bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Social Networks Affect the Spatiotemporal Planning of Smart Tourism: Evidence from Shanghai
Authors: Liu Song , Ma Xiaoyan
Published: July 2021

Scenic tourism route plans are usually generated by combining scenic Points of Interest (PoIs) and the scenic road network. Traditional algorithms map the road networks linking the PoIs into a route collection and build a corresponding graph model. However, a single PoI description mechanism for scenic spots with multiple entrances and exits is significantly different from the actual tour route, which has multiple entrances and exits. Furthermore, the preferences and needs of tourists are not considered in attraction selection in existing algorithms. In this study, we propose a double-weighted graph model that considers the multiple entrances and exits of the PoI and identifies the tourists’ preferences using social network data. According to tourists’ different preferences and demands, different optimized tourist routes closer to the actual optimal paths were generated through an ant colony algorithm based on the proposed double-weighted graph model. To address the efficiency of the proposed model, we applied it in Shanghai and compared it with the traditional model through the 2bulu app, which can record three-dimensional (3D) trajectories of tourists. The comparison results show that the proposed model using social network data is closer to the actual 3D trajectory than the traditional model.
Assessing Impact, Performance and Sustainability Potential of Smart City Projects: Towards a Case Agnostic Evaluation Framework
Authors: Kourtzanidis Konstantinos , Angelakoglou Komninos , Apostolopoulos Vasilis , Giourka Paraskevi , Nikolopoulos Nikolaos
Published: July 2021

We report on a novel evaluation framework to globally assess the footprint of smart cities and communities (SCC) projects, being also expandable to the case of smart grid related projects. The uniform smart city evaluation (USE) framework is constructed upon three complementary evaluation axes: the first one aims to weigh up the success of a SCC project based on performance metrics against pre-defined project-specific target values. The second axis focuses on the project’s impact towards the sustainability of a city and it is bench-marked against national and international key objectives arising from strategic plans. This bench-marking feeds the third axis which provides a more inclusive evaluation against four pre-defined and widely acclaimed sectors of interest. The steps to be followed for the uniform evaluation of each axis and corresponding index are presented in detail, including necessary key performance indicator (KPI) normalization, weighting, and aggregation methods. The resulting indices’ scores for each axis (namely project performance index, sustainability impact index, and sustainability performance index) can be post-processed with adequate data processing and visualization tools to extract important information on the extent to which the range of success of a SCC project contributes to the city sustainability progress. Illustrative examples from an on-going SCC project are provided to highlight the strengths of the approach. The proposed framework can be used to compare multiple projects within a city and sustainability and project performance in different cities, evaluate the interventions chosen per project against city needs, benchmark and design future projects (with, e.g., reverse engineering, projections), as well as evaluate various spatial and temporal scales.
Exploring Sustainable Food Choices Factors and Purchasing Behavior in the Sustainable Development Goals Era in Spain
Authors: Blanco-Penedo Isabel , García-Gudiño Javier , Angón Elena , Perea José Manuel , Escribano Alfredo J. , Font-i-Furnols Maria
Published: July 2021

The aim of the present study was (1) to investigate what consumers include within the concept of food sustainability and its link with sustainable consumption, by identifying meaningful consumer typologies from the concept of food sustainability and food choice factors framed by SDG 12, and (2) to know how different farm systems attributes affecting purchase behavior are associated with such typologies. Consumers from two Spanish regions (n = 403) answered a paper questionnaire to know their degree of knowledge of sustainability, and beliefs, behavior, attitudes and preferences towards food sustainability, and the importance given to product characteristics and shopping practices. A principal component analysis was conducted to identify groups with similar answers, to average some of the questions before the final analysis of variance, which includes demographic classes as fixed effects. A cluster analysis using the most representative questions identified two clusters. cluster 1 (68.4%) responded to more sustainability-related attributes, and cluster 2 (31.5%) presented a less-expanded concept of sustainability. The origin of the product and quality certification (local, organic) was important for food purchase practices. The place of residence and gender differences of the consumers were the most influential factors. In the conjoint study, regarding the purchase of Iberian pork, cluster 1 remained unwilling to sacrifice outdoor systems and local breed at the expense of the price, in the case of the Iberian pig production. The most important demographic differentiator was the region of residence of the consumer. In conclusion, consumers are not aware of the wider aspects included in the sustainability concept. Moreover, the concept of sustainability elicits different meanings to the segments of the consumers identified.
Dual Efficiency and Productivity Analysis of Renewable Energy Alternatives of OECD Countries
Authors: Kara Sedef E. , Ibrahim Mustapha D. , Daneshvar Sahand
Published: July 2021

