bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reaction to Idiosyncratic Economic Shocks—Economic Resilience of Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Authors: Tolner Ferenc , Barta Balázs , Eigner György
Published: June 2024

The objective of this research is to present a qualitative methodology for the empirical investigation of enterprises’ responses to economic shocks. Annual balance sheets and income statements of nearly 26,000 Hungarian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the production sector have been examined. A data-driven resilience metric is introduced, based on annual sales growth fluctuations in response to idiosyncratic economic disturbances. Accordingly, Logistic Regression and Random Forest classification of company-year observations have been conducted. Non-parametric statistical tests based on pair-matching suggest that while resilience against economic downturns is critical for short-term survival, it does not necessarily translate to any enhanced long-term development or prosperity. This study demonstrates that companies exposed to economic setbacks tend to lag behind compared to control pairs and illuminate the aftermath of resilient shock reactions at the population level. Our findings suggest that enterprises that have experienced an economic shock should be considered vulnerable and monitored regardless of their shock reaction history as part of a sustainable national economic strategy to foster overall competitiveness and productivity and maintain supply chains.
Green Human Resource Management: Practices, Benefits, and Constraints—Evidence from the Portuguese Context
Authors: Coelho Joana Patrícia , Couto Ana Isabel , Ferreira-Oliveira Ana Teresa
Published: June 2024

In recent decades, the issue of environmental sustainability has become increasingly important worldwide and there is growing pressure from stakeholders for companies to transform themselves in order to mitigate their environmental impacts. Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) plays an important role in promoting a corporate culture of environmental responsibility, ensuring the effectiveness of companies’ environmental strategy through its direct role with employees. In response to the lack of studies on GHRM and its implementation in the Portuguese business context, this study aims to map the GHRM practices implemented by companies operating in Portugal and to identify the perceived benefits, constraints, and challenges in implementing these practices. A total of 15 semi-structured interviews with human resource managers and environment-related management professionals of companies selected from an Environmental Management Systems—ISO 14001 database were conducted. The results show that organizations in Portugal implement environmental practices that fall within the scope of GHRM. The practices identified also range across transversal categories such as digital, mobility, products and waste management, infrastructure, performance, production, and corporate events. However, a holistic approach is needed and GHRM should be built under a multidimensional and well-planned system. This study argues that perceived benefits are constrained by the specific characteristics of the Portuguese business context which results in obstacles for the implementation and success of GHRM practices. The implications of the results for the organizations are discussed and suggestions are put forward.
Spatial Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Eutrophication Potential from Livestock Manure in Bangladesh
Authors: Mahal Zinat , Yabar Helmut , Mizunoya Takeshi
Published: June 2024

Large amounts of livestock manure production in Bangladesh have created a challenge to the environment by increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and eutrophication potential (EP) risk. Though some studies have identified the impact of manure on emissions, the consequences of manure exploitation on water bodies are very rare. This study investigated the effects of livestock manure on both air and water environments in the regional context of Bangladesh. Mathematical equations were used to assess manure generation, GHG emissions, manure leach-out amount, EP, and geographic information system (GIS) spatial analysis tools were applied to visualize the outcomes of the research. Between 1990 and 2020, the GHG emissions increased from 7451.26 to 13,244.45 kilotons CO2eq, and the amount of manure leach-out to water also increased from 236.49 to 493.75 kilotons over these 30 years of time. In 2023, the study demonstrated that approximately 216.97 million tons of livestock manure were produced in Bangladesh, which accounted for a total GHG emission of 16.61 million tons CO2eq, and about 62.19 million tons of manure leached out to water, which has a total EP of 295.22 kg N-eq/ha/year. This study offers regional pattern emission intensity and eutrophication-susceptible area maps, which indicate the stimulus of livestock manure across Bangladesh. A long-term impact study, distinctive map formation, and eutrophication susceptibility analysis will be helpful for implementing specific policies and strategies to improve the environment of the livestock sector in Bangladesh.
Simulating the Sustainable Impact of Land Use Change on Carbon Emissions in the Upper Yellow River of Gannan: A Multi-Scenario Perspective Based on the PLUS Model
Authors: Zhao Yu-Chen , Tian Yuan , Zhang Qi-Peng , Jiang Li-Yan , Wang Qian
Published: June 2024

