bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Sparrow Search Algorithm for Optimal Operation Planning of Hydrogen–Electric Hybrid Microgrids Considering Demand Response
Authors: Zhao Yuhao , Liu Yixing , Wu Zhiheng , Zhang Shouming , Zhang Liang
Published: April 2023

Microgrid operation planning is crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient output of distributed energy resources (DERs) and stable operation of the microgrid power system. The integration of hydrogen fuel cells into microgrids can increase the absorption rate of renewable energy, while the incorporation of lithium batteries facilitates the adjustment of microgrid power supply voltage and frequency, ensuring the three-phase symmetry of the system. This paper proposes an economic scheduling method for a grid-connected microgrid that considers demand response and combines hydrogen and electricity. Based on the operating costs of renewable energy, maintenance and operation costs of nonrenewable energy, interaction costs between the microgrid and main grid, and pollution control costs, an optimization model for dispatching a hydrogen–electric hybrid microgrid under grid-connected mode is established. The primary objective is to minimize the operating cost, while the secondary objective is to minimize the impact on the user’s power consumption comfort. Therefore, an improved demand response strategy is introduced, and an enhanced sparrow search algorithm (ISSA) is proposed, which incorporates a nonlinear weighting factor and improves the global search capability based on the sparrow search algorithm (SSA). The ISSA is used to solve the optimal operation problem of the demand-response-integrated microgrid. After comparison with different algorithms, such as particle swarm optimization (PSO), whale optimization algorithm (WOA), sooty tern optimization algorithm (STOA), and dingo optimization algorithm (DOA), the results show that the proposed method using demand response and ISSA achieves the lowest comprehensive operating cost for the microgrid, making the microgrid’s operation safer and with minimum impact on user satisfaction. Therefore, the feasibility of the demand response strategy is demonstrated, and ISSA is proved to have better performance in solving optimal operation planning problems for hydrogen–electric hybrid microgrids.
MHD Stagnation Point of Blasius Flow for Micropolar Hybrid Nanofluid toward a Vertical Surface with Stability Analysis
Authors: Sohut Farizza , Ishak Anuar , Soid Siti
Published: April 2023

This study investigates the magnetohydrodynamics of a micropolar fluid consisting of a hybrid nanofluid with mixed convection effects. By using the dimensionless set of variables, the resulting equations of ordinary differential equations are solved numerically using the bvp4c solver in MATLAB. In the present work, the water-based alumina–copper hybrid nanofluid is analytically modeled with modified thermophysical properties. The study reveals that the highest critical value of opposing flow is the hybrid nanofluid (ϕ1 = ϕ2 = 2%). By comparing the hybrid nanofluid with Cu–water nanofluid (ϕ1= 0%, ϕ2= 1%) as well as water (ϕ1= 0%, ϕ2= 0%), hybrid nanoparticle volume fraction enhances the dynamic viscosity performance and surface shear stress. In addition, the augmentation of the nanoparticle volume fraction and magnetic field parameter will increase the physical quantities Rex1/2 Cf, Rex Mx, and Rex−1/2 Nux. The result from the stability inquiry discloses that the first solution is more physically stable and trustworthy. It is proven that magnetohydrodynamics could contribute to controlling the fluid flow in a system, i.e., engineering operations and the medical field. In addition, this theoretical research can be a benchmark for experimental research.
On Relational Weak Fℜm,η-Contractive Mappings and Their Applications
Authors: Tariq Muhammad , Arshad Muhammad , Ameer Eskandar , Aloqaily Ahmad , Aiadi Suhad Subhi , Mlaiki Nabil
Published: April 2023

In this article, we introduce the concept of weak Fℜm,η-contractions on relation-theoretic m-metric spaces and establish related fixed point theorems, where η is a control function and ℜ is a relation. Then, we detail some fixed point results for cyclic-type weak Fℜm,η-contraction mappings. Finally, we demonstrate some illustrative examples and discuss upper and lower solutions of Volterra-type integral equations of the form ξα=∫0αAα,σ,ξσmσ+Ψα,α∈0,1.
On the Bifurcations of a 3D Symmetric Dynamical System
Authors: Constantinescu Dana
Published: April 2023

The paper studies the bifurcations that occur in the T-system, a 3D dynamical system symmetric in respect to the Oz axis. Results concerning some local bifurcations (pitchfork and Hopf bifurcation) are presented and our attention is focused on a special bifurcation, when the system has infinitely many equilibrium points. It is shown that, at the bifurcation limit, the phase space is foliated by infinitely many invariant surfaces, each of them containing two equilibrium points (an attractor and a saddle). For values of the bifurcation parameter close to the bifurcation limit, the study of the system’s dynamics is done according to the singular perturbation theory. The dynamics is characterized by mixed mode oscillations (also called fast-slow oscillations or oscillations-relaxations) and a finite number of equilibrium points. The specific features of the bifurcation are highlighted and explained. The influence of the pitchfork and Hopf bifurcations on the fast-slow dynamics is also pointed out.
An Evaluation of Power Consumption Gain and Security of Flexible Green Pool Mining in Public Blockchain Systems
Authors: Mihaljević  Miodrag , Todorović Milan , Knežević  Milica
Published: April 2023

