bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of a Simplified Model of a Rigid Rocking Block on Winkler Foundation
Authors: He Dongyi , Li Peizhen , Zhang Zhen
Published: March 2023

It has been observed from previous large earthquakes that weakening the structural foundation can reduce the damage of the structure itself by allowing a rocking motion to release the seismic energy, and this seismic design philosophy is gradually applied to new constructions. In this paper, a simplified model of the motion process of a rigid rocking block is proposed, the rocking motion equation of rigid rocking block is derived, and the parameter analysis is carried out. It was found that the height–width ratio and damping have a great impact on the rocking response of the structure. On this basis, combined with the Winkler foundation model, the equation of motion of the rigid rocking block considering the flexibility of the foundation is established. Through the analysis of an example, it is found that damping plays an important role in the overturning resistance of high-rise buildings and the soil elastic coefficient has a greater impact on the higher structure.
Formula Derivation and Analysis of the Seismic Lateral Pressure of Squat Silos
Authors: Zhang Guoxiang , Zeng Rong
Published: March 2023

The silo lateral pressure is an important parameter in the seismic design of squat silo. However, there is no exact theoretical calculation formula in the current silo code and the existing literature. The current study aimed to directly derive a new formula for calculating the seismic lateral pressure of squat silos in a simplified way. Firstly, based on Coulomb theory, regarded the silo as a special curved retaining wall and took the sliding wedge unit as the study object. Secondly, used the pseudo-static method and the rotating seismic angle method to simplify seismic forces and perform limit equilibrium analysis to derive the calculation formula. Finally, we verified the proposed formula by numerical simulation and parametric analysis. The results showed that silo wall friction could not be ignored, while the material cohesion is small enough to be ignored during engineering. For a large-diameter squat silo in a flat stack condition, a change in the radius has less influence on the side pressure strength, and the squat silo can be simplified as a linear retaining wall, while the lateral pressure strength increases as the radius increases in the conical stack condition. In addition, the measurement data and simulation calculation were close to the formula calculation, indicating the superiority of the new formula. These research results could provide a reference basis for improving the calculation of the seismic lateral pressure of silo specifications.
Effect of Carbon Content in Wheat Straw Biochar on N2O and CO2 Emissions and Pakchoi Productivity Under Different Soil Moisture Conditions
Authors: Hamad Amar Ali Adam , Ni Lixiao , Shaghaleh Hiba , Elsadek Elsayed , Hamoud Yousef Alhaj
Published: March 2023

Agricultural soils are a primary source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Biochar is commonly used as a soil amendment to prevent climate change by reducing GHG production, increasing soil carbon storage, improving soil moisture retention, and enhancing crop productivity. However, the impact of biochar’s carbon content under subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) has not been well studied. Here, we investigated the effect of different carbon (C) contents in wheat biochar under different SDI depths on soil nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), soil moisture distribution, and Pakchoi productivity. A pot experiment was conducted using three SDI depths, emitters buried at 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 m below the soil’s surface, and three levels of C content named zero biochar (CK), 50% C (low (L)), and 95% C (high (H)) in greenhouse cultivation. The findings showed biochar significantly decreased N2O and CO2 emissions. Compared to CK, the L and H treatments decreased N2O by (18.20, 28.14%), (16.65, 17.51%), and 11.05, 18.65%) under SDI5, SDI10, and SDI15, respectively. Similarly, the L and H treatments decreased CO2 by (8.05, 31.46%), (6.96, 28.88%), and (2.97, 7.89%) under SDI5, SDI10, and SDI15, respectively. Compared to CK, L and H increased soil moisture content. All plant growth parameters and yield traits were enhanced under SDI5. In summary, biochar addition significantly decreased soil N2O and CO2 emissions compared to CK, and increased growth performance and yield, and maintained soil moisture content. The H treatment significantly reduced N2O and CO2 emissions, increased plant growth and yield, and maintained soil moisture content compared to the L treatment. Soil moisture was reduced vertically and horizontally with increased radial distance from the emitter.
Seasonal Dependence and Variability of Rainfall Extremes in a Tropical River Basin, South Asia
Authors: Shelton Sherly , Pushpawela Buddhi
Published: March 2023

In recent years, rainfall extremes have increased significantly and have threatened the socio-economic development in Sri Lanka. This study investigates the rainfall extremes in the Mahaweli River Basin (MRB) of Sri Lanka with daily station datasets from 1985 to 2015. The extreme rainfall indices recommended by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection Monitoring Indices (ETCCDMI) have been used in this study. Results showed a strong seasonal variation of rainfall extreme events over the MRB and a significant interdecadal change of extreme rainfall indices between 1985–1999 and 2000–2015 in the wet region of MRB, which is coherent with the decadal shift of southwest monsoon (SWM) rainfall from wet to dry situations since the year 2000. Based on the General Extreme Value distributions, the long-term mean of SWM rainfall in the wet region (814 mm) moved leftward for the 2000–2015 period (704 mm) and rightward for the 1985–2000 period, suggesting that SWM rainfall is decreased in the late period. The observed above-average (below-average) rainfall and associated rainfall extremes during the SWM can be ascribed to strengthening (weakening) moisture flux from the Arabian Sea direction and strong (weak) convergence over the study domain. The results further identified the negative correlation between Dipole Mode Index and SWM rainfall and associated rainfall extremes in the wet region, signifying that the negative Indian Ocean Dipole phase can enhance the SWM rainfall over the MRB. The negative correlation between Nino3.4 and SWM rain and extreme indices suggested that high probability of wet rainfall extremes in the La Nina phase. The findings of this study can be used to understand precipitation extremes in the context of climate change at the river basin scale and benefit policymakers in building local adaptation strategies in response to long-term climate change.
Twitter Data Mining for the Diagnosis of Leaks in Drinking Water Distribution Networks
Authors: Jiménez-Cabas Javier , Torres Lizeth , Lozoya-Santos Jorge de J.
Published: March 2023

