bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatio-Temporal Evolution of High-Quality Development and the Impact of Carbon Emissions Trading Schemes
Authors: Cao Rui , Xiao Yanling , Yin Fengxue
Published: February 2023

Carbon control has become a key strategy in the high-quality development (HQD) phase of emerging countries, but the spillover effects of implementing carbon control instruments on HQD remain to be verified. In order to explore the realistic level of HQD in China and the mechanism of how carbon controls impact on it, this paper analyzes the regional differences and spatio-temporal dynamics of HQD in China by using Chinese provincial panel data from 2006 to 2019. This study evaluated the implications of a regionally implemented carbon emissions trading scheme (ETS) on HQD by using the difference-in-differences (DID) model. The results show that the overall level of HQD in China’s provinces continues to rise. The level of HQD in most provinces showed a transition from low to high and then stabilization. Over the sample period, the national average HQD index increased from 18.95 to 29.96, a growth rate of 58.1%. There was significant regional heterogeneity in HQD. The highest HQD indices in the eastern, central and western regions were 35.67, 27.52 and 24.78, respectively. The level of HQD in the eastern regions was much higher than in the central and western areas. Further analysis revealed that ETS was able to significantly increase the overall level of HQD. Having found that there is regional heterogeneity in HQD, this research examines the specific effects of ETS on HQD and discovers that ETS supports regional HQD in the eastern and central areas, but has no significant influence on HQD in the western region. The robustness of the results was confirmed by the use of parallel trend tests, lagged effects, the removal of environmental disturbances and the replacement of evaluation variables or models. The above findings can be used as a reference for formulating low-carbon policy and promoting HQD levels.
Control of White Rot Caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Strawberry Using Arbuscular Mycorrhizae and Plant-Growth-Promoting Bacteria
Authors: Delgado Andrea , Toro Marcia , Memenza-Zegarra Miriam , Zúñiga-Dávila Doris
Published: February 2023

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a phytopathogenic fungus that causes wilting and white rot in several species such as strawberry. The overuse of agrochemicals has caused environmental pollution and plant resistance to phytopathogens. Inoculation of crops with beneficial microorganisms such as arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM), plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), and their metabolites is considered as an alternative to agrochemicals. B.halotolerans IcBac2.1 (BM) and Bacillus TrujBac2.32 (B), native from Peruvian soils, produce antifungal compounds and are plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). B. halotolerans IcBac2.1 and Bacillus TrujBac2 with or without G. intraradices mycorrhizal fungi (M) are capable of controlling S. sclerotiorum disease in strawberries. Inoculation of mycorrhiza alone decreases disease incidence as well. Treatments with chitosan (Ch), which is used to elicit plant defense responses against fungal pathogens, were used for comparison, as well as non-inoculated plants (C). Co-inoculation of mycorrhiza and bacteria increases plant shoot and root biomass. Our results show that the inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhiza and antifungal Bacillus are good biocontrols of S. sclerotiorum in strawberry.
Abusive Supervision and Individual, Organizational Citizenship Behaviour: Exploring the Mediating Effect of Employee Well-Being in the Hospitality Sector
Authors: AlZgool Mahmoud , AlMaamari Qais , Mozammel Soleman , Ali Hyder , Imroz Sohel M.
Published: February 2023

This study intends to bridge the unattended research gap and add to the knowledge base of ‘human resource management’ regarding the relationships between abusive supervision, and individual organizational citizenship behaviour (OCBI), through the mediation of ‘employee well-being’. For the given purpose, a sample of 250 cases was selected to collect data from non-managerial hotel employees from the metropolitan cities of Pakistan. Given responses were analysed in Smart PLS 3.0. Structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to conduct the necessary tests regarding measurement model and structural model assessment. The study found statistical support for three of the four hypotheses, confirming the deleterious role of abusive supervision in general and the intervening role of employee well-being. The findings have concluded that abusive supervision is harmful for workplaces, particularly when it comes to employees’ citizenship behaviours. Finally, the predictive relevance and r-squared values for the underlying model were also confirmed.
Corporations’ ESG for Sustainable Investment in China: The Moderating Role of Regional Marketization
Authors: Kong Ningning , Bao Yu , Sun Yiyuan , Wang Yawen
Published: February 2023

This paper aims to investigate corporations’ ESG for sustainable investment in China, with the moderating role of regional marketization. ESG is a form of business value for enterprises, including the three pillars of environmental, social, and governance, aimed at promoting the sustainable development of the economy and society. ESG is vital for corporations’ sustainable investment, but such influence is always limited by the level of regional marketization, which has been rarely studied by the previous literature. In this study, we use data from Chinese A-share listed companies from 2009 to 2021 to conduct an empirical analysis to examine whether ESG performance can improve firm investment and if the degree of regional marketization plays a moderating role. Furthermore, we identify the underlying mechanism of ESG performance influencing corporate investment. It has been discovered that ESG performance improves firm investment, and the impact of ESG performance on investment level enhancement is stronger in places with a higher level of marketization. The further tests still support our results. This study provides a reference to develop ESG and regional marketization to push corporations’ sustainable development.
Effects of Science, Technology, and Innovation Official Development Assistance on Innovative Capacity in Developing Countries
Authors: Choi Hyunyi , Cho Keuntae
Published: February 2023

