bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Rural Regions in China: Evidence of Industry Integration by the Residents of Yongan Village (Quanzhou City, China)
Authors: Wang Yanyu , Tian Robert
Published: February 2023

This study aims to probe the sustainable development issues in Chinese rural regions. It analyzes the primary, secondary, and tertiary industries by considering the experiences of Yongan village in Quanzhou, China, as a case study. Integrating primary, secondary, and tertiary industries is essential to promoting rural areas’ transformation, upgrading, and development. Yongan village in Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, China, has attempted to integrate primary, secondary, and tertiary industries. Yongan village has creatively practiced the development model of “1 + 3 + 2” (from the primary industry to the tertiary industry and then to the secondary industry). Based on the exploration of Yongan village’s experience, it is proposed to design a program for integrating primary, secondary, and tertiary industries. The study of Yongan village example will enrich the related theories and provide theoretical guidance and practical reference for related practices in rural areas in China and other developing countries. This study’s novelty is that it offers a unique rural development model based on “1 + 3 + 2”. The tertiary industry’s development precedes the secondary industry, paving the way for agro-tourism that leads to the sustainable development of the rural regions with sustained economic activity accelerated by rising tourist inflow.
Analysis of the Factors Affecting China’s Manufacturing Servitization from the Perspective of the Ecological Environment
Authors: Li Hui , Chu Lixia , Qin Xiaoyi
Published: February 2023

Manufacturing servitization (MS) can effectively alleviate the contradiction between economic growth and ecological carrying capacity and can promote energy conservation and emission reduction in the manufacturing industry (MI). However, China’s MI is in the primary stage of servitization and lacks sufficient ability to provide services; thus, the environmental benefits of MS are not obvious. Therefore, in the context of current pressure to normalize environmental protection, how servitization can drive low-carbon development in MI while taking into account economic development has become an important topic at present. Thus, this study constructs an evaluation index system of factors based on a driver–pressure–state–impact–response (DPSIR) model, and uses the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and interpretive structural modeling (ISM) model to analyze the causal relationship and key elements among the influencing factors. The results show that from the perspective of the ecological environment, many factors affect MS, although to varying degrees. Among them, the proportion of R&D personnel, input intensity, and the proportion of clean energy are the main factors. Based on the transmission mechanism among these factors, we propose two paths to realizing the service-oriented, low-carbon development of China’s MI.
Short Term Power Load Forecasting Based on PSVMD-CGA Model
Authors: Su Jingming , Han Xuguang , Hong Yan
Published: February 2023

Short-term power load forecasting is critical for ensuring power system stability. A new algorithm that combines CNN, GRU, and an attention mechanism with the Sparrow algorithm to optimize variational mode decomposition (PSVMD–CGA) is proposed to address the problem of the effect of random load fluctuations on the accuracy of short-term load forecasting. To avoid manual selection of VMD parameters, the Sparrow algorithm is adopted to optimize VMD by decomposing short-term power load data into multiple subsequences, thus significantly reducing the volatility of load data. Subsequently, the CNN (Convolution Neural Network) is introduced to address the fact that the GRU (Gated Recurrent Unit) is difficult to use to extract high-dimensional power load features. Finally, the attention mechanism is selected to address the fact that when the data sequence is too long, important information cannot be weighted highly. On the basis of the original GRU model, the PSVMD–CGA model suggested in this paper has been considerably enhanced. MAE has dropped by 288.8%, MAPE has dropped by 3.46%, RMSE has dropped by 326.1 MW, and R2 has risen to 0.99. At the same time, various evaluation indicators show that the PSVMD–CGA model outperforms the SSA–VMD–CGA and GA–VMD–CGA models.
Review on the Application of Photovoltaic Forecasting Using Machine Learning for Very Short- to Long-Term Forecasting
Authors: Mohamad Radzi Putri Nor Liyana , Akhter Muhammad Naveed , Mekhilef Saad , Mohamed Shah Noraisyah
Published: February 2023

Advancements in renewable energy technology have significantly reduced the consumer dependence on conventional energy sources for power generation. Solar energy has proven to be a sustainable source of power generation compared to other renewable energy sources. The performance of a photovoltaic (PV) system is highly dependent on the amount of solar penetration to the solar cell, the type of climatic season, the temperature of the surroundings, and the environmental humidity. Unfortunately, every renewable’s technology has its limitation. Consequently, this prevents the system from operating to a maximum or optimally. Achieving a precise PV system output power is crucial to overcoming solar power output instability and intermittency performance. This paper discusses an intensive review of machine learning, followed by the types of neural network models under supervised machine learning implemented in photovoltaic power forecasting. The literature of past researchers is collected, mainly focusing on the duration of forecasts for very short-, short-, and long-term forecasts in a photovoltaic system. The performance of forecasting is also evaluated according to a different type of input parameter and time-step resolution. Lastly, the crucial aspects of a conventional and hybrid model of machine learning and neural networks are reviewed comprehensively.
OCA: Ordered Clustering-Based Algorithm for E-Commerce Recommendation System
Authors: Gulzar Yonis , Alwan Ali A. , Abdullah Radhwan M. , Abualkishik Abedallah Zaid , Oumrani Mohamed
Published: February 2023

