bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Integrated Model for the Geohazard Accident Duration on a Regional Mountain Road Network Using Text Data
Authors: Bai Shumin , Ji Xiaofeng , Dai Bingyou , Pu Yongming , Qin Wenwen
Published: September 2022

A mountainous road network with special geological and meteorological characteristics is extremely vulnerable to nonrecurring accidents, such as traffic crashes and geohazard breakdowns. Geohazard accidents significantly impact the operation of the road network. Timely and accurate prediction of how long geohazard accidents will last is of significant importance to regional traffic safety management and control schemes. However, none of the existing studies focus on the topic of predicting geohazard accident duration on regional large-scale road networks. To fill this gap, this paper proposes an approach integrated with the Kaplan–Meier (K-M) model and random survival forest (RSF) model for geohazard accident duration prediction based on text data collected from mountainous road networks in Yunnan, China. The results indicate that geohazard accidents in road networks have a strong aggregation in tectonically active, steep mountainous, and fragmented areas. Especially the time of the rainy season, and the morning peak, brings high incident occurrences. In addition, accident type, secondary accidents, impounded vehicles or personnel, morning rush hour, closed roads, and accident management level significantly affect the duration of road geohazards. The RSF model was 0.756 and 0.867 in terms of the C-index and the average area under the curve, respectively, outperforming the traditional hazard model (Cox proportional hazards regression) and other survival machine learning models (survival support vector machine). Without censored data, the mean absolute error and mean squared error of the RSF model were 11.32 and 346.99, respectively, which were higher than the machine learning models (random forest and extreme gradient boosting model).
How Is Building Sustainability Understood?—A Study of Research Papers and Sustainability Reports
Authors: Isaksson Raine , Rosvall Max , Espuny Maximilian , Nunhes Thais Vieira , de Oliveira Otávio José
Published: September 2022

The global process of providing shelter plays an important role in sustainable development. Buildings are estimated to be responsible for up to 50% of global carbon emissions, which makes building a major issue for climate change. The common saying is that what “we cannot measure, we cannot improve”. This assumes that we know what to measure, which requires that we have a common understanding. The indication is that there could be problems in how we understand building sustainability, which, if true, will reduce change towards sustainable building. The purpose of this paper is to assess how building sustainability is understood in building research and building practice. The research approach is to review how building researchers and building companies have interpreted sustainability in leading articles and in leading sustainability reports. These are assessed by studying how sustainability is described and then in more detail applying two maturity matrices on the articles and the reports. The preliminary results indicate that there could be a major problem in understanding sustainability among both building researchers and building company managers, which could constitute a significant obstacle to improving building sustainability. This might not only be related to building sustainability but could be a general problem.
Proactive Environmental Strategy and Environmental Performance of the Manufacturing SMEs of Karachi City in Pakistan: Role of Green Mindfulness as a DCV
Authors: Ibrahim Muhammad , Mahmood Rosli
Published: September 2022

This study aims to develop a theoretical model for assessing the causal relationship between a proactive environmental strategy (PES), green mindfulness (GM), and environmental performance (EP) of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The theoretical model was established through a literature review and tested with 193 entrepreneurs and managers from manufacturing SMEs operating in Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan. The model was tested using PLS Smart with partial least square structural equation modeling. The results reveal that PES does not directly relate to EP. However, the study found a full mediation effect of GM on the relationship between PES and EP. Thus, this study is novel in its approach to using GM as a mediator in assessing the relationship between PES and EP. The study also found that the effects of PES are balanced when the SMEs incorporate GM, which further leads to the achievement of EP. Thus, the findings extend increasingly complex literature in the assessment of GM’s role in SMEs’ EP. Further, the scale and the models can be used to assess how SMEs respond to PES with mindful attention to achieve EP.
Determination of Surfactant Content for Optimum Strength of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Cementitious Composites
Authors: Mohsen Mohd O. , Abdel-Jaber Mu’tasim , Al-Nuaimi Nasser A. , Senouci Ahmed , Taha Ramzi A.
Published: September 2022

This paper proposes a method for the determination of the optimum surfactant amount to achieve the highest strength for carbon nanotubes (CNT) cementitious composites. The method is based on combining the results of a chemical and a mechanical test. The chemical test was used to determine the remaining amount of surfactant after sonication by analyzing solutions containing CNTs, polycarboxylate surfactant, and water. On the other hand, the mechanical test was used to determine the optimum polycarboxylate surfactant amount that achieved the composite’s highest strength by conducting flexural and compressive tests on cement paste specimens prepared using various surfactant concentrations (i.e., 0.03%, 0.08%, 0.12%, 0.15%, 0.32%, and 0.60%). The results show a strong relationship between the paste’s strength and the surfactant’s concentration. The mixes prepared using 0.08% surfactant-to-cement weight fraction achieved the highest flexural and compressive strengths. Increasing the surfactant-to-cement weight fraction beyond 0.08% resulted in a reduction in the flexural and compressive strengths. This shows the importance of the proposed method in determining the remaining amount of free surfactant in the solution after sonication, and in preventing overdosing that will adversely affect the flexural and compressive strengths of CNT–cement composites.
Values, Competences and Sustainability in Public Security and IT Higher Education
Authors: Blašková Martina , Dlouhý David , Blaško Rudolf
Published: September 2022

