bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of the High-Voltage Direct-Current Modular Multilevel Converter (HVDC-MMC) Model for Converter Transformer Protection Studies
Authors: Solak Krzysztof , Rebizant Waldemar , Mieske Frank
Published: May 2024

The electrical protection of power networks with fault contribution from inverter-based power sources imposes new application challenges that have to be dealt with by protection engineers. This paper describes the development of a study case model of an HVDC-MMC link for testing the protection behaviour of connected converter transformers. The paper summarises the implementation and validation of the converter control as well as enhancements to provide Fault Ride-Through capability and fast fault current injection as required by the German Technical Connection Rules for HVDC. The grid code standard requires positive- and negative-sequence reactive current injection in the case of grid faults. A Doubled Decoupled Synchronous Reference Frame Phase Locked Loop (DDSRF-PLL) for Vector Current Control (VCC) is implemented. Additionally, a Fault Detection and Fault Ride-Through Reference Generator with a Current Limitation strategy is introduced. Though these techniques are well described in the literature, the DDSRF is improved for current control stability. The relationship between the parameters of the PLL and the control, as well as the behaviour of the protection system, are demonstrated. Grid faults with large voltage dips pose a significant challenge to the stability of the control system. Nevertheless, it is shown that with the developed model, it is possible to make general statements about the protection behaviour in an inverter-based environment.
Simultaneous Reconstruction of Gas Concentration and Temperature Using Acoustic Tomography
Authors: Liu Shuangling , Zhu Ming , Deng Meng , Hu Zesheng , Cheng Zhuo , He Xingshun
Published: May 2024

Acoustic tomography utilizes sensor arrays to collect sound wave signals, enabling non-contact measurement of physical parameters within an area of interest. Compared to optical technologies, acoustic tomography offers the advantages of low cost, low maintenance, and easy installation. Current research in acoustic tomography mainly focuses on reconstruction algorithms for temperature fields, while monitoring the composition and concentration of gases is significant for ensuring safety and improving efficiency, such as in scenarios like boiler furnaces and aviation engine nozzles. In excitable gases, the speed of sound exhibits an S-shaped curve that changes with frequency, a characteristic that could be potentially useful for acoustic tomography. Therefore, this study primarily discusses the quantitative calculation of gas concentration and temperature based on the dispersion of the speed of sound. By employing graphic processing and pattern matching methods, a coupled relationship of the dispersion of the speed of sound with gas concentration and temperature is established. The projection intersection method is used to calculate the concentration and temperature of binary and ternary gas mixtures. Combined with the inversion method, a joint reconstruction method for gas concentration fields and temperature fields based on the dispersion of the speed of sound is developed. The feasibility of the proposed simultaneous reconstruction method for temperature and concentration fields is validated using numerical simulations. Additionally, an acoustic tomography experimental system was set up to conduct reconstruction experiments for binary gas concentration fields and temperature fields, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Combined Effects of Listening to Preferred Music and Video Feedback, during Warm-Up, on Physical Performance in Young Kickboxers
Authors: Boujabli Manar , Jebabli Nidhal , Sahli Faten , Sahli Hajer , Zghibi Makram , van den Tillaar Roland
Published: May 2024

Although studies have indicated that the prior use of video feedback and music listening separately improves physical performance and positive feelings in various sports, to our knowledge, no studies have investigated their combined effect in combat-sports-specific tasks. The aim of this study was to determine the combined effect of listening to preferred music and video feedback on aerobic and anaerobic performance in male kickboxers. In a counterbalanced crossover study design, twenty kickboxers underwent three kicking exercises under one of three conditions: (1) control condition, (2) combined listening to preferred music and video feedback, and (3) video feedback during 10-min of rope warm-up. Kickboxers performed a ten-second kicking test, multiple ten-second kick test, and progressive taekwondo test. The total number of kicks, fatigue index, heart rate, rate of perceived exertion, and feeling scale were measured. The combined music and video feedback condition improved the number of kicks with a better positive feeling scale (F ≥ 7.4, p ≤ 0.002, ηp2 ≥ 0.28) than the video feedback and control conditions in all three kicking exercises, while the video feedback alone led to better kick performances and a better feeling scale than the control condition in the ten-second and multiple ten-second kicking tests (p ≤ 0.016). The combined listening to preferred music and video feedback condition was more effective at enhancing the positive feeling scale and repeated roundhouse kick performance. Future investigations should examine the application of video feedback and listening to music in various kickboxing tasks including punches and kicks.
Effects of Myofascial Release Techniques on Joint Range of Motion of Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Antohe Bogdan Alexandru , Alshana Osama , Uysal Hüseyin Şahin , Rață Marinela , Iacob George Sebastian , Panaet Elena Adelina
Published: May 2024

