bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Sustainability in Building Design: Hybrid Approaches for Evaluating the Impact of Building Orientation on Thermal Comfort in Semi-Arid Climates
Authors: Muhy Al-Din Salar Salah , Ahmad Nia Hourakhsh , Rahbarianyazd Rokhsaneh
Published: October 2023

The evaluation of human thermal comfort inside buildings plays a pivotal role in reducing energy consumption and enhancing sustainability in the built environment. The estimation of thermal comfort is based on objective (physical factors) and subjective (psychological factors) aspects. This study aimed to find a hybrid way to evaluate more accurate thermal comfort in the buildings as per their orientations. This study assessed the effect of building orientation on thermal comfort conditions in row houses in semi-arid climates, based on a synthesis of the predictive mean vote (PMV) model and the thermal sensation vote (TSV). For this purpose, row houses were selected in the region of this study. This study concluded that the PMV model calculates a lower thermal comfort level than the TSV method, and that the thermal comfort demand within the houses was higher than ASHRAE Standard 55. The occupants inside the houses had a lower thermal tolerance. This implied that the residents of these buildings can consume more energy during the summer, typically the harshest season. This study presented new mathematical models for occupants’ thermal comfort evaluation in the study region, depending on the building’s orientation. In both models, for assessing thermal performance during both the summer and winter seasons, east-facing buildings consistently ranked as the second-best orientation. This suggested that, overall, east-facing buildings can be considered the best choice throughout the entire year in terms of thermal comfort. This study suggested a novel indicator to evaluate the optimum building orientation in the study area in terms of thermal performance.
Using STEM to Educate Engineers about Sustainability: A Case Study in Mechatronics Teaching and Building a Mobile Robot Using Upcycled and Recycled Materials
Authors: Chatzopoulos Avraam , Tzerachoglou Anastasios , Priniotakis Georgios , Papoutsidakis Michail , Drosos Christos , Symeonaki Eleni
Published: October 2023

Background: Sustainable design means to base design on any systems and methods that can fulfill any of the sustainability goals: reducing waste, recycling plastics, upcycle materials, etc., and having less of an impact on the environment. Therefore, a challenge arises: how to design products based on sustainable design. This research presents a case study, about how students in a university’s design department, used sustainability practices in their projects, to adopt sustainability as a major aspect during the design process of a product. Methods: The researchers used STEM methodologies to educate and guide the students to adopt recycling and upcycling practices to design and develop an educational mobile robot for Educational Robotics and Mechatronics applications. Results: Students were encouraged to develop their problem-solving approaches when developing their designed robots, for a mechatronics project given to them. In this way, the researchers fostered the active and motivated participation of students; an increased interest was found related to several factors, including challenge, competition, group participation, and more. Conclusions: This research aimed to evidence the use of upcycled and recycled materials in product development to fulfill some of the sustainability goals. The research’s results were very promising and has sparked an ongoing research.
Verification of Performance Standards for Construction Equipment in Terms of CO2 Emissions
Authors: Kowalski Jan , Lendo-Siwicka Marzena , Wrzesiński Grzegorz , Trach Roman
Published: October 2023

Almost every civil engineering project involves heavy construction equipment to create earthworks. This in turn is connected with carbon dioxide emissions, which are hazardous to the environment, especially in densely populated areas. Strict control and regulation of emissions from construction equipment has already been introduced in Hong Kong. This paper presents the results of several years of field research on the performance of construction equipment (excavators). The comparative analysis concerns the data obtained during a field survey in relation to the outlays proposed in the catalogues of material outlays commonly used in Poland (KNR catalogues.) The presented problem fills in the gaps in research on the performance of construction equipment. The results of the study clearly show the discrepancy between theoretical data from the KNR and the actual use of construction equipment during the construction of underground sanitary networks. Apart from the excessive consumption of diesel fuel, sequentially increased CO2 emissions occur. The presented research results allow for the development of an innovative method for the optimal use of heavy construction equipment, thus reducing CO2 emissions. This study is a continuation of a pilot study conducted by the staff of the Institute of Civil Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Science.
Predicting the Intention to Use Learning Analytics for Academic Advising in Higher Education
Authors: Bahari Mahadi , Arpaci Ibrahim , Azmi Nurulhuda Firdaus Mohd , Shuib Liyana
Published: October 2023

