bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Energy Intensity, Energy Productivity and Natural Resource Rents on Carbon Emissions in Morocco
Authors: Zhang Xiuqin , Shi Xudong , Khan Yasir , Khan Majid , Naz Saba , Hassan Taimoor , Wu Chenchen , Rahman Tahir
Published: April 2023

The Moroccan government has always advocated reducing energy intensity so as to reach the target of the sustainable development. The current study presents the connection between CO2 emission, energy intensity (EI), natural resource rents (NRRs), energy productivity (EP), and renewable energy (RE) by employing annual time-series data from 1990–2020 for Morocco. Using the ARDL model, the empirical findings illustrate that (i) increasing EI significantly contributes to carbon emissions, (ii) higher consumption of natural resources adversely affects CO2 emissions, and (iii) EP and RE are the key factors to mitigate carbon emissions in both the short term and long term, suggesting that these two factors strengthen the considerable impact of EI and the consumption of natural resources on carbon emissions. Nevertheless, the negative environmental effects are moderately neutralized by adopting significant clean and green energy consumption within the country. The outputs of the robustness test verify the reliability of the regression results. Moreover, a one-way Granger causality running from EI, EP, RE, and NRR to CO2 emissions indicates that any variation in these variables will cause CO2 emissions. The present study offers the latest insights by adding EP and RE into country development and will support government policy makers in decisions related to efficiently abating CO2 emissions.
Inter-Organizational Collaboration in Interconnected Infrastructure Projects
Authors: Nezami Maryam R. , de Bruijne Mark L. C. , Hertogh Marcel J. C. M. , Bakker Hans L. M.
Published: April 2023

This study aims to identify which factors affect inter-organizational collaboration (IOC) in interconnected infrastructure projects to enable practitioners to establish a collaborative environment at the project level. This specific form of inter-organizational collaboration (IOC) is characterized as “horizontal” and has received limited attention in the literature. To this end, a systematic literature review and Q-methodology were conducted. The Q-methodology involves practitioners from various infrastructure organizations in the Netherlands gaining insights into their perspectives on IOC in interconnected infrastructure projects. The study identifies two perspectives: a “holistic, goal-oriented” perspective that recognizes various dimensions of IOC and a more “people-oriented” perspective that emphasizes the value of individual factors for IOC. The findings suggest that multiple perspectives on collaboration exist among practitioners, potentially affecting collaboration in interconnected infrastructure projects. Awareness of the need to manage practitioners’ perspectives, and addressing and discussing these differences, can stimulate inter-organizational collaboration and contribute to improved project performance.
Assessing Students’ Awareness of 4Cs Skills after Mobile-Technology-Supported Inquiry-Based Learning
Authors: Kousloglou Manolis , Petridou Eleni , Molohidis Anastasios , Hatzikraniotis Euripides
Published: April 2023

Inquiry-based learning (IBL) is essential to Science Education since it improves students’ conceptual comprehension, higher-order thinking abilities, and interpersonal skills. Mobile technology (mIBL) promotes active learning, facilitates access to learning materials, and enhances IBL in terms of mobility and rapid feedback. This study assesses the 9th grade students’ awareness of 4Cs skills (Collaboration, Communication, Critical thinking and problem solving, and Creativity) after participating in mobile-technology-supported inquiry-based Teaching Learning Sequence (TLS). Additionally, the study investigates the qualities/characteristics students cite before and after the TLS in relation to these skills. The results of a questionnaire administered to students indicate that their awareness of these skills has increased as a result of the TLS. Specifically, the TLS seems to have a greater impact on Collaboration and Communication than on Critical thinking and problem solving, and Creativity. An additional qualitative investigation of students’ written answers to explanatory open-ended questions before and after the entire procedure found intriguing data confirming their shift in 4Cs awareness.
A Comprehensive Review of Biochar Utilization for Low-Carbon Flexible Asphalt Pavements
Authors: Yaro Nura Shehu Aliyu , Sutanto Muslich Hartadi , Habib Noor Zainab , Usman Aliyu , Kaura Jibrin Mohammed , Murana Abdulfatai Adinoyi , Birniwa Abdullahi Haruna , Jagaba Ahmad Hussaini
Published: April 2023

