bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Only the Friendly Face? The Consequences of Consumer Education for Green Consumerism in Remanufacturing
Authors: Sun Lin , Yuan Qixiang
Published: August 2024

Empirical studies suggest that investing in consumer education on green consumption not only naturally induces environmental sustainability but also yields various economic benefits for the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). However, as far as we know, these studies overlook the potential cannibalization of new product sales. By developing a theoretical model that involves consumer education on green consumption when choosing between in-house or outsourcing remanufacturing, we find that if allowing the flexibility of remanufacturing outsourcing, consumer education on green consumption introduces opportunities for opportunistic behaviors that can compromise both profitability and environmental objectives. Specifically, when OEMs engage in remanufacturing, either in-house or through outsourcing, we observe that the incentive to invest in consumer education on green consumption is greater for in-house remanufacturing compared to outsourcing. This heightened incentive for consumer education enables OEMs to maintain higher profits under remanufacturing in-house, which results in a threat to environmental sustainability.
Analysis of the Liner Shipping Network Structure of the Asia–Europe Main Trunk Route Using Social Network Analysis
Authors: Park Sunghoon , Roh Saeyeon , Yeo Inhyeok
Published: August 2024

Due to COVID-19, the shipping market has faced uncertainty, and the possibility of changes in port routes has increased. The purpose of this study was to analyze the network of container liner shipping routes between Asia and Europe. In particular, this research focused on a global risky situation—the COVID-19 pandemic. The data examined encompassed Asia–Europe route schedules from January 2018 to October 2021, which exhibited significant fluctuations due to the COVID-19 pandemic originating in 2019. To access this problem, utilizing concepts of centrality from social network analysis (SNA), namely degree centrality and betweenness centrality, this analysis incorporated route capacity as a weighted factor. The findings revealed that the port of Rotterdam held the highest degree of centrality in 2018, 2019, and 2021, while Shanghai claimed the highest degree of centrality in 2020. Singapore exhibited the highest betweenness centrality. Asian ports wielded greater influence during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to European ports. Furthermore, Singapore emerged as a pivotal mediator in the Asia–Europe routes, playing a significant role within the global supply chain. Results showed that the port could be put into an unstable situation. Therefore, the managers of port and shipping companies should be ready to minimize risk. From an academic perspective, it is difficult to integrate and analyze container liner schedules as they are monthly updated. This study therefore analyzed continuous schedules to examine dynamic changes in schedules. By adopting SNA, we presented changes in connectivity over multiple periods. This study addressed questions stakeholders may have had about route changes during the global crisis, contributing to sustainable container transportation. This study provides a general understanding of Asia–Europe container scheduling for decision makers. Using market schedules, this research analyzed the connections, and evaluated and compared each port.
A Tale of Five Cities: Assessing Emergency Management for Future Disasters in the United States
Authors: Tlachac Madison , Greenwood Lisa L. , Schneider Jennifer L.
Published: August 2024

Many cities across the United States (U.S.) face threats from natural hazards, and as climate change continues to worsen, cities will face increased risks. Emergency management helps cities to mitigate these risks and adapt to shifting threats. Based on the Rockefeller City Resilience Framework and City Resilience Index Driver 3, Indicator 3.4, the scope of this research was to develop an emergency management maturity model and explore emergency management capacity for future disasters based on an assessment of five cities across the U.S. With the resulting data, a city’s score would serve as an evaluation of the emergency response indicator (Indicator 3.4) in order to eventually enter the City Resilience Index. The cities selected were Buffalo, New York; Honolulu, Hawaii; Memphis, Tennessee; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Saint Paul, Minnesota, based on their hazard/risk factors. It should be noted that these scores were intended to compare resilience in a city over time and identify unique areas in which the cities could improve emergency management and were not meant to rank the cities against each other. An interesting find was the overlap between the counties and cities regarding policy data, creating a new avenue for research in local level emergency management.
Energy-Related Uncertainty and Idiosyncratic Return Volatility: Implications for Sustainable Investment Strategies in Chinese Firms
Authors: Siddiqui Faiza , Kong Yusheng , Ali Hyder , Naz Salma
Published: August 2024

This study examines the impact of energy-related uncertainty on idiosyncratic volatility (IVOL) in Chinese firms, leveraging data from the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges between 2007 and 2022. Utilizing the Energy-Related Uncertainty Index (EUI) and the Fama–French five-factor model, we analyze a comprehensive dataset of 20,998 firm-year observations to understand how macroeconomic uncertainties specific to the energy sector influence firm-specific risk. Our findings reveal that a one-unit increase in the EUI is associated with a 5.1% rise in idiosyncratic volatility across all firms, underscoring the significant impact of energy-related uncertainty on firm-specific risks. The effect is more pronounced in energy-related firms, where a one-unit increase in the EUI leads to a 6.4% increase in IVOL, compared to a 3.7% increase in non-energy-related firms. By incorporating industry-wise, heterogeneity, and phase-based analyses, our findings reveal significant variations in the EUI’s impact across energy and non-energy sectors. State-owned enterprises, firms with high ownership concentration, and smaller firms are more vulnerable to energy uncertainties. Additionally, the effect of the EUI on IVOL is more pronounced during periods of high uncertainty. These insights have important implications for sustainable investment strategies, risk management, and policymaking, providing a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics of energy markets in fostering sustainable economic growth and development.
The Role of Labor Force, Physical Capital, and Energy Consumption in Shaping Agricultural and Industrial Output in Pakistan
Authors: Umair Muhammad , Ahmad Waqar , Hussain Babar , Antohi Valentin Marian , Fortea Costinela , Zlati Monica Laura
Published: August 2024