Changes to land use carbon emissions (LUCEs) have become significant contributors to increasingly severe climate issues. Land use change is one of the crucial factors that affect carbon emissions. Alpine meadows regions are sensitive to climate change and human activities. However, current research on LUCEs mainly focuses on analyzing present land use status and spatial patterns. To reveal and forecast future LUCEs in the alpine region, the Upper Yellow River of Gannan (UYRG) was used as a case study. Based on the land use data from 1990 to 2020, we used the multi-scenario PLUS model to predict the land use types in 2030 and analyzed the spatial and temporal dynamic trends of LUCEs from 1990 to 2030. The results showed a strong correlation between the predicted and actual land use types, with a Kappa value of 0.93, indicating the applicability of the PLUS model in predicting land use in the UYRG. Over the study period, construction land expanded, while woodland and grassland diminished. Carbon emissions (CEs) increased by 516.4% from −200,541.43 Mg CO2e in 1990 to 835,054.08 Mg CO2e in 2020, with construction land being the main contributor. In the Natural Development scenario for 2030, construction land expanded most rapidly, resulting in the highest LUCEs. In the Ecological Protection scenario, woodland and grassland expanded, while construction land decreased, leading to an expansion in carbon sinks. In the Cropland Protection scenario, cropland expanded, with CEs falling between the other two scenarios. These findings lay a theoretical groundwork for formulating policies addressing LUCEs in alpine meadows, providing valuable insights for further studies.
The Food, Energy, and Water Nexus through the Lens of Electric Vehicle Adoption and Ethanol Consumption in the United States
Authors: Amaya Jacqueline , Bednarski Emily , Guccione Allison , Raniszeski Zachary , Tierney Megan , Trajcevski Samantha , Waite Isabella , Brecha Robert J.
Published: June 2024

The US produces a large share of global biofuels but is unique in using a relatively inefficient biofuel pathway involving corn (maize) for ethanol production. The Renewable Fuel Standards that enshrine this feedstock were intended as a greenhouse gas emissions reduction measure but have had the effect of coupling the food, energy, and, to a lesser extent, water systems. This paper looks at the food–energy–water (FEW) nexus as exemplified by the growth in corn agriculture for internal combustion engine vehicle fuel and how that will likely change as vehicle electrification proceeds and accelerates. Starting with scenarios in which there is a rapid uptake in electric vehicles by 2030 and beyond, we examine the implications for the switch from liquid fuels for transportation in the United States toward electric vehicles (EVs). We find that scenarios in which EV penetration grows rapidly will clearly decrease demand for corn ethanol. Our analysis shows that, with judicious planning, the decrease in corn ethanol demand can have potential positive co-benefits. These co-benefits include reducing stressors on depleting aquifers and nutrient runoff to waterways. Substituting a small fraction of displaced industrial corn–ethanol cropland with large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity can supply a large fraction of the additional electricity needed for EVs. Finally, solar PV generation can ameliorate or even increase income and create more jobs than those lost to the decreased ethanol demand.
Rapid Emergency Response Resilience Assessment of Highway Bridge Networks under Moderate Earthquakes
Authors: Ma Longshuang , Zhang Chi , Liu Xinru , Fang Kun , Liu Zhenliang
Published: June 2024

Quick post-disaster emergency response of highway bridge networks (HBNs) is vital to alleviating the impact of disasters in affected areas. Nevertheless, achieving their emergency response resilience remains challenging due to the difficulty in accurately capturing the response capacity of HBNs and rapidly evaluating the damage states of regional bridges. This study delves into the emergency response, seismic resilience, and recovery scheduling of HBNs subjected to frequent yet mostly ignored moderate earthquakes. Firstly, the feasibility of intelligent methods is explored as a substitute for nonlinear time-history analysis of regional bridges. Subsequently, for realistic modeling of post-disaster HBNs, a decision tree model is developed to determine potential traffic restrictions imposed on damaged bridges. Moreover, their emergency response functionalities are thoroughly investigated, upon which a comprehensive multi-dimensional resilience metric vector is proposed. Finally, the proposed methodologies are applied to the Sioux Falls HBN as a case study, revealing a decreasing mean value and increasing deviation values in the long term. The results are expected to provide important theoretical and practical emergency response guidance.
Energy Consumption and Carbon Emissions: An Empirical Study of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alajmi Reema Gh.
Published: June 2024

For several decades, Saudi Arabia has depended on fossil fuels for energy consumption in its sectors, which in turn has increased carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore, it is necessary to estimate the effect of energy consumption on the quality of the environment and explore the role of energy-efficient technological innovation. This study uses a structural time series model (STSM) to examine the efficiency of the energy technological innovation role in Saudi Arabia from 1980 to 2019 based on two models. Findings of long-run elasticities estimated in both models indicate that energy consumption impacts carbon dioxide emissions significantly. Also, the underlying energy demand trend (UEDT) evident in both models implies that over the study period, improvement in the efficiency of energy does not exist. But from 2016 onwards, the UEDT showed a downward slope, because the country became interested in energy efficiency and launched a few energy-efficiency policies and programs in the 2010s. Finally, this study highlights some important energy and environmental policies that can help to mitigate carbon emissions. Recognising the role of energy efficiency in environmental quality may help policymakers to act and apply energy efficiency in the industrial sector. Also, Saudi Arabia’s policymakers have to accelerate the enforcement of energy-efficiency programs with mandatory implementation.
Challenges of Robotic Technology in Sustainable Construction Practice
Authors: Dindorf Ryszard , Wos Piotr
Published: June 2024

