bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective Extraction of Diazepam and Its Metabolites from Urine Samples by a Molecularly Imprinted Solid-Phase Extraction (MISPE) Method
Authors: Gil Tejedor Ana María , Bravo Yagüe Juan Carlos , Paniagua González Gema , Garcinuño Martínez Rosa María , Fernández Hernando Pilar
Published: February 2024

In this research, a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was synthesized by precipitation polymerization using oxazepam (OZ) as a template molecule and was subsequently applied as a selective sorbent for the extraction of diazepam (DZP) and its metabolites in urine samples using an SPE cartridge. OZ, temazepam (TZ), nordiazepam (NZ) and DZP were analyzed in the final extracts by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The SPE extraction steps were optimized, and the evaluation of an imprinting factor was carried out. The selectivity of the method for OZ versus structurally related benzodiazepines (BZDs), such as bromazepam (BRZ), tetrazepam (TTZ) and halazepam (HZ), was investigated. Under the optimum conditions, the proposed methodology provided good linearity in the range of 10–1500 ng/mL, with limit of detection values between 13.5 and 21.1 ng/mL and recovery levels for DZP and its metabolites from 89.0 to 93.9% (RSD ≤ 8%) at a concentration level of 1000 ng/mL. The proposed method exhibited good selectivity, precision and accuracy and was applied to the analysis of urine samples from a real case of DZP intake.
Study of a Novel Method to Weaken the Backmixing in a Multi-Inlet Vortex Mixer
Authors: Peng Han , Li Zhipeng , Cai Ziqi , Gao Zhengming
Published: February 2024

A new idea to deal with the backmixing problem in a scaled-up multi-inlet vortex mixer is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes–large-eddy simulation hybrid model was used to simulate the flow field in a vortex mixer, and the numerical simulation results were compared with those from a particle image velocimetry experiment in order to validate the shielded detached eddy simulation model in the rotating shear flow. Then, by adding a series of columns in the mixing chamber, the formation of wake vortexes was promoted. The flow field in the vortex mixer with different column arrangements were simulated, and the residence time distribution curves of the fluid were obtained. Meanwhile, the degree of backmixing in the vortex mixer was evaluated by means of a tanks-in-series model. In the total ten cases related with four groups of variables, it was found that increasing the diameter of the column was the most efficient for weakening the backmixing in the vortex mixer. Specifically, the vortexes made the kinetic energy of the fluid more evenly distributed in the center of the mixing chamber, thereby eliminating the low-pressure area. After structural adjustment, the number of equivalent mixers was increased by 55%, and the peak number of residence time distribution curves was reduced from four to one.
Drugs in Cyclodextrin in Liposomes: How a Suitable Formulation of an Active Substance Can Improve Its Efficiency?
Authors: Levet Gaspard , Krykun Serhii , Cornelio Benedetta , Pilato Serena , Moffa Samanta , Fontana Antonella , Gouhier Géraldine , Estour François
Published: February 2024

The design of new drug delivery systems has been widely sought after. The stability, solubility, and difficulty of targeting active sites for new drugs have always been challenging and remain one of the major drawbacks to the efficiency of certain drugs. Liposomes are phospholipid vesicles enclosing one or more aqueous compartments. Depending on its properties, a drug is embedded in the lipid bilayer or the aqueous medium. Thus, liposomes can act as drug carriers for both lipo- and hydrophilic compounds. New strategies such as “drug-in-cyclodextrin-in liposomes” (DCLs) have been developed as safe and effective carriers for exploiting the inclusion properties of water-soluble cyclodextrins known to form host–guest complexes with lipophilic molecules. Once inclusion complexes are formed, they can be inserted into a liposome aqueous core in order to stabilize it and better control the drug release. Our review will provide an update on the use of DCLs in the field of drug delivery for various kinds of active compounds. While previous reviews focused on the interesting advantages of using this method, such as enhancing the solubility and stability of a drug or controlling and improving drug release, the authors intend to highlight the impact of these nanocarriers on the pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic properties of drugs.
Synthetic Data for Sentinel-2 Semantic Segmentation
Authors: Clabaut Étienne , Foucher Samuel , Bouroubi Yacine , Germain Mickaël
Published: February 2024

Satellite observations provide critical data for a myriad of applications, but automated information extraction from such vast datasets remains challenging. While artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning methods, offers promising solutions for land cover classification, it often requires massive amounts of accurate, error-free annotations. This paper introduces a novel approach to generate a segmentation task dataset with minimal human intervention, thus significantly reducing annotation time and potential human errors. ‘Samples’ extracted from actual imagery were utilized to construct synthetic composite images, representing 10 segmentation classes. A DeepResUNet was solely trained on this synthesized dataset, eliminating the need for further fine-tuning. Preliminary findings demonstrate impressive generalization abilities on real data across various regions of Quebec. We endeavored to conduct a quantitative assessment without reliance on manually annotated data, and the results appear to be comparable, if not superior, to models trained on genuine datasets.
Can a Small Change in the Heterocyclic Substituent Significantly Impact the Physicochemical and Biological Properties of (Z)-2-(5-Benzylidene-4-oxo-2-thioxothiazolidin-3-yl)acetic Acid Derivatives?
Authors: Szlapa-Kula Agata , Kula Slawomir , Kaźmierski Łukasz , Biernasiuk Anna , Krawczyk Przemysław
Published: February 2024