This study aims to empirically investigate the effect of Science, Technology, and Innovation Official Development Assistance (STI ODA) on the innovative capacity of developing countries. Particularly, this study attempted to examine the moderating effects of R&D investment and its effect on innovative capacity. To do this, a panel fixed model analysis was carried out with ODA and macroeconomic data on 84 developing countries from 2002 to 2018. The findings indicated that STI ODA was found to have no direct positive effect on innovative capacity. However, it had a positive effect on innovative capacity when the moderating effect of R&D investment was significant and when the proportion of R&D investment increased. The findings of this study serve as a guide for policymakers in terms of having better understanding of the relationship between STI ODA, R&D investment, and innovative capacity. Hence, policy makers and practitioners are able to design a good policy to be adopted such that absorptive capacity should be prioritized for STI ODA to be effective in helping developing countries to escape poverty and achieve sustainable development goals. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first of its kind to analyze the moderating effect of R&D investment on the relationship between STI ODA and innovative capacity in a developing country context.
Prediction Model of Car Ownership Based on Back Propagation Neural Network Optimized by Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Zhang Hualei , Li Yuan , Yan Lianghuan
Published: February 2023

Aiming to address the problems of traditional BP neural networks, which include their slow convergence speed and low accuracy, a vehicle ownership prediction model based on a BP neural network with particle swarm optimization is proposed. The weights and thresholds of the BP neural network are optimized by PSO to make the prediction results more accurate. Based on the current literature regarding BP neural networks’ ability to predict car ownership, a 9-10-1 BP neural network structure model is established. A traditional BP neural network and a PSO-optimized BP neural network are used to predict car ownership at the same time. In order to compare their prediction accuracy, a genetic algorithm (GA) and whale optimization algorithm (WOA) are additionally selected to optimize the BP neural network as a control group to predict car ownership. The data on China’s car ownership from 2005 to 2021 were collected as experimental data. The data from 2005 to 2016 were used as training data, and the remaining data were used as validation data for model prediction. The results show that the PSO-optimized neural network only undergoes three iterations of training, and the convergence accuracy reaches 1.41 × 10−8. The relative error between the predicted value of car ownership and the corresponding real value is between 0.023 and 0.083, and the decisive coefficient R2 is 0.96002, indicating that the neural network has better prediction ability and higher prediction accuracy for car ownership. The particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to optimize the weights and thresholds of the BP neural network, which solves the problems of the traditional BP neural network, including the ease with which it falls into the local minimum value and its slow convergence speed, and improves its prediction accuracy of car ownership. Compared with the results optimized by the genetic algorithm and whale optimization algorithm, the error of the BP neural network optimized by PSO is the smallest, and the prediction accuracy is the highest. Through the comparative analysis of training results, it can be seen that the PSO-BP prediction model has the best stability and accuracy.
Untangling the Additive and Multiplicative Relations between Natural Scenery Exposure and Human–Animal Interaction on Affective Well-Being: Evidence from Daily Diary Studies
Authors: Goh Adalia Y. H. , Chia Shu Min , Majeed Nadyanna M. , Chen Nicole R. Y. , Hartanto Andree
Published: February 2023

Built nature spaces have been increasingly integrated into our urban environments in recent years with the aim of reaping their psychological benefits. However, despite numerous works of research on the relationship between nature exposure and well-being, most studies have looked into the benefits of well-being from the lens of isolated elements of nature, such as natural scenery or animal exposure. This study aims to fill in the gaps by examining the additive and multiplicative relationships between natural scenery exposure and human–animal interaction on affective well-being (i.e., positive affect, negative affect, and stress) through a daily diary study. Over seven days, natural scenery exposure, human–animal interactions, and affective well-being of 514 young adults were assessed. Through multilevel modelling, we found that natural scenery exposure was associated with increased positive affect at the within- and between-person levels. Moreover, human–animal interaction was associated with increased positive affect at the within-person level. No evidence was found for human–animal interaction as a moderator of the relationship between natural scenery exposure and affective well-being. Our findings support the additive, but not multiplicative, relations between natural scenery exposure and human–animal interactions on their influence on affective well-being. The exploratory analysis showed the lack of multiplicative relationship which can be attributed to the distinct mechanism of the effect between natural scenery exposure and human–animal interactions on affective well-being.
School Walk Zone: Identifying Environments That Foster Walking and Biking to School
Authors: Kweon Byoung-Suk , Shin Woo-Hwa , Ellis Christopher D.
Published: February 2023

Today, few children walk or bike to school. According to the National Household Travel Survey, only 11% of children walk or bike to school. In 1969, almost 50% of children walked or biked to school in the US. Although our understanding is limited, previous research has shown that physical environments can influence non-automobile mode choices for travel to school. For example, landscape buffers and trees affect parents’ perceptions of their children’s safety and increase their willingness to let their children walk to school. We investigated how a number of physical attributes in the pedestrian environment influence children’s commutes to school. A total of 186 parents from four school walk zones in College Station, TX, participated in this study. We found that children walked more in neighborhoods with mature trees. Moreover, the mean walking and biking distances differed from each other, and both were influenced by the location of the school within the walk zones. Concerns about traffic safety and convenience were negatively related to walking and biking. The findings here suggest ways to shape better school walk zone guidelines that include neighborhood design, planning, and engagement in support of active and healthy children.
Locally Specified CPT Soil Classification Based on Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Cho Sohyun , Kim Han-Saem , Kim Hyunki
Published: February 2023

