bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Reflective Principle and Long-Term Skid Resistance of a Sustainable Hydrophobic Hot-Melt Marking Paint
Authors: Chen Jun , Li Rui , Zhang Yang , Wu Yi , He Haiqi
Published: June 2023

Road marking is very important for driving safety and reducing the accident rate as a basic component of highway construction. However, traditional road marking paints are prone to be worn after short-term application and have poor durability and reflective performance. To address these problems, the marking paint was modified using the organic polymer material polytetrafluoroethylene to create a durable hydrophobic hot-melt marking paint. The factors affecting the reflective performance of marking lines are analyzed, and artificial accelerated abrasion tests were carried out to analyze the skid resistance and marking retroreflection coefficient of hydrophobic coatings. Results show that the texture of the glass beads and the quality of the coating plays a major role in the reflective performance of the marking line. The friction coefficient value of the modified marking paint is 4.62% higher than that of the traditional hot-melt marking paint. The retroreflection performance of the marking paint with 4% hydrophobic material is 8.45% higher than the initial value of the retroreflection coefficient of the traditional hot-melt marking paints. This sustainable hydrophobic hot-melt marking paint is safer and more durable than traditional pavement marking paints, which may save follow-up maintenance resources and cost from the sustainable aspect.
Mechanical Properties of Engineered Cementitious Composites with Low Cost Fibers and Recycled Glass Filler
Authors: Abid Sallal R. , Nahhab Ali H. , Al-Dahawi Ali M. , Kadhum Ahmed L. , Ali Sajjad H.
Published: June 2023

The work presented in this article attempts to evaluate the effect of partial and full substitution of silica sand by fine recycled waste glass (RG) in M45 engineered cementitious composites. Two groups with a total of eight mixtures were prepared with 2% or without untreated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers. Each group included four mixtures with RG substitution ratios of 0, 30, 60, and 100%. The compressive strength and flexural strength of all mixtures were tested at ages of 7, 28, and 90 days. The test results showed that the influence of RG was different for plain specimens from those with PVA fibers. For plain specimens, the incorporation of RG mostly increased the compressive and flexural strength at mature ages of 28 and 90 days, while this positive effect was not the trend at 7 days of age. On the other hand, the incorporation of RG had in most cases a negative impact on the compressive and flexural strength of specimens reinforced with short untreated PVA fibers.
Holistic Strategies Based on Heritage, Environmental, Sensory Analysis and Mapping for Sustainable Coastal Design
Authors: Sinou Maria , Skalkou Katerina , Perakaki Roumpini , Jacques Sébastien , Kanetaki Zoe
Published: June 2023

The objectives of this exploratory paper are to propose and implement original urban design strategies, but also to highlight the links between cultural and natural heritage at the city–land–sea interface and, in particular, in coastal areas with historical value. For the moment, the tools for evaluating the social and economic “value” of this heritage are extremely limited. Moreover, design and environmental parameters may also come into play in this context, and it is worth considering the creation of an evaluation toolkit. The proposed methodology includes three phases: a documentary analysis, an on-site analysis consisting of a sensory mapping and an analysis by questionnaires. The main result of this work is to demonstrate that the methodology of sensory mapping techniques allows obtaining a holistic global approach where all human senses are considered in the analytical phase of pre-design of a coastal site, thus integrating this approach in a more sustainable design strategy. This methodology was evaluated in a significant natural and historic area. This case study and the literature review demonstrate that it is possible to provide a scheme toolkit that integrates all the parameters of importance identified in urban analysis, sensory mapping, environmental analysis and natural and cultural heritage analysis.
Development of a Municipal Solid Waste Management Life Cycle Assessment Tool for Banepa Municipality, Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Prasesh Pote , Ghimire Anish , Dangi Mohan B. , Urynowicz Michael A.
Published: June 2023

In this study, the life cycle assessment (LCA) method has been used to evaluate the environmental impacts of various municipal solid waste (MSW) management system scenarios in Banepa municipality, Nepal, in terms of global warming potential (GWP), acidification potential (AP), eutrophication potential (EP), human toxicity potential (HTP), abiotic depletion potential (ADP), and photochemical ozone creation potential (POCP). There are at least six possible scenarios of MSW management in Banepa: the current or baseline scenario (Scenario 1); composting with landfilling (Scenario 2); material recovery facility (MRF) recycling, composting, and landfilling (Scenario 3); MRF and anaerobic digestion (AD); composting, and landfilling (Scenario 4); MRF, composting, AD, and landfilling (Scenario 5); and, finally, incineration with landfilling (Scenario 6). Using both information from Ecoinvent 3.6 (2019) and published research articles, a spreadsheet tool based on the LCA approach was created. The impact of the recycling rate on each of the six abovementioned scenarios was evaluated using sensitivity analysis, which showed that the recycling rate can considerably decrease the life-cycle emissions from the MSW management system. Scenario 3 was found to have the least overall environmental impact with a GWP of 974.82 kg CO2 eq. per metric ton (t), EP of 0.04 kg PO4 eq./t, AP of 0.15 kg SO2 eq./t, HTP of 4.55 kg 1,4 DB eq./t, ADP of −0.03 kg Sb eq./t, and POCP of 0.06 kg C2H4 eq./t. By adoption of MRF and biological treatments such as composting and AD, environmental impact categories such as AP, EP, HTP, ADP, POCP, and GWP can be significantly reduced. The findings of this study can potentially serve as a reference for cities in the developing world in order to aid in both the planning and the operation of environmentally friendly MSW management systems.
Perceived Achievement of Social Entrepreneurship Competency: The Influence of Age, Discipline, and Gender among Women in Higher Education
Authors: Cruz-Sandoval Marco , Vázquez-Parra José Carlos , Alonso-Galicia Patricia Esther , Carlos-Arroyo Martina
Published: June 2023

