bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the U-Shaped Linkage: Population Aging and Carbon Efficiency in the Construction Industry
Authors: Yang Su , Shen Jie , Li Hongyang , Zhang Beibei , Ma Jinchao , Cheng Baoquan
Published: September 2023

In pursuing low-carbon solutions in the construction sector, it is critically essential to unravel the intricate nexus between population aging and carbon emission efficiency (CEE). This research investigates this complex association utilizing provincial panel data from 2004 to 2020. Through the application of the super-efficient Slack-Based Measure and Malmquist–Luenberger (SBM-ML) model, the study quantifies the construction industry’s CEE, followed by using a fixed-effect model to assess population aging’s impact on CEE in the construction industry. Our study reveals a distinct “U”-shaped pattern, illustrating that population aging initially depresses but eventually amplifies CEE in the construction industry. We also observe marked regional disparities. For instance, the construction sectors in the eastern and northern regions show a rising trend, counteracting the initial decline in CEE due to aging. However, the central western and southern regions need more pronounced aging progression to experience comparable CEE improvement. These findings underscore the critical role of regional contexts and demographic transitions in shaping the CEE in the construction industry, providing valuable insights for crafting sustainable policies aiming at balanced population mobility and carbon neutrality.
Social Quality and Residents’ Subjective Well-Being in China—An Empirical Analysis Based on CSS2021 Data
Authors: Ouyang Xiaojuan , Pan Zequan
Published: September 2023

Happiness is the eternal pursuit of human beings, and subjective well-being is an essential indicator for evaluating happiness. Research on subjective well-being mainly focuses on material, economic, and psychological factors, and there is insufficient research on the impact of social factors on subjective well-being. Focusing on the influence of social factors on subjective well-being can help us better understand the “Easterlin Paradox”. Based on the theoretical model of social quality, this paper analyzes the influence of the current Chinese social quality on Chinese people’s subjective well-being using the data from the China Social Survey 2021 (CSS2021). It is found that the higher the social quality, the stronger the people’s subjective well-being, and this conclusion is stable for different groups. By dimension, socio-economic security, social cohesion, and social inclusion significantly affect people’s subjective well-being, but social empowerment does not significantly affect subjective well-being. This paper provides new evidence to explore the impact of social quality on people’s well-being.
Research on Logistics Path Optimization for a Two-Stage Collaborative Delivery System Using Vehicles and UAVs
Authors: Zhang Qiqian , Huang Xiao , Zhang Honghai , He Chunyun
Published: September 2023

A two-stage planning model for the carrier–vehicle problem with drone (CVP-D) is established in this paper, with the objective of minimizing the delivery time of the drone and the distance traveled by the truck while considering the impact of payload on the drone flight distance. Firstly, based on the customer coordinates, an improved K-Means ++ clustering algorithm is designed to plan the vehicle stopping points, and the vehicle departs from the warehouse to traverse all stopping points in order. Based on the vehicle stopping points, a multi-chromosome genetic algorithm is designed to optimize the vehicle driving path. Then, the drone route is optimized without considering the no-fly zone. Finally, the real data of Jiangsu Province are introduced as a case study to calculate the cost and total time required before and after improvement. The results showed an approximate savings of 16% in time and 19% in cost.
Supply and Demand Patterns Investigations of Water Supply Services Based on Ecosystem Service Flows in a Mountainous Area: Taihang Mountains Case Study
Authors: Gao Hui , Fu Tonggang , Zhu Jianjia , Wang Feng , Zhang Mei , Qi Fei , Liu Jintong
Published: September 2023

The study of water service supply, demand, and flow in the Taihang Mountains in China can elucidate its supply and demand patterns, which are important for the sustainable utilization of water resources. We chose Gangnan Reservoir Basin in the Taihang Mountains as the research area. First, we evaluated the supply and demand of water supply services using the InVEST model and statistical methods. Then, ecosystem service flows were calculated based on river networks and altitude. Finally, the supply and demand pattern of water supply services based on ecosystem service flows was analyzed. The results showed the following. (1) The total supply and demand of water supply services in Gangnan Reservoir Basin were 8.18 × 108 m3 and 3.52 × 108 m3, respectively. (2) At the sub-basin scale, the minimum flow of both static and dynamic water supply services was the same, and the mean was significantly different. The maximum flow was also significantly different. Static water supply service flows were not significantly correlated with altitude, whereas dynamic water supply service flows were significantly correlated with altitude. (3) The demand area in the supply and demand pattern of water supply services based on dynamic ecosystem service flows was notably less than that based on static ecosystem service flows. The supply and demand patterns of water supply services defined the actual water shortage area, the area that pays for ecosystem services, and the areas of ecosystem service ecological compensation, providing a scientific basis for the safe and rational utilization of water resources in mountainous areas.
Clinoptilolite—A Sustainable Material for the Removal of Bisphenol A from Water
Authors: Dura Alina Marilena , Stefan Daniela Simina , Chiriac Florentina Laura , Trusca Roxana , Nicoara Adrian Ionut , Stefan Mircea
Published: September 2023