This paper examines the dual efficiency of bioenergy, renewable hydro energy, solar energy, wind energy, and geothermal energy for selected OECD countries through an integrated model with energy, economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Two questions are explored: Which renewable energy alternative is more dual efficient and productive? Which renewable energy alternative is best for a particular country? Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used for the efficiency evaluation, and the global Malmquist productivity index is applied for productivity analysis. Results indicate bioenergy as the most efficient renewable energy alternative with a 20% increase in average efficiency in 2016 compared to 2012. Renewable hydro energy, wind energy, and solar energy show a 17.5%, 16%, and 11% increase, respectively. The average efficiency growth across all renewable energy alternatives signifies major advancement. Country performance in renewable energy is non-monolithic; therefore, they should customize their renewable energy portfolio accordingly to their strengths to enhance renewable energy efficiency. Renewable hydro appears to have the most positive productivity change in 2016 compared to 2012, while solar energy regressed in productivity due to its scale inefficiency. All renewable energy alternatives have relatively equal average pure efficiency change. The positive trend in efficiency and productivity provides an incentive for policy makers to pursue further development of renewable energy technologies with a focus on improving scale efficiency.
Conservative Treatment in Tracheobronchial Injuries—An Institutional Report
Authors: Cherchi Roberto , Sarais Sabrina , Pinna-Susnik Matteo , Ferrari Paolo Albino
Published: July 2021

Tracheobronchial injuries are rare but potentially high-impact events with significant morbidity and mortality. Common etiologies include blunt or penetrating trauma, often combined with various complex injuries, while iatrogenic injury usually occurs during operation, intubation, or bronchoscopy. An early and accurate diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach in a center experienced in treating airway lesions are essential to obtain favorable results. For a long time, surgery has been considered the treatment of choice for post-traumatic airway lesions. However, recent reports have shown a paradigm shift in the management of tracheal injury towards a conservative approach, especially in treating iatrogenic lesions. In our experience of 11 consecutive patients, although there are still definitive indications for surgery, we demonstrated the effectiveness of conservative treatment in patients with mixed varieties of tracheal injury by etiology, extension, and complications.
On Coefficient Problems for Functions Connected with the Sine Function
Authors: Tra̧bka-Wiȩcław Katarzyna
Published: July 2021

In this paper, some coefficient problems for starlike analytic functions with respect to symmetric points are considered. Bounds of several coefficient functionals for functions belonging to this class are provided. The main aim of this paper is to find estimates for the following: coefficients, logarithmic coefficients, some cases of the generalized Zalcman coefficient functional, and some cases of the Hankel determinant.
An Alternative One-Parameter Distribution for Bounded Data Modeling Generated from the Lambert Transformation
Authors: Iriarte Yuri A. , de Castro Mário , Gómez Héctor W.
Published: July 2021

The beta and Kumaraswamy distributions are two of the most widely used distributions for modeling bounded data. When the histogram of a certain dataset exhibits increasing or decreasing behavior, one-parameter distributions such as the power, Marshall–Olkin extended uniform and skew-uniform distributions become viable alternatives. In this article, we propose a new one-parameter distribution for modeling bounded data, the Lambert-uniform distribution. The proposal can be considered as a natural alternative to well known one-parameter distributions in the statistical literature and, in certain scenarios, a viable alternative even for the two-parameter beta and Kumaraswamy distributions. We show that the density function of the proposal tends to positive finite values at the ends of the support, a behavior that favors good performance in certain scenarios. The raw moments are derived from the moment-generating function and used to describe the skewness and kurtosis behavior. The quantile function is expressed in closed form in terms of the Lambert W function, which allows reparameterizing the distribution such that the involved parameter represents the qth quantile. Thus, for the analysis of a bounded range variable, for which a set of covariates is available, we propose a regression model that relates the qth quantile of the response to a linear predictor through a link function. The parameter estimation is carried out using the maximum likelihood method and the behavior of the estimators is evaluated through simulation experiments. Finally, three application examples are considered in order to illustrate the usefulness of the proposal.
Assessing Heart Rate Using Consumer Technology Association Standards
Authors: Reece Joel D. , Bunn Jennifer A. , Choi Minsoo , Navalta James W.
Published: July 2021

It is difficult for developers, researchers, and consumers to compare results among emerging wearable technology without using a uniform set of standards. This study evaluated the accuracy of commercially available wearable technology heart rate (HR) monitors using the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) standards. Participants (N = 23) simultaneously wore a Polar chest strap (criterion measure), Jabra Elite earbuds, Scosche Rhythm 24 armband, Apple Watch 4, and Garmin Forerunner 735 XT during sitting, activities of daily living, walking, jogging, running, and cycling, totaling 57 min of monitored activity. The Apple Watch mean bias was within ±1 bpm, and mean absolute percent error (MAPE) was <3% in all six conditions. Garmin underestimated HR in all conditions, except cycling and MAPE was >10% during sedentary, lifestyle, walk-jog, and running. The Jabra mean bias was within ±5 bpm for each condition, and MAPE exceeded 10% for walk-jog. The Scosche mean bias was within ±1 bpm and MAPE was <5% for all conditions. In conclusion, only the Apple Watch Series 4 and the Scosche Rhythm 24 displayed acceptable agreement across all conditions. By employing CTA standards, future developers, researchers, and consumers will be able to make true comparisons of accuracy among wearable devices.
Intravesical Instillation of Norketamine, a Ketamine Metabolite, and Induced Bladder Functional Changes in Rats
Authors: Yeh Chung-Hsin , Chen Bo-He , Tseng Xiao-Wen , Liao Chun-Hou , Tsai Wei-Kung , Chiang Han-Sun , Wu Yi-No
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to determine the mechanism of ketamine-induced cystitis without metabolism. A total of 24 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into control, ketamine, and norketamine groups. To induce cystitis, rats in the ketamine and norketamine groups were treated with intravesical instillation of ketamine and norketamine by mini-osmotic pump, which was placed in subcutaneous space, daily for 24 h for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, all rats were subjected to bladder functional tests. The bladders were collected for histological and pathological evaluation. Compared to control, ketamine treatment demonstrated an increase in the bladder weight, high bladder/body coefficient, contractive pressure, voiding volume, collagen deposition, reduced smooth muscle content, damaged glycosaminoglycan layer, and low bladder compliance. Compared to ketamine, norketamine treatment showed more severe collagen deposition, smooth muscle loss, damaged glycosaminoglycan layer, and increased residual urine. Intravesical administration of ketamine and norketamine induced cystitis with different urodynamic characteristics. Norketamine treatment caused more severe bladder dysfunction than ketamine treatment. Direct treatment of the bladder with norketamine induced symptoms more consistent with those of bladder outlet obstruction than ketamine cystitis. Detailed studies of cellular mechanisms are required to determine the pathogenesis of ketamine cystitis.
Characterization of the Domoic Acid Uptake Mechanism of the Mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) Digestive Gland
Authors: Blanco Juan , Mariño Carmen , Martín Helena , Álvarez Gonzalo , Rossignoli Araceli E.
Published: July 2021

