bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Path and Mechanism of Village Revitalization: A Case Study of Yuejin Village, Jiangsu, China
Authors: Wen Longjiao , Liu Zhenzhen , Gao Zhifeng , Khanjari Saeid
Published: July 2022

A profound understanding of how China’s villages gradually grow from rural decline to vitalization has essential theoretical and practical values. Through an exploratory case study, this paper adopted the grounded theory method analyzing the village-level data collected from Yuejin in Jiangsu province, China, to reveal the leading forces, the evolutionary path, and mechanism of a typical village revitalizing during the past 40 years of China’s economic reform. Based on comprehensive rural development theory, this article identifies the “critical”, “transitional”, and “induced” forces at different stages of the case village growth, to reveal the cultivation mechanism of rural poverty alleviation, prosperity, and revitalization. The results show that the evolution mechanism of rural revitalization is a process in which the rural core competence evolves from low to high level and from traditional subsistence agriculture to market-oriented industry. The evolution essence of rural revitalization is the integration, reconfiguration, and optimization of the resource under the specific cultivation mechanisms, corresponding to the rural growth path of self-repairing, self-adapting, and self-improving. This study contributes to a better understanding of the growth track of a typical agricultural village during the transition from poverty to vitalization.
Urban Air Quality Monitoring in Decarbonization Context; Case Study—Traditional Coal Mining Area, Petroșani, Romania
Authors: Rezmerița Evelina , Radu Sorin Mihai , Călămar Angelica-Nicoleta , Lorinț Csaba , Florea Adrian , Nicola Aurelian
Published: July 2022

Humanity is a fossil-fueled civilization with a large influence on the environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) has pointed out that air pollution is now the single biggest environmental threat to human health. The air quality in Petroșani, a traditional mining region from the Jiu Valley bituminous coal basin, Romania, is rarely debated; however, it is not often investigated. In this paper, the main air pollution sources of Petroșani are identified and the performed measurements emphasize the air quality in the area of its transit road. The monitoring program set out the objectives, parameters, and points of the monitoring system, as well as the frequency and duration of the program and other monitoring parameters. The equipment used was provided by the National Institute for Research and Development in Mine Safety and Protection to Explosion from Petroșani, within an institutional partnership with the University of Petroșani. The monitoring of the air quality parameters was conducted from March to July 2020, at six points located on the road that crosses the city. It was thus possible to capture a variety of concentrations of the monitored parameters in different weather conditions to determine the air quality in this area. Based on the variation of the measured values in one of the most important historical Romanian bituminous coal mining basins, the preliminary results suggest a worsening of local air quality parameters in relation to the decarbonization process.
High-Speed Rail and Urban Growth Disparity: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Haoran , Chai Ying , Yang Xuyu , Zhao Wenli
Published: July 2022

We investigate the effects of high-speed rail (HSR) operation on urban growth disparity in China. Using urban panel data from 2005 to 2019 and difference-in-differences estimation, we find that the operation of HSR has exerted a strong and robust positive effect on urban growth and total factor productivity (TFP) in core cities, while this effect is much weaker in non-core cities, especially in non-core cities close to provincial capitals. Meanwhile, high-speed rail has triggered relatively slower urban growth in the central cities compared with the suburbs in regional primate prefectures. The results suggest that the extension of HSR promotes centralization across cities and local decentralization within regional primate cities.
Water Resource Management in Hotels Using a Sustainable Balanced Scorecard
Authors: Antonova Natalia , Ruiz-Rosa Ines , Mendoza-Jimenez Javier
Published: July 2022

It is essential to find a balance between tourism development and sustainable consumption of water resources. To achieve this goal, a Sustainable Balanced Scorecard connected to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is proposed for optimal water resource management in the hotel sector. The Scorecard is based on four perspectives: customer, internal processes, learning and improvement, and financial. The key variables were agreed on with stakeholders in the sector, and the Sustainable Balanced Scorecard was tested empirically on a sample of 70 hotels in island tourism destinations in the Macaronesia region. The results revealed that though more and more hotels have tried to implement strategies to save water, they were still a long way from reaching the international standard of 140 L per guest night. In addition, there were significant differences concerning water consumption according to hotel category. The Sustainable Balanced Scorecard in this paper adds to the existing works about materiality in sustainability. It can also support business decision making about the SDGs and help potential investors.
African Vulture Optimization Algorithm-Based PI Controllers for Performance Enhancement of Hybrid Renewable-Energy Systems
Authors: Ghazi Ghazi A. , Hasanien Hany M. , Al-Ammar Essam A. , Turky Rania A. , Ko Wonsuk , Park Sisam , Choi Hyeong-Jin
Published: July 2022

