bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of Media Depictions of Mobility in Transition—An Experts’ Assessment of News Coverage in Germany
Authors: Drexler Corinna E. , Hagen Lutz M.
Published: March 2023

This contribution investigates the quality of news media coverage on the transition of mobility and transport in Germany as judged by experts in journalism and mobility. Mass media serves a crucial function in reaching an informed political consensus about paths towards sustainable mobility. Political actors, experts, and the general public need to be correctly and comprehensively informed about relevant demands and options for transitioning mobility and transport systems. However, media are often accused of failing to serve their functions in the public interest. Coverage on scientific issues is frequently criticized, e.g., for being incomplete, inaccurate, or skewed negatively or towards elite and standard sources. No research, however, has been undertaken to analyze how well coverage of mobility in transition conforms to professional quality standards. We aim at this research gap using semi-structured interviews with experts in transport/mobility from academia and journalism. Experts’ quality expectations are unveiled, and insights are derived on how well mobility journalism meets them. We find that media are accused of several blind spots, seeming to downplay, ignore, or inaccurately report several relevant issues. Findings further show that reporting is slowly shifting from a focus on automobility towards a more diverse presentation of the transport system, while relevance and complexity of the transformation processes are not yet presented sufficiently comprehensibly to a heterogeneous public.
The Interaction between Anthropogenic Activities and Atmospheric Environment in North China
Authors: Yao Lanlan , Si Ruirui , Zhang Wenyu , Guo Yanling
Published: March 2023

To quantify the interaction between anthropogenic activities and the atmospheric environment in North China, spatiotemporal characteristics, transmission, source apportionment and a health risk assessment of the elements were analyzed in regional and background atmospheric research stations during a period of 2017. This study found that the concentration of PM2.5 and 16 elements in the regional station was 1.5 and 2.8 times higher, respectively, than that in the background station. Under the combined influence of human activities and the dusty weather in Spring, the concentration of 16 elements in the regional station was up to 3 times that in the background station. In terms of the transmission of PM2.5, the potential source regions of PM2.5 in North China were mainly the central and southern parts of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH), as well as parts of northern Henan and western Shandong. The source apportionment of the elements proved that the elements in North China were mainly derived from soil dust (29.9–68.2%), followed by traffic (8.8–26.3%), with coal combustion and oil consumption accounting for 5.8–24.5% and 4.1–12.9%, respectively. Although the proportion was not the largest, traffic posed the highest health risk to people, which should draw the attention of the relevant authorities.
How the Distribution of Photon Delivery Impacts Crops in Indoor Plant Environments: A Review
Authors: Warner Rachael , Wu Bo-Sen , MacPherson Sarah , Lefsrud Mark
Published: March 2023

Indoor plant production allows for increased controllability over plant growth, particularly with the employment of specific lighting regimes. This article reviews research investigating the influence of various light regimes that provide crops with the same light spectrum and daily light integral (DLI), yet with different lighting schedules and intensities. The structure of these light regimes includes changing photoperiod duration and light intensity, cyclic lighting schedules (increased number of light/dark cycles over 24 h, same total illuminated time and intensity), and intermittent and fluctuating lighting (with intervals ranging from 60 s to 60 min). The most common crops investigated were leafy greens, although some fruiting, ornamental, and model crop Arabidopsis are included. Under constant DLI, extending photoperiod and reducing light intensity generally increased the total amount of biomass accumulation and increased light interception. Increases in the number of shortened light/dark cycles contributed to decreased yield, leaf area, and photosynthetic rate, compared to the more standard single light/dark cycle. Intermittent and fluctuating lighting regimes generally reduced biomass accumulation and light interception. These results indicate that the total amount of light delivered to crops is important, but how that light is delivered can influence crop growth. This review will be useful for growers and researchers when designing lighting systems and regimes to produce horticultural crops in indoor plant environment systems.
Systems Thinking and Solid Waste Management in Puerto Rico: Feedback Loops over Time
Authors: Brinton Amanda , Townsend Timothy G. , Diehl David C. , Deliz Quiñones Katherine , Lichtenstein Mark M.
Published: March 2023

This article uses a systems-thinking framework to analyze Puerto Rico’s solid waste system. Our findings were based on 36 semi-structured interviews from stakeholders that work within the solid waste system. Interviewees represented businesses, advocacy organizations, a university, and government agencies, including municipal, central, and federal government. This research is unique because it focuses on a case study using a historical lens to explore the policies and stakeholder dynamics that shape a system’s behavior, where the behavior is in reference to the flows of discarded materials either entering the circular economy or the island’s waste disposal facilities. Through our research, we found that Puerto Rico’s overall solid waste system is stalled within a balancing feedback loop where policies and dynamics have taken place that have created resistance to efforts to improve the current situation. In our discussion, we reflect on the policies and stakeholder dynamics that have caused this balancing feedback loop and make recommendations to better support a reinforcing feedback loop that will lead to changes to achieve Puerto Rico’s solid waste disposal and recycling plans and goals required to foster a circular economy. This study can inform future policy making and institutional coordination efforts within Puerto Rico and abroad.
Study on the Correlation Mechanism between the Living Vegetation Volume of Urban Road Plantings and PM2.5 Concentrations
Authors: Liu Congzhe , Dai Anqi , Zhang Huihui , Sheng Qianqian , Zhu Zunling
Published: March 2023