Values find their full completion only in the competent behaviour of university members. The values of a university are directly linked with the competences of university teachers and, together with the principles of sustainability, are the crucial pillars of a ‘sustainability triangle’ of higher education institutions that is introduced and modelled in this paper, which examines these phenomena and the potential ties existing between them. We experimentally define the 10 principles of sustainability in higher education based on the personal academic experience of the authors as well the most frequently cited opinions in the literature. The paper subsequently presents the results of a sociological survey performed in two European countries and compares the results of Czech university students in the public security sector (n = 396) with those of Slovak university students in the IT sector (n = 246). An almost perfect correlation between student opinions from both sectors was confirmed with the use of Pearson’s product moments and an unpaired two-sample Student’s t-test. The results help to affirm all the postulated principles of sustainability and to approve the accuracy of the model presented, i.e., a Triangle of/for Sustainable Higher Education Institutions. The results obtained as well as our arguments simultaneously call on the governing bodies of ministries and universities to focus efforts on the harmonisation of personal and institutional values, opinions, principles, aspirations, and various motivations of all members of the university, i.e., students, teachers, and advisers.
Linear Landscape Elements and Heteropteran Assemblages within Mediterranean Vineyard Agroecosystems
Authors: Rosas-Ramos Natalia , Asís Josep D. , Goula Marta , Ballester-Torres Iván , Baños-Picón Laura
Published: September 2022

In agricultural systems, linear habitat features and resource shifting over the season can shape insect communities. When evaluating insect assemblages, the use of trait-based approaches allows measuring of the functional component of diversity which, combined with a taxonomical perspective, may help to understand how environmental factors drive community structuring. In Mediterranean vineyard agroecosystems, we assessed Heteroptera communities to evaluate linear habitat type (hedgerow vs. grass strip) and seasonality drive assemblages from both a taxonomical and a trait-based perspective. Morphometric traits related to dispersal ability or microhabitat and resource use were measured. Heteroptera community composition varied from hedgerows to strips and also changed over the season. However, the taxonomical response was not as strong as the trait one. Trait composition of the omnivorous heteropteran community remained stable when compared to those of phytophagous and predatory heteropterans, which were more sensitive to the evaluated factors. Given that each linear habitat type supports communities with different trait compositions, we highlight the importance of preserving a variety of habitats to achieve a high functional diversity. We also emphasize the need to develop studies at different spatial scales that allow to better understand the significance of landscape elements on shaping insect assemblages across different climatic regions.
Employee Attitudes towards Employee Evaluation Systems in the Utility Sector: A Case Study of Sewage and Water Supply Ltd., Rybnik, Poland
Authors: Kuzior Aleksandra , Ober Józef , Karwot Janusz
Published: September 2022

Employee evaluations are an extremely important element of human resource management. On the one hand, many studies have confirmed their indispensability, and on the other hand, they have been described as the most controversial elements of management that can lead to many conflict situations in an organization. The present study aimed to assess the attitudes of employees toward employee evaluation systems using the example of PWiK Rybnik (Sewage and Water Supply Rybnik). The municipal sector, and especially water and sewage companies, are characterized by an approach to the provision of services from a natural monopoly perspective. The above situation enforces in the sphere of management certain behaviors towards employees and may affect attitudes towards the employee evaluation system. This study assumed the hypothesis that employee attitudes toward the employee evaluation system are skeptical. A diagnostic survey method with a questionnaire technique was used to verify the hypothesis and answer the formulated research questions. The survey questionnaire consisted of 16 mixed questions, including four to collect anonymous sociodemographic information. The results of the conducted survey were subjected to statistical and descriptive analysis. Based on the analyses performed, it could be concluded that the employees expected constructive feedback from their supervisors, and traditional employee evaluation via a form was often viewed as its negation. Evaluations should also take into account social factors, as people are definitely more motivated and inspired by a constructive conversation than by a form presenting quantitative data.
Exploring Food Supply Chain Trends in the COVID-19 Era: A Bibliometric Review
Authors: Rejeb Abderahman , Rejeb Karim , Appolloni Andrea , Iranmanesh Mohammad , Treiblmaier Horst , Jagtap Sandeep
Published: September 2022

