bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of ICT in Modernizing the Global Education Industry to Yield Better Academic Outreach
Authors: Saif Syed Mohsin , Ansarullah Syed Immamul , Ben Othman Mohamed Tahar , Alshmrany Sami , Shafiq Muhammad , Hamam Habib
Published: June 2022

The advancements made by information technology have redefined the concept, scope, and significance of communication. The barriers in the communication process have been wiped out by the recent advances in information and communication technology(ICT) backed by high-speed data connectivity. People are free to communicate without bothering about physical borders distancing them from one another. Information and communication technology has diversified its dynamism by creating an e-environment, where people exploit the power of technology and communication to deliver many services. This research used the conceptual framework for ICT-enabled learning management systems and described their dimensions and scope in ICT-enabled education. The ubiquity of ICT has revamped the education industry worldwide by introducing new approaches, tools, and techniques to modernize education. The widespread popularity of ICT has forced educational establishments to endorse this to update the academia to leverage its bounders and enhance productivity to yield productive outcomes at different levels of education. This paper describes different ICT approaches and investigates the importance, influence, and impact of ICT-enabled technologies on various educational practices to achieve productive educational outcomes. This research investigates the role of ICT in teaching and learning at different levels of education, explores various modulates and their influence on the overall development of educational activities, and identifies the research gaps that are bridged to achieve the primary aim of ICT and education. This research extended its ICT projections and scope to overcome the challenges emerging from pandemic circumstances and design and develop an online platform in proper consultation with market demand to make students more job-oriented or skill-oriented. This paper describes different ICT approaches adopted by various educational institutions across the globe to modernize student−teacher interaction. This paper further investigates the influence and impact of ICT-enabled technologies on various educational practices that are prerequisites for achieving productive educational outcomes.
Impacts of Government Credit on Government Performance of Public-Private Partnership Project in China: A WSR System Theory Perspective
Authors: Zhou Qianqian , Bao Yuhui , Zhao Yiwei , He Xinyao , Cui Caiyun , Liu Yong
Published: June 2022

To alleviate project financial pressure and improve performance, the public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement was introduced by the central government of China to facilitate the sustainable development of infrastructure. However, arising government credit crisis from the PPP project may damage both the private’s and public’s interests, and affect the government performance of PPP projects consequently. In order to understand the influence between government credit and performance, we constructed a government credit evaluation index system by using the Wuli-Shili-Renli system theory, and conducted a questionnaire survey among people related to PPP based on 359 valid questionnaires. The results firstly indicated that government credit and performance of PPP projects are optimistic in China. Secondly, the institutional environment, financial situation, management technology and internal and external communication of government credit all have a positive impact on the government performance of PPP. Thirdly, the government credit and performance of PPP projects can be increased by the improvement of regional economic and social development. These findings enrich the knowledge system of the relationship between government credit and performance of PPP projects and contribute to clarifying the influence of government credit and performance, thus provide the basis for the government to guide PPP practice effectively.
Life Cycle Assessments of Circular Economy in the Built Environment—A Scoping Review
Authors: Andersen Sarah C. , Birgisdottir Harpa , Birkved Morten
Published: June 2022

The Circular Economy (CE) is gaining traction throughout all industries and nations globally. However, despite several attempts, no one-off solutions for assessing the benefits and pitfalls of CE have been established, and neither have any measures with which to determine decisions. In line with this general observation, the Built Environment (BE) is no different. A tendency is observed in which, for the assessment of the environmental impacts of CE, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has been deemed suitable. This paper presents a scoping review, using the PRISMA statement extension for scoping reviews, documenting how LCA has been applied for assessment of CE in the BE. The review covers a broad scope of literature, scoping the landscape, and delimits it into publications where CE strategy has been defined explicitly and described as a CE investigation. Among the LCAs applied, the dominant system boundary choice is the attributional approach. The authors open the discussion on whether this is actually suitable for answering the questions posed in the CE paradigm. From the review, and the discussion, the conclusion suggests that there is no dominant procedure in applying LCA of CE in the BE, even despite commonly developed LCA standards for the BE. Few studies also present the consideration to reconsider the applied LCA, as CE puts new questions (and thereby a potentially greater system boundary, as CE may imply greater societal consequences) that do not necessarily fit into the linear LCA framework currently applied in the BE.
Policies and Strategic Incentives for Circular Economy and Industrial Symbiosis in Portugal: A Future Perspective
Authors: Henriques Juan , Ferrão Paulo , Iten Muriel
Published: June 2022

