bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landslide Susceptibility Mapping Using DIvisive ANAlysis (DIANA) and RObust Clustering Using linKs (ROCK) Algorithms, and Comparison of Their Performance
Authors: Mwakapesa Deborah Simon , Mao Yimin , Lan Xiaoji , Nanehkaran Yaser Ahangari
Published: February 2023

Landslide susceptibility mapping (LSM) studies provide essential information that helps various authorities in managing landslide-susceptible areas. This study aimed at applying and comparing the performance of DIvisive ANAlysis (DIANA) and RObust Clustering using linKs (ROCK) algorithms for LSM in the Baota District, China. These methods can be applied when the data has no labels and when there is insufficient inventory data. First, based on historical records, survey reports, and previous studies, 293 landslides were mapped in the study area and 7 landslide-influencing attributes were selected for modeling. Second, the methods were clustered in the study area mapping units into 469 and 476 subsets, respectively; for mapping landslide susceptibility, the subsets were classified into 5 susceptibility levels through the K-means method using landslide densities and attribute values. Then, their performances were assessed and compared using statistical metrics and the receiver operating curve (ROC). The outcomes indicated that similarity measures influenced the accuracy and the predictive power of these clustering models. In particular, when using a link-based similarity measure, the ROCK performed better with overall performance accuracy of 0.8933 and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.875. The maps constructed from the models can be useful in landslide assessment, prevention, and mitigation strategies in the study area, especially for areas classified with higher susceptibility levels. Moreover, this comparison provides a new perspective in the selection of a considerable model for LSM in the Baota District.
Environmental Condition Boundary Design for Direct-Drive Permanent Magnet (DDPM) Wind Generators by Using Extreme Joint Probability Distribution
Authors: Tian De , Xia Jing , Liu Xiaoya , Hao Jingjing , Li Yan , Li Peng
Published: February 2023

In future engineering applications, it is important for a direct-drive permanent magnet (DDPM) wind generator to be designed with optimized environmental condition boundary. This paper presents a novel extreme joint probability distribution method of boundary design to formulate the evaluation model and correlation between component design and environmental conditions. With this method, the joint probability distributions of multidimensional parameters for typical wind resource areas in China are studied. A 3.3-MW DDPM wind generator is involved in the case study to validate the superiority of the method. Furthermore, to improve the generalizability of the method, some typical wind resource data platforms are calibrated regarding the measured data. It is shown that the ERA5 dataset can be used as a supplement to enhance the representativeness of the measured data for the joint probability distributions. Therefore, the proposed method can be potentially used to optimize the system design of future DDPM wind generators.
Social Media and Impact of Altruistic Motivation, Egoistic Motivation, Subjective Norms, and EWOM toward Green Consumption Behavior: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Kumar Arun , Pandey Mrinalini
Published: February 2023

Nowadays, green consumerism is a global trend in the era of the 21st century, prompting businesses to become more environmentally conscious and to build a robust green product range to meet the demands of new customers. This tendency has been aided by social media, which has influenced customers’ buying intentions to be more ecologically responsible. The current study investigates the effects of web-based media on motivation, i.e., egotism and altruism and, subsequently, its effect on the intention of green buying. This paper also attempts to assess the impact of subjective norms on the intention of green buying and, subsequently, its effect on green purchase behavior by incorporating the construct EWOM. Administering the structured questionnaire, 362 young Indian customers’ responses were collected. The Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach was applied to test the suggested conceptual model based on empirical research. The findings point to the significance of social media in terms of altruistic motivation, egoistic motivation, and subjective norms, s well as the job of these components as predecessors of green purchasing intention and, subsequently, purchase behavior. The findings also demonstrate the impact of EWOM in influencing buying decisions. The findings of this paper demonstrates that social media, as a well spring of information, contribute pivotal ingredients in the establishment of consumer motivation. These consumer motivations with subjective norms play an essential role in positive green purchase intention. Green buying intention and EWOM had a favorable influence on buying behavior, according to the findings. The findings are important for marketers who would like to improve their social media communication tactics in order to raise customer motivation and buying intention, as well as buying behavior, for green products.
Eco-Friendly Biocontrol of Moniliasis in Ecuadorian Cocoa Using Biplot Techniques
Authors: Valenzuela-Cobos Juan Diego , Guevara-Viejó Fabricio , Vicente-Galindo Purificación , Galindo-Villardón Purificación
Published: February 2023