The labor force, physical capital, and energy sources are key economic drivers that enhance the output levels of developing economies. Despite their significance, the impact of these factors on agricultural and industrial output in Pakistan remains underexplored. This study aims to address this gap by examining the effects of the labor force, physical capital, and energy consumption—including electricity, oil, and gas—on agricultural and industrial output. Additionally, we explore the combined effects of electricity and oil consumption on these sectors. Based on unit root test results, which indicate that the variables as either I(0) or I(1), the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) technique is selected. This method is particularly effective for handling mixed integration orders and provides robust estimates in small sample sizes, allowing for a thorough examination of both short- and long-run dynamics. Using annual time-series data from Pakistan for the period 1990–2022, the empirical results reveal that higher levels of the labor force, physical capital, electricity consumption, oil consumption, and gas consumption significantly increase agricultural and industrial output in both the short and long run. Furthermore, the findings reveal that the combined effect of electricity and oil consumption has a stronger impact on agricultural and industrial output compared to their individual effects. These results are further validated using alternative econometric techniques such as DOLS and FMOLS. To enhance Pakistan’s agricultural and industrial performance, policies should prioritize investment in human capital and physical capital development, ensure reliable and efficient energy supplies, and promote integrated energy management strategies. These steps are crucial for fostering sustainable economic growth and productivity in both sectors.
Integrating Generative AI and IoT for Sustainable Smart Tourism Destinations
Authors: Suanpang Pannee , Pothipassa Pattanaphong
Published: August 2024

This paper aims to develop a groundbreaking approach to fostering inclusive smart tourism destinations by integrating generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) with natural language processing (NLP) and the Internet of Things (IoT) into an intelligent platform that supports tourism decision making and travel planning in smart tourism destinations. The acquisition of this new technology was conducted using Agile methodology through requirements analysis, system architecture analysis and design, implementation, and user evaluation. The results revealed that the synergistic combination of these technologies was organized into three tiers. The system provides information, including place names, images, descriptive text, and an audio option for users to listen to the information, supporting tourists with disabilities. Employing advanced AI algorithms alongside NLP, developed systems capable of generating predictive analytics, personalized recommendations, and conducting real-time, multilingual communication with tourists. This system was implemented and evaluated in Suphan Buri and Ayutthaya, UNESCO World Heritage sites in Thailand, with 416 users participating. The results showed that system satisfaction was influenced by (1) the tourism experience, (2) tourism planning and during-trip factors (attention, interest, and usage), and (3) emotion. The relative Chi-square (χ2/df) of 1.154 indicated that the model was suitable. The Comparative Fit Index (CFI) was 0.990, the Goodness-of-Fit Index (GFI) was 0.965, and the model based on the research hypothesis was consistent with the empirical data. This paper contributions significant advancements in the field of smart tourism by demonstrating the integration of Gen AI, NLP, and the IoT and offering practical solutions and theoretical insights that enhance accessibility, personalization, and environmental sustainability in tourism.
The Role of Environmental Management Accounting in Sustainability
Authors: Huynh Quang Linh , Nguyen Van Kha
Published: August 2024

This research explores the importance of environmental management accounting practices in businesses. It examines how market competition, environmental unpredictability, organizational size, and corporate governance influence the adoption of environmental management accounting tools and environmental performance. Data were collected from a survey of 397 individuals across various industries in Vietnam. The study found that greater environmental unpredictability, more intense market competition, larger organizational scale, and more effective corporate governance promote the use of environmental management accounting, leading to improved environmental performance. Additionally, environmental management accounting methods mediate the relationships among market competition, environmental uncertainty, organizational size, corporate governance, and environmental performance. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the significance of environmental management accounting practices in Vietnam and offers practical insights for corporate leaders in developing countries. Overall, the findings suggest that businesses in competitive and unpredictable environments should prioritize the implementation of environmental management accounting practices to improve their environmental performance. This has practical implications for corporate leaders in developing countries like Vietnam, emphasizing the need for robust accounting practices to navigate environmental challenges.
Sustainability Indicators to MSW Treatment Assessment: The Rio de Janeiro Case Study
Authors: Oliveira Júlia P. , Pessoa Fernando L. P. , Mehl Ana , Alves Flávia C. , Secchi Argimiro R.
Published: August 2024