Cone penetration tests (CPTs) can provide highly accurate and detailed information and characteristics relevant to the stiffness, strength, and consolidation of tested geomaterials, but they do not directly recover real soil samples. Thus, when CPT results are applied to soil classification, experience-based classification charts or tables are generally used. However, such charts or tables have the inherent drawback of being derived from the test data applied to each classification method, which promotes their failure to cover the engineering features of soils from other places. This study proposes a machine learning approach using C4.5 decision tree algorithm to develop a locally specified CPT-based soil classification system. The findings demonstrate that a locally specified soil classification scheme can be attained by utilizing a simple and trained decision tree model with appropriate combinations of training data and input attributes. Additionally, it is confirmed that oversampling the minor classes makes the classification accuracy for data with highly unbalanced classes appear more balanced for each class.
Distribution of Spatial and Temporal Heterogeneity of Green Total-Factor Productivity in the Chinese Manufacturing Industry, and the Influencing Factors
Authors: Zhao Yongquan , Zhang Ziwei
Published: February 2023

This paper considers GTFP of energy consumption and environmental pollution from a sustainable perspective as a measure of the evolutionary efficiency of manufacturing industries. It uses the super-efficiency SBM model to calculate the GTFP efficiency values of manufacturing industries in 30 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2019. Moran’s index and the GTWR model were used to study the spatial correlation and impact factors of GTFP. The results found that the following. (1) The overall level of GTFP in China’s manufacturing industry from 2011 to 2019 rose progressively, and the level of GTFP between different regions gradually reduced. (2) The spatial correlation of GTFP in China’s manufacturing industry is significantly positive, with a positive spatial spillover effect. (3) The level of manufacturing GTFP is affected by economic development, investment, and other factors. (4) There is spatiotemporal heterogeneity in the impact factors of manufacturing GTFP. According to empirical research focusing on the goal of sustainable development, it is proposed to increase the use of clean energy and reduce environmental pollution. To carry out green development according to local conditions, the eastern region will strengthen the development of new energy manufacturing and continue to increase investment in innovation, and the central and western regions will strengthen environmental supervision, accelerate industrial transformation, and attract more foreign investment.
Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Scheduler on Parallel Dedicated Machine Scheduling Problem towards Minimizing Total Tardiness
Authors: Lee Donghun , Kang Hyeongwon , Lee Dongjin , Lee Jeonwoo , Kim Kwanho
Published: February 2023

This study considers a parallel dedicated machine scheduling problem towards minimizing the total tardiness of allocated jobs on machines. In addition, this problem comes under the category of NP-hard. Unlike classical parallel machine scheduling, a job is processed by only one of the dedicated machines according to its job type defined in advance, and a machine is able to process at most one job at a time. To obtain a high-quality schedule in terms of total tardiness for the considered scheduling problem, we suggest a machine scheduler based on double deep Q-learning. In the training phase, the considered scheduling problem is redesigned to fit into the reinforcement learning framework and suggest the concepts of state, action, and reward to understand the occurrences of setup, tardiness, and the statuses of allocated job types. The proposed scheduler, repeatedly finds better Q-values towards minimizing tardiness of allocated jobs by updating the weights in a neural network. Then, the scheduling performances of the proposed scheduler are evaluated by comparing it with the conventional ones. The results show that the proposed scheduler outperforms the conventional ones. In particular, for two datasets presenting extra-large scheduling problems, our model performs better compared to existing genetic algorithm by 12.32% and 29.69%.
Ostrowski Type Inequalities via Some Exponentially s-Preinvex Functions on Time Scales with Applications
Authors: Lai Kin Keung , Mishra Shashi Kant , Singh Vandana
Published: February 2023

Integral inequalities concerned with convexity have many applications in several fields of mathematics in which symmetry plays an important role. In the theory of convexity, there exist strong connections between convexity and symmetry. If we are working on one of the concepts, then it can be applied to the other of them. In this paper, we establish some novel generalizations of Ostrowski type inequalities for exponentially s-preinvex and s-preinvex functions on time scale by using Hölder inequality and Montgomery Identity. We also obtain applications to some special means. These results are motivated by the symmetric results obtained in the recent article by Abbasi and Anwar in 2022 on Ostrowski type inequalities for exponentially s-convex functions and s-convex functions on time scale. Moreover, we discuss several special cases of the results obtained in this paper.
New Generalization of Metric-Type Spaces—Strong Controlled
Authors: Santina Dania , Mior Othman Wan Ainun , Wong Kok Bin , Mlaiki Nabil
Published: February 2023