Cocoa is the main crop in Ecuador’s agricultural sector and is the most important to the country’s economy. This crop is mainly threatened by moniliasis caused by Moniliophthora roreri and Moniliophthora perniciosa. Monialisis is a disease that causes the watery rot of cocoa beans, causing serious yield losses at crop harvest and great economic losses. In this research, we used 50 Trichoderma spp. cultivated in two culture media, PDA and MEA, to demonstrate mycelial growth and antagonistic capacity against two cacao-crop pathogens: M. roreri and M. perniciosa. Multivariate methods, namely a PCA biplot and a GGE biplot, indicated that four strains of Trichoderma spp. (17, 33, 42 and 44) cultivated on the PDA medium had the highest mycelial characteristic values and antagonistic capacities against Moniliophthora perniciosa. The experimental test showed that the lowest incidence of moniliasis and highest yield of cocoa occurred when using the treatments based on the Trichoderma spp. The results obtained in this study allow the use of strain 42 to control moniliasis in cocoa, avoiding economic losses.
Modelling the Barriers to Circular Economy Practices in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu in Managing E-Wastes to Achieve Green Environment
Authors: Mahanth T. , Suryasekaran C. R. , Ponnambalam S. G. , Sankaranarayanan Bathrinath , Karuppiah Koppiahraj , Nielsen Izabela Ewa
Published: February 2023

Owing to a heightened necessity, the consumption rate of electronic items has increased exponentially in recent decades, resulting in huge quantities of electronic waste (e-waste). Though increasing e-waste has many adverse impacts, it also provides an ample opportunity of recover value from the waste through circular economy (CE) practices. However, the adoption to CE practices is jeopardised by myriad barriers. This paper wishes to identify and evaluate the barriers that hamper CE practices in e-waste management. First, 30 barriers to the adoption of CE practices in India e-waste management are identified by reviewing the existing literature and conformed using experts’ inputs. Furthermore, based on the experts’ opinion, the thirty barriers are categorised into social, economic, and environmental categories. An integrated multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework of fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratories (FDEMATEL) and fuzzy analytic network processes (FANP) is employed to understand the causal interrelationship and also to rank the barriers. Uncertainty about the profitability of the circular economy (E9), insufficient market demand (E6), lack of successful circular business model (E5), shortage of high-quality recycling materials (E4), and lack of adequate technology (EN6) have been identified as the top five barriers to the incorporation of CE practice in e-waste management. Out of these 30 barriers, 12 come under the cause group and 18 come under the effect group. Understanding the causal interrelationship and prioritization of barriers provide better insight into the barriers. This study offers some managerial implications that could assist industrial practitioners and policymakers.
Exploring Primary Aluminum Consumption: New Perspectives from Hybrid CEEMDAN-S-Curve Model
Authors: Pan Zhaoshuai , Zhang Zhaozhi , Che Dong
Published: February 2023

Aluminum is globally the most used nonferrous metal. Clarifying the consumption of primary aluminum is vital to economic development and emission reduction. Based on the signal decomposition tool and S-curve model, a new hybrid complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN)-S-curve model is proposed to analyze primary aluminum consumption of different countries for the last 100 years. The results show that: (1) Per capita primary aluminum consumption can be decomposed into low-frequency, medium-frequency, and high-frequency components, contributing over 70%, 2–17%, and less than 9% to variability of consumption series, respectively. This can be interpreted as economic development represented by GDP per capita, shocks from significant events, and short-term fluctuations, respectively. (2) The CEEMDAN-S-curve shows good applicability and generalizability by using this model in different countries. (3) A new strategy is provided to analyze and predict the consumption pattern of primary aluminum. Furthermore, some important topics related to primary aluminum consumption are discussed, such as CO2 emission and recovery. Based on the results, to meet economic development and achieve sustainable development goals, some measures should be implemented, such as making policies, encouraging resource recovery, and developing new technologies.
Developing Two Hybrid Algorithms for Predicting the Elastic Modulus of Intact Rocks
Authors: Wang Yuzhen , Rezaei Mohammad , Abdullah Rini Asnida , Hasanipanah Mahdi
Published: February 2023

In the primary and final designs of projects related to rock mechanics and engineering geology, one of the key parameters that needs to be taken into account is the intact rock elastic modulus (E). To measure this parameter in a laboratory setting, core samples with high-quality and costly tools are required, which also makes for a time-consuming process. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of two meta-heuristic-driven approaches to predicting E. The models proposed in this paper, which are based on integrated expert systems, hybridize the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) with two optimization algorithms, i.e., the differential evolution (DE) and the firefly algorithm (FA). The performance quality of both ANFIS-DE and ANFIS-FA models was then evaluated by comparing them with ANFIS and neural network (NN) models. The ANFIS-DE and ANFIS-FA models were formed on the basis of the data collected from the Azad and Bakhtiari dam sites in Iran. After applying several statistical criteria, such as root mean square error (RMSE), the ANFIS-FA model was found superior to the ANFIS-DE, ANFIS, and NN models in terms of predicting the E value. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis results showed that the P-wave velocity further influenced E compared with the other independent variables.
The Impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic on Master Graduates’ Employability
Authors: Sękala Agnieszka , Foit Krzysztof , Krenczyk Damian , Blaszczyk Tomasz , Kost Gabriel , Jureczko Mariola
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic brought the global economy to a near standstill. The scale of the coronavirus and the associated losses have left many countries facing a humanitarian, social and economic crisis. The main objective of the research presented in this article was to determine to what extent the support provided within the activities of the Motokadra project (2018–2020) within the framework of the Operational Programme Knowledge Education Development, funded by the European Social Fund, enabled its participants to adapt to the labour market conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project participants were full-time Master’s students within the faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Silesian University of Technology. They formed the experimental group. The authors examined changes in the employability of the experimental group in the pre-pandemic and post-pandemic periods. The students in the experimental group represented several fields of study, which also allowed the authors to analyse which discipline appeared to be more resilient to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis and whether the profile of the discipline affected employability. The employability of graduates in the automotive industry was particularly examined. The results of the analyses allow us to conclude that the labour market crisis linked to the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the experimental group’s employability level. Furthermore, it has been shown that the study of the automation and robotics discipline increases the chances of finding a job after graduation.
Predicting the Accuracy and Applicability of Micro-Seismic Monitoring of Rock Burst in TBM Tunneling Using the Data from Two Case Studies in China
Authors: Yang Yalei , Du Lijie , Li Qingwei , Zhao Xiangbo , Zhang Weifeng , Liu Zhiyong
Published: February 2023