To study the effects of species diversity of different urban road green space on PM2.5 reduction, and to provide a theoretical basis for the optimal design of urban road plantings. Different combinations of road plantings in Xianlin Avenue of Nanjing were used as sample areas, and 3–6 PM2.5 monitoring points were set up in each sample area. The monitoring points were setup at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 m from the roadbed for detecting PM2.5 concentrations in different sample areas. Moreover, the living vegetation volume of each sample area was calculated. The coupling relationship between the living vegetation volumes and PM2.5 concentrations in different sample areas was evaluated by regression fitting and other methods. PM2.5 concentrations among different sample areas were significantly different. PM2.5 concentrations were higher in the morning than in the afternoon, while the differences were not significant. The living vegetation volumes of the eight sample areas varied from 2038.73 m3 to 15,032.55 m3. Affected by different plant configurations, the living vegetation volumes in the sample areas showed obvious differences. The S2 and S6 sample area, which was consisted a large number of shrubshave better PM2.5 reduction capability. The fitting curve of living vegetation volumes and PM2.5 concentrations in sample areas of S1 and S3–S8 can explain 76.4% of the change in PM2.5 concentrations, which showed significant fitting. The fitting relationship between living vegetation volumes and PM2.5 concentrations in different road green space is different owing to different compositions of plantings. With the increase in living vegetation volumes, their fitting functions first increase and then decrease in a certain range. It is speculated that only when the living vegetation volume exceeds a certain range, it will promote PM2.5 reduction.
The Role of Eco-Labels in Making Environmentally Friendly Choices: An Eye-Tracking Study on Aquaculture Products with Italian Consumers
Authors: Proi Migena , Dudinskaya Emilia Cubero , Naspetti Simona , Ozturk Emel , Zanoli Raffaele
Published: March 2023

Eco-labels are crucial in helping consumers make sustainable food choices. However, previous literature has shown that eco-labels lack visibility and, frequently, are not easy for consumers to see. The main goal of the present study was to analyse the influence of aquaculture eco-labels’ visual elements—size and saliency—on consumers’ visual attention and choice. The study uses an eye-tracking methodology, together with a choice experiment and a semiotic analysis. A word association (WA) task was used to explore how each eco-label’s graphic design influenced consumers’ perceptions. Sixty-one consumers’ eye movements were tracked while choosing smoked salmon and seabass products carrying different eco-labels. The results showed that size and saliency largely influence visual attention. The choice of aquaculture products was influenced only by the size of the eco-labels. According to the WA task, the shape, the symbols and the language in which the claim was written influenced consumers’ preferences. The findings contribute to marketing and food research, suggesting which visual elements should be considered to increase consumers’ interest in eco-labels.
Legal and Policy Issues While Evaluating the Sustainability of a Floating Storage Regasification Unit: The Case of Alexandroupoli Greece
Authors: Polemis Dionysios , Boviatsis Michael
Published: March 2023

Floating Liquid Natural Gas (FLNG) facilities are increasingly being used in developing countries since floating regasification and storage units (FSRU) are proven to be more cost-effective per thermal unit than traditional land-based facilities. The purpose of this study is to assess the main issues and the sustainability of an FSRU project, namely the regional and international energy policies and the need to develop a novel regulatory framework, considering all relevant international policies and legislation. Therefore, the Alexandroupoli FSRU was elected because it has several advantages for Greece, the Balkans and the European Union since it supports the basis for a competitive, secure and time-consuming energy market. In addition, the project helps the E.U. to achieve its energy goals and climate objectives in line with the Paris Agreement and provide affordable, safe and sustainable energy to all citizens. Most importantly, the project was elected to demonstrate the volatility of this specific market in light of the Russo–Ukrainian conflict.
Exploring Sustainable Interior Design Implementation Barriers: A Partial Least Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Kineber Ahmed Farouk , Massoud Mostafa Mo. , Hamed Mohammed Magdy , Qaralleh Thikryat Jibril Obied
Published: March 2023

Although sustainability has been an issue in the built environment for some time, it has not yet been fully addressed in sustainable interior architecture and design. This research aimed to identify and analyze obstacles preventing sustainable interior architecture and design implementation. As a result, the partial least structural equation modeling approach (PLS-SEM) has been requested to evaluate these obstructions. Therefore, after identifying 30 possible barriers through a literature search, a survey questionnaire was issued to 100 interior designers to evaluate their significance. According to the findings, governmental obstacles are the most pressing, followed by those related to information, knowledge, awareness, technology, training, attitudes, the market, and economics. This study’s conclusions may benefit professional interior architects, designers, academics, statutory authorities, administrations, and politicians. The current study addresses the lack of prior literature by compiling a thorough inventory of obstacles to environmentally friendly interior architecture and design, lays the framework for more in-depth future studies, and uses a unique PLS-SEM that has not been used previously.
Changes in Extremes Rainfall Events in Present and Future Climate Scenarios over the Teesta River Basin, India
Authors: Chaubey Pawan Kumar , Mall Rajesh Kumar , Srivastava Prashant K.
Published: March 2023