Learning analytics (LA) is a rapidly growing educational technology with the potential to enhance teaching methods and boost student learning and achievement. Despite its potential, the adoption of LA remains limited within the education ecosystem, and users who do employ LA often struggle to engage with it effectively. As a result, this study developed and assessed a model for users’ intention to utilize LA dashboards. The model incorporates constructs from the “Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology”, supplemented with elements of personal innovativeness, information quality, and system quality. The study utilized exploratory research methodology and employed purposive sampling. Participants with prior experience in LA technologies were selected to take part in the study. Data were collected from 209 academic staff and university students in Malaysia (59.33% male) from four top Malaysian universities using various social networking platforms. The research employed “Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling” to explore the interrelationships among the constructs within the model. The results revealed that information quality, social influence, performance expectancy, and system quality all positively impacted the intention to use LA. Additionally, personal innovativeness exhibited both direct and indirect positive impacts on the intention to use LA, mediated by performance expectancy. This study has the potential to offer valuable insights to educational institutions, policymakers, and service providers, assisting in the enhancement of LA adoption and usage. This study’s contributions extend beyond the present research and have the potential to positively impact the field of educational technology, paving the way for improved educational practices and outcomes through the thoughtful integration of LA tools. The incorporation of sustainability principles in the development and deployment of LA tools can significantly heighten their effectiveness, drive user adoption, and ultimately nurture sustainable educational practices and outcomes.
Development of Control Techniques for AC Microgrids: A Critical Assessment
Authors: Cárdenas Pabel Alberto , Martínez Maximiliano , Molina Marcelo Gustavo , Mercado Pedro Enrique
Published: October 2023

This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of control strategies for AC microgrids (MG) and presents a confidently designed hierarchical control approach divided into different levels. These levels are specifically designed to perform functions based on the MG’s mode of operation, such as grid-connected or islanded mode. The primary control ensures frequency (f) and voltage (V) stability, whereas the secondary control adjusts their values to their references and the tertiary control efficiently manages the power of distributed generators (DGs) in a cost-effective manner. The article extensively discusses centralized, decentralized, and distributed strategies for each control level, highlighting their differences, advantages, disadvantages, and areas of application. Finally, the usefulness of different control strategies at different levels is demonstrated through practical examples.
Analysis of the Threshold Effect of Renewable Energy Industry Subsidies Based on the Perspective of Industry Life Cycle
Authors: Du Huan , Hu Jian , Wu Huaxuan , Li Tieshan , Chen Lingjuan
Published: October 2023

Based on the industry life cycle theory, this study investigates the influence mechanism of renewable energy industry subsidies on industry development. Using data from 78 public Chinese electric power enterprises in the A-share market from 2011 through 2020, the threshold effect of government subsidies on the development of the renewable energy industry is empirically tested, and the heterogeneity of subsidy efficiency in the renewable energy industry is explored. The results reveal an inverted U-shaped nonlinear relationship between government subsidies and the enterprise output of the sample electric power enterprises. In addition, market investment has a positive and limited effect on enterprise output, and there is heterogeneity in subsidy efficiency and the signalling effect of subsidies on investment in the wind and photovoltaic power industries. Accordingly, we recommend that government departments use rational and flexible subsidy policy tools according to different industries, set reasonable subsidy ranges, and proactively design top-level policies that will actively broaden the application of renewable energy consumption to help industry development. By examining the overall threshold effect of electric power enterprises, this study fills a gap in the literature, as there has been scant research on the specific relationship between renewable energy industry subsidies and industry development.
Strategic Integration of Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Businesses: Implications for Data Management and Human User Engagement in the Digital Era
Authors: Jankovic Svetozar D. , Curovic Dejan M.
Published: October 2023

This research paper delves into the pivotal role of strategic integration of artificial intelligence (AI) concepts across sustainability efforts in for-profit businesses. As organizations are increasingly starting to rely on AI-driven solutions, this study examines the profound implications of AI integration for two critical facets: impact on data management in companies and diversification of human engagement during interactions in the digital ecosystem. The main goal of this research is to analyze the AI adoption index within a sample of 240 medium and large-sized companies (therefore excluding new companies, small startups, and low-scale AI applications). Firstly, the paper scrutinizes how AI technologies enhance data management by enabling efficient data collection, analysis, and utilization. It emphasizes the importance of AI-driven data analytics in improving decision-making processes, resource optimization, and overall operational efficiency for sustainable practices. Secondly, this research explores how AI-driven personalization, omnichannel interactions, and recommendation systems significantly impact user experiences, satisfaction, and loyalty, ultimately contributing to sustainable business growth. Findings show that there are three separate profiles of companies (low, moderate, and high), distinguished by AI adoption index and other important dimensions. Future research should focus on determining preconditions for successful planning of AI adoption index improvement, using a data-driven approach.
Managing Document Management Systems’ Life Cycle in Relation to an Organization’s Maturity for Digital Transformation
Authors: Sternad Zabukovšek Simona , Jordan Sandra , Bobek Samo
Published: October 2023