An effective maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique plays a crucial role in improving the efficiency and performance of grid-connected renewable energy sources (RESs). This paper uses the African Vulture Optimization Algorithm (AVOA), a metaheuristic technique inspired by nature, to tune the proportional–integral (PI)-based MPPT controllers for hybrid RESs of solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind systems, as well as the PI controllers in a storage system that are used to smooth the output fluctuations of those RESs in a hybrid system. The performance of the AVOA is compared with that of the widely used the particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique, which is commonly acknowledged as the foundation of swarm intelligence. As a result, this technique is introduced in this study to draw a comparison. It is observed that the proposed algorithm outperformed the PSO algorithm in terms of the tracking speed, robustness, and best convergence to the minimum value. A MATLAB/Simulink model was built, and optimization and simulation for the proposed system were carried out to verify the introduced algorithms. In conclusion, the optimization and simulation results showed that the AVOA is a promising method for solving a variety of engineering problems.
Research on the Division Method of Signal Control Sub-Region Based on Macroscopic Fundamental Diagram
Authors: Mo Xianglun , Jin Xiaohong , Tian Jinpeng , Shao Zhushuai , Han Gangqing
Published: July 2022

The macroscopic fundamental diagram (MFD) provides a method to evaluate macro traffic operation through micro traffic parameters, which can be applied to traffic control to prevent traffic congestion transfer and improve road network efficiency. However, due to the large scale of the urban road network as well as the complex temporal and spatial distribution of road congestion, the application of the MFD for signal control first requires the partition of the urban road network. Based on the analysis of MFD partition purposes, a set of MFD partition methods based on graph theory was designed. Firstly, graph theory was used to transform the urban road network; secondly, the minimum spanning tree method was used to divide the urban traffic network map. Moreover, the attribution of the link between connected regions is determined. Our method can solve the problem of ambiguous intersection ownership, and the road sections belonging to the same road in opposite directions are separated. This method has the ability to control the size of the area by limiting the number of intersections; Finally, the evaluation index of regional clustering results was drawn. To achieve the research objective, we collected and processed vehicle information data from the Xuzhou car-hailing platform to obtain traffic density information. Then, we selected an area with sufficient data and a large enough road network. The empirical value range of the regional control value was obtained by comparing the values of multiple groups of measurement data k and evaluation indexes. In this process, it was found that during the period of flat peak and peak transition, while the regional average traffic density changes, the uniformity of traffic density first decreases and then increases. The traffic density uniformity of the signal control area can be improved by controlling the size of the signal control area. We obtained the empirical value range of the regional control value k by comparing the values of multiple groups of measurement data k and evaluation indexes. Then, we compared them with the two kinds of traditional partition algorithms and improved multiple dichotomy algorithms. Our method improves road network balance by 5% over existing methods.
Performance Comparison of Predictive Methodologies for Carbon Emission Credit Price in the Korea Emission Trading System
Authors: Kim Hyeonho , Kim Yujin , Ko Yongho , Han Seungwoo
Published: July 2022

Research related to the carbon-emission credit-price prediction model has only considered the effects of specific indicators, such as coal and oil prices, and only long-term prediction studies have been conducted. Recently, carbon emission credits have been recognized as investment assets, such as stocks and real estate. Accordingly, a carbon-emission credit prediction method is needed to establish an industrial strategy with low risk. In this study, an attempt was made to model the behavior of market participants in the time series model by analyzing the correlation between the search query volume data and the Korean Allowance Unit (KAU). Multiple Linear Regression Analysis (MRA) and Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average models were developed. In all price prediction models, the error of the prediction model at the 4th time was low. In the case of MRA, the error in the predicted near future price was small, but the error rate increased with increasing analysis period and prediction time. The error rate of ARIMA was lower than that of MRA, but it did not show a rapid change. These research findings will be beneficial to investigating and finding more rigid and reliable methodologies that can be used to predict various important values in similar fields in the future.
Error Control Coding Algorithms in High Reliability Telemetry Systems
Authors: Tyncherov Kamil , Mukhametshin Vyacheslav , Krasnobaev Victor , Selivanova Maria
Published: July 2022

In the oil and gas industry, in the process of drilling support (geosteering) and well telemetry, there is a problem of transmitting reliable information via wireless communication channels. The quality of such communication, as a rule, suffers due to the presence of errors caused by interference. As the depth of the well increases, the problem becomes more extensive. In order to solve the problem, it is proposed to choose noise-resistant coding in the system of residual classes. This system parallelizes the execution of arithmetic operations, has corrective abilities and organically adapts to the neural network basis of intelligent field management. At the same time, there are constraining factors for the mass application of the RNS; for example, difficulties in implementing non-modular procedures, forward and reverse coding, and some difficulties in identifying and correcting errors. That is why the task of improving the RNS seems relevant not only for oil and gas complexes, but also for any digital signal processing applications focused on intelligent neural network management on the basis of non-positional computing. The material of the article is limited to the study of the noise immunity of linear codes of the deduction system and the development of algorithms for detecting and correcting errors.
Hybrid Nil Radical of a Ring
Authors: Porselvi Kasi , Muhiuddin Ghulam , Elavarasan Balasubramanian , Assiry Abdullah
Published: July 2022

