bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 Tracking Applications Acceptance among General Populace: An Overview in Malaysia
Authors: Al-shami Mahmoud , Abdulghafor Rawad , Aborujilah Abdulaziz , Yagoub Abubakar , Turaev Sherzod , Ali Mohammed A. H.
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic forced governments to implement strategies for contact tracing due to the disease’s ease of spread. The Malaysian government has sought to develop and implement a digital contact-tracking application to make it easier and faster to detect the spread; the system has become an integral part of the exit strategy from mandated lockdowns. These applications keep track of the user’s proximity with others who are in the system to inform them early on if they are at a risk of infection. The effectiveness of these applications depends on the willingness of users to install and allow the application to track their location at all times. Therefore, this research aims to identify the factors that would stimulate or slow down the adoption of contact-tracing apps.
Effect of Transportation Operation on Air Quality in China Based on MODIS AOD during the Epidemic
Authors: Feng Haixia , Wu Zhouhao , Li Xin , Xian Huacai , Jia Qiang , Wang Xingyu , Zhu Maoxin
Published: February 2023

With the rapid growth of automobile numbers and the increased traffic congestion, traffic has increasingly significant effects on regional air quality and regional sustainable development in China. This study tried to quantify the effect of transportation operation on regional air quality based on MODIS AOD. This paper analyzed the space-time characteristics of air quality and traffic during the epidemic by series analysis and kernel density analysis, and quantified the relationship between air quality and traffic through a Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) model. The main research conclusions are as follows: The epidemic has a great impact on traffic and regional air quality. PM2.5 and NO2 had the same trend with traffic congestion delay index (CDI), but they were not as obvious as CDI. Both cities with traffic congestion and cities with the worst air quality showed strong spatial dependence. The concentration areas of high AOD value in the east areas of the Hu line were consistent with the two gathering centers formed by cities with traffic congestion in space, and also consistent with the gathering center of cities with poor air quality. The concentration area of AOD decline was consistent with the gathering center formed by cities with the worst air quality. AOD had a strong positive correlation with road network density, and its GWR correlation coefficient was 0.68, then These provinces suitable for GWR or not suitable were divided. This study has a great significance for the transportation planning, regional planning, air quality control strategies and regional sustainable development, etc.
The Impact of Green Financial Policy on the Regional Economic Development Level and AQI—Evidence from Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Wang Min-Xing , Huang Lufei , Chen Zhen-Ming
Published: February 2023

To explore the impact of green financial policy on the regional economic development level and the Air Quality Index (AQI), this paper selected two pilot regions of green financial reform policy to construct a quasi-experiment in Zhejiang Province. The results show that green finance reform can reduce AQI and pass the parallel trend test and placebo test, showing strong stability. Mechanism analysis shows that green finance reform can improve environmental quality mainly by increasing urban expenditure on science and technology, the level of urban innovation, and the number of urban enterprise innovations. Then, from a more general perspective, this paper discusses the internal relationship between green finance policy, environmental pollution and its control, and enterprise development and puts forward suggestions for future green finance policy formulation and policy implementation.
Satisfaction with Online Study Abroad Predicted by Motivation and Self-Efficacy: A Perspective Based on the Situated Expectancy–Value Theory during the COVID-19 Epidemic
Authors: Sun Yu , Hong Jon-Chao , Ye Jian-Hong , Ye Jhen-Ni
Published: February 2023

Due to the globalization of the economy, studying abroad has been widely recognized as bringing many benefits to students. However, the closure of campuses and borders around the world since the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in 2020, has brought about significant changes in studying abroad as learning has moved online. In the context of emergency management, a new way of studying online has arisen. Despite this change, few studies have focused on the value perception of and satisfaction with online study abroad (OSA) in the context of the pandemic or have focused on students enrolled in overseas universities. To address this gap, this study proposed six research hypotheses and a hypothesis model based on the situated expectancy-value theory. The study used the snowballing technique to survey Chinese university faculty members who had studied online at overseas universities during the pandemic. A total of 481 valid data were collected, including 214 (44.5%) male and 267 (55.5%) female respondents. The data were then confirmed to have reliability and validity, and the research model was tested. Results indicated that all of the research hypotheses were supported. More specifically, the perceived value of OSA can be positively predicted by academic and career self-efficacy. Academic and career self-efficacy can be positively predicted by OSA motivation. The perceived value of OSA is positively related to satisfaction with OSA. This shows that promoting satisfaction with OSA for international students is a feasible international education program when international mobility is not possible in particular situations.
External Knowledge Flows and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises’ Innovation Capabilities Enhancement: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Adam Nawal Abdalla , Alofaysan Hind
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to identify sources of external knowledge in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, it aimed to determine how external knowledge flow affects the different types of SMEs’ innovation capabilities (product, process, organizational, and marketing innovation capability). A quantitative approach was adopted to achieve the objectives. A questionnaire survey was used to collect study data from 83 random SME managers/owners in Saudi Arabia. The data were analyzed using regression analysis and descriptive statistics. The findings of the study showed that customers were the main source of external knowledge in SMEs. The results of the regression analysis also demonstrated that external knowledge flow has a significant effect on SMEs’ innovation capabilities. External knowledge explains the changes in SMEs’ products and their process innovation capability. Additionally, external knowledge flow was a significant predictor of SMEs’ organizational innovation capability. The findings of the study provide policymakers and managers with many suggestions for developing innovations in SMEs. Additionally, this study provides a basis for researchers to conduct more future studies related to innovation and knowledge flow in SMEs.
Effect of Sustainable Supply Chain Management and Customer Relationship Management on Organizational Performance in the Context of the Egyptian Textile Industry
Authors: Attia Ahmed
Published: February 2023