During the last two decades, Portugal has made efforts to implement a circular economy and its business models in industries, which has led to a series of operational and strategic initiatives. Nevertheless, after 20 years, further efforts are required for a larger-scale implementation of such models. This study aims to identify the current status in the legislative context of the industrial circular economy and industrial symbiosis (ICE&IS) in Portugal, with a special focus on the policies and incentives for the promotion of this model. The main objective of this research is to verify whether there are conditions for the promotion of ICE&IS, and the main aspects to reinforce the current Portuguese strategy. To achieve this objective, a mixed research approach was defined and performed. This approach is based on methods of gathering information and analyzing the results through a comparative policy analysis. The result of this study shows that Portugal still has a considerable number of gaps and needs (strategic, fiscal, and financial) that must be addressed for effective implementation. Our research suggests that Portugal will face a series of critical aspects for industrial CE implementation, namely, promoting effective incentives (i), simplifying the national strategy (ii), and dealing with bureaucracy (iii).
A Study on the Trends of the Global Cruise Tourism Industry, Sustainable Development, and the Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lin Li-Ying , Tsai Chang-Ching , Lee Jen-Yao
Published: June 2022

Stable financial operation is the essential factor for the sustainable development of the cruise tourism industry. The cruise industry was one of the fastest growing before the COVID-19 pandemic. The industry is capital intensive, has an enormous supply chain, serves to improve many ports-of-call economies, hires an immense quantity of people worldwide, and has a substantial economic contribution worldwide, especially in coastal countries or areas. COVID-19 has disrupted what had been an unending development of growth and success for the cruise industry. This study aims to analyze the financial performance of the worldwide cruise industry and realize the trends in the cruise tourism industry. The study examines the statistical data of the top three cruise companies that account for nearly 74.6–91.8% of the worldwide cruise tourism for 2015–2021. The financial analysis includes economic structure, solvency, operating ability, profitability, and financial leverage. We also analyze the economic indicators of the top three cruise companies with frequency analysis, correlation analysis, regression analysis, and the financial management risks of the top three cruise companies with the Z-Score Model. In addition, the study organizes and summarizes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global cruise tourism. The study found that from mid-March 2020 until July 2021, the temporary suspension decreased passenger numbers, operating losses, and stock price losses. The research results confirm that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the suspension of cruise ships worldwide. The break has led to a sharp drop in the number of cruise passengers, resulting in a significant decrease in operating income and profits of cruise companies, and the debt-to-assets ratio and leverage ratio have increased significantly. The excessive debt ratio will affect the sustainable operation of cruise companies and the sustainable development of the cruise industry. Because of the enormous impact and damage caused to the cruise industry by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is suggested that the cruise industry should take effective preventive strategies against highly contagious infectious diseases, deploy these strategies ahead of time, and strengthen the resilience and pandemic prevention ability of the cruise industry, to achieve the goal of sustainably developing the cruise industry.
A Study on the Development Priority of Smart Shipping Items—Focusing on the Expert Survey
Authors: Ahn Young-Gyun , Kim Taeil , Kim Bo-Ram , Lee Min-Kyu
Published: June 2022

As smart technology in the shipping industry accelerates, demand for technology development, which aims to increase competitiveness by utilizing the latest smart technologies, is increasing. The shipping industry in each country is pushing for developing its smart technologies at a rapid pace, and it is urgent to prioritize the demand for smart technologies in the shipping industry for sustainable industry growth. The purpose of the present study is to verify the importance and urgency of smart technologies in the shipping industry, and the present study surveys 74 domestic and foreign shipping industry officials, covering shipping companies, brokers, governments, etc. The importance and urgency of each smart technology item in the shipping industry are questioned in a survey. It is necessary to focus investment on specific smart shipping items under a limited budget, and, since the priorities presented in this study were derived through comprehensive collection of opinions from 74 shipping experts, the priorities presented in this study are expected to be effective reference values when implementing sustainable shipping investment policies. According to an interview analysis on importance and urgency, both “autonomous ships” and “blockchain” items show high importance and urgency. Since both importance and urgency are high, strategic priorities are the highest, and it is expected to contribute effectively to enhancing the smartness of the shipping industry when it focuses its investment capabilities in those fields.
Investigating Sustainability of the Traditional Courtyard Houses Using Deep Beauty Framework
Authors: Qureshi Rabia Ahmed , Shah Sarah Javed , Akhtar Munazzah , Abbass Wasim , Mohamed Abdullah
Published: June 2022

In Pakistan, power outages have become frequent over the past two decades, due to a continuing energy crisis. Reliance on machines for thermal comfort of buildings has led to high energy demands of the increasing population. The negative impacts of artificial environments have, also, diminished the sense of place, biophilia and cultural values. Moreover, globalization has standardized the built environments, causing a lack of regional identity and an absence of climate sensitivity in design. Keeping all these issues in focus, this article re-examines the fundamental aspects of traditional architecture and aims to stimulate architects and designers to create sustainable and life-enriching designs, which are appropriate for contemporary times. In this research, the first two levels of Deep Beauty (functional and typological) are used, as a conceptual framework for sustainable design, to analyse a representative of a traditional courtyard house. In conjunction with the theoretical underpinnings of the Deep Beauty framework, the analysis utilizes photographs, drawings, and diagrams to support the arguments. The research shows that the traditional courtyard house possesses numerous attributes of sustainable design, which can be incorporated into contemporary house design.
Impact of Organizational Culture on Individual Work Performance with National Culture of Cross-Strait Enterprises as a Moderator
Authors: Hung Ying-Cheng , Su Tzu-Cheng , Lou Kuo-Ren
Published: June 2022