Although myofascial release techniques (MRTs) are commonly used to improve athletes’ range of motion (ROM), the effectiveness of MRTs may vary depending on the specific method performed. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of MRTs on the ROM performance of athletes. (2) Methods: The electronic databases of Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched to identify relevant articles published up to June 2023. This study utilized the PRISMA guidelines, and four databases were searched. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro scale, and the certainty of evidence was reported using the GRADE scale. The overall effect size was calculated using the robust variance estimator, and subgroup analyses were conducted using the Hotelling Zhang test. (3) Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. The overall effect size results indicated that the myofascial release intervention had a moderate effect on ROM performance in athletes when compared to the active or passive control groups. (4) Conclusions: Alternative MRTs, such as myofascial trigger point therapy, can further improve the ROM performance of athletes. Gender, duration of intervention, and joint type may have a moderating effect on the effectiveness of MRTs.
Physical and Physiological Demands of Amateur Portuguese Field and Assistant Football Referees
Authors: Gomes Ricardo , Mendes Rodrigo , Ferreira Amaro , Mendes Rui , Dias Gonçalo , Martins Fernando
Published: May 2024

Referees are crucial elements in football, and they must meet the physical and physiological demands each match poses to them. The aim is to analyse the physical and physiological demands of amateur referees in games at the regional level (4th division), examining the differences between the first and second halves and between assistant (age: 25.10 ± 4.97) and main referees (age: 25.65 ± 5.12). A total of 29 matches were analysed with GPS devices, and internal and external load metrics were analysed. Overall, main referees, due to their central role in game management, showed higher levels of physical and physiological load than assistant referees, with more high-intensity activities, greater distance covered and higher heart rate. The results also revealed that there were no differences between the halves for total distance covered for either the main or assistant referees. However, the main referees covered a greater distance in high-intensity running during the first half (p = 0.05; d = 0.389). These findings emphasise the importance of tailored training protocols to enhance performance and reduce fatigue-related errors, highlighting the significance of endurance, high-intensity running ability, and strategies to manage transient fatigue in referee preparation.
Research on Sustainable Port: Evaluation of Green Port Policies on China’s Coasts
Authors: Zhou Kai , Yuan Xiang , Guo Ziyuan , Wu Jianrui , Li Ruijia
Published: May 2024

Increasing port pollution has forced governments to enact policies related to green ports to maintain the sustainability of maritime transportation. In this article, we established a policy evaluation system based on the PMC (policy modeling consistency) index model to evaluate 17 green port-related policies currently enacted on coastal China, providing a new perspective on existing maritime policy evaluations. The results show that the average overall consistency of the policies is 7.16 with “good” performance, and no policy is “low” consistency. While this suggests that the existing policy design is sound, some deficiencies exist, such as insufficient cooperation between governments and insufficient emphasis on incentives. We provide recommendations for improvement based on these deficiencies and analyzed and optimized every policy in detail. Meanwhile, we found that policy texts from southern ports perform better, contrary to the previous view. The discovery could be a good entry point for future research. We also offer some suggestions for the development of green ships in China. The research makes these contributions and may provide some insights for policymakers.
Does Digital Inclusive Finance Help County Level Governance in the Five Provinces of Northwest China, from the Perspective of Economic Resilience?
Authors: Gong Xinshu , Zhao Liyu
Published: May 2024

The sustainable development of a country requires stable funds to reshape and restore its economy, something which cannot be separated from the support of financial services. Digital financial inclusion, with its inclusive and extensive features, has provided a new impetus for economic development and governance. Based on the panel data of 193 counties in 5 provinces of northwest China from 2014 to 2021, this paper uses a bi-directional fixed effect model, an intermediary effect model and a threshold effect model in order to test digital inclusive finance and county-level economic resilience, and to explore the internal correlation details. The results show that digital inclusive finance will significantly enhance the economic resilience of the five northwestern provinces by improving capital allocation efficiency, enhancing entrepreneurship and employment vitality, and reducing pollution emissions. In addition, there is a double threshold effect between capital allocation efficiency and employment vitality, in which the threshold effect of capital allocation efficiency presents a progressively increasing state, and in which the threshold effect of entrepreneurship and employment vitality presents a state of fluctuating increase. Therefore, China needs to further improve the digital inclusive financial environment in its northwest; continue and deepen the significant functions of digital inclusive finance in resource allocation efficiency, entrepreneurship and employment vitality, and environmental protection; and provide guidance for solving regional imbalances and promoting national sustainable development.
The Impact of Technological Innovation on Agricultural Green Total Factor Productivity: The Mediating Role of Environmental Regulation in China
Authors: Huang Lihuan , Ping Ying
Published: May 2024

This study delves into the effects of agricultural technological innovation on agricultural green total factor productivity (AGTFP) and the intermediating role of environmental regulation (ER) in 30 Chinese provinces from 2010 to 2021. Employing mediation analysis methods such as the three-step approach, Sobel–Goodman test, and Bootstrap methods, the findings are robust: technological innovation significantly enhances AGTFP, as evidenced by a 1% level significant coefficient of 0.030. Additionally, ER acts as a potent mediator, where its inclusion as an independent variable alongside agricultural technological innovation (AST) boosts the coefficient to 0.031, further confirming its synergistic effect on AGTFP. These data points underline the importance of innovation in agricultural sustainability and the reinforcing role of environmental regulation. Consequently, this study advocates for intensified agricultural innovation support, tailored environmental regulation policies, augmented environmental education, and a meticulous evaluation system for environmental legislation to foster sustainable agricultural practices.
Embodied Energy Coefficient Quantification and Implementation for an Energy-Conservative House in Thailand
Authors: Sangngamratsakul Nattaya , Kubaha Kuskana , Chiarakorn Siriluk
Published: May 2024

