bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coated Paper-Based Packaging Waste: Investigation on Sensorial Properties Affecting the Material Class Perception
Authors: Marinelli Andrea , Papile Flavia , Del Curto Barbara
Published: December 2023

Packaging waste correct sorting hugely impacts fiber-based packaging circularity. Currently, this is more crucial than ever, also due to the increased market share of fiber-based packaging. This study evaluated the relationship between the aesthetic properties and user material sorting actions of lightweight dispersion-coated and uncoated paper substrates. Unlike previous literature, no labeling or graphics were involved in this study, focusing on the physical and aesthetic properties of both coatings and substrates. Untrained panelists participated in a multi-phase (descriptive and hedonic) analysis involving a questionnaire and antonym scales about samples’ visual and tactile properties, which were also characterized. The results highlight a remarkable panelist’s ability to assess the relative gloss and roughness. Perceived roughness and mattness statistically significantly correlated to cellulosic material identification. Moreover, material sorting into the paper recycling stream was statistically significantly regulated by sample mattness, followed by sample roughness. This work suggests that, without any graphic or textual information, the combination of substrate characteristics and coating formulation strongly impacts the packaging aesthetics, hence packaging perception as paper-based material. Consequently, the correct material identification and sorting can be encouraged by proper packaging materials selection and coating development.
A Web-Based Decision Support System for Project Evaluation with Sustainable Development Considerations Based on Two Developed Pythagorean Fuzzy Decision Methods
Authors: Mahmoudian Azar Sharabiani Asad , Mousavi Seyed Meysam
Published: December 2023

Decision support systems are being developed as attractive tools to help organizations make better decisions. These systems assist decision-makers in making the best decisions. The widespread application of the internet has transformed the development of decision support systems into a web-based challenge. On the other hand, project selection has always been a significant issue for organizations. The limitation of resources and the existence of different criteria while selecting projects cause organizations to face the challenges of multiple-criteria decision making. In this research, a new approach is introduced for the selection of criteria. It also presents a new web-based decision support system for selecting projects considering uncertainty and various criteria, including organizational strategies, the seventh edition of project management standard, and sustainable development. Therefore, the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development were included as project evaluation indicators. The proposed approach was developed using Pythagorean fuzzy sets, MEREC, and MARCOS methods to examine uncertainty and solution methods. In this approach, a new version of the MARCOS method was developed, with Pythagorean fuzzy sets for rankings. Also, a new development was presented using the Pythagorean fuzzy (PF)-MEREC method, which was used for weighting. The effectiveness of the proposed method is discussed through a real case study conducted on one of the mineral holdings in Iran. Among the mining projects introduced to the company, finally, the second project was selected. In the comparison made using PF-Entropy-TOPSIS and PF-Entropy-VIKOR methods, the superior project provided similar results. By changing the weights of the criteria for four different types of states, sensitivity analysis was used to determine the reliability of the final rankings. In these states, the weights of the criteria were moved together or assigned equal weights, and, in all four states, the ranking results were the same.
Exploring Sustainable Retail Experiences: Shall We Make It Fashionable?
Authors: Wang Mian , Marsden Jamie , Oguz Ezgi , Thomas Briony
Published: December 2023

The physical retail sector is facing significant challenges, exacerbated by the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Amidst these circumstances, it becomes imperative for brands to reimagine the role of physical retail stores and counter the negative trends in the industry. Gamification has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance customer engagement and elevate brand experiences. This study explores how brands can create engaging experiences through gamification within the physical retail environments to revitalize stores and foster sustainable brand experiences. In this context, ‘sustainable’ refers to the creation and maintenance of long-lasting relationships between consumers and physical retail stores through ongoing engagement. Drawing on data collected from 17 semi-structured interviews, our findings demonstrate that gamification effectively shifts customers from passive observers to active participants, strengthens emotional connections through co-creation, prolongs footfall and engagement duration through immersive encounters, and integrates physical and online platforms for sustainable practices. This research contributes valuable insights into the transformative potential of gamification, offering practical implications for brands seeking to rejuvenate customer experiences in the realm of physical retail.
Hydrophilic Nature of Polytetrafluoroethylene through Modification with Perfluorosulfonic Acid-Based Polymers
Authors: Asrafali Shakila Parveen , Periyasamy Thirukumaran , Kim Seong-Cheol
Published: December 2023

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commercially known as Teflon, is a fluoropolymer with a structure containing (CF2–CF2)n. It has high resistance to acids, alkalis and corrosive chemicals. PTFE is hydrophobic in nature with a water contact angle of 140°. Being hydrophobic in nature is a knotty problem, particularly in electrical applications, as it may lead to short circuits and result in reducing the lifetime of electrical equipment. Herein we describe the surface modification of PTFE from hydrophobic to hydrophilic without altering its bulk property. The surface hydrophilicity is achieved by two different techniques, viz., polymer coating (aquivion and nafion) and plasma treatment. Several characterization techniques including FTIR, Raman, XPS, WCA and SEM were used to analyze the surface of PTFE. It was found that 5% of the polymer solution and N2 plasma treatment for 2 min can produce huge differences in the surface property, as evidenced by the reduction in water contact angle from 140° (neat Teflon) to 80° (surface-modified Teflon). The surface morphology of neat PTFE is completely changed and collapsed as evidenced by the SEM images. The FTIR, Raman and XPS analyses confirm the presence of additional hydrophilic functional groups after the polymer coating and plasma treatment. Hence, this method represents a unique approach to modifying the surface property of Teflon, while maintaining its bulk property.
Theater-Based Interventions in Social Skills in Mental Health Care and Treatment for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Martí-Vilar Manuel , Fernández-Gómez Nuria , Hidalgo-Fuentes Sergio , González-Sala Francisco , Merino-Soto César , Toledano-Toledano Filiberto
Published: December 2023