Cultures of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis are frequently affected by accumulation of the amnesic shellfish poisoning toxin domoic acid (DA). This species is characterized by a fast uptake and release of the toxin. In this work, the main characteristics of the uptake mechanism have been studied by incubation of digestive gland thin slices in media with different composition and DA concentration. DA uptake seems to follow Michaelis–Menten kinetics, with a very high estimated KM (1722 µg DA mL−1) and a Vmax of 71.9 µg DA g−1 h−1, which is similar to those found for other amino acids in invertebrates. Replacement of NaCl from the incubation media by Cl-choline (Na+-free medium) did not significantly reduce the uptake, but replacement by sorbitol (Na+-free and Cl−-depleted medium) did. A new experiment replacing all chlorides with their equivalent gluconates (Na+- and Cl−-free medium) showed an important reduction in the uptake that should be attributed to the absence of chloride, pointing to a Na+-independent, Cl− (or anion-) dependent transporter. In media with Na+ and Cl−, neither decreasing the pH nor adding cyanide (a metabolic inhibitor) had significant effect on DA uptake, suggesting that the transport mechanism is not H+- or ATP-dependent. In a chloride depleted medium, lowering pH or adding CN increased the uptake, suggesting that other anions could, at least partially, substitute chloride.
Mycotoxins, Phytoestrogens and Other Secondary Metabolites in Austrian Pastures: Occurrences, Contamination Levels and Implications of Geo-Climatic Factors
Authors: Penagos-Tabares Felipe , Khiaosa-ard Ratchaneewan , Nagl Veronika , Faas Johannes , Jenkins Timothy , Sulyok Michael , Zebeli Qendrim
Published: July 2021

Pastures are key feed sources for dairy production and can be contaminated with several secondary metabolites from fungi and plants with toxic or endocrine-disrupting activities, which possess a risk for the health, reproduction and performance of cattle. This exploratory study aimed to determine the co-occurrences and concentrations of a wide range of mycotoxins, phytoestrogens and other secondary metabolites in grazing pastures. Representative samples of pastures were collected from 18 Austrian dairy farms (one sample per farm) between April to October 2019. After sample preparation (drying and milling) the pastures were subjected to multi-metabolite analysis using LC-MS/MS. In total, 68 metabolites were detected, including regulated zearalenone and deoxynivalenol (range: 2.16–138 and 107–505 μg/kg on a dry matter (DM) basis, respectively), modified (3-deoxynivalenol-glucoside, HT-2-glucoside) and emerging Fusarium mycotoxins (e.g., enniatins), ergot alkaloids and Alternaria metabolites along with phytoestrogens and other metabolites. Aflatoxins, fumonisins, T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin and ochratoxins were not detected. Of the geo-climatic factors and botanical diversity investigated, the environment temperature (average of 2 pre-sampling months and the sampling month) was the most influential factor. The number of fungal metabolites linearly increased with increasing temperatures and temperatures exceeding 15 °C triggered an exponential increment in the concentrations of Fusarium and Alternaria metabolites and ergot alkaloids. In conclusion, even though the levels of regulated mycotoxins detected were below the EU guidance levels, the long-term exposure along with co-occurrence with modified and emerging mycotoxins might be an underestimated risk for grazing and forage-fed livestock. The one-year preliminary data points out a dominant effect of environmental temperature in the diversity and contamination level of fungal metabolites in pastures.
Sterigmatocystin, 5-Methoxysterigmatocistin, and Their Combinations are Cytotoxic and Genotoxic to A549 and HepG2 Cells and Provoke Phosphorylation of Chk2, but not FANCD2 Checkpoint Proteins
Authors: Dabelić Sanja , Kifer Domagoj , Jakšić Daniela , Kopjar Nevenka , Klarić Maja Šegvić
Published: July 2021

