bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data-Driven Diabetes Risk Factor Prediction Using Machine Learning Algorithms with Feature Selection Technique
Authors: Kakoly Israt Jahan , Hoque Md. Rakibul , Hasan Najmul
Published: March 2023

As type 2 diabetes becomes more prevalent across the globe, predicting its sources becomes more important. However, there is a big void in predicting the risk factors of this disease. Thus, the purpose of this study is to predict diabetes risk factors by applying machine learning (ML) algorithms. Two-fold feature selection techniques (i.e., principal component analysis, PCA, and information gain, IG) have been applied to boost the prediction accuracy. Then, the optimal features are fed into five ML algorithms, namely decision tree, random forest, support vector machine, logistic regression, and KNN. The primary data used to train the ML model were collected based on the safety procedure described in the Helsinki Declaration, 2013, and 738 records were included in the final analysis. The result has shown an accuracy level of over 82.2%, with an AUC (area under the ROC curve) value of 87.2%. This research not only identified the most important clinical and nonclinical factors in diabetes prediction, but it also found that the clinical risk factor (glucose) is the most relevant for diabetes prediction, followed by dietary factors. The noteworthy contribution of this research is the identification of previously unclassified factors left over from the previous study that considered both clinical and non-clinical aspects.
Effect of CO2 Mineralization on the Composition of Alkali-Activated Backfill Material with Different Coal-Based Solid Wastes
Authors: Huo Binbin , Zhang Jixiong , Li Meng , Zhou Nan , Qiu Xincai , Fang Kun , Wang Xiao
Published: March 2023

Research focusing on waste management and CO2 mineralization simultaneously has been a popular topic in the mining community, and a common approach is to mineralize CO2 with coal-based solid waste (CSW, e.g., gangue (CG), fly ash (FA), coal gasification slag (CGS)) produced by mining activities. Despite the understanding of CO2 mineralization by cementitious materials, the mineralization capacity of alkali-activated CSWs remains unknown. Therefore, the mineral composition evolution and mineralization capacity of different alkali-activated materials (prepared with CG, FA, CGS, and sodium hydroxide (which works as the alkali-activator), respectively) are investigated with the adoption of Gibbs Energy Minimization Software (GEMS). The results indicate that the abovementioned three alkali-activated CSWs are majorly composed of calcium silicate hydrate, magnesium silicate hydrate, kaolinite, sodium zeolite, and liquid. Due to the difference in the chemical composition of different CSWs, the amount of hydration products varies. Specifically, the alkali-activated CSWs made with CGS have the maximum calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H), while those prepared with FA enjoy the lowest porosity. In addition, the CO2 mineralization process will result in the formulation of carbonate and, theoretically, the maximum quantity of mineralized CO2 is less than 20% of the binder used. Furthermore, compared with CG and CGS, FA is characterized with the highest mineralization capacity. The findings in this study contribute to the understanding of CO2 mineralization with alkali-activated CSWs.
Influence of Radioactive Sludge Content on Vitrification of High-Level Liquid Waste
Authors: Tan Shengheng , Chang Jiong , Liu Xiao , Sun Shikuan , Xian Liang , Zhang Shengdong
Published: March 2023

The radioactive sludges formed at the bottom of high-level liquid waste (HLW) storage tanks pose challenges when the HLWs are vitrified. This study aims to determine the influence of the sludge content (enriched in Na2O, Al2O3, NiO, Fe2O3, and BaSO4) on the structure and properties of waste glasses in order to find the optimal ratio of sludges to HLW during vitrification. In the experiments, the simulated sludge and simulated HLW were mixed at different ratios from 0:8 to 4:4, with an overall waste content of 16 wt %, in a borosilicate glass wasteform. It is found that the glass density, molar volume, sulfur retention, and glass transition temperature changed little when increasing the sludge content of the glasses, while the viscosity, chemical durability, and crystallization features of the glasses varied notably. The crystals formed in the glasses during the thermal treatment were exclusively Fe-substituted diopside (Ca, Mg, Fe)2Si2O6. An increase in the Al2O3 and NiO content of the glasses may have been responsible for the increased crystallinity at high temperatures. The leaching rate of Si, B, Na, and Cs from the glasses declined with the increasing addition of sludge to the glasses. Although all the glasses fulfilled the requirements for vitrification processing and glass-product performance, it is recommended that the sludge content of the whole waste should not exceed 25 wt %. This study guides further research on the immobilization of high-level sludges.
Modelling a Prototype of Bidirectional Substation for District Heating with Thermal Prosumers
Authors: Sdringola Paolo , Ricci Mattia , Ancona Maria Alessandra , Gianaroli Federico , Capodaglio Cristina , Melino Francesco
Published: March 2023