This article presents a methodology for using data from social networks, specifically from Twitter, to diagnose leaks in drinking water distribution networks. The methodology involves the collection of tweets from citizens reporting leaks, the extraction of information from the tweets, and the processing of such information to run the diagnosis. To demonstrate the viability of this methodology, 358 Twitter leak reports were collected and analyzed in Mexico City from 1 May to 31 December 2022. From these reports, leak density and probability were calculated, which are metrics that can be used to develop forecasting algorithms, identify root causes, and program repairs. The calculated metrics were compared with those calculated through telephone reports provided by SACMEX, the entity that manages water in Mexico City. Results show that metrics obtained from Twitter and phone reports were highly comparable, indicating the usefulness and reliability of social media data for diagnosing leaks.
Cultural Heritage Topics in Online Queries: A Comparison between English- and Polish-Speaking Internet Users
Authors: Król Karol , Zdonek Dariusz
Published: March 2023

New communication channels and methods for retrieving information can provide increasingly precise data describing how cultural heritage is perceived, protected, promoted, and shared. Many internet users search for cultural-heritage-related topics using online search engines and databases. The purpose of this study was to identify the context and frequency of cultural heritage topics in Google search engine queries. The primary hypothesis was that keywords used in Google searches related to cultural heritage would be much more diversified in English than in Polish, perhaps because Polish has many fewer internet users than English. The keywords were selected because of their frequent use in the research literature, popular science publications, and central and local government strategy documents. The research employed selected online applications. A total of 3690 keywords were collected, with 1634 (44.3%) in Polish and 2056 (55.7%) in English. The numbers of retrieved keywords were similar for all research tools, but an in-depth analysis identified certain differences in the functions of the tools. The “cultural heritage” keyword in Polish (“dziedzictwo kulturowe”) was found mostly in national, regional, and local contexts. English queries included topics related to cultural heritage protection, conservation, restoration, and management and the financial value of cultural heritage. Some queries focused on world cultural heritage. The research shows that Polish-speaking users and English-speaking ones were interested in similar phrases. Therefore, the thought processes of internet users may be independent of their language.
Life Cycle Assessment of Oat Flake Production with Two End-of-Life Options for Agro-Industrial Residue Management
Authors: Rodrigues Viana Luciano , Dessureault Pierre-Luc , Marty Charles , Boucher Jean-François , Paré Maxime C.
Published: March 2023

Canada is one of the world’s largest producers of oat (Avena sativa L.) grains and their derivatives, such as oat flakes. During oat flake production, considerable amounts of residue are generated, which constitutes a major issue for producers. We applied life cycle assessment (LCA): (1) to quantify the environmental impacts of oat flakes production in northeastern Canada and (2) to compare two agro-industrial symbiosis scenarios applied to agricultural residues (transformation of residues into feed for farm animals vs. composting). LCA results indicated that the environmental impacts of oat flake production are largely dominated by the production and use of synthetic fertilisers (contributing to at least 50% of the impact of each evaluated category). Regarding end-of-life scenarios, an environmental advantage is observed for the scenario of residue transformation into animal feed in the provinces of Quebec and Manitoba. However, this recommendation may change depending on the electricity mix used and the assumptions made for the avoided products. The choice of industrial symbiosis chains must take into consideration the economic characteristics of the region where they will be implemented and the methodological parameters that can influence the decision-making process.
Spatial Economic Impacts of the TEN-T Network Extension in the Adriatic and Ionian Region
Authors: De Fabiis Francesco , Mancuso Alessandro Carmelo , Silvestri Fulvio , Coppola Pierluigi
Published: March 2023

Investments in transportation infrastructure have been identified as one of the main factors to promote territorial economic growth. However, appraisal methods currently used in the planning practice do not consider spatial economic distributional effects, ignoring who within a given region would receive greater economic benefits from an investment than others (and eventually who might receive worse). In this paper, a modelling framework is proposed to assess the spatial economic impacts of transportation infrastructure investments; the method combines spatial regressions with transportation accessibility analysis, assuming Gross Domestic Product per Capita variation as a proxy of the economic growth. The application to the case study is related to the Adriatic and Ionian region, which includes both some EU (Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, and Greece) and non-EU countries (Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, and Kosovo) and is characterized by huge disparities in terms of infrastructural assets. The models allow us to both statistically prove the importance of spatial modelling specifications and to forecast economic impacts that would be generated by ongoing infrastructure investment plans for the reconstruction of the road and railway networks in the region; this highlighted where current economic disparities tend to be bridged up, i.e., mainly along the foreseen extensions of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) corridors, and where not.
Financial Indicators’ Performance and Green Financing Projects: A Comparative Study from PSX and NYSX
Authors: Yang Juan , Mehdi Mirza Nasir Jahan , Hafeez Muhammad , Kaium Md. Abdul , Salahodjaev Raufhon
Published: March 2023