Rock burst in TBM construction will have a great influence on the construction safety and construction speed. At the same time, there are few practical projects using micro-seismic monitoring, and the accuracy of prediction is not satisfactory. Therefore, this paper was based on a large number of micro-seismic monitoring reports and data from two hard rock TBM projects in China. The actual rock burst situation was continuously tracked and recorded on site for comparison and verification. The accuracy of rock burst monitoring was statistically analyzed from the aspects of rock burst grade and location. The applicability was analyzed from the perspective of rock burst construction safety, advance rate, and prevention measures. It was concluded that the accuracy of micro-seismic monitoring increased with the increase in the rock burst risk level. The precision location of Grade I and Grade II rock burst could be realized basically, while Grade III rock burst prediction was relatively low. It is suggested that micro-seismic monitoring should be adopted when there are Grade I and II rock burst risks. The research results will have important guiding significance for the TBM construction of deep-buried tunnels in the future.
Factors Influencing the Roles of Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (ENGOs) on Environmental Bargaining in Yunnan, China
Authors: Jiao Yijuan , Tan Mou Leong , Zhang Fei
Published: February 2023

Environmental pollution has become a serious problem in China due to the development of industrialization and urbanization since the reform policies and opening of the economy. Nowadays, ENGOs function as a third party for environmental protection through various awareness and bargaining activities. This study aims to analyze the role of ENGOs in environmental bargaining (EB) and the influencing factors by combining the EB theories. A structural equation model of ENGOs participation in EB was established to compare the role of ENGOs in bargaining the “Kunming PX incident” and the “Nujiang dam incident” in Yunnan, China. The findings show that complex powers and interests play a vital role during EB. The relationship network, media, and human resources are among the most significant factors influencing the role of ENGO out of all the other factors such as funding, openness, knowledge, scale and experience. The strength of ENGO relationship network is crucial for solving environmental problems. This study also suggests that in order for ENGOs to effectively engage in EB, they should be placed in the proper context in the negotiating process. It is necessary to set up efficient public involvement platforms and processes for effective EB.
The Influence of the Evolution of the Innovative Network on Technical Innovation from the Perspective of Energy Transformation: Based on Analysis of the New Energy Vehicle Industry in China
Authors: Wang Zeqian , Wang Chengjun , Feng Tao , Wang Yalan
Published: February 2023

Under the dual pressure of energy transformation and environmental protection, how to use the innovative network and enhance technical innovation (TI) are significant problems for new energy vehicle (NEV) enterprises in China. Based on the patent data of China’s NEV industry from 2001 to 2022, combined with the logical framework of “Patent Analysis—Network Evolution—Empirical research”, this study deeply discusses the influence of enterprises’ innovative network on TI. It is shown that there is an inverse U-relationship between the cooperation breadth of the enterprises, and that the appropriate cooperation breadth favors TI. At the same time, structural holes, knowledge diversity and technical value have a significant positive impact on TI. In addition, the study performs a series of robustness tests and heterogeneity checks. The conclusions are conducive to further improving the study of the relationship between innovative networks and TI, which is important both theoretically and practically for promoting the energy transformation of automotive enterprises.
Water Conservation and Ecological Water Requirement Prediction of Mining Area in Arid Region Based on RS-GIS and InVEST: A Case Study of Bayan Obo Mine in Baotou, China
Authors: Wang Qian-Qian , Geng Cheng-Xin , Wang Lu , Zheng Ting-Ting , Jiang Qing-Hong , Yang Tong , Liu Yong-Qi , Wang Zhe
Published: February 2023