The performance of the innovative configurations of the “efficient” thermal networks is a key topic in scientific research, focusing on distribution temperatures and integration with high-efficiency plants and renewable sources. As it already happens for the electricity prosumers, a thermal prosumer may feed the district heating network through a bidirectional exchange substation with the excess of the locally produced thermal energy (e.g., by means of solar thermal plant) or with the waste heat recovered in the industrial processes. The Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) and the Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna (UNIBO) designed a bidirectional substation prototype, based on a return-to-supply configuration, and tested steady-state and dynamic conditions to evaluate performances and optimization measures. In this paper, the Modelica language and Dymola software were used to run a multi-domain simulation and model-based design of the substation, starting from a new heat exchanger model featuring variable efficiency, based on the thermal resistance scaling method. Control systems and components were customized from models in standard libraries in order to reproduce the substation behavior under defined operating settings, and the model was validated on the abovementioned experimental tests. Numerical results in terms of exchanged powers, temperatures and flow rates were systematically compared to experimental data, demonstrating a sufficient agreement. In particular, the absolute mean deviation—in terms of temperature—between experimental and numerical data assessed over the entire tests remains contained in +/−1 °C. As further step of the analysis, an optimized model could be included as a component in a district heating network for further investigations on the prosumers’ effects on an existing traditional grid (e.g., in case of deep renovation of urban areas connected to district heating and/or creation of micro energy communities).
Fashion Digital Transformation: Innovating Business Models toward Circular Economy and Sustainability
Authors: Colombi Chiara , D’Itria Erminia
Published: March 2023

The fashion industry is at a stage of profound transformation of its operating paradigm. Because of their stakeholders’ pressure, companies have begun to pursue strategic solutions that include sustainability as a guiding principle. Such strategies push for effective organizational solutions and production models that take into consideration the conservation of the planet’s resources, respect for people, and the sustainability of their profits. In this context, the fashion industry is now recognizing the circular economy (CE) as the primary BM to address sustainability-related industry issues. The authors have adopted a specific technological-driven perspective that attempts to analyze today’s context and map digitally driven practices in European fashion companies. These practices are emerging to support fashion organizations so that they can focus their sustainability agendas and better implement circular BMs. This perspective is consistent with the current fashion context, where digital transformation is recognized as an asset that could transform the industry into a more sustainable business. This proposed objective is realized through an iterative process of modeling data. The BMIs identified here are grouped according to Bocken’s eight archetypes: maximize material and energy efficiency; create value from ‘waste’; substitute with renewables and natural processes; deliver functionality rather than ownership; adopt a stewardship role; encourage sufficiency; re-purpose the business for society/the environment and develop scale-up solutions. They guide the authors in modeling mechanisms and solutions that help build business innovations that work to ensure circularity. Analyzing the current best practices, this article introduces a taxonomy that highlights current approaches that lead to incremental changes toward CE through digital solutions.
Symmetry and Liquid Crystals
Authors: Ishihara Shoichi , Uto Sadahito
Published: March 2023

Liquid crystals are aggregates of individual molecules due to moderate intermolecular interactions, which are roughly divided into lyotropic liquid crystals and thermotropic liquid crystals [...]
Modeling and Performance Analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Treatment in Plasma Torch Reactor
Authors: Elaissi Samira , Alsaif Norah A. M.
Published: March 2023

Thermal plasma has emerged as a technology with tremendous promise for municipal wastes that should be disposed of sustainably. A numerical simulation of a symmetric turbulent plasma jet from a thermal air plasma torch was developed using COMSOL Multiphysics®5.4 engineering simulation software. The velocities, temperature, arc root motion, and joule heating of the plasma jet were examined under the impact of the gas mass flow rate and current. Moreover, the electrical power required for the municipal solid waste (MSW) processing was estimated. The enthalpy and the effectiveness of the plasma torch were analyzed and discussed. Subsequently an investigation was conducted into the gasification characteristics of MSW using air and steam gases. The torch’s power and efficiency could be enhanced with a higher mass flow rate and temperature. Three operating modes were identified from the current–arc flow combination. Among the plasma gas considered, the air gas plasma torch guarantees an acceptable thermal efficiency and a low anode erosion rate. Plasma gasification produces cleaner syngas with higher efficiency (84%) than the conventional process due to the elevated temperature used during the process that breaks down all the char, dioxins, and tars.
A New Lagrangian Problem Crossover—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Crossover Standards
Authors: Aladdin Aso M. , Rashid Tarik A.
Published: March 2023

The performance of most evolutionary metaheuristic algorithms relies on various operators. The crossover operator is a standard based on population-based algorithms, which is divided into two types: application-dependent and application-independent crossover operators. In the process of optimization, these standards always help to select the best-fit point. The high efficiency of crossover operators allows engineers to minimize errors in engineering application optimization while saving time and avoiding overpricing. There are two crucial objectives behind this paper; first, we provide an overview of the crossover standards classification that has been used by researchers for solving engineering operations and problem representation. This paper proposes a novel standard crossover based on the Lagrangian Dual Function (LDF) to enhance the formulation of the Lagrangian Problem Crossover (LPX). The LPX for 100 generations of different pairs parent chromosomes is compared to Simulated Binary Crossover (SBX) standards and Blended Crossover (BX) for real-coded crossovers. Three unimodal test functions with various random values show that LPX has better performance in most cases and comparative results in other cases. Moreover, the LPB algorithm is used to compare LPX with SBX, BX, and Qubit Crossover (Qubit-X) operators to demonstrate accuracy and performance during exploitation evaluations. Finally, the proposed crossover stand operator results are demonstrated, proved, and analyzed statistically by the Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test.
Artificial Intelligence Applications for MEMS-Based Sensors and Manufacturing Process Optimization
Authors: Podder Itilekha , Fischl Tamas , Bub Udo
Published: March 2023

Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology-based sensors have found diverse fields of application due to the advancement in semiconductor manufacturing technology, which produces sensitive, low-cost, and powerful sensors. Due to the fabrication of different electrical and mechanical components on a single chip and complex process steps, MEMS sensors are prone to deterministic and random errors. Thus, testing, calibration, and quality control have become obligatory to maintain the quality and reliability of the sensors. This is where Artificial Intelligence (AI) can provide significant benefits, such as handling complex data, performing root cause analysis, efficient feature estimation, process optimization, product improvement, time-saving, automation, fault diagnosis and detection, drift compensation, signal de-noising, etc. Despite several benefits, the embodiment of AI poses multiple challenges. This review paper provides a systematic, in-depth analysis of AI applications in the MEMS-based sensors field for both the product and the system level adaptability by analyzing more than 100 articles. This paper summarizes the state-of-the-art, current trends of AI applications in MEMS sensors and outlines the challenges of AI incorporation in an industrial setting to improve manufacturing processes. Finally, we reflect upon all the findings based on the three proposed research questions to discover the future research scope.
A Critical Review on Reusable Face Coverings: Mechanism, Development, Factors, and Challenges
Authors: Al-Amin Md , Hossain Md Tanjim , Tahir Muneeb , Wyman Diana , Kabir S M Fijul
Published: March 2023

Textile supply chain challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine war give unique insights into how health crises and geopolitical instability could dry up supplies of vital materials for the smooth functioning of human societies in calamitous times. Coinciding adverse global events or future pandemics could create shortages of traditional face coverings among other vital materials. Reusable face coverings could be a viable relief option in such situations. This review identifies the lack of studies in the existing literature on reusable fabric face coverings available in the market. It focuses on the development, filtration mechanisms, and factors associated with the filtration efficiency of reusable knitted and woven fabric face coverings. The authors identified relevant papers through the Summon database. Keeping the focus on readily available fabrics, this paper encompasses the key aspects of reusable face coverings made of knitted and woven fabrics outlining filtration mechanisms and requirements, development, factors affecting filtration performance, challenges, and outcomes of clinical trials. Filtration mechanisms for reusable face coverings include interception and impaction, diffusion, and electrostatic attraction. Face covering development includes the identification of appropriate constituent fibers, yarn characteristics, and base fabric construction. Factors significantly affecting the filtration performance were electrostatic charge, particle size, porosity, layers, and finishes. Reusable face coverings offer several challenges including moisture management, breathing resistance factors, and balancing filtration with breathability. Efficacy of reusable face coverings in comparison to specialized non reusable masks in clinical trials has also been reviewed and discussed. Finally, the authors identified the use of certain finishes on fabrics as a major challenge to making reusable face coverings more effective and accessible to the public. This paper is expected to provide communities and research stakeholders with access to critical knowledge on the reusability of face coverings and their management during periods of global crisis.
Spectroscopic MRI-Guided Proton Therapy in Non-Enhancing Pediatric High-Grade Glioma
Authors: Huang Vicki , Rejimon Abinand , Reddy Kartik , Trivedi Anuradha G. , Ramesh Karthik K. , Giuffrida Alexander S. , Muiruri Robert , Shim Hyunsuk , Eaton Bree R.
Published: March 2023

Radiation therapy (RT) is a critical part of definitive therapy for pediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG). RT is designed to treat residual tumor defined on conventional MRI (cMRI), though pHGG lesions may be ill-characterized on standard imaging. Spectroscopic MRI (sMRI) measures endogenous metabolite concentrations in the brain, and Choline (Cho)/N-acetylaspartate (NAA) ratio is a highly sensitive biomarker for metabolically active tumor. We provide a preliminary report of our study introducing a novel treatment approach of whole brain sMRI-guided proton therapy for pHGG. An observational cohort (c1 = 10 patients) receives standard of care RT; a therapeutic cohort (c2 = 15 patients) receives sMRI-guided proton RT. All patients undergo cMRI and sMRI, a high-resolution 3D whole-brain echo-planar spectroscopic imaging (EPSI) sequence (interpolated resolution of 12 µL) prior to RT and at several follow-up timepoints integrated into diagnostic scans. Treatment volumes are defined by cMRI for c1 and by cMRI and Cho/NAA ≥ 2x for c2. A longitudinal imaging database is used to quantify changes in lesion and metabolite volumes. Four subjects have been enrolled (c1 = 1/c2 = 3) with sMRI imaging follow-up of 4–18 months. Preliminary data suggest sMRI improves identification of pHGG infiltration based on abnormal metabolic activity, and using proton therapy to target sMRI-defined high-risk regions is safe and feasible.
Subacute Exposure to Low Pb Doses Promotes Oxidative Stress in the Kidneys and Copper Disturbances in the Liver of Male Rats
Authors: Vukelić Dragana , Djordjevic Aleksandra Buha , Anđelković Milena , Antonijević Miljaković Evica , Baralić Katarina , Živančević Katarina , Bulat Petar , Radovanović Jelena , Đukić-Ćosić Danijela , Antonijević Biljana , Bulat Zorica
Published: March 2023

