bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced Forecasting Modeling to Early Predict Powdery Mildew First Appearance in Different Vines Cultivars
Authors: Valori Roberto , Costa Corrado , Figorilli Simone , Ortenzi Luciano , Manganiello Rossella , Ciccoritti Roberto , Cecchini Francesca , Morassut Massimo , Bevilacqua Noemi , Colatosti Giorgio , Pica Giovanni , Cedroni Daniele , Antonucci Francesca
Published: February 2023

Eurasian grapevine is a widely cultivated horticultural plant worldwide, but it is more susceptible to powdery mildew. In recent years, the high cost and negative environmental impact of calendar-applied sulfur fungicides are leading research to find alternative remedies. In this study, the early prediction (three days) of the first appearance of powdery mildew infection, on two different Italian grapevine cultivars, was detected through a partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA). The treatment indications of the “PLSDA” models (treatments according to the predictive model) were compared with those of the “Standard” (treatments according to the established agricultural practice of the area). This allowed the early containment of the disease, preventing its subsequent propagation. The model was built based on weather-climate data and phytopathological information collected on the “Untreated” control cultivar to monitor the natural spread of the disease (three years of training and two of tests). For both the cultivars and the two test years (2021 and 2022), the “PLSDA” models early predicted the first appearance of fungal disease, reducing the treatment number (about four) with respect to “Standard”. In addition, analyses of key fruit quality parameters were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment reduction.
Can “Internet Plus” Enhance the Green Transition? The Moderating Roles of Environmental Regulation and Sewage Fee-to-Tax
Authors: Li Zongwei , Chen Jianing , Zhang Yanhui
Published: February 2023

Implementing green transition with high quality has been confirmed as a critical approach to achieve sustainable development worldwide. This study focuses on how “Internet plus” affects the green transition of manufacturing companies. Based on the research sample of A-share-listed manufacturing companies from 2015 to 2020, the study concludes that “Internet plus” can significantly improve green transition, and the reliability of the above results is confirmed through endogeneity analysis and robustness tests. The result of the heterogeneity analysis suggests that “Internet plus” has a more significant promotion effect on state-owned companies, eastern regions, and high-tech industries. The result of the in-depth analysis indicates that “Internet plus” can contribute to green transition by boosting green innovation. In addition, environmental regulation and sewage fee-to-tax have significant positive effects in regulating the above relationships, further confirming that the enactment of the Environmental Protection Tax increases the regulating effect. This study provides a new theoretical framework for the intrinsic mechanism of “Internet plus” affecting the green transition of manufacturing companies.
Livelihood Strategies and Their Determinants among Informal Households in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Nchor Julius Uti
Published: February 2023

The purpose of investigating livelihood strategies is to seek patterns that can be acted upon in order to improve livelihood prospects. This paper assesses household livelihood strategies and their determinates by asking (1) how urban households manage and mobilise resources and (2) how they combine assets—emphasising the existing strategies they adopt and their outcomes. Using a mixed-method cross-sectional design, four informal settlements were surveyed. Household questionnaires were developed and used to collect data from 425 households in Calabar, Nigeria. A total of 45 interviews, non-participant observation, and 2 focus groups were conducted. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS version 26, IBM, Armonk, NY, USA) and presented using tables. The qualitative data were collected, coded and analysed using NVivo 1.2 (QRS International). Fundamental context-related livelihood strategies in asset building are identified, and the diverse approaches and constraints that emerged are analysed. The result shows that households diversify their assets with strategies which are complex and diverse. This ranges from the extension of spaces and sub-letting a room to reducing their expenses (by spending less), borrowing from friends and relatives, and seeking help from community organisations. Others include pawning their belongings, engaging in home-based enterprises, and investing in children’s education, migration, and urban agriculture. Findings further indicate the ability of households to avoid or reduce their vulnerability and to increase their productivity depends on their initial assets and on their ability to transform them into income, food, or other necessities. This paper recommends ways of strengthening and supporting households’ strategies to cope with and reduce housing vulnerability.
Who Became Victims of Financial Frauds during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan?
Authors: Khan Mostafa Saidur Rahim , Kadoya Yoshihiko
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a unique opportunity for fraudsters to innovatively swindle money through the trade of necessary goods and services. Although several incidents of financial fraud were reported during the pandemic, there is a lack of studies comparing financial frauds before and during the pandemic and the risk factors associated with frauds. This study uses two waves of a panel survey conducted before and during the pandemic and applies mean comparison tests and logit regressions to investigate financial frauds at the aggregate and specific levels. The comparative analysis shows no significant change in financial frauds at the aggregate level between before and during the pandemic. However, refund frauds for men have increased, while loan guarantee frauds for women have decreased significantly during the pandemic. The regression results show that being male, younger in age, living with family, having employment status, having a household income, household assets, having financial literacy, having a myopic view of the future, and having careful buying habits are associated with the probability of being victims of financial frauds during the pandemic. The study reveals differences in risk factors associated with victims of financial frauds at the aggregate and specific levels. The results further imply that risk factors differ across the types of fraud, which authorities should consider while combating financial frauds.
An Analysis of Factors Influencing the Intention to Use “Untact” Services by Service Type
Authors: Liu Hyunsuk , Lee Changjun , Kim Keungoui , Lee Junmin , Moon Ahram , Lee Daeho , Park Myeongjun
Published: February 2023

