bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neighborhoods’ Walkability for Elderly People: An Italian Experience
Authors: Appolloni Letizia , D’Alessandro Daniela
Published: December 2023

The scientific literature shows some attributes of neighborhood built environments that can contribute to promoting physical activity, thereby encouraging older adults to take outdoor walks. The aim of this study was to measure the walkability of 20 neighborhoods in five Italian cities using the Walking Suitability Index of the Territory (T-WSI) to evaluate their propensity to support walking for elderly people and to suggest some specific good practices to local authorities. Our investigation shows that although the neighborhoods present very different physical and morphological characteristics, most of their walkability levels are low. The overall T-WSI value is equal to 46.65/100, with a wide variability between districts (from 28.90/100 to 68.28/100). The calculation of the T-WSI shows that the problems and critical issues are similar between districts, independent of their sizes, and they refer mainly to the same categories and indicators. In general, the results relating to both the safety (e.g., protection from vehicles, road lighting, etc.) and urbanity (e.g., road equipment) of districts are very deficient.
What Are the Obstacles to Promoting Photovoltaic Green Roofs in Existing Buildings? The Integrated Fuzzy DEMATEL-ISM-ANP Method
Authors: Li Hongbing , Xiang Yuran , Xia Yaohui , Yang Wanjun , Tang Xiaoting , Lin Tao
Published: December 2023

Photovoltaic green roofs can contribute to energy conservation in buildings and the sustainable development of cities, but they have yet to be widely used due to many factors. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the factors limiting the promotion of photovoltaic green roofs and to clarify their interactions. Based on the existing literature and expert recommendations, this paper summarizes 20 factors affecting its promotion. Fuzzy DEMATEL was used to analyze the causal relationship and importance of the influencing factors. A hierarchical structure was established using the interpretative structural model (ISM) to visually represent the layered structure and pathways of the factors. The role and status of each influencing factor were determined using the cross-influence matrix analysis method (MICMAC). Finally, the analytic network process (ANP) was combined with the overall influence matrix to determine the overall weight of each factor. Combined with the DEMATEL-ISM-ANP method, nine key influencing factors, namely, the lack of incentive policies, imperfect technical specifications and evaluation standard system, local economic development level, residents’ cognition, residents’ willingness, enterprises’ technical problems, the lack of relevant talents, the lack of capital investment, and cooperation mode, were finally identified and analyzed, and suggestions and strategies for improvement were proposed.
Design for Circular Economy in a Strong Sustainability Paradigm
Authors: Rocha Cristina Sousa , Antunes Paula , Partidário Paulo
Published: December 2023

Given the strategic role of design when addressing societal changes and its prominence in the circular economy (CE) discourse and practice during the past decade, a plethora of tools and methods is nowadays available to support organizations in the transition from a linear model of production to a circular one. The need for an intersection of CE, corporate sustainability, strategic design and strong sustainability is gaining momentum. Considering (a) the critical voices pointing out several limitations to the CE concept, (b) the call for linking CE to a strong sustainability paradigm and (c) the implementation mechanisms for an effective contribution to sustainable development, the focus of this research is to address the gap in CE and circular design frameworks due to missing elements therein for its successful implementation, using a Delphi method approach. Our results strongly suggest that the current CE and circular design concepts and practices are insufficient to meet the challenge of addressing strong sustainability, and new models are needed. To conclude, a new definition of design for CE in a strong sustainability paradigm and a first approach to the main elements of the new model assisted by guiding principles are proposed.
Application of Business Simulation Games in Flipped Classrooms to Facilitate Student Engagement and Higher-Order Thinking Skills for Sustainable Learning Practices
Authors: Hsu Ching-Yun , Wu Ting-Ting
Published: December 2023

It is very important to adopt innovative digital technologies in educational systems to overcome the challenges in modern learning environments, especially in the post-COVID-19 era. The fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of the 2030 Agenda is supported by new educational trends that consider game-based learning as a pedagogical method in the classroom. Teaching sustainability management in higher education institutions with innovative digital tools plays a fundamental role in the transition toward sustainable societies. Suitable game design elements play a significant role in facilitating sustainable learning. This study explored the effectiveness of incorporating business simulation games with project-based learning (PBL) in a flipped classroom setting. This approach was adopted within the context of a university cross-border e-commerce course to prepare students for acquiring 21st-century skills such as higher-order thinking skills in a rapidly changing educational landscape. A quasi-experimental method was employed, involving a total of 60 university students from China’s Zhejiang Province. Participants completed an online questionnaire designed to assess their learning engagement across three dimensions (cognitive, emotional, and behavioral) as well as their higher-order thinking skills (problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity). The results show that the business simulation games combined with flipped classroom learning had a significantly positive impact on students’ learning outcomes, enhancing their problem-solving, critical thinking, and creative capabilities. Importantly, this approach also improved student engagement and promoted sustainable practices by applying real-life scenarios in an interactive environment. We conclude that business simulation games integrated with project-based learning (PBL) in flipped classroom settings represent a valuable educational approach. This approach not only enhances learning engagement but also fosters the development of higher-order thinking skills, encouraging students to adopt sustainable learning practices.
Simulation and Experiment of the Smoothness Performance of an Electric Four-Wheeled Chassis in Hilly and Mountainous Areas
Authors: Fu Yuan , Liu Zheng , Jiang Yuxiao , Leng Yuancai , Tang Jialong , Wang Renqi , Lv Xiaorong
Published: December 2023