Recent data indicate that lead (Pb) can induce adverse effects even at low exposure levels. Moreover, the corresponding mechanisms of low Pb toxicity have not been well identified. In the liver and the kidneys, Pb was found to induce various toxic mechanisms leading to organ physiological disruption. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to simulate low-dose Pb exposure in an animal model with the aim of assessing oxidative status and essential element levels as the main mechanism of Pb toxicity in the liver and kidneys. Furthermore, dose–response modelling was performed in order to determine the benchmark dose (BMD). Forty-two male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups: one control group, and six groups treated for 28 days with 0.1, 0.5, 1, 3, 7, and 15 mg Pb/kg b.w./day, respectively. Oxidative status parameters (superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), superoxide anion radical (O2−), malondialdehyde (MDA), total sulfhydryl groups (SHG), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP)) and Pb, copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) levels were measured. Lowering Cu levels (BMD: 2.7 ng/kg b.w./day), raising AOPP levels (BMD: 0.25 µg/kg b.w./day) in the liver, and inhibiting SOD (BMD: 1.3 ng/kg b.w./day) in the kidneys appear to be the main mechanisms of Pb toxicity. The lowest BMD was derived for a decrease in Cu levels in liver, indicating that this effect is the most sensitive.
Characteristics of Soil Heavy Metal Pollution and Health Risk Assessment in Urban Parks at a Megacity of Central China
Authors: Li Ding , Lu Qing , Cai Limei , Chen Laiguo , Wang Hanzhi
Published: March 2023

In this study, we compared the concentrations of the heavy metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Pb in the surface soils of urban parks in Wuhan, Hubei Province, with those in the surface soils of urban parks worldwide. The soil contamination data were assessed using enrichment factors and spatial analysis of heavy metals using inverse distance weighting and quantitative analysis of heavy metal sources with a positive definite matrix factor (PMF) receptor model. Further, a probabilistic health risk assessment of children and adults using Monte Carlo simulation was performed. The average Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Pb concentrations in the surface soils of urban parks were 2.52, 58.74, 31.39, 186.28, 27.00, and 34.89 mg·kg−1, respectively, which exceeded the average soil background values in Hubei. From the inverse distance spatial interpolation map, heavy metal contamination was primarily observed to be present to the southwest of the main urban area. The PMF model resolved four sources: mixed traffic and industrial emission, natural, agricultural, and traffic sources, with relative contributions of 23.9%, 19.3%, 23.4%, and 33.4%, respectively. The Monte Carlo health risk evaluation model demonstrated negligible noncancer risks for both adult and child populations, whereas the health effects of Cd and Cr on children were a concern for cancer risks.
Shiga Toxin (Stx) Type 1a and Stx2a Translocate through a Three-Layer Intestinal Model
Authors: Bova Rebecca A. , Lamont Andrew C. , Picou Theodore J. , Ho Vincent B. , Gilchrist Kristin H. , Melton-Celsa Angela R.
Published: March 2023

Shiga toxins (Stxs) produced by ingested E. coli can induce hemolytic uremic syndrome after crossing the intact intestinal barrier, entering the bloodstream, and targeting endothelial cells in the kidney. The method(s) by which the toxins reach the bloodstream are not fully defined. Here, we used two polarized cell models to evaluate Stx translocation: (i) a single-layer primary colonic epithelial cell model and (ii) a three-cell-layer model with colonic epithelial cells, myofibroblasts, and colonic endothelial cells. We traced the movement of Stx types 1a and 2a across the barrier models by measuring the toxicity of apical and basolateral media on Vero cells. We found that Stx1a and Stx2a crossed both models in either direction. However, approximately 10-fold more Stx translocated in the three-layer model as compared to the single-layer model. Overall, the percentage of toxin that translocated was about 0.01% in the epithelial-cell-only model but up to 0.09% in the three-cell-layer model. In both models, approximately 3- to 4-fold more Stx2a translocated than Stx1a. Infection of the three-cell-layer model with Stx-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains showed that serotype O157:H7 STEC reduced barrier function in the model and that the damage was not dependent on the presence of the eae gene. Infection of the three-layer model with O26:H11 STEC strain TW08571 (Stx1a+ and Stx2a+), however, allowed translocation of modest amounts of Stx without reducing barrier function. Deletion of stx2a from TW08571 or the use of anti-Stx1 antibody prevented translocation of toxin. Our results suggest that single-cell models may underestimate the amount of Stx translocation and that the more biomimetic three-layer model is suited for Stx translocation inhibitor studies.
Mapping the Immune Cell Microenvironment with Spatial Profiling in Muscle Tissue Injected with the Venom of Daboia russelii
Authors: de Oliveira Ana K. , Pramoonjago Patcharin , Rucavado Alexandra , Moskaluk Christopher , Silva Dilza T. , Escalante Teresa , Gutiérrez José María , Fox Jay W.
Published: March 2023