Since COVID-19, social distancing has become common, and the demand for untact services has increased rapidly, resulting in an economic phenomenon centered on untact worldwide. Due to social distancing, the untact service area is expanding not only to shopping but also to online learning, home training, and telemedicine, and untact services are expected to expand to more diverse areas in the future. This study investigates four types of untact services: online lectures, online meetings related to work and study, online seminars, and online performances, and the effects of concerns about untact services on the intention of use have been examined using a path analysis model. As a result of the analysis, the perceived usefulness had a positive effect on the user’s continuous intention to use untact services. However, depending on the type of untact service, it can be confirmed that the factors that affect the intention to continue using the service differ from each other. Practitioners can use the results of this study when designing untact services in the future.
Prediction and Analysis of Vertical Additional Force of Shaft Wall in Topsoil Containing Multiple Aquifers during Drainage
Authors: Han Tao , Xue Yong , Lv Weikui , Zhang Yu , Luo Tingting
Published: February 2023

Studying the additional force in topsoil containing multiple aquifers can have a significant impact on predicting shaft wall fracture and guaranteeing shaft safety, as the aquifer number increases as drainage occurs. In this study, a numerical model calculating the effect of drainage on additional force in topsoil, containing multiple aquifers, was established on the basis of several practical engineering cases. The changes in the stress displacement of the shaft wall was analyzed during three different stages of shaft construction using typical parameters, and the effects of the various factors on the additional force variation under different water level gap conditions, depending on whether the drainage was synchronized or unsynchronized, were studied. The results indicate that the increment in the additional force, with an increasing water level gap in the central aquifer, is obviously larger than that in the bottom aquifer, and the difference in the maximum additional force between these two aquifers is approximately 0.6 MPa. The increasing number of central aquifers results in a higher increment in this force, which reaches 12 MPa with an increasing number of central aquifers. Meanwhile, a threshold value (about 0.6~0.7 H) exists for the depth of a central aquifer in terms of its effect on the additional force.
The Moderating Effect of Green Advertising on the Relationship between Gamification and Sustainable Consumption Behavior: A Case Study of the Ant Forest Social Media App
Authors: Huang Miao , Mohamad Saleh Mohamad Saifudin , Zolkepli Izzal Asnira
Published: February 2023

The end of the twentieth century saw increased research on sustainability issues, particularly consumer consumption patterns and their environmental impact. As consumers become more aware of the need to shift consumption habits toward green initiatives, a broader set of methods encouraging sustainable living should be sought. Due to the popularity of gamification in apps and other technology-related solutions, little research has been conducted to investigate gamification and advertising as a strategy to promote sustainable consumption. Using convenience sampling, this study surveyed 305 Ant Forest app users to investigate the relationship between gamification, perceived enjoyment, and sustainable consumption while observing green advertising as a moderating effect. The findings show that green advertising does not moderate gamification experience or perceived enjoyment but does moderate perceived enjoyment and sustainable consumption. Given that the study samples were university students, it is surprising to learn that gamification and green advertising have no relationship, thus denying the gamification experience to encourage sustainable behavior among China’s youth. As a result, marketers pursuing green initiatives should keep this impactful result in mind when implementing gamified features in user-experience apps. Gaming is seen uniquely for pleasure and enjoyment, not for creating behavioral change and awareness.
Home Indoor Environmental Quality and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Alizadeh Sima , Bridge Catherine E. , Judd Bruce H. , Eapen Valsamma
Published: February 2023

Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) has been found to influence children’s health and behaviour, particularly conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This research aimed to ascertain whether housing IEQ impacted the symptoms of ADHD and its related behaviours. This study involved 435 parents of children and adolescents (aged 5–17) with ADHD residing in Australia. We utilised an online survey tool comprising the home version of the ADHD Rating Scale for Children and Adolescents and the Housing Environmental Quality Assessment Tool. The findings revealed that all the housing IEQ factors were associated with both the diagnosis and the severity of the symptoms. The results indicated that, for over one in ten children with ADHD (13.3%), the diagnosis was impacted by a collective contribution of air quality, acoustic quality, lighting quality, and the thermal comfort within their home. The air quality and the thermal comfort predicted a 4% variance in the severity of inattention. Additionally, air and lighting qualities predicted a 9.7% variance in the severity of hyperactivity-impulsivity, and all the factors of air quality, acoustic quality, lighting quality, and thermal comfort predicted a 10.9% variance in the severity of combined ADHD. In conclusion, this research provided insights into the importance of housing features and suggests that improving the housing indoor environmental quality, mainly thermal comfort, air, and lighting quality, could positively correlate with alleviating ADHD symptoms and severity among children and adolescents. Therefore, ensuring an appropriate indoor environmental quality should be prioritised in housing design, modification, and building, especially for those with ADHD.
Three-Dimensional Simulation on the Effects of Different Parameters and Pt Loading on the Long-Term Performance of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Huang Zheng , Su Laisuo , Yang Yunjie , Gao Linsong , Liu Xinyu , Huang Heng , Li Yubai , Song Yongchen
Published: February 2023