Document management systems (DMS) have become an important topic regarding digital transformation in organizations because they enable paperless business, speed up processes, lower business costs, and support sustainability activities in organizations. DMSs should be considered as green technology and also as technology crucial for green digital transformation. Sustainability is becoming increasingly crucial for organizations and society, and DMSs, along with paperless business, can contribute to the sustainable orientation of organizations. However, the problem with DMS implementations is that they often fail and that DMS users often use DMSs at a basic level, which means that, among other things, they still prefer to print documents rather than use electronic documents. A framework that can contribute to a better implementation and a higher level of use of DMSs, which both lead to a more green digital transformation of the organization, represents an organization’s maturity. We used the Process and Enterprise Maturity Model (PEMM) to assess the organization’s maturity level concerning the DMS’ life cycle. Findings are presented from the research study. The research study was based on a questionnaire and collected data from DMS users. The research study showed that an organization’s maturity impacts the DMS’ life cycle. Organizations that manage the DMS’ life cycle will better cope with digital transformation and sustainability issues related to paperless business.
Assessing ESG Factors and Policies of Green Finance Investment Decisions for Sustainable Development in China Using the Fuzzy AHP and Fuzzy DEMATEL
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Zhang Yindan , Solangi Yasir Ahmed
Published: October 2023

China has become more aware of the negative environmental impact caused by its economic expansion and fast-paced development. Therefore, the country mainly focuses on sustainable development and green finance. To evaluate the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors and policy options for green finance investment decisions in China, the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) techniques are employed. The fuzzy AHP method identifies and analyzes the most significant ESG factors and sub-sub-factors to comprehensively understand sustainable investment in China. Furthermore, this study uses the fuzzy DEMATEL method to prioritize the main policy options for advancing sustainable development and green finance investment decisions in China. The fuzzy AHP method shows that the environmental factor (ESG1) is the most significant factor for green finance investment decisions in China, followed by the governance (ESG3) and social factors (ESG2). The fuzzy DEMATEL method results revealed that supporting green finance innovation and development (P1) is the highest priority, followed by encouraging social responsibility and community engagement (P4) and developing and enforcing environmental regulations (P2). The study’s findings will significantly benefit investors and decision-makers who wish to promote sustainable development and make decisions regarding green financing. The study recommends that investors and policy makers concentrate their resources and efforts on the most crucial ESG factors and policies to build sustainability and resilience in the country.
Modeling and Assessment of Landslide Susceptibility of Dianchi Lake Watershed in Yunnan Plateau
Authors: Bai Guangshun , Yang Xuemei , Kong Zhigang , Zhu Jieyong , Zhang Shitao , Sun Bin
Published: October 2023

The nine plateau lake watersheds in Yunnan are important ecological security barriers in the southwest of China. The prevention and control of landslides are important considerations in the management of these watersheds. Taking the Dianchi Lake watershed as a typical research area, a comprehensive modeling and assessment process of landslide susceptibility was put forward. The comprehensive process was based on the weight of evidence (WoE) method, and many statistical techniques were integrated, such as cross-validation, multi-quantile cumulative Student’s comprehensive weight statistics, independence testing, step-by-step modeling, ROC analysis, and ROC-based susceptibility zoning. In this paper, fourteen models with high accuracy and validity were established, and the AUC reached 0.83–0.87 and 0.85–0.88, respectively. In addition, according to the susceptibility zoning map compiled via the optimal model, 80% of landslides can be predicted in the very-high- and high-susceptibility areas, which only account for 19.58% of the study area. Finally, this paper puts forward strategies for geological disaster prevention and ecological restoration deployment.
Comprehensive Analysis of Compression Ratio, Exhaust Gas Recirculation, and Pilot Fuel Injection in a Diesel Engine Fuelled with Tamarind Biodiesel
Authors: Raju Vallapudi Dhana , Veza Ibham , Venu Harish , Soudagar Manzoore Elahi M. , Kalam M. A. , Ahamad Tansir , Appavu Prabhu , Nair Jayashri N. , Rahman S. M. Ashrafur
Published: October 2023

The global automotive industry is facing significant challenges, including dwindling fossil fuel reserves, rising crude oil prices, and increasingly strict emission regulations. To address these concerns, this study investigates the impact of the compression ratio (CR) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) on the performance and emissions of a common rail direct injection (CRDI) diesel engine fuelled with a 20% blend of tamarind seed methyl ester (TSME 20) biodiesel. The study employed an open-type electronic control unit to implement pilot fuel injection at a rate of 30%, 23° before the top dead centre (TDC), and at a higher pressure of 600 bar. Three CRs (16:1, 18:1, 20:1) and two types of EGR (hot and cold EGR at 10%) were evaluated. Diesel fuel at CR 18 was used as a baseline for comparison. The experimental procedure involved conducting tests with TSME 20 at CR 16, 18, and 20. Subsequently, TSME 20 at CR 20 + Hot EGR 10% and TSME 20 at CR 20 + Cold EGR 10% were examined. The results showed that TSME 20 operated at a higher CR (CR 20) exhibited improved diesel engine performance and significant reductions in harmful exhaust emissions. Additionally, cold EGR at 10% was more effective in reducing CO, CO2, and NOx emissions from TSME 20 than hot EGR. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into optimizing diesel engine operation to achieve a balance between performance enhancement and emission reduction through tamarind seed biodiesel blends and different EGR techniques. The implementation of these strategies holds considerable potential in addressing the automotive industry’s challenges, including ecological considerations and fuel price fluctuations.
Quantifying the Impacts of Climate and Land Cover Changes on the Hydrological Regime of a Complex Dam Catchment Area
Authors: Masood Muhammad Umer , Haider Saif , Rashid Muhammad , Aldlemy Mohammed Suleman , Pande Chaitanya B. , Đurin Bojan , Homod Raad Z. , Alshehri Fahad , Elkhrachy Ismail
Published: October 2023