Recently, the food supply chain (FSC) has been severely disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, putting the vital flow of food products from farmers and producers to the ultimate consumers at risk. Furthermore, due to the pandemic, several food organizations have been prompted to rethink their strategies for the future. Although the literature on FSC research in the COVID-19 era is increasing, no attempt has been made to summarize this stream of research using bibliometric techniques. This paper fills this knowledge gap and looks at the current scholarly discourse around the FSC and COVID-19. Applying bibliometric techniques, 287 journal articles were extracted from Scopus and analyzed to determine the temporal evolution of FSC research, the most productive journals, researchers, countries, and the most relevant keywords and publications. To construct a keyword co-occurrence network and categorize the relevant literature, we used the computer program VOSviewer. The findings demonstrate the rapid expansion of FSC research during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the top authors, publications, and nations for scientific output were also determined. Keyword co-occurrence network and detailed qualitative analysis both illustrate that FSC research revolves around six main themes: the impact of COVID-19 on the FSC and agriculture, FSC resilience, food waste and insecurity, fisheries and aquaculture, blockchain technology, and governance and innovation. This study represents the first effort to map worldwide FSC research in the COVID-19 era and draw on a comprehensive collection of journal articles and bibliometric approaches. It offers academics, practitioners, and decision-makers a snapshot of the state of the art in the FSC field and points to where further research is needed.
Effect of Sandy Soil Partial Replacement by Construction Waste on Mechanical Behavior and Microstructure of Cemented Mixtures
Authors: Milani Diego Manchini , Ferreira José Wilson dos Santos , Casagrande Michéle Dal Toé , Andrello Avacir Casanova , Teixeira Raquel Souza
Published: September 2022

The large amounts of construction waste (CW) generated yearly and its high landfilled proportion worldwide motivate the search for sustainable solutions. Thus, the effect of sandy soil partial replacement for construction waste in cemented mixtures was assessed in the present work in terms of mechanical behavior and microstructure. Distinct cement contents, compaction efforts, and curing periods were evaluated from soil-waste proportion of S75W25, S50W50, and S25W75. Tests of unconfined compression strength (UCS), indirect tensile strength (ITS), ultrasonic pulse velocity, water absorption, mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were conducted. The presence and increase in the amounts of cement and construction waste increase the optimum moisture content of the mixture. In contrast, only the CW content significantly affects maximum dry density. Both S75W25 and S50W50 mixtures resulted in similar UCS and ITS values, which was proven to be statistically equal by analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 0.05 significance level, favoring CW replacing soil up to 50%. MIP and SEM results explained the sharp mechanical behavior transition obtained in 75% of CW. Cementation reactions resulted in macropores peak reduction and/or peak area translation to the left of the horizontal axis of the PSD curve, while its translation to the right indicates the cement mainly acting as filler, which was supported by SEM tests.
Analyzing the Prospect of Hybrid Energy in the Cement Industry of Pakistan, Using HOMER Pro
Authors: Basheer Yasir , Waqar Asad , Qaisar Saeed Mian , Ahmed Toqeer , Ullah Nasim , Alotaibi Sattam
Published: September 2022

Cement manufacturing is one of the most energy-intensive industries in the world. Most of the cost of producing cement is accounted for in terms of fuel consumption and power expenditure. Thermal power plants are a significant contributor to electricity generation in countries such as Pakistan. They are, however, inherently inefficient, and environmentally unfriendly. In this paper, the authors investigated the possibility of delivering hybrid energy to Pakistani cement plants. Five cement plants—Askari Cement Plant, Wah (ACPW); Bestway Cement Plant, Kalar Kahar (BCPKK); Bestway Cement Plant, Farooqia (BCPF); Bestway Cement Plant, Hattar (BCPH); and DG Cement Plant, Chakwal (DGCPC)—were selected. The possibility of implementing the four off-grid hybrid energy models (HEMs) was investigated for the intended cement plants, using HOMER Pro software. A multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) was carried out, based on objectives including the net present cost (NPC), the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. HEM-1 was comprised of PV, converter, and a fuel cell. HEM-2 had only a diesel generator, and acted as a base case in this study. HEM-3 had solar panels and a battery-converter system. In HEM-4, diesel generators, PV, and converters were considered. Based on the NPC, the optimal model was HEM-4, having a 0.249 USD/KWh LCOE in islanded systems. The NPC and operating costs were USD 540 M and USD 32.5 M per year, respectively, with a 29.80% reduction in the CO2 emissions compared to the base case. Based on the GHG emission, HEM-1 and HEM-3 were the best models, with 0% GHG emissions. The results confirmed that the proposed HEMs can sustainably provide electricity for 24 h a day to the sites under consideration, with minimum objectives.
Food Carbon Literacy: A Definition and Framework Exemplified by Designing and Evaluating a Digital Grocery List for Increasing Food Carbon Literacy and Changing Behavior
Authors: Hedin Björn , Grönborg Lucas , Johansson Gustav
Published: September 2022