Pathological and inflammatory events in muscle after the injection of snake venoms vary in different regions of the affected tissue and at different time intervals. In order to study such heterogeneity in the immune cell microenvironment, a murine model of muscle necrosis based on the injection of the venom of Daboia russelii was used. Histological and immunohistochemical methods were utilized to identify areas in muscle tissue with a different extent of muscle cell damage, based on the presence of hypercontracted muscle cells, a landmark of necrosis, and on the immunostaining for desmin. A gradient of inflammatory cells (neutrophils and macrophages) was observed from heavily necrotic areas to less damaged and non-necrotic areas. GeoMx® Digital Spatial Profiler (NanoString, Seattle, WA, USA) was used for assessing the presence of markers of various immune cells by comparing high-desmin (nondamaged) and low-desmin (damaged) regions of muscle. Markers of monocytes, macrophages, M2 macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, leukocyte adhesion and migration markers, and hematopoietic precursor cells showed higher levels in low-desmin regions, especially in samples collected 24 hr after venom injection, whereas several markers of lymphocytes did not. Moreover, apoptosis (BAD) and extracellular matrix (fibronectin) markers were also increased in low-desmin regions. Our findings reveal a hitherto-unknown picture of immune cell microheterogeneity in venom-injected muscle which greatly depends on the extent of muscle cell damage and the time lapse after venom injection.
Detoxification of Aflatoxins in Fermented Cereal Gruel (Ogi) by Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria and Yeasts with Differences in Amino Acid Profiles
Authors: Banwo Kolawole , Adesina Taiwo , Aribisala Olubunmi , Falade Titilayo D. O.
Published: March 2023

Toxigenic members of Aspergillus flavus contaminate cereal grains, resulting in contamination by aflatoxin, a food safety hazard that causes hepatocellular carcinoma. This study identified probiotic strains as aflatoxin detoxifiers and investigated the changes to the grain amino acid concentrations during fermentation with probiotics in the presence of either A. flavus La 3228 (an aflatoxigenic strain) or A. flavus La 3279 (an atoxigenic strain). Generally, higher concentrations (p < 0.05) of amino acids were detected in the presence of toxigenic A. flavus La 3228 compared to the atoxigenic A. flavus La 3279. Compared to the control, 13/17 amino acids had elevated (p < 0.05) concentrations in the presence of the toxigenic A. flavus compared to the control, whereas in systems with the atoxigenic A. flavus 13/17 amino acids had similar (p > 0.05) concentrations to the control. There were interspecies and intraspecies differences in specific amino acid elevations or reductions among selected LAB and yeasts, respectively. Aflatoxins B1 and B2 were detoxified by Limosilactobacillus fermentum W310 (86% and 75%, respectively), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum M26 (62% and 63%, respectively), Candida tropicalis MY115 (60% and 77%, respectively), and Candida tropicalis YY25, (60% and 31%, respectively). Probiotics were useful detoxifiers; however, the extent of decontamination was species- and strain-dependent. Higher deviations in amino acid concentrations in the presence of toxigenic La 3228 compared to atoxigenic La 3279 suggests that the detoxifiers did not act by decreasing the metabolic activity of the toxigenic strain.
Perception of the Lebanese Adults about Vaccination: A Survey
Authors: Sakr Rania , Helou Mariana , Hamieh Cima , Estephan Michelle , Chrabieh Remie , Salameh Pascale , Khazen Georges , Kolanjian Harout , Jabbour Elsy , Husni Rola
Published: March 2023

Introduction: With the continuous spread and emergence of transmissible diseases, focusing on preventive measures is essential to decrease their incidence and spread. In addition to behavioral measures, vaccination is an optimal way to protect the population and eradicate infectious diseases. The majority are aware of children’s vaccinations, while many might not know that adult vaccinations are also essential. Objectives: This study aims to understand the perception of Lebanese adults towards vaccination and their knowledge and awareness of its importance. This is a national cross-sectional study, conducted between January 2020 and January 2021. Results: the data were collected from 1023 subjects, the majority being Lebanese, previously healthy, and with a graduate or post-graduate level of education. Out of these participants, 44.9% were advised to take vaccines, half of them by healthcare workers. The most common vaccine received during adult life is the Flu vaccine. Overall, 25.6% of the participants were unaware that they needed vaccines and 27.9% thought it is not indicated. Participants’ knowledge about vaccination is variable. In total, 39.4% agree or are uncertain whether vaccines contain harmful chemicals and 48.4% believe that vaccines will trigger diseases. The level of education and occupation significantly enhances knowledge about vaccination. Some participants 27.3% are concerned about the vaccine’s side effects. The group of young participants, graduates, and nonsmokers think that the vaccine is a necessity and had a positive attitude towards vaccination. Conclusions: Many Lebanese lack knowledge about adult vaccination protection and its benefits in the community. It is essential that the country’s health ministry department collaborate with the healthcare system to launch awareness campaigns about adult vaccination in the country to overcome the barriers and ensure better coverage.
A Systematic Review on Sociodemographic, Financial and Psychological Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Hesitancy among Adult Population
Authors: Ayyalasomayajula Shruti , Dhawan Aditi , Karattuthodi Mohammed Salim , Thorakkattil Shabeer Ali , Abdulsalim Suhaj , Elnaem Mohamed Hassan , Sridhar Sathvik , Unnikrishnan Mazhuvancherry Kesavan
Published: March 2023