Rhodanine-3-acetic acid derivatives are attractive compounds with versatile effects. What is very important is that compounds of this type have many biological properties. They are tested, among others, as fluorescent probes for bioimaging and aldose reductase inhibitors. Rhodanine-3-acetic acid derivatives also have antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer activity. The presented work demonstrates that a slight change in the five-membered heterocyclic substituent significantly affects the properties of the compounds under consideration. Three rhodanine-3-acetic acid derivatives (A-1–A-3) were obtained in the Knoevenagel condensation reaction with good yields, ranging from 54% to 71%. High thermal stability of the tested compounds was also demonstrated above 240 °C. The absorption and emission maxima in polar and non-polar solvents were determined. Then, the possibility of using the considered derivatives for fluorescence bioimaging was checked. Compounds A-1 and A-2 were successfully used as fluorescent dyes of fixed cells of mammalian origin. In addition, biological activity tests against bacteria and fungi were carried out. Our results showed that A-1 and A-2 showed the most excellent antimicrobial activity among the newly synthesized compounds, especially against Gram-positive bacteria.
Missing Data Statistics Provide Causal Insights into Data Loss in Diabetes Health Monitoring by Wearable Sensors
Authors: Braem Carlijn I. R. , Yavuz Utku S. , Hermens Hermie J. , Veltink Peter H.
Published: February 2024

Background: Data loss in wearable sensors is an inevitable problem that leads to misrepresentation during diabetes health monitoring. We systematically investigated missing wearable sensors data to get causal insight into the mechanisms leading to missing data. Methods: Two-week-long data from a continuous glucose monitor and a Fitbit activity tracker recording heart rate (HR) and step count in free-living patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were used. The gap size distribution was fitted with a Planck distribution to test for missing not at random (MNAR) and a difference between distributions was tested with a Chi-squared test. Significant missing data dispersion over time was tested with the Kruskal–Wallis test and Dunn post hoc analysis. Results: Data from 77 subjects resulted in 73 cleaned glucose, 70 HR and 68 step count recordings. The glucose gap sizes followed a Planck distribution. HR and step count gap frequency differed significantly (p < 0.001), and the missing data were therefore MNAR. In glucose, more missing data were found in the night (23:00–01:00), and in step count, more at measurement days 6 and 7 (p < 0.001). In both cases, missing data were caused by insufficient frequency of data synchronization. Conclusions: Our novel approach of investigating missing data statistics revealed the mechanisms for missing data in Fitbit and CGM data.
Contextualizing the Smart City in Africa: Balancing Human-Centered and Techno-Centric Perspectives for Smart Urban Performance
Authors: Moumen Nessrine , Radoine Hassan , Nahiduzzaman Kh Md , Jarar Oulidi Hassane
Published: February 2024

The continuous growth of urban populations and the complexities of their current management in Africa have driven local governments to explore new technologies to optimize their urban and territorial performance. These governments and related stakeholders’ resort to the term “smart city” to orient the current urban planning policies and practices to be more efficient and adequate. Nevertheless, the issue that remains is how to contextualize this global term that has not yet been fully adopted by African cities that have claimed to be “Smart”. This contextualization becomes more complex in this critical context, where the city has not yet reached an ideal performance. Therefore, to reach this prospective African smart city, a critical review of how it would be both human-centered and techno-centered is imperative. This paper would review accordingly the above argument and set key performance indicator-based methodology on how to evaluate the smartness of a city in the African context.
Affirmative Action Policies in Higher Education in Brazil: Outcomes and Future Challenges
Authors: Heringer Rosana
Published: February 2024

This article presents the results of broad research developed by a group of Brazilian scholars to make an assessment of affirmative action policies in admissions to higher education in Brazil, namely the quota legislation in place since 2012, which reserves places for lower-income, Afro-Brazilians and indigenous students in federal universities. The research has been developed through a combination of methods including analysis of secondary data, case studies in six federal universities, and interviews with university leadership and faculty members. The article presents the main results of the study, including the effect of quota legislation in diversifying the profile of higher education students in the last decade. It shows that a significant proportion of Afro-Brazilian students have been able to access good-quality higher education because of this legislation. The article concludes by presenting some challenges faced by quota students in federal universities, especially related to student support policies and a sense of belonging. It also presents recommendations to improve these policies.
Climate Change and Jump Dispersal Drive Invasion of the Rosy Wolfsnail (Euglandina rosea) in the United States
Authors: Mills Dana H. , McKinney Michael L.
Published: February 2024