Globally, changes in hydroclimate extremes such as extreme precipitation events influence water resources, natural environments, and human health and safety. During recent decades, India has observed an enormous increase in rainfall extremes during the summer monsoon (June to September) seasons. However, future extreme rainfall events have significant uncertainty at the regional scale. Consequently, a comprehensive study is needed to evaluate the extreme rainfall events at a regional river basin level in order to understand the geomorphological characteristics and pattern of rainfall events. In the above purview, the current research focuses on changes in extreme rainfall events obtained through observed gridded datasets and future scenarios of climate models derived through the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP). The results highlight a significant rise in the extremes of precipitation events during the first half of the 21st century. In addition, our study concludes that accumulated precipitation will increase by five days in the future, while the precipitation maxima will increase from 200 to 300 mm/day at the 2-year, 50-year, and 100-year return periods. Finally, it is found that during the middle of the 21st century the 23.37% number of events will increase over the TRB at the 90th percentile.
Forecast of Advanced Human Capital Gap Based on PSO-BP Neural Network and Coordination Pathway: Example of Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region
Authors: He Miao , Huang Junli , Sun Ruyi
Published: March 2023

The upgrading of human capital caused by education is significant to regional development. Reasonable predictions of the degree of advanced human capital in different regions are effective for formulating reasonable talent policies and accelerating regional coordinated development. The BP neural network is a widely used prediction technology. PSO-BP neural network has good global search ability, which can accelerate the convergence speed of traditional BP neural network, which is suitable for forecasting larger data. The study takes the provincial data of China from 2005 to 2019 as an example, using PSO-BP neural network algorithm to predict the advanced level of human capital through the influencing factors filtered by OLS regression. The results show that: (1) Innovation ability and urbanization can play a decisive role in advanced human capital filtered by OLS regression; (2) The results of predicting the development trend of advanced human capital in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region in 2020–2025 through the PSO-BP neural network have showed that there is still a large gap between the senior human capital stock in Hebei-Beijing-Tianjin in terms of total and per capita in 2020–2025 compared with other regions in east of China; (3) Giving full attention to elaborate the positive role of economic quality and quantity development are suitable for narrowing the difference of advanced human capital in this region. Through the method of OLS-BP-neural network, this study explores the gap and influencing factors of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, excavates the reasons for the huge gradient difference in the development of this region, and extends the machine learning prediction method to the analysis of the advanced level of human capital and the research of narrowing the regional development gap.
Sustainability Assessment of Intensification Levels of Brazilian Smallholder Integrated Dairy-Crop Production Systems: An Emergy and Economic-Based Decision Approach
Authors: Luiz Vitória Toffolo , Nacimento Rafael Araújo , Rezende Vanessa Theodoro , Almeida Taynara Freitas Avelar de , Paz Juliana Vieira , Giannetti Biagio Fernando , Gameiro Augusto Hauber
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the sustainability of integrated dairy–crop production systems by employing emergy and economic theory perspectives, and to identify strategies to improve the intensification of dairy production systems. A case study of a small Brazilian dairy production system (PROP) was created to assess dairy herd feed exchanges as a sustainability pathway. Three scenarios were proposed for the examination of a dairy production system: extensive (EXT); semi-intensive (SIS); and intensive (INT). The Interlink Decision Making Index (IDMI) was used to compare sustainability among them. The PROP demonstrated higher environmental performance than the other scenarios (ESI = 1.30, 0.65, 0.95, and 0.71, for PROP, INT, SIS, and EXT, respectively); however, PROP’s profitability was 1.6 times lower than that of SIS and INT, although PROP’s profitability was higher than that of the EXT scenario. Notably, the IDMI identified the SIS scenario as having the best sustainability among those studied. We concluded that the consideration of the energy contribution for feed ingredients yields a more equitable evaluation of environmental performance in integrated dairy–crop production systems, which leads us to propose the following suggestions: (i) target higher profit performance by changing extensive dairy systems to semi-intensive systems that utilize feed ingredients produced at the farm, and (ii) promote higher environmental performance by transforming intensive dairy systems to semi-intensive systems that are directed more toward maintaining environmental factors. In our view, public policies should focus on bonifications that upgrade dairy systems to promote and utilize best practices for dairy–crop integration.
Towards Ethical Consumption Activities among Tourism Firms: Nexus of Environmental Knowledge, CSR Participation and Psychological Social Support
Authors: Nassani Abdelmohsen A. , Badawi Maher , Confetto Maria Giovanna , Palazzo Maria , Ferri Maria Antonella , Haffar Mohamed
Published: March 2023