The industry of e-commerce (EC) has become more popular and creates tremendous business opportunities for many firms. Modern societies are gradually shifting towards convenient online shopping as a result of the emergence of EC. The rapid growth in the volume of the data puts users in a big challenge when purchasing products that best meet their preferences. The reason for this is that people will be overwhelmed with many similar products with different brands, prices, and ratings. Consequently, they will be unable to make the best decision about what to purchase. Various studies on recommendation systems have been reported in the literature, concentrating on the issues of cold-start and data sparsity, which are among the most common challenges in recommendation systems. This study attempts to examine a new clustering technique named the Ordered Clustering-based Algorithm (OCA), with the aim of reducing the impact of the cold-start and the data sparsity problems in EC recommendation systems. A comprehensive review of data clustering techniques has been conducted, to discuss and examine these data clustering techniques. The OCA attempts to exploit the collaborative filtering strategy for e-commerce recommendation systems to cluster users based on their similarities in preferences. Several experiments have been conducted over a real-world e-commerce data set to evaluate the efficiency and the effectiveness of the proposed solution. The results of the experiments confirmed that OCA outperforms the previous approaches, achieving higher percentages of Precision (P), Recall (R), and F-measure (F).
Evaluation of Differential Settlement of Subgrade for Highway-Widening Projects
Authors: Lin Qiqi , Zhang Yuhe , Yang Chenjun , Wang Xiaohua , Lei Tao , Ju Chengwei , Yao Zhanyong , Yao Kai
Published: February 2023

Highway widening is an important way to improve the existing expressway capacity and promote the development of transportation systems. The differential settlement between the old and new subgrade is the key factor to evaluate whether it is necessary to carry out ground improvement for the new foundation, which will cause longitudinal pavement cracking and even subgrade instability. Therefore, the most critical task in the highway expansion project is controlling differential settlement, particularly post-construction differential settlement. In this study, a fluid-structure coupling settlement analysis model was developed based on FLAC3D, and a modified Cam-clay (MCC) model was used to describe the difference between new and old foundation parameters. The working conditions of different subgrade heights and groundwater levels were simulated to analyze their influence on the differential settlement during and after construction. With the increment value of the transverse slope (Δi) and maximum slope (k) of new and old subgrade settlement curves as evaluation indexes, the differential settlement size of widened subgrade under different working conditions is evaluated, which provides a basis for the design of widened foundation engineering and provides suggestions on whether reinforcement measures should be taken. The results show that the post-construction differential settlement increases with the increase in groundwater level and subgrade height. Under the requirement of Δi ≤ 0.5%, it is not necessary to take reinforcement measures under the condition of local water levels under a 2 m subgrade height and −9 m and −11 m groundwater levels under a 4 m subgrade height. However, when the water level rises further, or the height of the subgrade increases further, it is necessary to take foundation reinforcement measures. Meanwhile, for the requirement of k ≤ 0.5%, foundation reinforcement measures should be taken for all working conditions regardless of the water level or subgrade height. The research results can provide theoretical value and reference for foundation treatment in roadbed-widening engineering.
Impact of Water Meadow Restoration on Forage Hay Production in Different Hydro-Meteorological Conditions: A Case Study of Racot, Central Poland
Authors: Napierała Michał , Sojka Mariusz , Jaskuła Joanna
Published: February 2023

Water meadows in river valleys are a source of very valuable forage. Due to their specificity, an appropriate approach to water management is required. This study assessed the impact of the reclamation of a traditional gravity irrigation system, aimed at saving and reducing water loss from meadows through controlled drainage. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the investment in drainage system restoration in the context of improving the yield of fodder hay in water meadows under changing hydrometeorological conditions. The analysis was performed on the basis of meteorological and hydrological data from 30 years in the period 1989–2018. The research was conducted on the basis of two assumptions. The first concerned management of meadows without the use of subsoil irrigation based only on the amount of water supplied from rainfall. The second variant assumed deficit irrigation based on periodic water meadows with systems of ditches and drainage channels that supplied water depending on the currently available amount of water in a nearby river. The field research was performed during the crop season of 2019 and 2020. Drainage restoration investment allowed the amount of water supplied to the meadows to be increased. In the analysed period, on average, almost 30 mm of water was delivered through the ditch system. There was also an increase in hay yields of 32%. However, the investment costs, which amounted to EUR 23,382.48, were too high for this type of farm production. A positive net present value (NPV) was obtained only for 25% of cases of hydrometeorological conditions (first quartile). For the other years, the investment was not profitable.
Are Cities Saving Energy by Getting Smarter? Evidence from Smart City Pilots in China
Authors: Xue Fei , Zhou Minliang , Liu Jiaqi
Published: February 2023