The complexity of today’s world demands a shift in education from knowledge acquisition to competency development for students to effectively address profession-related challenges. In particular, there is a need for social entrepreneurs who can act as catalysts for change in complex environments. Understanding the elements that shape students’ perception of themselves as social entrepreneurs allows us to grasp their capacity as catalysts for transformative action. The main purpose of this research is to showcase the findings of a diagnostic investigation carried out on a group of Mexican university students, assessing their perceived proficiency in social entrepreneurship and its sub-competencies. The study examined whether age or discipline influenced the perception of entrepreneurship in 328 students. The results revealed that age and study discipline played a crucial role in shaping students’ perception of their competency achievement. Younger students tended to perceive their abilities better, while advanced semester students were more cautious in assessing their entrepreneurial competencies. The trend also extended to sub-competencies, with younger students tending to perceive their social skills positively, while older students focused more on practical knowledge such as the economic and administrative aspects of entrepreneurship. Students in business also tended to view their skills more positively compared to students in other disciplines. The findings highlight the need to promote women’s social entrepreneurship and emphasize the importance of considering these relevant elements that are crucial to the concrete reality of potential female entrepreneurs. The study has significant implications for policymakers, educators, and researchers interested in promoting social entrepreneurship among women, particularly in the Latin American context.
Enhancing Sustainability in the Agricultural Sector Amid COVID-19: An Implication of the Transactional Theory
Authors: Mangi Mariam , Anwar Rana Salman , Khan Shabeer , Rehman Mohd Ziaur , Bhatti Muhammad Ishaq , Alonazi Wadi B.
Published: June 2023

COVID-19 impacted lives and business activities across all sectors of the economy, and farmers were no exception. Utilizing the lens of the transactional theory of stress and coping, the present study explores the stressors among small-scale farmers and the strategies they adopted for farm management during the pandemic. This study follows qualitative research design principles and collects the data of farmers from Pakistan on their lived experiences via in-depth interviews. We selected the farmers based on the purposive criterion sampling method, selecting farmers whose farm management practices were affected by the pandemic. The findings suggest that the pandemic created stress among farmers through internal and external factors. The low income of farmers and decline in their yield appeared as internal factors, and hindrances in utilizing resources, strict lockdown measures, worsening supply chain, and market conditions were major external factors impacting farmers emotionally and economically. Farmers utilized their available resources to cope with these factors, i.e., family labor, on-farm labor accommodation, and self-transportation. Nonetheless, farmers demanded the government, fellow farmers, and wholesalers to build a better system to cope with any crisis such as COVID-19. This study provides two primary contributions: First, it provides theoretical contributions to the transactional model of farmers’ stress and coping during COVID-19, taking evidence from farmers in the agricultural sector. Second, it provides a comprehensive framework through which researchers, practitioners, consultants, and government authorities can build future scholarship and develop strategies to enhance sustainability and cope with future pandemics.
Chilean Universities and Universal Gratuity: Suggestions for a Model to Evaluate the Effects on Financial Vulnerability
Authors: Mardones Juan Alejandro Gallegos , Palacios Jorge Andrés Moraga
Published: June 2023

Financial vulnerability can be understood as the risk of an organisation being unable to carry out routine its normal operations due to financial restrictions. Models to estimate financial vulnerability have mainly been developed for profit-making organisations, while few exist for non-profit organisations (NPOs). One example is higher education institutions, which have experienced important changes in Latin America through gratuity policies for student tuition. This study proposes a model to estimate the effects of gratuity on financial vulnerability, as previous studies have focused on the effects of enrolment. A binary logistic regression model is proposed, considering the following variables: debt, income concentration, operating margin, administration costs, and square metres of rooms per student. We applied this model to 54 universities between 2013 and 2019. The results showed that the model is relevant for the debt, size, and operating margin variables. Additionally, we observed that on average, all universities were negatively affected. This result is particularly true for state-owned universities because of certain management restrictions. A limitation of this study is the unavailability of other sources of non-financial information, such as each university’s business model and stock of strategic resources, which could improve our model, as this information is more related to control than to management.
Research on the Design and Construction of Inclined Shafts for Long Mountain Tunnels: A Review
Authors: Zhao Dongping , Tu Huaiyu , He Qi , Li Hua
Published: June 2023