Employees’ psychosocial competency and CSR participation help them to achieve pro-environmental knowledge for enhancing ethical consumption behaviors. The aim of this study is to assess the level of social responsibility of tourism firms and also examine the impact of environmental knowledge on ethical consumption. The study further investigates the indirect influence through the mediating role of CSR participation and moderating role of psychological social support (PSS) between environmental knowledge and ethical consumption links in tourism firms. This research used quantitative methods and questionnaires for data collection. Data were composed of 387 employees and owners working within tourism firms and hotels. Results demonstrate that environmental knowledge is positively associated with ethical consumption. Findings show that CSR participation mediates the relation between environmental knowledge and ethical consumption. Furthermore, outcomes reveal that psychological social support acts as a moderator between environmental knowledge and ethical consumption. The know-how of employees is dependent on their environmental knowledge and CSR participation. By addressing the mediating mechanism of CSR participation and the interplay of psychological social support, our study adds several insights to the prior literature streams about ethical consumption. As a result of CSR programs, residents become more familiar with ecological protection and more concerned about ethical consumption patterns and develop a sense of responsibility for the environment. Therefore, we recommended that firms should launch CSR programs to increase pro-environmental awareness of consumers and encourage their ethical consumption actions.
Recent Advances in Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles for Their Biomedical Applications
Authors: Goel Muskan , Sharma Anurag , Sharma Bechan
Published: March 2023

Owing to the unique property of large surface area/volume of nanoparticles, scientific developments have revolutionized the fields of nanotechnology. Nanoparticles can be synthesized through physical, chemical, and biological routes, where biologically synthesized nanoparticles are also referred to as biogenic-synthesized nanoparticles or bionanoparticles. Bionanoparticles exploit the inherent reducing property of biological entities to develop cost-effective, non-toxic, time-efficient, sustainable, and stable nanosized particles. There is a wide array of biomedical focus on metallic nanoparticles, especially silver nanoparticles, due to their distinctive physiochemical properties making them a suitable therapeutic molecule carrier. This article aims to provide a broad insight into the various classes of living organisms that can be exploited for the development of silver nanoparticles, and elaboratively review the interdisciplinary biomedical applications of biogenically synthesized silver nanoparticles in health and life sciences domains.
The Impact of Heat Source and Temperature Gradient on Brinkman–Bènard Triple-Diffusive Magneto-Marangoni Convection in a Two-Layer System
Authors: Yellamma  , Narayanappa Manjunatha , Udhayakumar Ramalingam , Almarri Barakah , Ramakrishna Sumithra , Elshenhab Ahmed M.
Published: March 2023

The effect of a heat source and temperature gradient on Brinkman–Bènard Triple-Diffusive magneto-Marangoni (BBTDMM) convection in a two-layer system is investigated. The two-layer system is horizontally infinite and is surrounded on all sides by adiabatic boundaries. It is exposed to basic uniform and non-uniform temperature profiles and heat sources. The appropriate eigenvalues and thermal Marangoni numbers (TMNs), which depend on temperature and concentration, are obtained for the temperature profiles (TPs) for lower rigid and higher free boundaries with surface tension. The transformed system of ordinary differential equations is solved by using an exact technique. For all three TPs, the impact of significant relevant parameters on these eigenvalues, and hence on BBTDMM convection, are investigated versus the thermal ratio. It is observed that, by increasing the values of the modified internal Rayleigh number for the fluid layer and the solute Marangoni numbers, the Darcy number, and the viscosity ratio for the set of physical parameters chosen in the study, one can postpone BBTDMM convection. Higher values of the modified internal Rayleigh numbers for the porous layer augment BBTDMM convection.
Calculation of Effective Characteristics of a 2D Composite with Rhombic Voids Using an Inhomogeneous Cell Model
Authors: Andrianov Igor , Starushenko Galina , Kvitka Sergey
Published: March 2023

One of the most common approximations in the theory of composite materials is the homogenization theory. The main difficulty in its application lies in solving the cell problem, i.e., the boundary value problem on a periodically repeating element of composite material. For the case of inclusions of large size and with characteristics far superior to those of the matrix, the lubrication approach gives good results. However, the use of such an asymptotic approach is unnatural for the case when the characteristics of the matrix exceed the characteristics of the inclusion. In the presented work, the problem of conductivity for a 2D composite with rhombic voids is considered. The solution of the cell problem is carried out by two methods. First, the lubrication approach is used for this purpose. In addition, a modification of the Schwarz alternating method is proposed. This new approach has been called an “inhomogeneous cell model”. Both methods made it possible to obtain analytical expressions for the effective conductivity. A comparison of the indicated approximate models is carried out, and it is shown that the obtained solutions exactly satisfy Keller’s theorem. The physical foundations of the proposed inhomogeneous cell model are discussed. Its advantage in solving the considered problem is shown.
Exact Solutions of Maxwell Equations in Homogeneous Spaces with the Group of Motions G3(VIII)
Authors: Obukhov Valeriy V.
Published: March 2023