In this study, we investigated the effect of organizational culture on individual work performance, tested the moderation of national culture on the relationship between organizational culture on individual work performance, and analyzed the differences among organizational culture, national culture, and individual work performance of enterprises without the same attributes. This study employed a questionnaire survey with 966 valid questionnaires using purposive sampling. The findings indicated that, in terms of organizational culture, hierarchy had a significant positive effect on task performance, whereas clan and adhocracy cultures both had the same result on contextual performance. Clan culture had a significant negative effect on counterproductive work behaviors, but adhocracy culture had the opposite effect. The power distance of national culture strengthened the positive effect of clan culture on task performance and enhanced the negative effect of clan culture on counterproductive work behaviors. Moreover, it weakened the positive effect of market culture on contextual performance. Masculinity enhanced the positive effect of clan culture on task performance; however, uncertainty avoidance strengthened the positive effect of adhocracy culture on contextual performance. Regarding enterprises with different attributes, employees in Taiwan exhibited higher individual work performance and organizational culture levels, whereas employees in mainland China scored higher on each dimension of national culture.
Uncovering Barriers for Industrial Symbiosis: Assessing Prospects for Eco-Industrialization through Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Developing Regions
Authors: Akhtar Nadia , Bokhari Syed Atif , Martin Michael Alan , Saqib Zafeer , Khan Muhammad Irfan , Mahmud Arif , Zaman-ul-Haq Muhammad , Amir Sarah
Published: June 2022

Industrialization is indispensable for socio-economic development but poses far-reaching implications for resources and the environment. Consequently, industrial symbiosis-based collaborations are gaining recognition as a viable strategy to manage resource consumption for mitigating environmental distress. However, these types of synergistic collaborations are more prevalent in developed regions and are linked to larger-sized industries. Admittedly, such collaborative partnerships are less focused in developing regions and small- to medium-size enterprises (SMEs). This calls for discovering the potentials for synergistic partnerships among the small and medium scaled industrial entities in developing economies. Therefore, the study was designed to identify, assess and explore the prospects of symbiotic collaborations among SMEs in Pakistan. Moreover, the inputs are equally relevant for developing and expanding such productive associations in developing regions. Data regarding inputs and outputs was collected from sixty-one (61) SMEs through field survey during the year 2019. It was processed and analyzed to uncover existing and potential synergies among SMEs. The significant findings transpired that the majority of collaborative linkages are bilateral and are driven to maximize economic gains. However, informal networks of recyclers and absence of a stringent regulatory regime are the ground realities in developing/transforming economies. These factors symptomatically interfere with the process of formal/informal exchanges between and among firms. Furthermore, it was observed that the lack of awareness and impulsiveness of SMEs, as well as the inconsistent supply of by-products, act as barriers for such partnerships in developing countries. It calls for proactive engagements and facilitations from the state institutions through policy instruments. The study addresses a broad audience including industrialists, investors, policy makers and researchers engaged in IS studies. Moreover, the inputs will provide impetus for stimulating eco-industrial progress in developing regions such as Pakistan.
A Study on the Impact of Sustainable Leadership and Core Competencies on Sustainable Competitive Advantage in the Information Technology (IT) Sector
Authors: Nisha Nazir Taj , Nawaz Nishad , Mahalakshmi Jayakumar , Gajenderan Vijayakumar , Hasani Islam
Published: June 2022

The study is focused on assessing the impact of sustainable leadership and core competencies on sustainable competitive advantage in the information technology sector. The data are sourced from primary and secondary data. The primary data are sourced from IT sector employees. The secondary information is sourced from earlier publications related to sustainable leadership, sustainable competitive advantage, and core competencies. The primary data were collected through the field survey method, although some were collected via an online mode. The sample size was 297. The study used a simple stratified random sampling technique. The study results described a significant effect of sustainable leadership on sustainable competitive advantage. Sustainable leadership improves the prospects of associations in terms of their creation, constant advancement, sustained competitive edge, and long-term success. Sustainable leadership is a wellspring of gaining the upper hand for associations. Sustainable leadership benefits associations, development, consistent improvement, a supported upper hand, and long haul achievement. The study also found that the core competencies significantly influence the competitive advantage. The discoveries of the current study have significant ramifications for customers, top administration, and policymakers. The practitioners of IT companies are urged to cultivate an inventive and open correspondence climate in their associations dependent on existing logical discoveries. Likewise, they could utilize the current outcomes as a benchmark for gradually expanding their qualities and limits, which may prompt better natural productivity.
The Determining Factors of Attractiveness in Urban Tourism: A Study in Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Bogota, and Lima
Authors: Sirkis Gabriela , Regalado-Pezúa Otto , Carvache-Franco Orly , Carvache-Franco Wilmer
Published: June 2022