A large amount of biomass waste is produced globally, and its production and improper management are major environmental issues. Pavement industries consume large amounts of natural resources and adversely impact the environment. Thus, the utilization of waste materials, such as biochar from biomass, has been prioritized as an innovative and sustainable strategy. However, there is currently a paucity of knowledge regarding the utilization and performance of biochar in flexible asphalt pavements. Thus, the purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive literature review of studies conducted between 2010 and 2022 on the advancement and application of biochar in flexible asphalt pavement production. This review also highlights biochar production materials (feedstocks) and processes. This review further evaluates the viability of biochar as a carbon-neutral material utilized in producing asphalt pavements. Owing to its exceptional and variable physicochemical properties, biochar has demonstrated improved performance for a variety of applications in flexible asphalt pavements. According to the review, for optimum performance, a particle size < 75 µm is recommended as a modifier for asphalt binders and mixtures with a content range of 5–10 wt.% of the binder, while a particle size of 1–5 mm is recommended as a filter layer. In addition, the review concluded that as a carbon-neutral material, biochar has many possibilities that can aid in reducing CO2 emissions. The challenges and future perspectives, underlying study niches, and future research suggestions for biochar application in the flexible asphalt pavement industry are also highlighted. As a result, this review will contribute to the increased sustainability and eco-friendliness of flexible asphalt pavements by encouraging the transition to carbon-negative and emission-reducing pavements. The current review will assist researchers in identifying research gaps that will encourage the high-potential, sustainable, and multifaceted application of biochar in the pavement industry for greater environmental benefits.
Research on the Influence Mechanism of Organic Food Attributes on Customer Trust
Authors: Bai Shizhen , Zhang Xiaochen , Han Chunjia , Yu Dingyao
Published: April 2023

Based on the quality level that consumers can discover at various stages, the literature summary divides organic food attributes into three categories: trust, search, and experience. This paper deeply analyzes the internal relationship among the search attribute, trust attribute, and perceived quality and the mechanism of effect on customer trust. After distributing and collecting 310 consumers’ valid questionnaires, the research hypotheses were empirically tested utilizing a structural equation model and mediation effect test. The research results indicate that: (1) The food safety attribute and nutritional content attribute in the organic food trust attribute have positive effects on the perceived quality and customer trust. (2) The price and label in the organic food search attribute positively affect the perceived quality, i.e., the price harms customer trust, while the label has no significant effect on customer trust. Perceived quality plays a mediating role between the trust attributes, search attribute, and customer trust, i.e., the price and label indirectly affect customer trust through perceived quality. (3) The perceived quality of organic food positively affects customer trust. The results provide an important theoretical basis for enterprises to implement effective strategies to enhance consumers’ trust in organic food.
Experimental and Modeling Study on the Removal of Mn, Fe, and Zn from Fiberboard Industrial Wastewater Using Modified Activated Carbon
Authors: Ayob Syafiqa , Altowayti Wahid Ali Hamood , Othman Norzila , Khalid Faisal Sheikh , Shahir Shafinaz , Tajarudin Husnul Azan , Alqadasi Ammar Mohammed Ali
Published: April 2023

In this work, the use of agricultural waste from oil palm petioles (OPP) as a raw material for the production of activated carbon (AC) and its characterization were examined. By soaking these chars in nitric acid (HNO3) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) at a 10% concentration, AC with favorable high-porosity carbons was generated. To maximize AC synthesis, the AC was pyrolyzed at 460, 480, and 500 °C temperatures for 20 min. Based on micrographs of formed pores and surface functional groups, 480 °C carbonization temperature on both chemical HNO3 and KOH was shown to be the best. The FTIR measurements reveal that chemical activation successfully transformed the raw material into AC. Moreover, FESEM micrographs show the pores and cavities of the prepared AC achieve a high surface area. This is further supported by BET results of HNO3 OPP AC and KOH OPP AC with surface areas of 883.3 and 372.4 m2/g, respectively, compared with the surface area of raw OPP of 0.58 m2/g. Furthermore, the tests were revealed by an optimization model, namely response surface methodology (RSM), using a central composite design (CCD) technique. The findings showed that all three parameters (pH, time, and dose) had a substantial impact on the removal of Zn, Fe, and Mn. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and analytical error indicated that the models were accurate, with a low error value and a high R2 > 0.9. Remarkably, the good correlation between actual and predicted removal values showed that the modified activated carbon is a promising adsorbent for heavy metal removal from wastewater.
Limits of Performance of Polyurethane Blowing Agents
Authors: Jaf Luay , Al-Moameri Harith H. , Ayash Ahmed A. , Lubguban Arnold A. , Malaluan Roberto M. , Ghosh Tushar
Published: April 2023

A MATLAB program was developed to simulate urethane-forming reactions by solving over a dozen differential equations, energy balance, mass balance, and constitutive equations simultaneously. The simulation program was developed for half a decade to simulate the basic kinetics of polyurethane reactions and more complex phenomena that cannot be obtained in laboratories. In the current investigation, the simulation is applied to determine the limits of the performance of polyurethane foam formation. n-pentane, cyclohexane, and methyl formate were used as physical blowing agents, and water was used as a chemical blowing agent. The simulation code increases the accuracy of the results and makes the foam performance process less time- and money-consuming. Specifically, the MATLAB code was developed to study the impact of physical and chemical blowing agents at different loadings on the performance of rigid polyurethane foams. Experimental data were used to validate the simulation results, including temperature profiles, height profiles, and the tack-free time of urethane foam reactions. The simulation results provide a window for the proper type and the optimum amount range of different physical and chemical blowing agents.
Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis of the Factors Affecting Satisfaction with the Policy of Ecological Forest Rangers
Authors: Zhang Yonghua , Wang Xue , Wan Shenwei , Zhu Hongge
Published: April 2023