The increasing rate of population growth and urban expansion has led to a higher demand for fossil fuels, which, in turn, directly generate greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. These emissions contribute to environmental problems such as global warming and climate change. This study aims to present the total life-cycle energy analysis (LCEA) of a single-family detached house designed with an energy conservation approach. Using a cradle-to-grave scope, this study quantifies the embodied energy in six stages of the building’s life cycle, i.e., initial, transportation, construction, operational, recurrent, and demolition. An input–output (IO)-based method was employed to construct a Thailand-specific embodied energy coefficient for 36 key building materials. This coefficient was then used to quantify both the initial embodied energy and the recurrent embodied energy in this study. The case-study house was broken down into 13 building materials. Concrete was the most consumed material, followed by fiber–cement, steel, and timber, in that order. However, the results of the embodied energy distribution for these materials revealed that fiber–cement ranked first, accounting for 29%. Steel was next, at 21%, followed by concrete at 18%, and, finally, aluminum at 12%. The case-study house had an initial embodied energy of 7.99 GJ/m² and a total life-cycle energy consumption of 0.66 GJ/m²/year. This study provides valuable information on LCEA for residential buildings, fostering public understanding of energy conservation in the Thai context. Furthermore, this study’s results can be applied to establish energy conservation guidelines for residential buildings. These guidelines can help reduce energy resource depletion, carbon emissions, and environmental problems, ultimately contributing to Thailand’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Carbon Mineralization Dynamics of Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) Biochar in a Northern Florida Soil
Authors: Hsieh Yuch-Ping , Hatakka Kristina
Published: May 2024

Biochar has been considered one of the viable solutions for atmospheric carbon sequestration because of its resistance to mineralization in soils. However, our knowledge of the mineralization rates of biochar in soils is still inconclusive due to the drawbacks of either the study methods or insufficient characterization of the studied materials or both. The objectives of this study were (1) to characterize switchgrass (SG) biochar by multi-element scanning thermal analysis (MESTA), and (2) to determine the mineralization rates of the SG biochar carbon (BC) in soil by the 13C tracer method. The results indicated that the 400 °C and the 600 °C SG biochars were not significantly different in chemical composition or thermal stability. A MESTA thermogram of the SG feedstock can predict the yield and thermal stability of the resulting biochar. The 13C tracer determined the mineralization rates and deduced the corresponding mean residence times (MRTs) of the BC, SG-C, and native SOC to be 347 years, 4 years, and 65 years, respectively. The MRT of BC should be a minimal estimate because of the limited incubation period. Even so, the MRT was already two orders of magnitude greater than that of the SG feedstock indicating the carbon sequestration potential of the biochar in soil.
Designing a Sustainable Nonlinear Model Considering a Piecewise Function for Solving the Risk of Hazardous Material Routing-Locating Problem
Authors: Abbasi Sina , Ardeshir Nasabi Mojdeh , Vlachos Ilias , Eshghi Fatemeh , Hazrati Mahdi , Piryaei Sajjad
Published: May 2024

The problem of lot sizing and vehicle routing are combined to form the production routing problem. The efficiency of this combination in cutting expenses has been studied in the past. To reduce the risk associated with the manufacturing and distribution of hazardous products, the production routing problem is examined in this study. Researchers are paying more attention to sustainability’s social and environmental aspects. Hazardous materials are bad for the environment and human health. Mishaps using these substances frequently have unfavorable long-term effects. Risk is a criterion for measuring hazards in activities involving these materials. A mixed integer program is used to simulate the problem. The suggested model’s nonlinear risk function is dependent on the machine’s load, population risk, and hazardous substance. A piecewise linear function approximates this function since solving the mathematical model with the nonlinear objective function is more difficult. Several cases were utilized in this study to assess the model, solve it, and contrast the two linear and nonlinear models. The outcomes demonstrate that the approximation model may obtain a more accurate result simultaneously. The impact of alterations to warehousing and production capacity on risk has also been examined through sensitivity analysis. Using a nonlinear mathematical model, this study suggested a production routing problem for hazardous materials based on sustainability requirements and solved the model using a piecewise linear approximation.
A Comprehensive Review of Sustainable Assessment and Innovation in Jet Grouting Technologies
Authors: Inazumi Shinya , Shakya Sudip
Published: May 2024