In this study, hydrological modeling at the watershed level is used to assess the impacts of climate and land use changes on the catchment area of the Khanpur Dam, which is an important water source for Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The hydrological impact of past and anticipated precipitation in the Khanpur Dam watershed was forecast by using a HEC-HMS model. After calibration, the framework was employed to analyze the effects of changes in land cover and climate on the hydrological regime. The model used information from three climatic gauge stations (Murree, Islamabad Zero Point, and Khanpur Dam) to split the Khanpur Dam catchment area into five sub-basins that encompass the entire watershed region, each with distinctive characteristics. The model was evaluated and checked for 2016–2018 and 2019–2020, and it produced an excellent match with the actual and anticipated flows. After statistical downscaling with the CMhyd model, the most effective performing GCM (MPI-ESM1-2-HR) among the four GCMs was chosen and used to forecast projections of temperature and precipitation within two shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP2 and SSP5). The predictions and anticipated changes in land cover were incorporated into the calibrated HEC-HMS model to evaluate the potential impact of climate change and land cover change at the Khanpur Dam. The starting point era (1990–2015) and the projected period (2016–2100), which encompassed the basis in the present century, were analyzed annually. The results indicated a spike in precipitation for the two SSPs, which was predicted to boost inflows all year. Until the end of the twenty-first century, SSP2 predicted a 21 percent rise in precipitation in the Khanpur Dam catchment area, while SSP5 predicted a 28% rise in precipitation. Increased flows were found to be projected in the future. It was found that the calibrated model could also be used effectively for upcoming studies on hydrological effects on inflows of the Khanpur Dam basin.
The Modeling and Simulation of Waste Recovery Processes Applied to the Orange Juice Industry
Authors: Suzuki Lorrayne Lins , Cunha Isadora Luiza Clímaco , Teixeira Cláudia Echevenguá , Kulay Luiz , dos Santos Moisés Teles
Published: October 2023

Orange-juice production represents a significant, world-leading economic sector in Brazil. Orange processing residues, however, correspond to 50% to 60% of the in natura fruit mass. Despite the high amount of generated waste, which is disposed of in landfills or used as raw material to produce low-value animal feed, studies on the use of this waste are still developing in Brazil. However, orange peels contain compounds that can be precursors to higher value-added products in different sectors. Therefore, this study presents a conceptual proposal for a biorefinery integrated into the orange-juice-production route to assess integrated processes’ technical, environmental, and economic performance to convert waste into chemicals, fuels, and energy. A stationary process simulation model was developed to analyze the manufacturing of four products, namely, D-limonene, pectin, biomethane, and electricity, comparing the results to the conventional feed production route according to generated revenue and environmental impacts. The results indicate that pectin production is the highest financial-return route, presenting the most significant environmental impact, whereas D-limonene production is more attractive, generating the second-highest revenue with the lowest associated environmental impacts.
Assessing Food and Livelihood Security in Sea Salt Community: A GIAHS Study in Ban Laem, Phetchaburi, Thailand
Authors: Tansuchat Roengchai , Plaiphum Sittichok
Published: October 2023

This study investigates food and livelihood security in Ban Laem District, Phetchaburi, a unique sea salt community recognized under the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). We assess the current status of food and livelihood security, utilizing the entropy weight method. Our findings reveal a composite evaluation score of 2.724, comprising an average food security rating of 1.476 and a livelihood security score of 1.248. Agricultural diversity emerges as pivotal for food security, while financial support, indigenous knowledge preservation, and climate adaptation strategies are crucial for livelihood security. Our recommendations include fostering awareness, collaboration, diversified farming, financial accessibility, and cultural conservation initiatives. This research provides valuable insights into coastal community security and informs transformative policies for sustainable development.
Performance Evaluation of Data Utility for a Differential Privacy Scheme Supporting Fault Tolerance
Authors: Zhang Lei , Wang Mingxiang , Xiu Jianxin
Published: October 2023