This study is intended to determine, from a systematic review, the importance and effectiveness of different interventions aimed at improving social skills in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through theatrical techniques. For this purpose, a systematic review of the literature published from 2011 to 2021 in the ERIC, Web of Science, EuropePMC, PubPsych, Índices-Csic, Redalyc, Roderic, Scopus, PubMed, Scielo, and Dialnet databases was carried out, and a total of 29 articles were reviewed. The results indicate an improvement in socioemotional functioning, self-esteem, emotion management, empathy and listening, communication and social interaction, adaptive skills, as well as an increase in body awareness in people with ASD. It can be concluded that theater creates a safe environment in which people with ASD can engage with their own emotions and those of others, thereby offering a therapeutic setting in which to promote mental health in different aspects of both prevention and treatment.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of CH4 Displacement through Different Sequential Injections of CO2/N2
Authors: Bai Yansong , Li Ziwen , Yu Hongjin , Hu Hongqing , Wang Yinji
Published: December 2023

As a clean energy source, coalbed methane (CBM) produces almost no exhaust gas after combustion, and its extraction and efficient utilization play a key role in supporting sustainable development. Therefore, molecular dynamics simulations were used to research the diffusion of CH4 in coal after injecting CO2/N2 in different sequences and to clarify the efficiency of CBM extraction under different injection sequences, so as to contribute to sustainable development. The results show that the adsorption amounts of CO2 and N2 in different injection sequences are obviously different. To narrow the gap between the two injection amounts, the injection pressure of N2 can be appropriately increased and that of CO2 can be reduced, or N2 can be injected preferentially instead of CO2. When CO2 is injected first, the interaction energy between CH4 and coal is stronger and increases slightly with displacement time as a whole. The interaction energy curve of the N2 injection decreases, and the displacement effect becomes worse and worse. From the diffusion and relative concentration distribution of CH4, it can be seen that the diffusion of CH4 molecules outside the grain cell is more obvious when N2 is injected first. In terms of the number of CH4 molecules diffusing outside the crystal cell, it is less when CO2 is injected first than when N2 is injected first. The average value of the velocity distribution of CH4 increases slightly when CO2 is injected first and decreases significantly when N2 is injected first, but the average value is overall higher for N2 injection first. From the difference in diffusion coefficients before and after the gas injection, it can be seen that the decrease in permeability due to the expansion of the coal matrix by CO2 is more obvious than the increase in permeability due to the contraction of the coal matrix by N2.
Sustainable Consumption and Production in the European Union—An Attempt to Assess Changes and Convergence from the Perspective of Central and Eastern European Countries
Authors: Markowski Łukasz , Kotliński Kamil , Ostrowska Aleksandra
Published: December 2023

The aim of this paper is to attempt to assess changes in terms of sustainable consumption and production (SCP) in the European Union (EU), with particular emphasis on the countries of central and eastern Europe (CEE). So far, relatively little attention has been paid to the analysis of SCP in countries at different levels of development in the literature in this subject area. Even less attention has been paid to the study of the similarity of economies in this respect and the signs of convergence. The basis for assessment is the analysis of dispersion measures, cluster analysis, variance analysis and the construction of a synthetic index. The authors conclude that CEE countries are characterized by a relatively low level of development in terms of SCP compared to the rest of the EU. The signs of σ-convergence and β-convergence can only be identified in terms of “Average CO2 emissions per km from new passenger cars”. It is also the only indicator that significantly differentiates both analyzed clusters. In CEE countries, changes in other SCP indicators were mainly negative (increased adverse environmental impact), and the distance to other EU countries increased. The pandemic was conducive to σ-convergence in terms of “Generation of waste” and β-convergence in terms of “Circular material use rate”, but in 2021, the conditions of gradual easing of pandemic restrictions favored divergence in SCP indicators. The lack of convergence (while reducing the environmental impact) may be a serious problem in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the EU level. The above results were supplemented with a discussion on the causes of the observed situation and recommendations.
Decoupling for Carbon Neutrality: An Industrial Structure Perspective from Qinghai, China over 1990–2021
Authors: Nyangchak Niangjijia
Published: December 2023