This paper undertakes a comprehensive review to underscore the central role of sustainability in the evaluation and innovation of jet grouting technologies. It meticulously traces the evolution of evaluation methodologies, emphasizing the imperative of sustainable practices throughout history. Traditional evaluation paradigms are examined alongside contemporary trends, with a particular focus on sustainability metrics and visualization techniques. Through an examination of innovative jet grouting technologies, this paper illustrates how sustainability principles have driven advances aimed at improving the efficiency and environmental impact of jet grouting methods. Central to this review is an assessment of sustainability across multiple dimensions, including method applicability, installation and operational compatibility, and the performance of the resulting jet grouted piles. By emphasizing sustainability considerations, the paper highlights the intrinsic link between environmental integrity and technological innovation in the field of jet grouting. In addition, it discusses analytical evaluation methods designed to proactively address sustainability concerns prior to construction, thereby promoting a more environmentally responsible approach. Finally, this paper presents a pioneering evaluation framework that integrates real-time monitoring and visualization tools, allowing stakeholders to track sustainability milestones throughout the construction process. By emphasizing sustainability as a guiding principle, this review advocates for a paradigm shift toward more ecologically sound and resilient jet grouting practices.
Is More Organic Farming a Responsible Strategy? An Appeal for Responsible (Sustainably Intensive) Agriculture
Authors: Ströbel Herbert
Published: May 2024

In politics and society, organic farming is widely seen as the ideal way to address the many challenges facing agriculture and food security. In order to examine the extent to which this view is realistic, the impact of organic and conventional farming is compared on the basis of relevant criteria such as land requirements, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, food quality, production and environmental costs, reduced meat consumption, the need for agricultural imports and the global expansion of arable land. Land is considered to be a central factor. Such a comprehensive analysis is necessary to assess the impact of different influencing factors and to provide important suggestions for targeted decision making. Although organic farming has a positive impact on land use in many ways, it quickly reaches its limits. The low yields and high production costs resulting from the limited choice of means of production make organic farming an unsuitable model for the future in a world with limited arable land, a high and growing demand for food, and low incomes for large sections of the population. It can, however, provide significant impetus and contribute important technological knowledge for the further development of agriculture as a whole to meet the complex objectives of sustainability, greenhouse gas mitigation, biodiversity and global food security by incorporating all available technologies. Based on this, a model for responsible, sustainable intensive agriculture is outlined and proposals for an eco-social framework to support this model are put forward.
Modeling Renewable Warranties and Post-Warranty Replacements for Self-Announcing Failure Products Subject to Mission Cycles
Authors: Shang Lijun , Chen Jianhui , Liu Baoliang , Lin Cong , Yang Li
Published: May 2024

The number of failures serves as a critical indicator that dynamically impacts the reliability of self-announcing failure products, making it highly practical to incorporate the failure count into reliability management throughout the entire product life cycle. This paper investigates comprehensive methodologies for effectively managing the reliability of self-announcing failure products throughout both the warranty and post-warranty stages, taking into account factors such as the failure count, mission cycles, and limited time duration. Three renewable warranty strategies are introduced alongside proposed models for post-warranty replacements. By analyzing variables like the failure number, mission cycles, and time constraints, these proposed warranties provide practical frameworks for efficient reliability management during the warranty stage. Additionally, the introduced warranties utilize cost and time metrics to extract valuable insights that inform decision making and enable effective reliability management during the warranty stage. Moreover, this study establishes cost and time metrics for key post-warranty replacements, facilitating the development of individual cost rates and model applications in other post-warranty scenarios. Analyses of the renewable free-repair–replacement warranties demonstrate that establishing an appropriate number of failures as the replacement threshold can effectively reduce warranty-servicing costs and extend the coverage duration.
Navigating Regional Airport System Economics: Insights from Central Europe and Croatia
Authors: Novák Andrej , Novák Sedláčková Alena , Kováčiková Kristína , Böhm Patrik
Published: May 2024

This paper delves into regional airport system economics in Central Europe, with a particular focus on Slovakia, Czechia, Poland, Hungary, and Croatia. This research aimed to identify key indicators that shape optimal business models for regional airport systems by analyzing data from 24 airports between 2016 and 2019. Through cluster analysis, airports were categorized based on performance metrics, economic indicators, and ownership structures. The findings reveal distinct groupings among regional airports and shed light on critical factors influencing their operational and financial dynamics. By offering insights into the relationships between airport system characteristics and business model effectiveness, this paper aimed to provide valuable guidance for stakeholders, policymakers, and airport management teams. It facilitates informed decision-making and strategic planning for sustainable aviation infrastructure development in the region.
Converging Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technologies: Accelerated Growth Effects in Technological Evolution
Authors: Coccia Mario
Published: May 2024