Bisphenol A is a remarkable chemical compound as it has many applications, mainly in the plastics industry, but it also has toxic effects on the environment and human health. This article presents a comparative study regarding the adsorption of BPA on Active carbon and zeolitic tuff, ZTC. In this paper, the characterization of the zeolitic tuff, adsorbent, was carried out from an elemental and mineralogical point of view, and it noted the pore size and elemental distribution, using SEM, EDAX, and XRD analysis. The pore size varies from 30 nm to 10 µm, the atomic ratio is Si/Al ≥ 4, and 80% of the mineralogical composition represents Ca Clinoptilolite zeolites and Ca Clinoptilolite zeolites ((Na1.32K1.28Ca1.72Mg0.52) (Al6.77Si29.23O72)(H2O)26.84). Moreover, a comparative study of the adsorption capacity of bisphenol A, using synthetic solutions on an activated carbon type—Norit GAC 830 W, GAC—as well as on Clinoptilolite-type zeolitic tuff—ZTC, was carried out. The experiments were carried out at a temperature of 20 °C, a pH of 4.11, 6.98, and 8.12, and the ionic strength was assured using 0.01 M and 0.1 M of KCl. The adsorption capacities of GAC and ZTC were 115 mg/g and 50 mg/g, respectively, at an 8.12 pH, and an ionic strength of 0 M. The Langmuir mathematical model best describes the adsorption equilibrium of BPA. The maximum adsorption capacity for both adsorbents increased with an increasing pH, and it decreased with increasing ionic strength.
Regional Population and Public Services under the Framework of Sustainable Development: Evidence from a Typical High-Tech Zone in China
Authors: Wang Xueyi , He Taiyi , Li Ke
Published: September 2023

As organic parts of regional systems, the development and connection of the population and public services are of great significance to the realization of regional sustainable development. As the typical development sample of regional systems in China, the development and connection of the population and public services in high-tech zones deserve more attention. This paper takes the population and public services of the typical high-tech zone in western China as its research object, and uses the entropy method and the coupling coordination degree model to measure the development level, correlation degree and effect of population and public services in the high-tech zone from 2012 to 2021. The empirical results show that: firstly, the development level of the population system in the high-tech zone shows a positive evolutionary trend in the sample period, and the population system development makes a stable contribution to the sustainable development in the high-tech zone. Secondly, the development level of the public services system in the high-tech zone shows a dynamic evolutionary trend in the sample period. The contribution of the public services system to the sustainable development in the high-tech zone is affected by the population system. Thirdly, the correlation degree between the population and public services systems in the high-tech zone is kept at a relatively high level during the sample period, and the two subsystems have a relatively close element fusion. At the same time, the relationship between the population and public services systems is optimized in the sample period. There is positive information exchange, valuable feedback and dynamic adjustment between the two subsystems. The research implication is to dialectically grasp the development and connection between regional population and public services systems under the framework of sustainable development.
Innovation-Driven Industrial Agglomeration Impact on Green Economic Growth in the Yellow River Basin: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Feng Ran , Qu Xiaoe
Published: September 2023

Harnessing empirical analysis, this paper investigates the relationship between innovation-driven industrial agglomeration (IDIA) and economic growth (GEG) in the context of the Yellow River Basin in China. The study employs a non-radial and non-angular SBM ML model to comprehensively evaluate GEG levels. Leveraging panel data spanning from 2008 to 2020 across 30 provinces and cities, the analysis systematically explores the influence of IDIA on GEG. The research uncovers a significant positive connection between IDIA and GEG, with a noteworthy impact observed particularly in underdeveloped regions, areas in intermediate stages of industrialization, and industries characterized by heightened pollution levels. Importantly, the study reveals that green technology adoption (GTA) acts as a critical mediator between IDIA and GEG, particularly within the context of dirty manufacturing firms that are transitioning from mid-level industrialization. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders, enabling them to devise targeted strategies for driving green technology adoption and fostering sustainable economic growth. While this study contributes significantly to our understanding, it is important to acknowledge its limitations, including the specific geographical focus on the Yellow River Basin and the potential complexities inherent in assessing the intricate relationship between industrial agglomeration and economic growth. Future research avenues could extend to broader geographical contexts and delve into more nuanced mechanisms underlying the observed connections.
Enhancing the Stability of an Isolated Electric Grid by the Utilization of Energy Storage Systems: A Case Study on the Rafha Grid
Authors: Alsalman Amer S. , Alharbi Talal , Mahfouz Ahmed A.
Published: September 2023