The policy of ecological forest rangers (EFRs) is one of the important policy tools to consolidate the achievements of poverty alleviation in China. An in-depth analysis of the factors affecting the satisfaction of EFRs, and targeted improvement of related issues are conducive to the promotion of the policy implementation effect, which is of great significance to further consolidate the achievements of ecological poverty alleviation, promoting rural revitalization. Based on the field survey data of 412 ecological forest rangers in Qianshan City, Anhui Province, China, this paper uses the multivariable interaction fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis method to explore the level of ecological forest rangers’ policy satisfaction and the associated influencing factors. The results showed that (1) the overall evaluation of the ecological ranger groups’ satisfaction with EFRs was between “general” and “satisfied”; (2) the lack of policy identity and information mastery are the necessary conditions for low and high satisfaction of EFRs, respectively; (3) perception of implementation played a core role in high policy satisfaction, while a lack of information mastery and perception of implementation were the core variables that caused low policy satisfaction. Through comprehensive comparison, it was found that the conditional variables of policy cognition had an important impact on both high and low policy satisfaction. Enhancing the information grasp degree of ecological forest rangers and improving the perception level of policy implementation was the best strategy to effectively improve the satisfaction levels of ecological forest rangers with the policy. By exploring the influencing factors of the satisfaction with the current ecological forest ranger policy and analyzing the comprehensive effect of the configuration of each factor, this paper provides a reference for further improving the ecological forest ranger policy and consolidating the ecological poverty alleviation results in the future.
The Effect of Eco-Preneurship and Green Technology Management on Greenhouse Gas Discharge: An Analysis on East Asian Economies
Authors: Sahabuddin Md , Hossain Md Billal , Khokhar Maryam , Sharaf Mohamed , Ejaz Sarmad , Ejaz Faisal , Illés Csaba Bálint
Published: April 2023

This study finds that eco-preneurship and green technology initiatives have the potential to improve the environmental quality of selected East Asian economies in the short term, but in the long term, the impact is negative, and there is a need for a better understanding of their effects on greenhouse gas emissions. The pressing need to address the negative impact of human activity on the environment has given rise these initiatives worldwide. However, there is a lack of research on the effectiveness of these initiatives in East Asian economies. In this study, we examine the short-term and long-term effects of eco-preneurship and green technology on greenhouse gas emissions in China and Japan. The results show that in the short term, both linear and non-linear estimations of eco-preneurship have a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in China and Japan. Similarly, short-term linear estimations are significant in both China and Japan, but non-linear estimates are only significant in Japan. The same is true for positive shocks related to green technology in China and Japan, although the estimated coefficient for negative shocks is negative only in Japan. Taken together, these results indicate that eco-preneurship and green technology can improve the environmental quality of these selected economies in East Asia to some extent.
Exploring the Factors That Promote Sustainable Growth in Regional Sales of New Energy Vehicles: An Empirical Study of China
Authors: Shi Liwen , Fu Zhonglin , Guo Wei , Zhang Jing , Sun Jiang
Published: April 2023

In recent years, China has been at the forefront of the world in the development of new energy vehicles (NEVs). However, national financial subsidies for NEVs will be withdrawn at an accelerated pace with the marketization process. Regional policies have become key to compensating for this withdrawal; these policies can renew the development of NEVs. Therefore, this paper explores the endogenous power of NEVs in blooming from the urban level in China. We used the multiple linear regression method to examine the influence of market and policy and found that the most effective way to promote sales growth of NEVs is to combine both factors. In terms of the market, higher diversity and coverage will make regional competition fair and reasonable. In terms of policy, road priority policy is the main factor to promote sales growth, especially in the cities with license restrictions. Although the regional financial subsidy has declined, its role in increasing sales still exists. Fee relief has the weakest impact on sales and there is still much room for improvement. The findings of this paper provide a foundation for regional governments to develop better decision making strategies for promoting NEVs.
Assessment of Biofuel Industry Sustainability Factors Based on the Intuitionistic Fuzzy Symmetry Point of Criterion and Rank-Sum-Based MAIRCA Method
Authors: Hezam Ibrahim M. , Vedala Naga Rama Devi , Kumar Bathina Rajesh , Mishra Arunodaya Raj , Cavallaro Fausto
Published: April 2023