In this manuscript, we establish a new type of metric space that is called controlled strong metric spaces by introducing a controlled function to the triangle inequality as follows: ℘(s,r)≤℘(s,z)+η(z,r)℘(z,r), and keeping the symmetry condition that is ℘(s,r)=℘(r,s)forallr,s. We demonstrate the existence of the fixed point of self-mapping and its uniqueness in such spaces that satisfy linear and nonlinear contractions. Moreover, we provide three applications of results to polynomial equations of high degree, systems of linear equations, along with fractional differential equations.
The Development and Progress of Multi-Physics Simulation Design for TSV-Based 3D Integrated System
Authors: Wang Xianglong , Chen Dongdong , Li Di , Kou Chen , Yang Yintang
Published: February 2023

In order to meet the requirements of high performance, miniaturization, low cost, low power consumption and multi-function, three-dimensional (3D) integrated technology has gradually become a core technology. With the development of 3D integrated technology, it has been used in imaging sensors, optical integrated microsystems, inertial sensor microsystems, radio-frequency microsystems, biological microsystems and logic microsystems, etc. Through silicon via (TSV) is the core technology of a 3D integrated system, which can achieve vertical interconnection between stacked chips. In this paper, the development and progress of multi-physics simulation design for TSV-based 3D integrated systems are reviewed. Firstly, the electrical simulation design of TSV in a 3D integrated system is presented, including the lumped parameters model-based design and numerical computation model-based design. Secondly, the thermal simulation design of TSV in a 3D integrated system is presented based on the analytical model or numerical computation model. Thirdly, the multi-physics co-simulation design of TSV in a 3D integrated system is presented, including the thermal stress and electron thermal coupling simulation design. Finally, this paper is concluded, and the future perspectives of 3D integrated systems are presented, including the advanced integrated microsystems, the crossed and reconfigurable architecture design technology and the standardized and intelligent design technology.
On Fuzzy Linear Fractional Programming Problems via α-Cut-Based Method with Application in Transportation Sector
Authors: Chauhan Abhishek , Mahajan Sumati , Ahmad Izhar , Al-Homidan Suliman
Published: February 2023

The article provides an α-cut-based method that solves linear fractional programming problems with fuzzy variables and unrestricted parameters. The parameters and variables are considered as asymmetric triangular fuzzy numbers, which is a generalization of the symmetric case. The problem is solved by using α-cut of fuzzy numbers wherein the α- and r-cut are applied to the objective function and constraints, respectively. This reduces the problem into an equivalent biobjective model which leads to the upper and lower bounds of the given problem. Afterwards, the membership functions corresponding to various values of r∈(0,1] are obtained using the optimal values of the biobjective model. The proposed method is illustrated by taking an example from the literature to highlight the fallacy of an existing approach. Finally, a fuzzy linear fractional transportation problem is modelled and solved using the aforementioned technique.
Terahertz Waves Enhance the Permeability of Sodium Channels
Authors: Zhao Yan , Wang Lei , Li Yangmei , Zhu Zhi
Published: February 2023

With the help of molecular dynamics simulations and an artificial sodium channel model, we corroborated that the application of terahertz stimulation at a characteristic frequency can largely increase the permeability of the sodium channel by a factor of 33.6. The mechanism is that the carboxylate groups in the filter region transfer the absorbed terahertz photon energy to the sodium ions, which increase the ions’ kinetic energy; this results in breaking the hydrated hydrogen bonding network between the hydrosphere layer of the ions and the carboxylate groups, thereby increasing their diffusion and reducing the energy barrier for them to cross the channel. This study on terahertz-driven particle transmembrane transport offers new ideas for targeted therapy of channel diseases and for developing novel integrated engineering systems in energy conversion and storage.
Phytochemical Analysis and Toxicity Assessment of Bouea Macrophylla Yoghurt
Authors: Rusli Rusydatul Nabila Mahmad , Naomi Ruth , Yazid Muhammad Dain , Embong Hashim , Perumal Kokilavani , Othman Fezah , Jasni Azmiza Syawani , Jumidil Siti Hadizah , Balan Santhra Segaran , Abidin Azrina Zainal , Kadir Khairul Kamilah Abdul , Bahari Hasnah , Zakaria Zainul Amiruddin
Published: February 2023

The Bouea macrophylla fruit is native to Malaysia and is known for its many beneficial effects on one’s health. Probiotics are well-known for their roles as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumour properties due to their widespread use. As a result, the purpose of this study was to incorporate the ethanolic extract of Bouea macrophylla into yoghurt and then assess the rodents for any toxicological effects. According to the findings of the nutritional analysis, each 100 mL serving of the newly formulated yoghurt contains 3.29 g of fat, 5.79 g of carbohydrates, 2.92 g of total protein, and 2.72 g of sugar. The ability of the newly developed yoghurt to stimulate the growth of Lactobacilli was demonstrated by the fact that the peak intensity of Lactobacillus species was measured at 1.2 × 106 CFU/g while the titratable acidity of the lactic acid was measured at 0.599 CFU/g. In order to carry out the toxicological evaluation, forty-eight male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were utilized. Oral administration of single doses of 2000 mg/kg over the course of 14 days was used for the study of acute toxicity. Subacute toxicity was studied by giving animals Bouea macrophylla yoghurt (BMY) at repeated doses of 50, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day over a period of 28 days, while the control group was given normal saline. The results of the acute toxicity test revealed that rats treated with increasing doses up to a maximum of 2000 mg/kg exhibited no signs of toxicity. After an additional 14 days without treatment, acute toxicity of a single dose (2000 mg/kg) of BMY did not show any treatment-related toxicity in any of the rats that were observed. According to the data from the subacute toxicity study, there were no differences between the treated groups and the control groups in terms of food and water intake, body weight, plasma biochemistry (AST, ALT, ALP, and creatinine), haematological products, or organ weights. The architecture of the liver, heart, and kidney were all found to be normal upon histological examination. This indicates that oral consumption of BMY did not result in any negative effects being manifested in the rodents.
Report from the 28th Meeting on Toxinology, “Toxins: What’s up, Doc?”, Organized by the French Society of Toxinology on 28–29 November 2022
Authors: Marchot Pascale , Benoit Évelyne , Fajloun Ziad , Diochot Sylvie
Published: February 2023