A system’s stability is affected by the generation types in the interconnected power system. For example, synchronous generators usually have high inertia sharing with the power system since they have rotating mass, and they usually have primary frequency response capability. On the other hand, renewable energy sources (RES) neither provide inertia to the system nor have a primary frequency response capability; hence, adding RES will impact the power system’s voltage, angle, and frequency stability. Battery energy storage systems (BESSs) have many applications in the future electric grid. From the stability perspective, BESSs can be used to increase the power system’s stability. A case study was conducted on the Rafha microgrid in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to inspect a BESS’s influence on the Rafha microgrid’s stability and the impact of changing the BESS’s location, which might cause changes in the system stability after contingencies. In addition, we investigated which dynamic stability is affected if the BESS’s capacity changes. The microgrid is tested using contingencies that affect the system’s frequency, angle, and voltage stability using the power system simulator for engineering (PSS/E) software as a simulation platform. Finally, we investigated the technical impact of utilizing a BESS and its influence on economic operation.
Studies of EEG Asymmetry and Depression: To Normalise or Not?
Authors: Sharpley Christopher F. , Arnold Wayne M. , Evans Ian D. , Bitsika Vicki , Jesulola Emmanuel , Agnew Linda L.
Published: September 2023

A brief review of 50 studies from the last 10 years indicated that it is often accepted practice to apply log transformation processes to raw EEG data. This practice is based upon the assumptions that (a) EEG data do not resemble a normal distribution, (b) applying a transformation will produce an acceptably normal distribution, (c) the logarithmic transformation is the most valid form of transformation for these data, and (d) the statistical procedures intended to be used are not robust to non-normality. To test those assumptions, EEG data from 100 community participants were analysed for their normality by reference to their skewness and kurtosis, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk statistics, and shapes of histograms. Where non-normality was observed, several transformations were applied, and the data again tested for normality to identify the most appropriate method. To test the effects of normalisation from all these processes, Pearson and Spearman correlations between the raw and normalised EEG alpha asymmetry data and depression were calculated to detect any variation in the significance of the resultant statistic.
Design of a Digital Twin in Low-Volume, High-Mix Job Allocation and Scheduling for Achieving Mass Personalization
Authors: Sit Sheron K. H. , Lee Carman K. M.
Published: September 2023

The growing consumer demand for unique products has made customization and personalization essential in manufacturing. This shift to low-volume, high-mix (LVHM) production challenges the traditional paradigms and creates difficulties for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Industry 5.0 emphasizes the importance of human workers and social sustainability in adapting to these changes. This study introduces a digital twin design tailored for LVHM production, focusing on the collaboration between human expertise and advanced technologies. The digital twin-based production optimization system (DTPOS) uses an intelligent simulation-based optimization model (ISOM) to balance productivity and social sustainability by optimizing job allocation and scheduling. The digital twin model fosters a symbiotic relationship between human workers and the production process, promoting operational excellence and social sustainability through local innovation and economic growth. A case study was conducted within the context of a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) using surface mount technology to validate the digital twin model’s efficacy and performance. The proposed DTPOS significantly improved the performance metrics of small orders, reducing the average order processing time from 19 days to 9.59 days—an improvement of 52.63%. The average order-to-delivery time for small orders was 19.47 days, indicating timely completion. These findings highlight the successful transformation from mass production to mass personalization, enabling efficient production capacity utilization and improved job allocation and scheduling. By embracing the principles of Industry 5.0, the proposed digital twin model addresses the challenges of LVHM production, fostering a sustainable balance between productivity, human expertise, and social responsibility.
Pickup and Delivery Problem of Automobile Outbound Logistics Considering Trans-Shipment among Distribution Centers
Authors: Wang Yu , Zheng Renrong , Zhao Yan , Liang Chengji
Published: September 2023

This paper considers a pickup and delivery problem in automobile logistics. In the daily operations of a third-party logistics company (3PL), decisions must be made for two kinds of demands: delivering finished automobiles from an outbound warehouse to distribution centers (DCs) and transferring automobiles among the DCs according to specific customer orders. The problem is to assign a set of automobiles to a set of heterogeneous auto-carriers and deliver them to their destinations considering the outbound and transfer demands. Each automobile is assigned a value indicating its urgency level to be handled and a car type: small, medium, or large. Each of the auto-carriers has a specific number of slots with different types indicating the largest size of an automobile that can be loaded into the slot. An integer programming (IP) model is formulated for the problem to maximize the total loaded value and minimize the total transportation cost depending on the routing of the carriers. An improved adaptive large neighborhood search algorithm is developed to solve the problem efficiently, where a heuristic generates an initial solution, and a series of operators update the solution iteratively. Experimental results based on multi-scale instances show that the proposed algorithm can generate near-optimal solutions in an acceptable amount of time, and outperforms solving the IP model directly by CPLEX to a large extent. The algorithm can help 3PL companies make efficient and economical decisions in daily operations.
Sustainable Development of Information Dissemination: A Review of Current Fake News Detection Research and Practice
Authors: Yuan Lu , Jiang Hangshun , Shen Hao , Shi Lei , Cheng Nanchang
Published: September 2023