One of the fundamental problems in the field of technological studies is to clarify the drivers and dynamics of technological evolution for sustaining industrial and economic change. This study confronts the problem by analyzing the converging technologies to explain effects on the evolutionary dynamics over time. This paper focuses on technological interaction between artificial intelligence and quantum technologies using a technometric model of technological evolution based on scientific and technological information (publications and patents). Findings show that quantum technology has a growth rate of 1.07, artificial intelligence technology has a rate of growth of 1.37, whereas the technological interaction of converging quantum and artificial intelligence technologies has an accelerated rate of growth of 1.58, higher than trends of these technologies taken individually. These findings suggest that technological interaction is one of the fundamental determinants in the rapid evolution of path-breaking technologies and disruptive innovations. The deductive implications of results about the effects of converging technologies are: (a) accelerated evolutionary growth; (b) a disproportionate (allometric) growth of patents driven by publications supporting a fast technological evolution. Our results support policy and managerial implications for the decision making of policymakers, technology analysts, and R&D managers that can direct R&D investments towards fruitful inter-relationships between radical technologies to foster scientific and technological change with positive societal and economic impcats.
‘X-Currents’ and Extreme Brightening in Dayside Aurora
Authors: Fasel Gerard , Wang Abrielle , Daucher Audrey , Lee Lou-Chuang , Pepperdine Julia , Bradley Owen , Mann John , Kim Minji , Swonger Benjamin , Sigernes Fred , Lorentzen Dag
Published: May 2024

Solar-terrestrial interaction is a dynamic process that manifests itself in the ionosphere. Interplanetary (IP) shocks or solar wind dynamic pressure pulses can generate enhanced brightening in dayside aurora. Foreshock transients are capable of inducing pressure changes, larger in magnitude than solar wind pressure pulses, which also contribute to intensifying dayside aurora. These pressure variations can accelerate particles into the ionosphere, generating field-aligned currents that produce magnetic impulse events and enhanced dayside auroral activity with periods of increased brightening. This study presents several dayside auroral brightening events that are not associated with IP shocks or solar wind dynamic pressure pulses. The dayside auroral brightening events are associated with a green (557.7 nm) to red (630.0 nm) ratio which is greater than 15. These extreme brightening events (EBEs) begin on the eastern or western end of a pre-existing dayside auroral arc. Periodic pulses of enhanced brightening are correlated with large sharp increases in the X-component (points toward the north-geographic pole) from ground magnetometers in the IMAGE network. EBEs occur predominately before magnetic noon and with X-component signatures from high-latitude stations. Ground-based data were obtained from the Kjell Henriksen Observatory in Longyearbyen and the IMAGE magnetometer network.
Research on Port Risk Assessment Based on Various Meteorological Disasters
Authors: Wang Tianni , Ding Zongjie , Poo Mark Ching-Pong , Lau Yui-Yip
Published: May 2024

Within the framework of economic globalisation, ports serve as critical junctures in international trade and play a vital role. However, as infrastructure is closely linked to the natural environment, ports are highly susceptible to the impacts of meteorological disasters. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of the risks posed by meteorological hazards to ports, establishing corresponding early warning mechanisms, and adopting reasonable response and recovery strategies, is paramount in ensuring the safe operation of ports and maintaining the stability of international trade. This study has comprehensively analysed historical data and identified the pre-established loss stratification system, improving the theoretical construct of “expected loss”. Additionally, this research has innovatively integrated the idea of preventative factors aligned with risk indicators. A quantitative algorithm was used to factor in the preventative factors within the computational procedure, deriving the weights pertinent to each risk indicator. This research aimed to reduce the subjectivity inherent in the weighting assignment process through such an approach, thereby enhancing disaster risk assessment’s scientific rigour and reliability. Moreover, it underscores the critical role of adaptive urban planning in enhancing the resilience of crucial economic nodes like ports, thereby contributing to the broader objectives of sustainable urban development.
Identification of an Immunodominant B-Cell Epitope in African Swine Fever Virus p30 Protein and Evidence of p30 Antibody-Mediated Antibody Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity
Authors: Noll Jessica C. G. , Rani Ruchi , Butt Salman L. , Fernandes Maureen Hoch Vieira , do Nascimento Gabriela Mansano , Martins Mathias , Caserta Leonardo C. , Covaleda Lina , Diel Diego G.
Published: May 2024

African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) is a large dsDNA virus that encodes at least 150 proteins. The complexity of ASFV and lack of knowledge of effector immune functions and protective antigens have hindered the development of safe and effective ASF vaccines. In this study, we constructed four Orf virus recombinant vectors expressing individual ASFV genes B602L, -CP204L, E184L, and -I73R (ORFVΔ121-ASFV-B602L, -CP204L, -E184L, and -I73R). All recombinant viruses expressed the heterologous ASFV proteins in vitro. We then evaluated the immunogenicity of the recombinants by immunizing four-week-old piglets. In two independent animal studies, we observed high antibody titers against ASFV p30, encoded by CP204L gene. Using Pepscan ELISA, we identified a linear B-cell epitope of 12 amino acids in length (Peptide 15) located in an exposed loop region of p30 as an immunodominant ASFV epitope. Additionally, antibodies elicited against ASFV p30 presented antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity. These results underscore the role of p30 on antibody responses elicited against ASFV and highlight an important functional epitope that contributes to p30-specific antibody responses.
Rev Protein Diversity in HIV-1 Group M Clades
Authors: Lebedev Aleksey , Kim Kristina , Ozhmegova Ekaterina , Antonova Anastasiia , Kazennova Elena , Tumanov Aleksandr , Kuznetsova Anna
Published: May 2024