This paper addresses the issues caused by traditional tractors during seeding operations, such as soil compaction, decreased soil fertility, use of unclean fuel leading to environmental pollution, and the disruption of sustainable development. In response, the study designs a compact and lightweight electric four-wheel-drive chassis for a seeding robot suitable for strip planting of soybeans and corn. Using RecurDyn(V9R2) software and MATLAB/Simulink(2020a) modules, the paper conducts simulation and analysis of the straight-line driving process of the electric four-wheel-drive chassis on hilly terrain in field conditions. The simulation results demonstrate that when the suspension stiffness is 14.4 kN/m and the damping is 900 N·s/m, the chassis achieves optimal vibration reduction and straight-line driving performance. Experimental results based on the simulation findings indicate a high consistency between the simulation and actual models, confirming that optimizing the suspension damping parameters effectively improves chassis smoothness and enhances operational quality.
Fusion of Deep Sort and Yolov5 for Effective Vehicle Detection and Tracking Scheme in Real-Time Traffic Management Sustainable System
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Singh Sushil Kumar , Varshney Sudeep , Singh Saurabh , Kumar Prashant , Kim Bong-Gyu , Ra In-Ho
Published: December 2023

In recent years, advancements in sustainable intelligent transportation have emphasized the significance of vehicle detection and tracking for real-time traffic flow management on the highways. However, the performance of existing methods based on deep learning is still a big challenge due to the different sizes of vehicles, occlusions, and other real-time traffic scenarios. To address the vehicle detection and tracking issues, an intelligent and effective scheme is proposed which detects vehicles by You Only Look Once (YOLOv5) with a speed of 140 FPS, and then, the Deep Simple Online and Real-time Tracking (Deep SORT) is integrated into the detection result to track and predict the position of the vehicles. In the first phase, YOLOv5 extracts the bounding box of the target vehicles, and in second phase, it is fed with the output of YOLOv5 to perform the tracking. Additionally, the Kalman filter and the Hungarian algorithm are employed to anticipate and track the final trajectory of the vehicles. To evaluate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed algorithm, simulations were carried out on the BDD100K and PASCAL datasets. The proposed algorithm surpasses the performance of existing deep learning-based methods, yielding superior results. Finally, the multi-vehicle detection and tracking process illustrated that the precision, recall, and mAP are 91.25%, 93.52%, and 92.18% in videos, respectively.
Analysis of Uncertainty Factors in Part-Specific Greenhouse Gas Accounting
Authors: Weyand Astrid , Bausch Phillip , Engel Benedikt , Metternich Joachim , Weigold Matthias
Published: December 2023

Due to the ongoing climate crisis and the resulting targets of several countries, as well as the EU, manufacturing companies face the need to address and reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To calculate these emissions, the product carbon footprint (PCF) can be a helpful tool, both to come up with reduction measures internally as well as to communicate it externally as competitive advantage. However, the PCF is subject to uncertainty factors that hinder its use and need to be systematically assessed. For this reason, this paper first collects and clusters relevant uncertainty factors resulting from differences between accounting standards, but also from imprecisions within the standards. Subsequently, the PCF is determined in different scenarios of uncertainty factors, applied to an industrial case study. This is used to be able to put the deviation in the final results into perspective. Recommendations for action are finally derived from the analysis of the literature and the results of the use case.
Analyzing the EU ETS, Challenges and Opportunities for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Aviation Industry in Europe
Authors: Afşar Berkay , Bilgiç Hasan Berk , Emen Melih , Zarifoğlu Sinan , Acar Sevil
Published: December 2023

The aviation industry’s contribution to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has been on an unsteady rise for the past few decades. This paper aims to identify the determinants of increasing GHG emissions in Europe in a dynamic panel setting, paying specific attention to the role of the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). Unlike previous studies, this paper proposes business tourism spending and capital investment in the tourism and travel industry as explanatory factors together with GDP per capita and jet fuel consumption. Unexpectedly, the EU ETS coverage is found to have an increasing role for GHG emissions from international aviation in countries where the system is put into effect. The results suggest that a more targeted emissions reduction policy needs to be implemented in order to mitigate aviation emissions in the region.
Circular Pathways to Sustainable Development: Understanding the Links between Circular Economy Indicators, Economic Growth, Social Well-Being, and Environmental Performance in EU-27
Authors: Arion Felix H. , Aleksanyan Vardan , Markosyan Davit , Arion Iulia Diana
Published: December 2023