The evolution of smart grids improves the sustainability, controllability, stability, and efficiency of traditional power grids. There is a challenging issue in smart grids with protecting users’ privacy while collecting and controlling individual fine-grained data. To ensure data integrity and address the privacy issue, differential privacy protection is an efficient method to resist differential attacks on aggregated data. However, due to differential noise and faulty smart meters, the problem of differential noise deviation has a great impact on the utility of aggregated data. In this paper, we further supplement the previous work by improving the prediction method, forming a relatively complete DP protection scheme (DPP-UFT) with fault tolerance, and providing a detailed performance evaluation process. The experimental results show that the proposed method of adding differential noise based on the estimated failure rate is related to the estimated failure rate and the noise factor. Compared with several other related literature, it has achieved a higher data utilization effect.
Wind-Induced Vibrations and Gust Response Factors of the Cabin–Cable–Tower System
Authors: Mo De-Xiu , Li Hong-Nan , Li Qing-Wei
Published: October 2023

A large-scale radio astronomical telescope is a typical complex coupled system, consisting of a feed cabin, cables, and supporting structures. The system is extremely sensitive to wind loads, especially the feed cabin, which has high requirements for vibration displacement during operation, and excessive vibration may affect normal operation. To investigate the wind-induced vibration characteristics of such coupled systems, this study takes the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) as an example to conduct research. First, a refined finite element model of FAST is established, and a dynamic analysis using simulated random wind loads is conducted. The influence of the cable boundary on the time–frequency domain responses of the feed cabin is particularly considered. Then, the gust response factor (GRF) for different structural components within the coupled system is calculated. Finally, the evolution law of the GRF under various wind speeds and directions is revealed by parametric analysis. The parameter analysis only considers the wind directions ranging from 0° to 60°, because FAST is a symmetric structure. The results indicate that obvious differences are observed in both the rotational and translational displacements of the feed cabin under northward wind, especially the results along the east–west axis. When the supporting towers are considered, there is no change in the power spectral density (PSD) of the feed cabin in the low-frequency range. However, in the high-frequency range, taking the supporting towers into account leads to an increase in PSD and a resonance near the first-order natural frequency of the supporting tower. The GRF based on the dynamic response exhibits substantial deviations compared to those obtained from design codes, highlighting the need for an independent analysis when determining GRF for such coupled systems.
Action Principle for Scale Invariance and Applications (Part I)
Authors: Maeder Andre , Gueorguiev Vesselin G.
Published: October 2023

On the basis of a general action principle, we revisit the scale invariant field equation using the cotensor relations by Dirac (1973). This action principle also leads to an expression for the scale factor λ, which corresponds to the one derived from the gauging condition, which assumes that a macroscopic empty space is scale-invariant, homogeneous, and isotropic. These results strengthen the basis of the scale-invariant vacuum (SIV) paradigm. From the field and geodesic equations, we derive, in current time units (years, seconds), the Newton-like equation, the equations of the two-body problem, and its secular variations. In a two-body system, orbits very slightly expand, while the orbital velocity keeps constant during expansion. Interestingly enough, Kepler’s third law is a remarkable scale-invariant property.
Evaluation and Characterization of the Insecticidal Activity and Synergistic Effects of Different GroEL Proteins from Bacteria Associated with Entomopathogenic Nematodes on Galleria mellonella
Authors: Rivera-Ramírez Abraham , Salgado-Morales Rosalba , Onofre-Lemus Janette , García-Gómez Blanca I. , Lanz-Mendoza Humberto , Dantán-González Edgar
Published: October 2023

GroEL is a chaperonin that helps other proteins fold correctly. However, alternative activities, such as acting as an insect toxin, have also been discovered. This work evaluates the chaperonin and insecticidal activity of different GroEL proteins from entomopathogenic nematodes on G. mellonella. The ability to synergize with the ExoA toxin of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was also investigated. The GroELXn protein showed the highest insecticidal activity among the different GroELs. In addition, it was able to significantly activate the phenoloxidase system of the target insects. This could tell us about the mechanism by which it exerts its toxicity on insects. GroEL proteins can enhance the toxic activity of the ExoA toxin, which could be related to its chaperonin activity. However, there is a significant difference in the synergistic effect that is more related to its alternative activity as an insecticidal toxin.
A Non-Nucleotide STING Agonist MSA-2 Synergized with Manganese in Enhancing STING Activation to Elicit Potent Anti-RNA Virus Activity in the Cells
Authors: Lin Hanrui , Zhang Rui , Xiang Hanyi , Lin Xinqian , Huang Xiongting , Chen Jingsong , Zhou Long , Zhang Zhidong , Li Yanmin
Published: October 2023