Carbon neutrality is urgent as rapidly emerging economies aggravate their share of global energy demand. In China, the energy structure is dominated by fossil fuels, but it varies significantly across provinces. As an indicator of carbon neutrality, previous studies of decoupling between carbon dioxide emissions and economic growth focused at the national and sector levels in China. However, they overlook the role of industrial structure in decoupling at the provincial level. In this light, the following paper focuses on Qinghai Province, analyzing decoupling and its influencing factors for achieving carbon neutrality from an industrial structure perspective over 1990–2021. It uses the Tapio decoupling model to evaluate decoupling states and the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index decomposition to evaluate the influencing factors. A Data Envelopment Analysis model of super-efficiency Slacks-Based Measure is used to evaluate the decarbonization efficiency. The study finds that the overall trend shifted from weak to strong decoupling. Strong decoupling dominated the primary industry while weak decoupling dominated the secondary and tertiary industries. Economic growth negatively impacted overall decoupling, while population had a marginal effect. Energy structure and intensity generally promoted decoupling. Additionally, the overall mean efficiency of decarbonization was 0.95, led by the tertiary industry. The paper concludes by discussing policy implications.
A Mediterranean Focus Overview of EU Marine Litter Data Management Performed in the Framework of the European Marine Observation and Data Network Chemistry
Authors: Molina Jack Maria Eugenia , Altenburger Alessandro , Caer Gwenaël , Cociancich Alexia , Fortibuoni Tomaso , Galgani Francois , Giorgetti Alessandra , Partescano Elena , Thomas Amandine , Vinci Matteo
Published: December 2023

The Mediterranean Sea is an almost completely closed basin connecting several countries. Its configuration leads to its peculiarity and richness, but the intensive activities within the basin and along the coast aggravate the ecological conditions. The existing regulatory European Framework for environmental protection has already been in place through a series of legal instruments for almost 20 years. In this context, open science could play a fundamental role. The existing data must become findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) to provide stakeholders and decision-makers with the instruments to understand how to improve the available information and support decisions based on the best set of existing information. Since 2009, the European Marine Observation and Data Network, EMODnet, has provided access to high-quality marine information supporting research and stakeholders’ mission and objectives. Data related to pollution are collated, validated, and published using standard protocols, formats, and vocabularies, thus becoming FAIR. For marine litter, a detailed and qualified data management system for macro- and microlitter in diverse compartments was structured. Some of these data and metadata were already used to calculate the first coastline litter baselines based on harmonized and FAIR datasets (2012–2016). The availability of these data related to the Mediterranean area is relevant, but additional work is required.
Farmers’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding the Use of Agroecological-Based Pest Management Practices in Crucifers and Traditional African Vegetable (TAV) Production in Kenya and Tanzania
Authors: Kirui Essy C. , Kidoido Michael M. , Mutyambai Daniel M. , Okello Dickson O. , Akutse Komivi S.
Published: December 2023

Crucifers and traditional African vegetables (TAVs) are important to smallholders in Kenya and Tanzania, but yield remains below potential due to pests and diseases. Agroecological production methods present a nature-based solution to pest and disease management in crucifer and TAV production. We explore the status of farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding agroecological-based production pest management practices. Structured and pretested questionnaires were used to collect data from 1071 vegetable farming households in Kenya and Tanzania. Using descriptive statistics, parametric, and non-parametric analysis, our study revealed that less than 20% of farmers had received training on agroecological-based practices and less than 25% were aware of most of these practices. Among those who were aware of the practices and could confirm their effectiveness less than 12% had adopted them, except for crop rotation and handpicking of pests. This study attributes the low adoption to farmers’ negative attitudes towards the practices. Nonetheless, the study further revealed that training significantly and positively influences the adoption of the practices. Therefore, we recommend that governments and other stakeholders promote targeted awareness campaigns and increase access to training on vegetable production using sustainable pest and disease management practices.
Environmental Urban Morphology: A Multidisciplinary Methodology for the Analysis of Public Spaces in Dense Urban Fabrics
Authors: Maretto Marco , Gherri Barbara , Maiullari Daniela , Vernizzi Chiara , Pitanti Greta , Finizza Chiara , Monacelli Alice
Published: December 2023

A city is an organism made of social, economic, cultural, and environmental fabrics, the interactions of which determine the form and functioning of city life. Different disciplines are then involved in analyzing the complex processes of the 21st-century city. The aim of this study was to explore the use of an analytical method that can act as a catalyst for the main players involved in the environmental urban morphology (EUM). This multidisciplinary methodology focuses on the study of public space in dense urban fabrics as a key context for understanding a city. Operationally, the work shows the potential of integrating morphological analysis, pedestrian flow analysis, and environmental analysis and applying them in dense and compact urban fabrics. The first of these analyses methods was carried out using urban survey tools and the geographic information system (GIS) in order to detect the physical forms of the city and develop a number of morphological maps. The second, using the global positioning system (GPS) and on-site detectors, maps pedestrian movement within public spaces. The latter mainly focuses on the microclimatic analysis of public spaces and outdoor comfort, carried out using environmental software such as ENVI-met (4.4 version). The ultimate goal of this study was to achieve the definition of a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and multilayer methodology for the analysis of dense urban fabrics which we believe could be very useful for addressing the regenerative processes of the contemporary city.
Chemical Composition and Toxicological Evaluation of Landfill Leachate from Białystok, Poland
Authors: Jabłońska-Trypuć Agata , Wołejko Elżbieta , Wydro Urszula , Leszczyński Jacek , Wasil Mariola , Kiełtyka-Dadasiewicz Anna
Published: December 2023