The HIV-1 Rev protein expressed in the early stage of virus replication is involved in the nuclear export of some forms of virus RNA. Naturally occurring polymorphisms in the Rev protein could influence its activity. The association between the genetic features of different virus variants and HIV infection pathogenesis has been discussed for many years. In this study, Rev diversity among HIV-1 group M clades was analyzed to note the signatures that could influence Rev activity and, subsequently, clinical characteristics. From the Los Alamos HIV Sequence Database, 4962 Rev sequences were downloaded and 26 clades in HIV-1 group M were analyzed for amino acid changes, conservation in consensus sequences, and the presence of clade-specific amino acid substitutions (CSSs) and the Wu–Kabat protein variability coefficient (WK). Subtypes G, CRF 02_AG, B, and A1 showed the largest amino acid changes and diversity. The mean conservation of the Rev protein was 80.8%. In consensus sequences, signatures that could influence Rev activity were detected. In 15 out of 26 consensus sequences, an insertion associated with the reduced export activity of the Rev protein, 95QSQGTET96, was identified. A total of 32 CSSs were found in 16 clades, wherein A6 had the 41Q substitution in the functionally significant region of Rev. The high values of WK coefficient in sites 51 and 82, located on the Rev interaction surface, indicate the susceptibility of these positions to evolutionary replacements. Thus, the noted signatures require further investigation.
User-Friendly Replication-Competent MAdV-1 Vector System with a Cloning Capacity of 3.3 Kilobases
Authors: Zhang Zhichao , Guo Xiaojuan , Hou Wenzhe , Zou Xiaohui , Wang Yongjin , Liu Shuqing , Lu Zhuozhuang
Published: May 2024

Mouse adenoviruses (MAdV) play important roles in studying host–adenovirus interaction. However, easy-to-use reverse genetics systems are still lacking for MAdV. An infectious plasmid pKRMAV1 was constructed by ligating genomic DNA of wild-type MAdV-1 with a PCR product containing a plasmid backbone through Gibson assembly. A fragment was excised from pKRMAV1 by restriction digestion and used to generate intermediate plasmid pKMAV1-ER, which contained E3, fiber, E4, and E1 regions of MAdV-1. CMV promoter-controlled GFP expression cassette was inserted downstream of the pIX gene in pKMAV1-ER and then transferred to pKRMAV1 to generate adenoviral plasmid pKMAV1-IXCG. Replacement of transgene could be conveniently carried out between dual BstZ17I sites in pKMAV1-IXCG by restriction-assembly, and a series of adenoviral plasmids were generated. Recombinant viruses were rescued after transfecting linearized adenoviral plasmids to mouse NIH/3T3 cells. MAdV-1 viruses carrying GFP or firefly luciferase genes were characterized in gene transduction, plaque-forming, and replication in vitro or in vivo by observing the expression of reporter genes. The results indicated that replication-competent vectors presented relevant properties of wild-type MAdV-1 very well. By constructing viruses bearing exogenous fragments with increasing size, it was found that MAdV-1 could tolerate an insertion up to 3.3 kb. Collectively, a replication-competent MAdV-1 vector system was established, which simplified procedures for the change of transgene or modification of E1, fiber, E3, or E4 genes.
Intracellular Host Restriction of Hepatitis B Virus Replication
Authors: Sinha Prakriti , Thio Chloe L. , Balagopal Ashwin
Published: May 2024

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects hepatocytes and hijacks host cellular mechanisms for its replication. Host proteins can be frontline effectors of the cell’s defense and restrict viral replication by impeding multiple steps during its intracellular lifecycle. This review summarizes many of the well-described restriction factors, their mechanisms of restriction, and counteractive measures of HBV, with a special focus on viral transcription. We discuss some of the limitations and knowledge gaps about the restriction factors, highlighting how these factors may be harnessed to facilitate therapeutic strategies against HBV.
T84 Monolayer Cell Cultures Support Productive HBoV and HSV-1 Replication and Enable In Vitro Co-Infection Studies
Authors: Soldwedel Swen , Demuth Sabrina , Schildgen Oliver
Published: May 2024