The problem of the classification of the exact solutions to Maxwell’s vacuum equations for admissible electromagnetic fields and homogeneous space-time with the group of motions G3(VIII) according to the Bianchi classification is considered. All non-equivalent solutions are found. The classification problem for the remaining groups of motion, G3(N), has already been solved in other papers. All non-equivalent solutions of empty Maxwell equations for all homogeneous spaces with admissible electromagnetic fields are now known.
Symmetry in Fluid Flow
Authors: Tagawa Toshio
Published: March 2023

Fluid flows sometimes exhibit symmetricity under certain conditions [...]
Charge Asymmetry of New Stable Families in Baryon Asymmetrical Universe
Authors: Beylin Vitaly A. , Khlopov Maxim Yu. , Sopin Danila O.
Published: March 2023

The new stable fermion family, with Standard Model electroweak (EW) charges, should take part in sphaleron transitions in the early Universe before breaking of the EW symmetry. The conditions of balance between the excess of new fermions (additional generation of new superheavy U, D quarks and new E, N leptons) and baryon asymmetry, were considered at temperatures above, and below, the phase transition, using a system of equations for chemical potentials.
Aging Mechanism and Models of Supercapacitors: A Review
Authors: Ma Ning , Yang Dongfang , Riaz Saleem , Wang Licheng , Wang Kai
Published: March 2023

Electrochemical supercapacitors are a promising type of energy storage device with broad application prospects. Developing an accurate model to reflect their actual working characteristics is of great research significance for rational utilization, performance optimization, and system simulation of supercapacitors. This paper presents the fundamental working principle and applications of supercapacitors, analyzes their aging mechanism, summarizes existing supercapacitor models, and evaluates the characteristics and application scope of each model. By examining the current state and limitations of supercapacitor modeling research, this paper identifies future development trends and research focuses in this area.
Exposure to Phthalates in European Children, Adolescents and Adults since 2005: A Harmonized Approach Based on Existing HBM Data in the HBM4EU Initiative
Authors: Vogel Nina , Lange Rosa , Schmidt Phillipp , Rodriguez Martin Laura , Remy Sylvie , Springer Andrea , Puklová Vladimíra , Černá Milena , Rudnai Péter , Középesy Szilvia , Janasik Beata , Ligocka Danuta , Fábelová Lucia , Kolena Branislav , Petrovicova Ida , Jajcaj Michal , Eštóková Milada , Esteban-Lopez Marta , Castaño Argelia , Tratnik Janja Snoj , Stajnko Anja , Knudsen Lisbeth E. , Toppari Jorma , Main Katharina M. , Juul Anders , Andersson Anna-Maria , Jørgensen Niels , Frederiksen Hanne , Thomsen Cathrine , Sakhi Amrit Kaur , Åkesson Agneta , Hartmann Christina , Dewolf Marie Christine , Koppen Gudrun , Biot Pierre , Den Hond Elly , Voorspoels Stefan , Gilles Liese , Govarts Eva , Murawski Aline , Gerofke Antje , Weber Till , Rüther Maria , Gutleb Arno C. , Guignard Cedric , Berman Tamar , Koch Holger M. , Kolossa-Gehring Marike
Published: March 2023

Phthalates are mainly used as plasticizers and are associated inter alia with adverse effects on reproductive functions. While more and more national programs in Europe have started monitoring internal exposure to phthalates and its substitute 1,2-Cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (DINCH), the comparability of results from such existing human biomonitoring (HBM) studies across Europe is challenging. They differ widely in time periods, study samples, degree of geographical coverage, design, analytical methodology, biomarker selection, and analytical quality assurance level. The HBM4EU initiative has gathered existing HBM data of 29 studies from participating countries, covering all European regions and Israel. The data were prepared and aggregated by a harmonized procedure with the aim to describe—as comparably as possible—the EU-wide general population’s internal exposure to phthalates from the years 2005 to 2019. Most data were available from Northern (up to 6 studies and up to 13 time points), Western (11; 19), and Eastern Europe (9; 12), e.g., allowing for the investigation of time patterns. While the bandwidth of exposure was generally similar, we still observed regional differences for Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP), Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP), and Di-isobutyl phthalate (DiBP) with pronounced decreases over time in Northern and Western Europe, and to a lesser degree in Eastern Europe. Differences between age groups were visible for Di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), where children (3 to 5-year olds and 6 to 11-year olds) had lower urinary concentrations than adolescents (12 to 19-year-olds), who in turn had lower urinary concentrations than adults (20 to 39-year-olds). This study is a step towards making internal exposures to phthalates comparable across countries, although standardized data were not available, targeting European data sets harmonized with respect to data formatting and calculation of aggregated data (such as developed within HBM4EU), and highlights further suggestions for improved harmonization in future studies.
Physiological Toxicity and Antioxidant Mechanism of Photoaging Microplastics on Pisum sativum L. Seedlings
Authors: Kang Mengen , Liu Yi , Wang Haoke , Weng Yuzhu , Gong Dongqing , Bai Xue
Published: March 2023