This study aims to test the effect of sustainable supply chain management on customer relationship management, competitive advantage, and organizational performance by collecting and analyzing data from the Egyptian textile industry. A suggested research model shows the hypothesized relationship between sustainable supply chain management, customer relationship management, competitive advantage, and organizational performance. The proposed research model and hypotheses were tested using correlation analysis and structural equation modeling based on data collected from 148 companies working in the Egyptian textile industry. Statistical analysis of the collected data supports the positive relationship between sustainable supply chain management on one side and customer relationship management, competitive advantage, and organizational performance on the other. Additionally, statistical analysis supports the positive relationship between customer relationship management and competitive advantage from one side and organizational performance from the other side. Data were collected through an online survey from 147 supply chain managers in the Egyptian textile industry to test the research hypotheses. The results suggest that the successful implementation of sustainable supply chain management will help in improving customer relationship management, competitive advantage, and organizational performance.
A New Comprehensive Subclass of Analytic Bi-Univalent Functions Related to Gegenbauer Polynomials
Authors: Al-Hawary Tariq , Amourah Ala , Alsoboh Abdullah , Alsalhi Omar
Published: February 2023

In the current study, we provide a novel qualitative new subclass of analytical and bi-univalent functions in the symmetry domain U defined by the use of Gegenbauer polynomials. We derive estimates for the Fekete–Szegö functional problems and the Taylor–Maclaurin coefficients a2 and a3 for the functions that belong to each of these new subclasses of the bi-univalent function classes. Some more results are revealed after concentrating on the parameters employed in our main results.
An Optimization Strategy for MADM Framework with Confidence Level Aggregation Operators under Probabilistic Neutrosophic Hesitant Fuzzy Rough Environment
Authors: Kamran Muhammad , Ismail Rashad , Al-Sabri Esmail Hassan Abdullatif , Salamat Nadeem , Farman Muhammad , Ashraf Shahzaib
Published: February 2023

In this research, we first offer unique notions of averaging and geometric aggregation operators with confidence level by employing a probabilistic neutrosophic hesitant fuzzy rough framework. Then, we look into other descriptions of the suggested operators, such as idempotency, boundedness, and monotonicity. Additionally, for the derived operators, we establish the score and accuracy functions. We also provide a novel approach to assessing the selection procedure for smart medical devices (SMDs). The selection criteria for SMDs are quite complex, which is the most noteworthy feature of this investigation. It is suggested that these processes be simulated using a method utilizing a hesitant fuzzy set, a rough set, and a probabilistic single-valued neutrosophics set. The proposed approach is employed in the decision-making process, while taking into consideration the decision-makers’ (DMs’) level of confidence in the data they have obtained in order to deal with ambiguity, incomplete data, and uncertainty in lower and upper approximations. The major goal was to outline the issue’s complexities in order to pique interest among experts in the health care sector and encourage them to evaluate SMDs using various evaluation standards. The analysis of the technique’s outcomes demonstrated that the rankings and the results themselves were adequate and trustworthy. The effectiveness of our suggested improvements is also demonstrated through a symmetrical analysis. The symmetry behavior shows that the current techniques address more complex and advanced data.
Design of MIMO Antenna with Double L-Shaped Structure for 5G NR
Authors: Wang Zhonggen , You Wenshi , Yang Ming , Nie Wenyan , Mu Weidong
Published: February 2023

To satisfy the demand for 5G communication to smartphone terminal antennas in element quantity and isolation, an eight-element wideband MIMO antenna set of high isolation level is proposed. Each antenna element in the array is a double-L antenna consisting of an L-shaped slot and an L-shaped 50 Ω microstrip line. The L slot is formed by adding an I-shaped open circuit directly to the side of the rectangular slot. In addition, the antenna arrays are located on the long bezels on both sides of the mobile phone motherboard, and the coupling feed is made in the frequency range of 3.6–4.7 GHz through the L-shaped microstrip line, so as to cover the 5G NR band (N77/N78/N79). Finally, the four element pairs (8 components) achieve isolation of greater than 11 dB, the performance frequency range is 3.6–4.7GHz, the return loss is −6 dB, the total efficiency is greater than 85%, and the envelope correlation coefficient is less than 0.08. Other MIMO performances are also calculated, the design process is discussed in detail, and one-handed grip mode and two-handed grip mode are discussed to demonstrate their stabilities in real-world applications.
Investigation of the Spatio-Temporal Characteristics of High-Order Harmonic Generation Using a Bohmian Trajectory Scheme
Authors: Song Simeng , Wu Linyan , Qiao Yue , Zhou Shushan , Wang Jun , Guo Fuming , Yang Yujun
Published: February 2023