Biofuel production from biomass resources can significantly contribute to greenhouse gas mitigation and clean energy generation. This paper aims to develop a new decision analysis approach under an intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) setting to rank suitable biomass resources for biofuel production. For this purpose, an intuitionistic fuzzy Symmetry Point of Criterion (IF-SPC) tool was introduced to obtain the objective weight of the indicators and an IF-rank sum (IF-RS) was applied to find the subjective weight of the indicators under an IFS setting. Then, an integrated multi-attributive ideal real comparative assessment (MAIRCA) approach was introduced using aggregation operators and a proposed weight-determining tool to rank suitable biomass resources for biofuel production. Further, the usability of the proposed model was tested with a case study of the selection of biomass resources for biofuel production under the context of IFS. From the obtained outcomes, we found that the most important indicators for selecting suitable biomass resources for biofuel production are cost of biomass supply (EC-3), maturity (T-3), local acceptability (SP-1), cost of the biomass conversion process (EC-2), and reduction of GHG emissions (EN-1), respectively. From this perspective, globally existing sustainable biomass resources for biofuel production were recognized and then ranked over thirteen diverse indicators including environmental, economic, technical, and social-political pillars of sustainability. It was found that municipal solid waste and sewage, forest and wood farming waste, and livestock and poultry waste achieve higher overall utility scores over the other biomass resources for biofuel production in India. Furthermore, comparison with extant models and sensitivity analysis are discussed to present the usefulness and stability of the presented model.
Effects of the Comprehensive and Technical Models of Sports Teaching in Secondary School Students
Authors: Portillo Javier , Abián Pablo , Bravo-Sánchez Alfredo , Dorado-Suárez Alberto , Abián-Vicén Javier
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different teaching methodologies (comprehensive vs. technical), developed during a unit of ultimate frisbee, on the physical demands, technical–tactical variables, game performance and physical fitness of secondary school children. Forty-seven students were divided into two groups: Comprehensive Teaching Group (CTG; n = 25, Age: 14.5 ± 0.5 years) and Technical Teaching Group (TTG; n = 22, Age: 14.9 ± 0.8 years). The teaching models (CTG vs. TTG) were composed of 8 sessions of 55 min. Physical fitness was developed with the Alpha-Fitness method, while physical variables were analysed using GPS; the technical and tactical variables performed during the matches were recorded using Full-HD video cameras. The results showed that the CTG students had greater mean speed (p < 0.001), mean heart rate (p = 0.006) and covered more total distance/time (p < 0.001) than the TTG students during sessions. After the intervention, the CTG students showed greater values in good passes (p = 0.001), good catches (p = 0.001), good decisions (p = 0.002) and game performance (p < 0.001), while the TTG students only showed higher values in game performance (p = 0.039). In conclusion, the comprehensive teaching model is shown to be an effective pedagogical option to learn ultimate frisbee because the students achieved a higher overall development in the physical demands expressed in the sessions and in the management of the technical–tactical actions in the offensive and defensive phases of the ultimate frisbee game.
Smart Mobility in Urban Areas: A Bibliometric Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Mitieka Douglas , Luke Rose , Twinomurinzi Hossana , Mageto Joash
Published: April 2023

Transportation systems globally face challenges related to congestion, decreased quality of life, limited accessibility, increased harmful emissions and costs, growing use of private cars and in some cases lack of intra and intermodal integration. Smart Mobility is believed to be a solution to some of these challenges by providing comprehensive and intelligent mobility services, decreasing transportation costs, promoting safety, and combating pollution and traffic congestion. Despite this potential, there is still uncertainty surrounding what smart mobility is and whether it is moving toward improving the quality of life and making cities more sustainable. To address this gap, this paper conducts a bibliometric review of 3223 Web of Science Core Collection-indexed documents to provide a comprehensive understanding of smart mobility research. The findings reveal a lack of multi-disciplinary approaches in previous studies with a strong emphasis on technological aspects and limited social or economic considerations in current research. The review identifies four distinct periods of smart mobility research, with recent interest sparked by advancements in big data, deep learning, artificial intelligence, and real-time technologies in transport systems. However, there is a dearth of research on smart mobility in developing countries, where urban populations are rapidly increasing. Thus, the review proposes a research agenda to address the current gaps in knowledge. Furthermore, the review provides an updated and integrated definition of smart mobility as the use of advanced technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, and artificial intelligence, to improve transportation efficiency, mobility for all, and sustainability while safeguarding the quality of life. The primary challenge for smart mobility is the co-evolution with existing transport systems, making further research on integration with these systems and real-time technologies essential for advancing smart mobility research. The paper’s main contribution is an integrated conceptualisation of smart mobility research and novel research topics that build on this unified base.
Assessing the Feasibility of Practical Cradle to Cradle in Sustainable Conceptual Product Design
Authors: Zhang Xiaochen , Liu Xinyu , Zhang Yang , Xu Xing , Xiao Jiaxin , Luh Ding-Bang
Published: April 2023

This paper delves into the feasibility of implementing Cradle to Cradle (C2C) principles in conceptual product design to achieve sustainability objectives. By developing two concept products and conducting a series of qualitative and quantitative experiments, this research demonstrates the potential of the C2C approach as a crucial guide in the design process and emphasizes its significance in creating environmentally and socially responsible products. Nevertheless, this study also highlights the challenges and limitations associated with the practical application of C2C theory and the attainment of optimal product performance. These findings underline the importance of integrating C2C principles into conceptual product design and call for further research to address the limitations of the theory and optimize its application in sustainable design. Overall, this research contributes to the growing body of literature on sustainable design and provides valuable insights into the potential benefits and challenges of adopting the C2C approach in conceptual product design.
The Blue Management: Adding Economic Value to Restoration Actions in Collapsed Ecosystems
Authors: Mello Eduardo , Smyth David , Chatting Mark , Alatalo Juha Mikael , Welter Giraldes Bruno
Published: April 2023