In recent years, inclined shafts have been widely used in long mountain tunnels, but the corresponding design and construction technical specifications need to be improved. By means of literature statistics and actual cases, a comprehensive and systematic review is made on the tunnel profile, lining structure, construction and operation ventilation, construction methods, and machinery of inclined shafts for long mountain tunnels. The results show that: (1) The design of a gentle slope section of an inclined shaft with large longitudinal slope needs to be further improved; (2) When an inclined shaft is only used for ventilation in the operation stage, it is necessary to make full use of the natural wind and eliminate its adverse effects; (3) It is suggested to study the supporting parameters of an inclined shaft in order to realize the standardised design of the supporting parameters; (4) The space of an inclined shaft is narrow, and it has practical demand in improving the automation, intelligence, management, and dispatching level of transport vehicles. In the future, it is an inevitable trend for electric vehicles to replace fuel vehicles. It is necessary to carry out further research on inclined shaft longitudinal slope design, construction and operation ventilation design, and transportation mode.
A Novel Framework of Public Risk Assessment Using an Integrated Approach Based on AHP and Psychometric Paradigm
Authors: Alrawad Mahmaod , Lutfi Abdalwali , Almaiah Mohammed Amin , Alsyouf Adi , Arafa Hussin Mostafa , Soliman Yasser , Elshaer Ibrahim A.
Published: June 2023

Understanding how the public perceives various risks and hazards associated with our well-being and health is crucial for governments and policymakers. The present research aimed to assess the public perception of various risks and hazards associated with well-being and health. The study combined two well-known risk assessment approaches: the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) and the psychometric paradigm. Seven risk attributes were chosen from the risk perception literature to evaluate 27 risks and hazard activities using a survey questionnaire developed based on the psychometric paradigm literature. The collected data were then analyzed using the AHP to determine the priority weight for each risk attribute. The results showed that the most crucial risk attribute was voluntariness of risk, followed by chronic catastrophic and newness of risk. Furthermore, the study found that natural hazards were ranked the highest, followed by refugee influx and fire hazards. In contrast, the mobile phone was perceived as posing the lowest type of risk. Policymakers can use these findings to develop effective and sustainable risk communication strategies to help the governments to inform and educate the public about potential risks, improve coordination among agencies and stakeholders, and enhance public trust in government decision making.
Association Rule Mining-Based Generalized Growth Mode Selection: Maximizing the Value of Retired Mechanical Parts
Authors: Guo Yuyao , Wang Lei , Zhang Zelin , Cao Jianhua , Xia Xuhui
Published: June 2023

Due to the inability to restore the original performance, a significant portion of retired mechanical products is often replaced with new ones and discarded or recycled as low-value materials. This practice leads to energy waste and a decline in their residual value. The generalized growth remanufacturing model (GGRM) presents opportunities to enhance the residual value of retired products and parts. It achieves this by incorporating a broader range of growth modes compared to traditional restorative remanufacturing approaches. The selection of the growth mode is a crucial step to achieve GGRM. However, there is a limited number of growth mode selection methods that are specifically suitable for GGRM. The capacity and efficiency of the method are also significant factors to consider. Therefore, we propose a growth mode selection method based on association rule mining. This method consists of three main steps: Firstly, the ReliefF method is used to select the core failure characteristics of retired parts. Secondly, a genetic algorithm (GA) is employed to identify the association between core failure characteristics, repair technology, and maximum recoverability. Finally, based on the maximum recoverability, the appropriate growth mode is selected for each retired part. We conduct a case study on retired automobile universal transmission, and the results demonstrate the feasibility, efficiency, and accuracy of the proposed method.
Towards a New Paradigm of Project Management: A Bibliometric Review
Authors: Aliu John , Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel , Kineber Ahmed Farouk , Ebekozien Andrew , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Alaboud Naif Sultan , Daoud Ahmed Osama
Published: June 2023

The advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has triggered a digital transformation across several industries, including the project management (PM) profession. To achieve competitive advantages, construction industry employers must now utilise technology and data for strategy development, project execution, and delivery. This study reviews the concept of PM through research published on the Elsevier Scopus database from 2010 to date using a sequence of bibliometric analyses. Keywords such as “project management” AND “project management tools” AND “project management techniques” AND “construction industry” AND “built environment” were used for article extraction. VOSviewer, a text-mining tool, was used to analyse the bibliometric connection in PM research within the built environment discipline. Through the sequencing of cluster analysis, the findings revealed that research focus is placed on sustainable development (SD), construction safety (CS), engineering education (EE), project management stakeholders (PMS), risk management (RM), and building information modelling (BIM). More so, the current research focus in PM studies is tending towards knowledge management (KM) and construction innovation (CI). Based on a critical review of extant literature, very few studies have bibliometrically analysed and visualised PM studies. This study sets out to fill this gap by examining the key areas of concentration in published works on the PM concept from 2010 to date. Despite the valuable contribution of this study to the PM body of knowledge, generalisations of the results must be made cautiously due to the use of a single database, which in this case is Elsevier Scopus.
Heavy Metal Contamination and Potential Ecological Risk Assessment in Sediments of Lake Bafa (Turkey)
Authors: Yozukmaz Aykut , Yabanlı Murat
Published: June 2023