High-order harmonic generation of atoms irradiated by an ultrashort laser pulse was calculated by numerically solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation and the Bohmian trajectory scheme. The harmonic spectra with the two schemes are quantitatively consistent. Using the wavelet behavior of the Bohmian trajectory, the spatio-temporal features of harmonic emission from different energy regions are analyzed. It is found that the spatio-temporal distribution of the harmonic well revealed the physical mechanism of harmonic generation. This method will contribute to the understanding of harmonic emission mechanisms in complex systems, which include many atoms.
Digital Twins for Construction Projects—Developing a Risk Systematization Approach to Facilitate Anomaly Detection in Smart Buildings
Authors: Salem Tareq , Dragomir Mihai
Published: February 2023

This study aims to analyze and discuss the risks facing construction projects by reviewing some of the processes and procedures that address risks through the use of the digital twin technology. The paper studies generic risks and their treatment, and it develops a proposal for risk management systematization using the Digital Twin for Construction Projects approach, previously developed by the authors. It addresses how to classify risks so that the digital system is fed with the proper information and data, which is based on processing and analysis, to reach understandable decisions and overcome anomalies. The research reached a set of results, the most prominent of which is that the digital twin can be used to enhance risk management in construction projects through adapted techniques such as the ones proposed in the paper; namely, a risk treatment procedure and a custom risk matrix. In addition, risk management treated according to a digital approach helps to improve the prediction capabilities, and this helps human decision-makers to avoid potential unplanned costs and failures, and to maximize efficiency. The study also recommends new investigations in the field of safeguarding shared information and data to protect from intentional and accidental mismanagement in order to reach a comprehensive digital system.
An Extensive Examination of the Warning Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Available Therapies, and Prognosis for Lumpy Skin Disease
Authors: Datten Bharti , Chaudhary Anis Ahmad , Sharma Shalini , Singh Lokender , Rawat Krishna Dutta , Ashraf Mohammad Saquib , Alneghery Lina M. , Aladwani Malak O. , Rudayni Hassan Ahmad , Dayal Deen , Kumar Sanjay , Chaubey Kundan Kumar
Published: February 2023

The lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) infects cattle and buffalo and causes lumpy skin disease (LSD). It affects the lymph nodes of the sick animals, causing them to enlarge and appear as lumps (cutaneous nodules) that are 2–5 cm in diameter on their heads, necks, limbs, udders, genitalia, and perinea. A high temperature, a sharp drop in milk supply, discharge from the eyes and nose, salivation, a loss of appetite, depression, damaged hides, and emaciation are further warning signs and symptoms. As per the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the incubation period, or the time between an infection and symptoms, is approximately 28 days. Infected animals can transfer the virus by direct contact with the vectors, direct virus secretion from mouth or nose, shared feeding and watering troughs, and even artificial insemination. The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and the FAO both warn that the spread of illnesses could lead to serious economic losses. This illness reduces cow’s milk production because oral ulcers make the animal weak and lead them to lose their appetite. There are many diagnostics available for LSDV. However, very few tests yield accurate findings. The best methods for preventing and controlling the lumpy skin condition include vaccination and movement restrictions. As a specific cure is not available, the only available treatment for this illness is supportive care for cattle. Recently, India has developed a homologous, live-attenuated vaccine, Lumpi-ProVacInd, which is specifically intended to protect animals against the LSD virus. This study’s primary goal is to accumulate data on symptoms, the most accurate method of diagnosis, treatments, and controls to stop infections from spreading as well as to explore future possibilities for the management of LSDV.
Novel Chaphamaparvovirus in Insectivorous Molossus molossus Bats, from the Brazilian Amazon Region
Authors: Ramos Endrya do Socorro Foro , Abreu Wandercleyson Uchôa , Rodrigues Luis Reginaldo Ribeiro , Marinho Luis Fernando , Morais Vanessa dos Santos , Villanova Fabiola , Pandey Ramendra Pati , Araújo Emerson Luiz Lima , Deng Xutao , Delwart Eric , da Costa Antonio Charlys , Leal Elcio
Published: February 2023

Chaphamaparvovirus (CHPV) is a recently characterized genus of the Parvoviridae family whose members can infect different hosts, including bats, which constitute the second most diverse order of mammals and are described worldwide as important transmitters of zoonotic diseases. In this study, we identified a new CHPV in bat samples from the municipality of Santarém (Pará state, North Brazil). A total of 18 Molossus molossus bats were analyzed using viral metagenomics. In five animals, we identified CHPVs. These CHPV sequences presented the genome with a size ranging from 3797 to 4284 bp. Phylogenetic analysis-based nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the VP1 and NS1 regions showed that all CHPV sequences are monophyletic. They are also closely related to CHPV sequences previously identified in bats in southern and southeast Brazil. According to the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) classification criteria for this species (the CHPV NS1 gene region must have 85% identity to be classified in the same species), our sequences are likely a new specie within the genus Chaphamaparvovirus, since they have less than 80% identity with other CHPV described earlier in bats. We also make some phylogenetic considerations about the interaction between CHPV and their host. We suggest a high level of specificity of CPHV and its hosts. Thus, the findings contribute to improving information about the viral diversity of parvoviruses and show the importance of better investigating bats, considering that they harbor a variety of viruses that may favor zoonotic events.
The Seroprevalence of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome: An Epidemiological Study of Korean Veterinary Hospital Workers
Authors: Kim Choon-Mee , Kim Dong-Min , Bang Mi-Seon , Seo Jun-Won , Yun Na-Ra , Kim Da-Young , Han Mi-Ah , Hwang Ji-Hye , Park Sook-Kyung
Published: February 2023