The nature of universe problems is ambiguous due to the presence of asymmetric data in almost all disciplines, including engineering, mathematics, medical sciences, physics, computer science, operations research, artificial intelligence, and management sciences, and they involve various types of uncertainties when dealing with them on various occasions. To deal with the challenges of uncertainty and asymmetric information, different theories have been developed, including probability, fuzzy sets, rough sets, soft ideals, etc. The strategies of hybrid ideals, hybrid nil radicals, hybrid semiprime ideals, and hybrid products of rings are introduced in this paper and hybrid structures are used to examine the structural properties of rings.
Free Vibration Analysis of a Spinning Composite Laminated Truncated Conical Shell under Hygrothermal Environment
Authors: Li Xiao , Zhang Xuanling , Zhou Zhihong
Published: July 2022

This paper is concerned with free vibration characteristics of a spinning composite laminated truncated conical shell subjected to hygrothermal environment. Hygrothermal strains are introduced into the constitutive law of single-layer material, and fiber orientation lies symmetrically with respect to the midplane of the composite shell. Considering the spin-induced Coriolis and centrifugal forces, as well as initial hoop tension, the governing equations of free vibration of the composite conical shell with hygrothermal effects are derived on the basis of Love’s thin-shell theory and Hamilton’s principle. The solution of the equations is derived using the Galerkin approach. Then, a detailed parametric study on natural frequencies and critical spinning speeds is numerically performed. Results indicate that the Coriolis force induces an asymmetric influence on natural frequencies of forward and backward traveling waves, while the centrifugal force enhances the frequencies of both traveling waves symmetrically. Initial hoop tension plays a major role in the increase of critical spinning angular speed. Temperature, moisture concentration, and design parameters show the significant influence on the free vibration characteristics of the conical shell, and thermal expansion deformation is nonnegligible in the free vibration analysis.
Analytical Analyses for a Fractional Low-Pass Electrical Transmission Line Model with Dynamic Transition
Authors: Almusawa Hassan , Jhangeer Adil , Munawar Maham
Published: July 2022

This research explores the solitary wave solutions, including dynamic transitions for a fractional low-pass electrical transmission (LPET) line model. The fractional-order (FO) LPET line mathematical system has yet to be published, and neither has it been addressed via the extended direct algebraic technique. A computer program is utilized to validate all of the incoming solutions. To illustrate the dynamical pattern of a few obtained solutions indicating trigonometric, merged hyperbolic, but also rational soliton solutions, dark soliton solutions, the representatives of the semi-bright soliton solutions, dark singular, singular solitons of Type 1 and 2, and their 2D and 3D trajectories are presented by choosing appropriate values of the solutions’ unrestricted parameters. The effects of fractionality and unrestricted parameters on the dynamical performance of achieved soliton solutions are depicted visually and thoroughly explored. We furthermore discuss the sensitivity assessment. We, however, still examine how our model’s perturbed dynamical framework exhibits quasi periodic-chaotic characteristics. Our investigated solutions are compared with those listed in published literature. This research demonstrates the approach’s profitability and effectiveness in extracting a range of wave solutions to nonlinear evolution problems in mathematics, technology, and science.
Cytogeography of Solidago sect. Erectae, sect. Villosicarpae, sect. Squarrosae, and sect. Brintonia (Asteraceae: Astereae)
Authors: Semple John C. , Cook Rachel E.
Published: July 2022

Chromosome numbers are reported for 67 individuals of 13 species of Solidago sect. Erectae, S. sect. Squarrosae, and S. sect. Villosicarpae from 65 locations in eastern Canada and the eastern United States: S. bicolor, S. erecta, S. hispida, S. jejunifolia, S. pallida, S. puberula, S. pulverulenta, S. rigidiuscula, S. roanensis, S. sciaphila, S. speciosa, S. squarrosa, and S. villosicarpa. Cytogeography maps based on new reports and all 258 previously published reports from 230 locations for the three sections plus S. sect. Brintonia (S. discoidea) are presented for 20 of the 30 species in the four closely related sections. The following are either first documented reports for the taxon or just first counts for a taxon from particular provinces and states: Solidago bicolor, 2n = 18 from Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island; S. hispida var. hispida, 2n = 18 from New Hampshire, New Brunswick, and Wisconsin; S. jejunifolia, 2n = 18 from Michigan and Minnesota; S. pallida, 2n = 18 from Wyoming; S. puberula, 2n = 18 from Pennsylvania, Prince Edward Island, and Virginia; and first reports for S. sciaphila, 2n = 36 from Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
Amana hejiaqingii (Liliaceae), a New Species from the Dabie Mountains, China
Authors: Wang Meizhen , Zhang Shenglu , Wu Jing , Zhu Xinxin , Liu Zongcai , Lu Gengyu , Li Pan
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a new species from Central China, Amana hejiaqingii (Liliaceae), is described and illustrated. It resembles A. anhuiensis and A. tianmuensis but differs from A. anhuiensis as it has one white vein on its lower leaf and yellow anthers. It also differs from A. tianmuensis by possessing solitary pink flowers with longer and wider tepals. The principal coordinates analysis separated the three species based on morphological data. Cytological observation showed that A. hejiaqingii is diploid (2n = 2x = 24). Molecular phylogenetic analyses further supported its species delimitation.
Botulinum Toxin Therapy for Spasmodic Dysphonia in Japan: The History and an Update
Authors: Hyodo Masamitsu , Hirose Kahori , Nagao Asuka , Nakahira Maya , Kobayashi Taisuke
Published: July 2022