This study examined the spatio-temporality of heavy metal concentrations (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the sediments of Lake Bafa, one of the most important wetlands of Turkey’s Aegean region. The study evaluated sediment quality according to threshold effect concentration (TEC) and probable effect concentration (PEC) values based on sediment quality guidelines (SQG), and provided a potential ecological risk assessment (PERI) along with indices such as geoaccumulation index (NIgeo), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), and pollution load index (PLI). For this purpose, surface sediment from 10 different points and core samples from three different points were seasonally collected and the concentrations of nine heavy metals were determined by ICP-MS. The findings indicated the following accumulation order of heavy metals in the sediment: Fe > Al > Mn > Ni > Cr > Zn > Pb > Co > Cd, with concentrations of Al, Mn, and Ni being high in the surface sediment samples. According to the NIgeo, surface sediment and core samples were very slightly polluted with Cr, Mn, and Co at most stations, while five stations were slightly polluted with Cd. Regarding EF, the lake was at risk in terms of Al and Pb accumulation. The CF results indicated that the lake was under pressure in terms of heavy metal pollution. The PLI results indicated a significant pollution hazard at all stations, while the PERI analysis indicated moderate risk of heavy metal pollution at some stations. As one of the most comprehensive studies applying such indices to Lake Bafa, the results are very significant in terms of evaluating the lake’s ecological sustainability.
Adaptive Reuse in the Realm of Architecture: Global Research Trends and Gaps for the Future Studies
Authors: Kahvecioğlu Berkan , Arslan Selçuk Semra
Published: June 2023

The effort to preserve historic buildings for the future has always been on the agenda of experts on local and global scales and been supported by many initiatives and strategies. Within the scope of this research, the concept of “adaptive reuse” which is often preferred as a conservation strategy for historic buildings, is discussed. The focus is on the adaptive reuse studies of historic buildings in literature that have managed to physically survive in the face of changing conditions; comprehensive and systematic research with a bibliometric analysis is presented. The study has been scanned in the Web of Science database under the heading “Title/Abstract/Keywords” and the data has been analyzed in detail with the VOSviewer program. The findings indicate the research trends in the literature and gaps for the future research. The results highlight the innovative approach for historic buildings in the context of the adaptive reuse strategy and present the field’s challenges, limitations and opportunities. It is expected this study will help researchers and policymakers to understand the evolutionary implications of conservation strategies and develop other theoretical and practical initiatives to be applied in this field.
Factors Influencing the Continued Intent to Use Virtual Interactive Platforms in Korean Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises for Remote and Hybrid Work
Authors: Tran Hang To Diem , Kim Minsook
Published: June 2023

Virtual interactive platforms have gained popularity in remote and hybrid work settings. However, limited research exists regarding factors that explain employees’ continued use of these platforms, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study aims to introduce a comprehensive research model that elucidates the relationships among platforms’ technological characteristics, individual motivations, satisfaction, and behavioral intentions in the context of virtual interactive platforms. The authors conducted an empirical study involving 353 employees from SMEs in Daegu, South Korea, who utilized virtual interactive platforms for work. The study identified the platform features that enhance users’ intention to continue using the service, and examined the impact of different motivations on users’ behavioral intentions. The findings revealed that while telepresence and interactivity significantly influenced user satisfaction, they did not directly affect continued use intentions. User satisfaction and extrinsic motivation were positively associated with users’ intention to continue using the platform. Among the identified motivations, extrinsic motivation had the strongest impact on continued use intention, whereas intrinsic motivation had the weakest impact. This study has important implications for managers aiming to optimize the benefits of virtual interactive platforms in hybrid work environments. Additionally, it offers insights for platform providers seeking to enhance their services. By understanding the factors that drive user satisfaction and continued use intention, organizations can develop strategies to maximize the sustainability advantages of virtual interactive platforms.
Tetraquarks and Pentaquarks from Quark Model Perspective
Authors: Huang Hongxia , Deng Chengrong , Liu Xuejie , Tan Yue , Ping Jialun
Published: June 2023