The choice of platinum loading and the choice of the operating parameters of the cell are crucial in order to enhance a PEMFC’s endurance and, at the same time, to raise its performance. In this paper, a single-channel PEMFC counter-current model is developed to investigate the effects of a 0.3 mg/cm² Pt loading model and a 0.1 mg/cm² Pt loading model on the performance and durability of PEMFCs with different operating pressures, different cathode stoichiometry, and different channel and plate widths. It was found that increasing the PEMFC operating pressure and cathode stoichiometry would increase the cell performance and have some improvement for durability. Additionally, increasing the channel/plate width ratio would improve the cell performance while decreasing the cell durability.
Regional Differences in Tourism Eco-Efficiency in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region: Based on Data from 13 Cities
Authors: Zhang Ying , Li Yunyan
Published: February 2023

In order to balance the economic development and ecological impact of tourism, it is essential to study tourism eco-efficiency in the context of sustainable development. This study analyzed regional tourism eco-efficiency based on the panel data of the 13 cities of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region using the super-SBM DEA model. Then, we analyzed the driving factors, compared regional differences, and investigated influencing factors of tourism eco-efficiency by applying the global Malmquist–Luenberger (GML) index, Theil index, and geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) models. The results demonstrate the following: (1) The overall tourism eco-efficiency in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region between 2010 and 2019 was low, but it had an increasing trend. (2) The advancement of technological progress factors was mostly responsible for the increase in tourist eco-efficiency. (3) The results for tourism eco-efficiency were significantly polarizing, but the gap among the 13 cities is gradually narrowing. Regional differences are the main contributors to differences in tourism eco-efficiency. (4) Per capita GDP, the proportion of tertiary industry in GDP, the number of patents granted, and the proportion of urban population in the total population were the main factors affecting tourism eco-efficiency. This study could serve as a model for similar countries and regions seeking to enhance tourism eco-efficiency and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Critical Success Factors for Internet of Things (IoT) Implementation in Automotive Companies, Indonesia
Authors: Hakim Inaki Maulida , Singgih Moses Laksono , Gunarta I Ketut
Published: February 2023

In 2018, the Indonesian government launched the Making Indonesia 4.0 Roadmap under The Industrial Revolution 4.0 era. This road map aims to increase industrial competitiveness and make the nation one of the world’s top 10 economies by 2030. The role of the Internet of Things (IoT) in The Industrial Revolution 4.0 is important to improve work efficiency and reduce companies’ costs. Although several manufacturing companies in Indonesia have successfully implemented this technology, so it is important to identify the critical success factors in its application for other companies. Therefore, this study discusses the essential factors of success for implementing IoT in automotive companies in Indonesia, which have differing specific application characteristics from the conditions in other countries. The Delphi method obtained data from 8 dimensions and 32 sub-dimensions. These included the finance, regulatory, people and management, operation, technology, innovation, ideas, and resource dimensions. Other automotive companies can use the results as a reference in implementing IoT and evaluating and improving their business performance, as well as formulating the right strategy to achieve excellence in the long term.
Strategic Implementation of Integrated Water Resource Management in Selected Areas of Palawan: SWOT-AHP Method
Authors: Cacal Jennifer Collado , Taboada Evelyn Buque , Mehboob Muhammad Shafqat
Published: February 2023

In the recent past, Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) has emerged as the method of choice for resolving a wide range of water-related conflicts that arise between governments and stakeholders all over the globe. Despite a variety of regulations and initiatives being put into place, there is still skepticism over their actual execution. In 2006, the Philippine government began updating the water policy and regulatory framework to promote IWRM as a foundation for sustainable development. However, implementation of this national and subnational structure is still in process. This study intends to identify and rank the key elements likely to affect IWRM changes at the subnational level in Palawan Province. Specifically, this study aims to identify the elements that might improve the result of adopting IWRM, which is as important as designing policies, institutions, and instruments for putting the approach into action. This approach combined the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) techniques, a hybrid multi-criteria decision procedure, SWOT-AHP. Expert group discussion revealed the essential elements impacting IWRM implementation in this research, and these elements were categorized into SWOT categories. The AHP approach was used to determine the relative relevance of each component identified in the SWOT analysis. The results show that the following ranking groups have a higher priority for Puerto Princesa: threats (group weight 48.8%), strengths (35.4%), weaknesses (10.7%), and opportunities (5.1%). The ranking group for Roxas is the following: opportunities (36.8%), strengths (27.4%), weaknesses (21.5%), and threats (14.3%). Taytay has the following ranking group: opportunities (27.9%), weaknesses (27.1%), threats (24.7%), and strengths (20.3%). While El Nido has the following ranking group: strengths (33.5%), weaknesses (24.3%), opportunities (24%), and threats (18.2%). This research identified and prioritized the key components essential to the effectiveness of the IWRM concept in the research sites. This study recommends evaluating IWRM implementation using the upgraded element framework, enhancing the strategic framework to assess state, federal, and local IWRM governance performance.
Modeling and Analysis of Driving Behaviour for Heterogeneous Traffic Flow Considering Market Penetration under Capacity Constraints
Authors: Zhou Zhaoming , Yuan Jianbo , Zhou Shengmin , Long Qiong , Cai Jianrong , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2023