Spasmodic dysphonia (SD) is a rare neurological disorder that impairs phonatory function by triggering involuntary and intermittent contractions of the intrinsic laryngeal muscles. SD is classified into three types: adductor SD (AdSD), abductor SD (AbSD), and mixed SD. Of these, AdSD accounts for 90–95% of disease; younger females are predominantly affected. Botulinum toxin injection into the laryngeal muscles is safe, minimally invasive, and very effective. Here, we review the history of clinical research for SD conducted in Japan. The first use of botulinum toxin injection therapy to treat SD in Japan was by Kobayashi et al. in 1989. The group developed an objective mora (syllable) method to evaluate SD severity. Recently, we conducted a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial of botulinum toxin therapy for AdSD and an open-label trial for AbSD to obtain the approval of such therapy by the Japanese medical insurance system. The mora method revealed significant voice improvement and the evidence was of high quality. Additionally, a clinical trial of type 2 thyroplasty using titanium bridges confirmed the efficacy and safety of such therapy. These studies broadened the SD treatment options and have significantly benefited patients.
Characterization of Field-Evolved Resistance to Afidopyropen, a Novel Insecticidal Toxin Developed from Microbial Secondary Metabolites, in Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Wang Ran , Zhang Qinghe , Zhou Xuan , Zhang Mi , Yang Qingyi , Su Qi , Luo Chen
Published: July 2022

Afidopyropen, a newly identified chemical, is a derivative of pyripyropene A, which is produced by the filamentous fungus Penicillium coprobium. It is a promising novel pesticide applied against whiteflies in agriculture. In this study, the reversion and selection, cross-resistance patterns, synergistic effects, and fitness costs of afidopyropen resistance were studied in a field-developed resistant population of B. tabaci. Compared to a reference MED-S strain, the field-developed resistant Haidian (HD) population showed 36.5-fold resistance to afidopyropen. Significant reversion of resistance to afidopyropen was found in the HD population when it was kept with no selective pressure of the insecticide. The HD-Afi strain, developed from the HD population with afidopyropen pressure, developed 104.3-fold resistance to afidopyropen and significant cross-resistance to sulfoxaflor. Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) largely inhibited afidopyropen resistance in the HD-Afi strain, which indicates that P450 monooxygenase could be involved in the resistance. Significant fitness costs associated with afidopyropen resistance were observed in HD-Afi. This study indicates that a rotation of afidopyropen with other chemical control agents could be useful for impeding afidopyropen resistance in B. tabaci. In addition, we expanded upon the understanding of resistance to afidopyropen, offering evidence suggesting the importance of devising better strategies for the management of whiteflies.
Development of a Monoclonal scFv against Cytotoxin to Neutralize Cytolytic Activity Induced by Naja atra Venom on Myoblast C2C12 Cells
Authors: Liu Chien-Chun , Wu Cho-Ju , Chou Tsai-Ying , Liaw Geng-Wang , Hsiao Yung-Chin , Chu Lichieh-Julie , Lee Chi-Hsin , Wang Po-Jung , Hsieh Cheng-Hsien , Chen Chun-Kuei , Yu Jau-Song
Published: July 2022

The Taiwanese cobra, Naja atra, is a clinically significant species of snake observed in the wild in Taiwan. Victims bitten by N. atra usually experience severe pain and local tissue necrosis. Although antivenom is available for treatment of cobra envenomation, its neutralization potency against cobra-induced necrosis is weak, with more than 60% of cobra envenoming patients developing tissue necrosis after antivenom administration. The present study found that cytotoxin (CTX) is a key component of N. atra venom responsible for cytotoxicity against myoblast cells. Anti-CTX IgY was generated in hens, and the spleens of these hens were used to construct libraries for the development of single chain variable fragments (scFv). Two anti-CTX scFv, S1 and 2S7, were selected using phage display technology and biopanning. Both polyclonal IgY and monoclonal scFv S1 reacted specifically with CTX in cobra venom. In a cell model assay, the CTX-induced cytolytic effect was inhibited only by monoclonal scFv S1, not by polyclonal IgY. Moreover, the neutralization potency of scFv S1 was about 3.8 mg/mg, approximately three times higher than that of conventional freeze-dried neurotoxic antivenom (FNAV). Collectively, these results suggest that scFv S1 can effectively neutralize CTX-induced cytotoxicity and, when combined with currently available antivenom, can improve the potency of the latter, thereby preventing tissue damage induced by cobra envenoming.
Human-Altered Landscapes and Climate to Predict Human Infectious Disease Hotspots
Authors: Jagadesh Soushieta , Combe Marine , Gozlan Rodolphe Elie
Published: July 2022