The transition towards the circular economy (CE) is one of the major priorities of the European Union (EU). By observing its benefits through the prism of sustainable development, this study aims to reveal the intricate relationships between the CE and the economy–society–environment nexus across 27 EU countries during the period from 2012 to 2020. Utilizing an extensive dataset comprising 243 observations drawn from the EUROSTAT database, we employed a panel data analysis. In this research, we quantified the impact of CE indicators on key dependent variables: GDP per capita (economic dimension), mortality, morbidity, and the welfare cost associated with exposure to environment-related risks (social dimension) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the environmental realm. The findings of our study illuminate the multifaceted connections between circular economy practices and the broader goals of sustainable development within the EU-27 context. The CE indicators aggregated at the EU level not only have a beneficial impact on the economy but also on society and the environment. The analysis reveals that each of the six explanatory variables incorporated into the models exhibits the anticipated relationship with at least one of the outcome variables. This research contributes valuable insights for policymakers, public authorities, and other stakeholders seeking to enhance the circular economy landscape in respective countries.
A Methodology for Quantifying the Spatial Distribution and Social Equity of Urban Green and Blue Spaces
Authors: Guinaudeau Benjamin , Brink Mark , Schäffer Beat , Schlaepfer Martin A.
Published: December 2023

Urban green and blue space (UGBS) contribute to a variety of nature-based values and human health benefits. As such, they play a critical role for the quality of life and sustainability in cities. Here, we use the metropolitan area of Geneva, Switzerland, as a case study to illustrate that UGBS are heterogeneous in spatial characteristics, such as surface area, naturality, or noise levels, which are associated with key cultural ecosystems services. For each characteristic, we defined a threshold with the realization of an associated cultural ecosystem service, including a novel noise threshold (LAeq < 45 dB) compatible with the notion of “quiet”. We then used geospatial information to generate place-based and people-based indicators that collectively describe the variation in key dimensions of UGBS. We found that, in Geneva, the typical (median) resident has access to 4.7 ha of UGBS, and 89% of residents live within 300 m of the nearest UGBS. Accessible surfaces of UGBS per capita, however, were highly variable by type of UGBS and across neighbourhoods. For example, residents from precarious neighbourhoods are less likely to live within 300 m of quiet UGBS than residents of privileged neighbourhoods, and when they do, these UGBS tend to be smaller. The proposed methodology categorizes UGBS in a manner that both captures their distinct social roles and highlights potential social injustice issues.
Navigating the Future: Blockchain’s Impact on Accounting and Auditing Practices
Authors: Sheela Sundarasen , Alsmady Ahnaf Ali , Tanaraj K. , Izani Ibrahim
Published: December 2023

This study seeks to meticulously analyze the scholarly discussion on the integration of blockchain technology into accounting and auditing. Based on a total of 67 articles from the Web of Science (WoS) database, this study adopts a bibliometrics and content analysis approach which uses both numerical and visualization techniques to examine the extant literature. It spans the timeframe between 2016 and 2022. Bibliometrix R-package (Biblioshiny, version 4 is employed to analyze the descriptive analysis, which includes publication trends, the most trustworthy sources of scientific publications, prominent scientific authors, prominent documents, and country collaborations. VOSviewer software Version 1.6.20, is used for a network visualization of keywords and bibliographic coupling. Leveraging the content analysis, this research reveals three fundamental themes: first, the use of blockchain technology to strengthen financial reporting systems; second, blockchain technology and the future of auditing; and third, the valuation of cryptocurrencies. Research gaps in the current literature include a lack of comprehensive studies on blockchain’s regulatory and governance aspects in accounting, insufficient exploration of risks and challenges in adopting new technologies in auditing, and a limited understanding of tax consequences, disclosure requirements, and regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies, necessitating future research endeavors. Thus, this study extends existing theoretical insights by exploring blockchain’s role in financial reporting, its transformative impact on auditing, and the possible adaptation or development of new valuation methods for cryptocurrencies. It further identifies and discusses future research directions, contributing to potential novel frameworks for addressing regulatory, governance, and socio-economic dimensions of blockchain integration into accounting and auditing practices.
What Would Be Necessary to Construct a Rule Framework for Sustainability in the New Western Land–Sea Corridor? An Analysis Based on Green International Rule of Law
Authors: Zhang Zongshi , Zeng Wenge
Published: December 2023

The New Western Land–Sea Corridor is the lifeline of international cargo transportation between China and the ASEAN. Transit transportation causes environmental damage to transit countries, and there is an urgent need to establish a sustainable rule framework for the New Western Land–Sea Corridor. The international rule of law originates from the documents of the United Nations General Assembly. The theoretical foundation of green transportation is sustainability. The connections and interactions between sustainability and the international rule of law constitute a green international rule of law. From the perspective of the green international rule of law, there are challenges in establishing a sustainable rule framework, such as the limited capacity of transit countries to ensure ecological security, the insufficient supply of collective efforts based on international environmental protection rules, the abuse of environmental protection exceptions leading to trade barriers, and conflicting judgments arising from parallel environmental infringement lawsuits. This article adopts the methods of text research, conceptual interpretation, and comparative research. China should take the green international rule of law as guidance, establish a green foreign aid mechanism for the New Western Land–Sea Corridor, explore an independent contribution mechanism for international environmental protection rules based on collective efforts, adhere to the principle of treaty compliance to limit the abuse of environmental protection exceptions, and build a diversified environmental dispute prevention and resolution mechanism for the New Western Land–Sea Corridor.
Does the Easing of COVID-19 Restrictive Measures Improve Loneliness Conditions? Evidence from Japan
Authors: Nabeshima Honoka , Kuramoto Yu , Khan Mostafa Saidur Rahim , Kadoya Yoshihiko
Published: December 2023