This research aims to examine the tourist recognition of the different attractions of the four most populous Spanish-speaking cities in Latin America: Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Bogotá, and Lima, and determine the factors that group these attractions and evaluate their degree of importance. Factor analysis technique was used to reduce the perceptions into relevant factors. The methodology used is quantitative, transversal, and non-experimental. The results indicate that the tourist attraction of a city has four main factors: the nucleus, the tourism ecosystem, Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions/Events (MICE) and shows, and the related services. The research has theoretical implications because it determines that tourists perceive attractions at four levels in these Latin American cities, each of which is made up of tourist attractions different from those mentioned in the literature. The research has practical implications, since officials and those responsible for tourism in Latin American cities can improve their plans by considering the factors of tourist attraction that generate a greater influx of tourists in the cities examined.
How Positive and Negative Environmental Behaviours Influence Sustainable Tourism Intentions
Authors: Shien Li-Yao , Liu Chih-Hsing , Li Yi-Min
Published: June 2022

This study developed and examined a theoretical model of moderated mediation in which positive and negative environmental behaviours (e.g., attitudes, destruction, conservation, and eco-friendliness) serve as a moderating mechanism that explains the link between the two critical mediating effects of escape and sustainable experiences on revisit intentions. The results of a study of 483 foreign tourists provide support for our hypothesized model. First, the results showed that motivations have indirect and positive effects on revisit intentions through sustainable experiences and escape-seeking. Second, the moderating effects of positive environmental behaviours were found to be positive, while negative environmental behaviours had negative effects on the dimensions of escape and experience on revisit intentions for sustainable tourism. Third, we discussed how this interesting pattern of the moderated mediation setting could be explained by using the theoretical background and considering previous studies on sustainable tourism.
A Study on Cost Allocation in Renovation of Old Urban Residential Communities
Authors: Zhuo Xiaoyan , Li Hongbing
Published: June 2022

The renovation of old residential communities not only meets the people’s aspirations for a better life, but also promotes the image of a city. However, unreasonable cost allocation in the renovation of old residential communities seriously impedes the multi-channel fundraising and progress of renovation. The general aim of this study was to construct a cost allocation model for the renovation of old residential communities, so as to address unreasonable cost allocation and speed up the renovation. With the government, home owners, and private sectors as the main participants and stakeholders, we constructed a cost allocation model for the renovation of old residential communities based on the structural equation model and the Shapley value. The structural equation model is used for indicator screening and weight computing, while the Shapley value is used for cost allocation. Then, we improved the cost allocation model based on the influencing factors that were screened out. This discovery will increase the cooperation between the government, home owners, and private sectors to fund the renovation of old residential communities, and further improve the progress of renovation of old residential communities. The study results show that by fully taking into account the degree of participation, the degree of risk sharing, the degree of value-added return, and the degree of resource input of participants, the improved cost allocation model makes the cost allocation more reasonable and fairer.
Generic Modeling Method of Quasi-One-Dimensional Flow for Aeropropulsion System Test Facility
Authors: Liu Jiashuai , Wang Xi , Pei Xitong , Zhu Meiyin , Zhang Louyue , Yang Shubo , Zhang Song
Published: June 2022

To support the advanced controller design and verification of the Aeropropulsion System Test Facility (ASTF), it is necessary to establish a mathematical model of ASTF with high precision and replace the current lumped parameter model. Therefore, a quasi-one-dimensional flow model of ASTF is established considering friction, localized losses, heat transfer, etc. Moreover, a generic modeling method is proposed for quasi-one-dimensional flow. With this method, all component models of ASTF are composed of staggered central control volume (CCV) and boundary control volume (BCV) and connected through virtual control volume. Thus, the properties of quasi-one-dimensional flow, such as spatial effect and time delay, can be easily addressed during the modeling process. The simulation results show that the quasi-one-dimensional flow model has higher accuracy than the lumped parameter model. Comparing the simulation results of the quasi-one-dimensional flow model with the test data, the relative errors of flow and pressure are less than 2.2% and 1.4%, respectively, further verifying the correctness of the proposed modeling method.
Dynamics of Shunting Inhibitory Cellular Neural Networks with Variable Two-Component Passive Decay Rates and Poisson Stable Inputs
Authors: Akhmet Marat , Tleubergenova Madina , Zhamanshin Akylbek
Published: June 2022

Shunting inhibitory cellular neural networks with continuous time-varying rates and inputs are the focus of this research. A new model is considered with compartmental passive decay rates which consist of periodic and Poisson stable components. The first component guarantees the Poisson stability of the dynamics, and the second one causes irregular oscillations. The inputs are Poisson stable to take into account the more sophisticated environment of the networks. The rates and inputs are synchronized to obtain Poisson stable outputs. A new efficient technique for checking the recurrence, the method of included intervals, is applied. Sufficient conditions for the existence of a Poisson stable solution and its asymptotic stability were obtained. Numerical simulations of Poisson stable outputs as well as inputs are provided. Examples of the model with Poisson stable rates, inputs and outputs confirm the feasibility of theoretical results. Discussions were undertaken to provide additional light on the relation of the obtained results with practical and theoretical potentials of neuroscience. Quantitative characteristics are suggested, which can be useful for the future applications of the results. In particular, the center of antisymmetry for the degree of periodicity is determined.
Six-Dimensional Manifold with Symmetric Signature in a Unified Theory of Gravity and Electromagnetism
Authors: Popov Nikolay , Matveev Ivan
Published: June 2022