The French Society of Toxinology (SFET) organized its 28th annual meeting on 28–29 November 2022 (RT28). The central theme of this meeting was “Toxins: What’s up, Doc?”, emphasizing the latest findings on animal, bacterial, algal, plant and fungal toxins through sessions dedicated to deep learning, toxin tracking and toxinomic advances, shared by ca. 80 participants. The abstracts of the 10 invited and 11 selected lectures and 15 posters, along with the names of the Best Oral Communication and Best Poster awardees, are presented in this report.
Determination of Multiclass Cyanotoxins in Blue-Green Algae (BGA) Dietary Supplements Using Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Aparicio-Muriana María del Mar , Lara Francisco J. , Olmo-Iruela Monsalud Del , García-Campaña Ana M.
Published: February 2023

In recent years, the consumption of blue-green algae (BGA) dietary supplements is increasing because of their health benefits. However, cyanobacteria can produce cyanotoxins, which present serious health risks. In this work we propose hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS) to determine cyanotoxins in BGA dietary supplements. Target toxins, including microcystin-leucine-arginine (MC-LR) and microcystin-arginine-arginine (MC-RR), nodularin, anatoxin-a and three non-protein amino acids, β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) and N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine (AEG), were separated using a SeQuant ZIC-HILIC column. Cyanotoxin extraction was based on solid–liquid extraction (SLE) followed by a tandem-solid phase extraction (SPE) procedure using Strata-X and mixed-mode cation-exchange (MCX) cartridges. The method was validated for BGA dietary supplements obtaining quantification limits from 60 to 300 µg·kg−1. Nine different commercial supplements were analyzed, and DAB, AEG, and MCs were found in some samples, highlighting the relevance of monitoring these substances as precaution measures for the safe consumption of these products.
Seasonal and Geographical Impact on the Mycotoxigenicity of Aspergillus and Fusarium Species Isolated from Smallholder Dairy Cattle Feeds and Feedstuffs in Free State and Limpopo Provinces of South Africa
Authors: Adelusi Oluwasola Abayomi , Gbashi Sefater , Adebo Janet Adeyinka , Aasa Adeola Oluwakemi , Oladeji Oluwaseun Mary , Kah Glory , Adebo Oluwafemi Ayodeji , Changwa Rumbidzai , Njobeh Patrick Berka
Published: February 2023

This study evaluated the impact of seasonal and geographical variations on the toxigenicity of Aspergillus and Fusarium strains previously isolated from smallholder dairy cattle feeds and feedstuffs sampled during summer and winter in the Free State and Limpopo provinces of South Africa (SA). In total, 112 potential toxigenic fungal species were obtained and determined for their capability to produce mycotoxins on solid Czapek Yeast Extract Agar (CYA); followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. Our result revealed that 41.96% of the fungal species produced their respective mycotoxins, including aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), and zearalenone (ZEN), with higher levels of AFB1 (0.22 to 1045.80 µg/kg) and AFB2 (0.11 to 3.44 µg/kg) produced by fungal species isolated from summer samples than those in winter [(0.69 to 14.44 µg/kg) and (0.21 to 2.26 µg/kg), respectively]. The same pattern was also observed for AFB1 and AFB2 in Limpopo (0.43 to 1045.80 µg/kg and 0.13 to 3.44 µg/kg) and Free State (0.22 to 576.14 µg/kg and 0.11 to 2.82 µg/kg), respectively. More so, ZEN concentrations in summer (7.75 to 97.18 µg/kg) were higher than in winter (5.20 to 15.90 µg/kg). A similar observation was also noted for ZEN in Limpopo (7.80 to 97.18 µg/kg) and Free State (5.20 to 15.90 µg/kg). These findings were confirmed via Welch and Brown-Forsythe tests with significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher mycotoxin levels produced by fungal strains obtained in samples during summer than those in winter. In contrast, the concentrations of mycotoxins produced by the fungal species from both provinces were not significantly (p > 0.05) different.
Introduction to This Special Issue of Toxins: Reduction and Control of Mycotoxins along Entire Food and Feed Chain
Authors: Malachová Alexandra , Sopel Marta Magdalena , Ezekiel Chibundu N.
Published: February 2023