Given the substantial changes in health and safety protocols and economic activities over the past year, socioeconomic routines have returned to a state of normalcy. Therefore, it is important to conduct a longitudinal study to determine whether these recent changes have left a lasting imprint on loneliness, specifically among those who have experienced post-pandemic loneliness in previous years. We investigated the incidence of loneliness and the risk factors associated with it during the post-pandemic period using recent data. We utilized longitudinal data spanning from 2020 to 2023 and employed mean comparison tests and weighted probit regression models in this analysis. Our study reveals that loneliness continues to be a notable issue, with persistent, post-pandemic, and recent loneliness rates of 47.6%, 4.3%, and 2.2%, respectively. We also observed a slight reduction in both persistent and post-pandemic loneliness compared to the previous year. Younger people continued to experience higher persistent loneliness rates, with no significant age or sex differences in post-pandemic or recent loneliness. Various factors, such as demographics, socioeconomic status, and psychological factors, influence loneliness differently across sexes and age groups. The policy implications include ongoing monitoring, targeted interventions, and support for specific demographic and socioeconomic groups to address post-pandemic loneliness for the sustainable management of the loneliness issue in Japan.
Correction: Jiang et al. Perception and Preference Analysis of Fashion Colors: Solid Color Shirts. Sustainability 2019, 11, 2405
Authors: Jiang Qianling , Chen Li-Chieh , Zhang Jie
Published: December 2023

The authors would like to make the following corrections to the published paper [...]
Economic and Environmental Effects of Replacing Inorganic Fertilizers with Organic Fertilizers in Three Rainfed Crops in a Semi-Arid Area
Authors: García Castellanos Begoña , García García Benjamín , García García José
Published: December 2023

This study evaluates the economic and environmental effects of replacing inorganic fertilization with organic fertilization (manure and compost) in three characteristic crops of the rainfed land of southeastern Spain: almond, olive, and barley. To do this, the conventional cultivation model of the three production systems was established and analyzed through the LCC (Life Cycle Costing) and LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) methodologies. Next, a sensitivity analysis was performed to see the effects of the substitution. In the three conventional systems, inorganic fertilizers represent at least 11% of the total costs. At the same time, they are the element with the greatest global contribution to environmental impacts (between 60 and 88%). Through the sensitivity analysis, it was shown that tillage practices that involve the addition of manure or compost not only reduce costs for the three crops (with a maximum reduction of EUR 88/ha in the case of olive trees with compost application), but also most of the impact categories evaluated. In terms of global warming, the reduction varies from 2–9% depending on the crop and the organic fertilizer used. And if we take into account that the production of inorganic fertilizers is avoided, the results of this category decrease between 28% and 48%.
Enzymatic Stress Responses of Coreius guichenoti to Microplastics with Different Particle Sizes
Authors: Wu Wenqiong , Qiu Junqiang , Lin Yue , Li Xike , Li Wenjuan , Ma Keyi , Duan Yuanliang , Fu Yuanshuai
Published: December 2023

The wild population resources of Coreius guichenoti have sharply declined in recent decades, and any negative factors may have a significant impact on their survival. In this study, the enzymatic stress responses of C. guichenoti to 25 and 48 μm polyethylene fragments were explored for the first time. This was achieved by evaluating the changes in physiological and biochemical indicators of the species in response to the environmental stimuli of microplastics. In this study, we observed an early stress response in the external tissues of C. guichenoti following exposure to microplastics. The TP content in skin and muscle and the MDA content in skin, gill and muscle initially showed a significant increase. The skin, gill, and muscle exhibited greater stress responses to M5 particles, whereas M3 particles caused a greater response in the intestine and especially the liver. After the removal of microplastic exposure, the stress state of the C. guichenoti would be alleviated in a short period, but it could not fully recover to the pre-exposure level. In summary, microplastics pose a significant threat to C. guichenoti. While their negative effects can be alleviated by the removal of microplastics exposure, full recovery does not occur in a short period. Continuous monitoring of microplastics in natural waters and targeted aquatic ecological restoration are essential to ensure the normal growth and reproduction of the wild population of C. guichenoti.
Cytotoxicity and Radiosensitizing Potentials of Pilosulin-3, a Recombinant Ant Venom, in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Alzeer Reema M. , Al-Hadyan Khaled S. , Al-Harbi Najla M. , Bin Judia Sara S. , Almeer Rafa S. , Alsbeih Ghazi A.
Published: December 2023