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a zoonotic tick-borne infectious disease caused by the SFTS virus (SFTSV). Few studies have assessed SFTS seroprevalence among veterinary hospital staff and their awareness of SFTS. From January to May 2021, serum samples from 103 veterinary hospital staff were tested for SFTS using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), an immunofluorescence assay, and a 50% plaque reduction neutralization antibody test, which yielded positive results in four (3.9%), three (2.9%), and two (1.9%) participants, respectively. A questionnaire was used for an epidemiological investigation. ELISA positivity was higher among those who lacked awareness of possible animal-to-human SFTS transmission (p = 0.029). SFTS awareness was significantly lower among veterinary hospital staff than among the veterinarians (p < 0.001). Providing staff with training concerning standard precautions and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment is important.
Dissecting Phenotype from Genotype with Clinical Isolates of SARS-CoV-2 First Wave Variants
Authors: Taylor Mariah K. , Williams Evan P. , Xue Yi , Jenjaroenpun Piroon , Wongsurawat Thidathip , Smith Amanda P. , Smith Amber M. , Parvathareddy Jyothi , Kong Ying , Vogel Peter , Cao Xueyuan , Reichard Walter , Spruill-Harrell Briana , Samarasinghe Amali E. , Nookaew Intawat , Fitzpatrick Elizabeth A. , Smith Micholas Dean , Aranha Michelle , Smith Jeremy C. , Jonsson Colleen B.
Published: February 2023

The emergence and availability of closely related clinical isolates of SARS-CoV-2 offers a unique opportunity to identify novel nonsynonymous mutations that may impact phenotype. Global sequencing efforts show that SARS-CoV-2 variants have emerged and then been replaced since the beginning of the pandemic, yet we have limited information regarding the breadth of variant-specific host responses. Using primary cell cultures and the K18-hACE2 mouse, we investigated the replication, innate immune response, and pathology of closely related, clinical variants circulating during the first wave of the pandemic. Mathematical modeling of the lung viral replication of four clinical isolates showed a dichotomy between two B.1. isolates with significantly faster and slower infected cell clearance rates, respectively. While isolates induced several common immune host responses to infection, one B.1 isolate was unique in the promotion of eosinophil-associated proteins IL-5 and CCL11. Moreover, its mortality rate was significantly slower. Lung microscopic histopathology suggested further phenotypic divergence among the five isolates showing three distinct sets of phenotypes: (i) consolidation, alveolar hemorrhage, and inflammation, (ii) interstitial inflammation/septal thickening and peribronchiolar/perivascular lymphoid cells, and (iii) consolidation, alveolar involvement, and endothelial hypertrophy/margination. Together these findings show divergence in the phenotypic outcomes of these clinical isolates and reveal the potential importance of nonsynonymous mutations in nsp2 and ORF8.
Efficacy of Phase I and Phase II Coxiella burnetii Bacterin Vaccines in a Pregnant Ewe Challenge Model
Authors: Williams-Macdonald Sarah E. , Mitchell Mairi , Frew David , Palarea-Albaladejo Javier , Ewing David , Golde William T. , Longbottom David , Nisbet Alasdair J. , Livingstone Morag , Hamilton Clare M. , Fitzgerald Stephen F. , Buus Søren , Bach Emil , Dinkla Annemieke , Roest Hendrik-Jan , Koets Ad P. , McNeilly Tom N.
Published: February 2023

The bacterium Coxiella burnetii can cause the disease Q-fever in a wide range of animal hosts. Ruminants, including sheep, are thought to play a pivotal role in the transmission of C. burnetii to humans; however, the only existing livestock vaccine, namely, Coxevac® (Ceva Animal Health Ltd., Libourne, France), a killed bacterin vaccine based on phase I C. burnetii strain Nine-Mile, is only approved for use in goats and cattle. In this study, a pregnant ewe challenge model was used to determine the protective effects of Coxevac® and an experimental bacterin vaccine based on phase II C. burnetii against C. burnetii challenge. Prior to mating, ewes (n = 20 per group) were vaccinated subcutaneously with either Coxevac®, the phase II vaccine, or were unvaccinated. A subset of pregnant ewes (n = 6) from each group was then challenged 151 days later (~100 days of gestation) with 106 infectious mouse doses of C. burnetii, Nine-Mile strain RSA493. Both vaccines provided protection against C. burnetii challenge as measured by reductions in bacterial shedding in faeces, milk and vaginal mucus, and reduced abnormal pregnancies, compared to unvaccinated controls. This work highlights that the phase I vaccine Coxevac® can protect ewes against C. burnetii infection. Furthermore, the phase II vaccine provided comparable levels of protection and may offer a safer and cost-effective alternative to the currently licensed vaccine.
The Clinical Effectiveness and Safety of Vaccinations against COVID-19 in HIV-Positive Patients: Data from Observational Study in Poland
Authors: Bieńkowski Carlo , Skrzat-Klapaczyńska Agata , Firląg-Burkacka Ewa , Horban Andrzej , Kowalska Justyna D.
Published: February 2023