Background: Zoonotic diseases account for more than 70% of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs). Due to their increasing incidence and impact on global health and the economy, the emergence of zoonoses is a major public health challenge. Here, we use a biogeographic approach to predict future hotspots and determine the factors influencing disease emergence. We have focused on the following three viral disease groups of concern: Filoviridae, Coronaviridae, and Henipaviruses. Methods: We modelled presence–absence data in spatially explicit binomial and zero-inflation binomial logistic regressions with and without autoregression. Presence data were extracted from published studies for the three EID groups. Various environmental and demographical rasters were used to explain the distribution of the EIDs. True Skill Statistic and deviance parameters were used to compare the accuracy of the different models. Results: For each group of viruses, we were able to identify and map areas at high risk of disease emergence based on the spatial distribution of the disease reservoirs and hosts of the three viral groups. Common influencing factors of disease emergence were climatic covariates (minimum temperature and rainfall) and human-induced land modifications. Conclusions: Using topographical, climatic, and previous disease outbreak reports, we can identify and predict future high-risk areas for disease emergence and their specific underlying human and environmental drivers. We suggest that such a predictive approach to EIDs should be carefully considered in the development of active surveillance systems for pathogen emergence and epidemics at local and global scales.
Measuring the Modified Gravitational Wave Propagation beyond General Relativity from CMB Observations
Authors: Li Jun
Published: July 2022

In modified gravity theories, gravitational wave propagations are presented in nonstandard ways. We consider a friction term different from GR and constrain the modified gravitational waves propagation from observations. The modified gravitational waves produce anisotropies and polarization, which generate measurable tensor power spectra. We explore the impact of the friction term on the power spectrum of B-modes and the impact on the constraints on the other parameters (e.g., r or At) when ν0 is allowed to vary in the Monte Carlo analyses from Planck+BK18 datasets. If we assume the result of the scalar perturbations is unchanged, the inflation consistency relation alters with the friction term. In the ΛCDM+r+ν0 model, the tensor-to-scalar ratio and the amplitude of the tensor spectrum are obviously influenced.
Characterization and Utilization of Disulfide-Bonded SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain of Spike Protein Synthesized by Wheat Germ Cell-Free Production System
Authors: Yamaoka Yutaro , Jeremiah Sundararaj Stanleyraj , Funabashi Rikako , Miyakawa Kei , Morita Takeshi , Mihana Yusaku , Kato Hideaki , Ryo Akihide
Published: July 2022

The spike protein (SP) of SARS-CoV-2 is an important target for COVID-19 therapeutics and vaccines as it binds to the ACE2 receptor and enables viral infection. Rapid production and functional characterization of properly folded SP is of the utmost importance for studying the immunogenicity and receptor-binding activity of this protein considering the emergence of highly infectious viral variants. In this study, we attempted to express the receptor-binding region (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 SP containing disulfide bonds using the wheat germ cell-free protein synthesis system. By adding protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) and endoplasmic reticulum oxidase (ERO1α) to the translational reaction mixture, we succeeded in synthesizing a functionally intact RBD protein that can interact with ACE2. Using this RBD protein, we have developed a high-throughput AlphaScreen assay to evaluate the RBD–ACE2 interaction, which can be applied for drug screening and mutation analysis. Thus, our method sheds new light on the structural and functional properties of SARS-CoV-2 SP and has the potential to contribute to the development of new COVID-19 therapeutics.
Lung Transplant Recipients Immunogenicity after Heterologous ChAdOx1 nCoV-19—BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccination
Authors: Catry Emilie , Favresse Julien , Gillot Constant , Bayart Jean-Louis , Frérotte Damien , Dumonceaux Michel , Evrard Patrick , Mullier François , Douxfils Jonathan , Carlier François M. , Closset Mélanie
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: High immunosuppressive regimen in lung transplant recipients (LTRs) hampers the immune response to vaccination. We prospectively investigated the immunogenicity of heterologous ChAdOx1 nCoV-19-BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination in an LTR cohort. (2) Methods: Forty-nine COVID-19 naïve LTRs received a two-dose regimen ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. A subset of 32 patients received a booster dose of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine 18 weeks after the second dose. (3) Results: Two-doses of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 induced poor immunogenicity with 7.2% seropositivity at day 180 and low neutralizing capacities. The BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine induced significant increases in IgG titers with means of 197.8 binding antibody units per milliliter (BAU/mL) (95% CI 0–491.4) and neutralizing antibodies, with means of 76.6 AU/mL (95% CI 0–159.6). At day 238, 32.2% of LTRs seroconverted after the booster dose. Seroneutralization capacities against Delta and Omicron variants were found in only 13 and 9 LTRs, respectively. Mycophenolate mofetil and high-dose corticosteroids were associated with a weak serological response. (4) Conclusions: The immunogenicity of a two-dose ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine regimen was very poor in LTRs, but was significantly enhanced after the booster dose in one-third of LTRs. In immunocompromised individuals, the administration of a fourth dose may be considered to increase the immune response against SARS-CoV-2.
A New Circular Single-Stranded DNA Virus Related with Howler Monkey Associated Porprismacovirus 1 Detected in Children with Acute Gastroenteritis
Authors: Villanova Fabiola , Milagres Flávio Augusto de Padua , Brustulin Rafael , Araújo Emerson Luiz Lima , Pandey Ramendra Pati , Raj V. Samuel , Deng Xutao , Delwart Eric , Luchs Adriana , Costa Antonio Charlys da , Leal Élcio
Published: July 2022