A six dimensional manifold of symmetric signature (3,3) is proposed as a space structure for building combined theory of gravity and electromagnetism. Special metric tensor is proposed, yielding the space which combines the properties of Riemann, Weyl and Finsler spaces. Geodesic line equations are constructed where coefficients can be divided into depending on the metric tensor (relating to the gravitational interaction) and depending on the vector field (relating to the electromagnetic interaction). If there is no gravity, the geodesics turn into the equations of charge motion in the electromagnetic field. Furthermore, symmetric six-dimensional electrodynamics can be reduced to traditional four-dimensional Maxwell system, where two additional time dimensions are compactified. A purely geometrical interpretation of the concept of electromagnetic field and point electric charge is proposed.
Symmetry Analysis of Manual Wheelchair Propulsion Using Motion Capture Techniques
Authors: Kukla Mateusz , Maliga Wojciech
Published: June 2022

There is no consensus among researchers on the biomechanics of wheelchair propulsion concerning the bilateral symmetry assumption. On one hand, the assumption is advantageous, as it allows for the simplification of data collection, processing, and analysis. It also facilitates the modelling of wheelchair propulsion biomechanics. On the other hand, there are reports that the validity of the bilateral symmetry assumption is unclear. Therefore, the present study aims to analyse the biomechanics of wheelchair propulsion for side-to-side differences. Motion capture techniques based on ArUco with the use of OpenCV libraries were used for this purpose. The research was carried out on a group of 10 healthy and inexperienced volunteers with a semi-circular propulsion pattern, who declared right-handedness. The tests were carried out on a hard, even surface, without an additional load, within the frequency of the propelling phases dictated by sound signals, amounting to 30 BPM. The positions of markers on the hand, elbow, and wrist were analysed. As a result, a cloud of points of the markers’ displacement on the sagittal plane in the propulsion push progress function was obtained. The results were averaged with a breakdown by the right and left hand for individual persons, but also for the entire group of volunteers. A comparative analysis and the mutual position of the confidence intervals of the determined mean values were also performed. The collected data suggest that the mean values for individual participants show greater asymmetry than the mean positions of the markers for the entire group of participants. Therefore, the assumption about the symmetry of upper limb propulsion may not be true when analysing the biomechanics of propulsion for individuals, although it may be accurate when analysing larger groups of persons (participants free of upper-extremity pain or impairment).
Applications of the Investor Sentiment Polarization Model in Sudden Financial Events
Authors: Yu Yuanyuan , Wei Hongjia , Chen Tinggui
Published: June 2022

At present, the proportion of individual financial investors in China is relatively high, the phenomenon of noisy trading is frequent, and the market system risk caused by the polarization of investor sentiment cannot be ignored. Therefore, exploring the polarization of investor sentiment under the influence of sudden financial events is of great practical significance for alleviating abnormal fluctuations in financial markets and building a long-term and stable market mechanism. Based on the B–A scale-free network and J–A model, this paper combines the multi-agent system and the DSSW model to construct a polarization model of investor sentiment. Through simulation tests and empirical tests, it is concluded that the polarization of investor sentiment stems from the herd effect and exclusion effect of investor behavior, and that increasing the coefficient of destabilization ε and reducing the effect interval threshold D1 and D2 will aggravate the polarization of investor sentiment in the equilibrium state, while increasing the effect parameter α and β will not affect the polarization of investor sentiment in the equilibrium state, but will accelerate the number of interactions required to reach the equilibrium state. Finally, this paper puts forward targeted policy recommendations to provide references for responding to unexpected financial events.
Early Light Chains Removal and Albumin Levels with a Double Filter-Based Extracorporeal Treatment for Acute Myeloma Kidney
Authors: Donati Gabriele , Zappulo Fulvia , Maietti Elisa , Scrivo Anna , Gasperoni Lorenzo , Zamagni Elena , Tacchetti Paola , Pantani Lucia , Baraldi Olga , Comai Giorgia , Cappuccilli Maria , Cavo Michele , La Manna Gaetano
Published: June 2022