Taking smart city pilots (SCP) in China as a quasi-experiment, this paper uses the staggered difference-in-differences (staggered DID) to examine the impact of the SCP policy on energy consumption by using panel data of 224 prefecture-level cities from 2006 to 2019. The results showed that the SCP policy reduces energy consumption and energy intensity by 3.3% and 5.3%, respectively. Heterogeneity analysis found that the energy-saving effect of the SCP policy is stronger in western cities, resource-based cities, and in cities that were the pioneering pilots. Mechanism analysis showed that smart industry transformation is the main transmission mechanism. Our findings have important practical implications for reforming urban governance models and achieving a low-carbon transition.
Potential Impact of Environmental Activism: A Survey and a Scoping Review
Authors: Wolbring Gregor , Gill Simerta
Published: February 2023

Environmental issues increasingly impact the well-being, the ability to have a good life, of people, especially members of marginalized groups. Dealing with environmental issues is a long-standing and increasing focus of activism. Youth are increasingly involved in environmental activism. One focus of environmental education is how to instill the role of being a change agent into students. Marginalized groups experience many problems in relation to environmental issues, and environmental activism impacts the lived experience of marginalized groups in diverse ways. A pre-study scoping review suggested a gap in academic inquiry around “the impact of environmental activism”. The aim of our study was to decrease this gap and to better understand the perceived impact of environmental activism. We used two approaches to achieve this aim. In the first step, we used a survey to ask undergraduate students about their views on the impact of environmental activism. Given the results of the survey and that students need access to information to be able to fulfill their roles as critical thinkers and change agents, we then performed a scoping review of abstracts from Scopus, Web of Science, and the 70 databases accessible through EBSCO-HOST to ascertain what topics and which marginalized groups are engaged with in the academic inquiry of environmental activism. We found that participants felt that environmental activism has an impact on all the social groups and entities we gave them as choices, although there were differences in how positively they viewed the different groups and entities being affected. The participants also indicated that many of the well-being indicators were impacted by environmental activism, although around 30% felt that they did not have information they needed to form an opinion. Finally, our participants felt that different social groups have different ability expectations. Our scoping review found that many of the groups and indicators that our participants felt were impacted by environmental activism were not covered in the abstracts we analyzed. Our findings suggest many gaps and the need for actions and opportunities in relation to the topic of the “impact of environmental activism”.
Financial Literacy and Credit Accessibility of Rice Farmers in Pakistan: Analysis for Central Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Regions
Authors: Raza Ali , Tong Guangji , Sikandar Furqan , Erokhin Vasilii , Tong Zhang
Published: February 2023

This study investigates the factors that affect farmers’ access to Food Security and Agricultural Credit (FSAC) services for the farmers of Pakistan who have no access to banking but have a feasible farm business. Using multiple regressions and logistic analysis, the authors revealed the determinants of farmers’ financial literacy and analyzed the variables which affected the farmers’ accessibility to FSAC. Results indicated that the average financial literacy of respondents was at a moderate level. It was affected by the age of respondents, length of their education, distance to nearby cities, ownership of bank accounts, annual income, and financial education experience. The FSAC accessibility was also impacted by the area of cultivated land, interest rate, collateral, farms’ income, financial literacy index, credit accessibility experiences, the legal status of farmer groups, and the amount of a loan. Some of the issues that prevent farmers from having widespread access to the FSAC include the lack of loan need, lack of FSAC awareness, lack of collateral, loan usury perspective, loan rejection experience, fear of borrowing from the bank, and inactive farmer groups. The study contributes to the existing literature on the determinants of farmers’ access and choice of credit sources by using a primary data set.
Assessment of Ecological Environment Quality in Rare Earth Mining Areas Based on Improved RSEI
Authors: Yang Weilong , Zhou Yi , Li Chaozhu
Published: February 2023

In past decades, the reckless exploitation of rare earth mines devastated the ecological environment. Under strict regulation and governance, the exploitation has gradually gotten back on track in recent years. In this regard, timely and accurate assessment of the ecological environment quality of rare earth management areas is indispensable for regional mine development planning, ecological protection, and sustainable development. Being relatively objective and providing instant results, the Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI) is widely used in evaluating ecological environment quality. This paper combined Landsat 8 OLI multispectral imagery with meteorological, land type, and other data to set the Net Primary Productivity (NPP). The NPP reflects detailed regional vegetation destruction and climate variation, the greenness index of RSEI. We also used kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) to obtain the improved ecological index K-RSEINPP while evaluating the ecological environment quality of rare earth mining areas in southern Jiangxi and compared this with the traditional RSEI results. The results indicate that: (1) PC1 accounts for 88.51% of the results obtained based on K-RSEINPP, and the average correlation coefficient with each index reaches 0.757, which integrates the characteristics of the four indicators; (2) Compared with other indexes, the K-RSEINPP proposed in this paper can better display the detailed information of the ecological environment in the rare earth mining areas to differentiate mining areas under various statuses and cities with different vegetation coverage, and its results were consistent with the actual verification. Therefore, our K-RSEINPP can provide an effective basis for monitoring and evaluating the ecological environment of the mining area.
Reimagining Infrastructure Megaproject Delivery: An Australia—New Zealand Perspective
Authors: Ninan Johan , Clegg Stewart , Burdon Steve , Clay John
Published: February 2023

