bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orally Administered Prosochit®-Based Nanoparticles of Insulin Ameliorates Alloxan-Induced Diabetes in Rats
Authors: Olorunsola Emmanuel O. , Davies Koofreh G. , Essien Enomfon B. , Alozie Mfonobong F. , Adedokun Musiliu O. , Ahsan Fakhrul
Published: October 2022

This work was aimed to assess the antidiabetic effect of orally administered Prosochit®-based nanoparticles of insulin in an animal model. Five batches of insulin-loaded nanoparticles were prepared as dry water-in-oil-in-water emulsions using different emulsifiers (prosopis gum, Prosochit® 201, Prosochit® 101, Prosochit® 102, and chitosan) for the outer emulsion. Unloaded Prosochit® 101-based nanoparticles were also formulated. The morphology and size distribution of the nanoparticles were studied using a scanning electron microscope and Zetasizer. Forty alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats were divided into eight groups. The different groups were administered daily with different formulations (unloaded nanoparticles, the 5 loaded nanoparticles equivalent to 50 IU insulin per kg, purified water, and Actrapid) for 14 days. Blood glucose level was monitored and determined over 24 h. Fasting blood sugar was also taken on days 3, 5, 7, and 14. A graph of the percent blood glucose level relative to time 0 h was plotted against time. The particles showed a water-in-oil-in-water constitution. Both the drug-loaded and the unloaded Prosochit®-based nanoparticles were of nano dimension. There was a significant difference (p < 0.0001) in the antidiabetic effects of all insulin-loaded nanoparticles compared with the negative control. There was no significant difference across the insulin-loaded nanoparticles of prosopis gum, Prosochit® 201, Prosochit® 102, and chitosan while the insulin-loaded Prosochit® 101 nanoparticles showed the best activity, which is comparable to subcutaneous insulin, reducing blood glucose levels to 32.20 ± 3.79%. All the oral Prosochit®-based insulin nanoparticles are characterized by appreciable antidiabetic activity with the activity of Prosochit® 101-based nanoformulation being comparable to that of the subcutaneous insulin.
Inclusive Research and Intellectual Disabilities: Moving Forward on a Road Less Well-Travelled
Authors: O’Brien Patricia , Garcia Iriarte Edurne , Mc Conkey Roy , Butler Sarah , O’Brien Bruce
Published: October 2022

In reflecting on the title of the special issue: Inclusive Research: A road less or more well-travelled, this paper reviews the strengths of inclusive research that have augmented the global knowledge about the lives of people with intellectual disabilities across the lifespan. The successes of inclusive research are outlined with the respective ongoing individual challenges discussed. Authors will draw upon their own experiences of inclusive research, together with the seminal and current literature, as well as the dialogue between them. The conclusions of the article are in the form of recommendations aimed at increasing the traffic on the road of inclusive research through: 1. expanding its purpose and parameters across all forms of disability research; 2. developing systems for sustaining inclusive research as a funded model; 3. creating capacity to enable people with intellectual disabilities to be employed as researchers directing research projects; and 4. establishing bridges and crossroads with policy and practice through its findings.
Quality Management System in Education: Application of Quality Management Models in Educational Organization—Case Study from the Slovak Republic
Authors: Girmanová Lenka , Šolc Marek , Blaško Peter , Petrík Jozef
Published: October 2022

The main mission of the internal quality system in educational institutions is to develop the importance of quality in all processes, create suitable conditions for increasing the loyalty and professional development of faculty staff, continually improve student satisfaction, and achieve recognition of educational institutions in the eyes of the public. In the Introduction, this paper covers the current state of the field of quality assurance of higher education in Slovakia. Quality management models that can be used appropriately and effectively in university conditions are identified in the next section. The aim of this overview section was to summarize the advantages and disadvantages resulting from the implementation of quality management models. The paper also includes a case study in which selected models of quality management implemented at a private university in Slovakia are described, especially the process model ISO 9001 and the common assessment framework (CAF) model. The self-assessment within the CAF model was carried out by a questionnaire survey; the obtained data were assessed by classical CAF scoring. The aim of the self-assessment was to identify problem areas and opportunities for improvement and to propose corrective actions. The specifics of the implementation of quality management models at a private university and the benefits resulting from the application are also been defined at the end of the article.
Industry 4.0 as an Opportunity and Challenge for the Furniture Industry—A Case Study
Authors: Červený Luboš , Sloup Roman , Červená Tereza , Riedl Marcel , Palátová Petra
Published: October 2022

The aim of the document is to provide effective guidelines and recommendations for the effective design of the implementation process of Industry 4.0 in the furniture sector and to provide managers with effective guidance in this context. The primary data sources are semi-structured expert interviews and questionnaire surveys. Based on the structured interviews with executives of furniture companies in 2021 and 2022, the main drivers necessary for the implementation of Industry 4.0 in the furniture industry were identified both from the internal company environment perspective using a 7S analysis and from the technological perspective using Industry 4.0 building blocks applied to individual examples in the furniture industry. The respondents agree that the current state of the sector is generally at the Industry 2.0 level. They also recommend SMEs establish inter-company cooperation in production and development, which will enable the involvement of small and medium enterprises in buyer–supplier linkages. They further stress that the application of Industry 4.0 has led to rapid shifts in terms of: an increase in the operational efficiency in a range of 30–50%, a reduction in communication flow, errors and repetitive operations, and thus has directly contributed to the realisation of sustainable production.
Impacts of CSR Undertaking Modes on Technological Innovation and Carbon-Emission-Reduction Decisions of Supply Chain
Authors: Wu Xinghua , Li Sihuan
Published: October 2022