Renal impairment in Multiple Myeloma (MM) represents one of the most important factors that influences patient survival. In fact, before the introduction of modern chemotherapy, less than 25% of patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) and MM who required dialysis recovered sufficient renal function to become independent from dialysis, with a median overall survival of less than 1 year. There are many other factors involved in determining patient survival. In this study we aimed to investigate the role of double filter-based extracorporeal treatment for removal of serum free light chains (sFLC) in acute myeloma kidney (AKI for MM) and to evaluate patient overall survival. All patients received Bortezomib-based chemotherapy and extracorporeal treatment for sFLC removal. For each session 2 dialyzers of the same kind were used. The dialytic dose was not related to the degree of renal function but to the removal of sFLC. The factors that have been found to be significantly associated with lower mortality were reduction of sFLC at day 12 and day 30, >50% reduction of sFLC at day 30, number of sessions and independence from dialysis. Among baseline characteristics, albumin level was statistically associated with the patients’ outcome. Our analysis highlights the importance of the early treatment for removal of sFLC in AKI for MM. These results indicate that the early removal of sFLC can improve patient’s outcome.
Constraints on the Helium Abundance from Fast Radio Bursts
Authors: Jing Liang , Xia Jun-Qing
Published: June 2022

Through the relationship between dispersion measures (DM) and redshifts, fast radio bursts (FRBs) are considered to be very promising cosmological probes. In this paper, we attempted to use the DM-z relationship of FRBs to study the helium abundance (YHe) in the universe. First, we used 17 current FRBs with known redshifts for our study. Due to their low redshifts and the strong degeneracy between YHe and Ωbh2, however, this catalog could not provide a good constraint on the helium abundance. Then, we simulated 500 low redshift FRB mock data with z∈[0,1.5] to forecast the constraining ability on YHe. In order to break the degeneracy between YHe and Ωbh2 further, we introduced the shift parameters of the Planck measurement (R,lA,Ωbh2) as a prior, where Ωbh2 represents the baryon density parameter, and R and lA correspond to the scaled distance to recombination and the angular scale of the sound horizon at recombination, respectively. We obtained the standard deviation for the helium abundance: σ(YHe)=0.025. Finally, we considered 2000 higher redshift FRB data with the redshift distribution of [0,3] and found that the constraining power for YHe would be improved by more than 2 times, σ(YHe)=0.011, which indicates that the FRB data with high redshift can provide a better constraint on the helium abundance. Hopefully, large FRB samples with high redshift from the Square Kilometre Array can provide high-precision measurements of the helium abundance in the near future.
Identification of a Novel HBV Encoded miRNA Using Next Generation Sequencing
Authors: Loukachov Vladimir , van Dort Karel A. , Jansen Louis , Reesink Henk W. , Kootstra Neeltje A.
Published: June 2022

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) encoded miRNAs were previously described and suggested to play a role in HBV replication and pathogenesis. In this study we aim to identify novel HBV encoded miRNAs in plasma and liver tissue samples from chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and determine their role in CHB pathogenesis and HBV replication. RNA next generation sequencing was performed on plasma and liver tissue samples from ten CHB patients and uninfected controls. The interaction of the potential miRNA-like structures with the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) was determined using RNA immunoprecipitation. Expression levels of the HBV encoded miRNAs were measured in liver tissue samples derived from a conformation cohort. The effect of HBV encoded miRNAs overexpression on HBV replication, expression of predicted target genes, and induction of interferon stimulated genes in cell lines were assessed. Three potential miRNA-like structures transcribed by HBV were identified in liver tissue, of which one miRNA, HBV-miR-6, was recognized using RISC. HBV-miR-6 expression was demonstrated in liver tissue samples from 52 of the 87 CHB patients. HBV-miR-6 levels correlated with hepatic HBV-DNA and plasma HBsAg levels. Overexpression of HBV-miR-6 in vitro did not affect HBV replication, and predicted both target genes expression and interferon stimulated genes expression after stimulation. A potential novel HBV encoded miRNA was identified and validated in liver tissue from CHB patients. It is suggested that HBV-miR-6 may play a role in the process of viral excretion or particle formation in vivo.
Characterization of the Cross-Species Transmission Potential for Porcine Deltacoronaviruses Expressing Sparrow Coronavirus Spike Protein in Commercial Poultry
Authors: Alhamo Moyasar A. , Boley Patricia A. , Liu Mingde , Niu Xiaoyu , Yadav Kush Kumar , Lee Carolyn , Saif Linda J. , Wang Qiuhong , Kenney Scott P.
Published: June 2022