People living with HIV (PLWH) are a heterogeneous group of immunocompromised persons, yet underrepresented in randomized clinical trials leading to vaccination registration. Detectable HIV viral load and having chronic comorbidities may increase the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes in this group of patients. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of vaccinations against COVID-19 in PLWH. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of medical records of HIV-positive individuals routinely followed up between 1 January 2021 and 30 April 2022 that were at the HIV Outpatient Clinic in Warsaw. The analysis included data on the type and date of administration of subsequent doses of COVID-19 vaccination, adverse vaccine reactions, and the history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results: In total, 217 patients were included in the analysis, with a median age of 43 years (IQR: 35.5–51.5 years) and median CD4+ count of 591 cells/uL (IQR: 459.5–745.0 cells/uL). Most of the patients were male (191/217, 88.0%) and were vaccinated with the BNT162b2 vaccine (143/217, 65.9%). None of the patients diagnosed with COVID-19 required hospitalization. Vaccine adverse events (VAE) mostly occurred after the 1st dose (in 33/217 (15.2%)), and none of them were severe or required medical care. Conclusions: In our cohort of patients, vaccination against COVID-19 proved to be safe and effective against a severe course of the disease among people living with HIV. However, vaccination, to a lesser degree, protects against mild SARS-CoV-2 infection. Longer observations are required in order to assess the sustainability of protection against severe COVID-19 in this group of patients.
Evaluation of the Association of Recombinant Proteins NanH and PknG from Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis Using Different Adjuvants as a Recombinant Vaccine in Mice
Authors: Scholl Nicole Ramos , Silva Mara Thais de Oliveira , Barbosa Tallyson Nogueira , de Pinho Rodrigo Barros , Alves Mirna Samara Dié , Portela Ricardo Wagner , Azevedo Vasco Ariston de Carvalho , Borsuk Sibele
Published: February 2023

Caseous lymphadenitis is a chronic contagious disease that causes economic losses worldwide. Treatments are ineffective, thus demonstrating the importance of vaccination. In this study, rNanH and rPknG proteins from Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis were associated with saponin or aluminum hydroxide adjuvants. Three experimental groups (10 animals each) were immunized with sterile 0.9% saline solution (G1), rNanH + rPknG + Saponin (G2), rNanH + rPknG + Al(OH)3 (G3). The mice received two vaccine doses 21 days apart. Animals were challenged 21 days after the last immunization and evaluated for 50 days, with endpoint criteria applied when needed. The total IgG production levels of the experimental groups increased significantly on day 42 when compared to the control (p < 0.05). When tested against rNanH, G2 had a better rate of anti-rNanH antibodies compared to G3. In the anti-rPknG ELISA, the levels of total IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a antibodies were higher in G2. The vaccines generated partial protection, with 40% of the animals surviving the challenge. The association of recombinant NanH and PknG proteins led to promising protection rates in mice, and although using different adjuvants did not interfere with the survival rate, it influenced the immune response generated by the vaccine formulations.
Study of the Effects of Several SARS-CoV-2 Structural Proteins on Antiviral Immunity
Authors: Yue Rong , Zeng Fengyuan , Ma Danjing , Meng Ziyan , Li Xinghang , Zhang Zhenxiao , Zhang Haobo , Li Qi , Xu Langxi , Niu Zhenye , Li Dandan , Liao Yun , Jiang Guorun , Yu Li , Zhao Heng , Zhang Ying , Liu Longding , Li Qihan
Published: February 2023

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Spike (S) protein is a critical viral antigenic protein that enables the production of neutralizing antibodies, while other structural proteins, including the membrane (M), nucleocapsid (N) and envelope (E) proteins, have unclear roles in antiviral immunity. In this study, S1, S2, M, N and E proteins were expressed in 16HBE cells to explore the characteristics of the resultant innate immune response. Furthermore, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from mice immunized with two doses of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine or two doses of mRNA vaccine were isolated and stimulated by these five proteins to evaluate the corresponding specific T-cell immune response. In addition, the levels of humoral immunity induced by two-dose inactivated vaccine priming followed by mRNA vaccine boosting, two homologous inactivated vaccine doses and two homologous mRNA vaccine doses in immunized mice were compared. Our results suggested that viral structural proteins can activate the innate immune response and elicit a specific T-cell response in mice immunized with the inactivated vaccine. However, the existence of the specific T-cell response against M, N and E is seemingly insufficient to improve the level of humoral immunity.
Numerical Simulation and Characterization of the Hydromechanical Alterations at the Zafarraya Fault Due to the 1884 Andalusia Earthquake (Spain)
Authors: Mudarra-Hernández Manuel , Mosquera-Feijoo Juan Carlos , Sanz-Pérez Eugenio
Published: February 2023