Taking a low-carbon supply chain composed of one producer and one retailer as the object, this paper explores the impacts of different corporate social responsibility (CSR)-undertaking-mode choices on the carbon-emission reduction and technological innovation decisions of the low-carbon supply chain. Under three CSR-undertaking modes, the optimal decisions of carbon-emission-reduction intensity and technological-innovation level of low-carbon supply chain are explored by using the Stackelberg game. Through a comparative analysis of the optimal equilibrium solutions, we found that, with the enhancement of CSR awareness of member firms, the carbon-emission-reduction intensity, technological innovation level, and product sales volume of the low-carbon supply chain under different CSR-undertaking modes are all improved, and the total profits and total welfare of the low-carbon supply chain are all increased. The carbon-emission-reduction intensity, technological innovation level, and product sales volume are all the highest under the mode of the retailer undertaking CSR, the second highest under the mode of the producer and retailer jointly undertaking CSR, and the lowest under the mode of the producer undertaking CSR mode. Therefore, under the background of technological innovation carried out by the producer, it is most conducive to promoting the development of low-carbon supply chain for the retailer to undertake social responsibility.
Analysis and Residual Behavior of Encased Pultruded GFRP I-Beam under Fire Loading
Authors: Mahmood Enas M. , Allawi Abbas A. , El-Zohairy Ayman
Published: October 2022

In this paper, fire resistance and residual capacity tests were carried out on encased pultruded glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) I-beams with high-strength concrete beams. The specimens were loaded concurrently under 25% of the ultimate load and fire exposure (an increase in temperature of 700 °C) for 70 min. Subsequently, the fire-damaged specimens were allowed to cool and then were loaded statically until failure to explore the residual behaviors. The effects of using shear connectors and web stiffeners on the residual behavior were investigated. Finite Element (FE) analysis was developed to simulate the encased pultruded GFRP I-beams under the effect of fire loading. The thermal analyses were performed using the general-purpose FE ABAQUS package. This simulation considered the material and geometric nonlinearities and the effect of temperature on the constitutive models of materials. The FE results showed good agreement with the experimental data. The residual peak load and the corresponding mid-span deflection obtained were 5% and 4% higher than those of the experimental results. The validated FE model was utilized to explore the influence of the tensile strength of GFRP and concrete compressive strength on the post-fire flexural behavior of the encased GFRP I-beams. The encased GFRP beams kept higher residual peak loads. Moreover, the encased GFRP beam with shear connectors (EGS-F), encased GFRP beam with web stiffeners (EGW-F), and encased GFRP beam with shear connectors and web stiffeners (EGSW-F) exhibited higher residual peak loads due to the presence of shear connectors and web stiffeners. However, the web stiffeners showed a minor enhancement in the peak load.
Cheating under Regulation: Evidence from “Yin-and-Yang” Contracts on Beijing’s Housing Market
Authors: Dai Yanke , Xu Yangfei
Published: October 2022

This paper reveals the role of Yin-and-Yang contracts in evading transaction regulations in China’s housing market. Using micro-observations of Beijing’s housing resales, we find buyers are engaged in “Yin-and-Yang” contracts with higher degree of under-reporting during “the most stringent regulation in history”. We then estimate the extra tax loss from this further under-reporting as an unexpected side effect of regulation policies. Moreover, since “Yin-and-Yang” contracts put more liquidity pressure on the buyers, we also investigate the potential crowding-out effect and enlarged inequality after regulation.
Using CFD to Simulate the Concentration of Polluting and Harmful Gases in the Roadway of Non-Metallic Mines Reveals Its Migration Law
Authors: Xie Chengyu , Xiong Guanpeng , Chen Ziwei
Published: October 2022

The green and pollution-free mining of resources has always been a research field that people have focused on. In the process of mining resources, the production of CO, SO2 and other pollutants directly affects the health of miners and the atmospheric environment in the mining area. Therefore, it is particularly important to deal with and control the polluting gases generated by mining. Taking the underground roadway of a coal mine in Hengdong City, Hunan Province, as the research object, we studied the migration law of pollutant gas there. Comsol software was used to determine the changing state of pollutant gas migration in the roadway, and a simulation model of the wind field and the pollutant concentration field in the roadway under turbulent conditions was established. The results showed that, when the air flow moved to the front face of the roadway, it generated backflow to form a counterclockwise-rotating air flow vortex. Here, the air flow stagnated, hindering the diffusion of pollutants. The gas moved with the air flow in the roadway, and the flow’s velocity decreased in the middle of the roadway, causing pollutants to accumulate. The whole wind field tended to be stable at a plane 25 m from the roadway’s outlet. This indicates that the middle part of the roadway is the place where the polluted gas accumulates, and it is of representative significance to study the concentration of the polluted gas in the roadway in this section.
Containerized Grain Logistics Processes for Implementing Sustainable Identity Preservation
Authors: Kim Young Joo , Lee Byung Kwon
Published: October 2022