This review discusses new technologies in the construction industry, such as digitalization, automation, and robotization, which have an impact on improving sustainable construction in the digital transformation in the era of Industry 4.0. This review focuses specifically on the impact of robotic technology on the triad of sustainable construction: economy, environment, and society. Current trends in the construction industry related to common data environments (CDEs), building information modeling (BIM), construction robots (CRs), and bricklaying robots (BRs) are highlighted. Robotics technology used throughout the construction industry in a sustainable construction context is presented, including bricklaying, plastering, painting, welding, prefabrication, and material handling. New trends in robotics technology with respect to robotic bricklaying are presented, and the first mobile robotic bricklaying system (RBS) in Poland, which was designed, modeled, simulated, and built from scratch, is distinguished. The RBS was tested under laboratory conditions and verified on the construction site. Included are the main factors that make it impossible to spread robotic technology on construction sites, and furthermore, many solutions are proposed to problems associated with the robotic transformation. The discussed robotic technology is not limited only to a purely technical approach but takes into account challenges corresponding to the circular economy.
Comparative Study on the Agglomeration Degree and Influencing Factors of the Urban Creative Class in the Central Area of the Yangtze River Delta
Authors: Li Yijie , Zhu Hanyu , Chen Qianzhu , Su Yi
Published: June 2024

The creative class has become an important force in promoting sustainable urban development. Existing research has explored many factors for the agglomeration of the creative class, but there is still a lack of comparative studies from a heterogeneity perspective and on the design of cross-cultural adaptability factors, especially comparative studies across different regions in Chinese cities. This paper focuses on 27 central district cities in the Yangtze River Delta region of China, based on panel data from 2012 to 2019, and uses the location entropy method to measure the agglomeration degree of the creative class in different cities. Considering the cultural background of China, a model of influencing factors including five dimensions: economic foundation, living environment, cultural and educational environment, innovation environment, and ecological environment is constructed. The study finds: (1) The agglomeration degree of the creative class in the central urban cluster of the Yangtze River Delta is significantly higher than the peripheral level, forming an agglomeration distribution pattern led by Shanghai, with Nanjing, Hefei, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Ningbo, and other important node cities. The agglomeration degree of the creative class generally shows an upward trend. (2) The economic foundation, living environment, cultural and educational environment, innovation environment, and ecological environment all have a significant positive impact on the agglomeration of the creative class, among which the impact of the living environment, cultural and educational environment, and innovation environment is larger, while the economic foundation and ecological environment are relatively smaller. (3) There are differences in the influencing factors of the creative class agglomeration at the provincial levels of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui in the Yangtze River Delta. Compared with the more core provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, the cultural and educational environment and ecological environment have a more significant impact, while the relatively peripheral Anhui province is more dependent on the city’s openness and innovation environment factors. This study reveals the spatial distribution rules and influencing factors of the creative class in the central cities of the Yangtze River Delta, providing insights for coordinated and sustainable regional development.
Symmetry Implications of a 60 GHz Inverted Microstrip Line Phase Shifter with Nematic Liquid Crystals in Diverse Packaging Boundary Conditions
Authors: Li Jinfeng , Li Haorong
Published: June 2024

This work demystifies the role that packaging boundary conditions (both physically and electromagnetically) can play in a nematic liquid crystal (NLC)-based inverted microstrip (IMS) phase shifter device operating at the 60 GHz band (from 54 GHz to 66 GHz). Most notably, the air box radiating boundary and perfect electric conductor (PEC) enclosing boundary are numerically examined and compared statistically for convergence, scattering parameters, and phase-shift-to-insertion-loss ratio, i.e., figure-of-merit (FoM). Notably, the simulated phase tunability of the radiating air box boundary structure is 8.26°/cm higher than that of the encased (enclosed) PEC boundary structure at 60 GHz. However, the maximum insertion loss of the encased PEC structure is 0.47 dB smaller compared to that of the radiant air box boundary structure. This results in an FoM increase of 29.26°/dB at the enclosed PEC limit (relative to the less-than-optimal airbox radiation limit). Arguably, the NLC-filled IMS phase shifter device packaging with metals fully enclosed (in addition to the default ground plane) enhances the symmetry of the structure, both in the geometry and the materials system. In electromagnetic parlance, it contributes to a more homogenously distributed electric field and a more stable monomodal transmission environment with mitigated radiation and noise. Practically, the addition of the enclosure to the well-established NLC-IMS planar fabrication techniques provides a feasible manufacturing (assembling) solution to acquire the reasonably comparable performance advantage exhibited by non-planar structures, e.g., a fully enclosed strip line and rectangular coaxial line, which are technically demanding to manufacture with NLC.
Dynamics and Optimal Harvesting for Fishery Models with Reserved Areas
Authors: Gao Wenjun , Jia Xiu , Shi Ruiqing
Published: June 2024