The 1884 Andalusia Earthquake, with an estimated magnitude between 6.2 and 6.7, is one of the most destructive events that shook the Iberian Peninsula, causing around 1200 casualties. According to paleoseismology studies and intensity maps, the earthquake source relates to the normal Ventas de Zafarraya Fault (Granada, Spain). Diverse studies registered and later analyzed hydrological effects, such as landslides, rockfalls, soil liquefaction, all-around surge and loss of springs, alterations in the phreatic level, discharge in springs and brooks and well levels, along with changes in physical and chemical parameters of groundwater. Further insight into these phenomena found an interplay between hydromechanical processes and crust surface deformations, conditions, and properties. This study focuses on analyzing and simulating the features involved in the major 1884 event and aims at elucidating the mechanisms concerning the mentioned effects. This ex-post analysis builds on the qualitative effects and visible alterations registered by historical studies. It encompasses conceptual geological and kinematic models and a 2D finite element simulation to account for the processes undergone by the Zafarraya Fault. The study focuses on the variability of hydromechanical features and the time evolution of the ground pore–pressure distribution in both the preseismic and coseismic stages, matching some of the shreds of evidence found by field studies. This procedure has helped to shed light on the causal mechanisms and better understand some parameters of this historical earthquake, such as its hypocenter and magnitude. This methodology can be applied to other events registered in the National Catalogues of Earthquakes to achieve a deeper insight, further knowledge, and a better understanding of past earthquakes.
Extreme Flood Levels during the Operation of Cascade Reservoirs: A Case Study of the Lower Yangtze River in 2020
Authors: Ge Hua , Zhu Lingling
Published: February 2023

Flood disasters related to climate change are becoming increasingly frequent, indicating the potential for repeated future incidence. It is essential to fully understand the causes and mechanisms of flood formation to reduce future losses. By taking the extreme flood in the lower Yangtze River in 2020 as an example and using hydrological and rainfall data of the basin, the formation process and triggering factors of a flood disaster were analyzed in this study. The flooding process can be divided into six typical stages, in which the long duration plum rain season, frequent and high-intensity rainstorms, and high overlapping rainfall areas are the preconditions for flood formation, whereas frequent encounters of floods in the main stream and tributaries of the middle and lower Yangtze River are the decisive factors. In addition, flood drainage along the lower reaches and the jacking effect of the downstream tide level play a role in promoting flooding. During this process, the joint operation of cascade reservoirs plays a key role in the prevention of catastrophic floods. The aforementioned results can provide a reference for flood control strategies in case of similar floods in the future.
Utilizing Satellite Data to Establish Rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency Curves for Major Cities in Iraq
Authors: Zeri Sarah Jabbar , Hamed Mohammed Magdy , Wang Xiaojun , Shahid Shamsuddin
Published: February 2023

This study generates intensity-duration-frequency curves for three important cities in Iraq using Global Precipitation Measurement Integrated Multi-Satellite Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG), Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation near real-time (GSMaP NRT), and gauge corrected (GSMaP GC) satellite precipitation datasets. Many probability distribution functions were used to fit the maximum yearly rainfall data. The Sherman equation was used to create intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) curves for rainfall intensities with 2-, 5-, 10-, 25-, 50-, and 100-year return periods, with the estimated coefficients of the best-fit distribution serving as the fitting parameters. The discrepancy between the IDF curves produced from the satellites and the observed data was used to bias correct the satellite IDF curves. The Generalized Extreme Value Distribution model best describes the hourly rainfall distribution of satellite data. GSMaP GC was the best option for creating IDF curves with higher correlations with observed data at Baghdad, Basra, and Mosul. The study indicates the necessity of gauge correction of satellite rainfall data to reduce under- and over-estimating observed rainfall. GSMaP GC can reasonably estimate rainfall in a predominantly arid climate region like Iraq. The generated IDF curves may be an important step toward achieving sustainable urban stormwater management in the country.
Application of Response Surface Methodology to Optimize Coagulation Treatment Process of Urban Drinking Water Using Polyaluminium Chloride
Authors: Yateh Mohamed , Lartey-Young George , Li Fengting , Li Mei , Tang Yulin
Published: February 2023

Many coagulants such as aluminium sulfate, ferric sulfate, and ferrous sulfate have been investigated in the past, but there is a lack of data on their effectiveness to some specific water quality parameters. This study aimed at investigating the efficiency of the coagulation water treatment process to remove pollutants such as total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total suspended solids (TSS) from urban drinking water. The polyaluminium chloride (PAC) coagulant was applied to determine the impact of the treatment process on the structure and diversity of these pollutants in urban drinking water. All water samples were collected from the Yangtze River, Baoshan district, Shanghai, China, over a period of three months which coincided with the late summer and early winter periods. Specific to different coagulant characterizations, a preliminary test was performed with three other coagulants, namely, aluminium sulfate, polyaluminium, silicate sulfate, and ferric sulfate to determine their optimal conditions for floc characterization and removal efficiencies. In summary, the overall performance of the PAC coagulant was better than that of the other three coagulants used in the pre-treatment of the sampled water. The obtained results revealed that under the optimum operating conditions, the doses of the PAC were as follows: 20, 35, 50, 65, and 80 mgL−1, respectively. The water temperature and pH were determined by using a pH meter, the TOC and TN determined by using a TOC analyzer, and the TSS by following the ASTM D2540 method. Furthermore, the response surface methodology by the Box–Behnken optimization analysis was applied to coagulant dosage, temperature, pH, and three corresponding dependent factors (TSS, TOC, and TN) to determine the best optimal conditions for the PAC performance. To determine whether or not the quadratic model adequately explained and predicted the response during the coagulation process, an analysis of variance was performed. Multiple optimal factors were identified for the urban drinking water treatment, including a pH value of 6.9, water temperature of 20.1 °C, and a coagulant dosage of 9.7 mgL−1.
Automated Mapping of Wetland Ecosystems: A Study Using Google Earth Engine and Machine Learning for Lotus Mapping in Central Vietnam
Authors: Pham Huu-Ty , Nguyen Hao-Quang , Le Khac-Phuc , Tran Thi-Phuong , Ha Nam-Thang
Published: February 2023