Infrastructure megaprojects are increasing in size and number worldwide. Widespread shortcomings such as cost overruns, delays, litigious threats, and community opposition are now so pervasive there is a clear mandate to rethink the way we plan, deliver, and operate our infrastructure. In this context, we situate this research to understand how megaprojects can be set up for success. Data were collected from responses to a questionnaire survey, interviews, and case studies. The questionnaire was fielded by multiple agencies involved in infrastructure projects, such as engineers, construction organizations, and government delivery agencies. For qualitative insights, we conducted 30 interviews with participants from these agencies and studied cases that successfully implemented the themes identified. The results highlight the three themes with the highest impact in delivering projects successfully: (1) Improved integrated planning, business cases, and front-end engineering design; (2) efficient use of contracts; and (3) strengthening government and political engagement. This research contrasts the literature on megaproject success with data collected from questionnaires, case studies, and interviews. Collecting solutions that have solved issues effectively is an innovative aspect of our methodology, with these findings holding considerable value for ecosystem practitioners. Thus, we contribute by highlighting eight cost-effective, relevant, and efficient ways for reimagining infrastructure megaproject delivery.
The Social Exclusion Perspective of Food Insecurity: The Case of Blacked-Out Food Areas
Authors: Bernaschi Daniela , Marino Davide , Cimini Angela , Mazzocchi Giampiero
Published: February 2023

The United Nations Global Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly through Goal 2, simultaneously seeks to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on the agricultural production system and on consumption conditions. This means that ‘access’ to food should be determined with respect to the three dimensions of economic, physical and solidarity access to a quantity of food that fulfils both people’s nutritional needs and environmentally responsible consumption patterns. In Italy, 9.9% of the total population, i.e., six million people, live in a state of food insecurity. In Rome, 9.4% of the population lives in a condition of material deprivation, and applications for Citizens’ Income have increased, as well as food aids which amounted to EUR 20 million in 2020. The relationships between the cost of healthy and sustainable diets (which would cost 60% more than a staple diet) and the increasing economic difficulties people are facing, have prompted a focus on the multidimensional nature of food security, with particular emphasis on people’s ability to access food. In this paper, analyzing the Metropolitan City of Rome (Italy) as a case study, we present a pilot and innovative work on an affordability index to healthy and sustainable diet. A geospatial analysis highlights areas where economic difficulties in accessing food overlap with the shortage/absence of food retail outlets and with a lack of solidarity networks (e.g., civil society food distribution initiatives), allowing a new concept to come into focus, namely the blacked-out food areas. This concept helps to identify those areas in which people are socially excluded and cannot enjoy the same substantive food-related choices as people in other areas. The research outcomes provide insights into the geographical areas and neighborhoods characterized by critical access to healthy and sustainable food, providing crucial information for the planning and implementation of targeted social policies to tackle food insecurity.
Greening the Audiovisual Sector: Towards a New Understanding through Innovation Practices in Wales and Beyond
Authors: Lupu Ruxandra , Komorowski Marlen , Lewis Justin , Mothersdale Gregory , Pepper Sara
Published: February 2023

Despite efforts towards reducing the negative environmental impact of the audiovisual sector, sustainability remains challenging. In this paper we address environmental sustainability in the Welsh audiovisual sector through the lens of green innovation. The mixed method study combines quantitative research measuring the adoption levels of green innovation inside businesses with qualitative analysis of selected case studies of green innovation. In doing so, the paper explores the extent of developing green innovation, as well as how research and development (R&D) as a specific roadmap to innovation leads to different forms of innovative outcomes. Based on this evidence, we propose an extended framework for considering green innovation in the audiovisual sector, one that differentiates between solution-driven, content-driven and mindset-driven innovation. By providing evidence of the extent and nature of green innovation in the audiovisual sector, the paper makes an important contribution to the underexplored field of green innovation research.
Research on Control Strategy of Electro-Hydraulic Lifting System Based on AMESim and MATLAB
Authors: Zhang Wei , Yuan Qinghao , Xu Yifan , Wang Xuguang , Bai Shuzhan , Zhao Lei , Hua Yang , Ma Xiaoxu
Published: February 2023