Avian species often serve as transmission vectors and sources of recombination for viral infections due to their ability to travel vast distances and their gregarious behaviors. Recently a novel deltacoronavirus (DCoV) was identified in sparrows. Sparrow deltacoronavirus (SpDCoV), coupled with close contact between sparrows and swine carrying porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) may facilitate recombination of DCoVs resulting in novel CoV variants. We hypothesized that the spike (S) protein or receptor-binding domain (RBD) from sparrow coronaviruses (SpCoVs) may enhance infection in poultry. We used recombinant chimeric viruses, which express S protein or the RBD of SpCoV (icPDCoV-SHKU17, and icPDCoV-RBDISU) on the genomic backbone of an infectious clone of PDCoV (icPDCoV). Chimeric viruses were utilized to infect chicken derived DF-1 cells, turkey poults, and embryonated chicken eggs (ECEs) to examine permissiveness, viral replication kinetics, pathogenesis and pathology. We demonstrated that DF-1 cells in addition to the positive control LLC-PK1 cells are susceptible to SpCoV spike- and RBD- recombinant chimeric virus infections. However, the replication of chimeric viruses in DF-1 cells, but not LLC-PK1 cells, was inefficient. Inoculated 8-day-old turkey poults appeared resistant to icPDCoV-, icPDCoV-SHKU17- and icPDCoV-RBDISU virus infections. In 5-day-old ECEs, significant mortality was observed in PDCoV inoculated eggs with less in the spike chimeras, while in 11-day-old ECEs there was no evidence of viral replication, suggesting that PDCoV is better adapted to cross species infection and differentiated ECE cells are not susceptible to PDCoV infection. Collectively, we demonstrate that the SpCoV chimeric viruses are not more infectious in turkeys, nor ECEs than wild type PDCoV. Therefore, understanding the cell and host factors that contribute to resistance to PDCoV and avian-swine chimeric virus infections may aid in the design of novel antiviral therapies against DCoVs.
Mosquito-Borne Flaviviruses and Current Therapeutic Advances
Authors: Qian Xijing , Qi Zhongtian
Published: June 2022

Mosquito-borne flavivirus infections affect approximately 400 million people worldwide each year and are global threats to public health. The common diseases caused by such flaviviruses include West Nile, yellow fever, dengue, Zika infection and Japanese encephalitis, which may result in severe symptoms and disorders of multiple organs or even fatal outcomes. Till now, no specific antiviral agents are commercially available for the treatment of the diseases. Numerous strategies have been adopted to develop novel and promising inhibitors against mosquito-borne flaviviruses, including drugs targeting the critical viral components or essential host factors during infection. Research advances in antiflaviviral therapy might optimize and widen the treatment options for flavivirus infection. This review summarizes the current developmental progresses and involved molecular mechanisms of antiviral agents against mosquito-borne flaviviruses.
Antiviral Activities of Green Tea Components against Grouper Iridovirus Infection In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Li Pengfei , Huang Shuaishuai , Xiao Shuangyan , Xu Youhou , Wei Xinxian , Xiao Jun , Guo Zhongbao , Yu Qing , Liu Mingzhu
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) can cause extensive fish deaths. Therefore, developing treatments to combat virulent SGIV is of great economic importance to address this challenge to the grouper aquaculture industry. Green tea is an important medicinal and edible plant throughout the world. In this study, we evaluated the use of green tea components against SGIV infection. (2) Methods: The safe working concentrations of green tea components were identified by cell viability detection and light microscopy. Additionally, the antiviral activity of each green tea component against SGIV infection was determined with light microscopy, an aptamer (Q5c)-based fluorescent molecular probe, and reverse transcription quantitative PCR. (3) Results: The safe working concentrations of green tea components were green tea aqueous extract (GTAE) ≤ 100 μg/mL, green tea polyphenols (TP) ≤ 10 μg/mL, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) ≤ 12 μg/mL, (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC) ≤ 10 μg/mL, (-)-epicatechin gallate (EGC) ≤ 5 μg/mL, and (-)-epicatechin (EC) ≤ 50 μg/mL. The relative antiviral activities of the green tea components determined in terms of MCP gene expression were TP > EGCG > GTAE > ECG > EGC > EC, with inhibition rates of 99.34%, 98.31%, 98.23%, 88.62%, 73.80%, and 44.31%, respectively. The antiviral effect of aptamer-Q5c was consistent with the results of qPCR. Also, TP had an excellent antiviral effect in vitro, wherein the mortality of fish in only the SGIV-injection group and TP + SGIV-injection group were 100% and 11.67%, respectively. (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, our results suggest that green tea components have effective antiviral properties against SGIV and may be candidate agents for the effective treatment and control of SGIV infections in grouper aquaculture.
Azelnidipine Exhibits In Vitro and In Vivo Antiviral Effects against Flavivirus Infections by Targeting the Viral RdRp
Authors: Wang Zhuang , Yan Yunzheng , Dai Qingsong , Xu Yijie , Yin Jiye , Li Wei , Li Yuexiang , Yang Xiaotong , Guo Xiaojia , Liu Miaomiao , Chen Xingjuan , Cao Ruiyuan , Zhong Wu
Published: June 2022

Flaviviruses, represented by Zika and dengue virus (ZIKV and DENV), are widely present around the world and cause various diseases with serious consequences. However, no antiviral drugs have been clinically approved for use against them. Azelnidipine (ALP) is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker and has been approved for use as an antihypertensive drug. In the present study, ALP was found to show potent anti-flavivirus activities in vitro and in vivo. ALP effectively prevented the cytopathic effect induced by ZIKV and DENV and inhibited the production of viral RNA and viral protein in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, treatment with 0.3 mg/kg of ALP protected 88.89% of mice from lethal challenge. Furthermore, using the time-of-drug-addition assay, the enzymatic inhibition assay, the molecular docking, and the surface plasmon resonance assay, we revealed that ALP acted at the replication stage of the viral infection cycle by targeting the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. These findings highlight the potential for the use of ALP as an antiviral agent to combat flavivirus infections.
Redox Status of Pregnant Ewes after Vaccination against Clostridial Diseases
Authors: Stampinas Evaggelos-Georgios , Bouroutzika Efterpi , Katsoulos Panagiotis D. , Valiakos Georgios , Theodosiadou Ekaterini K. , Athanasiou Labrini V. , Makri Sotiria , Kouretas Demetrios , Valasi Irene
Published: June 2022