Wetlands are highly productive ecosystems with the capability of carbon sequestration, providing an effective solution for climate change. Recent advancements in remote sensing have improved the accuracy in the mapping of wetland types, but there remain challenges in accurate and automatic wetland mapping, with additional requirements for complex input data for a number of wetland types in natural habitats. Here, we propose a remote sensing approach using the Google Earth Engine (GEE) to automate the extraction of water bodies and mapping of growing lotus, a wetland type with high economic and cultural values in central Vietnam. Sentinel-1 was used for water extraction with the K-Means clustering, whilst Sentinel-2 was combined with the machine learning smile Random Forest (sRF) and smile Gradient Tree Boosting (sGTB) models to map areas with growing lotus. The water map was derived from S-1 images with high confidence (F1 = 0.97 and Kappa coefficient = 0.94). sGTB outperformed the sRF model to deliver a growth map with a high accuracy (overall accuracy = 0.95, Kappa coefficient = 0.92, Precision = 0.93, and F1 = 0.93). The total lotus area was estimated at 145 ha and was distributed in the low land of the study site. Our proposed framework is a simple and reliable mapping technique, has a scalable potential with the GEE, and is capable of extension to other wetland types for large-scale mapping worldwide.
Water Quality Indicator for Adaptability to Global Climate Change in Andean Highland Ecosystems
Authors: Márquez Carmen O. , García Victor J. , Ríos Anita C.
Published: February 2023

In the face of ongoing anthropogenic climate change, river water quality assessment has become increasingly important for maintaining ecological balance and supporting local and downstream livelihoods. This research aims to create a new water quality index (WQI) to assess water quality in the Andean highlands (>2000 m.a.s.l.) for climate change adaptation and mitigation. We examined water physicochemical and bacteriological parameters and the benthic macroinvertebrate (BM) community in three micro-watersheds in Achupallas, Ecuador, to achieve our goal. We analyzed water quality at 41 sampling points, and samples (replicates) were taken for nine consecutive months. In addition, we evaluated the accuracy of the WQI developed by the U.S. National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) in 1970 (WQINSF). The BM community in the Andes highlands was used to develop and calibrate a new WQI, the Andean Biotic Index* (ABI*). We calibrated the ABI* taxon score in the area where the WQINSF made the most accurate water quality measurements. Our results show that the sigma value framework quantifies WQINSF accuracy. Therefore, a higher sigma value means we measured water quality more accurately. There was no correlation between the WQINSF and the Andean Biotic Index (ABI). The ABI* considers the presence of BMs and their sensitivity to pollution to measure water quality. The results also show a strong statistical link between the ABI* and the WQINSF. The ABI* can aid mountain communities in adjusting to climate change. Mountain dwellers can monitor a stream’s water quality by observing the BM communities. However, the ABI* is not a substitute for the WQINSF or biological studies.
Niche Analysis of the Main Fish in the Lhasa River Basin
Authors: Gao He , Liu Haiping , Wang Qiming , Liu Fei , Li Junting , Duan Yuting , Zeren Luowu , Fu Suxing , Zhang Jingsen , Zhou Yan , Li Yan , Zhou Chaowei
Published: February 2023