In Modern era, the Researchers are keenly interested in different areas of green financing projects such as green economics, green trade, green sustainable development activities, green climatic and environment quests, green investment and financial ventures, and green public policy-related topics, respectively. Owing to the lower cost of production for sustainable development, a healthy climate, and a neat environment is needed, this study is structured to build the significant relationship between various green sustainable development projects, the financial effectiveness and performance of PSX and NYSX, respectively. For this purpose, the time series data for 2000–2020 are collected from IFS, WBI, SBP, the Federal Reserve system, S&DP, and the UNDP financial reports. The empirical analysis reveals the insignificant effects of green investment, financial projects, public policies, and social green projects on the financial performance of PSX, whereas the empirical modeling also attests that all the green factors significantly affect the performance of NYSX except the green economic and trading projects and renewable energy green projects, which are insignificant predictors with respect to FIP-NYSX. Moreover, the index for human development insignificantly affects the prediction of FIP-NYSX. The mixed empirical results guide policymakers, the board of PSX and NYSX, and the management of green financing companies to reconsider their policies and objectives with respect to successful green operations and the financial performance of PSX and NYSX.
Evaluation of Water-Energy-Food-Ecology System Development in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region from a Symbiotic Perspective and Analysis of Influencing Factors
Authors: Liu Shuyuan , Wang Lichuan , Lin Jin , Wang Huan , Li Xuegang , Ao Tianqi
Published: March 2023

Rapid economic and social development has created significant ecological and resource problems in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region, making it necessary to identify ways of implementing sustainable regional development. The interactions between water, energy, food, and ecology are characterized by a high degree of relevance and complexity. In studying the relationships between the four systems in depth and choosing representative indicators for each system, a comprehensive development model of the water-energy-food-ecology (WEFE) system in the BTH region has been established. The coupling coordination degree model was used to analyze the coupling synergy relationship between the WEFE systems in the BTH region from 2001 to 2020. The primary contributing elements determining the development of linked synergy in the WEFE system were investigated using a gray correlation model. According to the findings, Beijing’s total coupling coordination development level shows a gradual upward trend and is in excellent coordination; Hebei has progressed the most, experiencing a significant change from little coordination to good coordination; and Tianjin has had the least improvement, only improving from basic to good coordination. The exploitation of water resources and ecological protection of the environment are the aspects that have the greatest impact on the WEFE system. Additionally, the linked and synergistic growth of the WEFE system in the BTH region is significantly influenced by economic, social, and technological advancements in the industrial and agricultural sectors. The coupling coordination development of regional WEFE systems, which takes into consideration the synergistic optimization of many subsystems, is provided by this study as a scientific foundation.
Making Response-Ability: Societal Readiness Assessment for Sustainability Governance
Authors: Büscher Monika , Cronshaw Cronan , Kirkbride Alistair , Spurling Nicola
Published: March 2023

Governance for net-zero mobility is complex and risky. In this paper, we discuss conceptual analysis and design research with more than 250 stakeholders in the governance of mobility transformations in the North of England. Two key findings are that governance actors need new methods to: (1) realise the value of dissensus, which resonates with debates in social and environmental accounting (SEA); and (2) to develop new skills to address complexity, risk, and social justice, defined as ‘response-abilities’ in feminist science and technology studies (STS). Combining insights from SEA and STS with our own research, we present a ‘Societal Readiness Assessment’ (SoRA) framework, which we have developed to support more inclusive sustainable mobility transformation. We discuss how SoRA might become a standard complement to the Technology Readiness Assessment and conclude by considering challenges and opportunities.
Sustainability Disclosure and IPO Performance: Exploring the Impact of ESG Reporting
Authors: Ferri Salvatore , Tron Alberto , Colantoni Federico , Savio Riccardo
Published: March 2023

Investors are increasingly concerned with the sustainability of firms and their impact on global development, resulting in a rise in Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) that considers environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Integrating sustainability into company strategies can affect various aspects of an organization, including IPOs (initial public offerings). Given the growing importance of ESG information disclosure, this study wants to examine the potential effect of an ESG report disclosure on IPO performance, since there are not studies focused on analyzing how ESG factors and IPO performance are correlated. The purpose of this study is to examine how ESG disclosure affects IPO underpricing and increases transparency for stakeholders to reduce information asymmetry. This study explores the impact of disclosing ESG information on IPO underpricing using a sample of 100 European IPOs from 2017 to 2021, with 50 firms disclosing an ESG report prior to the IPO and 50 that did not. The results showed that the publication of a sustainable report before an IPO has a positive effect on underpricing by reducing it. This finding suggests that companies that publish sustainability reports are perceived to be less risky, and investors value ESG disclosure as a tool to reduce the risks associated with ESG issues. The work contributes to the research on firms’ incentives to disclose ESG information. Our study is limited by the size of the sample, which is limited and only focused on European companies; therefore, future studies should consider companies from other parts of the world, and with more data related to IPO performance.
Passive Grouping Enhances Proto-Arithmetic Calculation for Leftward Correct Responses
Authors: Loconsole Maria , Regolin Lucia , Rugani Rosa
Published: March 2023