Based on analytical and simulation methods, this paper discusses the path choice behavior of mixed traffic flow with autonomous vehicles, advanced traveler information systems (ATIS) vehicles and ordinary vehicles, aiming to promote the development of autonomous vehicles. Firstly, a bi-level programming model of mixed traffic flow assignments constrained by link capacity is established to minimize travel time. Subsequently, the algorithm based on the incremental allocation method and method of successive averages is proposed to solve the model. Through a numerical example, the road network capacity under different modes is obtained, the impact of market penetration on travel time is analyzed, and the state and characteristics of single equilibrium flow and mixed equilibrium flow are explored. Analysis results show that the road network can be maximized based on saving travel time when all vehicles are autonomous, especially when the autonomous lane is adopted. The travel time can be shortened by increasing the market penetration of autonomous vehicles and ATIS vehicles, while the former is more effective. However, the popularization of autonomous vehicles cannot be realized in the short term; the market penetration of autonomous vehicles and ATIS vehicles can be set to 0.2 and 0.6, respectively, during the introduction period.
Making and Breaking—Insight into the Symmetry of Salen Analogues
Authors: Krupka Katarzyna M. , Banach Sylwia , Pocheć Michał , Panek Jarosław J. , Jezierska Aneta
Published: February 2023

This study focuses on selected members of the general salen-analogues family possessing two O-H⋯N hydrogen bonds, namely three isomers of N,N’-bis(salicylidene)-X-phenylenediamine, denoted as ortho, meta and para. Two of the isomers are not planar in the published crystal structures. The current study tackles the problem of symmetry and interactions within the molecules, as well as in the crystal lattice. The aromaticity of the phenyl rings is evaluated using the Harmonic Oscillator Model of Aromaticity (HOMA) index. Intra- and inter-molecular non-covalent interactions are studied via Hirshfeld surface analysis, Independent Gradient Model (IGM), Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM), Non-Covalent Interaction (NCI) index, Electron Localisation Function (ELF), Core-Valence Bifurcation (CVB) index and Symmetry-Adapted Perturbation Theory (SAPT). Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations were carried out in vacuo and with solvent reaction field based on Polarisable Continuum Model (IEF-PCM formulation) at the ωB97XD/6-311+G(2d,2p) level. Crystal structure analyses were performed for the data reported previously in the literature. The obtained results demonstrate that the three isomers differ greatly in their structural properties (molecular symmetry is broken for the ortho and meta isomers in the solid state) and ability to form intermolecular interactions, while retaining overall similar physico-chemical characteristics, e.g., aromaticity of the phenyl rings. It was found that the presence of the polar solvent does not significantly affect the structure of the studied compounds. An application of the Hirshfeld surface analysis revealed the nature of the non-covalent interactions present in the investigated crystals. The SAPT results showed that the stability of the dimers extracted from the crystals of the Schiff base derivatives arises from electrostatics and dispersion.
Intelligent Health Monitoring of Cable Network Structures Based on Fusion of Twin Simulation and Sensory Data
Authors: Shi Guoliang , Liu Zhansheng , Meng Xiaolin , Wang Zeqiang
Published: February 2023

The precise and effective prognosis of safety risks is vital to ensure structural safety. This study proposed an intelligent method for the health monitoring of cable network structures, based on the fusion of twin simulation and sensory data. Firstly, the authors have established a framework that integrate simulation data with sensory data. The authors have established a high-fidelity twin model using genetic algorithm. The mechanical parameters of the structures were obtained based on the twin model. The key components of the structure are captured by using Bayesian probability formula and multiple mechanical parameters. The fusion mechanism of twin simulation and random forest (RF) was established to capture the key influencing factors. The coupling relationship between structural safety state and key factors was obtained, and the safety maintenance mechanism was finally formed. In view of the risk prognosis of the structure, the establishment method for the database of influencing factors and maintenance measures was formed. The authors used the Speed Skating Gymnasium of 2022 Winter Olympic Games (symmetric structure) as the case study for validating the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. The theoretical method formed in this study has been applied to the symmetric structure, which provides ideas for the safety maintenance of large symmetric structures. Meanwhile, this research method also provides a reference for the health monitoring of asymmetric structures.
Vacuum Polarization of a Quantized Scalar Field in the Thermal State on the Short Throat Wormhole Background
Authors: Lisenkov Dmitriy , Popov Arkady
Published: February 2023