According to the classification of the quark model, the hadrons going beyond three-quark baryon and quark-antiquark meson pictures are called exotic hadrons. Many new hadrons have been observed since 2003, some of which exhibit exotic behaviors. There are a lot of excellent review articles on exotic hadrons available so far; the present article tries to focus on the recent experimental and theoretical progress on the exotic states from the perspective of the quark model. Although lattice quantum chromodynamics may give the final answer of the problem, the phenomenological models are still powerful tools to explore the exotic states and to provide insight on the phenomenology of hadrons. The spatial and color structures of multiquark states and the channel coupling calculation are emphasized through reviewing some bound states, molecular and color structure resonances. Finally, the unquench effects of some exotic states are reviewed. With the accumulation of experimental data on multiquark states and inspiration of underlying theory developments, more reasonable phenomenological models incorporating multi-body interactions and high Fock components to unify the description of normal hadrons and exotic hadrons are expectable.
Development of Fixed Point Results for αΓ-F-Fuzzy Contraction Mappings with Applications
Authors: Sessa Salvatore , Jahangeer Fahad , Kattan Doha A. , Ishtiaq Umar
Published: June 2023

This manuscript contains several fixed point results for αΓ-F-fuzzy contractive mappings in the framework of orthogonal fuzzy metric spaces. The symmetric property guarantees that the distance function is consistent and does not favour any one direction in orthogonal fuzzy metric spaces. No matter how the points are arranged, it enables a fair assessment of the separations between all of them. In fixed point results, the symmetry condition is preserved for several types of contractive self-mappings. Moreover, we provide several non-trivial examples to show the validity of our main results. Furthermore, we solve non-linear fractional differential equations, the Atangana–Baleanu fractional integral operator and Fredholm integral equations by utilizing our main results.
Exploring the Computational Effects of Advanced Deep Neural Networks on Logical and Activity Learning for Enhanced Thinking Skills
Authors: Li Deming , Ortegas Kellyt D. , White Marvin
Published: June 2023

The Logical and Activity Learning for Enhanced Thinking Skills (LAL) method is an educational approach that fosters the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities in students using practical, experiential learning activities. Although LAL has demonstrated favorable effects on children’s cognitive growth, it presents various obstacles, including the requirement for tailored instruction and the complexity of tracking advancement. The present study presents a model known as the Deep Neural Networks-based Logical and Activity Learning Model (DNN-LALM) as a potential solution to tackle the challenges above. The DNN-LALM employs sophisticated machine learning methodologies to offer tailored instruction and assessment tracking, and enhanced proficiency in cognitive and task-oriented activities. The model under consideration has been assessed using a dataset comprising cognitive assessments of children. The findings indicate noteworthy enhancements in accuracy, precision, and recall. The model above attained a 93% accuracy rate in detecting logical patterns and an 87% precision rate in forecasting activity outcomes. The findings of this study indicate that the implementation of DNN-LALM can augment the efficacy of LAL in fostering cognitive growth, thereby facilitating improved monitoring of children’s advancement by educators and parents. The model under consideration can transform the approach toward LAL in educational environments, facilitating more individualized and efficacious learning opportunities for children.
Model Based Systems Engineering with a Docs-as-Code Approach for the SeaLion CubeSat Project
Authors: Chiu Kevin , Marquez Sean , Asundi Sharanabasaweshwara
Published: June 2023

The SeaLion mission architecture team sought to create a model-based systems engineering approach to assist improving CubeSat success rates as well as for the SeaLion CubeSat project to guide an implementation for the flight software. This is important because university CubeSat teams are growing in number but often have untrained students as their core personnel. This was done using a document-as-code, or docs-as-code, approach. With this the team created tools for the systems architecture with the Mach 30 Modeling Language to create an architecture that is easy to learn and use even for newly admitted team members with little to no training. These tools generate documents via its own code for easy presentation on a local file system without any proprietary software while keeping the model content format-agnostic.
A Survey of Advancements in Real-Time Sign Language Translators: Integration with IoT Technology
Authors: Papatsimouli Maria , Sarigiannidis Panos , Fragulis George F.
Published: June 2023

Real-time sign language translation systems are of paramount importance in enabling communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. This population relies on various communication methods, including sign languages and visual techniques, to interact with others. While assistive technologies, such as hearing aids and captioning, have improved their communication capabilities, a significant communication gap still exists between sign language users and non-users. In order to bridge this gap, numerous sign language translation systems have been developed, encompassing sign language recognition and gesture-based controls. Our research aimed to analyze the advancements in real-time sign language translators developed over the past five years and their integration with IoT technology. By closely examining these technologies, we aimed to attain a deeper comprehension of their practical applications and evolution in the domain of sign language translation. We analyzed the current literature, technical reports, and conference papers on real-time sign language translation systems. Our results offer insights into the current state of the art in real-time sign language translation systems and their integration with IoT technology. We also provide a deep understanding of the recent developments in sign language translation technology and the potential for their fusion with Internet of Things technology to improve communication and promote inclusivity for the deaf and hard-of-hearing population.
Metal Toxicity across Different Thallus Sections of the Green Macroalga, Ulva australis
Authors: Lee Hojun , Kim Geonhee , Depuydt Stephen , Shin Kisik , Han Taejun , Park Jihae
Published: June 2023