The overexploitation of mineral resources in northwestern China has resulted in severe ecological degradation and even desertification in certain mining areas. To support ecological restoration in these arid mining regions, we conducted a study on water conservation and ecological water demand using Bayan Obo as a case study. Based on remote sensing, geographic information systems, and the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs InVEST model, our study found that the mining area has lost its capacity for water production, with the water source conservation showing negative values. In addition, precipitation levels are far lower than evapotranspiration, making it difficult to retain precipitation. We predicted ecological water demand for the planning years (2025, 2030, and 2035) by combining qualitative and quantitative forecasting methods, with 2019 serving as the base year. The results indicated a downward trend in natural ecological water demand, while artificial ecological water demand exhibited the opposite trend. Changes in natural grassland and artificial green areas in the mining region were identified as the main drivers of changes in ecological water demand.
Application of the Rural Web Framework within the Context of Sustainable Development: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Addai Godfred , Abunyewah Matthew , Erdiaw-Kwasie Michael Odei , Okyere Seth Asare , Gyensare Michael Asiedu , Guodaar Lawrence
Published: February 2023

In recent years, sustainability concerns have gained increasing attention among countries and stakeholders worldwide. Towards the transition to sustainable rural development, the rural web framework (RWF) has become a consistent tool. Indicators from the RWF have been used to explore sustainable rural development for decision-making tasks, which improves the social, economic, and environmental performance of rural regions. However, the application of the RWF in studies is on the decline. Furthermore, there is a lack of literature reviews on the importance of the RWF and its relationship with different facets of sustainable development. We conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) (a) to explore how studies have used the RWF in the context of sustainable development and (b) to identify areas for further research. This study found that the RWF has mostly been used in developed countries, with fewer applications in developing countries. We suggest that there should be increased application of the RWF, particularly in developing countries, to broaden the rural web–sustainable development discourse and its relevance. This paper presents several areas where the indicators of the RWF can be applied to illustrate their relevance for policy decisions towards the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Heavy Metal Pollution and Risk Assessment of Vegetables and Soil in Jinhua City of China
Authors: Mao Yangbin , Wang Maomao , Wei Hewen , Gong Ning , Wang Feijuan , Zhu Cheng
Published: February 2023

To understand the heavy metal (Cd, Cr and Pb) pollution situation and exposure risk of the vegetables and soil in Jinhua City, soil–vegetable samples collected from three districts of Jinhua City were analyzed in detail, and the risks of heavy metal concentration in vegetable and soil were evaluated using the single pollution index, Nemerow pollution index, Hakanson potential ecological index and a health risk assessment. The results indicate that: (1) The soil in Jinhua City is mainly polluted by Cd, and the BCF of heavy metals in vegetables was leafy vegetables > rootstalk vegetables > solanaceous vegetables. (2) Heavy metals had slight pollution in the surrounding environment, and the ecological risk of soil heavy metals in the sampling area was generally at a low risk level. (3) Children are more likely to suffer from non-carcinogenic risks; Cr is the main source of this risk (HQCr = 0.74). More than 90% of vegetables in the sampling had cancer risk, adults are more likely to suffer from carcinogenic risks, and Cd is the main source of potential cancer risk (TCR = 4.34 × 10−4). Therefore, in our study area, Cd is the main factor of soil pollution that can cause potential cancer risk through vegetable enrichment, and Cr is the main factor causing the non-carcinogenic risk of leafy vegetables.
Robust Stabilization for Uncertain Non-Minimum Phase Switched Nonlinear System under Arbitrary Switchings
Authors: Jouili Khalil , Belhadj Walid
Published: February 2023

This paper addresses the problem of stabilization of non-minimum phase switched nonlinear systems where the internal dynamics with symmetries or non-symmetries of each mode may be unstable. The authors initially build a stabilizing Lyapunov controller for each mode in order to stabilize its own unstable internal dynamics. The proposed approach is based on the exact input-output feedback linearization technique and the Lyapunov stability theory. The stability results for non-minimum phase switched nonlinear systems with arbitrary switching rules are then obtained using generalized Gronwall–Bellman inequalities. Finally, numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the efficacy of the achieved results.
About the Jacobi Stability of a Generalized Hopf–Langford System through the Kosambi–Cartan–Chern Geometric Theory
Authors: Munteanu Florian , Grin Alexander , Musafirov Eduard , Pranevich Andrei , Şterbeţi Cătălin
Published: February 2023

In this work, we will consider an autonomous three-dimensional quadratic system of first-order ordinary differential equations, with five parameters and with symmetry relative to the z-axis, which generalize the Hopf–Langford system. By reformulating the system as a system of two second-order ordinary differential equations and using the Kosambi–Cartan–Chern (KCC) geometric theory, we will investigate this system from the perspective of Jacobi stability. We will compute the five invariants of KCC theory which determine the own geometrical properties of this system, especially the deviation curvature tensor. Additionally, we will search for necessary and sufficient conditions on the five parameters of the system in order to reach the Jacobi stability around each equilibrium point.
Symmetry in Scientific Collaboration Networks: A Study Using Temporal Graph Data Science and Scientometrics
Authors: Santos Breno Santana , Silva Ivanovitch , Costa Daniel G.
Published: February 2023