Contamination of food and feed by mycotoxins is considered a significant issue in food and feed safety worldwide [...]
Herpes Simplex Virus and Varicella Zoster Virus Infections in Cancer Patients
Authors: Tayyar Ralph , Ho Dora
Published: February 2023

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) are alpha herpesviruses that establish life-long latent infection in neuronal ganglia after primary infection. Periodic reactivation of these viruses results in recurrent infections that can have significant impact on patients’ quality of life. HSV commonly causes oral and genital mucocutaneous infections whereas VZV is responsible for varicella/chickenpox and herpes zoster/shingles, but cancer patients are at particularly higher risk of complications including disseminated and visceral infections due to impaired cell-mediated immunity. While diagnosis of more common HSV and/or VZV infections is frequently clinically based, immunocompromised hosts may have atypical skin presentation or visceral involvement. Thus, diagnostic confirmation using virus-specific tests such as polymerase chain reaction or immunohistochemical staining is crucial in some cases. Oral acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir are usually used for mild to moderate infections and intravenous acyclovir is the drug of choice for severe or disseminated infections. Foscarnet can be used when acyclovir-resistance is confirmed or suspected. Pharmaceutical prophylaxis against HSV and/or VZV should be considered in high-risk cancers patients. Currently, there is no commercially available vaccine against HSV, but VZV vaccines are available to prevent varicella and zoster.
The First Nationwide Surveillance of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome in Ruminants and Wildlife in Taiwan
Authors: Kuan Chih-Ying , Lin Tsai-Lu , Ou Shan-Chia , Chuang Shih-Te , Chan Jacky Peng-Wen , Maeda Ken , Mizutani Tetsuya , Wu Ming-Pin , Lee Fan , Chan Fang-Tse , Chang Chao-Chin , Liang Rui-Ling , Yang Sue-Fung , Liu Tsung-Ching , Tu Wu-Chun , Tzeng Hau-You , Lee Chia-Jung , Lin Chuen-Fu , Lee Hsu-Hsun , Wu Jhih-Hua , Lo Hsiao-Chien , Tseng Kuan-Chieh , Hsu Wei-Li , Chou Chi-Chung
Published: February 2023

Since the first discovery of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) in China in 2009, SFTSV has rapidly spread through other Asian countries, including Japan, Korea, Vietnam and Pakistan, in chronological order. Taiwan reported its first discovery of SFTSV in sheep and humans in 2020. However, the prevalence of SFTSV in domestic and wildlife animals and the geographic distribution of the virus within the island remain unknown. A total of 1324 animal samples, including 803 domestic ruminants, 521 wildlife animals and 47 tick pools, were collected from March 2021 to December 2022 from 12 counties and one terrestrial island. The viral RNA was detected by a one-step real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Overall, 29.9% (240/803) of ruminants showed positive SFTSV RNA. Sheep had the highest viral RNA prevalence of 60% (30/50), followed by beef cattle at 28.4% (44/155), goats at 28.3% (47/166), and dairy cows at 27.5% (119/432). The bovine as a total of dairy cow and beef cattle was 27.8% (163/587). The viral RNA prevalence in ticks (predominantly Rhipicephalus microplus) was similar to those of ruminants at 27.7% (13/47), but wild animals exhibited a much lower prevalence at 1.3% (7/521). Geographically the distribution of positivity was quite even, being 33%, 29.1%, 27.5% and 37.5% for northern, central, southern and eastern Taiwan, respectively. Statistically, the positive rate of beef cattle in the central region (55.6%) and dairy cattle in the eastern region (40.6%) were significantly higher than the other regions; and the prevalence in Autumn (September–November) was significantly higher than in the other seasons (p < 0.001). The nationwide study herein revealed for the first time the wide distribution and high prevalence of SFTSV in both domestic animals and ticks in Taiwan. Considering the high mortality rate in humans, surveillance of other animal species, particularly those in close contact with humans, and instigation of protective measures for farmers, veterinarians, and especially older populations visiting or living near farms or rural areas should be prioritized.
Tychonema sp. BBK16 Characterisation: Lifestyle, Phylogeny and Related Phages
Authors: Evseev Peter , Tikhonova Irina , Krasnopeev Andrei , Sorokovikova Ekaterina , Gladkikh Anna , Timoshkin Oleg , Miroshnikov Konstantin , Belykh Olga
Published: February 2023