This paper analyzes the dynamic behavior of a fishery model described by differential algebraic equations. Two patches, namely free fishing area and protected area, are included in the model. The migration of fish is symmetrical, i.e., the fish can migrate between the two patches. It is observed that a singularity-induced bifurcation occurs when the economic benefit of harvesting changes. When the economic benefit is positive, a state feedback controller is added to stabilize the system. Some examples and numerical simulations are presented to verify the theoretical results. In addition, harvesting of prey populations is used as a control measure to obtain the maximum economic benefits and ecological sustainability. The optimal solution is derived by using Pontryagin’s maximum principle. Through extensive numerical simulations, it is shown that the optimal solution is capable of achieving ecosystem sustainability.
Cutting-Edge Machine Learning Techniques for Accurate Prediction of Agglomeration Size in Water–Alumina Nanofluids
Authors: Vaferi Behzad , Dehbashi Mohsen , Alibak Ali Hosin
Published: June 2024

Nanoparticle agglomeration is one of the most problematic phenomena during nanofluid synthesis by a two-step procedure. Understanding and accurately estimating agglomeration size is crucial, as it significantly affects nanofluids’ properties, behavior, and successful applications. To the best of our knowledge, the literature has not yet applied machine learning methods to estimate alumina agglomeration size in water-based nanofluids. So, this research employs a range of machine learning models—Random Forest, Adaptive Boosting, Extra Trees, Categorical Boosting, and Multilayer Perceptron Neural Networks—to predict alumina agglomeration sizes in water-based nanofluids. To this end, a comprehensive experimental database, including 345 alumina agglomeration sizes in water-based nanofluids, compiled from 29 various sources from the literature, is utilized to train these models and monitor their generalization ability in the testing stage. The models estimate agglomeration size based on multiple factors: alumina concentration, ultrasonic time, power, frequency, temperature, surfactant type and concentration, and pH levels. The relevancy test based on the Pearson method clarifies that Al2O3 agglomeration size in water primarily depends on ultrasonic frequency, ultrasonic power, alumina concentration in water, and surfactant concentration. Comparative analyses based on numerical and graphical techniques reveal that the Categorical Boosting model surpasses others in accurately simulating this complex phenomenon. It effectively captures the intricate relationships between key features and alumina agglomeration size, achieving an average absolute relative deviation of 6.75%, a relative absolute error of 12.83%, and a correlation coefficient of 0.9762. Furthermore, applying the leverage method to the experimental data helps identify two problematic measurements within the database. These results validate the effectiveness of the Categorical Boosting model and contribute to the broader goal of enhancing our understanding and control of nanofluid properties, thereby aiding in improving their practical applications.
Cold Chain Logistics Center Layout Optimization Based on Improved Dung Beetle Algorithm
Authors: Li Jinhui , Zhou Qing
Published: June 2024

To reduce the impact of the cold chain logistics center layout on economic benefits, operating efficiency and carbon emissions, a layout optimization method is proposed based on the improved dung beetle algorithm. Firstly, based on the analysis of the relationship between logistics and non-logistics, a multi-objective optimization model is established to minimize the total logistics cost, maximize the adjacency correlation and minimize the carbon emissions; secondly, based on the standard Dung Beetle Optimization (DBO) algorithm, in order to further improve the global exploration ability of the algorithm, Chebyshev chaotic mapping and an adaptive Gaussian–Cauchy hybrid mutation disturbance strategy are introduced to improve the DBO (IDBO) algorithm; finally, taking an actual cold chain logistics center as an example, the DBO algorithm and the improved DBO algorithm are applied to optimize its layout, respectively. The results show that the total logistics cost after optimization of the IDBO algorithm is reduced by 25.54% compared with the original layout, the adjacency correlation is improved by 29.93%, and the carbon emission is reduced by 6.75%, verifying the effectiveness of the proposed method and providing a reference for the layout design of cold chain logistics centers.
An Organizational System Approach to Internal Retaliation Behavior within Chinese SMEs: The Serial Multiple Mediation Model and Moderating Role of Workplace Incivility
Authors: Du Jiaxing , Qing Chenglin , Hahm Sangwoo
Published: June 2024

With the global economic downturn, the impact on internal systems of Chinese SMEs has also received great attention. However, the provocative and destructive nature of retaliation behavior by SME employees shifts resources meant for organizational system development towards addressing internal balance issues. Employees’ retaliation behavior poses significant harm to organizations systems, limiting their long-term sustainability and competitiveness in the long run. This study argues for a close relationship between employee behavior and leadership management style, particularly in the context of inadequate management systems in SMEs, which can easily subject employees to direct influence from their leaders. For example, abusive supervision or oppressive practices at the management level can trigger resistance and rebellious behavior among employees, leading them to choose retaliatory actions as a response to the organizational system. This study aims to explore the causal relationship between abusive supervision and retaliation behavior within the system. We aim to clarify the pathway through which abusive supervision triggers retaliation behavior among employees within the system and examine the serial multiple mediating effects of psychological distress and negative emotions as well as the moderating effect of workplace incivility. To validate the hypotheses proposed in this study, a survey was conducted among employees of Chinese SMEs. The data provided by 303 employees were analyzed using SPSS ver. 26.0, AMOS ver. 23.0, and SPSS PROCESS Macro 3.4.1 Model 6. The findings indicate that abusive supervision has an indirect effect on employee retaliation behavior through the serial multiple mediating effects of psychological distress and negative emotions. Workplace incivility moderated the influence of negative emotions on retaliation. This study explored the process by which abusive management triggers retaliative behavior through a serial multiple mediation model, providing theoretical evidence for related research. This study explicitly reveals the process leading to retaliation behavior within the system and presents the differences from previous research. Additionally, this study demonstrates the interactive effect between abusive supervision and incivility through the moderating role of incivility in determining the level of retaliation behavior. Ultimately, this study has pioneering significance in exploring the causes of retaliation behavior within the Chinese SME organizational system and how to prevent the occurrence of retaliation behavior.
Prospects for AGN Studies with AXIS: AGN Fueling—Resolving Hot Gas inside Bondi Radius of SMBHs
Authors: Wong Ka-Wah , Russell Helen R. , Irwin Jimmy A. , Cappelluti Nico , Foord Adi
Published: June 2024