The Brazilian Policy foresees the waste management hierarchy, according to which energy reuse from waste is preferred to final disposal. However, less than 0.2% of the country’s waste goes to energy production. This paper proposes sustainability indicators to support the decision to choose the best process to treat municipal solid waste (MSW) through bioenergy generation technologies. Then, we conduct a case study for Rio de Janeiro. Incineration and gasification were not economically feasible—despite TRL 9 and 8. However, the projects presented a null net present value by increasing the gate fee to 94.69 and 255.39 USD/ton of MSW, respectively. The social indicators (job creation, salary increase with the absorption of waste pickers, population served, reduction in MSW sent to landfill) did not indicate the best technology. The results of the environmental indicators for incineration and gasification were, respectively, 0.45 and 0.37 t CO2eq/tMSW for GWP, 1.49 and 1.23 MWh/tMSW for energy intensity, 1.24 and 6.14 m3/tMSW for water intensity, 39.3 and 27.9 m2/tMSW for land use and 0.135 and 0.088 t SO2eq/tMSW for acidification. Gasification presented better results on 60% of the environmental indicators. However, incineration scored better in the important ones, water and energy intensities, in addition to the technical–economic aspect.
The Role of Smart Travel Service in Intercity Travel Satisfaction: Does Traveler Heterogeneity Matter?
Authors: Dong Zhi , Zhang Jiaqi , Gong Xiaoqi , Wang Laijun
Published: August 2024

With the increasing intercity communications and the widespread application of smart travel technologies, it is of great significance to understand the mechanism of how the attributes of smart travel service affect the travel satisfaction among intercity travelers and the potential heterogeneity. This paper establishes a conceptual model with hypotheses from two paths: smart travel service and smart travel experience. Based on the intercity travel survey data of the Guanzhong Plain urban agglomeration in China, a latent class structural equation model is employed to divide the samples into “cold”, “rational”, and “enthusiastic” potential groups based on the use and attitude of smart travel services. From the model estimation results, this study confirms that smart travel service and travel experience satisfaction have significant positive impacts on the overall intercity travel satisfaction of travelers. However, the impact of smart travel satisfaction varies due to group heterogeneity. For the “cold” group, the impact of smart travel service satisfaction on the overall satisfaction of intercity travel is not significant, and smart travel service satisfaction only has a significant impact on the smart travel experience satisfaction of “enthusiastic” travelers. This study puts forward the importance of enhancing the quality of smart travel services and promoting travel experience through smart travel technologies and proposes measures for different groups from the perspective of market segmentation, which provides theoretical and practical value for the promotion of sustainable development of intercity transportation.
Pro-Environmental Agriculture to Promote a Sustainable Lifestyle
Authors: Sereenonchai Sukanya , Arunrat Noppol
Published: August 2024

The non-burning rice straw (NBRS) strategy plays a crucial role in mitigating the climate impact of rice farming. This paper explores the factors influencing the efficacy of information nudges and proposes practical nudging strategies to promote NBRS. Experimental nudges were employed on participating farmers, followed by a questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews to investigate clearer reasons for their adoption of non-burning practices, as well as the inclusion of participatory nudging design. Key factors influencing the efficacy of information nudges for NBRS among burning farmers showed that the perceived susceptibility and severity of burning could positively influence their adoption of non-burning practices, while rewards for burning were mostly found to be a significantly negative factor. Providing economic incentives helped the farmers to adopt non-burning practices because the monetary benefit was perceived. For those employing non-burning practices, self-efficacy was found to have a significant positive influence on the tendency to continue NBRS. The perceived cost of rice straw utilization (RSU) was mostly found to be a negative factor influencing RSU adoption. At first glance, the promotion of NBRS via demonstrating its ease and timeliness showed the practicality of information nudges, especially through leadership and farmers’ perception of success based on their direct experience. After testing each method, results indicate that if it fits the farmers’ context, making it seem social and attractive can build more confidence in RSU. Four main communication strategies for the nudging of NBRS include the following: (1) empower leading farmers as change agents through practical and visualized knowledge and skills training, continuous guidance and monitoring, and the providing of platforms to communicate the benefits of RSU to fellow farmers; (2) facilitate RSU and encourage farmers to practice integrated farming according to their local context; (3) elevate RSU among farmer groups to meet standardized and accepted levels; and (4) establish clear incentives for RSU and the systematic and collaborative managing of burning.
Innovative Cross-Sectional Configurations for Low-Cost Bamboo Composite (LCBC) Structural Columns
Authors: Padfield Cameron , Drury Ben , Soltanieh Ghazaleh , Rajabifard Mona , Mofidi Amir
Published: August 2024