We aimed to identify functional differences between different sections of the thallus of Ulva australis and develop tissue-endpoint combinations to assess the toxicity of six metals (i.e., Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Ni). EC50 values for these metals in three sections of the thallus of Ulva were obtained for multiple endpoints: relative growth rate (RGR), chlorophyll a fluorescence, pigment contents, and the expression of the photosynthesis-related gene, rbcL. The responses of the endpoints varied across the respective thallus sections; overall, the most toxic metals were Ag and Cu. These endpoints were the best for evaluating metal toxicity: ETRmax of the middle thallus sections for Ag toxicity; RGR of the middle thallus section for As and Cd; ETRmax of the marginal thallus section for Cr; Chl b contents of the marginal thallus section for Cu; RGR of the basal thallus section for Ni. The EC50 values for the inhibition of ETRmax in middle (0.06 mg∙L−1) and Chl b in the marginal thallus sections (0.06 mg∙L−1) were all lower than those of the quality standard for wastewater discharge values of Ag and Cu in Republic of Korea and the US, pointing to the suitability of U. australis-based endpoints for risk assessment.
Venom Proteomics of Trimeresurus gracilis, a Taiwan-Endemic Pitviper, and Comparison of Its Venom Proteome and VEGF and CRISP Sequences with Those of the Most Related Species
Authors: Tse Tsz-Chun , Tsai Inn-Ho , Chan Yuen-Ying , Tsai Tein-Shun
Published: June 2023

Trimeresurus gracilis is an endemic alpine pitviper in Taiwan with controversial phylogeny, and its venom proteome remains unknown. In this study, we conducted a proteomic analysis of T. gracilis venom using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and identified 155 toxin proteoforms that belong to 13 viperid venom toxin families. By searching the sequences of trypsin-digested peptides of the separated HPLC fractions against the NCBI database, T. gracilis venom was found to contain 40.3% metalloproteases (SVMPs), 15.3% serine proteases, 6.6% phospholipases A2, 5.0% L-amino acid oxidase, 4.6% Cys-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs), 3.2% disintegrins, 2.9% vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), 1.9% C-type lectin-like proteins, and 20.2% of minor toxins, nontoxins, and unidentified peptides or compounds. Sixteen of these proteoforms matched the toxins whose full amino-acid sequences have been deduced from T. gracilis venom gland cDNA sequences. The hemorrhagic venom of T. gracilis appears to be especially rich in PI-class SVMPs and lacks basic phospholipase A2. We also cloned and sequenced the cDNAs encoding two CRISP and three VEGF variants from T. gracilis venom glands. Sequence alignments and comparison revealed that the PI-SVMP, kallikrein-like proteases, CRISPs, and VEGF-F of T. gracilis and Ovophis okinavensis are structurally most similar, consistent with their close phylogenetic relationship. However, the expression levels of some of their toxins were rather different, possibly due to their distinct ecological and prey conditions.
Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Status: Wuchereria bancrofti Infections in Human Populations after Five Effective Rounds of Mass Drug Administration in Zambia
Authors: Matapo Belem Blamwell , Mpabalwani Evans Mwila , Kaonga Patrick , Simuunza Martin Chitolongo , Bakyaita Nathan , Masaninga Freddie , Siyumbwa Namasiku , Siziya Seter , Shamilimo Frank , Muzongwe Chilweza , Mwase Enala T. , Sikasunge Chummy Sikalizyo
Published: June 2023

Lymphatic filariasis (LF), also commonly known as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by filarial parasites. The disease is transmitted via a bite from infected mosquitoes. The bites of these infected mosquitoes deposit filarial parasites, Wuchereria or Brugia, whose predilection site is the lymphatic system. The damage to the lymph system causes swelling in the legs, arms, and genitalia. A mapping survey conducted between 2003 and 2011 determined LF as being endemic in Zambia in 96 out of 116 districts. Elimination of LF is known to be possible by stopping the spread of the infection through large-scale preventive chemotherapy. Therefore, mass drug administration (MDA) with diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC) (6 mg/kg) and Albendazole (400 mg) for Zambia has been conducted and implemented in all endemic districts with five effective rounds. In order to determine whether LF prevalence has been sufficiently reduced to levels less than 2% antigenemia and less than 1% microfilaremia, a pre-transmission assessment survey (pre-TAS) was conducted. Therefore, post-MDA pre-TAS was conducted between 2021 and 2022 in 80 districts to determine the LF prevalence. We conducted a cross-sectional seroprevalence study involving 600 participants in each evaluation unit (EU) or each district. The study sites (sentinel and spot-check sites) were from districts that were the implementation units (IUs) of the LF MDA. These included 80 districts from the 9 provinces. A total of 47,235 people from sentinel and spot-check locations were tested. Of these, valid tests were 47,052, of which 27,762 (59%) were females and 19,290 (41%) were males. The survey revealed in the 79/80 endemic districts a prevalence of Wb antigens of 0.14% and 0.0% prevalence of microfilariae. All the surveyed districts had an optimum prevalence of less than 2% for antigenaemia, except for Chibombo district. The majority of participants that tested positive for Wuchereria bancrofti (Wb) Antigens (Ag) were those that had 2, 3, and 4 rounds of MDA. Surprisingly, individuals that had 1 round of MDA were not found to have circulating antigens of Wb. The study showed that all the surveyed districts, except for Chibombo, passed pre-TAS. This further implies that there is a need to conduct transmission assessment surveys (TASs) in these districts.
Cosmological Probes of Structure Growth and Tests of Gravity
Authors: Hou Jiamin , Bautista Julian , Berti Maria , Cuesta-Lazaro Carolina , Hernández-Aguayo César , Tröster Tilman , Zheng Jinglan
Published: June 2023