Hot gas around a supermassive black hole (SMBH) should be captured within the gravitational “sphere of influence”, characterized by the Bondi radius. Deep Chandra observations have spatially resolved the Bondi radii of five nearby SMBHs that are believed to be accreting in hot accretion mode. Contrary to earlier hot accretion models that predicted a steep temperature increase within the Bondi radius, none of the resolved temperature profiles exhibit such an increase. The temperature inside the Bondi radius appears to be complex, indicative of a multi-temperature phase of hot gas with a cooler component at about 0.2–0.3 keV. The density profiles within the Bondi regions are shallow, suggesting the presence of strong outflows. These findings might be explained by recent realistic numerical simulations that suggest that large-scale accretion inside the Bondi radius can be chaotic, with cooler gas raining down in some directions and hotter gas outflowing in others. With an angular resolution similar to Chandra and a significantly larger collecting area, AXIS will collect enough photons to map the emerging accretion flow within and around the “sphere of influence” of a large sample of active galactic nuclei (AGNs). AXIS will reveal transitions in the inflow that ultimately fuels the AGN, as well as outflows that provide feedback to the environment. This White Paper is part of a series commissioned for the AXIS Probe Concept Mission; additional AXIS White Papers can be found at the AXIS website.
The Stop Codon after the nsp3 Gene of Ross River Virus (RRV) Is Not Essential for Virus Replication in Three Cell Lines Tested, but RRV Replication Is Attenuated in HEK 293T Cells
Authors: Schmidt Christin , Gerbeth Julia , von Rhein Christine , Hastert Florian D. , Schnierle Barbara S.
Published: June 2024

A recombinant Ross River virus (RRV) that contains the fluorescent protein mCherry fused to the non-structural protein 3 (nsP3) was constructed, which allowed real-time imaging of viral replication. RRV-mCherry contained either the natural opal stop codon after the nsP3 gene or was constructed without a stop codon. The mCherry fusion protein did not interfere with the viral life cycle and deletion of the stop codon did not change the replication capacity of RRV-mCherry. Comparison of RRV-mCherry and chikungunya virus-mCherry infections, however, showed a cell type-dependent delay in RRV-mCherry replication in HEK 293T cells. This delay was not caused by differences in cell entry, but rather by an impeded nsP expression caused by the RRV inhibitor ZAP (zinc finger CCCH-Type, antiviral 1). The data indicate that viral replication of alphaviruses is cell-type dependent, and might be unique for each alphavirus.
Lessons Learned from Active Clinical and Laboratory Surveillance during the Sheep Pox Virus Outbreak in Spain, 2022–2023
Authors: Villalba Rubén , Haegeman Andy , Ruano María José , Gómez María Belén , Cano-Gómez Cristina , López-Herranz Ana , Tejero-Cavero Jesús , Capilla Jaime , Bascuñan María Victoria , De Regge Nick , Agüero Montserrat
Published: June 2024

In September 2022, more than 50 years after its eradication from Spain, Sheep pox virus was confirmed by laboratory analysis in sheep showing characteristic lesions. This was the start of an outbreak that lasted 9 months and infected 30 farms dispersed over two different areas, Andalusia and Castilla-La Mancha. Early after the initial confirmation, an active surveillance based on clinical inspection with laboratory confirmation of sheep with clinical signs was started in restricted areas. This allowed the confirmation of Sheep pox in 22 out of 28 suspected farms, where limited numbers of sheep with mainly erythema and papules were found, indicative of early detection. Nevertheless, to improve active surveillance and stop the outbreak, clinical inspection was reinforced by laboratory analysis in all inspected farms, even when no clinically diseased sheep were detected. Although more than 35,000 oral swabs from 335 farms were analysed by real-time PCR in pools of five, only two out of six reported outbreaks in this period were detected by laboratory analysis before clinical signs were observed. Furthermore, additional insights were gained from the extensive laboratory surveillance performed on samples collected under field conditions. No evidence of Sheep pox virus infection was found in goats. Oral swabs proved to be the sample of choice for early detection in the absence of scabs and could be tested in pools of five without extensive loss in sensitivity; serology by ELISA was not useful in outbreak detection. Finally, a non-infectious genome of the virus could be detected months after cleaning and disinfection; thus, real-time PCR results should be interpreted with caution in sentinel animals during repopulation. In conclusion, the outbreak of Sheep pox virus in Spain showed that active clinical inspection with laboratory confirmation of clinically diseased sheep via oral swab testing proved a sensitive method for detection of infected farms, providing insights in laboratory surveillance that will be helpful for other countries confronted with Sheep pox outbreaks.
Arg18 Substitutions Reveal the Capacity of the HIV-1 Capsid Protein for Non-Fullerene Assembly
Authors: Schirra Randall T. , dos Santos Nayara F. B. , Ganser-Pornillos Barbie K. , Pornillos Owen
Published: June 2024