Venom peptides are promising agents in the development of unconventional anticancer therapeutic agents. This study explored the potential of Pilosulin-3, a recombinant peptide from the venom of the Australian jack jumper ant “Myrmecia pilosula”, as a cytotoxic and radiosensitizing agent in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer (BC) cell lines. Pilosulin-3’s cytotoxicity was evaluated across a wide range of concentrations using a proliferation assay. Cell cycle progression and apoptosis were examined at the inhibitory concentration 25% (IC25) and IC50 of Pilosulin-3, both with and without a 4Gy X-ray irradiation dose. Radiosensitivity was assessed at IC25 using the clonogenic survival assay. The study revealed that Pilosulin-3 exerted a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect, with IC25 and IC50 values of 0.01 and 0.5 µM, respectively. In silico screening indicated high selectivity of Pilosulin-3 peptide, which was predicted to be the most likely anticancer agent (PROB = 0.997) with low hemolytic activity (PROP = 0.176). Although Pilosulin-3 exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) G2/M cell cycle arrest in combination with radiation, there was no discernible effect on apoptosis induction or cell survival following irradiation. In conclusion, Pilosulin-3 proved to be cytotoxic to BC cells and induced a cytostatic effect (G2/M arrest) when combined with radiation. However, it did not enhance the efficacy of cell killing by irradiation. While it holds potential as a cytotoxic agent in breast cancer treatment, its application as a radiosensitizer does not find support in these results.
Novel Endophytic Pseudescherichia sp. GSE25 Strain Significantly Controls Fusarium graminearum and Reduces Deoxynivalenol in Wheat
Authors: Gao Meiling , Abdallah Mohamed F. , Song Minggui , Xu Yiqian , Sun Daiyuan , Lu Ping , Wang Jianhua
Published: December 2023

Fusarium heading blight (FHB) is a devastating disease in wheat, primarily caused by field invasion of Fusarium graminearum. Due to the scarcity of resistant wheat varieties, the agricultural sector resorts to chemical fungicides to control FHB incidence. On the other hand, biocontrol represents a promising, eco-friendly approach aligned with sustainable and green agriculture concepts. In the present study, a bacterial endophyte, Pseudescherichia sp. (GSE25), was isolated from wheat seeds and identified through complete genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. In vitro testing of this endophytic strain demonstrated strong antifungal activity against F. graminearum PH-1 by inhibiting spore germination, suppressing germ tube growth, and causing cell membrane damage. Under field conditions, the strain GSE25 significantly reduced the FHB incidence and the associated deoxynivalenol mycotoxin accumulation by over 60% and 80%, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of the isolated bacterial endophyte Pseudescherichia sp. GSE25 strain as a biocontrol agent in protecting wheat from FHB-caused F. graminearum. This is the first report showing a biocontrol effect of Pseudescherichia sp. a strain against phytopathogens.
Spherically Symmetric Configurations in Unimodular Gravity
Authors: Fabris Júlio César , Daouda Mahamadou Hamani , Velten Hermano
Published: December 2023

Unimodular gravity (UG) is often deemed comparable to General Relativity (GR) in many respects, despite the theory exhibiting invariance under a more limited set of diffeomorphic transformations. The discussion we propose in this work relies on the criteria for establishing the equivalence between these two formulations, specifically exploring UG’s application to static and spherically symmetric configurations with the energy-momentum tensor originating from either a scalar field or an electromagnetic field. We find that the equivalence between UG and GR might be disrupted when scrutinizing the stability of solutions at a perturbative level.
Integral Fluxes of Neutrinos and Gamma-Rays Emitted from Neighboring X-ray Binaries
Authors: Kosmas Odysseas , Papavasileiou Theodora , Kosmas Theocharis
Published: December 2023

Astrophysical plasma ejections (jets) are formed and powered by black holes that accrete material from their companion star in binary systems. Black hole X-ray binary systems constitute potential powerful galactic and extragalactic neutrino and gamma-ray sources. After being accelerated to highly relativistic velocities and subjected to various energy-consuming interactions, the lepto-hadronic content of the jets produces secondary particles such as pions and muons that decay to gamma-ray photons and neutrinos heading towards the Earth. In this work, we employ a jet emission model in order to predict the neutrino and gamma-ray integral fluxes emanating from some of the most investigated and prominent stellar black hole X-ray binary systems in the Milky Way, such as GRO J1655-40, Cygnus X-1, SS 433, and GRS 1915+105. For the sake of comparison, we also include an extragalactic system, namely, LMC X-1, located in the Large Magellanic Cloud. For the case of gamma-ray emissions, we also include absorption effects due to X-ray emission from the accretion disk and the black hole corona, as well as ultraviolet (UV) emission from the binary system’s companion star.
The Distributional Stress–Energy Quadrupole and Gravitational Waves
Authors: Gratus Jonathan , Talaganis Spyridon
Published: December 2023

In this overview, we discuss the (Schwartz) distributional stress–energy quadrupole and show it is a source of gravitational waves. We provide an explicit formula for the metric of linearised gravity in the case of a background Minkowski spacetime. We compare and contrast the two different representations for quadrupoles taken by Dixon and Ellis, present the formula for the dynamics of the quadrupole moments, and determine the number of free components. We review other approaches to the dynamics of quadrupoles, comparing our results.
Kerner Equation for Motion in a Non-Abelian Gauge Field
Authors: Horvathy Peter A. , Zhang Pengming
Published: December 2023