Putative replication-associated protein (REP) and capsid-like (CAP) proteins are encoded by circular single-stranded DNA viruses (CRESS DNA), which have been found in samples from most eukaryotic groups. However, the details of these viruses’ life cycles and their significance in diseases have yet to be established. We presented and analyzed two full-length CRESS DNA genomes acquired from two children diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis (GI) in the northeast state of Tocantins, Brazil, using next-generation sequencing and a virus-like filtration approach. Both sequences (named SmaCV3BR08 and SmaCV3BR291) are closely similar to a prior CRESS DNA sequence discovered in the feces of a new world monkey (Alouatta caraya) from the United States in 2009 and termed Howler monkey-associated porprismacovirus 1 (Genbank ID: NC 026317). According to our comparative study, these porprismacovirus genomes deviate by 10% at the nucleotide level. For comparative reasons, the divergence between our sequences (SmaCV3BR08 and SmaCV3BR291) and a porprismacovirus recently identified in a human fecal sample from Peru is 37%. These data suggest that there is a great diversity of porprismacoviruses in South America, perhaps more than two species. In addition, the finding of closely related sequences of porprismacoviruses in humans and native monkeys highlights the zoonotic potential of these viruses.
Immunogenicity Following Two Doses of the BBIBP-CorV Vaccine and a Third Booster Dose with a Viral Vector and mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines against Delta and Omicron Variants in Prime Immunized Adults with Two Doses of the BBIBP-CorV Vaccine
Authors: Chansaenroj Jira , Suntronwong Nungruthai , Kanokudom Sitthichai , Assawakosri Suvichada , Yorsaeng Ritthideach , Vichaiwattana Preeyaporn , Klinfueng Sirapa , Wongsrisang Lakana , Srimuan Donchida , Thatsanatorn Thaksaporn , Thongmee Thanunrat , Auphimai Chompoonut , Nilyanimit Pornjarim , Wanlapakorn Nasamon , Sudhinaraset Natthinee , Poovorawan Yong
Published: July 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) booster vaccination is being comprehensively evaluated globally due to waning immunity and the emergence of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate antibody responses in individuals vaccinated with two doses of the BBIBP-CorV vaccine and to explore the boosting effect of the different vaccine platforms in BBIBP-CorV-primed healthy adults, including a viral vector vaccine (AZD122) and mRNA vaccines (BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273). The results showed that in the BBIBP-CorV prime group, the total receptor-binding domain (RBD) immunoglobulin (Ig) and anti-RBD IgG levels waned significantly at three months after receiving the second dose. However, after the booster, RBD-specific binding antibody levels increased. Neutralizing antibody measured by a surrogate neutralization test showed inhibition over 90% against the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant but less than 70% against the omicron variant after the third dose on day 28. All booster vaccines could induce the total IFN-ɣ T-cell response. The reactogenicity was acceptable and well-tolerated without serious adverse events. This study supports the administration of the third dose with either a viral vector or mRNA vaccine for BBIBP-CorV-primed individuals to stimulate antibody and T-cell responses.
Neutralizing Antibodies to Human Cytomegalovirus Recombinant Proteins Reduce Infection in an Ex Vivo Model of Developing Human Placentas
Authors: Tabata Takako , Petitt Matthew , Li Julia , Chi Xiaoyuan , Chen Wei , Yurgelonis Irina , Wellnitz Sabine , Bredl Simon , Vicente Tiago , Yang Xinzhen , Dormitzer Philip R. , Pereira Lenore
Published: July 2022

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the leading viral cause of congenital disease and permanent birth defects worldwide. Although the development of an effective vaccine is a public health priority, no vaccines are approved. Among the major antigenic targets are glycoproteins in the virion envelope, including gB, which facilitates cellular entry, and the pentameric complex (gH/gL/pUL128-131), required for the infection of specialized cell types. In this study, sera from rabbits immunized with the recombinant pentameric complex were tested for their ability to neutralize infection of epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and primary placental cell types. Sera from rhesus macaques immunized with recombinant gB or gB plus pentameric complex were tested for HCMV neutralizing activity on both cultured cells and cell column cytotrophoblasts in first-trimester chorionic villus explants. Sera from rabbits immunized with the pentameric complex potently blocked infection by pathogenic viral strains in amniotic epithelial cells and cytotrophoblasts but were less effective in fibroblasts and trophoblast progenitor cells. Sera from rhesus macaques immunized with the pentameric complex and gB more strongly reduced infection in fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and chorionic villus explants than sera from immunization with gB alone. These results suggest that the pentameric complex and gB together elicit antibodies that could have potential as prophylactic vaccine antigens.
Physiotherapy Improves Dogs’ Quality of Life Measured with the Milan Pet Quality of Life Scale: Is Pain Involved?
Authors: Piotti Patrizia , Albertini Mariangela , Lavesi Elisa , Ferri Annalisa , Pirrone Federica
Published: July 2022