This study presents a strategy for environmental management that aims to enhance efforts to restore threatened ecosystems. We review the exploratory system and classify the stakeholders and driving forces behind nature exploitation. Based on successful environmental management cases, we propose practical modifications for adding economic value to restoring collapsed ecosystems, resulting in the development of blue management. Blue management isolates specific stakeholders such as nature exploiters, governmental bodies, and nature scientists. We propose the division of nature users into large footprinting companies (funders), natural resources exploiters industry (managers), and subsistence exploiters (workforce) and emphasize the importance of increasing the interaction between nature exploiters and natural scientists to accelerate the restoration of threatened natural resources. Blue Management offers stakeholders practical alternatives for improving collapsed/threatened natural assets (ecosystems) based on economic, social, and ecological theories. It provides a summarized pathway for decision-makers to restore unproductive resources, avoiding the migration of the exploratory system to new pristine resources. In summary, blue management is a practical approach that combines economic, social, and ecological theories to restore threatened ecosystems. It offers decision-makers a pathway to restore unproductive resources while avoiding the exploitation of new pristine resources. Additionally, blue management has the potential to improve the research and development of technologies and systems related to nature restoration. We believe that this approach can help achieve the goals of the UN decade of ecosystem restoration and contribute to the sustainable use of natural resources.
The Comprehensive Analysis of the Network of Superstructure Based on Territorial Characteristics of Accommodation and Food and Beverage Service Providers Considering the Financial Crisis and COVID-19: The Case of Bihor County, Romania
Authors: Czuczor Krisztina , Kozma Gábor , Dorogi Zoltán , Li Tianyi , Radics Zsolt
Published: April 2023

This study presents the territorial differences in structure of functioning accommodation and food-and-beverage service providers by their distribution based on registered field of economic activity and financial data on the level of local governments within Bihor County that were classified into four potential destination types. Furthermore, the aim of the research is to identify the concentration of business activities based on their turnover in proportion to the population on the level of local governments using the Hoover-index method for the period of 2005–2020. Lastly, another aim is to examine the efficiency of these hospitality service providers using the Hoover index on their sales revenue in proportion to their labor force between 2005 and 2020. The time frame enabled the examination of the effects of two critical incidents: the financial crisis of 2008 and COVID-19, which impacted the activity of the examined firms in hospitality. As a result, both group of service providers showed a significant increase in number of entities, turnover, and average annual number of employees after 2014. That trend was intensively interrupted by COVID-19, which was not the case for the period of financial crisis. The significance of Oradea and Sânmartin were present as central areas regarding business activities of the examined fields, thus crucially influencing the trends of the county. In the case of territorial inequalities, the two categories showed differing trends, as in the case of efficiency, although lodging services proved to show higher territorial inequalities but better performance.
Double Sawi Transform: Theory and Applications to Boundary Values Problems
Authors: Khan Shahzeb , Ullah Aman , De la Sen Manuel , Ahmad Shabir
Published: April 2023

Symmetry can play an important role in the study of boundary value problems, which are a type of problem in mathematics that involves finding the solutions to differential equations subject to given boundary conditions. Integral transforms play a crucial role in solving ordinary differential equations (ODEs), partial differential equations (PDEs), and integral equations. This article focuses on extending a single-valued Sawi transform to a double-valued ST, which we call the double Sawi (DS) transform. We derive some fundamental features and theorems for the proposed transform. Finally, we study the applications of the proposed transform by solving some boundary value problems such as the Fourier heat equation and the D’Alembert wave equation.
Fractional Stochastic Evolution Inclusions with Control on the Boundary
Authors: Ahmed Hamdy M. , El-Borai Mahmoud M. , El-Sayed Wagdy G. , Elbadrawi Alaa Y.
Published: April 2023

Symmetry in systems arises as a result of natural design and provides a pivotal mechanism for crucial system properties. In the field of control theory, scattered research has been carried out concerning the control of group-theoretic symmetric systems. In this manuscript, the principles of stochastic analysis, the fixed-point theorem, fractional calculus, and multivalued map theory are implemented to investigate the null boundary controllability (NBC) of stochastic evolution inclusion (SEI) with the Hilfer fractional derivative (HFD) and the Clarke subdifferential. Moreover, an example is depicted to show the effect of the obtained results.
Spectral Characteristics of Dissolved Organic Matter in Farmland Soils around Urumqi, China
Authors: Zhu Jianhua , Duo Jia , Zhang Zizhao , Pei Liang , Li Wenfeng , Wufuer Rehemanjiang
Published: April 2023