Grains are often exposed to unprotected environment during post-harvest logistics processes. Since grains are usually accommodated in silos on farms, when importing grains, they are transported to silos or yards at ports by heavy vehicles, and imported to another country (or region) by bulk carriers. Thereafter the grains are stored at silos and transported in bulk or tone-sacks by heavy vehicles. The grain quality often deteriorates due to unprotected storage and transportation environment through the logistics processes, whereby they become affected by insects, pests, rancidity, discoloration, and so on. This study examines a containerized grain logistics contributing to well-known identity preservation, analyzes the applicability in terms of logistics cost, and discusses potential effects on sustainability improvement by tracing and preserving the grains for a longer duration in well-protected spaces during the logistics processes. This study introduces the necessity of preservation containers to implement the containerized grain logistics to prevent quality deterioration. A comparative cost analysis is conducted to investigate the effect of the containerized grain logistics. According to the comparative analysis, conventional bulk logistics has benefits in shipping (76.2%) and storage costs (89%), whereas the containerized logistics has economic viability in tariff (23.2%) and infrastructure costs (51.2%).
The High-Speed Railway Opening and Audit Fees: Evidence from China
Authors: Ma Dongshan , Zhang Shengqiang , Zhao Jiayu
Published: October 2022

By constructing a staggered difference-in-differences model, we examined the effect of the high-speed railway opening on audit fees and its mechanism. The high-speed railway opening significantly reduces audit fees, and the inhibitory effect is more pronounced in firms located in non-central cities and small- and medium-sized audit firms. Furthermore, the high-speed railway opening mainly affects the audit fees by intensifying the competition in the audit market, but information asymmetry has no significant impact, indicating that the high-speed railway opening mainly reduces the audit fees by reducing the audit costs. In addition, the high-speed railway opening can improve the audit quality, which further shows that the high-speed railway opening can promote reasonable competition in the audit market.
Characteristics of Strata Behavior and Differentiated Control of Fully Mechanized Mining Working Face with Abnormal Roof
Authors: Fu Qiang , Yang Ke , He Xiang , Wei Zhen , Yang Qinggan
Published: October 2022

The roof control of a fully mechanized mining face has a significant impact on coal extraction. Therefore, information about strata behavior and differentiated control measures for abnormal roofs are needed. In the present research, we used the ground pressure theory to calculate the interval of the first and periodic weighting of working faces 11113, 11213, and 11313 in the Panbei mine. The maximum support working resistance required by the three working faces was calculated considering the influence of the hard roof, fault zone, and skip mining mode on the relationship between support–surrounding rock. In addition, we determined the hydraulic support for the three working faces taking into account the impact of roof lithology on ground pressure, as well as the layout and mining sequence of the working face. In order to ensure the safety of the working face mining, we implemented the laying mesh method, controlling the roof, providing side protection in the fault-affected area, and using the violent ground pressure control method for advanced deep hole pre-split blasting under hard roof conditions. The engineering practice showed that the effective control of roof ground pressure in abnormal areas was achieved using these control measures.
Experimental Assessment of the Efficiency of Two-Phase Ejector Components for Isobutane
Authors: Śmierciew Kamil , Dudar Adam , Butrymowicz Dariusz , Gagan Jerzy , Jakończuk Paweł , Zou Huiming
Published: October 2022

Two-phase ejectors as well as single phase ejectors can be applied in many branches of industry: refrigeration and heat pump systems, chemical engineering, food processing, and others. Due to the complicated nature of the process of momentum transfer in two-phase ejectors, their design procedure based on the accurate theoretical prediction of the ejector performance is still an open issue. The paper provides its own experimental results of the velocity coefficients of the components of the two-phase ejector, i.e., the motive nozzle, suction chamber, mixing chamber, and diffuser. The results were obtained in the case of isobutane as the working fluid. It was demonstrated that the velocity coefficients may not be treated as constant quantities. Therefore, our own proposed dimensionless relationships describe the velocity coefficients of the components of the ejector that may be applied in the design procedure of the ejector. The two physical parameters, the wet vapour quality and the volumetric entrainment ratio, were selected as the key parameters. In addition, the aspects of the prediction of the critical mass flow rate of the motive nozzles was considered on the basis of the Henry–Fauske model. It was demonstrated that the model accurately predicts the two-phase critical flow under the conditions of a higher range of wet vapour quality.
Investigation on Improvement in Shear Performance of Reinforced-Concrete Beams Produced with Recycled Steel Wires from Waste Tires
Authors: Aksoylu Ceyhun , Özkılıç Yasin Onuralp , Hadzima-Nyarko Marijana , Işık Ercan , Arslan Musa Hakan
Published: October 2022