The rosy wolfsnail (Euglandina rosea) is a carnivorous, highly detrimental invader in many parts of the world. Although its negative impact on endemic island mollusk populations has been well documented, little is known about its range expansion in North America, where populations are not constrained by oceanic barriers. In this study, we present three compelling lines of evidence indicating significant ongoing and projected geographic range expansion of E. rosea: (1) We analyze the current range using data from iNaturalist; (2) we report on the demographics and persistence of an isolated extra-limital satellite population in Nashville, Tennessee, since its discovery in 2006; and (3) we employ a predictive ecological model that incorporates environmental variables indicating that the range expansion will continue into the central U.S. well beyond its present range. The findings of this study shed light on the underlying mechanisms behind the invasion of this species. First, the invasion is frequently associated with jump dispersal events, which are often linked to horticultural and landscaping activities. Second, the establishment and proliferation of satellite populations are facilitated by common landscape management practices, such as irrigation, as well as the urban heat island effect (UHI). Third, there is a possible synergistic interplay between the UHI effect and climate change that accelerates the range expansion via global warming.
The Sustained Response of Dissolved Inorganic Carbon to Urban Constructed Wetland in the Fenhe River, China: A Case Study
Authors: Dang Jiajia , Zhang Meifang , Li Yunxiao
Published: February 2024

Sustained wetland utilization has been effective in purifying urban riverine pollutants and promoting sustainable development. However, its effect on water CO2 system remains unclear in semi-arid areas. In this study, seasonal monitoring of the carbonate system was performed at two compared stations, i.e., in constructed wetland (Xiangyun station) and its upstream (Lancun station) in a semi-arid river (the Fenhe River) in China. As indicated by the result of the sustained monthly observation from May 2020 to May 2021, riverine dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) reached 30.9–46.7 mg L−1 and 524–1050 μatm in Lancun station, respectively, whereas the above-described values declined significantly in Xiangyun station with the values of 24.1–39.1 mg L−1 for DIC and 188–873 μatm for pCO2. Compared with the Lancun station where the carbonate system was primarily controlled by natural factors (e.g., carbonate weathering and temperature), significant aquatic photosynthesis and calcification precipitation due to constructed wetland triggered the decrease in DIC and pCO2 and dominated their temporal variation in Xiangyun station. Thus, the large CO2 reduction arising from constructed wetlands may create vital paths for CO2 neutralization and sustainable conservation in urban rivers in arid and semi-arid areas in the future.
Global Value Chain Participation, Employment Structure, and Urban–Rural Income Gap in the Context of Sustainable Development
Authors: Liu Shuguang , Tang Xiaowen , Zhao Yubin
Published: February 2024

Currently, the trend of globalization is evident, and global value chain participation has had a significant impact on the urban–rural income gap in China. This article takes sustainable development as the background and constructs a theoretical mechanism for the impact of global value chain participation on the urban–rural income gap and uses a two-way fixed effects model to empirically test data from 30 provinces in China from 2005 to 2014. Research finds that global value chain participation significantly widens the urban–rural income gap. Compared to the central and western regions, the participation of the eastern region in the global value chain has a more significant effect on widening the urban–rural income gap. Further research has found that employment structure plays a partial mediating role in the process of global value chain participation in widening the urban–rural income gap. The factor endowment structure and industrial structure upgrading can significantly strengthen the mechanism of global value chain participation in optimizing the employment structure. This article’s research findings have significant practical implications for reducing the income gap between urban and rural areas and fostering sustainable development in both.
Experimental Investigations of the Hydrogen Injectors on the Combustion Characteristics and Performance of a Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine
Authors: Huang Min , Luo Qinghe , Sun Baigang , Zhang Shiwei , Wang Kangda , Bao Lingzhi , Li Qian , Tang Xuelin , Deng Wei
Published: February 2024

Hydrogen is regarded as an ideal zero-carbon fuel for an internal combustion engine. However, the low mass flow rate of the hydrogen injector and the low volume heat value of the hydrogen strongly restrict the enhancement of the hydrogen engine performance. This experimental study compared the effects of single-injectors and double-injectors on the engine performance, combustion pressure, heat release rate, and the coefficient of variation (CoVIMEP) based on a single-cylinder 0.5 L port fuel injection hydrogen engine. The results indicated that the number of hydrogen injectors significantly influences the engine performance. The maximum brake power is improved from 4.3 kW to 6.12 kW when adding the injector. The test demonstrates that the utilization of the double-injector leads to a reduction in hydrogen obstruction in the intake manifold, consequently minimizing the pumping losses. The pump mean effective pressure decreased from −0.049 MPa in the single-injector condition to −0.029 MPa in the double-injector condition with the medium loads. Furthermore, the double-injector exhibits excellent performance in reducing the coefficient of variation. The maximum CoVIMEP decreased from 2.18% in the single-injector configuration to 1.92% in the double-injector configuration. This result provides new insights for optimizing hydrogen engine injector design and optimizing the combustion process.
Evaluation of the Evolution of the Ecological Security of Oases in Arid Regions and Its Driving Forces: A Case Study of Ejina Oasis in China
Authors: Shi Xiaowei , Jiang Xiaohui , Liu Yihan , Wu Quanlong , Zhang Yichi , Li Xiuqiao
Published: February 2024