Public knowledge about the differences in greenhouse gas emissions caused by the production and transportation of different kinds of food are generally low. People with an interest in choosing food with low greenhouse gas emissions must therefore either increase this “food carbon literacy” or be provided with such information when they decide what food to buy. Research about this specific kind of food literacy is, however, scarce, lacking both well-defined terminology and interventions attempting to increase food carbon literacy. In this paper we provide a framework for future research in the area by defining “food carbon literacy”, serving as a starting point for categorizing, comparing, and generalizing future research findings. Drawing on previous work on other kinds of literacies, we distinguish between (1) food carbon literacy, (2) food product carbon literacy, (3) food handling carbon literacy, and (4) financial food carbon literacy. We have furthermore developed and tested a digital behavior change intervention in the form of a digital grocery list used on mobile phones. The list works as other digital grocery shopping lists, but also displays the CO2e footprint of the food added to the list, thereby enabling the user to change products at the planning stage and increase their food carbon literacy. It was tested on a group of 38 people for a duration of 2 weeks. The goals of the pilot study were to investigate quantitatively whether such a tool would increase food carbon literacy, and to investigate qualitatively how such a tool could be used and designed. The results show a strong increase in food carbon literacy for food the respondents had added to their grocery lists, but also for food that had not been added to their lists, indicating a generalization of the knowledge. Finally, we provide implications for the design of such systems, based on the qualitative evaluation.
Model for Determining Noise Level Depending on Traffic Volume at Intersections
Authors: Ruškić Nenad , Mirović Valentina , Marić Milovan , Pezo Lato , Lončar Biljana , Nićetin Milica , Ćurčić Ljiljana
Published: September 2022

The negative external effects caused by traffic growth have been recognized as the main factors that degrade city quality of life. Therefore, research around the world is being conducted to understand the impact of traffic better and find adequate measures to reduce the negative impact of traffic growth. The central part of this research consists of mathematical models for simulating the negative consequences of congestion and noise pollution. Four non-linear models for determining noise levels as a function of traffic flow parameters (intensity and structure) in the urban environment were developed. The non-linear models, including two artificial neural networks and two random forest models, were developed according to the experimental measurements in Novi Sad, Serbia, in 2019. These non-linear models showed high anticipation accuracy of the equivalent continuous sound level (Laeq), with R2 values of 0.697, 0.703, 0.959 and 0.882, respectively. According to the developed ANN models, global sensitivity analysis was performed, according to which the number of buses at crossings was the most positively signed influential parameter in Laeq evaluation, while the lowest Laeq value was reached during nighttime. The locations occupied by frequent traffic such as Futoska and Temerinska positively influenced the Laeq value.
Investigation on Dynamic Responses’ Characteristics and Fatigue Damage Assessment for Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Structures
Authors: Zhang Min , Zhou Zhiji , Xu Kun , Shi Yuanyuan , Wu Yanjian , Du Junfeng
Published: September 2022

Dynamic response analysis and fatigue damage assessment of floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) structures are carried out in this paper with a focus on the statistical characteristics of the dynamic responses under wind–wave excitation. A proper spectral fatigue damage model is proposed to obtain better fatigue damage estimation. The OC3 floating spar (Hywind) with a 5 MW baseline wind turbine developed by the American National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is applied as the target model, and the fully coupled dynamic responses of the model are calculated in the time domain. The non-Gaussian nature is revealed based on the study of the statistical properties of the dynamic response of key components (the tower base and fairlead of the mooring line). Dirlik distribution is proved to be the best probability distribution function (PDF) that can fit the statistical distribution feature of the dynamic responses among several PDFs. The corresponding spectral fatigue damage models are applied to estimate fatigue damage of the tower base and mooring line following the proposed fatigue assessment procedure in the frequency domain, of which the results are compared with results from the time-domain analysis method. The results indicate that for non-Gaussian feature dynamic responses as FOWTs, the spectral fatigue damage model based on the Dirlik distribution can provide more accurate assessments of fatigue damage.
Vegetation Dynamics and Climate from A Perspective of Lag-Effect: A Study Case in Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Liu Chunyang , Liu Chao , Sun Qianqian , Chen Tianyang , Fan Ya
Published: September 2022

With global warming, the law of climate change is more and more complex, so it is of great significance to analyze the response mechanism of vegetation change to climate change. The Loess Plateau (LP) is a vulnerable area, but we must explore the mechanism between climate and vegetation for decision-makers to make adequate plans to better govern this population-intensive but ecological-fragile area. Our study analyzed the vegetation variation in a long-term period from 1982 to 2015 and its relationship with precipitation and temperature. We innovatively leverage the weighted time-lag method to detect the different contributions of a specific climatic factor from different months to vegetation growth. Moreover, we used such weighted accumulated climatic factors to find the relationships between precipitation/temperature and different types of vegetation. The main findings are as follows: (i) For different degrees of temperature and precipitation, different vegetation has different performance characteristics in different months from 1982 to 2015. Moreover, precipitation is the major driver of vegetation growth in the LP. (ii) The response of vegetation possesses some time-lag effect on climate and exhibits spatial heterogeneity in the LP, which may be related to the characteristics of different climate zones and different vegetation. (iii) The effect of the same climatic factor on different vegetation accounts for a certain proportion of different months in the LP. Climate possesses a cumulative effect in three months on vegetation and different climatic factors have different time lags to the same vegetation type. It has a complicated interaction between vegetation growth and climate change. This paper uses the weighted time-lag method to investigate the relationship between vegetation growth and climatic factors, whilst considering how the time-lag effect can explain the changes that occur in the process of vegetation growth to a large extent.
Estimation of the Second-Order Hankel Determinant of Logarithmic Coefficients for Two Subclasses of Starlike Functions
Authors: Sunthrayuth Pongsakorn , Aldawish Ibtisam , Arif Muhammad , Abbas Muhammad , El-Deeb Sheza
Published: September 2022