In the fullerene cone HIV-1 capsid, the central channels of the hexameric and pentameric capsomers each contain a ring of arginine (Arg18) residues that perform essential roles in capsid assembly and function. In both the hexamer and pentamer, the Arg18 rings coordinate inositol hexakisphosphate, an assembly and stability factor for the capsid. Previously, it was shown that amino-acid substitutions of Arg18 can promote pentamer incorporation into capsid-like particles (CLPs) that spontaneously assemble in vitro under high-salt conditions. Here, we show that these Arg18 mutant CLPs contain a non-canonical pentamer conformation and distinct lattice characteristics that do not follow the fullerene geometry of retroviral capsids. The Arg18 mutant pentamers resemble the hexamer in intra-oligomeric contacts and form a unique tetramer-of-pentamers that allows for incorporation of an octahedral vertex with a cross-shaped opening in the hexagonal capsid lattice. Our findings highlight an unexpected degree of structural plasticity in HIV-1 capsid assembly.
Saliva Is a Sensitive and Accessible Sample Both for SARS-CoV-2 Detection and for the Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness in Follow-Up Studies
Authors: Lalle Eleonora , Mazzotta Valentina , Sberna Giuseppe , Fabeni Lavinia , Garbuglia Anna Rosa , Mastrorosa Ilaria , D’Abramo Alessandra , Nicastri Emanuele , Girardi Enrico , Antinori Andrea , Maggi Fabrizio , Bordi Licia
Published: June 2024

Despite emerging evidence indicating that molecular SARS-CoV-2 tests performed on saliva have diagnostic sensitivity and specificity comparable to those observed with nasopharyngeal swabs (NPSs), most in vivo follow-up studies on the efficacy of drugs against SARS-CoV-2 have been performed on NPSs, not considering saliva as a possible alternative matrix. For this reason, in this study, we used, in parallel, saliva and NPS samples for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 by real-time RT-PCR in patients receiving Tixagevimab/Cilgavimab, Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir, or Sotrovimab as a treatment against SARS-CoV-2. Our results showed a good correlation between the NPS and saliva samples for each drug; moreover, comparable changes in the cycle threshold (Ct) levels in saliva and NPSs were observed both 7 days and 30 days after treatment, thus confirming that the saliva represents a good matrix for in vivo follow-up studies verifying the effectiveness of treatments against SARS-CoV-2.
Exploring the Potential of Muridae as Sentinels for Human and Zoonotic Viruses
Authors: Di Bartolo Ilaria , De Sabato Luca , Ianiro Giovanni , Vaccari Gabriele , Dini Filippo Maria , Ostanello Fabio , Monini Marina
Published: June 2024

In recent years, the transmission of viruses from wildlife to humans has raised significant public health concerns, exemplified by the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Human activities play a substantial role in increasing the risk of zoonotic virus transmission from wildlife to humans. Rats and mice are prevalent in urban environments and may act as reservoirs for various pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of zoonotic viruses in wild rats and mice in both urban and rural areas, focusing on well-known zoonotic viruses such as betacoronavirus, hantavirus, arenavirus, kobuvirus, and monkeypox virus, along with other viruses occasionally detected in rats and mice, including rotavirus, norovirus, and astrovirus, which are known to infect humans at a high rate. A total of 128 animals were captured, including 70 brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), 45 black rats (Rattus rattus), and 13 house mice (Mus musculus), and feces, lung, and liver were collected. Among brown rats, one fecal sample tested positive for astrovirus RNA. Nucleotide sequencing revealed high sequence similarity to both human and rat astrovirus, suggesting co-presence of these viruses in the feces. Murine kobuvirus (MuKV) was detected in fecal samples from both black (n = 7) and brown (n = 6) rats, primarily from urban areas, as confirmed by sequence analysis. These findings highlight the importance of surveillance and research to understand and mitigate the risks associated with the potential transmission of pathogens by rodents.
Time-Dependent Effects of Clinical Interventions on SARS-CoV-2 Immunity in Patients with Lung Cancer
Authors: Mack Philip C. , Hsu Chih-Yuan , Rodilla Ananda M. , Gomez Jorge E. , Cagan Jazz , Huang Yuanhui , Tavolacci Sooyun , Valanparambil Rajesh M. , Rohs Nicholas , Brody Rachel , Nichols Brittney , Carreño Juan Manuel , Bhalla Sheena , Rolfo Christian , Gerber David E. , Moore Amy , King Jennifer C. , Ahmed Rafi , Minna John D. , Bunn Paul A. , García-Sastre Adolfo , Krammer Florian , Hirsch Fred R. , Shyr Yu
Published: June 2024