Based on several clinical observations it was hypothesized that herpesviruses may influence the replication of human bocaviruses, the second known parvoviruses that have been confirmed as human pathogens. While several cell lines support the growth of HSV-1, HBoV-1 was exclusively cultivated on air–liquid interface cultures, the latter being a rather complicated, slow, and low throughput system. One of the cell lines are T84 cells, which are derived from the lung metastasis of a colorectal tumor. In this study, we provide evidence that T84 also supports HBoV replication when cultivated as monolayers, while simultaneously being permissive for HSV-1. The cell culture model thus would enable co-infection studies of both viruses and is worth being optimized for high throughput studies with HBoV-1. Additionally, the study provides evidence for a supporting effect of HSV-1 on the replication and packaging of HBoV-1 progeny DNA into DNase-resistant viral particles.
m6A Reader YTHDC1 Impairs Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection by Downregulating Membrane CX3CR1 Expression
Authors: Picavet Lucas W. , van Vroonhoven Ellen C. N. , Scholman Rianne C. , Smits Yesper T. H. , Banerjee Rupa , Besteman Sjanna B. , Viveen Mattheus C. , van der Vlist Michiel M. , Tanenbaum Marvin E. , Lebbink Robert J. , Vastert Sebastiaan J. , van Loosdregt Jorg
Published: May 2024

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most prevalent cause of acute lower respiratory infection in young children. Currently, the first RSV vaccines are approved by the FDA. Recently, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation has been implicated in the regulation of the viral life cycle and replication of many viruses, including RSV. m6A methylation of RSV RNA has been demonstrated to promote replication and prevent anti-viral immune responses by the host. Whether m6A is also involved in viral entry and whether m6A can also affect RSV infection via different mechanisms than methylation of viral RNA is poorly understood. Here, we identify m6A reader YTH domain-containing protein 1 (YTHDC1) as a novel negative regulator of RSV infection. We demonstrate that YTHDC1 abrogates RSV infection by reducing the expression of RSV entry receptor CX3C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) on the cell surface of lung epithelial cells. Altogether, these data reveal a novel role for m6A methylation and YTHDC1 in the viral entry of RSV. These findings may contribute to the development of novel treatment options to control RSV infection.
Lessons Learned from West Nile Virus Infection:Vaccinations in Equines and Their Implications for One Health Approaches
Authors: Naveed Ahsan , Eertink Lianne G. , Wang Dan , Li Feng
Published: May 2024

Humans and equines are two dead-end hosts of the mosquito-borne West Nile virus (WNV) with similar susceptibility and pathogenesis. Since the introduction of WNV vaccines into equine populations of the United States of America (USA) in late 2002, there have been only sporadic cases of WNV infection in equines. These cases are generally attributed to unvaccinated and under-vaccinated equines. In contrast, due to the lack of a human WNV vaccine, WNV cases in humans have remained steadily high. An average of 115 deaths have been reported per year in the USA since the first reported case in 1999. Therefore, the characterization of protective immune responses to WNV and the identification of immune correlates of protection in vaccinated equines will provide new fundamental information about the successful development and evaluation of WNV vaccines in humans. This review discusses the comparative epidemiology, transmission, susceptibility to infection and disease, clinical manifestation and pathogenesis, and immune responses of WNV in humans and equines. Furthermore, prophylactic and therapeutic strategies that are currently available and under development are described. In addition, the successful vaccination of equines against WNV and the potential lessons for human vaccine development are discussed.
Pertussis Epidemiology in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Serbia, 1948–2023
Authors: Ristić Mioljub , Medić Snežana , Vuković Vladimir , Rajčević Smiljana , Koprivica Marko , Banjac Jelena , Ljubičić Stefan , Petrović Vladimir
Published: May 2024

Pertussis continues to be a significant public health concern. We aimed to examine the epidemiological characteristics of pertussis in Vojvodina, which accounts for almost a third of Serbia’s population. Our aim was to determine the overall and age-specific incidence and mortality rates of pertussis in Vojvodina from 1948 to 2023, as well as the coverage of immunization against pertussis from 1960 to 2023. In the period 1948–2023, 42,259 cases of pertussis were reported. Following the introduction of the DTwP vaccine (1960) in Serbia, the reported incidence of pertussis began to decline. In 2001, for the first time since introduction of pertussis surveillance in Vojvodina, no pertussis cases were reported. Since 2012, the reported incidence of pertussis has once again increased, and peaked (41.1/100,000) in 2023, approaching the incidence rates recorded shortly after the introduction of DTwP vaccine. A shift in the age profile of pertussis from children aged 0–6 years to school-aged children (7–14 years) occurred between 2012 and 2023, when 48.3% of pertussis cases occurred in this age group. Although the incidence rates of pertussis among individuals aged 20 years and older were significantly lower than among younger age groups, there is evidence of an increasing trend in pertussis cases, particularly among those aged 40–49 years, since 2012. Based on the findings of this study, it is imperative to introduce additional booster doses of the aP vaccine for individuals aged 14 years, along with implementing maternal immunization strategies targeting women of childbearing age.
Parental Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake for Children over 5 Years of Age in Texas
Authors: Cuccaro Paula M. , Choi Jihye , Tiruneh Yordanos M. , Martinez Journey , Xie Jing , Crum Michelle , Owens Mark , Yamal Jose-Miguel
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for children, yet parental hesitancy towards vaccinating children against the virus persists. We conducted a telephone-administered weighted survey in Texas to examine parents’ sociodemographic factors and medical conditions associated with COVID-19 vaccination intention for parents with unvaccinated children ages 5–17 years. We collected responses from 19,502 participants, of which 4879 were parents of children ages 5–17 years. We conducted multiple logistic regression with Lasso-selected variables to identify factors associated with children’s vaccination status and parents’ intention to vaccinate their children. From the unweighted sample, less than half of the parents (46.8%) had at least one unvaccinated child. These parents were more likely to be White, English-speaking, not concerned about illness, privately insured, and unvaccinated for COVID-19 themselves (p < 0.001). In the adjusted regression model, parents who were unvaccinated (vs. having COVID-19 booster, aOR = 28.6) and financially insecure (aOR = 1.46) had higher odds of having unvaccinated children. Parents who were Asian (aOR = 0.50), Black (aOR = 0.69), Spanish-speaking (aOR = 0.57), concerned about illness (aOR = 0.63), had heart disease (aOR = 0.41), and diabetes (aOR = 0.61) had lower odds of having unvaccinated children. Parents who were Asian, Black, Hispanic, Spanish-speaking, concerned about illness for others, and vaccine-boosted were more likely to have vaccination intention for their children (p < 0.001). Children’s vaccination is essential to reduce COVID-19 transmission. It is important to raise awareness about the value of pediatric COVID-19 vaccination while considering parents’ sociodemographic and medical circumstances.
Differential Regulation of DC Function, Adaptive Immunity, and MyD88 Dependence by Two Squalene Emulsion-Based Vaccine Adjuvants
Authors: Nakkala Jayachandra , Li Yibo , Akter Labone , Kang Xinliang , Chen Xinyuan
Published: May 2024