Baby chicks and other animals including human infants master simple arithmetic. They discriminate 2 vs. 3 (1 + 1 vs. 1 + 1 + 1) but fail with 3 vs. 4 (1 + 1 + 1 vs. 1 + 1 + 1 + 1). Performance is restored when elements are grouped as 2 + 1 vs. 2 + 2. Here, we address whether grouping could lead to asymmetric response bias. We recoded behavioural data from a previous study, in which separate groups of four-day-old domestic chicks underwent an arithmetic task: when the objects were presented one-by-one (1 + 1 + 1 vs. 1 + 1 + 1 + 1), chicks failed in locating the larger group irrespective of its position and did not show any side bias; Experiment 1. When the objects were presented as grouped (2 + 1 vs. 2 + 2), chicks succeeded, performing better when the larger set was on their left; Experiment 2. A similar leftward bias was also observed with harder discriminations (4 vs. 5: 3  +  1 vs. 3  +  2), with baby chicks succeeding in the task only when the larger set was on the left (Experiments 3 and 4). A previous study showed a rightward bias, with tasks enhancing individual processing. Despite a similar effect in boosting proto-arithmetic calculations, individual processing (eliciting a right bias) and grouping (eliciting a left bias) seem to depend on distinct cognitive mechanisms.
Is Fluctuating Asymmetry a Sufficient Indicator of Stress Level in Two Lizard Species (Zootoca vivipara and Lacerta agilis) from Alpine Habitats?
Authors: Anđelković Marko , Mirč Marko , Ajduković Maja , Cvijanović Milena , Vukov Tanja , Vučić Tijana , Kijanović Ana , Urošević Aleksandar
Published: March 2023

Alpine habitats are exposed to increasing anthropogenic pressure and climate change. The negative impacts can lead to chronic stress that can affect the survival and reproductive success of individuals and even lead to population extinction. In this study, we analyse different morphological and ecological traits and indices of abiotic and biotic stressors (such as head size and shape, fluctuating asymmetry, body condition index, tail autotomy, and population abundance) in alpine and subalpine populations of two lacertid species (Zootoca vivipara and Lacerta agilis) from Serbia and North Macedonia. These lizards live under different conditions: allotopy/syntopy, different anthropogenic pressure, and different levels of habitat protection. We found differences between syntopic and allotopic populations in pileus size, body condition index (in both species), pileus shape, fluctuating asymmetry (in L. agilis), and abundance (in Z. vivipara). Differences between populations under anthropogenic pressure and populations without it were observed in pileus shape, body condition index (in both species), pileus size, fluctuating asymmetry, tail autotomy and abundance (in L. agilis). On the basis of our results, it is necessary to include other stress indicators in addition to fluctuating asymmetry to quickly observe and quantify the negative effects of threat factors and apply protective measures.
Heat and Mass Transport in Casson Nanofluid Flow over a 3-D Riga Plate with Cattaneo-Christov Double Flux: A Computational Modeling through Analytical Method
Authors: Loganathan Karuppusamy , Eswaramoorthi S. , Chinnasamy P. , Jain Reema , Sivasakthivel Ramkumar , Ali Rifaqat , Devi N. Nithya
Published: March 2023

This work examines the non-Newtonian Cassonnanofluid’s three-dimensional flow and heat and mass transmission properties over a Riga plate. The Buongiorno nanofluid model, which is included in the present model, includes thermo-migration and random movement of nanoparticles. It also took into account the Cattaneo–Christov double flux processes in the mass and heat equations. The non-Newtonian Casson fluid model and the boundary layer approximation are included in the modeling of nonlinear partial differential systems. The homotopy technique was used to analytically solve the system’s governing equations. To examine the impact of dimensionless parameters on velocities, concentrations, temperatures, local Nusselt number, skin friction, and local Sherwood number, a parametric analysis was carried out. The velocity profile is augmented in this study as the size of the modified Hartmann number increases. The greater thermal radiative enhances the heat transport rate. When the mass relaxation parameter is used, the mass flux values start to decrease.
Identification of Neotropical Culex Mosquitoes by MALDI-TOF MS Profiling
Authors: Costa Monique Melo , Guidez Amandine , Briolant Sébastien , Talaga Stanislas , Issaly Jean , Naroua Halima , Carinci Romuald , Gaborit Pascal , Lavergne Anne , Dusfour Isabelle , Duchemin Jean-Bernard , Almeras Lionel
Published: March 2023

The mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) fauna of French Guiana encompasses 242 species, of which nearly half of them belong to the genus Culex. Whereas several species of Culex are important vectors of arboviruses, only a limited number of studies focus on them due to the difficulties to morphologically identify field-caught females. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been reported as a promising method for the identification of mosquitoes. Culex females collected in French Guiana were morphologically identified and dissected. Abdomens were used for molecular identification using the COI (cytochrome oxidase 1) gene. Legs and thorax of 169 specimens belonging to 13 Culex species, (i.e., Cx. declarator, Cx. nigripalpus, Cx. quinquefasciatus, Cx. usquatus, Cx. adamesi, Cx. dunni, Cx. eastor, Cx. idottus, Cx. pedroi, Cx. phlogistus, Cx. portesi, Cx. rabanicolus and Cx. spissipes) were then submitted to MALDI-TOF MS analysis. A high intra-species reproducibility and inter-species specificity of MS spectra for each mosquito body part tested were obtained. A corroboration of the specimen identification was revealed between MALDI-TOF MS, morphological and molecular results. MALDI-TOF MS protein profiling proves to be a suitable tool for identification of neotropical Culex species and will permit the enhancement of knowledge on this highly diverse genus.
A New Perspective on Doubly Special Relativity
Authors: Carmona J. M. , Cortés J. L. , Relancio J. J. , Reyes M. A.
Published: March 2023

Doubly special relativity considers a deformation of the special relativistic kinematics parametrized by a high-energy scale, in such a way that it preserves a relativity principle. When this deformation is assumed to be applied to any interaction between particles, one faces some inconsistencies. In order to avoid them, we propose a new perspective where the deformation affects only the interactions between elementary particles. A consequence of this proposal is that the deformation cannot modify the special relativistic energy–momentum relation of a particle.
Impact of Tourist Areas on the Electrical Grid: A Case Study of the Southern Dominican Republic
Authors: Aybar-Mejía Miguel , Andrés Randy , Cabral-Soto Alam , Montás Carlos , Núñez-García Wilmer-Johann , Matos Elvin Arnaldo Jiménez , Sbriz-Zeitun Giuseppe , Mariano-Hernández Deyslen
Published: March 2023

The growing integration of tourist areas and complexes increases the demand for electrical power systems. This increased demand may represent a vulnerability to voltage and frequency stability in electrical grids, where these parameters are essential for an optimal and continuous supply of electrical energy. The Dominican Republic has begun a tourist expansion process in areas that were previously not commercially exploited. Based on the factors mentioned above, this article’s objective was to analyze the impact caused by the increase in electricity demand due to the tourism sector, using the Enriquillo Region of the Dominican Republic as a case study. The impacts of this expansion on the voltage profiles and the system’s frequency were determined. The methodology consisted of obtaining information on the mathematical model of the system to evaluate the expansion plan for the study period and the projection of the demand of the grid. The complete system was modeled with this information, including expansion and possible renewable generators. Finally, the flow of charges was measured, and dynamic analysis was carried out. The quasi-dynamic and RMS/EMT simulations were carried out in the DIgSILENT software for this investigation. The results showed that the electrical system benefits stability and national standards. This is because the transmission lines reduced their loading by approximately 2.99% in 2032. As the years of study passed and the system load increased, the voltage in the bars of the 138 kV systems and generators did not exceed the range of ±5% established in the technical regulations of the Dominican electricity market.
Characterization of Virulent T4-Like Acinetobacter baumannii Bacteriophages DLP1 and DLP2
Authors: Peters Danielle L. , Davis Carly M. , Harris Greg , Zhou Hongyan , Rather Philip N. , Hrapovic Sabahudin , Lam Edmond , Dennis Jonathan J. , Chen Wangxue
Published: March 2023

The world is currently facing a global health crisis due to the rapid increase in antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections. One of the most concerning pathogens is Acinetobacter baumannii, which is listed as a Priority 1 pathogen by the World Health Organization. This Gram-negative bacterium has many intrinsic antibiotic resistance mechanisms and the ability to quickly acquire new resistance determinants from its environment. A limited number of effective antibiotics against this pathogen complicates the treatment of A. baumannii infections. A potential treatment option that is rapidly gaining interest is “phage therapy”, or the clinical application of bacteriophages to selectively kill bacteria. The myoviruses DLP1 and DLP2 (vB_AbaM-DLP_1 and vB_AbaM-DLP_2, respectively) were isolated from sewage samples using a capsule minus variant of A. baumannii strain AB5075. Host range analysis of these phages against 107 A. baumannii strains shows a limited host range, infecting 15 and 21 for phages DLP1 and DLP2, respectively. Phage DLP1 has a large burst size of 239 PFU/cell, a latency period of 20 min, and virulence index of 0.93. In contrast, DLP2 has a smaller burst size of 24 PFU/cell, a latency period of 20 min, and virulence index of 0.86. Both phages show potential for use as therapeutics to combat A. baumannii infections.
Current Trends and Prospects for Application of Green Synthesized Metal Nanoparticles in Cancer and COVID-19 Therapies
Authors: Mbatha Londiwe Simphiwe , Akinyelu Jude , Chukwuma Chika Ifeanyi , Mokoena Mduduzi Paul , Kudanga Tukayi
Published: March 2023