Recent studies have confirmed that changes in the physical properties of microplastics (MPs) trigger toxicological effects and ecological risks. To explore the toxicity of different types of MPs on plants, and the influence of MP photoaging, this study investigated the toxicity mechanisms of pristine, 7 and 14 d photoaged polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MPs on seed germination, root growth, nutrient fraction, oxidative stress, and antioxidant systems of Pisum sativum L. (pea) seedlings. The results showed that pristine PS and 14 d photoaged PET inhibited seed germination. Compared to the pristine MPs, photoaged MPs had negative effects on root elongation. Moreover, photoaged PA and PE impeded the nutrient transport of soluble sugars from roots to stems. Notably, the production of superoxide anion radicals (•O2−) and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) through the photoaging of MPs exacerbated oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species formation in roots. Antioxidant enzyme data revealed that the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly activated in photoaged PS and PE, respectively, in order to scavenge •O2− and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation and alleviate lipid peroxidation levels in cells. These findings provide a new research perspective on the phytotoxicity and ecological risk of photoaged MPs.
Impact of Stove Renovation on PM2.5 Exposure, Risk Perception, Self-Protective Willingness of Rural Residents
Authors: Huang Lei , Liu Yuxin , Wu Yangyang , Ye Ziwen , Ren Futian , Liu Xinlei , Shen Guofeng
Published: March 2023

To improve household air quality, the Chinese government has launched a number of pilot stove renovation projects, but few studies have explored the impact of the project on people’s perception of and willingness to participate in these renovations; moreover, factors affecting willingness to pay for the project in rural China are not yet clear. We conducted a field measurement and a corresponding door-to-door questionnaire survey using the renovated group and the unrenovated group. The results showed that (1) the stove renovation project could not only reduce PM2.5 exposure and the excess mortality risk of rural residents, but also (2) improve residents’ risk perception and self-protective willingness. (3) Specifically, the project had a deeper impact on female and low-income residents. (4) Meanwhile, the higher the income and the larger family size, the higher the risk perception and self-protective willingness. (5) Furthermore, willingness to pay for the project was related with residents’ support for the project, benefit from renovation, income, and family size. Our results recommended that stove renovation policies should pay more attention to families with lower income and smaller size.
Carry-Over of Aflatoxin B1 from Feed to Cow Milk—A Review
Authors: Zentai Andrea , Jóźwiak Ákos , Süth Miklós , Farkas Zsuzsa
Published: March 2023

The conversion of aflatoxin B1 in feed consumed by cows into aflatoxin M1 in their milk poses a challenge to food safety, with milk being a popular staple food and because of the harmful effects of these compounds. This study aimed at reviewing scientific information about the extent of carry-over of AFB1 from feed to milk. A range of studies reported about correlations of carry-over with different factors, particularly with milk yield and AFB1 intake. The extent of carry-over considerably varies, being 1–2% on average, which may be as high as 6% in the case of increased milk production. Specific factors influencing transfer rates, including milk yield, somatic cell counts, aflatoxin B1 intake, source of contamination, seasonal effects, particle size of feed, and the effects of certain interventions, namely vaccination and the use of adsorbents, are identified as the most important and are discussed in this review. The different mathematical formulas describing carry-over and instances of their application are reviewed as well. These carry-over equations may lead to largely different results, and no single carry-over equation can be suggested as the best one. While the exact quantification of carry-over is difficult as the process depends on many factors, including individual variabilities between animals, the intake of aflatoxin B1 and milk yield seem to be the most important factors influencing the excreted amount of aflatoxin M1 and the rate of carry-over.
Development of Acid Hydrolysis-Based UPLC–MS/MS Method for Determination of Alternaria Toxins and Its Application in the Occurrence Assessment in Solanaceous Vegetables and Their Products
Authors: Tang Hongxia , Han Wei , Fei Shaoxiang , Li Yubo , Huang Jiaqing , Dong Maofeng , Wang Lei , Wang Weimin , Zhang Ying
Published: March 2023

In this work, we proposed an acid hydrolysis-based analytical method for the detection of Alternaria toxins (ATs) in solanaceous vegetables and their products with solid-phase extraction (SPE) and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS). This study was the first to reveal that some compounds in the eggplant matrix bind to altenusin (ALS). Validation under optimal sample preparation conditions showed that the method met the EU criteria, exhibiting good linearity (R2 > 0.99), matrix effects (−66.6–−20.5%), satisfying recovery (72.0–107.4%), acceptable precision (1.5–15.5%), and satisfactory sensitivity (0.05–2 µg/kg for limit of detection, 2–5 µg/kg for limit of quantification). Out of 393 marketed samples, only 47 samples were detected, ranging from 0.54–806 μg/kg. Though the occurrence ratio (2.72%) in solanaceous vegetables could be negligible, the pollution status in solanaceous vegetable products was much more serious, and the incidences were 41.1%. In the 47 contaminated samples, the incidences were 4.26% for alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), 6.38% for alternariol (AOH) and altenuene (ALT), 42.6% for tentoxin (TEN), and 55.3% for tenuazonic acid (TeA).
Differential Role of Active Compounds in Mitophagy and Related Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Makarov Mark , Korkotian Eduard
Published: March 2023