Background: While considerable evidence supports the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, a sizable population expresses vaccine hesitancy. As per the World Health Organization, vaccine hesitancy is one of the top 10 hazards to global health. Vaccine hesitancy varies across countries, with India reporting the least vaccine hesitancy. Vaccine hesitancy was higher toward COVID-19 booster doses than previous shots. Therefore, identifying factors determining COVID-19 vaccine booster hesitance (VBH) is the sine qua non of a successful vaccination campaign. Methodology: This systematic review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) 2020 standards. A total of 982 articles were pooled from Scopus, PubMed and Embase, while 42 articles that addressed the factors of COVID-19 VBH were finally included for further analysis. Result: We identified factors responsible for VBH and divided them into three major groups: sociodemographic, financial, and psychological. Hence, 17 articles stated age to be a major factor for vaccine hesitancy, with most reports suggesting a negative correlation between age and fear of poor vaccination outcomes. Nine studies found females expressing greater vaccine hesitancy than males. Trust deficit in science (n = 14), concerns about safety and efficacy (n = 12), lower levels of fear regarding infection (n = 11), and worry about side effects (n = 8) were also reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Blacks, Democrats, and pregnant women showed high vaccine hesitancy. Few studies have stated income, obesity, social media, and the population living with vulnerable members as factors influencing vaccine hesitancy. A study in India showed that 44.1% of vaccine hesitancy towards booster doses could be attributed dominantly to low income, rural origin, previously unvaccinated status, or living with vulnerable individuals. However, two other Indian studies reported a lack of availability of vaccination slots, a lack of trust in the government, and concerns regarding safety as factors for vaccine hesitancy toward booster doses. Conclusion: Many studies have confirmed the multifactorial nature of VBH, which necessitates multifaceted, individually tailored interventions that address all potentially modifiable factors. This systematic review chiefly recommends strategizing the campaign for booster doses by identifying and evaluating the reasons for vaccine hesitancy, followed by appropriate communication (at both individual and community levels) about the benefits of booster doses and the risk of losing immunity without them.
Epidemiology of the Acceptance of Anti COVID-19 Vaccine in Urban and Rural Settings in Cameroon
Authors: Djuikoue Cecile Ingrid , Kamga Wouambo Rodrigue , Pahane Majeste Mbiada , Demanou Fenkeng Blaise , Seugnou Nana Cedric , Djamfa Nzenya Joelle , Fotso Kamgne Flore , Ngalani Toutcho Cedric , Thumamo Pokam Benjamin D. , Apalata Teke
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly evolved in December 2019 and to prevent its spread, effective vaccines were produced and made available to the population. Despite their availability so far in Cameroon, the vaccination coverage remains low. This study aimed at describing the epidemiology of the acceptance of vaccines against COVID-19 in some urban and rural areas of Cameroon. A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical survey was conducted from March 2021 to August 2021 targeting unvaccinated individuals from urban and rural area. After receiving appropriate administrative authorizations and an ethical clearance from the Institutional Review Board (or Ethics Committee) of Douala University (N° 3070CEI-Udo/05/2022/M), a cluster sampling at many degrees was performed and a language-adapted questionnaire was completed by each consenting participant. Data were analyzed using Epi info version 7.2.2.6 software and for p-values < 0.05, the difference was considered as statistically significant. Out of 1053 individuals, 58.02% (611/1053) participants were residing in urban and 41.98% (442/1053) in rural areas. Good knowledge relative to COVID-19 was significantly higher in urban areas as compared to rural areas (97.55% vs. 85.07, p < 0.000). The proportion of respondents who intended to accept the anti COVID-19 vaccine was significantly higher in urban areas than rural areas (42.55% vs. 33.26, p = 0.0047). Conversely, the proportion of anti COVID-19 reluctant respondents thinking that the vaccine can induce a disease was significantly higher in rural areas than urban areas (54 (35.07 vs. 8.84, p < 0.0001). The significant determinants of anti-COVID-19 acceptance were the level of education (p = 0.0001) and profession in the rural areas (p ≤ 0.0001), and only the profession (p = 0.0046) in the urban areas. This study globally showed that anti-COVID-19 vaccination remains a major challenge in urban as well as rural areas in Cameroon. We should continue sensitizing and educating the population about vaccine importance in preventing the COVID-19 spread.
Wolf Is Back: A Novel Sensitive Sentinel Rejoins the Trichinella Cycle in the Western Alps
Authors: Martínez-Carrasco Carlos , Moroni Barbara , García-Garrigós Anna , Robetto Serena , Carella Emanuele , Zoppi Simona , Tizzani Paolo , Gonzálvez Moisés , Orusa Riccardo , Rossi Luca
Published: March 2023