This article proposes a novel approach that leverages graph theory, machine learning, and graph embedding to evaluate research groups comprehensively. Assessing the performance and impact of research groups is crucial for funding agencies and research institutions, but many traditional methods often fail to capture the complex relationships between the evaluated elements. In this sense, our methodology transforms publication data into graph structures, allowing the visualization and quantification of relationships between researchers, publications, and institutions. By incorporating symmetry properties, we offer a more in-depth evaluation of research groups cohesiveness and structure over time. This temporal evaluation methodology bridges the gap between unstructured scientometrics networks and the evaluation process, making it a valuable tool for decision-making procedures. A case study is defined to demonstrate the potential to provide valuable insights into the dynamics and limitations of research groups, which ultimately reinforces the feasibility of the proposed approach when supporting decision making for funding agencies and research institutions.
Faber Polynomial Coefficient Estimates for Janowski Type bi-Close-to-Convex and bi-Quasi-Convex Functions
Authors: Khan Shahid , Altınkaya Şahsene , Xin Qin , Tchier Fairouz , Malik Sarfraz Nawaz , Khan Nazar
Published: February 2023

Motivated by the recent work on symmetric analytic functions by using the concept of Faber polynomials, this article introduces and studies two new subclasses of bi-close-to-convex and quasi-close-to-convex functions associated with Janowski functions. By using the Faber polynomial expansion method, it determines the general coefficient bounds for the functions belonging to these classes. It also finds initial coefficients of bi-close-to-convex and bi-quasi-convex functions by using Janowski functions. Some known consequences of the main results are also highlighted.
A Systematic Literature Review of the Blood Supply Chain through Bibliometric Analysis and Taxonomy
Authors: Imamoglu Gul , Topcu Y. Ilker , Aydin Nezir
Published: February 2023

The blood supply chain is an inseparable part of health systems. The importance of blood and the difficulties of managing the blood supply chain have led to numerous publications on this topic over the last two decades. This study seeks to reveal the state of the art of the blood supply chain and provide research gaps and future research directions. For this purpose, a mixed review methodology is conducted that includes bibliometric analysis, network analysis, and a six-dimension taxonomy. Bibliometric analysis identifies the most contributing journals, authors, and countries as well as provides popular keywords, while network analysis reveals interactions between these components. Taxonomy clarifies decision models and research gaps with a deeper examination. The electronic database Web of Science is examined to uncover relevant articles. In total, 265 articles are analyzed in detail. The findings reveal that the blood supply chain gathers more interest from researchers, and despite the continuing dominance of the inventory stage, there is an upward trend in the literature for the research of the blood supply chain as a whole. Optimization techniques come forward in the blood supply chain topic as solution methodology. In accordance with the results of bibliometric analysis, network analysis, and taxonomy, six prospective directions for future research are emphasized.
Product Engineering Assessment of Subsea Intervention Equipment Using SWARA-MOORA-3NAG Method
Authors: Fernandes Pedro Gall , Quelhas Osvaldo Luiz Gonçalves , Gomes Carlos Francisco Simões , Júnior Enderson Luiz Pereira , Bella Ricardo Luiz Fernandes , Junior Claudio de Souza Rocha , Pereira Ruan Carlos Alves , Basilio Marcio Pereira , Santos Marcos dos
Published: February 2023

Oilfields must increase their production due to the current price of oil barrels. The sale of these oilfields by big companies enabled new companies to enter the exploration and production segment of brownfields to increase oil and gas production through subsea intervention projects. However, these projects require specific product development that involves technical requirements that the engineering department must analyze. This research aims to apply the SWARA-MOORA-3NAG multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) method in analyzing the technical proposals of subsea intervention equipment for ordering suppliers according to the engineering requirements defined at the initial stage of the projects of an oil and gas company. The research methodology was divided into five stages: (1) identification of the problem through observation of the current process and interviews with engineers; (2) data collection through bibliographic research in the Scopus database; (3) problem modeling; (4) proposition of the solution with the application of the SWARA-MOORA-3NAG method; and (5) analysis of the results found. The application of the SWARA-MOORA-3NAG method brought a new ordering of suppliers to the analyzed case, enabling comparison between the method previously used by the engineering department and the method proposed by this research, emphasizing that the MCDA methods can be inserted into the analysis processes of technical proposals in the engineering department of the company analyzed.
Development of Next Generation Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and Variants of Concern
Authors: Al-Fattah Yahaya Abdul Aziz , Khalid Kanwal , Lim Hui Xuan , Poh Chit Laa
Published: February 2023