In patients with lung cancer (LC), understanding factors that impact the dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) anti-spike antibody (SAb) titers over time is critical, but challenging, due to evolving treatments, infections, vaccinations, and health status. The objective was to develop a time-dependent regression model elucidating individual contributions of factors influencing SAb levels in LC patients using a prospective, longitudinal, multi-institutional cohort study initiated in January 2021. The study evaluated 296 LC patients—median age 69; 55% female; 50% stage IV. Blood samples were collected every three months to measure SAb levels using FDA-approved ELISA. Asymptomatic and unreported infections were documented through measurement of anti-nucleocapsid Ab levels (Meso Scale Discovery). Associations between clinical characteristics and titers were evaluated using a time-dependent linear regression model with a generalized estimating equation (GEE), considering time-independent variables (age, sex, ethnicity, smoking history, histology, and stage) and time-dependent variables (booster vaccinations, SARS-CoV-2 infections, cancer treatment, steroid use, and influenza vaccination). Significant time-dependent effects increasing titer levels were observed for prior SARS-CoV-2 infection (p < 0.001) and vaccination/boosters (p < 0.001). Steroid use (p = 0.043) and chemotherapy (p = 0.033) reduced titer levels. Influenza vaccination was associated with increased SAb levels (p < 0.001), independent of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine boosters. Prior smoking significantly decreased titers in females (p = 0.001). Age showed no association with titers. This GEE-based linear regression model unveiled the nuanced impact of multiple variables on patient anti-spike Ab levels over time. After controlling for the major influences of vaccine and SARS-CoV-2 infections, chemotherapy and steroid use were found to have negatively affected titers. Smoking in females significantly decreased titers. Surprisingly, influenza vaccinations were also significantly associated, likely indirectly, with improved SARS-CoV-2 titers.
Multivalent mRNA Vaccine Elicits Broad Protection against SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern
Authors: Kumari Monika , Liang Kang-Hao , Su Shih-Chieh , Lin Hsiu-Ting , Lu Yu-Feng , Wu Ming-Jane , Chen Wan-Yu , Wu Han-Chung
Published: June 2024

SARS-CoV-2 new waves are primarily caused by changes to the spike protein (S), which can substantially decrease the efficacy of vaccines. Therefore, we tested several multivalent mRNA-LNP vaccines, targeting the full-length S proteins of different variants, and identified an optimal combination for protection against VOCs in BALB/c mice. The tested formulations included trivalent (WT + BA.5 + XBB.1.5), pentavalent (WT + BA.5 + XBB.1.5 + BQ.1.1 + CH.1.1), and octavalent (WT + BA.5 + XBB.1.5 + BQ.1.1 + CH.1.1 + Alpha + Delta + BA.2) vaccines. Among these multivalent vaccines, the pentavalent vaccine showed superior protection for almost all tested variants. Despite this, each multivalent vaccine elicited greater broad-spectrum neutralizing antibodies than the previously evaluated bivalent vaccine (WT + BA.5). Subsequently, we redesigned the multivalent vaccine to efficiently generate neutralizing antibodies against recent VOCs, including EG.5.1. Immunization with the redesigned pentavalent vaccine (WT + EG.5.1 + XBB.1.16 + Delta + BA.5) showed moderate levels of protection against recent Omicron VOCs. Results suggest that the neutralization activity of multivalent vaccines is better than those of the tested bivalent vaccines against WT + BA.5 and WT + EG.5.1. Moreover, the pentavalent vaccine we developed may be highly useful for neutralizing new Omicron VOCs.
Development and Clinical Applications of Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines with Individualized and Shared Neoantigens
Authors: Hao Qing , Long Yuhang , Yang Yi , Deng Yiqi , Ding Zhenyu , Yang Li , Shu Yang , Xu Heng
Published: June 2024

Neoantigens, presented as peptides on the surfaces of cancer cells, have recently been proposed as optimal targets for immunotherapy in clinical practice. The promising outcomes of neoantigen-based cancer vaccines have inspired enthusiasm for their broader clinical applications. However, the individualized tumor-specific antigens (TSA) entail considerable costs and time due to the variable immunogenicity and response rates of these neoantigens-based vaccines, influenced by factors such as neoantigen response, vaccine types, and combination therapy. Given the crucial role of neoantigen efficacy, a number of bioinformatics algorithms and pipelines have been developed to improve the accuracy rate of prediction through considering a series of factors involving in HLA-peptide-TCR complex formation, including peptide presentation, HLA-peptide affinity, and TCR recognition. On the other hand, shared neoantigens, originating from driver mutations at hot mutation spots (e.g., KRASG12D), offer a promising and ideal target for the development of therapeutic cancer vaccines. A series of clinical practices have established the efficacy of these vaccines in patients with distinct HLA haplotypes. Moreover, increasing evidence demonstrated that a combination of tumor associated antigens (TAAs) and neoantigens can also improve the prognosis, thus expand the repertoire of shared neoantigens for cancer vaccines. In this review, we provide an overview of the complex process involved in identifying personalized neoantigens, their clinical applications, advances in vaccine technology, and explore the therapeutic potential of shared neoantigen strategies.
Understanding access to general practice through the lens of candidacy: a critical review of the literature
Authors: Sinnott Carol , Ansari Akbar , Price Evleen , Fisher Rebecca , Beech Jake , Alderwick Hugh , Dixon-Woods Mary
Published: June 2024