In our present study, two subclasses of starlike functions which are symmetric about the origin are considered. These two classes are defined with the use of the sigmoid function and the trigonometric function, respectively. We estimate the first four initial logarithmic coefficients, the Zalcman functional, the Fekete–Szegö functional, and the bounds of second-order Hankel determinants with logarithmic coefficients for the first class Sseg* and improve the obtained estimate of the existing second-order Hankel determinant of logarithmic coefficients for the second class Ssin*. All the bounds that we obtain in this article are proven to be sharp.
The Strategy Selection in Financial Fraud and Audit Supervision: A Study Based on a Three-Party Evolutionary Game Model
Authors: Wu Binghui , Yang Jing , Fu Guanhao , Zhang Mengjiao
Published: September 2022

In recent years, financial fraud of listed internet companies has emerged one after another. Under the strategic goal of full audit coverage, the problems caused by audit failure have attracted more and more attention in China. We use the bounded rationality theory to analyze the strategy selections of listed internet companies, accounting firms, and audit regulators, and put forward three hypotheses: the hypothesis of participants, the hypothesis of strategy selections, and the hypothesis of model parameters. Next, the three-party evolutionary game model is constructed, and only one stable equilibrium point is found. In numerical simulation analyses, we discuss the strategy selections of the three parties under the impact of different model parameters. The research framework of this paper enriches the existing research on financial fraud and audit supervision and deepens the evolutionary mechanism of three-party strategy selections.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Food-Related Behaviour of Tourists Visiting Greece
Authors: Lazaridis Georgios , Panaretos Dimitris , Matalas Antonia
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everyday reality and negatively impacted the global hospitality and tourism sectors. Even though food is an essential component of the tourist experience and the sustainable development of a region, research on the impact of COVID-19 on tourists’ food-related behaviour remains scant. By implementing a quantitative approach, data obtained from 847 tourists visiting Greece before or during the pandemic were analysed in order to compare these two periods. Findings indicate that during the pandemic, tourists had a more positive attitude towards food than before the pandemic and were more motivated to consume local food. As a result, they spent more money on food and were keener to taste local food and visit Greek restaurants and taverns. Despite the restrictions, the level of food satisfaction remained the same. It seems that this is a case whereby the risk perceptions created by COVID-19 were eliminated. The demand for quality food experiences was mainly interpreted as a search for culture and consideration of health concerns. Specific trends have been revealed in tourists’ food-related behaviours, which bear implications for a smooth transition to new and challenging circumstances. Researchers and food tourism stakeholders must set new goals, develop alternative forms of products and services based on sustainability, and, in general, adopt a new perspective to face future challenges.
The Short-Term Impact of Botulinum Neurotoxin-A on Muscle Morphology and Gait in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Peeters Nicky , Papageorgiou Eirini , Hanssen Britta , De Beukelaer Nathalie , Staut Lauraine , Degelaen Marc , Van den Broeck Christine , Calders Patrick , Feys Hilde , Van Campenhout Anja , Desloovere Kaat
Published: September 2022

Children with spastic cerebral palsy (SCP) are often treated with intramuscular Botulinum Neurotoxin type-A (BoNT-A). Recent studies demonstrated BoNT-A-induced muscle atrophy and variable effects on gait pathology. This group-matched controlled study in children with SCP compared changes in muscle morphology 8–10 weeks post-BoNT-A treatment (n = 25, median age 6.4 years, GMFCS level I/II/III (14/9/2)) to morphological changes of an untreated control group (n = 20, median age 7.6 years, GMFCS level I/II/III (14/5/1)). Additionally, the effects on gait and spasticity were assessed in all treated children and a subgroup (n = 14), respectively. BoNT-A treatment was applied following an established integrated approach. Gastrocnemius and semitendinosus volume and echogenicity intensity were assessed by 3D-freehand ultrasound, spasticity was quantified through electromyography during passive muscle stretches at different velocities. Ankle and knee kinematics were evaluated by 3D-gait analysis. Medial gastrocnemius (p = 0.018, −5.2%) and semitendinosus muscle volume (p = 0.030, −16.2%) reduced post-BoNT-A, but not in the untreated control group, while echogenicity intensity did not change. Spasticity reduced and ankle gait kinematics significantly improved, combined with limited effects on knee kinematics. This study demonstrated that BoNT-A reduces spasticity and partly improves pathological gait but reduces muscle volume 8–10 weeks post-injections. Close post-BoNT-A follow-up and well-considered treatment selection is advised before BoNT-A application in SCP.
Potential Biochemical Pesticide—Synthesis of Neofuranocoumarin and Inhibition the Proliferation of Spodoptera frugiperda Cells through Activating the Mitochondrial Pathway
Authors: Shao Xuehua , Zhang Zhuhong , Qian Xuhong , Wang Lanying , Zhang Yunfei , Luo Yanping
Published: September 2022