Quality of life is defined as an individual’s satisfaction with its physical and psychological health, its physical and social environment, and its ability to interact with the environment. Understanding companion dogs’ QOL can help veterinarians and owners know when treatment options have successfully alleviated symptoms of disease in such fields as veterinary physiotherapy. For this study, 20 adult dogs were selected from patients of a physiotherapy referral center with orthopedic, neurological, and/or degenerative conditions. The severity of the medical problem was ranked, and the symptoms, the treatment plan, and demographic data were recorded at the time of the physical examination. In addition, the owner of the dog was asked to fill out a questionnaire on the quality of life of the pet (the Milan Pet Quality of Life scale) at the time of the first consultation as well as the last follow-up after the treatment. The MPQL measures four domains of QOL: physical (signs of medical conditions), psychological (emotional and behavioral well-being), social (quality and extent of social interactions), and environmental (freedom and safety in one’s environment). The results of the study indicated a significant improvement in the psychological QOL domain following physiotherapeutic treatment. The social QOL domain declined with the severity of lameness, while the physical QOL, as reported by the owner, declined with the overall criticality of the medical condition, as ranked by the physiotherapist. The results of the study support the recent evidence of a relationship between pain and canine psychological well-being and highlight the importance of investigating psychological and emotional aspects of dogs’ QOL when treating orthopedic and neurological cases with physiotherapy.
Groundwater Resources Management: Reconciling Demand, High Quality Resources and Sustainability
Authors: Polemio Maurizio , Voudouris Konstantinos
Published: July 2022

The prospect of the global population reaching 9 billion by 2050, in addition to growing urbanisation, intensive irrigated agriculture and climate change, will add extra pressures on water resources and the environment [...]
Stormwater Management in the City of Warsaw: A Review and Evaluation of Technical Solutions and Strategies to Improve the Capacity of the Combined Sewer System
Authors: Sobieraj Janusz , Bryx Marek , Metelski Dominik
Published: July 2022

Urban flooding is an increasingly common phenomenon around the world. The reasons are usually attributed to the insufficient capacity of the combined sewer system and its inability to adapt to the changing dynamics of rainfall. This is also the case in Warsaw (the capital of Poland), where the sewage system was designed in the 1960s. The aim of the article is to highlight possible hydrological solutions that would significantly improve Warsaw’s situation in terms of rainfall runoff. The article looks at some solutions that were previously mentioned in the literature and presents an assessment of the possible changes in land use/land cover on the hydrological processes and improvements in the general hydrological situation of Warsaw. In addition, the article points out the need to update the programme and spatial approach to the discharge of water from specific watersheds in Warsaw, as well as to establish a single manager for stormwater drainage in the city of Warsaw. An important issue is the restoration of natural retention basins in the city and the construction of artificial basins in places with frequent local flooding. The article emphasises the importance of building individual detention basins (as well as low-impact developments) for newly planned investments. Other important aspects are as follows: the construction of suitable underground or open channels, the need to disconnect Ursynów’s stormwater runoff from the catchment area of the Służewiecki Stream and to channel it along the southern bypass for Warsaw (S-2) to the dry lakes and ponds in Wilanów. Finally, the article discusses the application of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and Real-Time Control (RTC) in urban drainage systems as a possible solution to improve wastewater management in urban areas.
Assessing Suitable Techniques for Rainwater Harvesting Using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Methods and GIS Techniques
Authors: Adham Ammar , Riksen Michel , Abed Rasha , Shadeed Sameer , Ritsema Coen
Published: July 2022

The objective of this study is to produce suitability maps for potential rainwater harvesting techniques (RWHT) in the West Bank (WB), Palestine. These techniques aim to reduce water scarcity, which is a major problem for the conservation of water resources in the area. Based on literature reviews and expert recommendations, seven RWHts were selected (runoff basin system, contour ridges, cisterns, eyebrow terrace, check dam, on-farm pond, and bench terraces). Analysis methods performed in the Arc GIS environment include spatial analysis and data reclassification. Other calculations include multi-criteria analysis for assigning suitability. Five criteria (rainfall, runoff, land use, slope, and soil texture) for RWHt were analyzed to produce a suitability map for each technique. The results show that runoff basin systems in the northeast and southwest of WB are the most suitable, with about 50% of the area of WB moderately suitable for this technique, while 70% of the area of WB is very suitable for the contour ridge technique. Furthermore, this analysis shows that almost 50% of the WB is very suitable for cisterns. Sixty percent of the area is very suitable for on-farm puddling, especially in the north and southwest of WB. The areas with high suitability for the different techniques comprehensively cover the WB, as shown in the RWHt suitability maps and the integrated map. Nevertheless, this approach can help decision makers in making an initial selection of RWH techniques suitable for their region.
Hydrodynamic Border Irrigation Model: Comparison of Infiltration Equations
Authors: Fuentes Sebastián , Chávez Carlos , Brambila-Paz Fernando , Trejo-Alonso Josué
Published: July 2022