This paper investigates the effect of innovative cross-sectional configurations on Low-Cost Bamboo Composite (LCBC) structural members. The study employs both experimental and numerical methods with different resin matrices and bamboo species. In this study, LCBC short columns are designed with different innovative cross-sectional configurations in an attempt to overcome the costly production processes of engineered bamboo. This approach uses bundles of bamboo, both in culm and strip forms. A compatible, environmentally responsible, and economically justifiable resin matrix is used to fabricate an LCBC member. The production of LCBC members does not necessitate highly advanced technology. This capability enables the production of LCBC members in custom-designed cross-sectional shapes and lengths. This study introduces the Russian doll (RD), Big Russian doll (BRD), Hawser (HAW), and Scrimber (SCR) cross-sectional configurations. Extra-large, large, medium, and small sizes of bamboo are employed. Synthetic Epoxy (EXP), a Bio-based Experimental soft filler (BE1), Bio-Epoxy (BE2), Furan-based (PF1) matrices are applied. Furthermore, Moso, Guadua, Madake, and Tali bamboo species are incorporated. The results of this study reveal that the most efficient cross-sectional configuration for compressive strength is the HAW configuration, closely followed by the SCR configuration. LCBC members with bio-resins have shown excellent promise in competing in strength with those made with their synthetic counterparts. The maximum compressive strengths (MPa) were achieved by two specimens with synthetic epoxy closely followed by a specimen with bio-epoxy, namely HAW-EPX-M, RD-EPX-M, and RD-BE2-G specimens with 78 MPa, 75 MPa, and 72 MPa, respectively. In terms of the modulus of elasticity of LCBC with different resin matrices, the stiffest specimens were HAW-BE2-M1, HAW-EPX-M, and HAW-BE2-M2 with 3.89 GPa, 3.08 GPa, and 2.54 GPa, respectively. The theoretical and numerical modelling of the LCBC members showed excellent correlation with the experimental results, which provides the capacity to design LCBC for engineering projects. The LCBC design can be further developed with more bamboo and less resin content.
Integration Assessment of Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) and Hydrogen Technologies in Fish Farms: A Techno-Economical Model Dispatch for an Estonian Fish Farm
Authors: García-Jiménez Aurora , Rqiq Yassine , Ballestín Víctor
Published: August 2024

A fundamental aspect of fish farms is their energy consumption, which is essential for various activities like water supply, pool aeration, thermal conditioning, lighting, filtration, and recirculation systems. Due to volatile prices and rising energy use, costs have surged, requiring energy-optimization solutions for economic viability and pollution reduction. In this context, this study aims to evaluate renewable energy integration in these installations based on real data, assessing current operations, proposing renewable energy optimization, and exploring hydrogen systems for energy needs, using HOMER PRO® to analyze different scenarios. For this purpose, it targets a rainbow trout farm in Estonia, and by simulating the various hybrid configurations proposed, it aims to optimize its energy production and storage, ensuring feasibility and technical integration. The results of the simulations primarily demonstrate the potential for using the byproduct of electrolysis to cover the oxygen demand in these types of processes, reducing the demand for raw materials. Additionally, it is observed that storage enhances performance in isolated systems; however, the economically viable integration of hydrogen technology requires three assumptions: a regulatory framework allowing surplus energy sales to the grid, an existing infrastructure for hydrogen trading, and high energy purchase prices.
Correction: Bychkov et al. The σ− Cohomology Analysis for Symmetric Higher-Spin Fields. Symmetry 2021, 13, 1498
Authors: Bychkov Alexey S. , Ushakov Kirill A. , Vasiliev Mikhail A.
Published: August 2024

There was an error in the original publication [...]
Sampled-Data Control for T-S Fuzzy Systems Using Refined Looped Lyapunov Functional Approach
Authors: Yang Jin , Gao Wenke
Published: August 2024

This paper studies the sampled-data control problem for Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy systems with variable sampling. To lessen the conservatism of stability criteria, we introduce a refined looped Lyapunov functional (LLF). These functionals incorporate additional information on split sampling intervals and delayed states. Moreover, sampling-dependent matrix functions are presented to relax the conservativeness of the developed LLFs. By resorting to the refined LLFs, new stability and stabilization criteria for T-S fuzzy systems incorporating an H∞ performance are established. To validate the established conditions, a nonlinear permanent magnet synchronous motor and the Lorenz system are used to demonstrate the reduced conservatism and the merits of the presented methods.
Determinants and Outcomes of Green Technology Innovation Adoption among Third-Party Logistics Firms in China: A SEM-ANN Analysis
Authors: Liu Shu , Thurasamy Ramayah , Hati Sri Rahayu Hijrah
Published: August 2024