Furanocoumarins, the secondary metabolites of plants, are considered to be natural insecticides and fungicides because they prevent the invasion of plant pathogenic microorganisms and the predation of herbivorous insects. In this study, novel 2-arylfuranocoumarin derivatives were designed to synthesize by condensation, esterification, bromination, and Wittig reaction. The results showed an excellent photosensitive activity of 2-thiophenylfuranocoumarin (I34). Cell Counting Kit-8 detected that I34 could inhibit the proliferation of Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner under ultraviolet A (UV-A) light for 3 min. The inverted microscope revealed that cells treated with I34 swelled, the membrane was ruptured, and apoptotic bodies appeared. The flow cytometry detected that I34 could induce apoptosis of Sf9 cells, increase the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), decrease the mitochondrial membrane potential, and block cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. Transmission electron microscopy detected cell mitochondrial cristae damage, matrix degradation, and mitochondrial vacuolation. Further enzyme activity detection revealed that the enzyme activities of apoptosis-related proteins caspase-3 and caspase-9 increased significantly (p < 0.05). Finally, Western blotting analysis detected that the phosphorylation level of Akt and Bad and the expression of the apoptosis inhibitor protein Bcl-XL were inhibited, cleaved-PARP and P53 were increased, and cytochrome C was released from the mitochondria into the cytoplasm. Moreover, under UV-A irradiation, I34 promoted the increase in ROS in Sf9 cells, activated the mitochondrial apoptotic signal transduction pathway, and finally, inhibited cell proliferation. Thus, novel furanocoumarins exhibit a potential application prospect as a biochemical pesticide.
Can Red Yeast (Sporidiobolus pararoseus) Be Used as a Novel Feed Additive for Mycotoxin Binders in Broiler Chickens?
Authors: Srinual Orranee , Moonmanee Tossapol , Lumsangkul Chompunut , Doan Hien Van , Punyatong Montri , Yachai Mongkol , Chaiyaso Thanongsak , Kongtong Kittima , Tapingkae Wanaporn
Published: September 2022

Mycotoxin-contaminated feeds may negatively affect broiler chickens’ health; hence, a sustainable approach to achieve mycotoxin elimination is necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of red yeast (Sporidiobolus pararoseus; RY) as a novel mycotoxin binder in broilers. A total of 1440 one-week-old male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 12 treatments in a 3 × 4 factorial design. The dietary treatments included three levels of mycotoxin-contaminated diets (0 µg kg−1 (0% of mycotoxin; MT), 50 µg kg−1 (50% MT), and 100 µg kg−1 (100% MT)) and four levels of mycotoxin binders (0.0 and 0.5 g kg−1 commercial binder, and 0.5 and 1.0 g kg−1 RY). Experimental diets were contaminated with aflatoxin B1, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, T-2 toxin, and deoxynivalenol in the basal diet. Furthermore, the parameters including feed intake, body weight, and mortality rate were recorded on a weekly basis. After feeding for 28 days, blood and organ samples were collected randomly to determine the blood biochemistry, relative organ weights, and gut health. The results indicated that mycotoxin-contaminated diets reduced the average daily weight gain (ADG), villus height (VH), and villus height per the crypt depth ratio (VH:CD) of the intestine, as well as the population of Lactobacillus sp. and Bifidobacterium sp. in the cecal (p < 0.05), whereas they increased the mycotoxins concentration in the blood samples and the apoptosis cells (TUNEL positive) in the liver tissue (p < 0.01) of broiler chicken. In contrast, RY-supplemented diets had better ADG values and lower chicken mortality rates (p < 0.05). Moreover, these combinations positively impacted the relative organ weights, blood parameters, bacteria population, intestinal morphology, and pathological changes in the hepatocytes (p < 0.05). In conclusion, RY supplementation effectively alleviated the toxicity that is induced by AFB1 and OTA, mainly, and could potentially be applied as a novel feed additive in the broiler industry.
Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern in Vaccination Model City in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Slavov Svetoslav Nanev , de La-Roque Debora Glenda Lima , da Costa Pericles Natan Mendes , Rodrigues Evandra Strazza , Santos Elaine Vieira , Borges Josiane Serrano , Evaristo Mariane , de Matos Maçonetto Juliana , Marques Adriana Aparecida , Milhomens Jonathan , Rós Felipe Augusto , Fonseca Vagner , Lima Alex Ranieri Jerônimo , Ribeiro Gabriela , Lima Loyze Paola Oliveira de , Garibaldi Pedro Manuel Marques , Ferreira Natasha Nicos , Moraes Glenda Renata , Marqueze Elaine Cristina , Barros Claudia Renata dos Santos , Martins Antonio Jorge , Coutinho Luiz Lehmann , Calado Rodrigo Tocantins , Borges Marcos , Elias Maria Carolina , Sampaio Sandra Coccuzzo , Giovanetti Marta , Alcantara Luiz Carlos Junior , Covas Dimas Tadeu , Kashima Simone
Published: September 2022