With the popularization of digital technology, the problem of information pollution caused by fake news has become more common. Malicious dissemination of harmful, offensive or illegal content may lead to misleading, misunderstanding and social unrest, affecting social stability and sustainable economic development. With the continuous iteration of artificial intelligence technology, researchers have carried out automatic and intelligent news data mining and analysis based on aspects of information characteristics and realized the effective identification of fake news information. However, the current research lacks the application of multidisciplinary knowledge and research on the interpretability of related methods. This paper focuses on the existing fake news detection technology. The survey includes fake news datasets, research methods for fake news detection, general technical models and multimodal related technical methods. The innovation contribution is to discuss the research progress of fake news detection in communication, linguistics, psychology and other disciplines. At the same time, it classifies and summarizes the explainable fake news detection methods and proposes an explainable human-machine-theory triangle communication system, aiming at establishing a people-centered, sustainable human–machine interaction information dissemination system. Finally, we discuss the promising future research topics of fake news detection technology.
The Impact of R&D Subsidy and IPP on Global Supply Chain Networks System—A Technology Spillover Perspective
Authors: Zhu Qiuyun , Zhou Xiaoyang , Li Die , Liu Aijun , Lev Benjamin
Published: September 2023

In the current globalized business environment, multinational competition has become the norm for companies. This paper considers technology spillovers among manufacturers and develops a global supply chain network equilibrium model. Firstly, the optimal decision-making behaviors of manufacturers, retailers, and demand markets are characterized separately. Secondly, based on the variational inequality theory, the optimal decision-making behaviors of global supply chain members are transformed. Finally, the model is solved and analyzed using the Euler algorithm. The primary objective is to explore the impact of research and development (R&D) subsidies and intellectual property protection (IPP) strategies on manufacturers’ research and development technological levels. Furthermore, the study delves into their effects on the production and transactions of the global supply chain network and social welfare. The following conclusions are drawn: (1) Technology spillovers have a positive effect on the technological level achieved by manufacturers through research and development investment and social welfare. However, intense technological competition may harm manufacturers’ profits. (2) Under the symmetric subsidy policy, higher subsidies may lead to a decrease in social welfare. (3) Under symmetric intellectual property protection policies, increasing the intensity of intellectual property protection benefits manufacturers but is detrimental to retailers and social welfare. However, under an asymmetric intellectual property protection strategy, implementing high-intensity intellectual property protection by high-technology countries is advantageous for retailers and social welfare. This conclusion has contributed to the technical research and development and production operation decision making of global supply chain members, as well as government policy formulation, and has also provided a new perspective for theoretical research in the field of global supply networks.
Digital Nomads: Advances in Hospitality and Destination Attractiveness
Authors: Poulaki Ioulia , Mavragani Eleni , Kaziani Alexandra , Chatzimichali Eleftheria
Published: September 2023

As remote work goes from trend to mainstream, digital nomads are on the rise, becoming a market every destination needs to attract. Considering the needs and wants of digital nomads, this paper aims to investigate the strengths and the opportunities of Greece, as an ideal destination for digital nomads, underlining, at the same time, the opportunities and threats challenging the country’s attractiveness towards this market segment. Furthermore, the authors analyze the content of website “Work From Greece: Become Digital Nomad in Greece”, the official Greek website dedicated to digital nomads in order to define Greece’s online presence, within this digital global community. In addition, co-working spaces in Greece are explored as an advanced form of hospitality favorable to digital nomads. The research methodology employed to draw conclusions combines a SWOT analysis and content analysis for websites of tourism businesses and organizations, as has been developed in previous research. The findings of this study reflect the current situation, providing academic and managerial implications when it comes to further research and recommendations for tourism policy and destination planning.
Quantum Imprints on CMBR
Authors: Banerjee Shreya
Published: September 2023

Quantum cosmology aims to develop a quantum theory of the universe, attempting to answer open questions of physical cosmology, mainly related to the early epochs of the universe. Such a theory aims to unite relativity theory and quantum theory. Here, the whole universe is treated as a quantum mechanical system and is described by a wave function rather than by a classical spacetime. In this review, I shall describe the mathematical structure and primary formulations that form the backbone of quantum cosmology. We know that over a period of time, several approaches were developed to form a quantum theory of gravity. However, in order to decide which approach is the best, we need testable predictions, effects that can be observed in cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR). I shall discuss the methodologies for generating quantum gravitational corrections to inflationary background leading to testable predictions. Another aspect of finding quantum imprints on CMBR results through the application of resolution of the ‘quantum measurement problem’ to early universe physics. In this article, I shall also discuss two such promising models explaining the classicalization of inflationary perturbation and are capable of leaving distinct observational imprints on the observables.
Reporter Coxsackievirus A5 Expressing iLOV Fluorescent Protein or Luciferase Used for Rapid Neutralizing Assay in Cells and Living Imaging in Mice
Authors: Jin Wei-Ping , Wang Chen , Wu Jie , Guo Jing , Meng Sheng-Li , Wang Ze-Jun , Yu Dai-Guan , Shen Shuo
Published: September 2023