Both Manganese (Mn2+) and MSA-2 can activate the downstream signal pathway through stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and induce the expression of type I interferon, which is important for hosts to protect against DNA viruses. However, its effect on RNA viruses remains unknown. In this study, we used Seneca Valley virus (SVV) as a model RNA virus to investigate the inhibitory effects of Mn2+ and MSA-2 on the virus replication in the porcine cells (PK-15 cells). The results showed that both MSA-2 and Mn2+ were able to inhibit the SVV replication in PK-15 cells. The combination of MAS-2 and Mn2+ could confer better protection against SVV. Further studies showed that MSA-2 and Mn2+ could activate TBK1, IRF3 and NFκB through STING and induce the expression of IFN-β, IL-6 and TNF-α. The present study confirmed that MSA-2 synergized with Mn2+ in STING activation to generate a better antiviral effect in vitro, which would be helpful for the further development of effective antiviral drugs in the future.
Cytomegalovirus Infection in Pregnancy Prevention and Treatment Options: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rybak-Krzyszkowska Magda , Górecka Joanna , Huras Hubert , Massalska-Wolska Magdalena , Staśkiewicz Magdalena , Gach Agnieszka , Kondracka Adrianna , Staniczek Jakub , Górczewski Wojciech , Borowski Dariusz , Jaczyńska Renata , Grzesiak Mariusz , Krzeszowski Waldemar
Published: October 2023

Objectives: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a significant health concern affecting numerous expectant mothers across the globe. CMV is the leading cause of health problems and developmental delays among infected infants. Notably, this study examines CMV infection in pregnancy, its management, prevention mechanisms, and treatment options. Methods: Specifically, information from the Cochrane Library, PUBMED, Wiley Online, Science Direct, and Taylor Francis databases were reviewed along with additional records identified through the register, the Google Scholar search engine. Based on the search, 21 articles were identified for systematic review. Results: A total of six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were utilized for a meta-analytic review. As heterogeneity was substantial, the random effects model was used for meta-analysis. Utilizing the random-effects model, the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) approach, the estimate of effect size (d = −0.479, 95% CI = −0.977 to 0.019, p = 0.060) suggests the results are not statistically significant, so it cannot be inferred that the prevention methods used were effective, despite an inverse relationship between treatment and number of infected cases. The findings indicated that several techniques are used to prevent, diagnose, and manage CMV infection during pregnancy, including proper hygiene, ultrasound examination (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), amniocentesis, viremia, hyperimmunoglobulin (HIG), and valacyclovir (VACV). Conclusions: The current review has significant implications for addressing CMV infection in pregnancy. Specifically, it provides valuable findings on contemporary management interventions to prevent and treat CMV infection among expectant mothers. Therefore, it allows relevant stakeholders to address these critical health concerns and understand the effectiveness of the proposed prevention and treatment options.
Vaccination and Antiviral Treatment against Avian Influenza H5Nx Viruses: A Harbinger of Virus Control or Evolution
Authors: Alasiri Ahlam , Soltane Raya , Hegazy Akram , Khalil Ahmed Magdy , Mahmoud Sara H. , Khalil Ahmed A. , Martinez-Sobrido Luis , Mostafa Ahmed
Published: October 2023

Despite the panzootic nature of emergent highly pathogenic avian influenza H5Nx viruses in wild migratory birds and domestic poultry, only a limited number of human infections with H5Nx viruses have been identified since its emergence in 1996. Few countries with endemic avian influenza viruses (AIVs) have implemented vaccination as a control strategy, while most of the countries have adopted a culling strategy for the infected flocks. To date, China and Egypt are the two major sites where vaccination has been adopted to control avian influenza H5Nx infections, especially with the widespread circulation of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses. This virus is currently circulating among birds and poultry, with occasional spillovers to mammals, including humans. Herein, we will discuss the history of AIVs in Egypt as one of the hotspots for infections and the improper implementation of prophylactic and therapeutic control strategies, leading to continuous flock outbreaks with remarkable virus evolution scenarios. Along with current pre-pandemic preparedness efforts, comprehensive surveillance of H5Nx viruses in wild birds, domestic poultry, and mammals, including humans, in endemic areas is critical to explore the public health risk of the newly emerging immune-evasive or drug-resistant H5Nx variants.
The Application of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Future Vaccine Synthesis
Authors: Zhang Rui , Duan Xingxiang , Liu Ye , Xu Jia , Al-bashari Abdullkhaleg Ali Ghaleb , Ye Peng , Ye Qingsong , He Yan
Published: October 2023