MF59 and AS03 are squalene emulsion-based vaccine adjuvants with similar compositions and droplet sizes. Despite their broad use in licensed influenza vaccines, few studies compared their adjuvant effects and action mechanisms side by side. Considering the majority of adjuvants act on dendritic cells (DCs) to achieve their adjuvant effects, this study compared AddaVax and AddaS03 with similar compositions to MF59 and AS03 adjuvants to enhance antigen uptake, DC maturation, ovalbumin (OVA), and seasonal influenza vaccine-induced immune responses. Considering MF59 was reported to activate MyD88 to mediate its adjuvant effects, this study also investigated whether the above-explored adjuvant effects of AddaVax and AddaS03 depended on MyD88. We found AddaVax more potently enhanced antigen uptake at the local injection site, while AddaS03 more potently enhanced antigen uptake in the draining lymph nodes. AddaS03 but not AddaVax stimulated DC maturation. Adjuvant-enhanced antigen uptake was MyD88 independent, while AddaS03-induced DC maturation was MyD88 dependent. AddaVax and AddaS03 similarly enhanced OVA-induced IgG and subtype IgG1 antibody responses as well as influenza vaccine-induced hemagglutination inhibition antibody titers, while AddaS03 more potently enhanced OVA-specific IgG2c antibody responses. Both adjuvants depended on MyD88 to enhance vaccine-induced antibody responses, while AddaVax depended more on MyD88 to achieve its adjuvant effects. Our study reveals similarities and differences of the two squalene emulsion-based vaccine adjuvants, contributing to our improved understanding of their action mechanisms.
Differences in Vaccination Consultation Preferred by Primary Health Care Workers and Residents in Community Settings
Authors: Zhao Tianshuo , Cai Xianming , Zhang Sihui , Wang Mingting , Chen Linyi , Wang Juan , Yu Yajie , Tao Liandi , Xu Xiaoxia , Luo Jing , Wang Chao , Du Juan , Liu Yaqiong , Lu Qingbin , Cui Fuqiang
Published: May 2024

Objective: To evaluate the preference of primary HCWs and residents on vaccination consultation in community health services to provide evidence for vaccine hesitancy intervention strategies. Methods: A discrete choice model (DCM) was constructed to evaluate the preference difference between primary HCWs and residents on vaccination consultation in community health services in China during May–July 2022. Results: A total of 282 residents and 204 HCWs were enrolled in this study. The residents preferred consulting with an HCW-led approach (β = 2.168), with specialized content (β = 0.954), and accompanied by telephone follow-up (β = 1.552). In contrast, the HCWs preferred face-to-face consultation (β = 0.540) with an HCW-led approach (β = 0.458) and specialized content (β = 0.409), accompanied by telephone follow-up (β = 0.831). College residents and residents with underlying self-reported disease may be near-critically inclined to choose traditional consultation (an offline, face-to-face consultation with standardized content and more prolonged duration) rather than a new-media consulting group (an online consultation with specialized content within 5 min). Urban HCWs preferred long-term consultation groups (the resident-led offline consultation with follow-up lasting more than 5 min). In contrast, rural HCWs preferred efficient consultation (the HCW-led, short-duration, standardized offline consultation mode). Conclusion: The selection preference for vaccine consultation reveals a gap between providers and demanders, with different groups exhibiting distinct preferences. Identifying these targeted gaps can help design more acceptable and efficient interventions, increasing their likelihood of success and leading to better resource allocation for policymakers to develop targeted vaccination policies.