Given the influence of flow instability, parameter uncertainty, and unpredictable disturbances in electro-hydraulic lifting systems, high-precision position control for electro-hydraulic lifting systems is challenging to achieve. This study proposes an observer–sliding mode control strategy to improve the control accuracy of the tractor electro-hydraulic lifting system. Firstly, the principle of the electro-hydraulic hoisting system is analyzed. Secondly, a mathematical model of the electro-hydraulic hoisting system is established, and the electro-hydraulic hoisting system is reduced to design an observer to achieve a real-time evaluation of the unknown system state and disturbance. The observer and the sliding mode control are then integrated into a controller to improve system response. Theoretical analysis demonstrates that the controller ensures that the actuator can achieve the desired control effect even under disturbing effects. Finally, a joint AMESim–MATLAB simulation and conducting pilot studies are carried out to compare the observer–sliding mode control with PID (Proportion–Integral–Derivative) control and sliding mode control. At the same time, in the process of the simulation and test, the symmetric structure as the electro-hydraulic lifting system was used to build a ploughing depth simulation system (changes in the hydraulic cylinder thrust simulate changes in ploughing depth values). The results show that the proposed observer–sliding mode control strategy can achieve a better position and pressure tracking and parameter change robustness than PID control and sliding mode control.
A Systematic Review of Nano- and Microplastic (NMP) Influence on the Bioaccumulation of Environmental Contaminants: Part I—Soil Organisms
Authors: Tourinho Paula S. , Loureiro Susana , Pavlaki Maria D. , Mocová Klará Anna , Ribeiro Fabianne
Published: February 2023

Nano- and microplastics (NMPs) are a group of contaminants that cause concern due to their abundance in the environment, high persistence, and interaction with other contaminants. This review aims to understand the role of NMP in the bioaccumulation of environmental contaminants. For that, a comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify publications that compared the uptake of contaminants in the presence and absence of NMP. In this part I, twenty-eight publications of the terrestrial compartment were analyzed. Two main taxonomic groups were studied, namely, earthworms and terrestrial plants. In earthworms, most studies observed an increase in the bioaccumulation of the contaminants, while in plants, most studies observed a decrease in the bioaccumulation. Changes in bioavailable fractions of contaminants due to NMP presence was the main reason pointed out by the authors for their outcomes. Moreover, biological aspects were also found to be important in defining how NMPs affect bioaccumulation. Dermal damage and changes in contaminant-degrading bacteria in the gut of earthworms caused an increase in bioaccumulation, and root pore blockage was a common reason for the decrease in the bioaccumulation of contaminants in plants. Nevertheless, such effects were mainly observed at high, unrealistic NMP concentrations. Finally, knowledge gaps were identified, and the limitations of this systematic review were presented.
Absorption and Transport Mechanism of Red Meat-Derived N-glycolylneuraminic Acid and Its Damage to Intestinal Barrier Function through the NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: He Enqi , Quan Wei , Luo Jie , Liu Chuxin , Zheng Wanting , Shen Qingwu
Published: February 2023

N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) is a specific factor in red meat that induces intestinal disease. Our aim was to investigate the effect of Neu5Gc on the intestinal barrier as well as its mechanism of endocytosis and exocytosis. Ten specific inhibitors were used to explore the mechanism of Neu5Gc endocytosis and exocytosis by Caco-2 cells. Amiloride hydrochloride and cytochalasin D had the strongest inhibitory effect on the endocytosis of Neu5Gc. Sodium azide, dynasore, chlorpromazine hydrochloride, and nystatin also inhibited Neu5Gc endocytosis. Dynasore exhibited a stronger inhibitory effect than that of chlorpromazine hydrochloride or nystatin alone. Exocytosis inhibitors, including nocodazole, brefeldin A, monensin, and bafilomycin A, inhibited the transmembrane transport of Neu5Gc. Monensin promoted the exocytosis of Neu5Gc from Caco-2 cells. In another experiment, we observed no significant inhibitory effects of monensin and brefeldin A. Dietary concentrations of Neu5Gc induced prominent damage to intestinal tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin, and claudin-1 and promoted the phosphorylation of IκB-α and P65 to activate the canonical Nuclear Factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway. Neu5Gc increased the RNA levels of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and inhibited those of anti-inflammatory factors TGF-β and IL-10. BAY, an NF-κB signaling pathway inhibitor, attenuated these changes. Reductions in the levels of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1 were recovered in response to BAY. Our data reveal the endocytosis and exocytosis mechanism of Neu5Gc and prove that Neu5Gc can activate the canonical NF-κB signaling pathway, regulate the transcription of inflammatory factors, thereby damaging intestinal barrier function.
A Rapid and Sensitive Detection of HIV-1 with a One-Pot Two-Stage Reverse Transcription Recombinase Aided Real-Time PCR Assay
Authors: Tian Fengyu , Jin Cong , Ji Shangzhi , Tie Yanqing , Fan Guohao , Zhang Ruiqing , Zheng Yehuan , Shen Xinxin , Ma Xuejun , Feng Zhishan
Published: February 2023

Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) attacks the immune system, making people susceptible to various diseases, thus increasing their risk of death. Comprehensive detection of major HIV-1 strains circulating in China is vital for effective HIV-1 infection prevention and treatment. HIV-1 nucleic acid detection is considered effective for HIV-1 diagnosis since traditional immunological testing may fail to detect HIV-1 infection during the window period. This work demonstrates a one-pot two-stage amplification assay (RT-RAP), a combination of reverse transcription recombinase (RT- RAA), and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The turn-around time of the assay is only 50 min and can be performed with commonly available laboratory equipment, the qPCR devices. The RT-RAP assay could detect approximately 5 and 14 copies/reaction of HIV-1 DNA and RNA using recombinant plasmids and standard reference strains, respectively. Additionally, we found that the clinical performance of RT-RAP (detected 169 samples out of 170 specimens) was consistent with that of qRT-PCR. The sensitivity and specificity of RT-RAP were 100.00% (99/99) and 98.59% (70/71), respectively, while its positive and negative predictive values were 99.00% (99/100) and 100.00% (70/70), respectively. The total coincidence rate of the RT-RAP was 99.41% (169/170), with a kappa value of 0.988 (p < 0.05). We demonstrated that RT-RAP could rapidly detect the common HIV-1 subtypes commonly circulating in China with comparable sensitivity and specificity to qRT-PCR.
Nano-Encapsulated Antioxidant: Retinoic Acid as a Natural Mucosal Adjuvant for Intranasal Immunization against Chronic Experimental Toxoplasmosis
Authors: Said Doaa E. , Amer Eglal I. , Sheta Eman , Makled Shaimaa , Arafa Fadwa M. , Diab Hala E.
Published: February 2023

The tight relationship between immunity and retinoid levels provides evidence on the critical role of retinoic acid (RA) in regulating immune activity, especially the mucosal one. Mucosal immune response is the key for determination of the outcome of infection, particularly against intracellular mucosal pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii, where it plays a crucial role as a sentinel against parasite invasion. Herein, the immunomodulatory adjuvant role of RA was evaluated for prophylactic vaccination against chronic Toxoplasma infection. A quantity of 15 µg of RA pre-encapsulated with lipid-based nanoparticles (SLNs) was intranasally used in three doses, two weeks apart, as an adjuvant to the Toxoplasma lysate antigen (TLA). Afterward, mice were infected with 20 cysts of T. gondii (ME49 strain) and were sacrificed at the 4th week post-infection. Parasitological, immunological, biochemical, and histopathological studies were applied as vaccine efficacy measures. The protective role of the tested vaccine was noted using the statistically marked reduction in brain cyst count, accompanied by remarkable levels of protective IFN-γ and antibodies, with amelioration of infection-induced oxidative stress and brain pathology. Ultimately, this experiment outlined the prospective role of a novel, natural, nano-encapsulated and mucosal vaccine adjuvant RA-SLNs as a propitious candidate against chronic toxoplasmosis.
Humoral SARS-CoV-2 Immune Response in COVID-19 Recovered Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Individuals Related to Post-COVID-Syndrome
Authors: Gerhards Catharina , Kittel Maximilian , Ast Volker , Bugert Peter , Froelich Matthias F. , Hetjens Michael , Haselmann Verena , Neumaier Michael , Thiaucourt Margot
Published: February 2023

Background: The duration of anti-SARS-CoV-2-antibody detectability up to 12 months was examined in individuals after either single convalescence or convalescence and vaccination. Moreover, variables that might influence an anti-RBD/S1 antibody decline and the existence of a post-COVID-syndrome (PCS) were addressed. Methods: Forty-nine SARS-CoV-2-qRT-PCR-confirmed participants completed a 12-month examination of anti-SARS-CoV-2-antibody levels and PCS-associated long-term sequelae. Overall, 324 samples were collected. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) was isolated and quantified from EDTA-plasma. As cfDNA is released into the bloodstream from dying cells, it might provide information on organ damage in the late recovery of COIVD-19. Therefore, we evaluated cfDNA concentrations as a biomarker for a PCS. In the context of antibody dynamics, a random forest-based logistic regression with antibody decline as the target was performed and internally validated. Results: The mean percentage dynamic related to the maximum measured value was 96 (±38)% for anti-RBD/S1 antibodies and 30 (±26)% for anti-N antibodies. Anti-RBD/S1 antibodies decreased in 37%, whereas anti-SARS-CoV-2-anti-N antibodies decreased in 86% of the subjects. Clinical anti-RBD/S1 antibody decline prediction models, including vascular and other diseases, were cross-validated (highest AUC 0.74). Long-term follow-up revealed no significant reduction in PCS prevalence but an increase in cognitive impairment, with no indication for cfDNA as a marker for a PCS. Conclusion: Long-term anti-RBD/S1-antibody positivity was confirmed, and clinical parameters associated with declining titers were presented. A fulminant decrease in anti-SARS-CoV-2-anti-N antibodies was observed (mean change to maximum value 30 (±26)%). Anti-RBD/S1 antibody titers of SARS-CoV-2 recovered subjects boosted with a vaccine exceeded the maximum values measured after single infection by 235 ± 382-fold, with no influence on preexisting PCS. PCS long-term prevalence was 38.6%, with an increase in cognitive impairment compromising the quality of life. Quantified cfDNA measured in the early post-COVID-19 phase might not be an effective marker for PCS identification.
Comparison of Serological Methods for Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus-Specific Antibody Detection in Wild Boar and Sheep: Impact of the Screening Approach on the Estimated Seroprevalence
Authors: Trozzi Gabrielle , Adjadj Nadjah Radia , Vervaeke Muriel , Matthijs Severine , Sohier Charlotte , De Regge Nick
Published: February 2023