Vaccines have significant potential in treating and/or preventing diseases, yet there remain challenges in developing effective vaccines against some diseases, such as AIDS and certain tumors. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a subset of cells with low immunogenicity, high proliferation potential, and an abundant source of extracellular vesicles (EVs), represent one of the novel and promising vaccine platforms. This review describes the unique features and potential mechanisms of MSCs as a novel vaccine platform. We also cover aspects such as the safety and stability of MSCs that warrant future in-depth studies.
Dynamics of the Agricultural Water Footprint and the Decoupling Associations with Agricultural Economic Growth in Hangzhou, China
Authors: Zhu Hua , Zhang Qing , Xu Ligang , Liu Ying , Wang Yan , Ma Shuzhan
Published: October 2023

Understanding the relationship between the agricultural water footprint (AWF) and agricultural economic growth (AEG) is of great significance for promoting sustainable agriculture and regional economic development. In this study, we used agricultural statistics data from Hangzhou from 2010 to 2021 to calculate the AWF, predicted the decoupling relationship between the AWF and AEG, and explored the influencing factors of the decoupling relationship between the AWF and AEG. The results showed the following: (1) The AWF in Hangzhou exhibited a decreasing trend, with a reduction from 58.88 × 108 m3 in 2010 to 37.80 × 108 m3 in 2021; this was mainly related to the decline in the water footprints of grain, pork, and egg production. (2) The strong decoupling accounted for 63.64% of the decoupling between the AWF and AEG in Hangzhou during the study period. It was found that an agricultural structure adjustment was the main factor for achieving decoupling between the AWF and AEG. Under the guidance of policy, the decoupling between them could be changed by regulating the output of agricultural products with different water footprint contents per unit. (3) From 2022 to 2026, the AWF in Hangzhou is expected to decrease to 28.21 × 108 m3, while the agricultural economy is projected to increase to CNY 40.008 billion. There will continue to be a strong decoupling status between the AWF and AEG in Hangzhou.
Research on the Performance Characteristics and Unsteady Flow Mechanism of a Centrifugal Pump under Pitch Motion
Authors: Yuan Ye , Gong Weihong , Wang Guojun , Wang Jun
Published: October 2023

Pitch motion is the key factor affecting the performance characteristics of centrifugal pumps on board ships and exacerbates hydraulic excitation to induce the unsteady vibration of pump units. A hydraulic test platform with swing motion is established to explore the effects of pitch motion on a pump’s performance characteristics. An obvious hump zone exists in the head characteristic curve in the low-flow-rate condition due to the pitch motion. The pump head in the shut-off condition has a significant decrease due to the pitch motion, compared to the static state. The head decrease gradually increases as the maximum pitch angle increases or the pitch period shortens. Specifically, the head in the rated flow condition decreases by 6.3 % to reach a minimum at the maximum pitch angle of 20 degrees in a period of 5 s. Based on a multiple-reference coordinate system, a large eddy simulation with a shear-modified eddy viscosity model is employed to simulate inner flow characteristics under the influence of pitch motion. A distinct vortex flow appears near the blade suction surface and becomes increasingly turbulent as the pitch period shortens. The pitch motion intensifies the unsteady stretching and deformation of vortices. The periodic variations in fluid-induced pressure over time present parabolic features, and the amplitude in the frequency domain reaches its maximum value within a pitch period of 5 s.
Synchronized Structure and Teleconnection Patterns of Meteorological Drought Events over the Yangtze River Basin, China
Authors: Liu Lei , Gao Chao , Zhu Zhanliang , Tang Xiongpeng , Zhang Dongjie , Zhang Silong
Published: October 2023