Cancer and COVID-19 have been deemed as world health concerns due to the millions of lives that they have claimed over the years. Extensive efforts have been made to develop sophisticated, site-specific, and safe strategies that can effectively diagnose, prevent, manage, and treat these diseases. These strategies involve the implementation of metal nanoparticles and metal oxides such as gold, silver, iron oxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, and copper oxide, formulated through nanotechnology as alternative anticancer or antiviral therapeutics or drug delivery systems. This review provides a perspective on metal nanoparticles and their potential application in cancer and COVID-19 treatments. The data of published studies were critically analysed to expose the potential therapeutic relevance of green synthesized metal nanoparticles in cancer and COVID-19. Although various research reports highlight the great potential of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles as alternative nanotherapeutics, issues of nanotoxicity, complex methods of preparation, biodegradability, and clearance are lingering challenges for the successful clinical application of the NPs. Thus, future innovations include fabricating metal nanoparticles with eco-friendly materials, tailor making them with optimal therapeutics for specific disease targeting, and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of safety, therapeutic efficiency, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution.
Anionic Pulmonary Surfactant Lipid Treatment Inhibits Rhinovirus A Infection of the Human Airway Epithelium
Authors: Numata Mari , Sajuthi Satria , Bochkov Yury A. , Loeffler Jessica , Everman Jamie , Vladar Eszter K. , Cooney Riley A. , Reinhardt Richard Lee , Liu Andrew H. , Seibold Max A. , Voelker Dennis R.
Published: March 2023

Rhinoviruses (RVs) are major instigators of acute exacerbations of asthma, COPD, and other respiratory diseases. RVs are categorized into three species (RV-A, RV-B, and RV-C), which comprise more than 160 serotypes, making it difficult to develop an effective vaccine. Currently, no effective treatment for RV infection is available. Pulmonary surfactant is an extracellular complex of lipids and proteins that plays a central role in regulating innate immunity in the lung. The minor pulmonary surfactant lipids, palmitoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidylglycerol (POPG) and phosphatidylinositol (PI), are potent regulators of inflammatory processes and exert antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza A viruses (IAV). In the current study, we examined the potencies of POPG and PI against rhinovirus A16 (RV-A16) in primary human airway epithelial cells (AECs) differentiated at an air–liquid interface (ALI). After AECs were infected with RV-A16, PI reduced the viral RNA copy number by 70% and downregulated (55–75%) the expression of antiviral (MDA5, IRF7, and IFN-lambda) and CXCL11 chemokine genes. In contrast, POPG only slightly decreased MDA5 (24%) and IRF7 (11%) gene expression but did not inhibit IFN-lambda gene expression or RV-A16 replication in AECs. However, both POPG and PI inhibited (50–80%) IL6 gene expression and protein secretion and CXCL11 protein secretion. PI treatment dramatically attenuated global gene expression changes induced by RV-A16 infection alone in AECs. The observed inhibitory effects were indirect and resulted mainly from the inhibition of virus replication. Cell-type enrichment analysis of viral-regulated genes opposed by PI treatment revealed the PI-inhibited viral induction of goblet cell metaplasia and the virus-induced downregulation of ciliated, club, and ionocyte cell types. Notably, the PI treatment also altered the ability of RV-A16 to regulate the expression of some phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (PI4K); acyl-CoA-binding, domain-containing (ACBD); and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) genes that play critical roles in the formation and functioning of replication organelles (ROs) required for RV replication in host cells. These data suggest PI can be used as a potent, non-toxic, antiviral agent for RV infection prophylaxis and treatment.
SARS-CoV-2 Disease Severity in the Golden Syrian Hamster Model of Infection Is Related to the Volume of Intranasal Inoculum
Authors: Handley Alastair , Ryan Kathryn A. , Davies Elizabeth R. , Bewley Kevin R. , Carnell Oliver T. , Challis Amy , Coombes Naomi S. , Fotheringham Susan A. , Gooch Karen E. , Charlton Michael , Harris Debbie J. , Kennard Chelsea , Ngabo Didier , Weldon Thomas M. , Salguero Francisco J. , Funnell Simon G. P. , Hall Yper
Published: March 2023

The golden Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is now commonly used in preclinical research for the study of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the assessment of vaccines, drugs and therapeutics. Here, we show that hamsters inoculated via the intranasal route with the same infectious virus dose of prototypical SARS-CoV-2 administered in a different volume present with different clinical signs, weight loss and viral shedding, with a reduced volume resulting in reduced severity of disease similar to that obtained by a 500-fold reduction in the challenge dose. The tissue burden of the virus and the severity of pulmonary pathology were also significantly affected by different challenge inoculum volumes. These findings suggest that a direct comparison between the severity of SARS-CoV-2 variants or studies assessing the efficacy of treatments determined by hamster studies cannot be made unless both the challenge dose and inoculation volume are matched when using the intranasal route. Additionally, analysis of sub-genomic and total genomic RNA PCR data demonstrated no link between sub-genomic and live viral titres and that sub-genomic analyses do not provide any information beyond that provided by more sensitive total genomic PCR.
Phosphatidylserine-Exposing Annexin A1-Positive Extracellular Vesicles: Potential Cancer Biomarkers
Authors: Perez Gloria I. , Bernard Matthew P. , Vocelle Daniel , Zarea Ahmed A. , Saleh Najla A. , Gagea Matthew A. , Schneider Doug , Bauzon Maxine , Hermiston Terry , Kanada Masamitsu
Published: March 2023