Sterigmatocystin (STC) and 5-methoxysterigmatocystin (5-M-STC) are structurally related mycotoxins with cytotoxic and genotoxic properties. In the present study, we hypothesized that DNA damage induced by non-cytotoxic concentrations of single and combined mycotoxins could alter the phosphorylation of the checkpoint proteins Chk2 and FANCD2 (ELISA) in HepG2 and A549 cells. The cytotoxic potential (MTT test) of single and combined STC and 5-M-STC, the nature of their interaction (additivity, antagonism, or synergy) and DNA damage level (alkaline comet assay) in HepG2 and A549 cells were also investigated. All experiments were performed after 24 h of mycotoxin treatment. 5-M-STC was 10-folds more cytotoxic than STC to both HepG2 and A549 cells. Both mycotoxins are genotoxic to HepG2 and A549 cells by inducing both double and single DNA strand breaks that activate Chk2 (especially in HepG2 cells) but not the FANCD2 protein. STC exerted higher genotoxic potential than 5-M-STC in HepG2 and A549 cells when both toxins were applied individually at the same concentration. Dual combinations of non-cytotoxic mycotoxin concentrations showed additive to antagonizing cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. The absence and low activation of checkpoint proteins during prolonged exposure to non-cytotoxic concentrations of STC and 5-M-STC could support cell proliferation and carcinogenesis.
Prevalence of Malaria and Chikungunya Co-Infection in Febrile Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mala Wanida , Wilairatana Polrat , Kotepui Kwuntida Uthaisar , Kotepui Manas
Published: July 2021

Background: Co-infection with malaria and chikungunya could exert a significant public health impact with infection misdiagnosis. Therefore, this study aimed to collect qualitative and quantitative evidence of malaria and chikungunya co-infection among febrile patients. Methods: Potentially relevant studies were identified using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The bias risk of the included studies was assessed using the checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The pooled prevalence of malaria and chikungunya co-infection among febrile patients and the pooled prevalence of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection among malaria patients were estimated with the random effect model. The odds of malaria and chikungunya co-infection among febrile patients were also estimated using a random effect model that presumed the heterogeneity of the outcomes of the included studies. The heterogeneity among the included studies was assessed using the Cochran Q test and I2 statistics. Publication bias was assessed using the funnel plot and Egger’s test. Results: Of the 1924 studies that were identified from the three databases, 10 fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in our study. The pooled prevalence of malaria and chikungunya co-infection (182 cases) among febrile patients (16,787 cases), stratified by diagnostic tests for CHIKV infection, was 10% (95% confidence interval (CI): 8–11%, I2: 99.5%) using RDT (IgM), 7% (95% CI: 4–10%) using the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT), 1% (95% CI: 0–2%, I2: 41.5%) using IgM and IgG ELISA, and 4% (95% CI: 2–6%) using real-time RT-PCR. When the prevalence was stratified by country, the prevalence of co-infection was 7% (95% CI: 5–10%, I2: 99.5%) in Nigeria, 1% (95% CI: 0–2%, I2: 99.5%) in Tanzania, 10% (95% CI: 8–11%) in Sierra Leone, 1% (95% CI: 0–4%) in Mozambique, and 4% (95% CI: 2–6%) in Kenya. The pooled prevalence of CHIKV infection (182 cases) among malaria patients (8317 cases), stratified by diagnostic tests for CHIKV infection, was 39% (95% CI: 34–44%, I2: 99.7%) using RDT (IgM), 43% (95% CI: 30–57%) using PRNT, 5% (95% CI: 3–7%, I2: 5.18%) using IgM and IgG ELISA, and 9% (95% CI: 6–15%) using real-time RT-PCR. The meta-analysis showed that malaria and chikungunya co-infection occurred by chance (p: 0.59, OR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.6–1.07, I2: 78.5%). Conclusions: The prevalence of malaria and chikungunya co-infection varied from 0% to 10% as per the diagnostic test for CHIKV infection or the country where the co-infection was reported. Hence, the clinicians who diagnose patients with malaria infections in areas where two diseases are endemic should further investigate for chikungunya co-infection to prevent misdiagnosis or delayed treatment of concurrent infection.
Time and Evolution in Quantum and Classical Cosmology
Authors: Kamenshchik Alexander Yu , Pérez Rodríguez Jeinny Nallely , Vardanyan Tereza
Published: July 2021

We analyze the issue of dynamical evolution and time in quantum cosmology. We emphasize the problem of choice of phase space variables that can play the role of a time parameter in such a way that for expectation values of quantum operators the classical evolution is reproduced. We show that it is neither necessary nor sufficient for the Poisson bracket between the time variable and the super-Hamiltonian to be equal to unity in all of the phase space. We also discuss the question of switching between different internal times as well as the Montevideo interpretation of quantum theory.
Application of Neural Networks to Classification of Data of the TUS Orbital Telescope
Authors: Zotov Mikhail
Published: July 2021

We employ neural networks for classification of data of the TUS fluorescence telescope, the world’s first orbital detector of ultra-high energy cosmic rays. We focus on two particular types of signals in the TUS data: track-like flashes produced by cosmic ray hits of the photodetector and flashes that originated from distant lightnings. We demonstrate that even simple neural networks combined with certain conventional methods of data analysis can be highly effective in tasks of classification of data of fluorescence telescopes.
Universal Live-Attenuated Influenza Vaccine Candidates Expressing Multiple M2e Epitopes Protect Ferrets against a High-Dose Heterologous Virus Challenge
Authors: Mezhenskaya Daria , Isakova-Sivak Irina , Matyushenko Victoria , Donina Svetlana , Rekstin Andrey , Sivak Konstantin , Yakovlev Kirill , Katelnikova Anastasia , Kryshen Kirill , Makarov Valery , Rudenko Larisa
Published: July 2021