The dissolved organic matter (DOM) is one of the most sensitive indicators of changes in the soil environment, and it is the most mobile and active soil component that serves as an easily available source of nutrients and energy for microbes and other living organisms. In this paper, DOM structural characteristics and main properties were investigated by three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy (EEM) and UV–visible spectrum technology in the farmland soils around Urumqi of China, and its possible sources and pathways were analyzed by spectroscopic indices. The results showed that humic-like substances were the main composition of the soil DOM, and its autogenesis characteristics were not obvious. Main DOM properties such as aromatability, hydrophobicity, molecular weight, molecular size, and humification degree in the southern region of Urumqi were higher than those of the northern region of Urumqi and Fukang in China, and higher on the upper layers of the soil (0–0.1 and 0.2 m) than in the deeper layer (0.2–0.3 m).This may be because the tilled layer is more subjected to fertilization and conducive to microbial activities. The spectroscopic analysis showed that the source of DOM of these regions is mainly from microbial metabolites. These results provide basic scientific data for the further research on the environmental chemical behavior of pollutants and pollution control in this region.
The Influence of the Toxic Dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum, Grown under Different N:P Ratios, on the Marine Copepod Acartia tonsa
Authors: Christou Epaminondas D. , Varkitzi Ioanna , Maneiro Isabel , Zervoudaki Soultana , Pagou Kalliopi
Published: April 2023

HABs pose a threat to coastal ecosystems, the economic sector and human health, and are expanding globally. However, their influence on copepods, a major connector between primary producers and upper trophic levels, remains essentially unknown. Microalgal toxins can eventually control copepod survival and reproduction by deterring grazing and hence reducing food availability. We present several 24-h experiments in which the globally distributed marine copepod, Acartia tonsa, was exposed to different concentrations of the toxic dinoflagellate, Alexandrium minutum, grown under three N:P ratios (4:1, 16:1 and 80:1), with the simultaneous presence of non-toxic food (the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum micans). The different N:P ratios did not affect the toxicity of A. minutum, probably due to the low toxicity of the tested strain. Production of eggs and pellets as well as ingested carbon appeared to be affected by food toxicity. Toxicity levels in A. minutum also had an effect on hatching success and on the toxin excreted in pellets. Overall, A. minutum toxicity affected the reproduction, toxin excretion and, to an extent, the feeding behavior of A. tonsa. This work indicates that even short-term exposure to toxic A. minutum can impact the vital functions of A. tonsa and might ultimately pose serious threats to copepod recruitment and survival. Still, further investigation is required for identifying and understanding, in particular, the long-term effects of harmful microalgae on marine copepods.
A Virus Genetic System to Analyze the Fusogenicity of Human Cytomegalovirus Glycoprotein B Variants
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Cimato Giorgia , Zhou Yihua , Frascaroli Giada , Brune Wolfram
Published: April 2023

Viruses can induce the fusion of infected and neighboring cells, leading to the formation of syncytia. Cell–cell fusion is mediated by viral fusion proteins on the plasma membrane of infected cells that interact with cellular receptors on neighboring cells. Viruses use this mechanism to spread rapidly to adjacent cells or escape host immunity. For some viruses, syncytium formation is a hallmark of infection and a known pathogenicity factor. For others, the role of syncytium formation in viral dissemination and pathogenicity remains poorly understood. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in transplant patients and the leading cause of congenital infections. Clinical HCMV isolates have broad cell tropism but differ in their ability to induce cell–cell fusions, and little is known about the molecular determinants. We developed a system to analyze HCMV glycoprotein B (gB) variants in a defined genetic background. HCMV strains TB40/E and TR were used as vectors to compare the fusogenicity of six gB variants from congenitally infected fetuses with those from three laboratory strains. Five of them conferred the ability to induce the fusion of MRC-5 human embryonic lung fibroblasts to one or both backbone strains, as determined by a split GFP–luciferase reporter system. The same gB variants were not sufficient to induce syncytia in infected ARPE-19 epithelial cells, suggesting that additional factors are involved. The system described here allows a systematic comparison of the fusogenicity of viral envelope glycoproteins and may help to clarify whether fusion-promoting variants are associated with increased pathogenicity.
Zoonotic Animal Influenza Virus and Potential Mixing Vessel Hosts
Authors: Abdelwhab Elsayed M. , Mettenleiter Thomas C.
Published: April 2023

Influenza viruses belong to the family Orthomyxoviridae with a negative-sense, single-stranded segmented RNA genome. They infect a wide range of animals, including humans. From 1918 to 2009, there were four influenza pandemics, which caused millions of casualties. Frequent spillover of animal influenza viruses to humans with or without intermediate hosts poses a serious zoonotic and pandemic threat. The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic overshadowed the high risk raised by animal influenza viruses, but highlighted the role of wildlife as a reservoir for pandemic viruses. In this review, we summarize the occurrence of animal influenza virus in humans and describe potential mixing vessel or intermediate hosts for zoonotic influenza viruses. While several animal influenza viruses possess a high zoonotic risk (e.g., avian and swine influenza viruses), others are of low to negligible zoonotic potential (e.g., equine, canine, bat and bovine influenza viruses). Transmission can occur directly from animals, particularly poultry and swine, to humans or through reassortant viruses in “mixing vessel” hosts. To date, there are less than 3000 confirmed human infections with avian-origin viruses and less than 7000 subclinical infections documented. Likewise, only a few hundreds of confirmed human cases caused by swine influenza viruses have been reported. Pigs are the historic mixing vessel host for the generation of zoonotic influenza viruses due to the expression of both avian-type and human-type receptors. Nevertheless, there are a number of hosts which carry both types of receptors and can act as a potential mixing vessel host. High vigilance is warranted to prevent the next pandemic caused by animal influenza viruses.
Mechanisms of Action of the Host-Targeting Agent Cyclosporin A and Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents against Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Liu Dandan , Ndongwe Tanya P. , Ji Juan , Huber Andrew D. , Michailidis Eleftherios , Rice Charles M. , Ralston Robert , Tedbury Philip R. , Sarafianos Stefan G.
Published: April 2023