Vacuum polarization of a scalar field on the short throat wormhole background is investigated. The scalar field is assumed to be massless, having an arbitrary coupling to the scalar curvature of spacetime. In addition, it is supposed that the field is in a thermal state with an arbitrary temperature.
Copernican Paradigm beyond FLRW
Authors: Krishnan Chethan , Mondol Ranjini , Jabbari M. M. Sheikh
Published: February 2023

We present the dipole cosmological principle, i.e., the notion that the Universe is a Copernican cosmology that agrees with the cosmic flow. It suits the most symmetric paradigm that generalizes the Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker ansatz in the context of numerous suggestions that have appeared in the literature for non-kinematic components in the cosmic microwave background dipole. Field equations in our “dipole cosmology” are still ODEs, but we now have four instead of two Friedmann equations. The two extra functions can be regarded as additional scale factors that break the isotropy group from SO(3) to U(1) and a “tilt” that denotes the cosmic flow. The result is an axially isotropic Universe. We examined the dynamics of the expansion rate, anisotropic shear, and tilt in some cases. One important observation is that the cosmic flow (tilt) can grow while the anisotropy (shear) dies down.
Bee Venom Acupuncture for Neck Pain: A Review of the Korean Literature
Authors: Sung Soo-Hyun , Lee Hee-Jung , Han Ji-Eun , Sung Angela Dong-Min , Park Minjung , Shin Seungwon , Jeong Hye In , Jang Soobin , Lee Gihyun
Published: February 2023

Bee venom is a natural toxin that is effective in treating various types of pain. The purpose of this paper was to review all the features of clinical studies conducted on bee venom acupuncture (BVA) for the treatment of neck pain in Korean publications. Six Korean databases and 16 Korean journals were searched in August 2022 for clinical studies on BVA for neck pain. We identified 24 trials that met our inclusion criteria, of which 316 patients with neck pain were treated with BVA. The most common diagnosis in the patients with neck pain was herniated intervertebral discs (HIVDs) of the cervical spine (C-spine) (29.2%), and the concentration and dosage per session were 0.05–0.5 mg/mL and 0.1–1.5 mL, respectively. The visual analog scale was most often measured for neck pain severity (62.5%), and all clinical research reported improvements in 16 outcome measures. This study shows that BVA could be recommended for the treatment of neck pain, especially HIVD of the C-spine; however, the adverse effects of BVA must be examined in future studies.
Inoculation with ASFV-Katanga-350 Partially Protects Pigs from Death during Subsequent Infection with Heterologous Type ASFV-Stavropol 01/08
Authors: Vlasov Mikhail E. , Sindryakova Irina P. , Kudrjashov Dmitry A. , Morgunov Sergey Y. , Kolbasova Olga L. , Lyska Valentina M. , Zhivoderov Sergey P. , Pivova Elena Y. , Balyshev Vladimir M. , Sereda Alexey D. , Kolbasov Denis V.
Published: February 2023

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is an extremely genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous pathogen. Previously, we have demonstrated that experimental inoculation of pigs with an attenuated strain, Katanga-350 (genotype I, seroimmunotype I) (ASFV-Katanga-350), can induce protective immunity in 80% of European domestic pigs against the homologous virulent European strain Lisbon-57. At least 50% of the surviving pigs received protection from subsequent intramuscular infection with a heterologous virulent strain, Stavropol 01/08 (genotype II, seroimmunotype VIII) (ASFV-Stavropol 01/08). In this study, we assessed clinical signs, the levels of viremia, viral DNA, anti-ASFV antibodies and post-mortem changes caused by subsequent intramuscular injection with ASFV-Katanga-350 and heterologous ASFV-Stavropol 01/08. Inoculation of pigs with the ASFV-Katanga-350 did not protect animals from the disease in the case of the subsequent challenged ASFV-Stavropol 01/08. However, 40% of pigs were protected from death. Moreover, the surviving animals showed no pathomorphological changes or the presence of an infectious virus in the organs after euthanasia at 35 days post challenging. The ability/inability of attenuated strains to form a certain level of protection against heterologous isolates needs a theoretical background and experimental confirmation.
Thymic Exhaustion and Increased Immune Activation Are the Main Mechanisms Involved in Impaired Immunological Recovery of HIV-Positive Patients under ART
Authors: Dos Santos Guedes Maria Carolina , Carvalho-Silva Wlisses Henrique Veloso , Andrade-Santos José Leandro , Brelaz-de-Castro Maria Carolina Accioly , Souto Fabrício Oliveira , Guimarães Rafael Lima
Published: February 2023