The development of an influenza vaccine with broad protection and durability remains an attractive idea due to the high mutation rate of the influenza virus. An extracellular domain of Matrix 2 protein (M2e) is among the most attractive target for the universal influenza vaccine owing to its high conservancy rate. Here, we generated two recombinant live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) candidates encoding four M2e epitopes representing consensus sequences of human, avian and swine influenza viruses, and studied them in a preclinical ferret model. Both LAIV+4M2e viruses induced higher levels of M2e-specific antibodies compared to the control LAIV strain, with the LAIV/HA+4M2e candidate being significantly more immunogenic than the LAIV/NS+4M2e counterpart. A high-dose heterosubtypic influenza virus challenge revealed the highest degree of protection after immunization with LAIV/HA+4M2e strain, followed by the NS-modified LAIV and the classical LAIV virus. Furthermore, only the immune sera from the LAIV/HA+4M2e-immunized ferrets protected mice from a panel of lethal influenza viruses encoding M genes of various origins. These data suggest that the improved cross-protection of the LAIV/HA+4M2e universal influenza vaccine candidate was mediated by the M2e-targeted antibodies. Taking into account the safety profile and improved cross-protective potential, the LAIV/HA+4M2e vaccine warrants its further evaluation in a phase I clinical trial.
Norovirus VPg Binds RNA through a Conserved N-Terminal K/R Basic Patch
Authors: McSweeney Alice M. , Young Vivienne L. , Ward Vernon K.
Published: July 2021

The viral protein genome-linked (VPg) of noroviruses is a multi-functional protein that participates in essential roles during the viral replication cycle. Predictive analyses indicate that murine norovirus (MNV) VPg contains a disordered N-terminal region with RNA binding potential. VPg proteins were expressed with an N-terminal spidroin fusion protein in insect cells and the interaction with RNA investigated by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) against a series of RNA probes (pentaprobes) representing all possible five nucleotide combinations. MNV VPg and human norovirus (HuNV) VPg proteins were directly bound to RNA in a non-specific manner. To identify amino acids involved in binding to RNA, all basic (K/R) residues in the first 12 amino acids of MNV VPg were mutated to alanine. Removal of the K/R amino acids eliminated RNA binding and is consistent with a K/R basic patch RNA binding motif within the disordered N-terminal region of norovirus VPgs. Finally, we show that mutation of the K/R basic patch required for RNA binding eliminates the ability of MNV VPg to induce a G0/G1 cell cycle arrest.
Antibodies Elicited in Response to a Single Cycle Glycoprotein D Deletion Viral Vaccine Candidate Bind C1q and Activate Complement Mediated Neutralization and Cytolysis
Authors: Visciano Maria Luisa , Mahant Aakash Mahant , Pierce Carl , Hunte Richard , Herold Betsy C.
Published: July 2021

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) prevention is a global health priority but, despite decades of research, there is no effective vaccine. Prior efforts focused on generating glycoprotein D (gD) neutralizing antibodies, but clinical trial outcomes were disappointing. The deletion of gD yields a single-cycle candidate vaccine (∆gD-2) that elicits high titer polyantigenic non-gD antibodies that exhibit little complement-independent neutralization but mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and phagocytosis (ADCP). Active or passive immunization with ΔgD-2 completely protects mice from lethal disease and latency following challenge with clinical isolates of either serotype. The current studies evaluated the role of complement in vaccine-elicited protection. The immune serum from the ΔgD-2 vaccinated mice exhibited significantly greater C1q binding compared to the serum from the gD protein vaccinated mice with infected cell lysates from either serotype as capture antigens. The C1q-binding antibodies recognized glycoprotein B. This resulted in significantly greater antibody-mediated complement-dependent cytolysis and neutralization. Notably, complete protection was preserved when the ΔgD-2 immune serum was passively transferred into C1q knockout mice, suggesting that ADCC and ADCP are sufficient in mice. We speculate that the polyfunctional responses elicited by ΔgD-2 may prove more effective in preventing HSV, compared to the more restrictive responses elicited by adjuvanted gD protein vaccines.
Influenza Vaccination Coverage and Intention to Receive Hypothetical Ebola and COVID-19 Vaccines among Medical Students
Authors: Talarek Ewa , Warzecha Joanna , Banasiuk Marcin , Banaszkiewicz Aleksandra
Published: July 2021