SARS-CoV-2 has caused the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 673 million infections and 6.85 million deaths globally. Novel mRNA and viral-vectored vaccines were developed and licensed for global immunizations under emergency approval. They have demonstrated good safety and high protective efficacy against the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain. However, the emergence of highly infectious and transmissible variants of concern (VOCs) such as Omicron was associated with considerable reductions in the protective efficacy of the current vaccines. The development of next-generation vaccines that could confer broad protection against both the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain and VOCs is urgently needed. A bivalent mRNA vaccine encoding the Spike proteins of both the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain and the Omicron variant has been constructed and approved by the US FDA. However, mRNA vaccines are associated with instability and require an extremely low temperature (−80 °C) for storage and transportation. They also require complex synthesis and multiple chromatographic purifications. Peptide-based next-generation vaccines could be developed by relying on in silico predictions to identify peptides specifying highly conserved B, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell epitopes to elicit broad and long-lasting immune protection. These epitopes were validated in animal models and in early phase clinical trials to demonstrate immunogenicity and safety. Next-generation peptide vaccine formulations could be developed to incorporate only naked peptides, but they are costly to synthesize and production would generate extensive chemical waste. Continual production of recombinant peptides specifying immunogenic B and T cell epitopes could be achieved in hosts such as E. coli or yeast. However, recombinant protein/peptide vaccines require purification before administration. The DNA vaccine might serve as the most effective next-generation vaccine for low-income countries, since it does not require an extremely low temperature for storage or need extensive chromatographic purification. The construction of recombinant plasmids carrying genes specifying highly conserved B and T cell epitopes meant that vaccine candidates representing highly conserved antigenic regions could be rapidly developed. Poor immunogenicity of DNA vaccines could be overcome by the incorporation of chemical or molecular adjuvants and the development of nanoparticles for effective delivery.
Re-Emerged Genotype IV of Japanese Encephalitis Virus Is the Youngest Virus in Evolution
Authors: Xu Guanlun , Gao Tingting , Wang Zhijie , Zhang Jun , Cui Baoqiu , Shen Xinxin , Zhou Anyang , Zhang Yuan , Zhao Jie , Liu Hong , Liang Guangdong
Published: February 2023

An outbreak of viral encephalitis caused by a Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) genotype IV infection occurred in Australia between 2021 and 2022. A total of 47 cases and seven deaths were reported as of November 2022. This is the first outbreak of human viral encephalitis caused by JEV GIV since it was first isolated in Indonesia in the late 1970s. Here, a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis based on the whole genome sequences of JEVs revealed it emerged 1037 years ago (95% HPD: 463 to 2100 years). The evolutionary order of JEV genotypes is as follows: GV, GIII, GII, GI, and GIV. The JEV GIV emerged 122 years ago (95% HPD: 57–233) and is the youngest viral lineage. The mean substitution rate of the JEV GIV lineage was 1.145 × 10−3 (95% HPD values, 9.55 × 10−4, 1.35 × 10−3), belonging to rapidly evolving viruses. A series of amino acid mutations with the changes of physico-chemical properties located in the functional important domains within the core and E proteins distinguished emerging GIV isolates from old ones. These results demonstrate the JEV GIV is the youngest JEV genotype at a rapid evolution stage and has good host/vector adaptability for introduction to non-endemic areas. Thus, surveillance of JEVs is highly recommended.
Identification of Potential Proteinaceous Ligands of GI.1 Norovirus in Pacific Oyster Tissues
Authors: Lyu Chenang , Li Jingwen , Shi Zhentao , An Ran , Wang Yanfei , Luo Guangda , Wang Dapeng
Published: February 2023

Human norovirus (HuNoV) is the leading foodborne pathogen causing nonbacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. The oyster is an important vehicle for HuNoV transmission, especially the GI.1 HuNoV. In our previous study, oyster heat shock protein 70 (oHSP 70) was identified as the first proteinaceous ligand of GII.4 HuNoV in Pacific oysters besides the commonly accepted carbohydrate ligands, a histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs)-like substance. However the mismatch of the distribution pattern between discovered ligands and GI.1 HuNoV suggests that other ligands may exist. In our study, proteinaceous ligands for the specific binding of GI.1 HuNoV were mined from oyster tissues using a bacterial cell surface display system. Fifty-five candidate ligands were identified and selected through mass spectrometry identification and bioinformatics analysis. Among them, the oyster tumor necrosis factor (oTNF) and oyster intraflagellar transport protein (oIFT) showed strong binding abilities with the P protein of GI.1 HuNoV. In addition, the highest mRNA level of these two proteins was found in the digestive glands, which is consistent with GI.1 HuNoV distribution. Overall the findings suggested that oTNF and oIFT may play important roles in the bioaccumulation of GI.1 HuNoV.
Biology and Behaviour of Aedes aegypti in the Human Environment: Opportunities for Vector Control of Arbovirus Transmission
Authors: Facchinelli Luca , Badolo Athanase , McCall Philip J.
Published: February 2023