Although the adoption of green innovation has been explored in various contexts, there is still a lack of research on the determinants of green technology innovation adoption (GTIA) in the third-party logistics (3PL) industry of emerging economies and the resulting economic, environmental, operational, and intangible outcomes. This study aims to investigate the influence of different determinants of technological, organizational, and environmental factors in the TOE-DOI framework on the adoption of green technology innovation, as well as the outcomes of such adoption. The study utilizes sample data from 544 Chinese 3PL firms and employs two-stage structural equation modeling and artificial neural network analysis. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) explains 85.4% of the variance in green technology innovation adoption, 21% in environmental outcomes, 18.5% in economic outcomes, 20.8% in operational outcomes, and 22.3% in intangible outcomes. The artificial neural network (ANN) model ranks the standardized importance of each predictive variable. The results indicate that institutional pressure is the most significant determinant of GTIA. Additionally, 3PL firms should consider the positive impact of green supplier integration and relative advantage. Complexity does not have a positive impact on GTIA. The longer a company has been established, the more experience and resources it accumulates, and the more opportunities it has to adopt green technology innovation. This study contributes to the existing research on emerging economies and other regions. Furthermore, this is the first study to successfully validate the nonlinear relationship within the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework and diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory, namely the TOE-DOI framework. The research findings further enhance the current understanding of green technology innovation adoption and its impact. This study provides valuable insights for managers and policymakers in the 3PL industry to achieve various effects, such as environmental, economic, operational, and intangible outcomes.
Assessing Receptor Activation in 2D and 3D Cultured Hepatocytes: Responses to a Single Compound and a Complex Mixture
Authors: Jamshed Laiba , Jamshed Shanza , Frank Richard A. , Hewitt L. Mark , Thomas Philippe J. , Holloway Alison C.
Published: August 2024

Responding to global standards and legislative updates in Canada, including Bill S-5 (2023), toxicity testing is shifting towards more ethical, in vitro methods. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cell cultures, limited in replicating the complex in vivo environment, have prompted the development of more relevant three-dimensional (3D) spheroidal hepatocyte cultures. This study introduces the first 3D spheroid model for McA-RH7777 cells, assessing xenobiotic receptor activation, cellular signaling, and toxicity against dexamethasone and naphthenic acid (NA)-fraction components; NAFCs. Our findings reveal that 3D McA-RH7777 spheroids demonstrate enhanced sensitivity and more uniform dose–response patterns in gene expression related to xenobiotic metabolism (AhR and PPAR) for both single compounds and complex mixtures. Specifically, 3D cultures showed significant gene expression changes upon dexamethasone exposure and exhibited varying degrees of sensitivity and resistance to the apoptotic effects induced by NAFCs, in comparison to 2D cultures. The optimization of 3D culture conditions enhances the model’s physiological relevance and enables the identification of genomic signatures under varied exposures. This study highlights the potential of 3D spheroid cultures in providing a more accurate representation of the liver’s microenvironment and advancing our understanding of cellular mechanisms in toxicity testing.
Cardiotoxic Effects of Lachesis acrochorda Snake Venom in Anesthetized Wistar Rats
Authors: Ángel-Camilo Karen Leonor , Bueno-Ospina Mary Luz , Bolaños Burgos Ivonne Carolina , Ayerbe-González Santiago , Beltrán-Vidal José , Acosta Ana , Álvarez-Soler Jaime , Guerrero-Vargas Jimmy Alexander
Published: August 2024

Ophidism is a public health problem in tropical countries, occurring predominantly in rural areas. In Colombia, among the species responsible for snakebite envenomation, inflicting high mortality, is the Chocoan bushmaster, Lachesis acrochorda, better known locally by the names “verrugosa (warty)” and “pudridora (rot-causing)”. In this research, the cardiotoxic effect of the venom of L. acrochorda in male Wistar rats weighing 230 ± 20 g was evaluated. A statistical design of randomized blocks was implemented with three treated groups, injected with lyophilized venom (doses of 3.22 μg/g, 6.43 μg/g, 12.86 μg/g), and a control group injected with 0.9% saline solution. Electrocardiographic (ECG) recordings were taken from the anesthetized animals, revealing an increase in the amplitude of the P and T waves and an increase in the duration of the QT intervals in the electrocardiographic recordings. These increases were not observed in the control biomodels. In the analysis of the CK and CK-MB enzyme levels, increases were also observed in the levels of cardiac isoenzymes in the injected animals, but none in the control animals. The histopathological analyses carried out reveal that the injected animals showed effects such as interfibrillar and perivascular edema, cellular shortening of the cardiomyocytes, foci with tissue destructuring, and necrosis with contraction bands. In conclusion, the venom of the Lachesis acrochorda snake increases the P and T waves and the QT interval and increases the CK and CK-MB enzymes in the blood. Additionally, it causes interfibrillar and perivascular edema in the cardiac tissue, cardiocytolysis, and contraction bands.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates Circulating in North Santander, Colombia
Authors: Bohada-Lizarazo Diana Patricia , Bravo-Sanabria Karen Dayana , Cárdenas-Malpica Paola , Rodríguez Raúl
Published: August 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) is an important infectious disease in relation to global public health and is caused species of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). In this study, we used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and comparative genomics to investigate the genetic diversity of M. tuberculosis (Mtb) isolates circulating in North Santander (NS), Colombia. WGS was used for the phylogenetic and lineage characterization of 18 isolates of Mtb typed with orphan genotypes from 11 municipalities of NS between 2015 and 2018. The isolates studied were included in six sublineages from L4; the most frequent were 4.1.2.1, 4.3.3, and 4.3.4.2, corresponding to a proportion of 22.2%. The genome analysis conducted allowed the identification of a set of genetic variants mainly associated with determinants of virulence and evasion of the immune system (PPE34 and PE_PGRS2); adaptation and survival (PGL/p-HBAD); stress response (sigJ and sigM); geographic variability (PPE34); and carbohydrate and lipid metabolism (aldA, rocA, and cyp144). This is the first description of the molecular epidemiology of Mtb isolates circulating in NS achieved through WGS. It was possible to perform comparative genomics analyses between Mtb isolates against the universal reference H37Rv and Colombian UT205 genome, which can help us to understand the local genetic diversity and is relevant for epidemiological studies, providing insight into TB transmission dynamics in NS.
Correction: Lopez-Gordo et al. Natural Adeno-Associated Virus Serotypes and Engineered Adeno-Associated Virus Capsid Variants: Tropism Differences and Mechanistic Insights. Viruses 2024, 16, 442
Authors: Lopez-Gordo Estrella , Chamberlain Kyle , Riyad Jalish Mahmud , Kohlbrenner Erik , Weber Thomas
Published: August 2024