The current standard cosmological model is constructed within the framework of general relativity with a cosmological constant Λ, which is often associated with dark energy, and phenomenologically explains the accelerated cosmic expansion. Understanding the nature of dark energy is one of the most appealing questions in achieving a self-consistent physical model at cosmological scales. Modification of general relativity could potentially provide a more natural and physical solution to the accelerated expansion. The growth of the cosmic structure is sensitive in constraining gravity models. In this paper, we aim to provide a concise introductory review of modified gravity models from an observational point of view. We will discuss various mainstream cosmological observables, and their potential advantages and limitations as probes of gravity models.
Hepatitis C Elimination: Opportunities and Challenges in 2023
Authors: Taha Gadeer , Ezra Levy , Abu-Freha Naim
Published: June 2023

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is a leading etiology of liver cirrhosis and its associated complications, namely, decompensated cirrhosis. As such, hepatitis C potentially necessitates liver transplantation and may result in death. Recently, HCV treatment has evolved. Current HCV treatment is effective in curing HCV; some of the agents are pan-genotypic. Numerous countries have adopted an initiative to eliminate HCV. Achieving elimination poses many challenges; it requires improved availability and accessibility of pan-genotypic therapy. Barriers exist at the level of the collective healthcare system and at the level of the individual healthcare providers and patients. Therefore, organized national and local efforts are needed. Surmounting these barriers calls for interventions concerning screening, linkage to care, and treatment delivery. Pertinent barriers include inadequate availability of screening, ill-equipped laboratory testing before treatment, and insufficient access to treatment. Interventions should seek to decentralize laboratory testing and treatment provision, increase funding for resources and personnel, and spread awareness. Special consideration should be allocated to at-risk populations, such as intravenous drug users, refugees, and prisoners. Computerized medical filing and telemedicine have the potential to refine HCV management by enhancing detection, availability, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness.
Evolutionary Qβ Phage Displayed Nanotag Library and Peptides for Biosensing
Authors: Ntemafack Augustin , Dzelamonyuy Aristide , Nchinda Godwin , Bopda Waffo Alain
Published: June 2023

We selected a novel biotin-binding peptide for sensing biotin, biotinylated proteins, and nucleotides. From a 15-mer library displayed on the RNA coliphage Qβ, a 15-amino acid long peptide (HGHGWQIPVWPWGQG) hereby referred to as a nanotag was identified to selectively bind biotin. The target selection was achieved through panning with elution by infection. The selected peptide was tested as a transducer for an immunogenic epitope of the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) on Qβ phage platform separated by a linker. The biotin-tag showed no significant influence on the affinity of the epitope to its cognate antibody (SD6). The nanotag-bound biotin selectively fused either to the C- or N-terminus of the epitope. The epitope would not bind or recognize SD6 while positioned at the N-terminus of the nanotag. Additionally, the biotin competed linearly with the SD6 antibody in a competitive ELISA. Competition assays using the selected recombinant phage itself as a probe or transducer enable the operationalization of this technology as a biosensor toolkit to sense and quantify SD6 analyte. Herein, the published Strep II nanotag (DVEWLDERVPLVET) was used as a control and has similar functionalities to our proposed novel biotin-tag thereby providing a new platform for developing devices for diagnostic purposes.
An Early SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Outbreak in a Dormitory in Saint Petersburg, Russia
Authors: Klink Galya V. , Danilenko Daria , Komissarov Andrey B. , Yolshin Nikita , Shneider Olga , Shcherbak Sergey , Nabieva Elena , Shvyrev Nikita , Konovalova Nadezhda , Zheltukhina Alyona , Fadeev Artem , Komissarova Kseniya , Ksenafontov Andrey , Musaeva Tamila , Eder Veronika , Pisareva Maria , Nekrasov Petr , Shchur Vladimir , Bazykin Georgii A. , Lioznov Dmitry
Published: June 2023