Aedes aegypti is a ubiquitous vector of arboviruses mostly in urbanised areas throughout the tropics and subtropics and a growing threat beyond. Control of Ae. aegypti is difficult and costly, and no vaccines are available for most of the viruses it transmits. With practical control solutions our goal, ideally suitable for delivery by householders in affected communities, we reviewed the literature on adult Ae. aegypti biology and behaviour, within and close to the human home, the arena where such interventions must impact. We found that knowledge was vague or important details were missing for multiple events or activities in the mosquito life cycle, such as the duration or location of the many periods when females rest between blood feeding and oviposition. The existing body of literature, though substantial, is not wholly reliable, and evidence for commonly held “facts” range from untraceable to extensive. Source references of some basic information are poor or date back more than 60 years, while other information that today is accepted widely as “fact” is not supported by evidence in the literature. Many topics, e.g., sugar feeding, resting preferences (location and duration), and blood feeding, merit being revisited in new geographical regions and ecological contexts to identify vulnerabilities for exploitation in control.
Assessing the Efficacy of VLP-Based Vaccine against Epstein-Barr Virus Using a Rabbit Model
Authors: Reguraman Narendran , Hassani Asma , Philip Pretty S. , Pich Dagmar , Hammerschmidt Wolfgang , Khan Gulfaraz
Published: February 2023

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is etiologically associated with a number of malignant and non-malignant conditions. Thus, a prophylactic vaccine against this virus could help to reduce the burden of many EBV-associated diseases. Previously, we reported that an EBV virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine was highly immunogenic and produced a strong humoral response in mice. However, since EBV does not infect mice, the efficacy of the VLP in preventing EBV infection could not be addressed. Here we examined, for the first time, the efficacy of the EBV-VLP vaccine using a novel rabbit model of EBV infection. Animals vaccinated with two doses of VLP elicited higher antibody responses to total EBV antigens compared to animals receiving one dose. Vaccinated animals also elicited both IgM and IgG to EBV-specific antigens, VCA and EBNA1. Analysis of peripheral blood and spleen for EBV copy number indicated that the viral load in both of these compartments was lower in animals receiving a 2-dose vaccine. However, the VLP vaccine was ineffective in preventing EBV infection. With several other EBV vaccine candidates currently at various stages of development and testing, we believe that the rabbit model of EBV infection could be a great platform for evaluating potential candidates.
A Rare Single Case of COVID-19-Induced Acute Myocarditis and Encephalopathy Presenting Simultaneously
Authors: Saeedullah Usman , Abbas Anas M. , Ward Caitlin , Bayya Maha , Bhandari Jenish , Abbas Araf M. , DeLeon Joshua , Reiss Allison B.
Published: February 2023

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may result in cardiovascular complications such as myocarditis, while encephalitis is a potentially life-threatening COVID-19-associated central nervous system complication. This case illustrates the possibility of developing severe multisystem symptoms from a COVID-19 infection, despite having received the COVID-19 vaccine within the year. Delay in treatment for myocarditis and encephalopathy can lead to permanent and possibly fatal damage. Our patient, a middle-aged female with a complicated medical history, initially came in without characteristic manifestations of myocarditis such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or arrhythmia, but with an altered mental status. Through further laboratory tests, the patient was diagnosed with myocarditis and encephalopathy, which were resolved within weeks through medical management and physical/occupational therapy. This case presentation describes the first reported case of concomitant COVID-19 myocarditis and encephalitis after receiving a booster dose within the year.
Effectiveness of Vaccination in Preventing COVID-19: A Community Study Comparing Four Vaccines
Authors: Kokić Zoran , Kon Predrag , Djurković-Djaković Olgica
Published: February 2023

The course of the COVID-19 pandemic has been critically altered by the availability of vaccines. To assess the risk of COVID-19 in the vaccinated, as compared to the unvaccinated population, as well as the comparative effectiveness of the BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm), BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech), Gam-COVID-Vac (Sputnik V) and ChAdOx1 (AstraZeneca) vaccines in the prevention of clinical infection, we carried out a retrospective study of the incidence of clinical COVID-19 in the Belgrade city municipality of Voždovac among both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals during a 4-month period between 1 July and 31 October 2021. The study included all individuals with a symptomatic infection confirmed by a positive PCR and/or antigen test. Only those who received two vaccine doses were considered as vaccinated. The results showed that of the Voždovac population of 169,567, a total of 81,447 (48%) individuals were vaccinated by the end of the study. Vaccination coverage increased with age, ranging from 1.06% in those below age 18, to even 78.8% in those above 65 years of age. More than one half (57.5%) of all those vaccinated received BBIBP-CorV, while 25.2% received BNT162b2, 11.7% Gam-COVID-Vac and 5.6% ChAdOx1. The overall risk of infection of the vaccinated vs. the unvaccinated was 0.53 (95% CI 0.45–0.61). Compared to the incidence of COVID-19 of 8.05 per 1000 in the unvaccinated population, the relative risk in the vaccinated was 0.35 (95% CI 0.3–0.41). The overall VE was 65%, differing widely among age groups and by vaccine. VE was 79% for BNT162b2, 62% for BBIBP-CorV, 60% for ChAdOx1 and 54% for Gam-COVID-Vac. The VE for BBIBP-CorV and BNT162b2 increased with age. The obtained results demonstrate a significant overall effectiveness of anti-COVID-19 vaccination, which, however, varied significantly among the analyzed vaccines, and was the highest for BNT162b2.
HLA-I and HLA-II Peptidomes of SARS-CoV-2: A Review
Authors: Abd El-Baky Nawal , Amara Amro , Redwan Elrashdy
Published: February 2023