In parallel with the increase in vehicle sales worldwide, waste tires are becoming an increasing problem. The storage and disposal of these waste tires are critical environmental problems. Re-using these wastes in different areas instead of being disposed of is vital in preventing environmental pollution and creating new low-cost products. From this motivation, this paper investigates the properties of traditional reinforced-concrete beam with recycled steel wires (RSWT) obtained from the waste tires. RSWT were added to reinforced-concrete beam between 1% and 3% by weight with an increment of 1%. In total, 9 cubes, 12 cylinders and 12 reinforced-concrete beams were cast and tested to obtain the compressive, splitting tensile and flexural strengths, respectively. RSWT added to the concrete by 1%, 2% and 3% increased the compressive strength by 17.2%, 30.8% and 46.4%, respectively, compared to the reference concrete. In split tensile strength, 14.4%, 25.1% and 36.7% increases were observed, respectively. This showed that there was an effective increase in the compressive and tensile strength of concrete with the increase of fiber content. Although the effect of fiber content in samples with high stirrup spacing (27 cm) provides significant benefit in improving the beam behavior, the effect of fibers was more limited as the stirrup spacing decreased (20 cm and 16 cm). An approximation of over 91% was obtained between the analytical calculations and the experimental results. This shows that the analytical calculations given in the standards can be used for new experimental studies.
CoO, Cu, and Ag Nanoparticles on Silicon Nanowires with Photocatalytic Activity for the Degradation of Dyes
Authors: Cárdenas Cortez Olda Alexia , de Jesús Pérez Bueno José , Casados Mexicano Yolanda , Mendoza López Maria Luisa , Rodríguez Carlos Hernández , Maldonado Pérez Alejandra Xochitl , Cruz Alejandre David , Magdaleno López Coraquetzali , García Robles María Reina , Oza Goldie , Flores López José Germán , Silva Hugo Ruiz
Published: October 2022

Photocatalytic semiconductors require maintaining stability and pursuing higher efficiencies. The studied systems were silicon nanowires (SiNWs), silicon nanowires with cobalt oxide nanoparticles (SiNWs-CoONPs), and silicon nanowires with copper nanoparticles (SiNWs-CuNPs). SiNWs were synthesized by metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) from silicon wafers keeping the remaining silver nanoparticles for all three sample types. The nanowires were about 23–30 µm in length. CoONPs and CuNPs were deposited on SiNWs by the autocatalytic reduction processes (electroless). There were many factors in the process that affect the resulting structures and degradation efficiencies. This work shows the degradation of methyl orange (MO) together with the chemisorption of methylene blue (MB), and rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) by direct illumination with visible radiation. The MO degradation kinetics were in the sequence SiNWs-CuNPs (88.9%) > SiNWs (85.3%) > SiNWs-CoONPs (49.3%), with the SiNWs-CuNPs having slightly faster kinetics. However, SiNWs-CoONPs have slow degradation kinetics. The chemisorptions of MB and Rh6G were SiNWs-CuNPs (87.2%; 86.88%) > SiNWs (86%; 87%) > SiNWs-CoONPs (17.3%; 12%), showing dye desorptions together with lower chemisorption capacities. This work shows iridescence in optical microscopy images by the visible light interference caused by the spaces between the nanowire bundles.
Analysis of Fishery Resource Management Practices in São Tomé and Príncipe: Perception of the Dynamics of Catches from 1950–2020, Recommendations and Strategies for Future Research
Authors: Zacarias Wilfred Boa Morte , Dai Xiaojie , Kindong Richard , Sarr Ousmane , Moussa Abdoulrazack Hamoud
Published: October 2022

Fisheries play an important role in the socio-economic development of São Tomé and Príncipe (STP), although the exploited fishery resources have remained largely unknown due to extreme data limitation conditions, which have hindered their sustainable utilization and effective management. Fish has traditionally been seen as a crucial element in the population’s dietary and nutritional security, playing a significant role as a source of 85% of animal protein. However, the sustainable management of these resources has recently been facing some challenges. Fishermen control the patterns of fishing exploitation by modifying their methods in response to shifting socioeconomic situations and the management of their resources. In the present study, we assess the dynamics and trends of catches of artisanal, semi-industrial, and industrial fleets in São Tomé and Príncipe marine waters, as well as aspects related to fishing effort, using catch data collected from 1950 to 2020. The observed results show the dynamics and importance that the fishing sectors of São Tomé and Príncipe have for the country’s economic growth. According to the indices of abundance of fishery resources, the levels of exploitation during this study’s period revealed a reduction in recent years of artisanal catches. Furthermore, this study also identified major problems faced in the fishing sector of São Tomé and Príncipe and makes some recommendations to address them. These recommendations would allow future studies to define the status of stocks threatened or overexploited and control fishing efforts, ensuring the legitimacy and sustainability of fishing activity in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Effects of Acculturation Types on Acculturative Stress and Adjustment to South Korean Society: Focusing on Chinese Immigrants
Authors: Jung Bo Eun
Published: October 2022