Ecological security is an important guarantee of human security and survival, closely related to sustainable development. However, the ecological security evaluation and driving force analysis of oases in arid areas is still insufficient. Ejina Oasis’s ecological security has experienced significant shifts following the centralized management of the Heihe River’s water allocation. Understanding the shifts in ecological security in the Ejina region is paramount for the oasis’s long-term sustainability. This paper employed the Pressure–State–Response (P–S–R) model to select socioeconomic and ecological indicators, establish a comprehensive ecological security evaluation index system, and then analyze the evolving ecological security in the region. Additionally, this paper explored the relationship between changes in the water area, oasis area, and ecological security by using the gray correlation degree to quantify the influence of Land Use Changes (LUCCs) on the overall ecological security. From 2000 to 2012, the ecological security index of Ejina Oasis remained relatively stable at around 0.4. However, a noticeable upward trend in the ecological security index emerged from 2012 to 2020, indicating a shift toward improved ecological security in the region. Critical determinants of this change included the habitat degradation degree, total population, habitat quality, carbon stock, fractional vegetation cover (FVC), the proportion of tertiary industry, and the volume of water discharged from Wolf Heart Mountain. The degree of habitat degradation, fractional vegetation cover (FVC), and the proportion of tertiary industry had the greatest impact on the change in ecological security. The pressure index was dominant in influencing ecological security before 2012 but gradually transitioned to the state index. This study offers a valuable framework for assessing the intricate relationship between LUCCs and ecological security in water-scarce, arid-region oases.
Geometry and Kinematics of Northmost Yilan-Yitong Fault Zone, China: Insights from Shallow Seismic Data and Field Investigation
Authors: Wei Qinghai , Ha Guanghao , Min Wei , Zhu Menghao
Published: February 2024

Detailed geological and geomorphological evidence has suggested that the Yilan-Yitong fault (YYF), one of the key branches of the Tancheng-Lujiang fault zone in northeastern China, has been an active fault since the Holocene that has extended from Liaoning Province to far-eastern Asia. However, there are no clear fault traces or late Quaternary active features northeast of Tangyuan County. In this study, we carried out shallow seismic reflection exploration, field geological investigation, and trench excavation across the YYF north of Tangyuan. The results revealed that the YYF is composed of two main branches: the west YYF branch is a late Pleistocene active fault, and the east one is a middle-to-early Pleistocene fault. In Heli Town, the west branch of YYF presents fault scarps with heights of ~0.6 m. Across the scarps, we excavated a trench, and we propose that the YYF displaced the late Pleistocene to Holocene deposits, as this was indicated by the geochronological data. The seismic reflection data and sedimentary sequence revealed that the YYF north of Tangyuan is composed of three tectonic belts: the western depression, the central bulge, and the eastern depression. Each tectonic belt is composed of several small folds formed from the end of the Paleogene to the beginning of the Neogene. After the Neogene, different subsidence and uplift events occurred in various parts of the YYF, and after the early Pleistocene, the fault showed a consistent subsidence.
Enhancing Digital Innovation Ecosystem Resilience through the Interplay of Organizational, Technological, and Environmental Factors: A Study of 31 Provinces in China Using NCA and fsQCA
Authors: Zhang Ming , Cheng Ruoran , Fei Jiabao , Khanal Ribesh
Published: February 2024

Digital innovation ecosystems are currently experiencing a period of growth and are navigating uncertain environments. Improving resilience is an important prerequisite for ensuring sustainable developments. This study, based on the technology, organization, and environment (TOE) framework, examines the impact of multilevel antecedent conditions on digital innovation ecosystem resilience using data from 31 Chinese provinces. By applying a necessary condition analysis (NCA) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), this study reveals complex causal relationships between five antecedents at the “technology–organization–environment” levels and digital innovation ecosystem resilience, along with the improvement paths of digital innovation ecosystem resilience. The results show the following: Firstly, individual antecedent conditions alone do not constitute necessary conditions for high or non-high digital innovation ecosystem resilience. Secondly, there are five configuration paths leading to high digital innovation ecosystem resilience, namely, a digital technology-enabled organization–environment-driven type (H1a), an organization–environment dual-wheel-driven type (H1b), a digital technology-led environment-driven type (H2), a technology–organization–environment trilateral type (H3), and a pressure–organization-driven type (H4). Thirdly, three configuration paths result in non-high digital innovation ecosystem resilience, exhibiting an asymmetric relationship with paths associated with the configuration paths of high digital innovation ecosystem resilience. Finally, potential substitution relationships exist among antecedent conditions at the technological, organizational, and environmental levels.
Vehicle Driving Behavior Analysis and Unified Modeling in Urban Road Scenarios
Authors: Zhang Li , Qu Dayi , Zhang Xiaojing , Dai Shouchen , Wang Qikun
Published: February 2024