Leachates from landfills constitute a very complex environmental matrix with potentially toxic properties for both the environment and humans. Due to this fact, toxicological tests were carried out on landfill leachate (LL) obtained from the local landfill in Hryniewicze (Poland). The analyses included physicochemical studies of leachates and their impact on soil and plants, and studies conducted in bacterial models and human cell models. The results obtained indicate high contents of metals and organic matter, especially dangerous PAHs, in the tested leachate. This results in the influence of LL on changes in the content of assimilation pigments and oxidative stress observed in plants grown in soil fed with leachates. The effect of leachate on the growth of Sporosarcina pasteurii, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Saccharomyces boulardii and Candida albicans varied depending on the strain and LL dose. A particularly significant increase in proliferation after exposure to LL was noted for S. aureus. In studies conducted on human cancer cell lines representing three types of glioblastomas and one type of colorectal adenocarcinoma, a particularly significant increase in the viability of cells treated with LL was noted for the DLD-1 cell line. The results obtained, especially the stimulation of the growth of cancer cells and an increase in the number of pathogenic bacteria, indicate the potential toxic properties of the tested leachates. This is confirmed by the high level of oxidative stress in plants. The results indicate the need for continuous monitoring of waste landfills and leachates generated there.
Fixed Point Theory in Extended Parametric Sb-Metric Spaces and Its Applications
Authors: Mani Naveen , Beniwal Sunil , Shukla Rahul , Pingale Megha
Published: December 2023

This article introduces the novel concept of an extended parametric Sb-metric space, which is a generalization of both Sb-metric spaces and parametric Sb-metric spaces. Within this extended framework, we first establish an analog version of the Banach fixed-point theorem for self-maps. We then prove an improved version of the Banach contraction principle for symmetric extended parametric Sb-metric spaces, using an auxiliary function to establish the desired result. Finally, we provide illustrative examples and an application for determining solutions to Fredholm integral equations, demonstrating the practical implications of our work.
Reliability Analysis and Its Applications for a Newly Improved Type-II Adaptive Progressive Alpha Power Exponential Censored Sample
Authors: Elbatal Ibrahim , Nassar Mazen , Ben Ghorbal Anis , Diab Lamiaa Sabry Gad , Elshahhat Ahmed
Published: December 2023

Recently, a newly improved Type-II adaptive progressive censoring plan was devised, which can successfully ensure that the test length will not surpass a particular threshold period. In this study, we explore the statistical inference of the alpha power exponential distribution in the context of improved adaptive progressive Type-II censored data. The parameters, reliability, and hazard functions were estimated from both classical and Bayesian viewpoints using this censoring plan. To begin, we applied the maximum likelihood estimation approach to obtain parameter, reliability, and hazard function estimators. Following that, the approximate confidence intervals for the aforementioned metrics were derived, assuming the asymptotic normality traits of the maximum likelihood estimators. Additionally, by employing the Bayesian method via the Markov chain Monte Carlo technique, the point estimators and highest posterior density intervals of various parameters were created based on the symmetric squared error loss. A simulation study that incorporates numerous scenarios was used to assess the effectiveness of various estimation methodologies. The optimal progressive censorship plans are then discussed based on a set of criteria. Finally, three applications from the engineering and medical domains have been offered as examples.
Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Distributions in Statistics and Data Science
Authors: Johannssen Arne , Chukhrova Nataliya , Zhu Quanxin
Published: December 2023

Probability distributions are a fundamental topic of Statistics and Data Science that is highly relevant in both theory and practical applications [...]
Simultaneous Confidence Intervals for All Pairwise Differences between Means of Weibull Distributions
Authors: La-ongkaew Manussaya , Niwitpong Sa-Aat , Niwitpong Suparat
Published: December 2023

The Weibull distribution is a continuous probability distribution that finds wide application in various fields for analyzing real-world data. Specifically, wind speed data often adhere to the Weibull distribution. In our study, our aim is to compare the mean wind speed datasets from different areas in Thailand. To achieve this, we proposed simultaneous confidence intervals for all pairwise differences between the means of Weibull distributions. The generalized confidence interval (GCI), method of variance estimates recovery (MOVER), and a Bayesian approach, utilizing both gamma and uniform prior distributions, are proposed to construct simultaneous confidence intervals. Through simulations, we find that the Bayesian highest posterior density (HPD) interval using a gamma prior distribution demonstrates satisfactory performance, while the GCI proves to be a viable alternative. Finally, we applied these proposed approaches to real wind speed data in northeastern and southern Thailand to illustrate their effectiveness and practicality.
On the Tarantula Genus Xenesthis Simon, 1891, with Description of a New Species from Venezuela (Araneae: Theraphosidae)
Authors: Sherwood Danniella , Gabriel Ray , Peñaherrera-R. Pedro , Brescovit Antonio D. , Lucas Sylvia M.
Published: December 2023