Coxsackievirus A5 (CV-A5) is a re-emerging enterovirus that causes hand, foot, and mouth disease in children under five years of age. CV-A5-M14-611 is a mouse-adapted strain that can infect orally and lead to the death of 14-day-old mice. Here, recombinants based on CV-A5-M14-611 were constructed carrying three reporter genes in different lengths. Smaller fluorescent marker proteins, light, oxygen, voltage sensing (iLOV), and nano luciferase (Nluc) were proven to be able to express efficiently in vitro. However, the recombinant with the largest insertion of the red fluorescence protein gene (DsRed) was not rescued. The construction strategy of reporter viruses was to insert the foreign genes between the C-terminus of VP1 and the N-terminus of 2A genes and to add a 2A protease cleavage domain at both ends of the insertions. The iLOV-tagged or Nluc-tagged recombinants, CV-A5-iLOV or CV-A5-Nluc, exhibited a high capacity for viral replication, genetic stability in cells and pathogenicity in mice. They were used to establish a rapid, inexpensive and convenient neutralizing antibody assay and greatly facilitated virus neutralizing antibody titration. Living imaging was performed on mice with CV-A5-Nluc, which exhibited specific bioluminescence in virus-disseminated organs, while fluorescence induced by CV-A5-iLOV was weakly detected. The reporter-gene-tagged CV-A5 can be used to study the infection and mechanisms of CV-A5 pathogenicity in a mouse model. They can also be used to establish rapid and sensitive assays for detecting neutralizing antibodies.
Immune Response to Chikungunya Virus: Sex as a Biological Variable and Implications for Natural Delivery via the Mosquito
Authors: Taylor Meagan , Rayner Jonathan O.
Published: September 2023

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne virus with significant public health implications around the world. Climate change, as well as rapid urbanization, threatens to expand the population range of Aedes vector mosquitoes globally, increasing CHIKV cases worldwide in return. Epidemiological data suggests a sex-dependent response to CHIKV infection. In this review, we draw attention to the importance of studying sex as a biological variable by introducing epidemiological studies from previous CHIKV outbreaks. While the female sex appears to be a risk factor for chronic CHIKV disease, the male sex has recently been suggested as a risk factor for CHIKV-associated death; however, the underlying mechanisms for this phenotype are unknown. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of including mosquito salivary components when studying the immune response to CHIKV. As with other vector-transmitted pathogens, CHIKV has evolved to use these salivary components to replicate more extensively in mammalian hosts; however, the response to natural transmission of CHIKV has not been fully elucidated.
Attachment, Entry, and Intracellular Trafficking of Classical Swine Fever Virus
Authors: Guo Xin , Zhang Maolin , Liu Xiaomin , Zhang Yannan , Wang Chongyang , Guo Yidi
Published: September 2023

Classical swine fever virus (CSFV), which is a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus with an envelope, is a member of the Pestivirus genus in the Flaviviridae family. CSFV causes a severe and highly contagious disease in pigs and is prevalent worldwide, threatening the pig farming industry. The detailed mechanisms of the CSFV life cycle have been reported, but are still limited. Some receptors and attachment factors of CSFV, including heparan sulfate (HS), laminin receptor (LamR), complement regulatory protein (CD46), MER tyrosine kinase (MERTK), disintegrin, and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 17 (ADAM17), were identified. After attachment, CSFV internalizes via clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) and/or caveolae/raft-dependent endocytosis (CavME). After internalization, CSFV moves to early and late endosomes before uncoating. During this period, intracellular trafficking of CSFV relies on components of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) and Rab proteins in the endosome dynamics, with a dependence on the cytoskeleton network. This review summarizes the data on the mechanisms of CSFV attachment, internalization pathways, and intracellular trafficking, and provides a general view of the early events in the CSFV life cycle.
Oncolytic Viruses: An Inventory of Shedding Data from Clinical Trials and Elements for the Environmental Risk Assessment
Authors: Onnockx Sheela , Baldo Aline , Pauwels Katia
Published: September 2023