Several direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are available, providing interferon-free strategies for a hepatitis C cure. In contrast to DAAs, host-targeting agents (HTAs) interfere with host cellular factors that are essential in the viral replication cycle; as host genes, they are less likely to rapidly mutate under drug pressure, thus potentially exhibiting a high barrier to resistance, in addition to distinct mechanisms of action. We compared the effects of cyclosporin A (CsA), a HTA that targets cyclophilin A (CypA), to DAAs, including inhibitors of nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A), NS3/4A, and NS5B, in Huh7.5.1 cells. Our data show that CsA suppressed HCV infection as rapidly as the fastest-acting DAAs. CsA and inhibitors of NS5A and NS3/4A, but not of NS5B, suppressed the production and release of infectious HCV particles. Intriguingly, while CsA rapidly suppressed infectious extracellular virus levels, it had no significant effect on the intracellular infectious virus, suggesting that, unlike the DAAs tested here, it may block a post-assembly step in the viral replication cycle. Hence, our findings shed light on the biological processes involved in HCV replication and the role of CypA.
Intrahost Genetic Diversity of Dengue Virus in Human Hosts and Mosquito Vectors under Natural Conditions Which Impact Replicative Fitness In Vitro
Authors: Nonyong Patcharaporn , Ekalaksananan Tipaya , Phanthanawiboon Supranee , Overgaard Hans J. , Alexander Neal , Thaewnongiew Kesorn , Sawaswong Vorthon , Nimsamer Pattaraporn , Payungporn Sunchai , Phadungsombat Juthamas , Nakayama Emi E. , Shioda Tatsuo , Pientong Chamsai
Published: April 2023

Dengue virus (DENV) is an arbovirus whose transmission cycle involves disparate hosts: humans and mosquitoes. The error-prone nature of viral RNA replication drives the high mutation rates, and the consequently high genetic diversity affects viral fitness over this transmission cycle. A few studies have been performed to investigate the intrahost genetic diversity between hosts, although their mosquito infections were performed artificially in the laboratory setting. Here, we performed whole-genome deep sequencing of DENV-1 (n = 11) and DENV-4 (n = 13) derived from clinical samples and field-caught mosquitoes from the houses of naturally infected patients, in order to analyze the intrahost genetic diversity of DENV between host types. Prominent differences in DENV intrahost diversity were observed in the viral population structure between DENV-1 and DENV-4, which appear to be associated with differing selection pressures. Interestingly, three single amino acid substitutions in the NS2A (K81R), NS3 (K107R), and NS5 (I563V) proteins in DENV-4 appear to be specifically acquired during infection in Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. Our in vitro study shows that the NS2A (K81R) mutant replicates similarly to the wild-type infectious clone-derived virus, while the NS3 (K107R), and NS5 (I563V) mutants have prolonged replication kinetics in the early phase in both Vero and C6/36 cells. These findings suggest that DENV is subjected to selection pressure in both mosquito and human hosts. The NS3 and NS5 genes may be specific targets of diversifying selection that play essential roles in early processing, RNA replication, and infectious particle production, and they are potentially adaptive at the population level during host switching.
Genomic Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Healthcare Workers: A Critical Sentinel Group for Monitoring the SARS-CoV-2 Variant Shift
Authors: Padilha Dayane Azevedo , Souza Doris Sobral Marques , Kawagoe Eric Kazuo , Filho Vilmar Benetti , Amorim Ariane Nicaretta , Barazzetti Fernando Hartmann , Schörner Marcos André , Fernandes Sandra Bianchini , Coelho Bruna Kellet , Rovaris Darcita Buerger , Dos Anjos Marlei Pickler Debiase , Moser Juliana Righetto , Melo Fernanda Rosene , De Souza Bianca Bittencourt , Bessa Dimitri da Costa , Mendes Fernando Henrique de Paula e Silva , Boing Alexandra Crispim , Boing Antonio Fernando , Lacerda Josimari Telino de , Moura Guilherme Valle , Bastiani Daniela Carolina De , Moraes Milene Höehr de , De Oliveira Luiz Felipe Valter , Moreira Renato Simões , Stoco Patricia Hermes , Bazzo Maria Luiza , Fongaro Gislaine , Wagner Glauber
Published: April 2023