The type material of Xenesthis colombiana Simon, 1891, X. immanis Ausserer, 1875, and X. monstrosa Pocock, 1903, are redescribed, with additional specimens of X. colombiana recorded. A neotype is designated for Xenesthis intermedia Schiapelli and Gerschman, 1945, as the holotype is lost; the female is redescribed, and the male is described for the first time. A new species, Xenesthis avanzadora sp. nov., is described from Venezuela based on a holotype male.
Hymenoptera Allergy Diagnosis through Their Presence on Human Food
Authors: Vega-Castro Arantza , Castro Leopoldo , Carballada Francisco , Alfaya Teresa , Marquès Lluís , Ruíz-León Berta
Published: December 2023

Venom immunotherapy (VIT) protects up to 98% of treated Hymenoptera allergy patients from reactions with new stings. A correct diagnosis with the identification of the venom causing the allergic reaction is essential to implementing it. The knowledge of the Hymenoptera foraging habits when the sting takes place in a food environment would allow the culprit insect to be known. Images of Hymenoptera occurring in environments where there was human food were recorded in Spain, including the date of the image, the place description and its geolocation. The insects’ genus and species were identified by an entomologist. Results: One hundred and fifty-five images depicting 71 insects were analyzed. The identified insects were Vespula (56), Vespa (7), Polistes (4), Cerceris (2), Bombus (1) and Apis (1). Most (97.1%) of the images were obtained in summer and early autumn, outdoors in terraces (64%). Meat was the food associated with 47.9% of the images. In protein-rich foods, Vespula was found in 89%. Conclusions: Vespula was the main Hymenoptera associated with food environments in our country (78.87%), and in most of the cases (71%), the food involved is a source of protein, such as meat or seafood. In that environment, the probability that the insect is a Vespula would be 89%.
Poisoning by Baccharis coridifolia in Early-Weaned Beef Calves: Pathological Study and New Macrocyclic Trichothecene Identification
Authors: Machado Mizael , Martínez Rafael , Andres Sol , Sumarah Mark W. , Renaud Justin B. , Armién Aníbal G. , Barros Claudio S. L. , Riet-Correa Franklin , Menchaca Alejo , Schild Carlos O.
Published: December 2023

This study investigated two outbreaks of spontaneous poisoning by Baccharis coridifolia (Asteraceae) in early-weaned beef calves in Tacuarembó, Uruguay. A total of 34 affected calves showed signs of salivation, anorexia, apathy, marked dehydration, and diarrhea. Deaths occurred 36–72 h after consumption and mortality varied from 37.5% to 43.3% for outbreak 1 and outbreak 2, respectively. The main pathological findings include diffuse severe necrosis of the prestomachs and lymphoid tissues. Ultrastructurally, epithelial cells of the rumen showed swelling, lysis of the organelles, degradation of intercellular attachments, and degradation of the nuclear chromatin. Using LC-MS with diagnostic fragmentation filtering, 56 macrocyclic trichothecenes including glycosyl and malonyl conjugates were identified. The total concentration of macrocyclic trichothecenes, including conjugates, was estimated to be 1.2 ± 0.1 mg/g plant material. This is the first report of these malonyl–glucose conjugates from Baccharis coridifolia.
The Performance of Diagnostic Tests for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the South African Population: A Scoping Review
Authors: Samsunder Natasha , Devnarain Nikita , Sivro Aida , Kharsany Ayesha B. M.
Published: December 2023

To determine the performance and reliability of diagnostic tests for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 infection in South Africa, we conducted a scoping review to identify published studies undertaken in the English language from March 2020 to August 2022 that evaluated the performance of antigen- and antibody-based diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 in South Africa. We identified 17 relevant peer-reviewed articles; six reported on SARS-CoV-2 gene and/or antigen detection whilst 11 reported on antibody detection. Of the SARS-CoV-2 gene and/or antigen-based tests, sensitivity ranged from 40% to 100%, whilst for the antibody-based tests, sensitivity ranged from 13% to 100%. All tests evaluated were highly dependent on the stage of infection and the timing of sample collection. This scoping review demonstrated that no single SARS-CoV-2 gene and/or antigen- or antibody-based assay was sufficiently sensitive and specific simultaneously. The sensitivity of the tests was highly dependent on the timing of sample collection with respect to SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the case of SARS-CoV-2 gene and/or antigen detection, the earlier the collection of samples, the greater the sensitivity, while antibody detection tests showed better sensitivity using samples from later stages of infection.
Schrödinger Symmetry in Gravitational Mini-Superspaces
Authors: Ben Achour Jibril , Livine Etera R. , Oriti Daniele , Piani Goffredo
Published: December 2023