The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 rapidly spread worldwide in late 2021–early 2022, displacing the previously prevalent Delta variant. Before 16 December 2021, community transmission had already been observed in tens of countries globally. However, in Russia, the majority of reported cases at that time had been sporadic and associated with travel. Here, we report an Omicron outbreak at a student dormitory in Saint Petersburg between 16–29 December 2021, which was the earliest known instance of a large-scale community transmission in Russia. Out of the 465 sampled residents of the dormitory, 180 (38.7%) tested PCR-positive. Among the 118 residents for whom the variant had been tested by whole-genome sequencing, 111 (94.1%) were found to carry the Omicron variant. Among these 111 residents, 60 (54.1%) were vaccinated or had reported a previous infection of COVID-19. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the outbreak was caused by a single introduction of the BA.1.1 sub-lineage of the Omicron variant. The dormitory-derived clade constituted a significant proportion of BA.1.1 samples in Saint Petersburg and has spread to other regions of Russia and even to other countries. The rapid spread of the Omicron variant in a population with preexisting immunity to previous variants underlines its propensity for immune evasion.
COVID-19: S-Peptide RBD 484–508 Induces IFN-γ T-Cell Response in Naïve-to-Infection and Unvaccinated Subjects with Close Contact with SARS-CoV-2-Positive Patients
Authors: Murdocca Michela , Citro Gennaro , Centanini Eleonora , Giannini Rosalinda , Latini Andrea , Centofanti Federica , Piano Mortari Eva , Cocciadiferro Dario , Novelli Antonio , Bernardini Sergio , Novelli Giuseppe , Sangiuolo Federica
Published: June 2023

Despite the availability on the market of different anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, there are still unanswered questions on whether they can stimulate long-lasting protection. A deep understanding of adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2 is important for optimizing both vaccine development and pandemic control measures. Among cytokines secreted by lymphocytes in response to viral infection, IFN-γ plays a pivotal role both in innate and adaptive immunity. In this study, we report on 28 naïve-to-SARS-Cov-2-infection and unvaccinated subjects, having reported a close and prolonged contact with COVID-19-positive patients. Samples were tested for defective genetic variants in interferon pathway genes by whole exome sequencing and anti-IFN autoantibodies production was investigated. Subject T-cells were cultured and infected with pseudotype particles bearing the S proteins and in parallel stimulated with two S-peptides designed on the RBD region of the spike protein. Our results showed that one of these peptides, RBD 484–508, induces a significant increase in IFN-γ gene expression and protein production in T-cells, comparable to those obtained in cells infected by SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus. This work deepens our understanding of immune response and highlights the selected peptide as a reasonable approach to induce broad, potent, and variant concern-independent T-cell responses.
Interferon-Stimulated Gene Expression in Peripheral Blood Leucocytes as a Convenient Prediction Marker for Embryo Status in Embryo-Transferred Japanese Black Cows during the Peri-Implantation Period
Authors: Yoshino Hitomi , Kizaki Keiichiro , Hirata Toh-ichi , Iga Kosuke , Matsuda Hideo , Yamanouchi Tadayuki , Hashiyada Yutaka , Imai Kei , Ishiguro-Oonuma Toshina , Kanazawa Tomomi , Takahashi Toru , Hashizume Kazuyoshi
Published: June 2023

Pregnancy diagnosis during early gestation is important for cattle reproduction. The expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) was studied in embryo-transferred (ET) Japanese Black cattle. ISGs in PBLs—ISG15, MX1, MX2, and OAS1—were detected in multiple ovulation ET cattle using a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed. Gestational status was predicted using the average ISG levels during the normal estrous cycle (AVE) and the Youden index from the ROC curve analysis as cutoff values. The ISG15, MX1, and MX2 levels were significantly higher in pregnant cattle (n = 10) than in non-pregnant cattle (n = 23) on gestation day 21, whereas the levels of all ISGs were similar between non-pregnant and non-pregnant cattle with late embryonic death (n = 7). ISG15, MX1, and MX2 appropriately predicted the gestational status of ET cows. The statistical evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy in ET cows on day 21 of gestation presented higher values of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive predictive values of ISG15, MX1, and MX2 using the Youden index than using the AVE. Therefore, ISG15, MX1, and MX2 are excellent biomarkers of gestational status during the peri-implantation period in ET cattle.
Composition, Concentration and Origin of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Waters and Bottom Sediments of Lake Baikal and Its Tributaries
Authors: Semenov Mikhail Y. , Marinaite Irina I. , Silaev Anton V. , Begunova Larisa A.
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was the systematization and generalization of data obtained by authors during the last decade and the comparison of these data with those obtained by other authors. Gas chromatography (GC-MS) was used for the determination of PAHs and the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model and principal component analysis (PCA) were used for source apportionment of PAHs. It was found that the total concentration of 16 priority PAHs in surface waters varied from 5 to 200 ng/L, whereas the concentration of 16 PAHs in bottom sediments varied from 50 to 700 ng/g. The 2–3-ring PAHs were dominant in water, whereas the 4–6-ring PAHs were dominant in sediments. That was due to PAHs fractionation in the soil–water system. The source apportionment results showed that the PAHs in both water and sediments mostly originated from the combustion of biomass and fossil fuels. In contrast to sediments, there was a PAH fraction in water that did not originate from a single source. The pollution of freshwater ecosystems manifested itself in the lack of correlation between values of octanol/water partitioning coefficients and sediment/water partitioning coefficients of PAHs.