SARS-CoV-2 genome surveillance is important for monitoring risk groups and health workers as well as data on new cases and mortality rate due to COVID-19. We characterized the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 variants from May 2021 to April 2022 in the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, and evaluated the similarity between variants present in the population and healthcare workers (HCW). A total of 5291 sequenced genomes demonstrated the circulation of 55 strains and four variants of concern (Alpha, Delta, Gamma and Omicron—sublineages BA.1 and BA.2). The number of cases was relatively low in May 2021, but the number of deaths was higher with the Gamma variant. There was a significant increase in both numbers between December 2021 and February 2022, peaking in mid-January 2022, when the Omicron variant dominated. After May 2021, two distinct variant groups (Delta and Omicron) were observed, equally distributed among the five Santa Catarina mesoregions. Moreover, from November 2021 to February 2022, similar variant profiles between HCW and the general population were observed, and a quicker shift from Delta to Omicron in HCW than in the general population. This demonstrates the importance of HCW as a sentinel group for monitoring disease trends in the general population.
SARS-CoV-2: Immunity, Challenges with Current Vaccines, and a Novel Perspective on Mucosal Vaccines
Authors: Sunagar Raju , Singh Amit , Kumar Sudeep
Published: April 2023

The global rollout of COVID-19 vaccines has played a critical role in reducing pandemic spread, disease severity, hospitalizations, and deaths. However, the first-generation vaccines failed to block severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and transmission, partially due to the limited induction of mucosal immunity, leading to the continuous emergence of variants of concern (VOC) and breakthrough infections. To meet the challenges from VOC, limited durability, and lack of mucosal immune response of first-generation vaccines, novel approaches are being investigated. Herein, we have discussed the current knowledge pertaining to natural and vaccine-induced immunity, and the role of the mucosal immune response in controlling SARS-CoV2 infection. We have also presented the current status of the novel approaches aimed at eliciting both mucosal and systemic immunity. Finally, we have presented a novel adjuvant-free approach to elicit effective mucosal immunity against SARS-CoV-2, which lacks the safety concerns associated with live-attenuated vaccine platforms.
PP19128R, a Multiepitope Vaccine Designed to Prevent Latent Tuberculosis Infection, Induced Immune Responses In Silico and In Vitro Assays
Authors: Jiang Fan , Peng Cong , Cheng Peng , Wang Jie , Lian Jianqi , Gong Wenping
Published: April 2023

Background: Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is the primary source of active tuberculosis (ATB), but a preventive vaccine against LTBI is lacking. Methods: In this study, dominant helper T lymphocyte (HTL), cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), and B-cell epitopes were identified from nine antigens related to LTBI and regions of difference (RDs). These epitopes were used to construct a novel multiepitope vaccine (MEV) based on their antigenicity, immunogenicity, sensitization, and toxicity. The immunological characteristics of the MEV were analyzed with immunoinformatics technology and verified by enzyme-linked immunospot assay and Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine assay in vitro. Results: A novel MEV, designated PP19128R, containing 19 HTL epitopes, 12 CTL epitopes, 8 B-cell epitopes, toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, and helper peptides, was successfully constructed. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the antigenicity, immunogenicity, and solubility of PP19128R were 0.8067, 9.29811, and 0.900675, respectively. The global population coverage of PP19128R in HLA class I and II alleles reached 82.24% and 93.71%, respectively. The binding energies of the PP19128R-TLR2 and PP19128R-TLR4 complexes were −1324.77 kcal/mol and −1278 kcal/mol, respectively. In vitro experiments showed that the PP19128R vaccine significantly increased the number of interferon gamma-positive (IFN-γ+) T lymphocytes and the levels of cytokines, such as IFN-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-10. Furthermore, positive correlations were observed between PP19128R-specific cytokines in ATB patients and individuals with LTBI. Conclusions: The PP19128R vaccine is a promising MEV with excellent antigenicity and immunogenicity and no toxicity or sensitization that can induce robust immune responses in silico and in vitro. This study provides a vaccine candidate for the prevention of LTBI in the future.
Estimating Reed Bed Cover in Hungarian Fish Ponds Using NDVI-Based Remote Sensing Technique
Authors: Sharma Priya , Varga Monika , Kerezsi György , Kajári Balázs , Halasi-Kovács Béla , Békefi Emese , Gaál Márta , Gyalog Gergő
Published: April 2023

In the EU, aquaculture ponds cover an area of 360,000 ha and are a crucial part of the rural landscape. As many ecosystem services (e.g., habitats for protected wildlife, nutrient cycling, etc.) are correlated with the proportion of reed beds relative to open-water areas, it is important in environmental studies to be able to accurately estimate the extent and the temporal dynamics of reed cover. Here, we propose a method for mapping reed cover in fish ponds from freely available Sentinel-2 imagery using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), which we applied to Hungary, the third largest carp producer in the EU. The dynamics of reed cover in Hungarian fish ponds mapped using satellite imagery show a high degree of agreement with the ground-truth points, and when compared with data reported in the annual aquaculture reports for Hungary, it was found that the calculation of reed cover based on the NDVI-based approach was more consistent than the estimates provided in the report. We discuss possible applications of this remote sensing technique in estimating reed-like vegetation cover in fish ponds and the possible use of the results for climate change studies and ecosystem services assessment.