The study aimed to determine influenza vaccine uptake among medical students and their intention to receive a hypothetical Ebola or COVID-19 vaccine. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was performed in 2015 and 2020 on 675 medical students at the Medical University of Warsaw, Poland. In 2020, the influenza vaccination coverage was 36.5%, and students were almost five times more likely to be vaccinated than in 2015 (OR = 4.8; 95% CI: 3.1–7.5). In 2020, the survey was conducted during the first university campaign targeted at free influenza vaccinations for all students, as well as during the first lockdown in Poland due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, clinical students (4th–6th study year) were significantly more often vaccinated than preclinical students (p < 0.001), in contrast to 2015. A majority—67.0% and 94.6%—of students expressed their intention to receive a hypothetical Ebola or COVID-19 vaccine, respectively. Among the medical students, influenza vaccination status was a predictor of the intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Influenza vaccine uptake among medical students has increased significantly, but it is still not optimal; thus, further educational efforts are needed to convince those who are hesitant regarding vaccines. A high number of students reported their intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, and it is crucial to support their positive attitude about it.
Antibodies Responses to SARS-CoV-2 in a Large Cohort of Vaccinated Subjects and Seropositive Patients
Authors: Amodio Emanuele , Capra Giuseppina , Casuccio Alessandra , Grazia Simona De , Genovese Dario , Pizzo Stefano , Calamusa Giuseppe , Ferraro Donatella , Giammanco Giovanni Maurizio , Vitale Francesco , Bonura Floriana
Published: July 2021

COVID-19 is a current global threat, and the characterization of antibody response is vitally important to update vaccine development and strategies. In this study we assessed SARS-CoV-2 antibody concentrations in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients (N = 272) and subjects vaccinated with the BNT162b2 m-RNA COVID-19 vaccine (N = 1256). For each participant, socio-demographic data, COVID-19 vaccination records, serological analyses, and SARS-CoV-2 infection status were collected. IgG antibodies against S1/S2 antigens of SARS-CoV-2 were detected. Almost all vaccinated subjects (99.8%) showed a seropositivity to anti-SARS-COV-2 IgG and more than 80% of vaccinated subjects had IgG concentrations > 200 AU/mL. In a Tobit multivariable regression analysis, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was statistically significantly associated with increased IgG concentrations (β coef = 266.4; p < 0.001). A statistically significant reduction in SARS-CoV-2 IgG concentrations was found with older age (β coef = −1.96 per year increase; p < 0.001), male sex (β coef = −22.3; p < 0.001), and days after immunization (β coef = −1.67 per day increase; p < 0.001). Our findings could support the vaccination campaigns confirming the high immunogenicity of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine under investigation with respect to the natural infection. Further studies will be required for evaluating the role of age and days after immunization in the persistence of vaccine antibodies and protection from the disease.
Responses of Freshwater Diatoms and Macrophytes Rely on the Stressor Gradient Length across the River Systems
Authors: Urbanič Gorazd , Debeljak Barbara , Kuhar Urška , Germ Mateja , Gaberščik Alenka
Published: July 2021

Phytobenthic diatoms and macrophyte communities respond differently to stressors in aquatic environments. For the assessment of the ecological status of rivers in Slovenia, we use several indices, including the River Macrophyte Index (RMI) and Trophic index (TI) based on macrophyte and phytobenthic diatoms communities, respectively. In the present study, we examined the relationships between nutrient variables and values of RMI and TI using varied stressor gradient lengths. We also aimed to explain the variability of macrophyte and diatom communities with different stressors, namely nutrients and land cover variables and their combinations. The relationships of RMI and TI with nutrient variables varied significantly and were affected by the length of the stressor gradient. We obtained a stronger relationship between the RMI and total phosphorous at an approximately <0.3-mg/L annual mean value, while, for the relationships with the TI, the values were significant at bigger gradient lengths. The greatest share of variability in the macrophyte and diatom community was explained by the combination of land use and nutrient variables and the lowest share by phosphorus and nitrogen variables. When we applied a composite stressor gradient, it explained a similar share of the variability of both macrophyte and diatom communities (up to 26%). A principal component analysis (PCA) based on land use and nutrient stressor gradient revealed that the relationship between RMI EQR and PCA1 that represents intensive agriculture depends on the length of the gradient. The relationship was stronger for shorter gradients at lower values and decreased as the gradient extended towards higher values. Both tested assessment methods showed that macrophyte communities are more sensitive to shorter stressor gradients of lower values, whereas diatom communities are more sensitive to longer stressor gradient and higher values of the stressor.
Reassessing Existing Reservoir Supply Capacity and Management Resilience under Climate Change and Sediment Deposition
Authors: Bekri Eleni S. , Economou Polychronis , Yannopoulos Panayotis C. , Demetracopoulos Alexander C.
Published: July 2021

Freshwater resources are limited and seasonally and spatially unevenly distributed. Thus, in water resources management plans, storage reservoirs play a vital role in safeguarding drinking, irrigation, hydropower and livestock water supply. In the last decades, the dams’ negative effects, such as fragmentation of water flow and sediment transport, are considered in decision-making, for achieving an optimal balance between human needs and healthy riverine and coastal ecosystems. Currently, operation of existing reservoirs is challenged by increasing water demand, climate change effects and active storage reduction due to sediment deposition, jeopardizing their supply capacity. This paper proposes a methodological framework to reassess supply capacity and management resilience for an existing reservoir under these challenges. Future projections are derived by plausible climate scenarios and global climate models and by stochastic simulation of historic data. An alternative basic reservoir management scenario with a very low exceedance probability is derived. Excess water volumes are investigated under a probabilistic prism for enabling multiple-purpose water demands. Finally, this method is showcased to the Ladhon Reservoir (Greece). The probable total benefit from water allocated to the various water uses is estimated to assist decision makers in examining the tradeoffs between the probable additional benefit and risk of exceedance.
Development of Seawater Intrusion Vulnerability Assessment for Averaged Seasonality of Using Modified GALDIT Method
Authors: Kim Il Hwan , Chung Il-Moon , Chang Sun Woo
Published: July 2021