To improve the simulation accuracy and efficiency of microscopic urban traffic, a unified modeling method considering the behavioral characteristics of vehicle drivers is proposed by considering the lane-changing vehicles on the inlet lanes of signalized intersections and their approach following vehicles on the target lanes as research objects. Based on the driver’s multidirectional, multi-vehicle anticipation ability and introducing lateral vehicle influence coefficients, the full velocity difference car-following model was extended to microscopic traffic models that consider the driver’s capacity for multi-directional, multi-vehicle anticipation. The extended model can describe longitudinal movements of lane changing and car followers using lateral vehicle influential parameters. The influences of traffic control signals and the type of lane change on drivers’ decisions were integrated into the model by reformulating the optimal velocity function of the basic car following the model. Similar modeling methods and components were applied to formulate four groups of experimental models and one group of test models. Vehicle trajectory data and manual observations were collected on urban arteries to calibrate and evaluate the research models, experimental models, and test models. The results show that the car-following behavior is more sensitive to the variation in the status of the lateral moving vehicle and change of lane-changing type compared to lane-changing behavior during the lane-changing process. In addition, when lane changing gradually encroaches on the target lane, the vehicle observes the driving conditions and adjusts its driving behaviors differently. This research helps to analyze travel characteristics and influence mechanisms of vehicles on urban roads, which is a guide for the future development of sustainable transportation and self-driving vehicles and promoting the efficient operation of urban transportation systems.
Evaluation of the Impact of Informal Settlements on the Physical and Mental Health of Residents—Case Study Santa Marta—Bogotá, Colombia
Authors: Torres Parra Camilo Alberto , Saldeño Madero Yelinca Nalena , González Méndez Mauricio , Fasolino Isidoro , Villegas Flores Noé , Grimaldi Michele , Carrillo Acosta Natalia , Cicalese Federica
Published: February 2024

The growth of the informal city in Latin America has caused its own dynamics related to urban unsustainability due to the disorderly occupation of the territory. The precarious characteristics of informal neighborhoods have increased the mortality processes in their inhabitants, increasing the poverty and marginality indexes in Latin American urban settlements. This work was developed within the international research project “Modeling informality in Latin America based on indicators of sustainable urban development. Case study Yomasa, Bogotá-Colombia”. This work was developed under the mixed research approach which allowed focusing on a nested concurrent design of dominant model (DIAC), which was carried out in the Santa Marta sector of the locality of Ciudad Bolivar, in Bogotá Colombia, with the participation of 20 people from the studied community and supported by 16 students of Civil Engineering of the Catholic University of Colombia. The work resulted in a total of 31 indicators related to neighborhood informality, 17 impacts on the territory, and 8 pathologies, establishing the intrinsic relationship between informality, poverty, and public health of the inhabitant at the urban level.
A Formulation Model for Computations to Estimate the Lifecycle Cost of NiZn Batteries
Authors: Malviya Ashwani Kumar , Zarehparast Malekzadeh Mehdi , Santarremigia Francisco Enrique , Molero Gemma Dolores , Villalba-Sanchis Ignacio , Yepes Victor
Published: February 2024

The increasing demand for electricity and the electrification of various sectors require more efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions. This paper focuses on the novel rechargeable nickel–zinc battery (RNZB) technology, which has the potential to replace the conventional nickel–cadmium battery (NiCd), in terms of safety, performance, environmental impact, and cost. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive and systematic analysis of RNZBs by modeling their lifecycle cost (LCC) from cradle to grave. This paper also applies this LCC model to estimate costs along the RNZB’s lifecycle in both cases: per kilogram of battery mass and per kilowatt hour of energy released. This model is shown to be reliable by comparing its results with costs provided by recognized software used for LCC analysis. A comparison of LCCs for three widely used battery technologies: lead–acid, Li-ion LFP, and NMC batteries, which can be market competitors of NiZn, is also provided. The study concludes that the NiZn battery was found to be the cheapest throughout its entire lifecycle, with NiZn Formulation 1 being the cheapest option. The cost per unit of energy released was also found to be the lowest for NiZn batteries. The current research pain points are the availability of data for nickel–zinc batteries, which are in the research and development phase, while other battery types are already widely used in energy storage. This paper recommends taking into account the location factor of infrastructures, cost of machinery, storage, number of suppliers of raw materials, amount of materials transported in each shipment, and the value of materials recovered after the battery recycling process to further reduce costs throughout the battery’s lifecycle. This LCC model can be also used for other energy storage technologies and serve as objective functions for optimization in further developments.
A Master’s Course Can Emphasize Circular Economy in Municipal Solid Waste Management: Evidence from the University of Pisa
Authors: Pisuttu Claudia , Adducci Francesca , Arena Sofia , Bigongiali Daniela , Callea Liliangela , Carmignani Paolo , Cavicchi Alessio , Chianura Mariagrazia , Ciulli Luisa , Contaldo Marianna , Cotrozzi Lorenzo , D’Alessandro Claudia , Ferrara Annapia , Fiaccadori Ivan , Gajda Besmira , Guarnieri Chiara , Landi Marco , Lanini Luca , Lomuto Rocco Roberto , Lucente Daniela , Lugli Cristina , Maffei Francesca , Marconi Francesca , Micale Silvia , Mignani Chiara , Nali Cristina , Pellegrini Elisa , Scarongella Vito , Tomasi Sabrina , Vatteroni Carolina , Lorenzini Giacomo
Published: February 2024

