclear energy is a source of reliable, low-carbon electricity, and it is widely recognized that its role must grow in reducing carbon dioxide emissions to mitigate the effects of climate change. One of the main obstacles to the necessary expansion is the challenge of securing competitive financing for new nuclear power plants. A nuclear power plant as an investment facility does not fundamentally differ from investment in any large infrastructure project. It is characterized by high initial capital costs and a long construction period followed by a long payback period. However, there are several features specific to nuclear projects that present special considerations for investors. This article presents an analysis of the specifics of investments in regulated and deregulated markets, as well as the social significance of nuclear energy. English version of the article on pp. 794-804 is available at URL: https://panor.ru/articles/he-social-significance-of-nuclear-energy-and-investments-in-large-infrastructure-projects/77327.html
The trips of the famous orientalist V. V. Bartold to Bukhara and their scientific significance
Authors:   Bukhara branch of the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Engineers, Khudoikulov Tuimurod Bekmurodovich
Published: January 2022

In 2019, Oriental scholars celebrated an important date — the 150th anniversary of the birth of the Russian and Soviet orientalist Vasily Vladimirovich Bartold. Russian and Soviet orientalist, Turkologist, Arabist, Islamic scholar, historian, archivist, philologist, Academician of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences (1913), member of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society became one of the founders of the Soviet school of oriental studies. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Russian scientists worked and were engaged in scientific activities in Uzbekistan. It was V. V. Barthold showed a position according to which the necessity of creating an Asian history, which could be equated in Western history, was realized. This article examines the trips of Academician V. V. Bartold to Bukhara in order to get acquainted with the medieval monuments of writing, as well as scientific expeditions of Russian orientalists in the late 19th — early 20th centuries. The attitude of the scientist to the issue of studying the history of Bukhara is analyzed.
Association of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound–Derived Kidney Cortical Microvascular Perfusion with Kidney Function
Authors: Srivastava Anand , Sridharan Anush , Walmer Rachel W. , Kasoji Sandeep K. , Burke Lauren M.B. , Dayton Paul A. , Johnson Kennita A. , Chang Emily H.
Published: January 2022

Background

Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have decreased kidney cortical microvascular perfusion, which may lead to worsening kidney function over time, but methods to quantify kidney cortical microvascular perfusion are not feasible to incorporate into clinical practice. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) may quantify kidney cortical microvascular perfusion, which requires further investigation in individuals across the spectrum of kidney function.

Methods

We performed CEUS on a native kidney of 83 individuals across the spectrum of kidney function and calculated quantitative CEUS-derived kidney cortical microvascular perfusion biomarkers. Participants had a continuous infusion of the microbubble contrast agent (Definity) with a flash-replenishment sequence during their CEUS scan. Lower values of the microbubble velocity (β) and perfusion index (β×A) may represent lower kidney cortical microvascular perfusion. Multivariable linear regression models tested the associations of the microbubble velocity (β) and perfusion index (β×A) with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Results

Thirty-eight individuals with CKD (mean age±SD 65.2±12.6 years, median [IQR] eGFR 31.5 [18.9–41.5] ml/min per 1.73 m2), 37 individuals with end stage kidney disease (ESKD; age 54.8±12.3 years), and eight healthy volunteers (age 44.1±15.0 years, eGFR 117 [106–120] ml/min per 1.73 m2) underwent CEUS without side effects. Individuals with ESKD had the lowest microbubble velocity (β) and perfusion index (β×A) compared with individuals with CKD and healthy volunteers. The microbubble velocity (β) and perfusion index (β×A) had moderate positive correlations with eGFR (β: r
s=0.44, P<0.001; β×A: r
s=0.50, P<0.001). After multivariable adjustment, microbubble velocity (β) and perfusion index (β×A) remained significantly associated with eGFR (change in natural log transformed eGFR per 1 unit increase in natural log transformed biomarker: β, 0.38 [95%, CI 0.17 to 0.59]; β×A, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.45 to 1.13]).

Conclusions

CEUS-derived kidney cortical microvascular perfusion biomarkers are associated with eGFR. Future studies are needed to determine if CEUS-derived kidney cortical microvascular perfusion biomarkers have prognostic value.