Cyanobacterial expansion is harmful to the environment, the ecology of Lake Baikal and the economy of nearby regions and can be dangerous to people and animals. Since 2011, the process of colonisation of the lake with potentially toxic cyanobacteria belonging to the genus Tychonema has continued. An understanding of the mechanism of successful expansion of Tychonema requires scrutiny of biological and genomic features. Tychonema sp. BBK16 was isolated from the coastal zone of Lake Baikal. The morphology of BBK16 biofilm was studied with light, scanning electron and confocal microscopy. The biofilm is based on filaments of cyanobacteria, which are intertwined like felt; there are also dense fascicles of rope-like twisted filaments that impart heterogeneity to the surface of the biofilm. Genome sequencing, intergenomic comparisons and phylogenetic analyses indicated that Tychonema sp. BBK16 represent a new species related to planktic cyanobacterium Tychonema bourrellyi, isolated from Alpine lentic freshwater. Genome investigation revealed the genes possibly responsible for the mixotrophic lifestyle. The presence of CRISPR-Cas and restriction modification defence mechanisms allowed to suggest the existence of phages infecting Tychonema sp. BBK16. Analysis of CRISPR spacers and prophage-derived regions allowed to suggest related cyanophages. Genomic analysis supported the assumption that mobile elements and horizontal transfer participate in shaping the Tychonema sp. BBK16 genome. The findings of the current research suggest that the aptitude of Tychonema sp. BBK16 for biofilm formation and, possibly, its mixotrophic lifestyle provide adaptation advantages that lead to the successful expansion of this cyanobacterium in the Baikal’s conditions of freshwater lake environments.
Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) among Females in the General Population of the Split and Dalmatia County and Its Association with Genital Microbiota and Infections: A Prospective Study
Authors: Kaliterna Vanja , Kaliterna Petar , Pejkovic Lidija , Vulic Robert , Zanchi Linda , Cerskov Karmen
Published: February 2023

We conducted a prospective study with the aim of determining HPV prevalence and type distribution in the general female population of Southern Croatia (SDC), and to detect the presence of other microorganisms in the lower part of the female reproductive system and their possible influence on the frequency of HPV infection. Data were collected during routine check-up exams. All participants were examined by a gynecologist, and cervico-vaginal scrapings/swabs were collected, for cytological (Pap smear) and microbiological (for bacterial growth, genital mycoplasmas, chlamydia, and HPV) analysis. Informed consent was obtained from all participants with accompanying questionnaire. A total of 1050 asymptomatic women living in SDC participated in the study during a one-year period, and 107 of them (10.2%) had HR-HPV infection. We found that the presence of some bacteria (Ureaplasma, Chlamydia, and Gardnerella) in the lower part of the female genital system has a positive correlation with the frequency of HPV infection and, consequently, a possible influence on faster progression to cervical dysplasia caused by HPV. We consider that inclusion of screening for sexually transmitted infections as monitoring in women with HPV infection could help to find women at risk of cervical cancer progression.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Uveitis
Authors: Yang Mingming , Kamoi Koju , Zong Yuan , Zhang Jing , Ohno-Matsui Kyoko
Published: February 2023

Uveitis is one of the most common ocular complications in people living with the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and can be classified into HIV-induced uveitis, co-infection related uveitis, immune recovery uveitis, and drug-induced uveitis. The introduction of antiretroviral therapy has considerably changed the incidence, diagnosis, and treatment of different types of HIV-related uveitis. Furthermore, the specific immune condition of patients infected with HIV makes diagnosing HIV-related uveitis difficult. Recent studies have focused on the growing prevalence of syphilis/tuberculosis co-infection in uveitis. Simultaneously, more studies have demonstrated that HIV can directly contribute to the incidence of uveitis. However, the detailed mechanism has not been studied. Immune recovery uveitis is diagnosed by exclusion, and recent studies have addressed the role of biomarkers in its diagnosis. This review highlights recent updates on HIV-related uveitis. Furthermore, it aims to draw the attention of infectious disease physicians and ophthalmologists to the ocular health of patients infected with HIV.
Association between SARS-CoV-2 Viral Load and Patient Symptoms and Clinical Outcomes Using Droplet Digital PCR
Authors: Hastie Elizabeth , Amogan Harold , Looney David , Mehta Sanjay R.
Published: February 2023

The association between nasopharyngeal (NP) SARS-CoV-2 viral loads and clinical outcomes remains debated. Here, we examined the factors that might predict the NP viral load and the role of the viral load as a predictor of clinical outcomes. A convenience sample of 955 positive remnant NP swab eluent samples collected during routine care between 18 November 2020 and 26 September 2021 was cataloged and a chart review was performed. For non-duplicate samples with available demographic and clinical data (i.e., non-employees), an aliquot of eluent was sent for a droplet digital PCR quantification of the SARS-CoV-2 viral load. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the clinical predictors of NP viral loads and the predictors of COVID-19-related clinical outcomes. Samples and data from 698 individuals were included in the final analysis. The sample cohort had a mean age of 50 years (range: 19–91); 86.6% were male and 76.3% were unvaccinated. The NP viral load was higher in people with respiratory symptoms (p = 0.0004) and fevers (p = 0.0006). In the predictive models for the clinical outcomes, the NP viral load approached a significance as a predictor for in-hospital mortality. In conclusion, the NP viral load did not appear to be a strong predictor of moderate-to-severe disease in the pre-Delta and Delta phases of the pandemic, but was predictive of symptomatic diseases and approached a significance for in-hospital mortality, providing support to the thesis that early viral control prevents the progression of disease.
A Review Focusing on Microbial Vertical Transmission during Sow Pregnancy
Authors: Liu Shengjun , Zhang Zixi , Ma Longteng
Published: February 2023