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, significantly reduce the quality of life of patients and eventually result in complete maladjustment. Disruption of the synapses leads to a deterioration in the communication of nerve cells and decreased plasticity, which is associated with a loss of cognitive functions and neurodegeneration. Maintaining proper synaptic activity depends on the qualitative composition of mitochondria, because synaptic processes require sufficient energy supply and fine calcium regulation. The maintenance of the qualitative composition of mitochondria occurs due to mitophagy. The regulation of mitophagy is usually based on several internal mechanisms, as well as on signals and substances coming from outside the cell. These substances may directly or indirectly enhance or weaken mitophagy. In this review, we have considered the role of some compounds in process of mitophagy and neurodegeneration. Some of them have a beneficial effect on the functions of mitochondria and enhance mitophagy, showing promise as novel drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative pathologies, while others contribute to a decrease in mitophagy.
Serum Cortisol as a Biomarker of Severe Dengue
Authors: Bongsebandhu-phubhakdi Chansuda , Supornsilchai Vichit , Aroonparkmongkol Suphab , Limothai Umaporn , Tachaboon Sasipha , Dinhuzen Janejira , Chaisuriyong Watchadaporn , Trongkamolchai Supachoke , Wanpaisitkul Mananya , Chulapornsiri Chatchai , Tiawilai Anongrat , Tiawilai Thawat , Tantawichien Terapong , Thisyakorn Usa , Srisawat Nattachai
Published: March 2023

Dengue infection presents a wide range of clinical symptoms. Serum cortisol is known as a severity predictor of serious infection but is not yet clearly understood in dengue infection. We aimed to investigate the pattern of cortisol response after dengue infection and evaluate the possibility of using serum cortisol as the biomarker to predict the severity of dengue infection. This prospective study was conducted in Thailand during 2018. Serum cortisol and other laboratory tests were collected at four time points: day 1 at hospital admission, day 3, day of defervescence (DFV) (4–7 days post-fever onset), and day of discharge (DC). The study recruited 265 patients (median age (IQR) 17 (13, 27.5)). Approximately 10% presented severe dengue infection. Serum cortisol levels were highest on the day of admission and day 3. The best cut-off value of serum cortisol level for predicting severe dengue was 18.2 mcg/dL with an AUC of 0.62 (95% CI, 0.51, 0.74). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 65.4, 62.3, 16 and 94%, respectively. When we combined serum cortisol with persistent vomiting and day of fever, the AUC increased to 0.76. In summary, serum cortisol at day of admission was likely to be associated with dengue severity. Further studies may focus on the possibility of using serum cortisol as one of the biomarkers for dengue severity.
Global Seropositivity of Swine Leptospirosis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gomes de Araújo Hosaneide , Limeira Clécio Henrique , Viviane Ferreira de Aquino Vitória , Longo Ribeiro Vilela Vinícius , José Alves Clebert , Silvano dos Santos Higino Severino , Santos Carolina de Sousa Américo Batista , Azevedo Sérgio Santos de
Published: March 2023

Leptospirosis is a major threat to public health worldwide; however, there is no study focused on global seropositivity in pigs. In this study, we grouped publications and performed a systematic review with meta-analysis to gather data related to swine leptospirosis seropositivity published globally. The search method initially used returned a total of 1183 results, of which 20 met all predefined criteria and were therefore included in this review. Meta-analysis with general data was performed and a combined seropositivity of 21.95% was found. Seropositivity was 36.40% in South America, 34.05% in North America, 22.18% in Africa, 17.40% in Oceania, 13.30% in Europe and 13.36% in Asia. The results suggest that there is high seropositivity for leptospirosis in pigs worldwide. Information compiled from this research is relevant to understanding the spread of leptospirosis globally. It is expected that these indicators will contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology of the disease with a focus on its control and, consequently, on the reduction of cases in the human and animal population.
Tidal Effects and Clock Comparison Experiments
Authors: Qin Cheng-Gang , Liu Tong , Dong Jin-Zhuang , Dai Xiao-Yi , Tan Yu-Jie , Shao Cheng-Gang
Published: March 2023

Einstein’s general relativity theory provides a successful understanding of the flow of time in the gravitational field. From Einstein’s equivalence principle, the influence of the Sun and Moon masses on clocks is given in the form of tidal potentials. Two clocks fixed on the surface of the Earth, compared to each other, can measure the tidal effects of the Sun and Moon. The measurement of tidal effects can provide a test for general relativity. Based on the standard general relativity method, we rigorously derive the formulas for clock comparison in the Barycentric Celestial Reference System and Geocentric Celestial Reference System, and demonstrate the tidal effects on clock comparison experiments. The unprecedented performance of atomic clocks makes it possible to measure the tidal effects on clock comparisons. We propose to test tidal effects with the laboratory clock comparisons and some international missions, and give the corresponding estimations. By comparing the state-of-the-art clocks over distances of 1000 km, the laboratory may test tidal effects with a level of 1%. Future space missions, such as the China space station and FOCOS mission, can also be used to test tidal effects, and the best accuracy may reach 0.3%.
Viral Conjunctivitis
Authors: Muto Tetsuaya , Imaizumi Shinichiro , Kamoi Koju
Published: March 2023