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a flavivirus transmitted by ticks. Serological screenings in animals are performed to estimate the prevalence and distribution of TBEV. Most screenings consist of a primary screening by ELISA, followed by confirmation of positive samples by plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNTs). In this study, 406 wild boar sera were tested with 2 regularly used commercial ELISAs for flavivirus screening in animals (Immunozym FSME (TBEV) IgG All Species (Progen) and ID Screen West Nile Competition (Innovative Diagnostics)) and PRNTs for TBEV and USUTU virus. The results showed that the Immunozym and IDScreen ELISAs had low relative sensitivities of 23% and 20%, respectively, compared to the PRNT results. The relative specificities were 88% and 84% due to cross reactions with USUTU virus-specific antibodies. The minimal TBEV prevalence in our sample set was 8.6% when determined by PRNT. When the screening approach of ELISA testing followed by PRNT confirmation was applied, a TBEV seroprevalence of only 2.0% and 1.7% was found. The suboptimal performance of the ELISAs was confirmed by testing sera collected from experimentally TBEV-infected sheep. While the PRNT detected TBEV specific antibodies in 94% of samples collected between 7 and 18 days post-infection, the ELISAs classified only 50% and 31% of the samples as positive. Both routinely used ELISAs for TBEV antibody screening in animal sera were shown to have a low sensitivity, potentially leading to an underestimation of the true prevalence, and furthermore cross-react with other flavivirus antibodies.
Experimental Pathogenicity of H9N2 Avian Influenza Viruses Harboring a Tri-Basic Hemagglutinin Cleavage Site in Sonali and Broiler Chickens
Authors: Begum Jahan Ara , Hossain Ismail , Nooruzzaman Mohammed , King Jacqueline , Chowdhury Emdadul Haque , Harder Timm C. , Parvin Rokshana
Published: February 2023

Low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H9N2 virus is endemic in Bangladesh, causing huge economic losses in the poultry industry. Although a considerable number of Bangladeshi LPAI H9N2 viruses have been molecularly characterized, there is inadequate information on the pathogenicity of H9N2 viruses in commercial poultry. In this study, circulating LPAI H9N2 viruses from recent field outbreaks were characterized, and their pathogenicity in commercial Sonali (crossbred) and broiler chickens was assessed. Phylogenetic analysis of currently circulating field viruses based on the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) gene sequences revealed continuous circulation of G1 lineages containing the tri-basic hemagglutinin cleavage site (HACS) motif (PAKSKR*GLF) at the HA protein. Both the LPAI susceptible Sonali and broiler chickens were infected with selected H9N2 isolates A/chicken/Bangladesh/2458-LT2/2020 or A/chicken/Bangladesh/2465-LT56/2021 using intranasal (100 µL) and intraocular (100 µL) routes with a dose of 106 EID50/mL. Infected groups (LT_2-So1 and LT_56-So2; LT_2-Br1 and LT_56-Br2) revealed no mortality or clinical signs. However, at gross and histopathological investigation, the trachea, lungs, and intestine of the LT_2-So1 and LT_56-So2 groups displayed mild to moderate hemorrhages, congestion, and inflammation at different dpi. The LT 2-Br1 and LT 56-Br2 broiler groups showed nearly identical changes in the trachea, lungs, and intestine at various dpi, indicating no influence on pathogenicity in the two commercial bird species under study. Overall, the prominent lesions were observed up to 7 dpi and started to disappear at 10 dpi. The H9N2 viruses predominantly replicated in the respiratory tract, and higher titers of virus were shed through the oropharyngeal route than the cloacal route. Finally, this study demonstrated the continuous evolution of tri-basic HACS containing H9N2 viruses in Bangladesh with a low-pathogenic phenotype causing mild to moderate tracheitis, pneumonia, and enteritis in Sonali and commercial broiler chickens.
Cystoscopic Guided Laser Cauterization in a Dog with Complete Y-Type Urethral Duplication
Authors: Dall’Aglio Manuel , Quintavalla Fausto
Published: February 2023

Duplication of the urethra is a rare congenital malformation. A 14-month-old, sexually intact, male, Lagotto dog with complete Y-type urethral duplication was subjected to accessory urethra treatment for cystoscopic guided laser cauterization, with a 10-Watt diode laser with 550-micron fiber and 2.3 Fr outer diameter. The laser cauterization, that was repeated every 14 days for a total of three times, was performed by inserting the instrument from the accessory urethra outlet in the perianal area until it could be seen by the urethroscope, inside the ischial urethra. Nevertheless, this technique that proved to be non-invasive, less expensive than surgery, of short duration, and safe, did not allow the complete closure of the abnormal urethral tract. Therefore, the subsequent surgical removal of the accessory urethra was carried out. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first report on the use of cystoscopic guided diode laser cauterization for accessory urethra treatment.
Research on Micropollutants in Urban Water
Authors: Graça Cátia A. L.
Published: February 2023