There was an update regarding the affiliation for Kyle Chamberlain [...]
Toll-Like Receptor Genes and Risk of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in People Infected with HIV-1
Authors: Salamaikina Svetlana , Kulabukhova Ekaterina , Korchagin Vitaly , Khokhlova Olga , Mironov Konstantin , Akimkin Vasiliy
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of genetic factors, i.e., the level of expression and polymorphisms of Toll-like receptors (TLR), to the susceptibility of latent tuberculosis infection in a Russian cohort of individuals infected with HIV. The patients (n = 317) with confirmed HIV infection were divided into two groups according to the results of the STANDARD E TB-Feron test: 63 cases with a latent TB infection and 274 controls without LTBI. Total DNA and RNA were isolated from whole-blood samples. SNP genotyping and expression levels of five TLR genes (TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR6, and TLR8) were determined by means of real-time PCR. There were no significant differences in the expression levels of the TLRs between the case and control groups. In addition, we did not observe any significant association between the analyzed SNPs and the susceptibility of Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in patients with HIV. However, patients from an entire cohort with the rs4986790-GG (TLR4) and rs5743708-GG (TLR2) genotypes were characterized by lower CD4 T-cell counts compared to carriers of alternative alleles. Moreover, we found a significant risk of a hazardous drop in the CD4 T-cell count below 350 cells/mm3 associated with the rs4986790-G (TLR4) allele. Latent tuberculosis infection in individuals infected with HIV does not significantly modify the level of TLR gene expression.
Implications of Cross-Reactivity and Cross-Protection for Pneumococcal Vaccine Development
Authors: Feemster Kristen , Hausdorff William P. , Banniettis Natalie , Platt Heather , Velentgas Priscilla , Esteves-Jaramillo Alejandra , Burton Robert L. , Nahm Moon H. , Buchwald Ulrike K.
Published: August 2024

Pneumococcal vaccines are a cornerstone for the prevention of pneumococcal diseases, reducing morbidity and mortality in children and adults worldwide. Pneumococcal vaccine composition is based on the polysaccharide capsule of Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is one of the most important identified contributors to the pathogen’s virulence. Similarities in the structural composition of polysaccharides included in licensed pneumococcal vaccines may result in cross-reactivity of immune response against closely related serotypes, including serotypes not included in the vaccine. Therefore, it is important to understand whether cross-reactive antibodies offer clinical protection against pneumococcal disease. This review explores available evidence of cross-reactivity and cross-protection associated with pneumococcal vaccines, the challenges associated with the assessment of cross-reactivity and cross-protection, and implications for vaccine design and development.
Applying a Participatory Action Research Approach to Engage an Australian Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Community around Human Papillomavirus Vaccination: Lessons Learned
Authors: Prokopovich Kathleen , Braunack-Mayer Annette , Street Jackie , Stanoevska Biljana , Pitts Leissa , Phillipson Lyn
Published: August 2024

Globally, migrant and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities are known to have inequitable access to HPV vaccination. One participatory research approach used to engage CALD communities around vaccination is participatory action research (PAR), but we know little about the use of PAR to engage priority migrant and CALD communities around school and HPV vaccination. To address this gap, we partnered with our local Multicultural Health Service to understand how the largest CALD group in our region of New South Wales, Australia, engages with their local school and HPV vaccination program. Through a long-standing PAR relationship, we used a participatory research method (World Café) approach to explore the level of awareness and engagement a multi-generational community member had concerning HPV vaccination. We acted by sharing a co-designed information website to answer the community’s questions about HPV vaccination. We then evaluated these engagements with surveys, focus groups and online analytic platforms. Last, we reflected with project partners and health service stakeholders on the overall project outcomes and shared our learnings. In our discussion, we shared our lessons learned and contributed to a wider conversation about the benefits, challenges, and practicalities of using PAR to engage a priority CALD community around HPV vaccination.
Investigation of Improved Energy Dissipation in Stepped Spillways Applying Bubble Image Velocimetry
Authors: Mikalsen Lars Marius , Thorsen Kasper Haugaard , Bor Aslı , Lia Leif
Published: August 2024