This study aims to empirically analyze the effects of acculturation types of Chinese immigrants who have settled in South Korea on their acculturative stress and adjustment to South Korean society. For this, 200 Chinese immigrants residing in Korea were surveyed. Of these, 12 were excluded from the survey for insincere or omitted responses, and the final 188 were surveyed. The research results are as follows: First, the effects of the types of acculturation of Chinese immigrants on their acculturative stress were analyzed. According to the results, among the subfactors of acculturation type, integration and assimilation had significant negative effects on acculturative stress, and marginalization had significant positive effects. Second, the effects of immigrants’ acculturative stress on their adjustment to South Korean society were analyzed, and it was found that their acculturative stress had significant negative effects on their adjustment to South Korean society. Third, the effects of immigrants’ acculturation types on their adjustment to South Korean society were analyzed. Among the subfactors of the acculturation types, integration and assimilation were found to have significant positive effects on adjustment to South Korean society, while marginalization had significant negative effects. Fourth, the mediating effect of acculturative stress on the relationship between the integration of Chinese immigrants and their adjustment to South Korean society was analyzed. As a result, it was found that the integration, separation, and marginalization of immigrants had significant indirect effects on their adjustment to South Korean society through acculturative stress. This study can be regarded as meaningful in that it presented the acculturation types necessary for immigrants, who are steadily increasing in South Korea in this era of globalization, to relieve the acculturative stress they feel in an unfamiliar foreign country and adjust to South Korean society.
Actuarial Credibility Approach in Adjusting Initial Cost Estimates of Transport Infrastructure Projects
Authors: Rokicki Bartlomiej , Ostaszewski Krzysztof
Published: October 2022

This paper presents a novel methodology based on the modified actuarial credibility approach. It allows for the adjustment of initial cost estimates of public infrastructure projects by accounting for the additional risk/uncertainty factor. Hence, it offers an interesting alternative to other existing forecasting methods. We test our approach by applying data for over 300 major infrastructure projects implemented in Poland between 2004 and 2020. We prove that, despite its simplicity, the actuarial credibility approach can deliver accurate cost estimates compared to more complex methods such as regression analysis (OLS) or machine learning (LASSO). In particular, we show that, although the forecasting accuracy varies among different project categories, actuarial credibility outperforms other forecasting approaches in the majority of cases. As a result, we argue that actuarial credibility should be considered as a relatively simple tool with very modest data requirements that can be easily applied by investors and policy makers in order to improve project planning and avoid cost overruns.
Developing an Evidence-Based Framework of Universal Design in the Context of Sustainable Urban Planning in Northern Nicosia
Authors: Duman Ümran , Asilsoy Buket
Published: October 2022

Sustainable urbanism involves a wide range of issues, starting with the building unit and leading up to the city scale under the discourse of sustainability, including the four main dimensions of environmental, economic, cultural, and social. Universal design (UD) can be suggested as one of the significant catalyzers of urban design parameters, which are among the basic elements of social sustainability. UD is significant in terms of providing solutions that meet the common needs of all individuals in built environments. There is a strong relationship between social sustainability and UD. Thus, adopting the concept of UD in the planning of urban spaces is crucial. Within this framework, via the relevant theoretical evaluation, a conceptual framework is constructed in order to explain universal design as a concept within the context of urban design parameters and social sustainability. Alongside discussing universal design as a term, urban design parameters and social sustainability are also discussed in order to explain the development of the theoretical model. Later, in the methodology section of the study, northern Nicosia has been chosen as the study area. A qualitative evaluation regarding the seven dimensions of universal design and a quantitative assessment based on the TSI standards, prepared including European directives/regulations, were applied to the chosen nine urban space items on the avenue. Based on the findings at Şht. Kemal Ünal Avenue, it can be concluded that urban spaces in northern Nicosia do not achieve a convenient environment for all individuals to the greatest extent possible. Further, in the discussion section of the study, several suggestions are presented for the improvement of streets, taking into account UD principles. These suggestions refer to the stops, sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, urban furniture, and equipment on the avenue. In sum, it is expected that the qualitative and quantitative analyses undertaken and the literature review, including a theoretical model, will contribute to the existing knowledge on the terminology of universal design in the context of social sustainability.
Urban Expansion Assessment Based on Optimal Granularity in the Huaihe River Basin of China
Authors: Qiao Xuning , Liu Liang , Yang Yongju , Gu Yangyang , Zheng Jinchan
Published: October 2022