Trichinella is a foodborne parasite whose wildlife reservoirs are represented by carnivores and omnivores with predatory and scavenger behavior. The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of Trichinella infection in grey wolves (Canis lupus) that recolonized the Western Alps from the end of the past century, and discuss the epidemiological role played by this apex predator in the early phases of its return. During the period 2017–2022, diaphragm samples were obtained from 130 individuals collected in the frame of a wolf mortality survey. Trichinella larvae were found in 15 wolves (11.53%) with a parasite intensity of 11.74 larvae per gram. Trichinella britovi was the only species identified. This is the first prevalence survey of Trichinella in wolves recolonizing the Alps. Results suggest that, in this particular biotope, the wolf has rejoined the Trichinella cycle and has the potential to play an increasingly important role as maintenance host. Arguments in favor and against this perspective are discussed and knowledge gaps highlighted. The calculated Trichinella larval biomass in the estimated wolf population roaming in Northwest Italy will serve as baseline value to explore possible shifts in the relative importance of wolves as Trichinella reservoir within the regional carnivore community. Finally, wolves re-colonizing the Alps already appear as sensitive sentinels to monitor the risk of Trichinella zoonotic transmission by infected wild boar meat.
Effects of Oral 5-Aminolevulinic Acid on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Ocular Inflammation in Rats
Authors: Otaka Yuya , Kanai Kazutaka , Okada Daiki , Nagai Noriaki , Yamashita Yohei , Ichikawa Yoichiro , Tajima Kazuki
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) on endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) in rats. EIU was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats by the subcutaneous injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). During LPS injection, 5-ALA diluted with saline was administered via gastric gavage. After 24 h, clinical scores were assessed after which aqueous humor (AqH) samples were obtained. The number of infiltrating cells, protein concentration, and levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nitric oxide (NO), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in AqH were measured. For histological examination, both eyes of some rats were enucleated. In vitro, a mouse macrophage cell line (RAW264.7 cells) was stimulated by LPS with or without 5-ALA. Western blot was used to analyze the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2. 5-ALA suppressed the EIU clinical scores, infiltrating cell number, and protein concentration while improving the histopathologic scores. In particular, 100 mg/kg 5-ALA reduced the concentrations of NO, PGE2, TNF-α, and IL-6 in AqH, similar to 1 mg/kg prednisolone. In addition, 5-ALA suppressed iNOS upregulation in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Therefore, 5-ALA has an anti-inflammatory effect on EIU through the inhibition of the upregulation of inflammatory mediators.
Association between Birth Weight and Subcutaneous Fat Thickness at Adulthood in Dogs
Authors: Mugnier Amélie , Cellard Fanny , Morin Anthony , Delmas Magalie , Grellet Aurélien , Chastant Sylvie
Published: March 2023

Overweight affects nearly 40% of dogs. The objective of this study was to explore the hypothesis of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease through the association between birth weight and adiposity in adult dogs. The association between body condition score (BCS) and subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT), measured in the flanks, abdomen and lumbar regions, was assessed in a population 88 adult Labradors (>1 year). Significant positive moderate correlations between BCS and SFT were described. A linear mixed-effects model was used to investigate the association between birth weight and SFT by adjusting for sex, age, neuter status and the anatomical site of the measurement. The results showed that SFT values increased with age and were higher in sterilized than in entire dogs. In addition, SFT values were higher in the lumbar region compared to the other anatomical sites. Finally, the model revealed a significant association between SFT and birth weight, suggesting that, as in other species, dogs with the lowest birth weights have thicker subcutaneous fat at adulthood than the others. The assessment of visceral adipose tissue and the relative importance of birth weight among the numerous risk factors of overweight remains to be explored in dogs.
Recent Advances and Challenges in the Inverse Identification of Thermal Diffusivity of Natural Ice in China
Authors: Li Zhijun , Fu Xiang , Shi Liqiong , Huang Wenfeng , Li Chunjiang
Published: March 2023

The ice thermal parameters are the key to reasonably simulating ice phenology, distribution, and thickness, but they have always been a “vulnerable group” in ice research. Technically, it may seem simple to obtain accurate ice thermal property parameters, but in reality, there are numerous impact factors, requiring a rigorous research process. In the 1980s, the thermal conductivity of ice was explored in the field and laboratory, after which there has been no significant progress in China. In this century, mathematics is introduced, after which the inversion identification and analysis with the time-series data of the vertical temperature profiles of ice layers by in situ testing are carried out. The in situ thermal diffusivities of different natural ices were obtained and cross-validated with the inversion identification results. Both natural freshwater ice and sea ice exhibited differences in the thermal diffusivity of the pure ice chosen for the current simulations due to impurities within the unfrozen water among the ice crystals, but the trends are consistent with the results of a small number of laboratory tests on different types of saltwater frozen ice. In this paper, the inversion identification results of the thermal diffusivity of typical ice were selected, and the factors constraining the thermal diffusivities were analyzed. The importance of parameterizing the thermal diffusivity in the phase transition zone of ice under the trend of global warming was illustrated. Future research ideas on the physical mechanism, application value, and parameterization scheme of the thermal diffusivity of natural ice were envisaged.
Hazard Mitigation of a Landslide-Prone Area through Monitoring, Modeling, and Susceptibility Mapping
Authors: Gui Meen-Wah , Chu Hsin-An , Ding Chuan , Lee Cheng-Chao , Ho Shu-Ken
Published: March 2023