Attenuated and/or genetically modified oncolytic viruses (OV) gain increasing interest as a promising approach for cancer therapy. Beside the assessment of subject safety, quality and efficacy aspects of medicinal products for human use, genetically modified viruses are also governed by EU regulatory frameworks requiring an environmental risk assessment (ERA). An important element to be assessed as part of the ERA is the incidence of exposure to OV of individuals, other than the trial subjects, and the environment. The evidence-based evaluation of shedding data is considered to be decisive in that context, as it may impact the OV capacity to be transmitted. This is particularly true for OV still able to (conditionally) replicate as opposed to replication-defective viral vectors commonly used in gene therapy or vaccination. To our knowledge, this article presents the most extensive and up-to-date review of shedding data reported with OV employed in clinics. Besides the identification of a topical need for improving the collection of shedding data, this article aims at providing an aid to the design of an appropriate shedding study, thereby relying on and further complementing principles described in existing guidelines issued by European and international institutions.
Malaria Vaccines: From the Past towards the mRNA Vaccine Era
Authors: Tsoumani Maria E. , Voyiatzaki Chrysa , Efstathiou Antonia
Published: September 2023

Plasmodium spp. is the etiological agent of malaria, a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Malaria remains a major global health challenge, particularly in endemic regions. Over the years, various vaccine candidates targeting different stages of Plasmodium parasite life-cycle have been explored, including subunit vaccines, vectored vaccines, and whole organism vaccines with Mosquirix, a vaccine based on a recombinant protein, as the only currently approved vaccine for Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Despite the aforementioned notable progress, challenges such as antigenic diversity, limited efficacy, resistant parasites escaping protective immunity and the need for multiple doses have hindered the development of a highly efficacious malaria vaccine. The recent success of mRNA-based vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 has sparked renewed interest in mRNA vaccine platforms. The unique mRNA vaccine features, including their potential for rapid development, scalability, and flexibility in antigen design, make them a promising avenue for malaria vaccine development. This review provides an overview of the malaria vaccines’ evolution from the past towards the mRNA vaccine era and highlights their advantages in overcoming the limitations of previous malaria vaccine candidates.
Correction: Wang et al. A VLP-Based Vaccine Displaying HBHA and MTP Antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Induces Potentially Protective Immune Responses in M. tuberculosis H37Ra Infected Mice. Vaccines 2023, 11, 941
Authors: Wang Juan , Xie Tao , Ullah Inayat , Mi Youjun , Li Xiaoping , Gong Yang , He Pu , Liu Yuqi , Li Fei , Li Jixi , Lu Zengjun , Zhu Bingdong
Published: September 2023

Concerns were brought to the attention of the journal’s editorial office after the paper was published [...]
Efficacy, Immunogenicity, and Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines in Patients with Autoimmune Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Widhani Alvina , Hasibuan Anshari Saifuddin , Rismawati Retia , Maria Suzy , Koesnoe Sukamto , Hermanadi Muhammad Ikrar , Ophinni Youdiil , Yamada Chika , Harimurti Kuntjoro , Sari Aldean Nadhyia Laela , Yunihastuti Evy , Djauzi Samsuridjal
Published: September 2023

Patients with autoimmune diseases are among the susceptible groups to COVID-19 infection because of the complexity of their conditions and the side effects of the immunosuppressive drugs used to treat them. They might show impaired immunogenicity to COVID-19 vaccines and have a higher risk of developing COVID-19. Using a systematic review and meta-analysis, this research sought to summarize the evidence on COVID-19 vaccine efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety in patients with autoimmune diseases following predefined eligibility criteria. Research articles were obtained from an initial search up to 26 September 2022 from PubMed, Embase, EBSCOhost, ProQuest, MedRxiv, bioRxiv, SSRN, EuroPMC, and the Cochrane Center of Randomized Controlled Trials (CCRCT). Of 76 eligible studies obtained, 29, 54, and 38 studies were included in systematic reviews of efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety, respectively, and 6, 18, and 4 studies were included in meta-analyses for efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety, respectively. From the meta-analyses, patients with autoimmune diseases showed more frequent breakthrough COVID-19 infections and lower total antibody (TAb) titers, IgG seroconversion, and neutralizing antibodies after inactivated COVID-19 vaccination compared with healthy controls. They also had more local and systemic adverse events after the first dose of inactivated vaccination compared with healthy controls. After COVID-19 mRNA vaccination, patients with autoimmune diseases had lower TAb titers and IgG seroconversion compared with healthy controls.
Hybrid LSTM + 1DCNN Approach to Forecasting Torque Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Ricci Federico , Petrucci Luca , Mariani Francesco
Published: September 2023