Determining the optimal granularity, which has often been ignored in the analysis of urban expansion and its landscape pattern, is the core problem in landscape ecology research. Here, we calculate the optimal granularities for differently sized cities in the Huaihe River Basin of China based on scale transformation and area loss evaluation. Accordingly, we construct a landscape index and urban land density function to analyze urban expansion and landscape pattern. The results can be summarized as follows. (1) Within the first scale domain of the landscape indices, the optimal granularities of Zhengzhou, Xuzhou, Yancheng, Xinyang, and Bozhou are 60 m, 50 m, 40 m, 40 m, and 40 m, respectively, which are the optimal units in the study of urban expansion. (2) The urban land density decreases from the urban center to the outskirts, the urban core of each city is more compact than the outskirts, and the land density curve parameter α of Zhengzhou is the largest at 4.693 and its urban core the most compact. (3) There are significant spatial and temporal differences in the urban land densities of differently sized cities. The urban land density functions of different cities are similar before 2000; after that, they are similar to the standard inverse S-shaped function and the land use density curve of large cities is closer to the standard inverse S-shaped function than that of small- and medium-sized cities. (4) Large cities have faster expansion, much larger land density curve parameter c than medium- and small-cities, stronger linkage development with surrounding areas, and a higher degree of urban centralization. Urban expansion compactness was influenced by urban locations and functions except for urban sizes. This study offers a method for identifying the optimal granularities for differently sized cities and also provides information for the decision-making efforts that concern the rapid urbanization in major grain-producing areas of China.
Crowding-Out Effect of Natural Resources on Domestic Investment: The Importance of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) and Control of Corruption in the Middle East and Central Asia
Authors: Abbas Shujaat , Rehman Faheem Ur , Khan Shabeer , Rehman Mohd Ziaur , Alonazi Wadi B. , Noman Abul Ala
Published: October 2022

Countries of the Middle East and Central Asia depend heavily on natural resources for their exports, income, and employment. This study is a preliminary investigation that explores the effect of natural resources on domestic investment in a sample of 12 highly resource-dependent countries in the Middle East and Central Asia from 2000 to 2019. The recently advanced cross-sectional dependent auto-regressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) model and panel quantile regression are employed. The results validate the accelerator theory that an increase of the non-oil GDP growth rate has a robust positive impact on domestic investment, while natural resources crowd-out domestic investment. The long-run estimate of ICT reveals a significant positive impact, while corruption shows a significant negative effect. These findings urge sample resource-dependent countries to focus on developing ICT-based enterprises and control prevailing corruption levels. Moreover, adopting liberal trade policies can also enhance domestic investment opportunities.
A Highly Sensitive Fluorescence and Screen-Printed Electrodes—Electrochemiluminescence Immunosensor for Ricin Detection Based on CdSe/ZnS QDs with Dual Signal
Authors: Feng Shasha , Hu Wei , Pei Fubin , Liu Zhiwei , Du Bin , Mu Xihui , Liu Bing , Hao Qingli , Lei Wu , Tong Zhaoyang
Published: October 2022

A sensitive dual-readout immunosensor for fluorescence and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection of ricin was established, which was combined with a streptavidin–biotin signal amplification system. CdSe/ZnS quantum dots with fine fluorescence and ECL properties were used as the dual-signal function probes of the sandwich immunocomplex. Under the optimum experimental conditions, the dual signal intensity increased significantly with the rise in ricin concentration. The fluorescence intensity of the senor exhibited a good liner relationship toward the ricin concentrations with 0.1~100 ng/mL and the limit of detection (LOD) was 81.7 pg/mL; taking ECL as the detection signal, the sensor showed a linear relationship with the ricin concentrations ranging from 0.01 ng/mL to 100 ng/mL and the LOD was 5.5 pg/mL. The constructed sensor with high sensitivity had been successfully applied to the detection of ricin in complex matrices with satisfactory recoveries. The proposed immunosensor model can be extended to the analysis and detection of others target proteins.
Updating the Insecticide Resistance Status of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in Asia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zulfa Ramdan , Lo Wei-Cheng , Cheng Po-Ching , Martini Martini , Chuang Ting-Wu
Published: October 2022

Background: Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are two important vectors of several important arboviruses, including the dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. Insecticide application is an important approach to reduce vector abundance during Aedes spp.-borne outbreaks in the absence of effective vaccines and treatments. However, insecticide overuse can result in the development of resistance, and careful monitoring of resistance markers is required. Methods: This meta-analysis and systematic review explored the spatial and temporal patterns of insecticide resistance in Asia from 2000 to 2021. PubMed, Scopus, EbscoHost, and Embase were used to enhance the search capability. The random-effects model was applied for the 94 studies that met our inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis. Results: Four major insecticides were studied (malathion, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, permethrin, and deltamethrin). Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane resistance rates were high in both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus (68% and 64%, respectively). Conversely, malathion resistance was less prevalent in Ae. aegypti (3%), and deltamethrin resistance was less common in Ae. albopictus (2%). Ae. aegypti displayed consistently high resistance rates (35%) throughout the study period, whereas the rate of insecticide resistance in Ae. albopictus increased from 5% to 12%. The rates of the major kdr mutations F1534C, V1016G, and S989P were 29%, 26%, and 22%, respectively. Conclusions: Insecticide resistance in both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus is widespread in Asia, although the rates vary by country. Continuous monitoring of the resistance markers and modification of the control strategies will be important for preventing unexpected outbreaks. This systematic review and meta-analysis provided up-to-date information on insecticide resistance in dengue-endemic countries in Asia.
Detection of Tropical Diseases Caused by Mosquitoes Using CRISPR-Based Biosensors
Authors: Zakiyyah Salma Nur , Ibrahim Abdullahi Umar , Babiker Manal Salah , Gaffar Shabarni , Ozsoz Mehmet , Zein Muhammad Ihda H. L. , Hartati Yeni Wahyuni
Published: October 2022