This study investigates skimming flow regimes, two-phase air–water flow conditions, and simple measures to improve energy dissipation in stepped spillways. Experiments were conducted using two different scale physical models, 1:50 and 1:17, within separate rectangular flumes to define scale effects. Flow patterns were analyzed using the Bubble Image Velocimetry (BIV) technique, which tracks air bubbles. The introduction of splitters resulted in a 7% increase in relative energy dissipation. Additionally, the length of inception was reduced to Li/ks = 10, thereby decreasing the potential for subsequent cavitation. Beyond the BIV experiments, two experiments were conducted on the large-scale model using Acoustic Doppler Velocimetry (ADV), with and without splitters, to examine the impact of splitters on the velocity profile above the crest. In the experiment with splitters, the vertical velocity vector (v) contributed to turbulence by changing direction, thereby reducing average velocities both in front of and behind the ogee crest. This led to a reduction in energy on the downstream side of the spillway. Although the small-scale model appears unsuitable for studying two-phase flow, the change in relative energy dissipation from the baseline to the splitter configuration was practically identical for both scale models, thereby supporting the findings of the large-scale model.
Degradation of Aniline and Antimony in Printing and Dyeing Wastewater by Micro-Oxygenated Hydrolytic Acidification and Their Removal Effects on Chemical Oxygen Demand and Ammonia Nitrogen
Authors: Zhang Kun , Ye Shiqing , Liu Hong
Published: August 2024

The degradation characteristics of aniline and antimony in printing and dyeing wastewater during the micro-oxygenated hydrolytic acidification process and its effect on COD and ammonia nitrogen removal were investigated in this experiment. Firstly, the effects of control factors such as pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and sludge concentration on COD and ammonia nitrogen removal in the hydrolysis acidification section were optimized. It was recommended that the pH value should be maintained at 6.5; low DO (0–0.5 mg/L) could assist in the conversion of nitrogen for subsequent treatment; the optimum treatment temperature was 25 °C; finally, it was recommended that the sludge concentration should be controlled at 4 mg/L during the operation. Secondly, the effects of aniline and antimony on COD and nitrogen removal were investigated. It was found that when the concentration of aniline was increased from 0.4 mg/L to 5.4 mg/L, the COD concentration in the effluent increased by 96.5%, which indicated that aniline was toxic to anaerobic sludge and obviously inhibited the degradation of COD. When the concentration of antimony was increased from 0.05 mg/L to 2.05 mg/L, the COD removal rate was only 2.9%, which was much lower than that of the water samples with no antimony added. The anaerobic sludge concentration decreased from 5.58 g/L to 3.44 g/L, which indicated that aniline and antimony had a strong inhibitory effect on the activity of anaerobic bacteria and inversely affected COD removal.
State of Charge Estimation in Batteries for Electric Vehicle Based on Levenberg–Marquardt Algorithm and Kalman Filter
Authors: Huang Qian , Li Junting , Xu Qingshan , He Chao , Yang Chenxi , Cai Li , Xu Qipin , Xiang Lihong , Zou Xiaojiang , Li Xiaochuan
Published: August 2024

A new optimization method for estimating the State of Charge (SOC) of battery charge state is proposed. This method incorporates the Levenberg–Marquardt Algorithm (LMA) for online parameter identification and the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) for SOC. On the one hand, the LMA efficiently alleviates the ’Data saturation’ problem experienced by least squares methods by dynamically adjusting weights of data. On the other hand, the EKF improves the robustness and adaptability of SOC estimation. Simulation results under Hybrid Pulse Power Characteristic (HPPC) conditions demonstrate that this new approach offers superior performance in SOC estimation in batteries for electric vehicles compared to existing methods, with better tracking of the true SOC curve, reduced estimation error, and improved convergence.
Pengaruh Laba Per Saham (Earning Per Share) dan Nilai Buku Per Saham (Book Value Per Share) terhadap Harga Saham pada Perusahaan Manufaktur yang Terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia
Authors: Miranti Miranti , Naiggolan Karlonta , Situmorang Halomoan
Published: August 2024

The capital market is a means where long-term securities are bought and sold. Every company that is listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange or goes public must issue shares that can be owned by every investor. Many factors can influence share prices such as Earning Per Share and Book Value Per Share. This research aims to determine the influence of Earning Per Share and Book Value Per Share on share prices, either partially or simultaneously. This research was conducted on manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The type of research used by the author is associative research, the population in this research is manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the 2012-2014 period, totaling 134 companies. Using several criteria determined by the author, a sample of 20 companies was obtained multiplied by three years to become 60 financial report data and the sampling technique was carried out using purposive sampling. The type of data in this research is quantitative data. The analysis technique used is multiple regression. The results of analysis using multiple regression show that Earning Per Share has an effect on share prices. Meanwhile, Book Value Per Share has no effect on share prices. Simultaneously, Earning Per Share and Book Value Per Share influence share prices.
The influence of the financial environment on household investment on the example of the Siberian Federal District
Authors: Efimovskaya К. A. , Prokopjeva E. L.
Published: August 2024