The redox status shortly after the vaccination of pregnant ewes is rather unexploited. Thus, the present study was designed to evaluate the fluctuation of redox status after the administration of the annual booster dose of a polyvalent clostridial vaccine in pregnant ewes, 3 to 4 weeks before lambing, with or without a simultaneous injection of Vit E/Se. In total, 24 pregnant Lacaune ewes 3–4 weeks before lambing were randomly allocated into four equal groups: the V (vaccinated with a polyvalent clostridial vaccine), VE (vaccinated and injected IM with Vit E/Se), E (injected IM with Vit E and Se), and C (neither vaccinated nor injected with Vit E/Se). The study period lasted for 21 days, starting on the day of administration. Four redox biomarkers, the antioxidant capacity (TAC), the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), the reduced glutathione (GSH), and the catalase (CAT) were evaluated in blood samples collected from all ewes before the injections (0 h) and then at 12 (12 h), 24 (D1), and 48 h (D2), and thereafter on days 4 (D4), 6 (D6), 10 (D10), 14 (D14), and 21 (D21). The results reveal that the TAC was the only biomarker evaluated that was significantly affected by group and significantly lower in vaccinated animals (V and VE groups) compared to non-vaccinated (E and C groups). The absence of an increase in the TBARS values after vaccination in groups V and VE indicates the absence of significant oxidative stress. Overall, it can be assumed that annual booster immunizations against clostridial diseases do not impose acute oxidative stress on pregnant ewes in the last month of pregnancy.
Development of Nested PCR for SARS-CoV-2 Detection and Its Application for Diagnosis of Active Infection in Cats
Authors: Sirakov Ivo , Popova-Ilinkina Ralitsa , Ivanova Dobrinka , Rusenova Nikolina , Mladenov Hristiyan , Mihova Kalina , Mitov Ivan
Published: June 2022

SARS-CoV-2 emerged in 2019 and found diagnostic laboratories unprepared worldwide. To meet the need for timely and accurate virus detection, laboratories used rapid Ag tests and PCR kits based on costly multi-channel real-time techniques. This study aimed to develop a conventional nested PCR based on the SARS-CoV-2 N gene, validate it against some approved assays, and apply it to samples from six cats with respiratory symptoms obtained in early 2020 during the first COVID-19 wave in humans in Bulgaria. The nested PCR technique showed 100% sensitivity and specificity; it could detect extracted SARS-CoV-2 RNA at concentrations as low as 0.015 ng/μL. The results identified the six tested cat samples as positive. Sequence analysis performed in two of them confirmed this. The presented technique is reliable, easy to implement and inexpensive, and can be successful in strategies for the prevention and control of SARS-CoV-2 in humans, cats and other susceptible species.
Retrospective Longitudinal Survey on Canine Vector-Borne Pathogens: Trends and Challenges of 10 Years of Activities of a Veterinary Blood Bank
Authors: Morganti Giulia , Miglio Arianna , Moretta Iolanda , Misia Ambra L. , Rigamonti Giulia , Cremonini Valentina , Antognoni Maria T. , Veronesi Fabrizia
Published: June 2022

Canine vector-borne pathogens (CVBPs) represent a challenge for veterinary transfusion medicine, since some can be transmitted by blood transfusion and are of zoonotic concern. Epidemiological data on CVBPs, obtained during 10 years of pre-donor screening (2012–2021) by a veterinary blood bank in central Italy, were used to conduct a retrospective epidemiological longitudinal survey. The results were obtained using the Immunofluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) conducted on sera in order to assess IgG antibodies against Leishmania infantum, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocythophilum, Babesia canis, and Rickettsia conorii; the modified Knott’s test and an ELISA kit were used to detect Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens. In total, 324 out of the 1260 canine blood donors (25.71%) tested seropositive for at least one pathogen. The highest overall positive rate was detected for L. infantum (12.22%), followed by E. canis (2.30%), A. phagocytophilum (1.19%), D. repens (0.95%), D. immitis (0.32%), and B. canis (0.16%). From 2012 to 2014, a prevalence of 20.12% was recorded for R. conorii. Mixed infections were recorded in 21 dogs. For all the CVBPs investigated, significant differences (p < 0.05) were not observed over the period studied. The results evidenced a non-negligible prevalence of CVBPs in canine donors, which were selected based on strict criteria concerning regular endo- and ectoparasite controls. The results confirmed that the blood bank could be a reliable local epidemiological observatory. The need for implemented screening is discussed.