Municipal solid waste (MSW) represents a significant global threat, which has to be managed by a model of production and consumption involving the sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling of existing materials and products for as long as possible, otherwise known as a circular economy (CE). However, there is not a universal rule for waste recycling strategies, and it has been demonstrated that active public participation is crucial in the satisfactory management of waste. In this context, citizen participation and education are two interrelated approaches, which can help to engage and inform people regarding waste and its wider impact. The present study describes the development of an interdisciplinary hackathon (hackathons are events whereby individuals from different backgrounds are brought together to work on the solutions to different problems), targeted to students of a postgraduate Master’s course on Sustainable Development and Climate Change in order to develop and understand the MSW problems and priorities currently being targeted, with the aim to propose new potential solutions for MSW reduction, reuse, and recycling. Following an empirical approach, four working groups were established and assigned the following specific tasks: (i) communication/citizen education on MSW; (ii) the reduction of MSW production; (iii) innovative solutions to recover and enhance secondary raw materials deriving from MSW processing; and (iv) the eco-design of the cities of the future concerning CE principles applied to MSW recycling. Overall, the following main findings were derived from the hackathon event: (i) an essential objective of the CE strategy is to drive Europe’s internal market towards the production and consumption of more sustainable products, thus reducing environmental and social pressures, while still retaining value; (ii) the most effective ways of tackling environmental problems are to ‘change the way we consume’, as well as to ‘change the way we produce and trade’, with the responsibility shared between businesses, governments, and the EU, as well as the citizens themselves. In this scenario, research and innovation play a key role in driving the necessary systemic changes to reach climate neutrality and ensure an inclusive ecological and economic transition. Overall, the present study confirms how the hackathon represents an effective tool to engage citizens in participation and education.
Eco-Innovative Construction: Integrating Green Roofs Design within the BIM Framework
Authors: Cascone Stefano
Published: February 2024

This research delves into the integration of green roofs elements and parameters with Building Information Modeling (BIM), a pivotal advancement in sustainable urban construction. Aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11, this study explores how this integration can address global challenges like climate change and resource depletion. Using the Dynamo Visual Programming Language within Autodesk Revit, this research develops a computational modeling approach for green roofs, focusing on their thermal and structural characteristics under varied environmental conditions. Key findings demonstrate the significant influence of substrate and drainage material combinations on green roofs’ thermal performance, highlighting the need for tailored designs based on climatic conditions. This study also emphasizes the importance of considering structural performance in both dry and saturated conditions for overall building integrity. This research identifies gaps in current practices, such as limited focus on specific green roof materials and reliance on certain software tools, suggesting the need for broader material selection and software adaptability. Future research directions include expanding material selections, exploring diverse environmental conditions, and integrating green roofs elements and parameters with various BIM software platforms. This study’s implications extend to stakeholders in the construction industry, offering a framework for architects, urban planners, and policymakers to design and implement green roofs aligned with environmental goals. This work contributes to the field by proposing a novel approach to sustainable construction, integrating ecological design with digital technology, and setting a new benchmark in the integration of green roofs design with BIM. By addressing these aspects, this research paves the way for future developments in sustainable urban construction, enhancing the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of urban communities in line with global sustainability objectives.
Energy Transition in Vietnam: A Strategic Analysis and Forecast
Authors: Nguyen Minh Phuong , Ponomarenko Tatiana , Nguyen Nga
Published: February 2024

Energy landscapes in Asia and other regions are currently undergoing a transformation aimed at increasing the share of clean energy sources. This article analyzes and forecasts the electricity demand in Vietnam, examining existing constraints that necessitate the shift from coal to renewable energy sources. The rapid economic growth in Vietnam is driving a substantial surge in electricity demand, projected to reach 124 thousand MW by 2030 according to the National Electricity Plan, positioning Vietnam second in Southeast Asia. This surge poses a significant challenge to national energy security, given the impracticality of effective coal mining in the country and the imperative to develop renewable energy sources. Anticipating the changes in Vietnam’s energy mix by 2050, this study foresees a substantial reduction in dependence on coal production. Government investment and green energy investment funds such as JETP are strategically directed towards renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, biomass, hydrogen energy, and efficient energy storage technologies. Consequently, this research substantiates the viability of an energy transition from coal to green energy in Vietnam. The article presents an assessment of the rate of replacing coal with renewable energy sources, taking into consideration various scenarios for economic development, energy consumption growth, and the utilization of renewable energy sources.
Modeling the Properties of Sustainable Self-Compacting Concrete Containing Marble and Glass Powder Wastes Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Aidjouli Youcef , Belebchouche Cherif , Hammoudi Abdelkader , Kadri El-Hadj , Zaouai Said , Czarnecki Slawomir
Published: February 2024