The equations of motion of an isospin-carrying particle in a Yang–Mills and gravitational field were first proposed in 1968 by Kerner, who considered geodesics in a Kaluza–Klein-type framework. Two years later, the flat space Kerner equations were completed by also considering the motion of the isospin by Wong, who used a field-theoretical approach. Their groundbreaking work was then followed by a long series of rediscoveries whose history is reviewed. The concept of isospin charge and the physical meaning of its motion are discussed. Conserved quantities are studied for Wu–Yang monopoles and diatomic molecules by using van Holten’s algorithm.
A Comprehensive Literature Review of Treatment-Emergent Integrase Resistance with Dolutegravir-Based Regimens in Real-World Settings
Authors: Henegar Cassidy , Letang Emilio , Wang Ruolan , Hicks Charles , Fox Dainielle , Jones Bryn , de Ruiter Annemiek , Vannappagari Vani
Published: December 2023

After a decade of dolutegravir (DTG) use in various antiretroviral therapy combinations and in diverse populations globally, it is critical to identify HIV strains with reduced drug susceptibility and monitor emergent resistance in people living with HIV who experience virologic failure while on DTG-based regimens. We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases to identify studies that reported DTG resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) emerging under selection pressure. Our review showed that RAMs conferring resistance to DTG were rare in 2-drug and 3-drug regimens used in real-world cohorts, corroborating data from clinical trials. The potency of DTG in maintaining virologic suppression was demonstrated, even in cases of pre-existing resistance to companion drugs in the regimen. Estimates of DTG RAMs depended on the population and certain risk factors, including monotherapy, baseline resistance or lack of genotypic testing, treatment history and prior virologic failure, and suboptimal treatment adherence. The RAMs detected after virologic failure, often in heavily treatment-experienced individuals with prior exposure to integrase strand transfer inhibitors, were G118R, E138K, G140A/C/R/S, Q148H/K/R, N155H, and R263K. Overall, these data highlight the durable effectiveness and high barrier to resistance of DTG as part of combination antiretroviral therapy in a wide variety of settings.
Dietary Vitamin D Mitigates Coronavirus-Induced Lung Inflammation and Damage in Mice
Authors: Campolina-Silva Gabriel , Andrade Ana Cláudia dos Santos Pereira , Couto Manoela , Bittencourt-Silva Paloma G. , Queiroz-Junior Celso M. , Lacerda Larisse de Souza B. , Chaves Ian de Meira , de Oliveira Leonardo C. , Marim Fernanda Martins , Oliveira Cleida A. , da Silva Glauber S. F. , Teixeira Mauro Martins , Costa Vivian Vasconcelos
Published: December 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 (β-CoV) betacoronavirus has posed a significant threat to global health. Despite the availability of vaccines, the virus continues to spread, and there is a need for alternative strategies to alleviate its impact. Vitamin D, a secosteroid hormone best known for its role in bone health, exhibits immunomodulatory effects in certain viral infections. Here, we have shown that bioactive vitamin D (calcitriol) limits in vitro replication of SARS-CoV-2 and murine coronaviruses MHV-3 and MHV-A59. Comparative studies involving wild-type mice intranasally infected with MHV-3, a model for studying β-CoV respiratory infections, confirmed the protective effect of vitamin D in vivo. Accordingly, mice fed a standard diet rapidly succumbed to MHV-3 infection, whereas those on a vitamin D-rich diet (10,000 IU of Vitamin D3/kg) displayed increased resistance to acute respiratory damage and systemic complications. Consistent with these findings, the vitamin D-supplemented group exhibited lower viral titers in their lungs and reduced levels of TNF, IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-γ, alongside an enhanced type I interferon response. Altogether, our findings suggest vitamin D supplementation ameliorates β-CoV-triggered respiratory illness and systemic complications in mice, likely via modulation of the host’s immune response to the virus.
A Novel Podophage StenR_269 Suggests a New Family in the Class Caudoviricetes
Authors: Yakubovskij Vyacheslav I. , Morozova Vera V. , Kozlova Yuliya N. , Tikunov Artem Y. , Babkin Igor V. , Bardasheva Alevtina V. , Zhirakovskaya Elena V. , Baykov Ivan K. , Kaverina Galina B. , Tikunova Nina V.
Published: December 2023

Stenotrophomonas rhizophila was first discovered in soil; it is associated with the rhizosphere and capable of both protecting roots and stimulating plant growth. Therefore, it has a great potential to be used in biocontrol. The study of S. rhizophila phages is important for a further evaluation of their effect on the fitness and properties of host bacteria. A novel phage StenR_269 and its bacterial host S. rhizophila were isolated from a soil sample in the remediation area of a coal mine. Electron microscopy revealed a large capsid (~Ø80 nm) connected with a short tail, which corresponds to the podovirus morphotype. The length of the genomic sequence of the StenR_269 was 66,322 bp and it contained 103 putative genes; 40 of them encoded proteins with predicted functions, 3 corresponded to tRNAs, and the remaining 60 were identified as hypothetical ones. Comparative analysis indicated that the StenR_269 phage had a similar genome organization to that of the unclassified Xanthomonas phage DES1, despite their low protein similarity. In addition, the signature proteins of StenR_269 and DES1 had low similarity and these proteins clustered far from the corresponding proteins of classified phages. Thus, the StenR_269 genome is orphan and the analyzed data suggest a new family in the class Caudoviricetes.
Successful Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy: Induction of Unresponsiveness by ‘Vaccination’
Authors: Bachmann Martin F. , Vogel Monique , Speiser Daniel E.
Published: December 2023