Background

Dominant conceptualisations of access to health care are limited, framed in terms of speed and supply. The Candidacy Framework offers a more comprehensive approach, identifying diverse influences on how access is accomplished.

Aim

To characterise how the Candidacy Framework can explain access to general practice — an increasingly fraught area of public debate and policy.

Design and setting

Qualitative review guided by the principles of critical interpretive synthesis.

Method

We conducted a literature review using an author-led approach, involving iterative analytically guided searches. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they related to the context of general practice, without geographical or time limitations. Key themes relating to access to general practice were extracted and synthesised using the Candidacy Framework.

Results

A total of 229 articles were included in the final synthesis. The seven features identified in the original Candidacy Framework are highly salient to general practice. Using the lens of candidacy demonstrates that access to general practice is subject to multiple influences that are highly dynamic, contingent, and subject to constant negotiation. These influences are socioeconomically and institutionally patterned, creating risks to access for some groups. This analysis enables understanding of the barriers to access that may exist, even though general practice in the UK is free at the point of care, but also demonstrates that a Candidacy Framework specific to this setting is needed.

Conclusion

The Candidacy Framework has considerable value as a way of understanding access to general practice, offering new insights for policy and practice. The original framework would benefit from further customisation for the distinctive setting of general practice.
Relationship between research activity and the performance of English general practices: cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses
Authors: Gibson Jonathan , Kontopantelis Evangelos , Sutton Matthew , Boaz Annette , Little Paul , Mallen Christian , McManus Richard , Park Sophie , Usher-Smith Juliet , Bower Peter
Published: June 2024

Background

Research activity usually improves outcomes by being translated into practice; however, there is developing evidence that research activity itself may improve the overall performance of healthcare organisations. Evidence that these relationships represent a causal impact of research activity is, however, less clear. Additionally, the bulk of the existing evidence relates to hospital settings, and it is not known if those relationships would also be found in general practice, where most patient contacts occur.

Aim

To test 1) whether there are significant relationships between research activity in general practice and organisational performance; and 2) whether those relationships are plausibly causal.

Design and setting

National data were analysed between 2008 and 2019, using cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses on general practices in England.

Method

Cross-sectional, panel, and instrumental variable analyses were employed to explore relationships between research activity (including measures from the National Institute for Health and Care Research Clinical Research Network and the Royal College of General Practitioners) and practice performance (including clinical quality of care, patient-reported experience of care, prescribing quality, and hospital admissions).

Results

In cross-sectional analyses, different measures of research activity were positively associated with several measures of practice performance, but most consistently with clinical quality of care and accident and emergency attendances. The associations were generally modest in magnitude; however, longitudinal analyses did not support a reliable causal relationship.

Conclusion

Similar to findings from hospital settings, research activity in general practice is associated with practice performance. There is less evidence that research is causing those improvements, although this may reflect the limited level of research activity in most practices. No negative impacts were identified, suggesting that research activity is a potential marker of quality and something that high-quality practices can deliver alongside their core responsibilities.
DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL MEDIA LEARNING ENGLISH VOCABULARY THROUGH SIGN LANGUAGE FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED STUDENTS
Authors: Pieter Pieter , Palupi Tara Mustikaning , Mufidah Haura Nasywa , Nisa Hifdziyatun , Noval Ahmad Yazid
Published: June 2024

This research examines the development of social media for learning English vocabulary using sign language as a learning method for hearing impaired students. With the advancement of technology and the incorporation of social media into the learning process, this study investigates how to use Instagram social media effectively to improve English vocabulary comprehension for students with hearing impairment using the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) development model procedure. The research targets are seven hearing impairment students from SLB Negeri 02 Jakarta. Through the development of social media learning English vocabulary through sign language, students can learn English vocabulary by learning alphabets, names, numbers, and day names more easily. The results of this study show that learning videos developed through social media, particularly on Instagram, are beneficial for hearing impairment students who grasp foreign language learning materials, especially sign language using American Sign Language (ASL).  The reviewers also gave the learning videos a feasibility evaluation, and they were pronounced appropriate for learning. As for the results of student tests, it is shown that the names and days show that the results of student test answers are all correct. However, in the number section, only three errors were found, and then in the alphabetical section, there were five errors. Developing technology-based learning media with microlearning methods, primarily through Instagram, can help hearing impairments students learn English. This opens up opportunities for developing more exciting and relevant learning content to facilitate English learning for students with special needs.