This study aims to apply the response surface methodology (RSM) to develop a statistical model that predicts and models the performance of both the fresh and hardened properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC). RSM was used to model processes involving three variables: the water/binder ratio, and the percentages of waste marble, and glass powder. Tests, including slump flow diameter, sieve stability, and L-box, were carried out to evaluate the fresh properties of the self-compacting concrete; compressive strength was analyzed at 7, 28, and 90 days. Statistical significance was only observed in the water/binder ratio for both the slump flow and sieve stability tests. Furthermore, these results indicate that the models used in the compressive strength tests demonstrate a high statistical significance for all ages. The findings suggest that incorporating waste marble powder (MP) and glass powder (GP) in SCC necessitates a significant amount of superplasticizer to counteract the workability loss, and it improves the compressive strength of SCC. The coefficients analyzed using the RSM approach validate its effectiveness as a predictive tool for determining the hardened properties of self-compacting concrete.
Reply to Jalink, M.B. Comment on “Senthilkumaran et al. Bilateral Simultaneous Optic Neuritis Following Envenomations by Indian Cobra and Common Krait. Toxins 2022, 14, 805”
Authors: Senthilkumaran Subramanian , Miller Stephen W. , Williams Harry F. , Thirumalaikolundusubramanian Ponniah , Patel Ketan , Vaiyapuri Sakthivel
Published: February 2024

We thank the author for showing interest in our article [...]
Periodic Behavior of Selected Solar, Geomagnetic and Cosmic Activity Indices during Solar Cycle 24
Authors: Kilcik Ali , Rozelot Jean-Pierre , Ozguc Atila
Published: February 2024

In this study, we performed periodicity analyses of selected daily solar (flare index, coronal index, number of coronal mass ejections), geomagnetic (planetary equivalent range index, disturbance storm time index, interplanetary magnetic field) and cosmic ray indices for the last Solar Cycle 24 (from December 2008 to December 2019). To study the periodic variation of the above-listed datasets, the following analysis methods were applied; multi-taper method, Morlet wavelet, cross-wavelet transform and wavelet coherence analysis. The outcome of our analyses revealed the following. (i) The 25–33 days solar rotation periodicities exist in all datasets without any exception in the MTM power spectra. (ii) Except for the solar rotation periodicity, all periods show data preference, and they appear around the investigated cycle’s maximum phase. (iii) When comparing the phase relations between periodicities in the used datasets, they exhibit a gradual transition from small to large periods. For short-term periodicities, there are no phase relations but a mixed phase, whereas for high periodicities, there are complete phase/antiphase transitions. (iv) All identified flare index periodicities are common to all other datasets examined in this investigation.
Discovery of a Novel Antiviral Effect of the Restriction Factor SPOC1 against Human Cytomegalovirus
Authors: Kuderna Anna K. , Reichel Anna , Tillmanns Julia , Class Maja , Scherer Myriam , Stamminger Thomas
Published: February 2024

The chromatin-remodeler SPOC1 (PHF13) is a transcriptional co-regulator and has been identified as a restriction factor against various viruses, including human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). For HCMV, SPOC1 was shown to block the onset of immediate-early (IE) gene expression under low multiplicities of infection (MOI). Here, we demonstrate that SPOC1-mediated restriction of IE expression is neutralized by increasing viral titers. Interestingly, our study reveals that SPOC1 exerts an additional antiviral function beyond the IE phase of HCMV replication. Expression of SPOC1 under conditions of high MOI resulted in severely impaired viral DNA replication and viral particle release, which may be attributed to inefficient viral transcription. With the use of click chemistry, the localization of viral DNA was investigated at late time points after infection. Intriguingly, we detected a co-localization of SPOC1, RNA polymerase II S5P and polycomb repressor complex 2 (PRC2) components in close proximity to viral DNA in areas that are hypothesized to harbor viral transcription sites. We further identified the N-terminal domain of SPOC1 to be responsible for interaction with EZH2, a subunit of the PRC2 complex. With this study, we report a novel and potent antiviral function of SPOC1 against HCMV that is efficient even with unrestricted IE gene expression.
Recent Advances on Targeting Proteases for Antiviral Development
Authors: Borges Pedro Henrique Oliveira , Ferreira Sabrina Baptista , Silva Floriano Paes
Published: February 2024

Viral proteases are an important target for drug development, since they can modulate vital pathways in viral replication, maturation, assembly and cell entry. With the (re)appearance of several new viruses responsible for causing diseases in humans, like the West Nile virus (WNV) and the recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), understanding the mechanisms behind blocking viral protease’s function is pivotal for the development of new antiviral drugs and therapeutical strategies. Apart from directly inhibiting the target protease, usually by targeting its active site, several new pathways have been explored to impair its activity, such as inducing protein aggregation, targeting allosteric sites or by inducing protein degradation by cellular proteasomes, which can be extremely valuable when considering the emerging drug-resistant strains. In this review, we aim to discuss the recent advances on a broad range of viral proteases inhibitors, therapies and molecular approaches for protein inactivation or degradation, giving an insight on different possible strategies against this important class of antiviral target.
Avian H6 Influenza Viruses in Vietnamese Live Bird Markets during 2018–2021
Authors: Guan Lizheng , Babujee Lavanya , Presler Robert , Pattinson David , Nguyen Hang Le Khanh , Hoang Vu Mai Phuong , Le Mai Quynh , Bakel Harm van , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Neumann Gabriele
Published: February 2024