Viruses account for 80% of all cases of acute conjunctivitis and adenovirus; enterovirus and herpes virus are the common causative agents. In general, viral conjunctivitis spreads easily. Therefore, to control the spread, it is crucial to quickly diagnose illnesses, strictly implement hand washing laws, and sanitize surfaces. Swelling of the lid margin and ciliary injection are subjective symptoms, and eye discharge is frequently serofibrinous. Preauricular lymph node swelling can occasionally occur. Approximately 80% of cases of viral conjunctivitis are caused by adenoviruses. Adenoviral conjunctivitis may become a big global concern and may cause a pandemic. Diagnosis of herpes simplex viral conjunctivitis is crucial for using corticosteroid eye solution as a treatment for adenovirus conjunctivitis. Although specific treatments are not always accessible, early diagnosis of viral conjunctivitis may help to alleviate short-term symptoms and avoid long-term consequences.
Characterization of Three Different Endolysins Effective against Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Jeong Tae-Hwan , Hong Hye-Won , Kim Min Soo , Song Miryoung , Myung Heejoon
Published: March 2023

Genes encoding endolysins were identified and cloned from three different Escherichia coli bacteriophages, 10-24(13), PBEC30, and PBEC56. Putative antimicrobial peptide (AMP)-like C-terminal alpha helix structures with amphipathic natures were predicted from the three endolysins. Each gene was cloned and expressed as hexahistidine-tagged forms, and the products were purified and characterized. The purified endolysins exhibited antibacterial activities against a variety of Gram-negative bacteria including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumonia. Their antibacterial activities were improved by N-terminal fusion with an antimicrobial peptide, cecropin A. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were as low as 4 μg/mL, depending on the targeted strain. The endolysins’ enzymatic activities were not affected by changes in pH at ranges from 5 to 10 and were stable at temperatures between 4 and 65 °C. The in vivo efficacies of the three endolysins were also demonstrated using Galleria melonella for infection models.
Comparison of Pan-Lyssavirus RT-PCRs and Development of an Improved Protocol for Surveillance of Non-RABV Lyssaviruses
Authors: Drzewnioková Petra , Marciano Sabrina , Leopardi Stefania , Panzarin Valentina , De Benedictis Paola
Published: March 2023

Rabies is a zoonotic and fatal encephalitis caused by members of the Lyssavirus genus. Among them, the most relevant species is Lyssavirus rabies, which is estimated to cause 60,000 human and most mammal rabies deaths annually worldwide. Nevertheless, all lyssaviruses can invariably cause rabies, and therefore their impact on animal and public health should not be neglected. For accurate and reliable surveillance, diagnosis should rely on broad-spectrum tests able to detect all known lyssaviruses, including the most divergent ones. In the present study, we evaluated four different pan-lyssavirus protocols widely used at an international level, including two real-time RT-PCR assays (namely LN34 and JW12/N165-146), a hemi-nested RT-PCR and a one-step RT-PCR. Additionally, an improved version of the LN34 assay ((n) LN34) was developed to increase primer–template complementarity with respect to all lyssavirus species. All protocols were evaluated in silico, and their performance was compared in vitro employing 18 lyssavirus RNAs (encompassing 15 species). The (n) LN34 assay showed enhanced sensitivity in detecting most lyssavirus species, with limits of detection ranging from 10 to 100 RNA copies/µL depending on the strain, while retaining high sensitivity against Lyssavirus rabies. The development of this protocol represents a step forward towards improved surveillance of the entire Lyssavirus genus.
Sanguinarine Exhibits Antiviral Activity against Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus via Multisite Inhibition Mechanisms
Authors: Ke Qiyun , Duan Kaiqi , Cheng Yan , Xu Si , Xiao Shaobo , Fang Liurong
Published: March 2023

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), the etiological agent of PRRS, is prevalent worldwide, causing substantial and immense economic losses to the global swine industry. While current commercial vaccines fail to efficiently control PRRS, the development of safe and effective antiviral drugs against PRRSV is urgently required. Alkaloids are natural products with wide pharmacological and biological activities. Herein, sanguinarine, a benzophenanthridine alkaloid that occurs in many plants such as Macleaya cordata, was demonstrated as a potent antagonist of PRRSV. Sanguinarine attenuated PRRSV proliferation by targeting the internalization, replication, and release stages of the viral life cycle. Furthermore, ALB, AR, MAPK8, MAPK14, IGF1, GSK3B, PTGS2, and NOS2 were found as potential key targets related to the anti-PRRSV effect of sanguinarine as revealed by network pharmacology and molecular docking. Significantly, we demonstrated that the combination of sanguinarine with chelerythrine, another key bioactive alkaloid derived from Macleaya cordata, improved the antiviral activity. In summary, our findings reveal the promising potential of sanguinarine as a novel candidate for the development of anti-PRRSV agents.