Innovative solutions are now being researched to manage the ever-increasing amount of data required to optimize the performance of internal combustion engines. Machine learning approaches have shown to be a valuable tool for signal prediction due to their real-time and cost-effective deployment. Among them, the architecture consisting of long short-term memory (LSTM) and one-dimensional convolutional neural networks (1DCNNs) has emerged as a highly promising and effective option to replace physical sensors. This architecture combines the capacity of LSTM to detect patterns and relationships in smaller segments of a signal with the ability of 1DCNNs to detect patterns and relationships in larger segments of a signal. The purpose of this work is to assess the feasibility of substituting a physical device dedicated to calculating the torque supplied by a spark-ignition engine. The suggested architecture was trained and tested using signals from the field during a test campaign conducted under transient operating conditions. The results reveal that LSTM + 1DCNN is particularly well suited for signal prediction with considerable variability. It constantly outperforms other architectures used for comparison, with average error percentages of less than 2%, proving the architecture’s ability to replace physical sensors.
An Exploratory Assessment of Self-Reported Satisfaction with Infrastructure and Out-of-Home Activities for People with Vision Impairments
Authors: Hamed Mohammad M. , Masoud Maisaa A.
Published: September 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the satisfaction levels of people with VI with regard to infrastructure and outdoor activities. Furthermore, this study aims to develop an assessment model for the levels of difficulty in using public transport. Methods: Participants in a standardized survey questionnaire included 74 participants with VI. Three assessment-ordered probit models were estimated based on self-reported responses. Results: Estimation results revealed that the use of public transport is extremely difficult for 83.47% of older participants. In addition, 84.2% of people with albinism have extreme difficulty using public transport. Furthermore, 53.98% of people with restricted horizontal and vertical fields face extreme difficulty using public transport. There was dissatisfaction with outdoor activities among 97.40% of people with macular disease. The results show that 51.70% of people with normal or near-normal horizontal visual fields and restricted vertical planes are satisfied with their level of outdoor activity while 72.65% of people with retinal diseases expressed dissatisfaction with the existing infrastructure. Conclusion: This study revealed that the experiences of people with VI are heterogeneous and depend on their eye condition, access to assistive technology, and socioeconomic characteristics. Results clearly show evidence of heterogeneity among individuals with VI. The combination of horizontal and vertical restrictions yields random parameters, underscoring the heterogeneous experiences of people with VI, influenced by their eye condition and access to assistive devices. Our results have important implications for developing targeted interventions to enhance the mobility of people with VI.
Groundwater Vulnerability to Nitrate Contamination from Fertilizers Using Modified DRASTIC Frameworks
Authors: Torkashvand Maryam , Neshat Aminreza , Javadi Saman , Yousefi Hossein , Berndtsson Ronny
Published: September 2023

Vulnerability maps of groundwater provide an efficient means of identifying environmental trends and prioritizing regions for prevention plans. The GIS-based DRASTIC method, however, does not consider the impact of contamination, so there is a need to modify it according to the specifics of the region and its contamination load. The aim of this study is to investigate a suitable DRASTIC modification for vulnerability assessment by changes in its rating and weighting systems. The goal is to explore and compare the impact of both objective and subjective weighting methods in the vulnerability assessment of a smaller aquifer situated beneath agricultural land. The frequency ratio (FR) method is used to adjust the DRASTIC index rates based on nitrate contamination as the main contamination from fertilizers extensively used in the study area. The DRASTIC parameters’ weights are determined using two objective and subjective methods, including Shannon entropy and single-parameter sensitivity analysis (SPSA), respectively. In total, five frameworks, including FR-DRASTIC, DRASTIC-Entropy, DRASTIC-SPSA, FR-SPSA, and FR-Entropy are developed and evaluated. We validate these proposed vulnerability indices based on the nitrate concentrations in 14 samples. The results show that the vulnerability map obtained from the FR-Entropy framework is superior, showing a 0.85 correlation with nitrate concentrations. Notably, Shannon entropy as an objective weighting method outperformed the subjective SPSA approach.
Improvements and Evaluation of the FLake Model in Dagze Co, Central Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Cao Bilin , Liu Minghua , Su Dongsheng , Wen Lijuan , Li Maoshan , Lin Zhiqiang , Lang Jiahe , Song Xingyu
Published: September 2023

FLake has been one of the most extensively used lake models in many studies for lake thermal structure simulations. However, due to the scarcity of lake temperature observations, its applicability and performance on lakes over the Tibetan Plateau are still poorly investigated, especially in small- to medium-sized lakes. In this study, based on water profile observations in Dagze Co, a medium-sized lake on the central Tibetan Plateau, the sensitivity of lake thermal features to three key parameters in FLake was investigated. The performance of FLake in reproducing the lake thermal features was evaluated and improved by optimizing these key parameters. The results showed that the FLake model with default parameter settings can generally reproduce the thermal features of Dagze Co, but there are still significant deviations compared to observation. The sensitive experiments demonstrated that the thermal structure of the lake obviously responds to the change in the water extinction coefficient (Kd), friction velocity (u*), and ice albedo (αice). Based on previous studies and sensitive experiments, the three key parameters were set to the optimized value, which substantially improved the performance of FLake. The values of bias and RMSE of simulated lake surface water temperature decreased from 3.08 °C and 3.62 °C to 2.0 °C and 2.48 °C after parameter optimization. The integration of a simple salinity scheme further improved the ability of FLake to reproduce the observed thermal features of Dagze Co. These results will improve our understanding of thermal processes in lakes on the Tibetan Plateau, as well as the applicability of lake models.
Efficiency of Treated Domestic Wastewater to Irrigate Two Rice Cultivars, PK 386 and Basmati 515, under a Hydroponic Culture System
Authors: Aslam Tahira , Mirza Safdar A. , Rashid Aneeba , Javed Muhammad Arshad , Campos Luiza C.
Published: September 2023