Avian influenza viruses of the H6 subtype are prevalent in wild ducks and likely play an important role in the ecology of influenza viruses through reassortment with other avian influenza viruses. Yet, only 152 Vietnamese H6 virus sequences were available in GISAID (Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data) prior to this study with the most recent sequences being from 2018. Through surveillance in Vietnamese live bird markets from 2018 to 2021, we identified 287 samples containing one or several H6 viruses and other influenza A virus subtypes, demonstrating a high rate of co-infections among birds in Vietnamese live bird markets. For the 132 H6 samples with unique influenza virus sequences, we conducted phylogenetic and genetic analyses. Most of the H6 viruses were similar to each other and closely related to other H6 viruses; however, signs of reassortment with other avian influenza viruses were evident. At the genetic level, the Vietnamese H6 viruses characterized in our study encode a single basic amino acid at the HA cleavage site, consistent with low pathogenicity in poultry. The Vietnamese H6 viruses analyzed here possess an amino acid motif in HA that confers binding to both avian- and human-type receptors on host cells, consistent with their ability to infect mammals. The frequent detection of H6 viruses in Vietnamese live bird markets, the high rate of co-infections of birds with different influenza viruses, and the dual receptor-binding specificity of these viruses warrant their close monitoring for potential infection and spread among mammals.
Exploring the Interplay between COVID-19 and Gut Health: The Potential Role of Prebiotics and Probiotics in Immune Support
Authors: Giovanetti Marta , Pannella Gianfranco , Altomare Annamaria , Rocchi Giulia , Guarino Michele , Ciccozzi Massimo , Riva Elisabetta , Gherardi Giovanni
Published: February 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted global health, leading to extensive research focused on developing strategies to enhance outbreak response and mitigate the disease’s severity. In the aftermath of the pandemic, attention has shifted towards understanding and addressing long-term health implications, particularly in individuals experiencing persistent symptoms, known as long COVID. Research into potential interventions to alleviate long COVID symptoms has intensified, with a focus on strategies to support immune function and mitigate inflammation. One area of interest is the gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in regulating immune responses and maintaining overall health. Prebiotics and probiotics, known for their ability to modulate the gut microbiota, have emerged as potential therapeutic agents in bolstering immune function and reducing inflammation. This review delves into the intricate relationship between long COVID, the gut microbiota, and immune function, with a specific focus on the role of prebiotics and probiotics. We examine the immune response to long COVID, emphasizing the importance of inflammation and immune regulation in the persistence of symptoms. The potential of probiotics in modulating immune responses, including their mechanisms in combating viral infections such as COVID-19, is discussed in detail. Clinical evidence supporting the use of probiotics in managing long COVID symptoms is summarized, highlighting their role as adjunctive therapy in addressing various aspects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its aftermath.
Poliovirus-Neutralizing Antibody Seroprevalence and Vaccine Habits in a Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Outbreak Region in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2018: The Impact on the Global Eradication Initiative
Authors: Halbrook Megan , Gadoth Adva , Mukadi Patrick , Hoff Nicole A. , Musene Kamy , Dzogang Camille , Sinai Cyrus Shannon , Spencer D’Andre , Ngoie-Mwamba Guillaume , Tangney Sylvia , Salet Frank , Nyembwe Michel , Kambamba Nzaji Michel , Tambu Merly , Mbala Placide , Fuller Trevon , Gerber Sue K. , Kaba Didine , Muyembe-Tamfum Jean Jacques , Rimoin Anne W.
Published: February 2024

Despite the successes in wild-type polio eradication, poor vaccine coverage in the DRC has led to the occurrence of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks. This cross-sectional population-based survey provides an update to previous poliovirus-neutralizing antibody seroprevalence studies in the DRC and quantifies risk factors for under-immunization and parental knowledge that guide vaccine decision making. Among the 964 children between 6 and 35 months in our survey, 43.8% (95% CI: 40.6–47.0%), 41.1% (38.0–44.2%), and 38.0% (34.9–41.0%) had protective neutralizing titers to polio types 1, 2, and 3, respectively. We found that 60.7% of parents reported knowing about polio, yet 25.6% reported knowing how it spreads. Our data supported the conclusion that polio outreach efforts were successfully connecting with communities—79.4% of participants had someone come to their home with information about polio, and 88.5% had heard of a polio vaccination campaign. Additionally, the odds of seroreactivity to only serotype 2 were far greater in health zones that had a history of supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) compared to health zones that did not. While SIAs may be reaching under-vaccinated communities as a whole, these results are a continuation of the downward trend of seroprevalence rates in this region.