From a country with one of the highest SARS-CoV-2 morbidity and mortality rates, Brazil has implemented one of the most successful vaccination programs. Brazil’s first model city vaccination program was performed by the CoronaVac vaccine (Sinovac Biotech) in the town of Serrana, São Paulo State. To evaluate the vaccination effect on the SARS-CoV-2 molecular dynamics and clinical outcomes, we performed SARS-CoV-2 molecular surveillance on 4375 complete genomes obtained between June 2020 and April 2022 in this location. This study included the period between the initial SARS-CoV-2 introduction and during the vaccination process. We observed that the SARS-CoV-2 substitution dynamics in Serrana followed the viral molecular epidemiology in Brazil, including the initial identification of the ancestral lineages (B.1.1.28 and B.1.1.33) and epidemic waves of variants of concern (VOC) including the Gamma, Delta, and, more recently, Omicron. Most probably, as a result of the immunization campaign, the mortality during the Gamma and Delta VOC was significantly reduced compared to the rest of Brazil, which was also related to lower morbidity. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed the evolutionary history of the SARS-CoV-2 in this location and showed that multiple introduction events have occurred over time. The evaluation of the COVID-19 clinical outcome revealed that most cases were mild (88.9%, 98.1%, 99.1% to Gamma, Delta, and Omicron, respectively) regardless of the infecting VOC. In conclusion, we observed that vaccination was responsible for reducing the death toll rate and related COVID-19 morbidity, especially during the gamma and Delta VOC; however, it does not prevent the rapid substitution rate and morbidity of the Omicron VOC.
Development of a Monoclonal Antibody Targeting HTLV-1 Envelope gp46 Glycoprotein and Its Application to Near-Infrared Photoimmuno-Antimicrobial Strategy
Authors: Hatayama Yasuyoshi , Yamaoka Yutaro , Morita Takeshi , Jeremiah Sundararaj Stanleyraj , Miyakawa Kei , Nishi Mayuko , Kimura Yayoi , Mitsunaga Makoto , Iwase Tadayuki , Kimura Hirokazu , Yamamoto Naoki , Takaori-Kondo Akifumi , Hasegawa Hideki , Ryo Akihide
Published: September 2022

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), a retrovirus, causes adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma, HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis, and HTLV-1 uveitis. Currently, no antiretroviral therapies or vaccines are available for HTLV-1 infection. This study aimed to develop an antibody against the HTLV-1 envelope protein (Env) and apply it to a near-infrared photoimmuno-antimicrobial strategy (NIR-PIAS) to eliminate HTLV-1 infected cells. We established mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against HTLV-1 Env by immunization with a complex of liposome and the recombinant protein. Detailed epitope mapping revealed that one of the mAbs bound to the proline-rich region of gp46 and exhibited no obvious neutralizing activity to inhibit viral infection. Instead, the mAb was rarely internalized intracellularly and remained on the cell surface of HTLV-1-infected cells. The antibody conjugated to the photosensitive dye IRDye700Dx recognized HTLV-1 infected cells and killed them following NIR irradiation. These results suggest that the novel mAb and NIR-PIAS could be developed as a new targeted therapeutic tool against HTLV-1 infected cells.
The Antibody Response to the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Booster in Healthcare Workers: Association between the IgG Antibody Titers and Anthropometric and Body Composition Parameters
Authors: Golec Marlena , Konka Adam , Fronczek Martyna , Zembala-John Joanna , Chrapiec Martyna , Wystyrk Karolina , Kasperczyk Sławomir , Brzoza Zenon , Bułdak Rafał Jakub
Published: September 2022

Background: Research shows that in most people, two-dose vaccination helps to shape the humoral response to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Further studies are required to learn about the vaccine’s effectiveness after boosting. Methods: We conducted a prospective study among 103 healthcare workers (HCWs) from a regional multi-specialty hospital vaccinated with three doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine. We compared their immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers 14 days after the second dose with those 21 days after the booster. We also compared their anthropometric and body composition parameters with IgG concentrations at the same time points. Results: Twenty-one days after the booster, all study participants were seropositive. Their mean IgG antibody titers were significantly lower than 14 days after the second dose (158.94 AU/mL ± 90.34 AU/mL vs. 505.79 AU/mL ± 367.16 AU/mL). Post-booster Spearman’s correlation analysis showed a significantly weak correlation between the IgG antibody titer and parameters related to muscle tissue and adipose tissue (including body fat mass). Conclusions: The BNT162b2 booster stimulates the humoral response to a lesser extent than the two-dose BNT162b2 primary vaccination. The adipose and muscle tissue parameters show a weak positive correlation with the SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody titers.
Leadership Theories and the Veterinary Health Care System
Authors: Fischer Holger , Heidler Petra , Coco Lisa , Albanese Valeria
Published: September 2022