The mechanisms of action of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) are often referred to as the induction of ‘tolerance’. However, immunological ‘tolerance’ is defined as an alteration in the function or composition of immune cells. For AIT, this is not always the case, because it can also induce allergen-specific IgG antibodies that block allergic responses. To include all possible mechanisms that may mediate successful AIT, it is advantageous to use the scientific term ‘unresponsiveness’ instead of ‘tolerance’. In praxis, the term ‘vaccination’ is also appropriate, as AIT medications are specialized vaccines.
The Governance of Childhood Vaccination Services in Crisis Settings: A Scoping Review
Authors: Abdelmagid Nada , Southgate Rosamund J. , Alhaffar Mervat , Ahmed Matab , Bani Hind , Mounier-Jack Sandra , Dahab Maysoon , Checchi Francesco , Sabahelzain Majdi M. , Nor Barni , Rao Bhargavi , Singh Neha S.
Published: December 2023

The persistence of inadequate vaccination in crisis-affected settings raises concerns about decision making regarding vaccine selection, timing, location, and recipients. This review aims to describe the key features of childhood vaccination intervention design and planning in crisis-affected settings and investigate how the governance of childhood vaccination is defined, understood, and practised. We performed a scoping review of 193 peer-reviewed articles and grey literature on vaccination governance and service design and planning. We focused on 41 crises between 2010 and 2021. Following screening and data extraction, our analysis involved descriptive statistics and applying the governance analysis framework to code text excerpts, employing deductive and inductive approaches. Most documents related to active outbreaks in conflict-affected settings and to the mass delivery of polio, cholera, and measles vaccines. Information on vaccination modalities, target populations, vaccine sources, and funding was limited. We found various interpretations of governance, often implying hierarchical authority and regulation. Analysis of governance arrangements suggests a multi-actor yet fragmented governance structure, with inequitable actor participation, ineffective actor collaboration, and a lack of a shared strategic vision due to competing priorities and accountabilities. Better documentation of vaccination efforts during emergencies, including vaccination decision making, governance, and planning, is needed. We recommend empirical research within decision-making spaces.
Do Not Leave Your Patients in the Dark—Using American College of Rheumatology and European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology Recommendations for Vaccination in Polish Adult Patients with Autoimmune Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Wroński Jakub , Palej Karolina , Stańczyk Sandra , Łosoś Marta , Werońska-Tatara Joanna , Stasiek Małgorzata , Wysmołek Marta , Olech Agnieszka , Felis-Giemza Anna
Published: December 2023

(1) Introduction: Patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD) face a higher infectious risk compared to the general population. As per the ACR and EULAR recommendations, vaccinations against influenza, COVID-19, pneumococci, and tetanus are recommended for most patients with AIIRD. (2) Objectives: This study aimed to assess vaccination coverage among Polish AIIRD patients and identify factors influencing it. (3) Patients and Methods: This study was conducted at the reference rheumatological center in Poland between May 2023 and October 2023. The study participants completed a questionnaire covering their knowledge of vaccination recommendations, actual vaccination status, factors affecting their decision to vaccinate, and their perspectives on immunization. (4) Results: This study involved 300 AIIRD patients and 60 controls. Both groups exhibited comparably low vaccination rates for all diseases (the highest for COVID-19—52% in both groups and the lowest for pneumococci—7.7% and 10%, respectively). Knowledge about recommended vaccinations was limited among patients in both groups. AIIRD patients were also not aware that they should avoid live vaccines. The primary motivators for vaccination among AIIRD patients were fear of infection (up to 75%) and medical advice (up to 74.6%). Conversely, the predominant reasons for non-vaccination were a lack of knowledge that vaccination is recommended (up to 74.7%) and concerns about potential adverse effects (up to 48.6%). Many patients reported not receiving vaccination recommendations from either primary care physicians or rheumatologists. (5) Conclusions: To enhance vaccination coverage among AIIRD patients in Poland, it is essential to educate them about vaccinations during routine medical consultations, emphasizing the increased risk of infection, informing them about recommended vaccinations, and clarifying doubts about adverse effects.
Real-World Efficacy of COVID-19 Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis with Tixagevimab/Cilgavimab in People with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Elias Luke B. , Jaber Aliya , Manzano Margarita , Leekoff Mark , Sylvester Andrew , Tremblay Matthew A.
Published: December 2023

Vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 virus were authorized for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and have proven effective for the prevention of morbidity and death from COVID-19. Certain immunosuppressant medications prevent the development of protective immunity following COVID-19 vaccination. In December 2021, the FDA issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for a monoclonal-antibody combination of tixagevimab and cilgavimab, under the brand name Evusheld, for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against COVID-19 for individuals with moderate-to-severe immune compromise. While a 77% reduction in symptomatic COVID-19 was observed in the PROVENT study, the trial was conducted prior to emergence of the B.1.1.529 Omicron variant. We suspected reduced efficacy of PrEP against Omicron subvariants. We conducted a retrospective cohort study comparing the prevalence of symptomatic COVID-19 infections between 1 January 2022 and 1 July 2022 in eligible patients treated with PrEP versus untreated using a questionnaire administered with the REDCap survey tool. Responses from 235 participants were included in the final analysis, with 176 untreated respondents and 59 in the PrEP cohort. Symptomatic COVID-19 infections were reported in 50 (28.4%) untreated participants and only 9 (15.3%) of those who received PrEP (p = 0.0557; OR 0.4536; 95% CI 0.2046 to 0.9599). Only two participants were hospitalized for COVID-19 infection, both in the untreated cohort. The reduction in COVID-19 infections did not achieve statistical significance, indicating diminished efficacy against Omicron variants.
Evaluation of Theoretical Frameworks to Detect Correlates of HPV Vaccination in the Midwest, US, Using Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Degarege Abraham , Watanabe-Galloway Shinobu , Mansilla Kristyne , Sileshi Rahel M. , Peters Edward S.
Published: December 2023

Knowledge of a valid, well-designed, and targeted theory-based framework helps better characterize reasons for HPV vaccine hesitancy and identify promising approaches to increase vaccination rates for eligible individuals. This study evaluated health theories in explaining factors affecting HPV vaccination and used a theoretical framework to identify direct and indirect predictors and mediators of HPV vaccination. A cross-sectional survey regarding HPV vaccine uptake and related factors was conducted among 1306 teenagers and young adults in the Midwest, US, in March and April 2023. Structural equation modeling confirmed fit of the framework based on the Integrated Health Theory (IHT) to the HPV vaccine data (Comparative Fit Index = 0.93; Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.92; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.053). While willingness to uptake the HPV vaccine directly predicted increased uptake (p < 0.001), perceived benefits (p < 0.001) and barriers (p < 0.023) about the vaccine indirectly predicted increased and decreased uptake, respectively. In turn, beliefs about susceptibility (p = 0.005) and severity (p < 0.001) of HPV infection and associated cancers and barriers to vaccination in general (p < 0.001) indirectly predicted willingness to uptake the vaccine. In conclusion, IHT can be appropriate in examining predictors of HPV vaccine uptake in teenagers and young adults in the US, particularly in the Midwest.
Anatomical and Three-Dimensional Study of the Female Feline Abdominal and Pelvic Vascular System Using Dissections, Computed Tomography Angiography and Magnetic Resonance Angiography
Authors: Rojo Ríos Daniel , Ramírez Zarzosa Gregorio , Soler Laguía Marta , Kilroy David , Martínez Gomariz Francisco , Sánchez Collado Cayetano , Gil Cano Francisco , García García María I. , Ayala Florenciano María Dolores , Arencibia Espinosa Alberto
Published: December 2023

This study describes the anatomical characteristics of the abdominal and pelvic vascular system of two healthy mature female cats via three-dimensional contrast enhanced computed tomography angiography, non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography and three-dimensional printing. Volume-rendering computed tomography angiography images were acquired from the ventral aspect using RadiAnt, Amira and OsiriX MD Dicom three-dimensional formats, and three-dimensional printing was obtained and compared with the corresponding computed tomography angiography images. Non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography was made using the time-of-flight imaging in ventral, oblique and lateral views. In addition, three cadavers with colored latex injection were dissected to facilitate the identification of the vascular structures. Three-dimensional computed tomography angiography showed the main vascular structures, whereas with the time-of-flight blood appeared with a high signal intensity compared with associated abdominal and pelvic tissues. Three-dimensional computed tomography angiography images and time-of-flight sequences provided adequate anatomical details of the main arteries and veins that could be used for future feline anatomical and clinical vascular studies of the abdomen and pelvis.
Computed Tomographic Findings Secondary to Dental Pathologies: Comparison between Rabbits and Guinea Pigs
Authors: Petrini Daniele , Puccinelli Caterina , Citi Simonetta , Del Chicca Francesca
Published: December 2023

(1) Background: dental pathologies are the most frequent reason for requesting a CT scan of the head in rabbits and guinea pigs. The study aimed to review head CT exams of both species to identify and characterize lesions secondary to dental disease. (2) Methods: head CT studies of 48 rabbits and 52 guinea pigs with dental pathologies were reviewed. (3) Results: dental abnormalities of mandibular teeth were the most represented, both in rabbits (81.2%) and guinea pigs (98%). The aggressive bone lesion associated with teeth was the more frequently observed bone lesion in rabbits’ mandible and maxilla; in guinea pigs, the more frequent bone lesions were bulging around the roots of the teeth with focal lysis in the maxilla, and without focal lysis in the mandible. In the maxilla, the increased attenuation of nasal cavities (rhinitis) was the most frequently observed abnormality both in rabbits (60%) and guinea pigs (83.3%); the exophthalmos was more represented in rabbits (53.3%). In the mandible, the cavernous space-occupying lesion was more represented both in rabbits (92.3%) and guinea pigs (73.3%). (4) Conclusions: lesions secondary to dental pathologies were often observed both in rabbits and guinea pigs; CT examination has proven to be valuable in detecting secondary alterations in both species.