The Lhasa River is one of the five tributaries of the Yarlung Zangbo River. It is the main industrial, agricultural and animal husbandry area in Tibet. It plays an important ecological security barrier role in regulating regional climate and maintaining biodiversity. In order to understand the resource utilization ability and relationship of fish in Lhasa River, and provide basic data for the protection and sustainable utilization of fish diversity in Lhasa River, the fishery resources in September 2019 (autumn), June 2020 (summer), November 2020 (winter) and March 2021 (spring) were investigated for the first time. The main fish in the catch were determined by the Index of Relative Importance (IRI). Shannon index and Pianka’s index were used to analyze the niche breadth and overlap values of the main fish caught in Lhasa River Basin from three dimensions of time, space and space–time. The results show that a total of 1399 fish of 3 orders and 4 families were collected. Among them, there is one dominant species, Schizopygopsis younghusbandi, and five common species, Schizothorax waltoni, Schizothorax oconnori, Ptychobarbus dipogon, Triplophysa stenura and Carassius auratus. The spatial–temporal niche breadth ranges from 1.395 to 3.628. They are Schizopygopsis younghusbandi, Carassius auratus, Ptychobarbus dipogon, Schizothorax oconnori, Triplophysa stenura and Schizothorax waltoni in a declining order. The temporal niche breadth is generally small, indicating that the survival activities of the main fish are greatly affected by seasonal changes. The fluctuation range of spatial–temporal overlap value is 0–0.535, and only 20% of the total logarithm is meaningful. The species pairs with temporal niche overlap values exceeding 0.300 reached 80%, while the spatial niche overlap value is generally low. The results show that the spatial and temporal distributions of the main fish in Lhasa River were quite different, and the spatial and temporal niche overlap value of the relationship between species is obviously affected by the change in spatial distribution. This demonstrates that the competition relationship and intensity of the main fish are quite different in different spatial positions.
RiTiCE: River Flow Timing Characteristics and Extremes in the Arctic Region
Authors: Jalali Shahrood Abolfazl , Ahrari Amirhossein , Rossi Pekka M. , Klöve Björn , Torabi Haghighi Ali
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: river ice has a significant impact on nearly 66% of rivers in the Northern Hemisphere. Ice builds up during winter when the flow gradually reduces to its lowest level before the spring melt is initiated. Ice-induced floods can happen quickly, posing a risk to infrastructure, hydropower generation, and public safety, in addition to ecological repercussions from the scouring and erosion of the riverbeds. (2) Methods: we used the annual daily hydrograph to develop a RiTiCE tool that detects the break-up date and develops indices to analyze timing characteristics of extreme flow in the Tana and Tornio Rivers. (3) Results: the study showed that low-flow periods in two rivers had a significant trend with a confidence level of 95%. Additionally, it was observed that the occurrence date of seasonal 90-day low- and high-flow periods occurred earlier in recent years. Conversely, the Tana River showed a negative trend in its annual minimum flow over the century, which is the opposite of what happened with the Tornio River. (4) Conclusions: the method can be used to detect the date when the river ice breaks up in a given year, leading to a better understanding of the river ice phenomenon.
Performance Comparison of Different Cathode Strategies on Air-Cathode Microbial Fuel Cells: Coal Fly Ash as a Cathode Catalyst
Authors: Tremouli Asimina , Pandis Pavlos K. , Kamperidis Theofilos , Argirusis Christos , Stathopoulos Vassilis N. , Lyberatos Gerasimos
Published: February 2023

The effect of different cathode strategies (mullite/MnO2, Plexiglas/Gore-Tex/MnO2, mullite/coal fly ash, mullite/biochar, mullite/activated carbon) on the performance of air-cathode microbial fuel cells (MFCs) was investigated. The highest maximum power output was observed using MnO2 catalyst pasted on Gore-Tex cloth (7.7 mW/m3), yet the highest coulombic efficiencies (CEs) were achieved using MnO2 (CE 23.5 ± 2.7%) and coal fly ash (CE 20 ± 3.3%) pasted on ceramic. The results showed that the utilization of coal fly ash and biochar as catalysts in MFC technology can be a sustainable and cost-effective solution.
Calculation of Dry Weather Flows in Pumping Stations to Identify Inflow and Infiltration in Urban Drainage Systems
Authors: Van Assel Johan , Kroll Stefan , Delgado Rosalia
Published: February 2023

The performance of most urban drainage systems is adversely affected by unintended connections of groundwater and surface water, often denoted as inflow and infiltration (I&I). Various methods exist to locate and characterise these effects. Yet, it remains difficult to quantify them accurately, especially in terms of spatial distribution over a larger drainage area. One of the reasons for this is the lack of sufficient high-quality sewer flow measurements at a high temporal resolution, which would enable the calibration of detailed spatio-temporal relationships between rainfall and I&I flows. In this paper, a methodology is presented for deriving sewer flow time series from operational measurements at pumping stations, and the results from four pilot locations are discussed. It shows the potential of the methodology to be implemented at a large scale and to contribute to a better understanding and remediation of I&I in urban drainage management planning.
Remote-Sensing Extraction of Small Water Bodies on the Loess Plateau
Authors: Guo Jia , Wang Xiaoping , Liu Bin , Liu Ke , Zhang Yong , Wang Chenfeng
Published: February 2023

The mixed pixel of low-resolution remote-sensing image makes the traditional water extraction method not effective for small water body extraction. This study takes the Loess Plateau with complex terrain as the research area and develops a multi-index fusion threshold segmentation algorithm (MFTSA) for a large-scale small water body extraction algorithm based on GEE (Google Earth Engine). MFTSA uses the AWEI (automated water extraction index), MNDWI (modified normalized difference water index), NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) and EVI (enhanced vegetation index) for multi-index synergy to extract small water bodies. It also uses slope data generated by the SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission digital elevation model) and NIR band reflectance to eliminate suppressing high reflectivity noise and shadow noise. An MFTSA algorithm was proposed and the results showed that: (1) The overall extraction accuracy of the MFTSA algorithm on the Loess Plateau was 98.14%, and the correct extraction rate of small water bodies was 92.82%. (2) Compared with traditional water index methods and classification methods, the MFTSA algorithm could extract small water bodies with higher integrity and clearer and more accurate boundaries. (3) The MFTSA algorithm was used to extract a total of 69,900 small water bodies on the Loess Plateau, accounting for 97.63% of the total water bodies, and the area was 482.11 square kilometers, accounting for 16.50% of the total water bodies.