We prove that the simplest gravitational symmetry-reduced models describing cosmology and black hole mechanics are invariant under the Schrödinger group. We consider the flat FRW cosmology filled with a massless scalar field and the Schwarzschild black hole mechanics and construct their conserved charges using the Eisenhart–Duval (ED) lift method in order to show that they form a Schrödinger algebra. Our method illustrates how the ED lift and the more standard approach analyzing the geometry of the field space are complementary in revealing different sets of symmetries of these systems. We further identify an infinite-dimensional symmetry for those two models, generated by conserved charges organized in two copies of a Witt algebra. These extended charge algebras provide a new algebraic characterization of these homogeneous gravitational sectors. They guide the path to their quantization and open the road to non-linear extensions of quantum cosmology and quantum black hole models in terms of hydrodynamic equations in field space.
Enhanced Susceptibility to Tomato Chlorosis Virus (ToCV) in Hsp90- and Sgt1-Silenced Plants: Insights from Gene Expression Dynamics
Authors: Ontiveros Irene , Fernández-Pozo Noé , Esteve-Codina Anna , López-Moya Juan José , Díaz-Pendón Juan Antonio
Published: December 2023

The emerging whitefly-transmitted crinivirus tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) causes substantial economic losses by inducing yellow leaf disorder in tomato crops. This study explores potential resistance mechanisms by examining early-stage molecular responses to ToCV. A time-course transcriptome analysis compared naïve, mock, and ToCV-infected plants at 2, 7, and 14 days post-infection (dpi). Gene expression changes were most notable at 2 and 14 dpi, likely corresponding to whitefly feeding and viral infection. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses revealed key genes and pathways associated with ToCV infection, including those related to plant immunity, flavonoid and steroid biosynthesis, photosynthesis, and hormone signaling. Additionally, virus-derived small interfering RNAs (vsRNAs) originating from ToCV predominantly came from RNA2 and were 22 nucleotides in length. Furthermore, two genes involved in plant immunity, Hsp90 (heat shock protein 90) and its co-chaperone Sgt1 (suppressor of the G2 allele of Skp1) were targeted through viral-induced gene silencing (VIGS), showing a potential contribution to basal resistance against viral infections since their reduction correlated with increased ToCV accumulation. This study provides insights into tomato plant responses to ToCV, with potential implications for developing effective disease control strategies.
Re-Emergence of a West Nile Virus (WNV) Variant in South Spain with Rapid Spread Capacity
Authors: Ruiz-López María José , Aguilera-Sepúlveda Pilar , Cebrián-Camisón Sonia , Figuerola Jordi , Magallanes Sergio , Varona Sarai , Cuesta Isabel , Cano-Gómez Cristina , Sánchez-Mora Patricia , Camacho Juan , Sánchez-Peña Carolina , Marchena Francisco José , Ameyugo Ulises , Ruíz Santiago , Sánchez-Seco María Paz , Agüero Montserrat , Jiménez-Clavero Miguel Ángel , Fernández-Pinero Jovita , Vázquez Ana
Published: December 2023

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito vector-borne zoonosis with an increasing incidence in Europe that has become a public health concern. In Spain, although local circulation has been known for decades, until 2020, when a large outbreak occurred, West Nile Virus cases were scarce and mostly occurred in southern Spain. Since then, there have been new cases every year and the pathogen has spread to new regions. Thus, monitoring of circulating variants and lineages plays a fundamental role in understanding WNV evolution, spread and dynamics. In this study, we sequenced WNV consensus genomes from mosquito pools captured in 2022 as part of a newly implemented surveillance program in southern Spain and compared it to other European, African and Spanish sequences. Characterization of WNV genomes in mosquitoes captured in 2022 reveals the co-circulation of two WNV lineage 1 variants, the one that caused the outbreak in 2020 and another variant that is closely related to variants reported in Spain in 2012, France in 2015, Italy in 2021–2022 and Senegal in 2012–2018. The geographic distribution of these variants indicates that WNV L1 dynamics in southern Europe include an alternating dominance of variants in some territories.
Molecular Mechanisms of Ferroptosis and Its Role in Viral Pathogenesis
Authors: Huang Riwei , Wu Jiang , Ma Yaodan , Kang Kai
Published: December 2023

Ferroptosis is a novelty form of regulated cell death, and it is mainly characterized by iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation in the cells. Its underlying mechanism is related to the amino acid, iron, and lipid metabolisms. During viral infection, pathogenic microorganisms have evolved to interfere with ferroptosis, and ferroptosis is often manipulated by viruses to regulate host cell servicing for viral reproduction. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms underlying ferroptosis, elucidates the intricate signaling pathways involved, and explores the pivotal role of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of viral infections. By enhancing our understanding of ferroptosis, novel therapeutic strategies can be devised to effectively prevent and treat diseases associated with this process. Furthermore, unraveling the developmental mechanisms through which viral infections exploit ferroptosis will facilitate development of innovative antiviral agents.
First Report of Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Subtype H9N2 in African Houbara Bustards (Chlamydotis undulata undulata) and Gamebirds in Morocco: Clinico-Pathological Findings, Molecular Characterization, and Associated Coinfections
Authors: Bidoudan Yassmina , Mouahid Mohamed , Fassi Fihri Ouafaa , Bollo Enrico , Arbani Oumayma , Ducatez Mariette , Banni Brahim , Tligui Noursaid , Fellahi Siham
Published: December 2023