Microorganisms are closely related to the body’s physiological activities and growth and development of the body, and participate in many physiological metabolic activities. Analysis of the structure and source of early colonizing bacteria in the intestinal tract of humans and rodents shows that early colonizing bacteria in the intestinal tract of mammals have solid maternal characteristics, and maternal microbes play an essential role in the formation of progeny intestinal flora. The placental microbiome, maternal microbiome and breast milk microbiome are currently hot topics in the field of life science. This paper discusses the vertical transmission and endogenous sources of the mother-to-piglet microbiome through these three pathways, aiming to provide a new research idea for intervention in the intestinal microbiome in young piglets.
Nitrogen-Doped Core-Shell Mesoporous Carbonaceous Nanospheres for Effective Removal of Fluorine in Capacitive Deionization
Authors: Zhao Yubo , Li Kexun , Sheng Bangsong , Chen Feiyong , Song Yang
Published: February 2023

Fluorine pollution of wastewater is a global environmental problem. Capacitive deionization has unique advantages in the defluorination of fluorine-containing wastewater; however, the low electrosorption capacity significantly restricts its further development. To overcome this limitation, nitrogen-doped core-shell mesoporous carbonaceous nanospheres (NMCS) were developed in this study based on structural optimization and polarity enhancement engineering. The maximal electrosorption capacity of NMCS for fluorine reached 13.34 mg g−1, which was 24% higher than that of the undoped counterpart. NMCS also indicated excellent repeatability evidenced by little decrease of electrosorption capacity after 10 adsorption-regeneration cycles. According to material and electrochemical measurements, the doping of nitrogen into NMCS resulted in the improvement of physicochemical properties such as conductivity and wettability, the amelioration of pore structure and the transformation of morphology from yolk-shell to core-shell structure. It not only facilitated ion transportation but also improved the available adsorption sites, and thus led to enhancement of the defluorination performance of NMCS. The above results demonstrated that NMCS would be an excellent electrode material for high-capacity defluorination in CDI systems.
Novel Design of Double Slope Solar Distiller with Prismatic Absorber Basin, Linen Wicks, and Dual Parallel Spraying Nozzles: Experimental Investigation and Energic–Exergic-Economic Analyses
Authors: Zayed Mohamed E. , Kamal Abdallah , Diab Mohamed Ragab , Essa Fadl A. , Muskens Otto L. , Fujii Manabu , Elsheikh Ammar H.
Published: February 2023

Increasing the evaporation zone inside the solar distiller (SD) is a pivotal method for augmenting its freshwater production. Hence, in this work, a newly designed prismatic absorber basin covered by linen wicks was utilized instead of the conventional flat absorber basin to increase the surface area of the vaporization zone in a double-slope solar distiller (DSSD). Meanwhile, for further enhancement of modified DSSD performance, dual parallel spraying nozzles are incorporated underneath the glass cover as a saltwater feed supply to minimize the thickness of the saltwater film on the wick, which enhances the heating process of the wick surface and, consequently, the evaporation and condensation processes are improved. Two double slope distillers, namely a double slope solar distiller with wick prismatic basin and dual parallel spraying nozzles (DSSD-WPB&DPSN) and a traditional double slope solar distiller (TDSSD), are made and tested in the outdoor summer conditions of Tanta, Egypt (31° E and 30.5° N). A comparative energic–exergic-economic analysis of the two proposed solar stills is also conducted, in terms of the cumulative distillation yield, daily energy efficiency, daily exergy efficiency, and cost per liter of distilled yield. The present results show that the cumulative distillation yield of the DSSD-WPB&DPSN was 8.20 kg/m2·day, which is higher than that of the TDSSD by 49.64%. Furthermore, the energy and exergy efficiencies were increased by 48.51% and 118.10%, respectively, relative to TDSSD. Additionally, the life cost assessment reveals that the cost per liter of the distilled yield of the DSSD-WPB&DPSN is decreased by 11.13% compared to the TDSSD.
Quantification of Evapotranspiration and Water Chemistry in a Remediated Wetland in Everglades National Park, USA
Authors: Reio Dillon Nicholas , Price René M. , Melesse Assefa M. , Ross Michael
Published: February 2023

Similar to most wetlands, the Florida Everglades landscape was altered to promote agriculture and human settlement, significantly altering the natural hydrologic regime. Once former agricultural land located within Everglades National Park (ENP), the Hole-in-the-Donut (HID) wetland restoration program became the first mitigation bank project in Florida. The HID program utilized a restoration technique of complete soil removal to effectively eradicate an invasive plant species. This research investigated the effects of the vegetation and soil removal on the hydrologic conditions of the HID, specifically evapotranspiration and water chemistry. Annual evapotranspiration rates were determined for the region using remotely sensed data and compared to the acres restored over a 15-year period. Groundwater and surface waters were collected from both inside the HID and from adjacent areas within ENP for major cations and anions and total nutrient concentrations. Evapotranspiration rates were found to decrease from a mean of 1083.4 mm year−1 in the year 2000 to 891.6 mm year−1 in 2014 as the restored area increased to 4893 acres. Concentrations of ions and nutrients were lower in groundwater and surface water within the restored areas compared to adjacent areas. We conclude that the lack of soil cover (along with reduced evapotranspiration rates) contributed to the lower ion and nutrient concentrations in the surface water and groundwater within the HID.