Climate change and anthropogenic activities are necessitating accurate diagnoses of seawater intrusion (SWI) to ensure the sustainable utilization of groundwater resources in coastal areas. Here, vulnerability to SWI was assessed by classifying the existing GALDIT into static parameters (groundwater occurrence (G), aquifer hydraulic conductivity (A), and distance from shore (D)) and dynamic parameters (height to groundwater-level above sea-level (L), impact of existing status of seawater intrusion (I), and aquifer thickness (T)). When assessing the vulnerability of SWI based on observational data (2010–2019), 10-year-averaged data of each month is used for GALDIT dynamic parameter for representing the seasonal characteristics of local water cycles. In addition, the parameter L is indicated by the data observed at the sea-level station adjacent to the groundwater level station. The existing GALDIT method has a range of scores that can be divided into quartiles to express the observed values. To sensitively reflect monthly changes in values, the range of scores is divided into deciles. The calculated GALDIT index showed that the most vulnerable month is September, due to relatively low groundwater level. The proposed method can be used to apply countermeasures to vulnerable coastal areas and build water resources management plan considering vulnerable seasons.
Invasion of the European River Lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis in the Upper Volga
Authors: Zvezdin Aleksandr O. , Kucheryavyy Aleksandr V. , Kolotei Anzhelika V. , Polyakova Natalia V. , Pavlov Dmitry S.
Published: July 2021

The European river lamprey came to the Upper Volga from the Baltic Sea most probably via a system of shipways developed in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Vyshnii Volochek, Tikhvin, and Mariinskaya water systems are possible invasion pathways for this species. Dispersal and colonization of the Caspian Basin was likely a combination of upstream and downstream migrations. Analysis of museum and our own samples showed that lamprey possibly migrated upstream (for spawning) along rivers of the Baltic Basin until they reached the watershed boundary from which they could disperse downstream (in the juvenile period) into rivers of the Caspian Basin. Dispersal in the Volga River could occur in accordance with the migration cycle of this opportunistic lamprey species and lead to the present distribution. Key features (dentition and number of trunk myomeres) showed that lamprey from the studied area are similar to lampreys from the Baltic basin, although specimens in each population have their own peculiarities in morphology (size and coloration). Genetic data (Cyt-b) support the idea of a relatively recent invasion of lamprey into the Upper Volga. The haplotype, found in three rivers, is one of the most widespread in Europe and is found along the supposed route of invasion.
Assessing Crop Water Productivity under Different Irrigation Scenarios in the Mid–Atlantic Region
Authors: Paul Manashi , Negahban-Azar Masoud , Shirmohammadi Adel
Published: July 2021

The continuous growth of irrigated agricultural has resulted in decline of groundwater levels in many regions of Maryland and the Mid–Atlantic. The main objective of this study was to use crop water productivity as an index to evaluate different irrigation strategies including rainfed, groundwater, and recycled water use. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used to simulate the watershed hydrology and crop yield. It was used to estimate corn and soybean water productivity using different irrigation sources, including treated wastewater from adjacent wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The SWAT model was able to estimate crop water productivity at both subbasin and hydrologic response unit (HRU) levels. Results suggest that using treated wastewater as supplemental irrigation can provide opportunities for improving water productivity and save fresh groundwater sources. The total water productivity (irrigation and rainfall) values for corn and soybean were found to be 0.617 kg/m3 and 0.173 kg/m3, respectively, while the water productivity values for rainfall plus treated wastewater use were found to be 0.713 kg/m3 and 0.37 kg/m3 for corn and soybean, respectively. The outcomes of this study provide information regarding enhancing water management in similar physiographic regions, especially in areas where crop productivity is low due to limited freshwater availability.
Effects of the Filter-Feeding Benthic Bivalve Corbicula fluminea on Plankton Community and Water Quality in Aquatic Ecosystems: A Mesocosm Study
Authors: Rong Yuqin , Tang Yali , Ren Lijuan , Taylor William D , Razlutskij Vladimir , Naselli-Flores Luigi , Liu Zhengwen , Zhang Xiufeng
Published: July 2021

The influence of filter-feeding bivalves on plankton communities, nutrients, and water quality in a given aquatic ecosystem is so profound that they can be considered ecosystem engineers. In a 70-day mesocosm experiment, we tested the hypothesis that Corbicula fluminea would change plankton community structure by reducing small zooplankton and large phytoplankton and improve water quality by reducing nutrients. We monitored levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, organic suspended solids (OSS), and light at the sediment surface. Within the plankton, phytoplankton biomass (as Chl a, >0.45 μm), the biomass of microphytoplankton (>20 μm), nanophytoplankton (2–20 μm), picophytoplankton (0.2–2 μm), and zooplankton were determined. Compared with the controls, C. fluminea reduced the abundance of rotifers and the biomass of phytoplankton, and picophytoplankton, thereby modifying the plankton community structure. We did not observe reductions in TN and TP concentration, but OSS concentrations were reduced, and light intensity at the sediment surface was increased as a result of the improved water transparency. Our research shows that colonization by C. fluminea may modify plankton community structure and improve water quality of eutrophic shallow lakes, shedding further light on the ecological roles of filter-feeding bivalves in aquatic ecosystems.
Assessing the Extinction Risk of Heterocypris incongruens (Crustacea: Ostracoda) in Climate Change with Sensitivity and Uncertainty Analysis
Authors: Bellin Nicolò , Spezzano Rachele , Rossi Valeria
Published: July 2021