We report in this paper the first detection of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) subtype H9N2 in houbara bustards and in gamebirds in Morocco. Starting in 2019, an increase in mortality rates related to respiratory distress was recorded in these species. Necropsy of the specimens revealed fibrinous sinusitis and tracheitis with intra-bronchial fibrin casts, which are consistent with H9N2 infection in chickens; therefore, implication of the virus in these outbreaks was strongly suspected. Consequently, between January 2020 and June 2023, birds with respiratory signs were necropsied for pathological lesions, tissue samples were examined by histopathology, and samples of trachea, lungs, and cecal tonsils were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR for the detection of H9N2 virus. In addition, the sequencing of isolates was performed and lastly differential diagnosis with other respiratory pathogens was carried out. During the study period, 93 samples were collected from suspected H9N2 outbreaks, of which 30 tested positive for H9N2 virus: 23 Houbara bustards, 4 partridges, 2 quails, and 1 pheasant. Moreover, sequencing of the HA gene of the virus showed 97.33% nucleotide identity with strains reported previously in broilers in Morocco in 2017 and in 2022. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the Moroccan partridge isolates in the same cluster as viruses isolated in Morocco between 2016 and 2022, Algeria (2017), Burkina Faso (2017), Nigeria (2019), and Togo (2020). Additionally, 10 house sparrows from the premises of these birds were examined for the presence of H9N2 virus, revealing a 30% positivity rate. In conclusion, LPAIV H9N2 is circulating in houbara bustards and gamebirds in Morocco, and house sparrows might be a possible source of the infection. To our knowledge, this is the first report of LPAI H9N2 in the African species of houbara bustards worldwide and in gamebirds in Morocco.
Bone Mineral Density and Trabecular Bone Score Changes throughout Menopause in Women with HIV
Authors: Milic Jovana , Renzetti Stefano , Morini Denise , Motta Federico , Carli Federica , Menozzi Marianna , Cuomo Gianluca , Mancini Giuseppe , Simion Mattia , Romani Federico , Spadoni Anna , Baldisserotto Irene , Barp Nicole , Diazzi Chiara , Mussi Chiara , Mussini Cristina , Rochira Vincenzo , Calza Stefano , Guaraldi Giovanni
Published: December 2023

Objective: The objectives of this study were to describe the trajectories of bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS) changes throughout pre-menopause (reproductive phase and menopausal transition) and post-menopause (early and late menopause) in women with HIV (WWH) undergoing different antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) and explore the risk factors associated with those changes. Methods: This was an observational longitudinal retrospective study in WWH with a minimum of two DEXA evaluations comprising BMD and TBS measurements, both in the pre-menopausal and post-menopausal periods. Menopause was determined according to the STRAW+10 criteria, comprising four periods: the reproductive period, menopausal transition, and early- and late-menopausal periods. Mixed-effects models were fitted to estimate the trajectories of the two outcomes (BMD and TBS) over time. Annualized lumbar BMD and TBS absolute and percentage changes were calculated in each STRAW+10 time window. A backward elimination procedure was applied to obtain the final model, including the predictors that affected the trajectories of BMD or TBS over time. Results: A total of 202 WWH, all Caucasian, were included. In detail, 1954 BMD and 195 TBS data were analyzed. The median number of DEXA evaluations per woman was 10 (IQR: 7, 12). The median observation periods per patient were 12.0 years (IQR = 8.9–14.4) for BMD and 6.0 years (IQR: 4.3, 7.9) for TBS. The prevalence of osteopenia (63% vs. 76%; p < 0.001) and osteoporosis (16% vs. 36%; p < 0.001) increased significantly between the pre-menopausal and post-menopausal periods. Both BMD (1.03 (±0.14) vs. 0.92 (±0.12) g/cm2; p < 0.001) and TBS (1.41 (IQR: 1.35, 1.45) vs. 1.32 (IQR: 1.28, 1.39); p < 0.001) decreased significantly between the two periods. The trend in BMD decreased across the four STRAW+10 periods, with a slight attenuation only in the late-menopausal period when compared with the other intervals. The TBS slope did not significantly change throughout menopause. The delta mean values of TBS in WWH were lower between the menopausal transition and reproductive period compared with the difference between menopause and menopausal transition. Conclusions: Both BMD and TBS significantly decreased over time. The slope of the change in BMD and TBS significantly decreased in the menopausal transition, suggesting that this period should be considered by clinicians as a key time during which to assess bone health and modifiable risk factors in WWH.
New Insights on Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prevention
Authors: Kopera Edyta , Czajka Hanna , Zapolnik Paweł , Mazur Artur
Published: December 2023