The increasing human population continues to exert pressure on the freshwater scarcity. The availability of freshwater for crop irrigation has become challenging. The present study aimed to use domestic wastewater (DWW) for the irrigation of two rice cultivars (CVs) after treatment with the bacterial strain Alcaligenes faecalis MT477813 under a hydroponic culture system. The first part of this study focused on the bioremediation and analysis of the physicochemical parameters of DWW to compare pollutants before and after treatment. The biotreatment of DWW with the bacterial isolate showed more than 90% decolourisation, along with a reduction in contaminants. The next part of the study evaluated the impacts of treated and untreated DWW on the growth of two rice cultivars, i.e., PK 386 and Basmati 515, under a hydroponic culture system which provided nutrients and water to plants with equal and higher yields compared to soil. Growth parameters such as the shoot and root length and the wet and dry weights of the rice plants grown in the treated DWW were considerably higher than those for the plants grown in untreated DWW. Therefore, enhanced growth of both rice cultivars grown in biotreated DWW was observed. These results demonstrate the bioremediation efficiency of the bacterial isolate and the utility of the DWW for rice crop irrigation subsequent to biotreatment.
Study on Dynamic Early Warning of Flash Floods in Hubei Province
Authors: Tu Yong , Zhao Yanwei , Meng Lingsheng , Tang Wei , Xu Wentao , Tian Jiyang , Lyu Guomin , Qiao Nan
Published: September 2023

Flash floods are ferocious and destructive, making their forecasting and early warning difficult and easily causing casualties. In order to improve the accuracy of early warning, a dynamic early warning index system was established based on the distributed spatio-temporally mixed model through a case study of riverside villages in Hubei Province. Fully taking into account previous rainfall and assuming different rainfall conditions, this work developed a dynamic early warning threshold chart by determining critical rainfall thresholds at different soil moisture levels (dry, normal, wet, and saturated) through pilot calculations, to support a quick query of the critical rainfall at any soil moisture level. The research results show that of the 74 counties and districts in Hubei Province, more than 50% witnessed higher mean critical rainfall than empirical thresholds when the soil was saturated, and about 90% did so when the soil was dry. In 881 towns, a total of 456 early warnings were generated based on dynamic thresholds from 2020 to 2022, 15.2% more than those based on empirical thresholds. From the perspective of total rainfall, dynamic early warnings were generated more frequently in wet years, while empirical early warnings were more frequent in dry years, and the frequency of two warnings were roughly the same in normal years. There were more early warnings based on empirical thresholds in May each year, but more based on dynamic thresholds in June and July, and early warnings generated based on the two methods were almost equal in August and September. Spatially, after dynamic early warning thresholds were adopted, Shiyan and Xiangyang, both northwestern cities in Hubei Province, witnessed significant increases in early warnings. In terms of the early warning mechanism, dynamic early warning took into account the impact of soil moisture and analyzed the flood discharge capacity of river channels according to the flood stage of the riverside villages. On this basis, the rainfall early warning thresholds under different conditions were determined. This is a refined early warning method that could improve the accuracy of flash flood warnings in Hubei Province.
Spatio-Temporal Variation of Trophic Status and Water Quality with Water Level Fluctuation in a Reservoir
Authors: Liao Wenwen , Chen Hsinan , Peng Meijeng , Chang Tawei
Published: September 2023

Water level fluctuation (WLF) is one of the important factors that affect reservoir water quality, habitat, species, and ecosystems. In this study, an independent sample t-test was used to evaluate the trophic status and water quality of the spatial and temporal variations with WLF in Shihmen Reservoir, Taiwan. The results of this study show that the Shihmen Reservoir has the lowest mean water level and higher potential of showing eutrophic status in April and May. This may be attributed to a lower water level, water depth, and transparency in this period. However, although there is no statistically significant difference in mean algal abundance in spring compared with other seasons, seasonal mean algae abundance and the seasonal mean Carlson’s trophic status index (CTSI) show as highly and positively correlated. It means that the increase in the CTSI value may not only be caused by effects on the sediment increase but also by algal proliferation. Mean water depth seems to be one of the important key indexes for reservoir management regarding trophic status since it reflects water quality and can be easy to obtain. This study suggests that reservoir administration can use the water level as a reference threshold for controlling CTSI strategies. In proper hydrological conditions, administration should try to hold a higher water level in a reservoir to downgrade CTSI.