To live in a safe and clean environment is a right of every human being [...]
Cell-assisted lipotransfer in treating uncontrollable sepsis associated perianal fistula: a pilot study
Authors: Jeong In Seob , Hwang Sung Hwan , Yu Hye Mi , Jeong Hyeonseok
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Surgeons can treat debilitating conditions of uncontrollable complex anorectal fistulas with sepsis, even after repeated fistula surgeries, for curative intention. Adipose-derived stem cells have shown good outcomes for refractory Crohn fistula. Unfortunately, cell therapy has some limitations, including high costs. We have therefore attempted immediate cell-assisted lipotransfer (CAL) in treating refractory complex anal fistulas and observed its outcomes.Methods: In a retrospective study, CAL, using a mixture of freshly extracted autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and fat tissues, was used to treat 22 patients of refractory complex anal fistula from March 2018 to May 2021. Preoperative and postoperative assessments were performed with direct visual inspection, digital palpation, and endoanal ultrasonography. A fistula was considered completely healed if (1) the patient had no symptoms of discharge or inflammation; (2) there were no visible secondary openings of fistula tract inside and outside of the anorectal unit and even in the perineum; and (3) there was no primary opening in the anus. The endpoint of complete remission was wound healing without signs of inflammation 3 months after CAL treatment.Results: In a total of 22 patients who received CAL treatment, 19 patients showed complete remission, 1 patient showed partial improvement, and 2 patients showed no improvement. One of the 2 patients without improvement at primary endpoint showed complete remission 9 months after CAL. There were no significant adverse effects of the procedure.Conclusion: We found that the immediately-collected CAL procedure for refractory complex anal fistula showed good outcomes without adverse side effects. It can be strongly recommended as an alternative surgical option for the treatment of complex anal fistula that is uncontrollable even after repeated surgical procedures. However, considering the unpredictable characteristics of SVF, long-term follow-up is necessary.
Institutional and structural effects of the electoral system in the local election campaign 2020 (regional aspect)
Authors: Zubchenko Oleksandr ,   Mariupol State University
Published: February 2023

The article is devoted to the problems of the influence of the electoral system on the structuring of the electoral field in the region and the representation of political parties in local government. It is emphasized that due to the high size of the electoral deposit, the number of participants in the elections has significantly decreased in comparison with the previous electoral cycle. Also, due to legislative innovations, the possibility of political manipulation and the proportion of spoiled ballot have been increased. According to the author, the election results turned out to be extremely distorted due to the influence of the institutional and structural effects of the electoral system. Institutional effects include disproportions in the representation of political parties in the regional council due to the higher activity of rural voters and low turnout in cities. The author shows that the greatest losses were incurred by the party “Ednannia” of the mayor of Zaporiozhzhia V. Buriak. The effect of “split voting” manifested itself through the differentiation of support for electoral actors when voting in regional, district and local councils. This indicator makes it possible to explain electoral behavior in different elections from the standpoint of the theory of “strategic voting", as well as to study the influence of the factor of "neighborhood" - voting on a territorial basis, “for local”. The most stable was the electorate of the Opposition Bloc, the EU and Servant of the People, and the most unstable was the Opposition Bloc. Structural effects describe the impact of electoral rules on the promotion of candidates within party lists and are revealed using several indicators. The coefficient of regionalization indicates the share of deputies who received mandates in territorial districts, the coefficient of “internal competition” - the number of deputies who received more than a quarter of votes, the coefficient of “integrity of choice” is an indicator of the “pure” ideological electorate who voted for the party list as a whole.
Manipulative technologies in the religious life of Ukraine (case study of the activities of protestant churches)
Authors: Klymenko Elena ,   State University of Telecommunications
Published: February 2023

Protestantism in Ukraine is multifaceted in its manifestations, judging by the statistics, it is strengthening its influence and expanding the number of supporters, skillfully using the difficult life situation in which a significant part of the country’s population fell. Also, on the example of Ukraine, the political context in the work of all Protestant churches in the post-Soviet space is clearly traced. All these facts indicate that the diversity of Protestantism contains two sides: some churches are indicative of persecution and prohibitions, while others seep into all spheres of life in various countries, regardless of the dominant religions in them. A peculiarity of the spread of Protestantism in Ukraine can be considered the fact that the state is not operated by classical churches that came out of Western Europe and not secularized American, but representatives of radical movements that emerged from opposition traditions and successfully absorb local sectarian movements. The article analyzes three main waves of the spread of Protestantism in Ukraine, which differ sharply from each other in terms of the mechanisms of social manipulation, in addition, their representatives publicly distance themselves and do not even try to unite their spheres of influence. Such a serious influence of the Protestant minority on the political life of the Orthodox majority may indicate a high level of religious freedom in the state, the head of which officially recognizes the «significant contribution» of Protestantism to Ukrainian statehood. Of particular interest is the technology of the humanitarian influences of Protestantism on socio-cultural stereotypes in Ukrainian society and the formation of a positive image within the existing historical experience. All these facts indicate that the diversity of Protestantism contains two sides: some churches are indicative of persecution and prohibitions, while others seep into all spheres of life in various countries, regardless of the dominant religions in them.