Investigating the synchronized structure and teleconnection patterns of meteorological drought events (MDEs) contributes to elucidating drought’s evolution. In this study, the CN05.1 gridded meteorological dataset from 1961 to 2021 was utilized to calculate the 3-month standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI-3) for each grid in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB). Based on these SPEI-3 series, the grid-based MDEs were then extracted. Subsequently, event synchronization and complex networks were employed to construct the MDE synchronized network over the YRB. This network was used to identify the MDEs’ topological structure, synchronized subregions, and representative grids. Finally, the MDE characteristics and MDE teleconnection patterns of individual subregions were investigated. The results of the MDE topological structure show that the northeastern portion of the YRB tends to experience widespread MDEs, while specific areas in the upper reaches are prone to localized MDEs. Synchronous MDEs mainly propagate along the central pathway and the eastern pathway, which display relatively low MDE spatial coherence. The YRB is partitioned into eight MDE synchronized subregions, each exhibiting distinct characteristics in terms of the frequency, duration, total severity, and peak of MDEs, as well as MDE temporal frequency distributions. Among all teleconnection factors, El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) exerts a strong influence on MDEs in all subregions, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) shows a significant association with MDEs in all subregions except for Subregion 3 in the southeast, the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) displays a significant influence on MDEs in the southern subregions of the YRB, and the Arctic Oscillation (AO) has a more pronounced influence on MDEs in the northern subregions. This study provides valuable insights on drought’s evolution within the YRB and offers guidance to policymakers for advanced preventive measures.
The Importance of Enterococci in the Monitoring of Fecal Pollution in River Water in Forests and Urban Areas
Authors: Gotkowska-Płachta Anna , Gołaś Iwona
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to determine the spatial distribution of enterococci as indicators of fecal pollution in river water in forest reserves and urban areas. The biodiversity, multidrug resistance, and virulence of enterococci were monitored using conventional and molecular methods, including fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Enterococcal (ENT) counts determined via the FISH method were several thousand times higher than those determined by the culture-based method. This observation points to the abundance of viable but non-culturable (VBNC) bacteria that are often more toxic. Water from the river source was characterized by the lowest number of multidrug-resistant and virulent enterococcal strains. The abundance of the analyzed bacteria was highest (more than 50% of the strains) in the area where treated wastewater was evacuated to the river. Statistical analysis confirmed the presence of relationships between these environments. Pathogenic enterococci, which are not effectively eliminated during wastewater treatment, spread in the river continuum, thus posing a health threat to humans and animals. A combination of conventional and molecular techniques for the identification of bacteria supports a rapid and reliable assessment of pollution sources in the examined environment and the implementation of protective measures.
Surface Velocity to Depth-Averaged Velocity—A Review of Methods to Estimate Alpha and Remaining Challenges
Authors: Biggs Hamish , Smart Graeme , Doyle Martin , Eickelberg Niklas , Aberle Jochen , Randall Mark , Detert Martin
Published: October 2023

The accuracy of discharge measurements derived from surface velocities are highly dependent on the accuracy of conversions from surface velocity us to depth-averaged velocity U. This conversion factor is typically known as the ‘velocity coefficient’, ‘velocity index’, ‘calibration factor’, ‘alpha coefficient’, or simply ‘alpha’, where α=U/us. At some field sites detailed in situ measurements can be made to calculate alpha, while in other situations (such as rapid response flood measurements) alpha must be estimated. This paper provides a review of existing methods for estimating alpha and presents a workflow for selecting the appropriate method, based on available data. Approaches to estimating alpha include: reference discharge and surface velocimetry measurements; extrapolated ADCP velocity profiles; log law profiles; power law profiles; site characteristics; and default assumed values. Additional methods for estimating alpha that require further development or validation are also described. This paper then summarises methods for accounting for spatial and temporal heterogeneity in alpha, such as ‘stage to alpha rating curves’, ‘site alpha vs. local alpha’, and ‘the divided channel method’. Remaining challenges for the accurate estimation of alpha are discussed, as well as future directions that will help to address these challenges. Although significant work remains to improve the estimation of alpha (notably to address surface wind effects and velocity dip), the methods covered in this paper could provide a substantial accuracy improvement over selecting the ‘default value’ of 0.857 for alpha for every discharge measurement.
Impact of Water Management on Methane Emission Dynamics in Sri Lankan Paddy Ecosystems
Authors: Lakshani M. M. Tharindi , Deepagoda T. K. K. Chamindu , Li Yuan , Hansen H. F. E. , Elberling Bo , Nissanka Sarath P. , Senanayake Dassanayake M. J. B. , Hamamoto Shoichiro , Babu G. L. Sivakumar , Chanakya Hoysala N. , G. Parameswaran T. , Arunkumar Pandit G. , Sander Bjoern Ole , Clough Timothy J. , Smits Kathleen
Published: October 2023

Paddy ecosystems constitute a dominant source of greenhouse gases, particularly of methane (CH4), due to the continuous flooding (CF) practiced under conventional paddy cultivation. A new management method, namely alternative wetting and draining (AWD) (i.e., flooding whenever surface water levels decline to 15 cm below the soil surface), is an emerging practice developed to mitigate CH4 emissions while providing an optimal solution for freshwater scarcity. Despite extensive paddy cultivation in Sri Lanka, no systematic research study has been conducted to investigate CH4 emissions under different water management practices. Thus, field experiments were conducted in Sri Lanka to investigate the feedback of controlled water management on seasonal and diel variation of CH4 emission, water consumption, and crop productivity. Adopting the same rice variety, two water management methods, continuous flooding (CF) and alternative wetting and draining (AWD), were compared with plants (W/P) and without plants (N/P) present. The emission of CH4 was measured using the static closed chamber method. The results show a 32% reduction in cumulative CH4 emission, on average, under AWD when compared to CF. The yield under the AWD was slightly higher than that of CF. Although it was not statistically significant (p > 0.05) there was not any reduction in yield in AWD than in CF. The total water saving under AWD ranged between 27–35% when compared to CF. Thus, the results support (without considering the effect of nitrous oxide) AWD as a promising method for mitigating CH4 emissions while preserving freshwater and maintaining grain yield in paddy systems.