Tropical diseases (TDs) are among the leading cause of mortality and fatality globally. The emergence and reemergence of TDs continue to challenge healthcare system. Several tropical diseases such as yellow fever, tuberculosis, cholera, Ebola, HIV, rotavirus, dengue, and malaria outbreaks have led to endemics and epidemics around the world, resulting in millions of deaths. The increase in climate change, migration and urbanization, overcrowding, and other factors continue to increase the spread of TDs. More cases of TDs are recorded as a result of substandard health care systems and lack of access to clean water and food. Early diagnosis of these diseases is crucial for treatment and control. Despite the advancement and development of numerous diagnosis assays, the healthcare system is still hindered by many challenges which include low sensitivity, specificity, the need of trained pathologists, the use of chemicals and a lack of point of care (POC) diagnostic. In order to address these issues, scientists have adopted the use of CRISPR/Cas systems which are gene editing technologies that mimic bacterial immune pathways. Recent advances in CRISPR-based biotechnology have significantly expanded the development of biomolecular sensors for diagnosing diseases and understanding cellular signaling pathways. The CRISPR/Cas strategy plays an excellent role in the field of biosensors. The latest developments are evolving with the specific use of CRISPR, which aims for a fast and accurate sensor system. Thus, the aim of this review is to provide concise knowledge on TDs associated with mosquitoes in terms of pathology and epidemiology as well as background knowledge on CRISPR in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Moreover, the study overviews the application of the CRISPR/Cas system for detection of TDs associated with mosquitoes.
Strongyloides stercoralis: A Neglected but Fatal Parasite
Authors: Luvira Viravarn , Siripoon Tanaya , Phiboonbanakit Danabhand , Somsri Kollawat , Watthanakulpanich Dorn , Dekumyoy Paron
Published: October 2022

Strongyloidiasis is a disease caused by Strongyloides stercoralis and remains a neglected tropical infection despite significant public health concerns. Challenges in the management of strongyloidiasis arise from wide ranging clinical presentations, lack of practical high sensitivity diagnostic tests, and a fatal outcome in immunocompromised hosts. Migration, globalization, and increased administration of immunomodulators, particularly during the COVID-19 era, have amplified the global impact of strongyloidiasis. Here, we comprehensively review the diagnostic tests, clinical manifestations, and treatment of strongyloidiasis. The review additionally focuses on complicated strongyloidiasis in immunocompromised patients and critical screening strategies. Diagnosis of strongyloidiasis is challenging because of non-specific presentations and low parasite load. In contrast, treatment is simple: administration of single dosage ivermectin or moxidectin, a recent anthelmintic drug. Undiagnosed infections result in hyperinfection syndrome and disseminated disease when patients become immunocompromised. Thus, disease manifestation awareness among clinicians is crucial. Furthermore, active surveillance and advanced diagnostic tests are essential for fundamental management.
Leptospira borgpetersenii Leucine-Rich Repeat Proteins and Derived Peptides in an Indirect ELISA Development for the Diagnosis of Canine Leptospiral Infections
Authors: Sripattanakul Sineenat , Prapong Teerasak , Kamlangdee Attapon , Katzenmeier Gerd , Haltrich Dietmar , Hongprayoon Ratchanee , Prapong Siriwan
Published: October 2022

Domestic and stray dogs can be frequently infected by Leptospira, and thus may represent a source for transmission of this zoonotic disease in Thailand. Here, we have used peptides derived from a recombinant leucine-rich repeat (LRR) protein of Leptospira, rKU_Sej_LRR_2012M, for the development of an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) aimed at detecting antibodies against Leptospira interrogans, L. borgpetersenii, and L. biflexa, the three major seroprevalences in Thai dogs. The rKU_Sej_LRR_2012M protein is recognized by hyperimmune sera against several leptospiral serovars. The epitope peptides of the rKU_Sej_LRR_2012M showed binding affinities with lower IC50 values than peptides of known antigenic protein LipL32. Four peptides, 2012-3T, 2012-4B, 2012-5B and pool 2012-B, were specifically recognized by rabbit hyperimmune sera against nine serovars from three Leptospira spp. The indirect peptide-based ELISAs with these four peptides were evaluated with the LipL32 ELISA by using a receiver–operator curve (ROC) analysis. All peptides had an area under the curve of ROC (AUC) greater than 0.8, and the sum of sensitivity and specificity for each peptide was greater than 1.5. The degree of agreement of 2012-3T and pool 2012-B and 2012-4B and 2012-5B peptides were in moderate-to-good levels with kappa values of 0.41–0.60 and 0.61–0.80, when compared with LipL32, respectively. This finding would suggest an excellent capability of the 2012-4B and 2012-5B peptide-based ELISAs assay for the diagnosis of canine leptospiral infections.
Cellular PSMB4 Protein Suppresses Influenza A Virus Replication through Targeting NS1 Protein
Authors: Yang Chee-Hing , Hsu Che-Fang , Lai Xiang-Qing , Chan Yu-Ru , Li Hui-Chun , Lo Shih-Yen
Published: October 2022

The nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) of influenza A virus (IAV) possesses multiple functions, such as the inhibition of the host antiviral immune responses, to facilitate viral infection. To search for cellular proteins interacting with the IAV NS1 protein, the yeast two-hybrid system was adopted. Proteasome family member PSMB4 (proteasome subunit beta type 4) was found to interact with the NS1 protein in this screening experiment. The binding domains of these two proteins were also determined using this system. The physical interactions between the NS1 and cellular PSMB4 proteins were further confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation assay and confocal microscopy in mammalian cells. Neither transiently nor stably expressed NS1 protein affected the PSMB4 expression in cells. In contrast, PSMB4 reduced the NS1 protein expression level, especially in the presence of MG132. As expected, the functions of the NS1 protein, such as inhibition of interferon activity and enhancement of transient gene expression, were suppressed by PSMB4. PSMB4 knockdown enhances IAV replication, while its overexpression attenuates IAV replication. Thus, the results of this study suggest that the cellular PSMB4 protein interacts with and possibly facilitates the degradation of the NS1 protein, which in turn suppresses IAV replication.
Common but Nonpersistent Acquisitions of Plant Viruses by Plant-Associated Fungi
Authors: Cao Xinran , Liu Jie , Pang Jianguo , Kondo Hideki , Chi Shengqi , Zhang Jianfeng , Sun Liying , Andika Ida Bagus
Published: October 2022

Investigating a virus’s host range and cross-infection is important for better understanding the epidemiology and emergence of viruses. Previously, our research group discovered a natural infection of a plant RNA virus, cumber mosaic virus (genus Cucumovirus, family Bromoviridae), in a plant pathogenic basidiomycetous fungus, Rhizoctonia solani, isolated from a potato plant grown in the field. Here, we further extended the study to investigate whether similar cross-infection of plant viruses occurs widely in plant-associated fungi in natural conditions. Various vegetable plants such as spinach, leaf mustard, radish, celery, and other vegetables that showed typical virus-like diseases were collected from the fields in Shandong Province, China. High-throughput sequencing revealed that at least 11 known RNA viruses belonging to different genera, including Potyvirus, Fabavirus, Polerovirus, Waikavirus, and Cucumovirus, along with novel virus candidates belonging to other virus genera, infected or associated with the collected vegetable plants, and most of the leaf samples contained multiple plant viruses. A large number of filamentous fungal strains were isolated from the vegetable leaf samples and subjected to screening for the presence of plant viruses. RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing of the PCR products revealed that among the 169 fungal strains tested, around 50% were carrying plant viruses, and many of the strains harbored multiple plant viruses. The plant viruses detected in the fungal isolates were diverse (10 virus species) and not limited to particular virus genera. However, after prolonged maintenance of the fungal culture in the laboratory, many of the fungal strains have lost the virus. Sequencing of the fungal DNA indicated that most of the fungal strains harboring plant viruses were related to plant pathogenic and/or endophytic fungi belonging to the genera Alternaria, Lecanicillium, and Sarocladium. These observations suggest that the nonpersistent acquisition of plant viruses by fungi may commonly occur in nature. Our findings highlight a possible role for fungi in the life cycle, spread, and evolution of plant viruses.
Serological Evidence of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus and IgM Positivity Were Identified in Healthy Residents in Vietnam
Authors: Tran Xuan Chuong , Kim Sung Hye , Lee Jeong-Eun , Kim So-Hee , Kang Su Yeon , Binh Nguyen D. , Duc Pham V. , Phuong Phan T. K. , Thao Nguyen T. P. , Lee Wonwoo , Bae Joon-Yong , Park Man-Seong , Kim Misun , Yoo Jeong Rae , Heo Sang Taek , An Kyeong Ho , Kim Jung Mogg , Cho Nam-Hyuk , Kee Sun-Ho , Lee Keun Hwa
Published: October 2022

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), an emerging tick-borne viral disease, is prevalent in East Asia and has also been reported in Southeast Asia since 2019. SFTS patients in Vietnam were first reported in 2019. However, the seroprevalence of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) in Vietnam has not been reported. To investigate the seroprevalence of SFTSV in Vietnam, we collected serum samples from 714 healthy residents in Thua Thien Hue and Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, and the seroprevalence of SFTSV was assessed using immunofluorescence antibody assay (IFA), Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs) and the 50% focus reduction neutralization test (FRNT50) assay. The seroprevalence of anti-SFTSV IgM or IgG was observed to be 3.64% (26/714), high IgM positivity was >80 (0.28%, 2/714) and the titer of neutralizing antibodies against SFTSV ranged from 15.5 to 55.9. In Pakistan, SFTSV infection confirmed using a microneutralization test (MNT) assay (prevalence is 2.5%) and ELISAs showed a high seroprevalence (46.7%) of SFTSV. Hence, the seroprevalence rate in Vietnam is similar to that in Pakistan and the number of SFTS patients could increase in Vietnam.