Decades of studies in antiretroviral therapy (ART) have passed, and the mechanisms that determine impaired immunological recovery in HIV-positive patients receiving ART have not been completely elucidated yet. Thus, T-lymphocytes immunophenotyping and cytokines levels were analyzed in 44 ART-treated HIV-positive patients who had a prolonged undetectable plasma viral load. The patients were classified as immunological non-responders (INR = 13) and immunological responders (IR = 31), according to their CD4+ T cell levels. Evaluating pre-CD4+ levels, we observed a statistically significant trend between lower CD4+ T cell levels and INR status (Z = 3.486, p < 0.001), and during 18 months of ART, the CD4+ T cell levels maintained statistical differences between the INR and IR groups (WTS = 37.252, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the INRs were associated with an elevated age at ART start; a lower pre-treatment CD4+ T cell count and a percentage that remained low even after 18 months of ART; lower levels of recent thymic emigrant (RTE) CD4+ T cell (CD45RA + CD31+) and a naïve CD4+ T cell (CD45RA + CD62L+); higher levels of central memory CD4+ T cells (CD45RA-CD62L+); and higher immune activation by CD4+ expressing HLA-DR+ or both (HLA-DR+ and CD38+) when compared with IRs. Our study demonstrates that thymic exhaustion and increased immune activation are two mechanisms substantially implicated in the impaired immune recovery of ART-treated HIV patients.
Antiviral Activity of Micafungin and Its Derivatives against SARS-CoV-2 RNA Replication
Authors: Nakajima Shogo , Ohashi Hirofumi , Akazawa Daisuke , Torii Shiho , Suzuki Rigel , Fukuhara Takasuke , Watashi Koichi
Published: February 2023

Echinocandin antifungal drugs, including micafungin, anidulafungin, and caspofungin, have been recently reported to exhibit antiviral effects against various viruses such as flavivirus, alphavirus, and coronavirus. In this study, we focused on micafungin and its derivatives and analyzed their antiviral activities against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The micafungin derivatives Mi-2 and Mi-5 showed higher antiviral activity than micafungin, with 50% maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 5.25 and 6.51 µM, respectively (3.8 to 4.7-fold stronger than micafungin) and 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of >64 µM in VeroE6/TMPRSS2 cells. This high anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity was also conserved in human lung epithelial cell-derived Calu-3 cells. Micafungin, Mi-2, and Mi-5 were suggested to inhibit the intracellular virus replication process; additionally, these compounds were active against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Delta (AY.122, hCoV-19/Japan/TY11-927/2021), Omicron (BA.1.18, hCoV-19/Japan/TY38-873/2021), a variant resistant to remdesivir (R10/E796G C799F), and a variant resistant to casirivimab/imdevimab antibody cocktail (E406W); thus, our results provide basic evidence for the potential use of micafungin derivatives for developing antiviral agents.
Evaluation of Anesthetic and Cardiorespiratory Effects after Intramuscular Administration of Three Different Doses of Telazol® in Common Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Goodroe Anna , Bakker Jaco , Remarque Edmond J. , Ross Corinna N. , Scorpio Diana
Published: February 2023

Marmosets’ small body size makes anesthesia challenging. Ideally, small volumes of drugs should be administered intramuscularly (i.m.). In addition, dose-dependent sedation and anesthesia are desirable properties for sedatives and anesthetics in marmosets. Telazol® (tiletamine and zolazepam) is highly concentrated, allowing the use of small injection volumes and dose-dependent sedation and anesthesia. A randomized, blinded study with crossover design in ten healthy adult common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) was performed to evaluate the anesthetic and cardiorespiratory effects of three doses of i.m. Telazol® (respectively, 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg). Depth of anesthesia, cardiorespiratory effects, and induction, immobilization, and recovery times were determined. A significant difference was observed in immobilization time between 5 and 15 mg/kg of Telazol®. In addition, 15 mg/kg of Telazol® resulted in increased recovery times compared to 5 mg/kg. The cardiorespiratory effects during the first 45 min of immobilization were within clinically acceptable limits. The pedal withdrawal reflex was the best indicator of the anesthetic depth.
Therapeutic Use of Bee Venom and Potential Applications in Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Bava Roberto , Castagna Fabio , Musella Vincenzo , Lupia Carmine , Palma Ernesto , Britti Domenico
Published: February 2023

Apitherapy is a branch of alternative medicine that consists of the treatment of diseases through products collected, processed, and secreted by bees, specifically pollen, propolis, honey, royal jelly, and bee venom. In traditional medicine, the virtues of honey and propolis have been well-known for centuries. The same, however, cannot be said for venom. The use of bee venom is particularly relevant for many therapeutic aspects. In recent decades, scientific studies have confirmed and enabled us to understand its properties. Bee venom has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, central nervous system inhibiting, radioprotective, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, among others. Numerous studies have often been summarised in reviews of the scientific literature that have focused on the results obtained with mouse models and their subsequent transposition to the human patient. In contrast, few reviews of scientific work on the use of bee venom in veterinary medicine exist. This review aims to take stock of the research achievements in this particular discipline, with a view to a recapitulation and stabilisation in the different research fields.
The Role of Femoral Head Size and Femoral Head Coverage in Dogs with and without Hip Dysplasia
Authors: Pilli Mehmet , Seyrek Intas Deniz , Etikan Ilker , Yigitgor Pelin , Kramer Martin , Tellhelm Bernd , von Puckler Kerstin
Published: February 2023