Organisms respond to climate change in many different ways and their local extinction risk may vary widely among taxa. Crustaceans from freshwater temporary ponds produce resting eggs to cope with environmental uncertainty and, as a consequence, egg banks have a fundamental role for population persistence. The egg bank dynamics of six clonal lineages of Heterocypris incongruens (Ostracoda) from Northern Italy were simulated. Clonal lineages W1 and W2 are the most common “winter ecotypes”, clonal lineages S1 and S2 are allochthonous “summer ecotypes” and clonal lineages I1 and I2 are relatively rare and generalist in terms of seasonality. Fecundity and proportion of resting eggs vary by clonal lineage, temperature and photoperiod. The clonal extinction risk was estimated in present climate conditions and under climate change. For comparison, and to assess the potential colonization of northern ponds, clonal lineages from Lampedusa Island (Southern Italy), L, were considered. Cohen’s general model was used for simulating egg bank dynamics and the extinction rate of each clonal lineage was estimated with uncertainty analysis. A 30 year simulation in present and climate change conditions was carried out. Extinction rates were lower in climate change conditions than in present conditions. Hydroperiod, hatching rate and egg deterioration rate were the critical factors that affected extinction rates. Extinction rates varied among clonal lineages. This suggests that H. incongruens might be able to have multiple responses to climate change due to its genetic diversity. In climate change conditions, W clonal lineages underwent a niche expansion, while a mismatch between photoperiod and hydroperiod might generate a detrimental effect on the phenology of summer S clonal lineages that might cause their extinction. Southern clonal lineages L, showing an intermediate extinction rate, might colonize northern temporary ponds.
A Functionalised Carbon Fiber for Flexible Extraction and Determination of Hg(II) Using Au(NP)-Thiol-CF Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Bin Ateeq Mashael K. , Bin Durayhim Nouf M. , Sulayem Meral M. , Al-Qahtani Waad A. , Khdary Nezar H. , Alhassan Ahmed M. , Alzahrani Fatimah Mohammed A. , Katubi Khadijah Mohammedsaleh M. , Alsaiari Norah Salem
Published: July 2021

This work illustrates the improvement in ultra-trace Hg(II) determination in water based on a novel flexible extraction and preconcentration technique (FEPT). This method focuses on the covalent functionalisation of carbon fibre (CF) based on (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane. The functionalisation of CF is carried out in two steps: functionalising the surface of CF using acid treatment to obtain hydroxy and carboxyl groups on the surface, followed by a condensation reaction between the carboxyl or hydroxy groups on the carbon (CF-OH) and (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane to form mercapto-CF (CF-SH). FTIR, EDX, SEM, XRD and UV-Vis were utilised to confirm the modification. ICP-MS is utilised to determine the Hg(II) and to assess the influence of the memory effect on the results using Au3+ solution and suspended Au nanoparticles (Au-NPs). The result shows that the Au-NPs improve Hg(II) detection and eliminate the memory effect. This study also includes appropriate parameters for contact time, eluent solution, pH, and the foreign metal and ions preconcentration factor. As a result, thiol-CF shows high Hg(II) uptake, flexibility, and stability during the analysis process, with a recovery of 98.96% ± 0.41% for 10 preconcentration factors. These features make FEPT a valuable method for extracting pollutants and overcoming the problems associated with the analysis of such samples.
Evidence of Quorum Sensing in Cyanobacteria by Homoserine Lactones: The Origin of Blooms
Authors: Herrera Natalia , Echeverri Fernando
Published: July 2021

Although several theories have been postulated to explain cyanobacterial blooms, their biochemical origin has not yet been found. In this work, we explore the existence of bacterial communication, called quorum sensing, in Microcystis aeruginosa and Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii. Thus, the application of several known acylhomoserine lactones to cultures of both cyanobacteria causes profound metabolic. At 72 h post-application, some of them produced substantial increases in cell proliferation, while others were inhibitors. There was a correlation with colony-forming activity for most of them. According to ELISA analysis, the microcystin levels were increased with some lactones. However, there was a clear difference between M. aeruginosa and C. raciborskii culture since, in the first one, there was an inducing effect on cell proliferation, while in C. raciborskii, the effects were minor. Besides, there were compound inhibitors and inducers of microcystins production in M. aeruginosa, but almost all compounds were only inducers of saxitoxin production in C. raciborskii. Moreover, each lactone appears to be involved in a specific quorum sensing process. From these results, the formation of cyanobacterial blooms in dams and reservoirs could be explained since lactones may come from cyanobacteria and other sources as bacterial microflora-associated or exogenous compounds structurally unrelated to lactones, such as drugs, industrial effluents, and agrochemicals.