Under physiological conditions, phosphatidylserine (PS) predominantly localizes to the cytosolic leaflet of the plasma membrane of cells. During apoptosis, PS is exposed on the cell surface and serves as an “eat-me” signal for macrophages to prevent releasing self-immunogenic cellular components from dying cells which could potentially lead to autoimmunity. However, increasing evidence indicates that viable cells can also expose PS on their surface. Interestingly, tumor cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) externalize PS. Recent studies have proposed PS-exposing EVs as a potential biomarker for the early detection of cancer and other diseases. However, there are confounding results regarding subtypes of PS-positive EVs, and knowledge of PS exposure on the EV surface requires further elucidation. In this study, we enriched small EVs (sEVs) and medium/large EVs (m/lEVs) from conditioned media of breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468) and non-cancerous cells (keratinocytes, fibroblasts). Since several PS-binding molecules are available to date, we compared recombinant proteins of annexin A5 and the carboxylated glutamic acid domain of Protein S (GlaS), also specific for PS, to detect PS-exposing EVs. Firstly, PS externalization in each EV fraction was analyzed using a bead-based EV assay, which combines EV capture using microbeads and analysis of PS-exposing EVs by flow cytometry. The bulk EV assay showed higher PS externalization in m/lEVs derived from MDA-MB-468 cells but not from MDA-MB-231 cells, while higher binding of GlaS was also observed in m/lEVs from fibroblasts. Second, using single EV flow cytometry, PS externalization was also analyzed on individual sEVs and m/lEVs. Significantly higher PS externalization was detected in m/lEVs (annexin A1+) derived from cancer cells compared to m/lEVs (annexin A1+) from non-cancerous cells. These results emphasize the significance of PS-exposing m/lEVs (annexin A1+) as an undervalued EV subtype for early cancer detection and provide a better understanding of PS externalization in disease-associated EV subtypes.
Perceptions of COVID-19 Vaccines: Protective Shields or Threatening Risks? A Descriptive Exploratory Study among the Italian Population
Authors: Boragno Paola , Fiabane Elena , Taino Irene , Maffoni Marina , Sommovigo Valentina , Setti Ilaria , Gabanelli Paola
Published: March 2023

Although several quantitative studies have explored vaccine hesitancy, qualitative research on the factors underlying attitudes toward vaccination is still lacking. To fill this gap, this study aimed to investigate the general perceptions of COVID-19 vaccines among the Italian population with a qualitative approach. The sample included 700 Italian participants who completed an online survey. Open questions underwent a descriptive analysis for unveiling meaning categories, while differences in the prevalence of categories were calculated using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. Vaccination was associated with the following seven main themes: ‘safety’, ‘healthcare’, ‘vaccine delivery’, ‘progress’, ‘ambivalence’, ‘mistrust’, and ‘ethics’. Vaccinated individuals more frequently reported words related to the safety theme (χ2 = 46.7, p < 0.001), while unvaccinated individuals more frequently reported words related to mistrust (χ2 = 123, p < 0.001) and ambivalence (χ2 = 48.3, p < 0.001) themes. Working in the healthcare sector and being younger than 40 years affected the general perceptions of vaccination in terms of pro-vaccine attitudes. Unvaccinated individuals were more affected by the negative experiences of their acquaintances and manifested more distrust of scientific researchers, doctors, and pharmaceutical companies than vaccinated individuals. These findings suggest promoting collaborative efforts of governments, health policymakers, and media sources, including social media companies, in order to deal with cognitions and emotions supporting vaccine hesitancy.
Setting up the Largest Mass Vaccination Center in Europe: The One-Physician One-Nurse Protocol
Authors: Houze-Cerfon Vanessa , Viault Benoit , Zerdoud Léa , Ged Marie , Vergé Sébastien , Metz Florence , Ciottone Gregory , Hart Alexander , Bounes Vincent
Published: March 2023