The adaptive (T-cell-mediated) immune response is a key player in determining the clinical outcome, in addition to neutralizing antibodies, after SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as supporting the efficacy of vaccines. T cells recognize viral-derived peptides bound to major histocompatibility complexes (MHCs) so that they initiate cell-mediated immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection or can support developing a high-affinity antibody response. SARS-CoV-2-derived peptides bound to MHCs are characterized via bioinformatics or mass spectrometry on the whole proteome scale, named immunopeptidomics. They can identify potential vaccine targets or therapeutic approaches for SARS-CoV-2 or else may reveal the heterogeneity of clinical outcomes. SARS-CoV-2 epitopes that are naturally processed and presented on the human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) and class II (HLA-II) were identified for immunopeptidomics. Most of the identified SARS-CoV-2 epitopes were canonical and out-of-frame peptides derived from spike and nucleocapsid proteins, followed by membrane proteins, whereby many of which are not caught by existing vaccines and could elicit effective responses of T cells in vivo. This review addresses the detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral epitopes on HLA-I and HLA-II using bioinformatics prediction and mass spectrometry (HLA peptidomics). Profiling the HLA-I and HLA-II peptidomes of SARS-CoV-2 is also detailed.
Impact of MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 Viral Infection on Immunoglobulin-IgG Cross-Reactivity
Authors: AlKhalifah Joud Mohammed , Seddiq Waleed , Alshehri Mohammed Abdullah , Alhetheel Abdulkarim , Albarrag Ahmed , Meo Sultan Ayoub , Al-Tawfiq Jaffar A. , Barry Mazin
Published: February 2023

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has posed a considerable threat to public health and global economies. SARS-CoV-2 has largely affected a vast world population and was declared a COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, with a substantial surge of SARS-CoV-2 infection affecting all aspects of the virus’ natural course of infection and immunity. The cross-reactivity between the different coronaviruses is still a knowledge gap in the understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This study aimed to investigate the impact of MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 viral infections on immunoglobulin-IgG cross-reactivity. Our retrospective cohort study hypothesized the possible reactivation of immunity in individuals with a history of infection to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) when infected with SARS-CoV-2. The total number of participants included was 34; among them, 22 (64.7%) were males, and 12 (35.29%) were females. The mean age of the participants was 40.3 ± 12.9 years. This study compared immunoglobulin (IgG) levels against SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV across various groups with various histories of infection. The results showed that a reactive borderline IgG against both MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 in participants with past infection to both viruses was 40% compared with 37.5% among those with past infection with MERS-CoV alone. Our study results establish that individuals infected with both SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV showed higher MERS-CoV IgG levels compared with those of individuals infected previously with MERS-CoV alone and compared with those of individuals in the control. The results further highlight cross-adaptive immunity between MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. Our study concludes that individuals with previous infections with both MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 showed significantly higher MERS-CoV IgG levels compared with those of individuals infected only with MERS-CoV and compared with those of individuals in the control, suggesting cross-adaptive immunity between MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV.
Immunogenicity and Safety of the Third Booster Dose with mRNA-1273 COVID-19 Vaccine after Receiving Two Doses of Inactivated or Viral Vector COVID-19 Vaccine
Authors: Tangsathapornpong Auchara , Nanthapisal Sira , Pontan Kanassanan , Bunjoungmanee Pornumpa , Neamkul Yamonbhorn , Boonyarangkul Arthit , Wanpen Supattra , Fukpho Waraphon , Jitpokasem Sumana , Tharabenjasin Phuntila , Jaru-Ampornpan Peera
Published: February 2023

The changes in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and the tapering of immunity after vaccination have propelled the need for a booster dose vaccine. We aim to evaluate B and T cell immunogenicity and reactogenicity of mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine (100 µg) as a third booster dose after receiving either two doses of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine (CoronaVac) or two doses of viral vector vaccine (AZD1222) in adults not previously infected with COVID-19. The anti-receptor-binding-domain IgG (anti-RBD IgG), surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) against the Delta variant, and Interferon-Gamma (IFN-γ) level were measured at baseline, day (D)14 and D90 after vaccination. In D14 and D90, the geometric means of sVNT were significantly increased to 99.4% and 94.5% inhibition in CoronaVac, respectively, whereas AZD1222 showed inhibition of 99.1% and 93%, respectively. Anti-RBD IgG levels were 61,249 to 9235 AU/mL in CoronaVac and 38,777 to 5877 AU/mL in AZD1222 after D14 and D90 vaccination. Increasing median frequencies of S1-specific T cell response by IFN-γ concentration were also elevated in D14 and were not significantly different between CoronaVac (107.8–2035.4 mIU/mL) and AZD1222 (282.5–2001.2 mIU/mL). This study provides evidence for the high immunogenicity of the mRNA-1273 booster after two doses of CoronaVac or AZD1222 in the Thai population.