This descriptive review aims to illustrate the different leadership theories as they may apply to the veterinary health care sector, and specifically, to the affection and sports animal subsectors. The increasing and ever-changing challenges veterinary health care operators and investors operating in these subsectors face are briefly described, as well as the most known leadership theories and styles, each with its possible advantages and disadvantages specific to its application to the veterinary health care system. The different theories are illustrated in their key aspects and their historical evolution. Finally, the discussion focuses on transformational leadership as it is seen as the most progressive and promising leadership style to hold up to said challenges in the veterinary health care system.
Early Warning and Joint Regulation of Water Quantity and Quality in the Daqing River Basin
Authors: Chen Liang , Yang Mingxiang , Liu Yang , Nan Linjiang
Published: September 2022

In the recent decades, the issue of water-resource security of the Daqing River Basin, which is one of the five major rivers in the Haihe River Basin, has become increasingly serious affected by climate change and human activities. In this paper, a dynamic simulation and early warning model of water quantity and quality in this basin based on the SWAT model was constructed to promote the implementation of water environment quality and safety bottom line in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. The results of the study are as follows: (1) When encountering a once-in-a-century rainstorm, the flood pressure of Zijingguan in the flood season is the highest, with the highest water level reaching 521.23 m, and the overall maximum runoff follows the order of Zijingguan > Fuping > Zhangfang. (2) When the NH3-N emissions are reduced by 37.64~85.10% in each month (based on the level in 2017), the water quality at the outlet of the basin can reach the standard, and the upper limit of NH3-N emissions is 504.5 t/m. (3) The regulation and control scheme seeking to “ensure the base flow with standard water quality” and “optimize NH3-N annual emission” is proposed in this paper. The NH3-N concentration at the outlet of all watersheds can reach the standard when the basic runoff of each sub-basin reaches 0.01 to 10.32 m3/s. In addition, concentrating the emission in July, August, and September and reducing the emission intensity of NH3-N in proportion can significantly reduce the monthly average NH3-N concentration (<1.99 mg/L) at the outlet section of the basin.
Study on Nitrogen Loss Rules of Paddy Fields under Different Irrigation and Drainage Modes in Southern China
Authors: Hao Shurong , Wang Xuan , Ding Ting , Zhu Wenyu
Published: September 2022

With the growing problem of agricultural nonpoint source pollution, it is an urgent issue to explore irrigation and drainage modes suitable for rice-growing areas in southern China. Barrel experiments were conducted to study the variation of NH4+-N, NO3−-N and TN concentrations in surface drainage and deep percolation water, as well as the rules of nitrogen runoff losses and leaching losses. Treatments included frequent and shallow irrigation (FSI), drought planting with straw mulching (DPS) and water catching and controlled irrigation (WC-CI). The results showed that the trends of NH4+-N, NO3−-N and TN concentrations in surface drainage were similar, and the N concentration gradually decreased with increasing drainage frequency. The trends of NH4+-N, NO3−-N and TN concentrations in deep percolation water were similar, rising to a peak within 5~7 days after fertilization and then gradually decreasing. NH4+-N loss load was the main form of N loss load in surface drainage and deep percolation water, which accounted for 42.06~89.16%. Compared with FSI, DPS significantly increased surface drainage and N runoff loss loads by 98.67% and 125.86%, respectively, while WC-CI significantly reduced them by 59.21% and 66.38%, respectively. Deep percolation water was reduced by 68.59% and 37.99% for DPS and WC-CI, respectively, and N leaching loss loads were reduced by 74.69% and 43.23%, respectively. Compared with FSI, the total TN loss load was significantly reduced by 76.69% and 43.34% for DPS and WC-CI, respectively, and the pollution control was better for DPS. WC-CI significantly increased rice yield by 7.31%, while DPS decreased by 0.95 % due to long-term water stress. Comprehensively considered, WC-CI has obvious advantages, which can reduce nitrogen loss and maintaining a high yield.
Machine Learning Assessment of the Impact of Global Warming on the Climate Drivers of Water Supply to Australia’s Northern Murray-Darling Basin
Authors: Speer Milton , Hartigan Joshua , Leslie Lance
Published: September 2022

Droughts and long dry spells, interspersed with intense rainfall events, have been characteristic of the northern Murray-Darling Basin (NMDB), a major Australian agricultural region. The NMDB precipitation results from weather systems ranging from thunderstorms to larger scale events. The larger scale events exhibit high seasonal and annual rainfall variability. To detect attributes shaping the NMDB precipitation patterns, and hence net water inflows to the vast Darling River catchment area, numerous (45) possible attributes were assessed for their influence on rainfall trends. Four periods were assessed: annual, April–May (early cool-season), June–September (remaining cool-season), and October–March (warm-season). Linear and non-linear regression machine learning (ML) methods were used to identify the dominant attributes. We show the impact of climate drivers on the increasingly dry April–May months on annual precipitation and warmer temperatures since the early 1990s. The NMDB water supply was further reduced during 1992–2018 by the lack of compensating rainfall trends for the April–May decline. The identified attributes include ENSO, the Southern Annular Mode, the Indian Ocean Dipole, and both local and global sea surface temperatures. A key finding is the prominence of global warming as an attribute, both individually and in combination with other climate drivers.