To manage mass vaccination without impacting medical resources dedicated to care, we proposed a new model of Mass Vaccination Centers (MVC) functioning with minimum attending staffing requirements. The MVC was under the supervision of one medical coordinator, one nurse coordinator, and one operational coordinator. Students provided much of the other clinical support. Healthcare students were involved in medical and pharmaceutical tasks, while non-health students performed administrative and logistical tasks. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study to describe data concerning the vaccinated population within the MVC and the number and type of vaccines used. A patient satisfaction questionnaire was collected to determine patient perception of the vaccination experience. From 28 March to 20 October 2021, 501,714 vaccines were administered at the MVC. A mean rate of 2951 ± 1804 doses were injected per day with a staff of 180 ± 95 persons working every day. At peak, 10,095 injections were given in one day. The average time spent in the MVC was 43.2 ± 15 min (time measured between entry and exit of the structure). The average time to be vaccinated was 26 ± 13 min. In total, 4712 patients (1%) responded to the satisfaction survey. The overall satisfaction with the organization of the vaccination was 10 (9–10) out of 10. By using one attending physician and one nurse to supervise a staff of trained students, the MVC of Toulouse optimized staffing to be among the most efficient vaccination centers in Europe.
Assessing Potential Exemplars in Reducing Zero-Dose Children: A Novel Approach for Identifying Positive Outliers in Decreasing National Levels and Geographic Inequalities in Unvaccinated Children
Authors: Fullman Nancy , Correa Gustavo C. , Ikilezi Gloria , Phillips David E. , Reynolds Heidi W.
Published: March 2023

Background: Understanding past successes in reaching unvaccinated or “zero-dose” children can help inform strategies for improving childhood immunization in other settings. Drawing from positive outlier methods, we developed a novel approach for identifying potential exemplars in reducing zero-dose children. Methods: Focusing on 2000–2019, we assessed changes in the percentage of under-one children with no doses of the diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis vaccine (no-DTP) across two geographic dimensions in 56 low- or lower-middle-income countries: (1) national levels; (2) subnational gaps, as defined as the difference between the 5th and 95th percentiles of no-DTP prevalence across second administrative units. Countries with the largest reductions for both metrics were considered positive outliers or potential ‘exemplars’, demonstrating exception progress in reducing national no-DTP prevalence and subnational inequalities. Last, so-called “neighborhood analyses” were conducted for the Gavi Learning Hub countries (Nigeria, Mali, Uganda, and Bangladesh), comparing them with countries that had similar no-DTP measures in 2000 but different trajectories through 2019. Results: From 2000 to 2019, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, and India had the largest absolute decreases for the two no-DTP dimensions—national prevalence and subnational gaps—while Bangladesh and Burundi registered the largest relative reductions for each no-DTP metric. Neighborhood analyses highlighted possible opportunities for cross-country learning among Gavi Learning Hub countries and potential exemplars in reducing zero-dose children. Conclusions: Identifying where exceptional progress has occurred is the first step toward better understanding how such gains could be achieved elsewhere. Further examination of how countries have successfully reduced levels of zero-dose children—especially across variable contexts and different drivers of inequality—could support faster, sustainable advances toward greater vaccination equity worldwide.
Successful Outcome after Treatment with Cidofovir, Vaccinia, and Extended Course of Tecovirimat in a Newly-Diagnosed HIV Patient with Severe Mpox: A Case Report
Authors: Martinez Andres , Frattaroli Paola , Vu Christine , Paniagua Lizy , Mintz Joel , Bravo-Gonzalez Andres , Zamudio Paola , Barco Astrid , Rampersad Aruna , Lichtenberger Paola , Gonzales-Zamora Jose
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To report a case of severe mpox in a newly diagnosed HIV patient concerning for Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS) and/or tecovirimat resistance and to describe the management approach in the setting of refractory disease. Case: 49-year-old man presented with 2 weeks of perianal lesions. He tested positive for mpox PCR in the emergency room and was discharged home with quarantine instructions. Three weeks later, the patient returned with disseminated firm, nodular lesions in the face, neck, scalp, mouth, chest, back, legs, arms, and rectum, with worsening pain and purulent drainage from the rectum. The patient reported being on 3 days of tecovirimat treatment, which was prescribed by the Florida department of health (DOH). During this admission, he was found to be HIV positive. A pelvic CT scan revealed a 2.5 cm perirectal abscess. Treatment with tecovirimat was continued for 14 days, along with an empiric course of antibiotics for treatment of possible superimposed bacterial infection upon discharge. He was seen in the outpatient clinic and initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) with TAF/emtricitabine/bictegravir. Two weeks after starting ART, the patient was readmitted for worsening mpox rash and rectal pain. Urine PCR also returned positive for chlamydia, for which the patient was prescribed doxycycline. He was discharged on a second course of tecovirimat and antibiotic therapy. Ten days later, the patient was readmitted for the second time due to worsening symptoms and blockage of the nasal airway from progressing lesions. At this point, there were concerns for tecovirimat resistance, and after discussion with CDC, tecovirimat was reinitiated for the third time, with the addition of Cidofovir and Vaccinia, and showed an improvement in his symptoms. He received three doses of cidofovir and two doses of Vaccinia, and the patient was then discharged to complete 30 days of tecovirimat. Outpatient follow-up showed favorable outcomes and near resolution. Conclusion: We reported a challenging case of worsening mpox after Tecovirimat treatment in the setting of new HIV and ART initiation concerning IRIS vs. Tecovirimat resistance. Clinicians should consider the risk of IRIS and weigh the pros and cons of initiating or delaying ART. In patients not responding to first-line treatment with tecovirimat, resistance testing should be performed, and alternative options should be considered. Future research is needed to establish guidance on the role of Cidofovir and Vaccinia immune globulin and the continuation of tecovirimat for refractory mpox.