The paper examines the impact of the financial environment on household investments by analyzing economic conditions and identifying dependencies between the state of households and the possibility of investing. The study is significant because household investments play an important role in economic growth and financial stability of the state. However, household investment decisions can vary significantly depending on the state of the financial environment. The authors conducted a macroeconomic analysis of the financial environment of households in the Siberian Federal District, systematized macro indicators reflecting its penetration. The results of the study can be used in the development of public policies aimed at improving the financial environment and stimulating household investment. Keywords: financial environment, households, investments, economic conditions, financial condition.
Information and economic security of a credit institution as factors of ensuring its sustainable development
Authors: Fadeikina N. V. , Zyryanov V. S.
Published: August 2024

The article defines the essence of information security as an essential component of the economic security of a credit institution on the basis of many definitions of the concepts of "information security" and "economic security" formulated by different researchers taking into account different points of view. Special attention is paid to new regulatory documents regulating the security of the critical information infrastructure of the Russian Federation, ensuring the information security of the credit and financial sector, improving the operational risk management system and comprehensive modernization of corporate risk management systems in credit institutions, taking into account the new conditions for ensuring information security and the functioning of the economic security system, on the effective functioning of which the ability to a credit institution's commitment to sustainable development.
Digitalization as a trend in the modern development of the economy of Kyrgyzstan and increasing the financial literacy of the country’s population
Authors: Tabyshova A. K. , Sansyzbayeva G. A. , Alymbayeva Zh. K.
Published: August 2024

In modern Kyrgyzstan, transformational processes related to digitalization are taking place, which have led to a change in public consciousness, a reassessment of values in the field of economics, finance and in general in public life. At the moment, society is faced with the introduction of digital technologies, which have led to a powerful generation of new knowledge, attitudes and skills; there is a need to adjust personal financial management and lifestyle changes. Changing the model of financial behavior can be regarded as a way for the population to respond to the current situation, the purpose of which is to create opportunities for managing personal finances and ensuring relationships that allow the subject to achieve their life priorities. Citizens understand the need to involve them in new technological solutions in order to keep up with
Políticas fiscales y monetarias para la estabilidad macroeconómica en Vietnam
Authors: Chi Dang Thi Phuong , Tien Nguyen Hoang , Nogalski Bogdan
Published: August 2024

Este artículo se centra en aclarar la naturaleza de la política fiscal y la política monetaria, sus impactos en la estabilidad macroeconómica en Vietnam, la interacción entre ellas en el manejo de la deuda pública y el control de la inflación hacia un crecimiento sostenible. Este es un tema que necesita atención en el proceso de operación de la política fiscal y la política monetaria en Vietnam. Es necesario elegir la principal herramienta de política y determinar la dosis de impacto en cada uno de los períodos; asegurar plenamente los principios de coherencia, sincronización, apoyo e intercambio de información hacia la mayor eficiencia en la coordinación entre estas dos políticas que son para manejar la deuda pública y controlar la inflación como se mencionó anteriormente.
Rastreio de casos de febre tifoide na última década em Minas Gerais/Brasil
Authors: Mol Ana Paula Garcia , Silva Axell Ronald da , Diniz Mariana de Faria Gardingo , Barbosa Filipe Alves Costa , Aguiar Thiago Peixoto
Published: August 2024

A febre tifoide é uma doença cujo agente etiológico é a Salmonella enterica sorovar Typhi1, difundida em todo o mundo, endêmica em determinadas regiões do Brasil, principalmente nas regiões Norte e Nordeste, e  associada à baixa cobertura de saúde. O objetivo do presente estudo é coletar dados a respeito da notificação de Febre Tifoide nos últimos 10 anos no estado de Minas Gerais, correlacionando com a importância da prevenção, diagnóstico precoce e tratamento. Este estudo é de caráter descritivo, em que os dados avaliados são referentes a usuários do sistema de saúde no estado de Minas Gerais - Brasil, através do DATASUS, selecionando as notificações sobre a Febre Tifoide, nos últimos 10 anos. Nos resultados, evidenciou-se na tabela 1, que Minas Gerais apresenta um número de casos de Febre Tifoide considerado baixo, não sendo considerado alarmante, tendo em vista que entre os anos de 2015 e 2024, registraram-se 15 casos, o que corrobora não ser uma região endêmica. Embora esteja intimamente relacionada com maus hábitos de higiene  e com a melhoria significativa das condições de vida da população, a febre tifoide continua como uma importante doença infecciosa.