Indigenous tribes living in the mountainous areas account for about one-fifth of the extreme poor of the world, and this has made their lives more vulnerable to climate change impacts and natural hazards. After a series of earthquakes and very strong typhoons, the tilting and cracking of dwellings, localized slope failure, and severe subgrade settlements, together with damages of retaining structures and drainage ditches along a section of the Provincial Highway No. 7A on the west wing of the Central Mountain Range in central Taiwan, have raised concerns to the safety of a nearby Indigenous settlement, which is situated at an elevation of about EL. +1800 m. This study investigated and identified the possible causes for a large-scale landslide-prone area on the Central Mountain Range by employing multi-temporal satellite and aerial images, site investigation, field instrumentation, geophysics tests, and uncoupled hydromechanical slope stability analyses. The results were then applied to deduce a sliding susceptibility map and remedial plans to prevent or mitigate the sliding in the vicinity of an Indigenous settlement. The infiltration of rainwater, an upraised river-bed elevation, and the erosion of the river bank at the toe of the large-scale slope were found to be the main triggering factors in inducing sudden and localized failures. Meanwhile, the process of mass rock creep was deduced to have activated the process of large-scale deep-seated gravitational slope deformation (DSGSD) on the study slope; the DSGSD could eventually turn into a huge and catastrophic landslide. The findings of this study would be valuable for formulating detailed countermeasures to protect and maintain the stability and safety of the Indigenous settlement located at the crest of the slope.
Does Methane Contribute to Growth of Invertebrate Communities in Drinking Water?
Authors: Christensen Sarah C. B. , Lopato Laure , Quinzanos Sonsoles , Hedegaard Mathilde J.
Published: March 2023

Methane is a potential source of carbon in drinking water. Typically, it is removed at waterworks during an initial treatment step such as aeration or stripping. Remaining methane may be converted by methane-oxidizing bacteria to organic carbon, which is then available for heterotrophic growth and may ultimately contribute to invertebrate growth. We investigated the presence of invertebrates at a waterworks with incomplete methane removal and at a waterworks without methane. Microscopy and analyses of 16S and 18S ribosomal genes were conducted on filter sand from full-scale biological rapid sand filters. Primary filters with methane were dominated by methane- and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. Upper layers of secondary filters were dominated by heterotrophic bacteria, while the deepest layer contained 92% eukaryote DNA. Rotifers, nematodes, platyhelminths and annelids constituted 22% of the DNA in the secondary filters. Filters with methane contained higher shares of invertebrates (13%) than the filter without methane (7%). Furthermore, pilot studies were conducted to estimate suitable levels of methane when implementing methane removal technologies. Methane concentrations of 0.24 mg/L caused rapid visible growth. Vacuum stripping and nitrogen addition removed methane to 0.018–0.03 mg/L and prevented growth of methane-oxidizing bacteria.
Montmorillonite-Based Natural Adsorbent from Colombia for the Removal of Organic Pollutants from Water: Isotherms, Kinetics, Nature of Pollutants, and Matrix Effects
Authors: Paredes-Laverde Marcela , Montaño Diego F. , Torres-Palma Ricardo A.
Published: March 2023

The presence of dyes and pharmaceuticals in natural waters is a growing concern worldwide. To address this issue, the potential of montmorillonite (MMT), an abundant clay in Colombia, was assessed for the first time for the removal of various dyes (indigo carmine (IC), congo red (CR), methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV)) and pharmaceuticals (levofloxacin and diclofenac) from water. Initially, the MMT was characterized. TGA and FTIR showed OH groups and water adsorbed onto MMT. XRD showed an interlayer spacing of 11.09 Å and a BET surface area of 82.5 m2g−1. SEM/EDS revealed a typical flake surface composed mainly of Si and O. Subsequently, the adsorbent capacity of MMT was evaluated for the removal of the pollutants. Adsorption isotherms showed a fit to the Langmuir model, which was confirmed by the Redlich–Peterson isotherm, indicating a monolayer-type adsorption. Furthermore, adsorption kinetics were best described by the pseudo-second-order model. Adsorption capacity (for dyes CV > MB > CR > IC) was associated with the attractive forces between the contaminants and MMT (PZC 2.6). Moreover, the findings evidenced that MMT can remove MB, CR, CV, and levofloxacin by electrostatic attractions and hydrogen bonding, while for IC and diclofenac only hydrogen bonding takes place. It was shown that MMT was most cost-effective at removing CV. Additionally, the material was able to be reused. Finally, the MMT efficiently removed CV in textile wastewater and levofloxacin in urine due to the positive charge of the pollutants and the low PZC of MMT.