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a well-known infant pathogen transmitted mainly by droplets. It is a leading cause of upper respiratory tract infections in children, usually with a mild course of illness. RSV has also been a threat to older people, especially those with underlying medical conditions. For a long time, prevention was limited to passive immunoprophylaxis with palivizumab for high-risk infants. There was a strong need to find other treatment or prevention methods against RSV infections. In addition, after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, some significant changes in RSV epidemiology have been observed. Researchers noticed the shift in RSV seasonality and age distribution and the increased number of cases in older infants and adults. All of these made the need to find other medical options even stronger. Fortunately, two protein-based vaccines against RSV have successfully passed all phases of clinical trials and have been approved for use by adults and older people. One of them is also approved for infants from birth to 6 months of age (after maternal immunisation during pregnancy) and for pregnant women between 24 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Also, a new passive immunisation option named nirsevimab (a highly potent monoclonal antibody with a long half-life) is now available for the paediatric group. In this review, we will discuss the previous and current RSV prevention methods in the light of structural discoveries of RSV antigens.
Hydrochemical Characteristics and Quality Evaluation of Groundwater in Jinta Basin, Northwest China
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Han Shuangbao , Zhang Mengnan , Wang Sai , Yin Dechao , Wu Xi , Cui Huqun , An Yonghui
Published: December 2023

The ecological environment of the northwest inland basin is fragile. The groundwater environment is a crucial influencing factor for the harmonious and sustainable development of the local social economy and the ecological environment. It is significant to investigate the groundwater chemical characteristics, water quality, and the factors that influence groundwater chemistry for groundwater resources development and construction of the ecological environment. In this study, the Jinta Basin (JB), Gansu Province, was the selected study area. Three hundred and fifty groups of shallow groundwater samples in the JB were collected and analyzed, and the characteristics and controlling factors of groundwater were determined by using Piper diagram, Gibbs plot, ion ratio relationship, and factor analysis. Single index evaluation method, comprehensive evaluation method, and entropy-weighted water quality index method were used to evaluate the water quality of the groundwater. The results indicated that the shallow pore water in the JB was alkaline as a whole; the ranges of total dissolved solids (TDS) in the Beidahe River impact area (BIA), the transition area (TA) and the Heihe River impact area (HIA) were 328.4–12,400 mg·L−1, 372.70–3774.0 mg·L−1, and 366.30–75,200.0 mg·L−1, respectively; the major anions and cations of the shallow pore water were SO42−/Cl− and Mg2+/Na+, respectively. The Piper diagram illustrated that the hydrochemical type of groundwater in the JB were mainly HCO3·SO4-Mg type, SO4·HCO3-Mg type, SO4-Mg·Na type, SO4·Cl-Na·Mg type, and Cl-Na type. The overall water quality of the shallow groundwater in the JB was relatively poor, mainly falling into Class IV-V water quality. Sulfate, total hardness (TH), TDS, chloride and sodium were the main influencing factors of water quality. The chemical characteristics of groundwater in the JB were controlled by a variety of natural factors, including rock weathering, evaporative concentration, and cation exchange, among which the main controlling factors of shallow pore water were leaching, evaporative concentration and anthropogenic activities (contribution rate of 73.94%), and sulfate rock and carbonate rock dissolution (contribution rate of 14.91%).
Social Impact Measurement: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Directions
Authors: Feor Leah , Clarke Amelia , Dougherty Ilona
Published: December 2023

This paper explores the current state of the social impact measurement (SIM) field to better understand common practices in measuring the post-intervention social impact of a program or project and to identify strategies to improve measurement in practice. This study employed a systematic literature review. Articles were manually coded deductively and inductively in NVivo to complete a descriptive and thematic analysis of the literature. The thematic analysis provided an in-depth understanding of the SIM field. We found that similarities existed across the definitions of social impact (e.g., environmental impact is part of social impact). Additionally, social return on investment (SROI) is the most common measurement model and theory of change was identified as a core concept across SIM literature. Strategies are presented for practitioners to consider when measuring social impact, including: (i) engage stakeholders throughout the process, (ii) mobilize existing operational data, (iii) increase measurement capacity, and (iv) use both qualitative and quantitative data. This study reveals the nuances of SIM based on academic literature published across the globe over the span of a decade. It places emphasis on the post-intervention stage and identifies strategies to improve the application of measurement models in practice. Lastly, it outlines future research directions.
Assessing the potential to use structure-borne sound to detect survivors in collapsed buildings
Authors: Hopkins Carl , Filippoupolitis Marios
Published: December 2023

When victims are trapped within a collapsed structure, it can be difficult to quickly locate survivors. Airborne sound tends to be highly attenuated hence there is greater potential to detect physical movement or signals from survivors by measuring the seismic response. Recent work
has used Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) and Finite Element Methods (FEM) to assess the feasibility of predicting structure-borne sound transmission across fragmented reinforced concrete structures. This has the potential to improve strategies for the detection of trapped survivors using
structure-borne sound by search and rescue teams as well as seismic detection equipment. The main focus has been on vibration transmission between reinforced concrete elements that are in contact after the collapse. Laboratory experiments have been used to validate FEM models of reinforced
concrete beam junctions with surface-to-surface contact conditions using Experimental Modal Analysis. This has given insights into the contact stiffness between reinforced concrete beams. FEM simulations of beams with surface-to-surface contacts as well as beam junctions with fragmentation
at the junction indicate the potential to use SEA to give reasonable estimates of vibration transmission. This paper summarises the progress made to-date and considers the next steps that are needed in the research on this topic.