The variation in moisture content between subsequent irrigations determines the use of infiltration equations that contain representative physical parameters of the soil when irrigation begins. This study analyzes the reliability of the hydrodynamic model to simulate the advanced phase in border irrigation. For the solution of the hydrodynamic model, a Lagrangian scheme in implicit finite differences is used, while for infiltration, the Kostiakov equation and the Green and Ampt equation are used and compared. The latter was solved using the Newton–Raphson method due to its implicit nature. The models were validated, and unknown parameters were optimized using experimental data available in the literature and the Levenberg–Marquardt method. The results show that it is necessary to use infiltration equations based on soil parameters, because in subsequent irrigations, the initial conditions change, modifying the advance curve in border irrigation. From the coupling of both equations, it is shown that the empirical Kostiakov equation is only representative for a specific irrigation event, while with the Green and Ampt equations, the subsequent irrigations can be modeled, and the advance/infiltration process can be observed in detail.
Data-Driven Community Flood Resilience Prediction
Authors: Abdel-Mooty Moustafa Naiem , El-Dakhakhni Wael , Coulibaly Paulin
Published: July 2022

Climate change and the development of urban centers within flood-prone areas have significantly increased flood-related disasters worldwide. However, most flood risk categorization and prediction efforts have been focused on the hydrologic features of flood hazards, often not considering subsequent long-term losses and recovery trajectories (i.e., community’s flood resilience). In this study, a two-stage Machine Learning (ML)-based framework is developed to accurately categorize and predict communities’ flood resilience and their response to future flood hazards. This framework is a step towards developing comprehensive, proactive flood disaster management planning to further ensure functioning urban centers and mitigate the risk of future catastrophic flood events. In this framework, resilience indices are synthesized considering resilience goals (i.e., robustness and rapidity) using unsupervised ML, coupled with climate information, to develop a supervised ML prediction algorithm. To showcase the utility of the framework, it was applied on historical flood disaster records collected by the US National Weather Services. These disaster records were subsequently used to develop the resilience indices, which were then coupled with the associated historical climate data, resulting in high-accuracy predictions and, thus, utility in flood resilience management studies. To further demonstrate the utilization of the framework, a spatial analysis was developed to quantify communities’ flood resilience and vulnerability across the selected spatial domain. The framework presented in this study is employable in climate studies and patio-temporal vulnerability identification. Such a framework can also empower decision makers to develop effective data-driven climate resilience strategies.
Rainwater Isotopic Composition in the Ecuadorian Andes and Amazon Reflects Cross-Equatorial Flow Seasonality
Authors: Vargas Danny , Chimborazo Oscar , László Elemér , Temovski Marjan , Palcsu László
Published: July 2022

The variability of the rainfall stable isotopic values (δ2Hp, δ18Op) in the Ecuadorian Amazon to the Andes presents a marked local “altitude” effect. At the same time, this complex orography creates diverse precipitation regimes (unimodal, bimodal, and three-modal) that make it difficult to establish a relationship with the local amount. Nevertheless, stations along these regions show a similar intra-annual isotopic variability, with lower values during MAM and ON. In contrast, higher values are found during DJF and JAS in a w-shaped pattern, suggesting a common regional controller. A monthly δ2Hp and δ18Op collection campaign was established in Central Ecuador (n = 30) to complement stations biased towards the northern and southern parts. Based on back trajectory analysis, the results demonstrated that moisture arrives from two primary sources: the Tropical North Atlantic (DJFM) and the Amazon Basin (JAS). Nevertheless, their convergence (AMJ and ON) is the crucial factor modulating the lowest isotopic values. Precisely, this convergence is stronger at the V-Index region (5° S–5° N, 65°–75° W), where the wind seasonality and reversal at low levels are enhanced, allowing the inter-hemispheric moisture flux transport (cross-equatorial flow). We propose that the amount of rainfall located at the V-Index region is a more robust approach for explaining the δ2Hp and δ18Op variability rather than the local amount.
Mn3O4 Catalysts for Advanced Oxidation of Phenolic Contaminants in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Muhammad Syaifullah , Nugraha Muhammad Wahyu , Saputra Edy , Arahman Nasrul
Published: July 2022

Water-soluble organic pollutants, such as phenolic compounds, have been exposed to environments globally. They have a significant impact on groundwater and surface water quality. In this work, different Mn3O4 catalysts were prepared for metal oxide activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to remove the phenolic compound from the water environment. The as-prepared catalysts were characterized using thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis. Furthermore, the effect of temperature and reusability of the as-prepared Mn3O4 catalysts is also investigated. The Mn3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) catalyst reveals an excellent performance for activating PMS to remove phenol compounds. Mn3O4 NPs exhibits 96.057% efficiency in removing 25 ppm within 60 min. The kinetic analysis shows that Mn3O4 NPs fitted into pseudo-first order kinetic model and exhibited relatively low energy activation of 42.6 kJ/mol. The reusability test of Mn3O4 NPs displays exceptional stability with 84.29% efficiency after three-sequential cycles. The as-prepared Mn3O4 NPs is proven suitable for phenolic remediation in aqueous solutions.