The subject of hip dysplasia in dogs is still current and preoccupies both animal owners and veterinarians. Major factors affecting the development of the disorder are hip laxity and incongruent joints. Many studies on etiology, pathogenesis, and early diagnosis have been performed to reduce prevalence and select healthy dogs for breeding. The purpose of the present study was to investigate a possible relationship between dysplasia and femoral head area (FHA), femoral coverage by the acetabulum (CFH) and cranio-caudal distance of the dorsal acetabular rim (CrCdAR). Radiographs of a total of 264 skeletally mature dogs with similar physical characteristics (German wirehaired pointers (GWP), German shepherd dogs (GSD) and Labrador retrievers (LAB)) presented for routine hip dysplasia screening were recruited for the study. FHA, CFH and CrCdAR were measured and related to dysplasia status. Evaluations of FHA (p = 0.011), CFH (p < 0.001) and CrCdAR length (p = 0.003) measurements revealed significant interactions between breed, sex and FCI scores, so they had to be assessed separately. The results revealed that FHA tends to decrease as the hip dysplasia score worsens. There was no significant relationship between FHA and dysplasia assessment. FHA is breed-specific and is larger in normal and near-normal male (p = 0.001, p = 0.020) and female (p = 0.001, p = 0.013) GWP compared to GSD, respectively. FHA is greater in normal male GWP (p = 0.011) and GSD (p = 0.040) compared to females. There was a significant and strong positive correlation between FHA and CrCdAR in all breeds and sexes. Additionally, FCI scoring had a medium (GWP, GSD) to strong (LAB) negative correlation with CFH.
Attenuation of Hypothyroidism-Induced Cognitive Impairment by Modulating Serotonin Mediation
Authors: Bakalov Dimitar , Iliev Petar , Sabit Zafer , Tafradjiiska-Hadjiolova Radka , Bocheva Georgeta
Published: February 2023

Thyroid hormones play an important role in the modeling of neural networks in the brain. Besides its metabolic effects, thyroid dysfunction, and hypothyroidism in particular, is frequently associated with cognitive decline and depressive-like behavior. The current study aimed to examine the changes in behavior, cognition, and memory in rats with propylthiouracil-induced overt hypothyroidism. The behavior and cognition were assessed using the open field test, T-maze, and novel object recognition test. We found significant differences in the behavioral patterns of the hypothyroid animals showing a reduction in locomotor activity, frequency of rearing, and impaired memory function compared to the euthyroid controls. As serotonin is an essential biomarker regulating cognition and mood, we tried to modulate the serotonin mediation in hypothyroid animals through tryptophan administration. Treatment with 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5-OH-TRP) intraperitoneally for 10 days or directly into the hippocampus as a single injection led to attenuation of the hypothyroidism-induced cognitive and memory decline. A staggering amount of research is suggesting that the common denominators in the pathophysiology of depression and the behavior changes in hypothyroidism are the hippocampal complex and the distorted serotonin metabolism. In our study, it was observed a significant alleviation of cognitive impairment and an improvement of memory performance in hypothyroid rats after 5-OH-TRP administration. Current results are promising and may serve as groundwork for further investigation of functional and structural changes in the hippocampus during a hypothyroid state, and in particular, the effects of serotonin mediation in hypothyroid-associated depressive-like behavior.
Patterns in the Course of Gas Production Rates in Anaerobic Digestion—Prediction of Gas Production Rates Based on Deconvolution and Linear Regression
Authors: Hubert Christian , Krause Steffen , Schaum Christian
Published: February 2023

Anaerobic digestion, including the gas storage and the CHP unit plays a key role in energy management of water ressource recovery facilities (WRRF). By demand-driven feeding management, a higher degree of utilization of the gas storage tanks can be achieved, which means that a greater decoupling of energy demand and energy generation is taking place. In this context, the predictability of the produced gas volume plays an important role. In this study, a concept was suggested to forecast gas production rates without the need for any analytical substrate characterization. Substrates lead to specific patterns in the course of the gas production rates, which can be fitted using Gaussian functions. As the parameters describing the Gaussian functions have a good correlation to the amount of substrate fed to the digester a prediction of the rates is possible. Within this study a coefficient of determination 82.9% over a period of 5 days was achieved.
Street Lighting and Charging Stations with PATs Location Applying Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Pineda Sandoval Joseph Daniel , Arciniega-Nevárez José Antonio , Delgado-Galván Xitlali , Ramos Helena M. , Pérez-Sánchez Modesto , López-Jiménez P. Amparo , Mora Rodríguez Jesús
Published: February 2023

This research proposes a methodology with multi-objective optimization for the placement of Pumps operating As Turbines (PATs), energizing street lighting, devices for monitoring the water network, and charging stations for small electric vehicles such as bikes and scooters. This methodology helps to find the most profitable project for benefiting life quality and energy recovery through pumps operating as turbines, replacing virtual pressure reduction valves to locate the best point for decreasing pressure. PATs are selected by maximizing power recovery and minimizing pressure in the system as well as maximizing recoverable energy. Benefits analyzed include the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and fuel use, as well as the saving of electricity consumption and benefiting socio-economic impact with street lighting, monitoring, and charging station. It was considered that each PAT proposed by the methodology will supply a street light pole, a station for monitoring the water network, and a charging station; under these established conditions, the return on investment is up to 1.07 at 12 years, with a power generation of 60 kWh per day.
Application of Machine Learning in Water Resources Management: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Ghobadi Fatemeh , Kang Doosun
Published: February 2023

In accordance with the rapid proliferation of machine learning (ML) and data management, ML applications have evolved to encompass all engineering disciplines. Owing to the importance of the world’s water supply throughout the rest of this century, much research has been concentrated on the application of ML strategies to integrated water resources management (WRM). Thus, a thorough and well-organized review of that research is required. To accommodate the underlying knowledge and interests of both artificial intelligence (AI) and the unresolved issues of ML in WRM, this overview divides the core fundamentals, major applications, and ongoing issues into two sections. First, the basic applications of ML are categorized into three main groups, prediction, clustering, and reinforcement learning. Moreover, the literature is organized in each field according to new perspectives, and research patterns are indicated so attention can be directed toward where the field is headed. In the second part, the less investigated field of WRM is addressed to provide grounds for future studies. The widespread applications of ML tools are projected to accelerate the formation of sustainable WRM plans over the next decade.
A Combined Stochastic–Analytical Method for the Assessment of Climate Change Impact on Spring Discharge
Authors: Kovács Attila , Stevanović Zoran
Published: February 2023

This study describes a novel methodology for the prediction of spring hydrographs based on regional climate model (RCM) projections, with the goal of evaluating climate-change impact on karstic-spring discharge. A combined stochastic–analytical modeling methodology to predict spring discharge was developed and demonstrated on the Bukovica spring catchment at the Durmitor National Park, Montenegro. As a first step, climate model projections of the EURO-CORDEX ensemble were selected; and then bias correction was applied based on historical climate data. The regression function between rainfall and peak discharge was established by using historical data. Baseflow recession was described by using a double-component exponential model, where hydrograph decomposition and parameter fitting were performed on the Master Recession Curve. Rainfall time series from two selected RCM scenarios were applied to predict future spring-discharge time series. Bias correction of simulated hydrographs was performed, and bias-corrected combined stochastic–analytical models were applied to predict spring hydrographs based on RCM-simulated rainfall data. Both simulated climate scenarios predict increasing peak discharges and decreasing baseflow discharges throughout the 21st century. The model results suggest that climate change is likely to exaggerate the extremities both in terms of climate parameters and spring discharge by the end of the century both for moderate (RCP 45) and pessimistic (RCP 85) CO2 emission scenarios. To investigate the temporal distribution of extremities throughout the simulated time periods, the annual numbers of flood and drought days were calculated. Annual predicted flood days show an increasing trend during the first simulation period (2021–2050) and a slightly decreasing trend during the second simulation period (2071–2100), according to the RCP45 climate scenario. The same parameter shows a stagnant trend for the RCP 85 climate scenario. Annual predicted drought days show a decreasing trend both for the RCP 45 and RCP 85 climate scenarios. However, the annual number of drought days shows a large variation over time. There is a periodicity of extremely dry years with a frequency between 5 and 7 years. The number of drought days seems to increase over time during these extreme years. The study confirmed that the applied methodology can successfully be applied for spring-discharge prediction and that it offers a new prospect for its wider application in studying karst aquifers and their behavior under different climate-change scenarios.
Energy-Saving Optimization for Electric Vehicles in Car-Following Scenarios Based on Model Predictive Control
Authors: Liu Yang , Yao Chuyang , Guo Cong , Yang Zhong , Fu Chunyun
Published: February 2023

In this paper, an economy-oriented car-following control (EOCFC) strategy is proposed for electric vehicles in car-following scenarios. Specifically, a controller based on model predictive control (MPC) is developed to optimize the host vehicle’s speed for better energy economy while ensuring good car-following performance and ride comfort. The vehicle’s energy consumption is accurately quantified in the form of demand power, which is incorporated in the cost function for energy optimization. The proposed EOCFC strategy is evaluated using three standard test cycles, i.e., New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS) and Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC), in comparison with a typical multi-objective adaptive cruise control strategy. The evaluation results demonstrate that the proposed EOCFC improves the energy economy of the host vehicle by 0.53%, 3.33% and 1.51%, under the NEDC, UDDS and WLTC test cycles respectively.