This paper proposes a variant of the recently reported pool mining approach and provides a reduction in the energy that is consumed by the blockchain consensus protocol. The novelty of the proposed architecture lies in the employment of an innovative cryptographic puzzle that is based on stream ciphering. This enables flexibility in setting the difficulty parameter of the protocol, and allows for the separation of the energy and memory resources that are required for the puzzle solving. The proposed approach provides high resistance against the following malicious activities of miners in public blockchain systems: (i) the submission of fake work and fictitious computation results; and (ii) some well-known attacks that target the blockchain incentive mechanism. We experimentally evaluate the power consumption of the proposed consensus protocol and compare it with the traditional proof-of-work protocol based on hashing. The obtained results point out the gain that the proposed pool mining provides compared with the traditional types.
Development of Hand and Paw Preferences and Their Association with Other Patterns of Behaviour and Cognition
Authors: Rogers Lesley J.
Published: April 2023

Hand preference in non-human primates has been studied extensively with the aim of understanding the evolution of hemispheric asymmetry and hand preferences in humans. However, the focus has been on hand preferences expressed in adulthood, with a surprising lack of studies on hand preferences in infants and changes that occur during the development of other, potentially associated, asymmetries in the brain and behaviour. This paper reports on the development of hand preference for grasping food and taking it to the mouth in common marmosets. It considers the development of other types of behaviour, such as head cocking and anogenital licking, that parallel and might influence the development of hand preferences during the first months of life. It then discusses behavioural differences between left- and right-handed adult marmosets, including response to novel stimuli, social behaviour and cognitive bias. The need to study the development of hand preferences together with the development of these other expressions of cognitive function is highlighted. The question to be addressed by empirical studies is whether hand preference is a downstream manifestation of the development of hemispheric differences in sensory processing and cognition, or whether it is instrumental in the development of functional differences between the hemispheres. Comparison is made to paw preference and associated behaviour in non-primate species.
Characteristics of Solitary Stochastic Structures for Heisenberg Ferromagnetic Spin Chain Equation
Authors: Almulhem Munerah , Hassan Samia , Al-buainain Alanwood , Sohaly Mohammed , Abdelrahman Mahmoud
Published: April 2023

The impact of Stratonovich integrals on the solutions of the Heisenberg ferromagnetic spin chain equation using the unified solver approach is examined in this study. In particular, using arbitrary parameters, the traveling wave arrangements of rational, trigonometric, and hyperbolic functions are developed. The detailed arrangements are exceptionally critical for clarifying diverse complex wonders in plasma material science, optical fiber, quantum mechanics, super liquids and so on. Here, the Itô stochastic calculus and the Stratonovich stochastic calculus are considered. To describe the dynamic behaviour of random solutions, some graphical representations for these solutions are described with appropriate parameters.
Mathematical Aspects in Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics
Authors: Kovács Róbert , Rogolino Patrizia , Oliveri Francesco
Published: April 2023

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Unveiling the Role of Green Logistics Management in Improving SMEs’ Sustainability Performance: Do Circular Economy Practices and Supply Chain Traceability Matter?
Authors: Zhou Bo , Siddik Abu Bakkar , Zheng Guang-Wen , Masukujjaman Mohammad
Published: April 2023

Sustainability has been widely recognized as a pervasive phenomenon that underlies the operations and performance of businesses. Recent research has examined the effect of green logistics management on the sustainability performance of businesses. However, we contend that the relationship between green logistics management and the sustainability performance of firms is not direct but mediated through circular economy practices. We analyze the direct and indirect effects of green logistics management on business sustainability performance via circular economy practices, using the natural resource-based view and resource dependence theory as our theoretical underpinnings. This study also assesses the moderating effect of supply chain traceability on the associations. Drawing upon the empirical data from 211 Bangladeshi manufacturing SMEs, we performed the PLS-SEM technique to assess the hypotheses. The findings show that green logistics management positively affects organizations’ circular economy practices and sustainability performance. Furthermore, supply chain traceability strongly affects SMEs’ circular economy practice but fails to moderate the linkage between green logistics and sustainability performance. Finally, circular economy practice mediates the linkage between SMEs’ green logistics management and sustainability performance. We also conducted the Sobel test to validate the mediation. Our findings advance the natural resource-based view and resource dependence theory while improving the understanding of green logistics management, circular economy practices, and sustainability performance. Given the dearth of literature assessing the complex interactions among these variables, our findings have pivotal implications.
A Multivariate Deep Learning Model with Coupled Human Intervention Factors for COVID-19 Forecasting
Authors: Qu Zongxi , Zhang Beidou , Wang Hongpeng
Published: April 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology plays a crucial role in infectious disease outbreak prediction and control. Many human interventions can influence the spread of epidemics, including government responses, quarantine, and economic support. However, most previous AI-based models have failed to consider human interventions when predicting the trend of infectious diseases. This study selected four human intervention factors that may affect COVID-19 transmission, examined their relationship to epidemic cases, and developed a multivariate long short-term memory network model (M-LSTM) incorporating human intervention factors. Firstly, we analyzed the correlations and lagged effects between four human factors and epidemic cases in three representative countries, and found that these four factors typically delayed the epidemic case data by approximately 15 days. On this basis, a multivariate epidemic prediction model (M-LSTM) was developed. The model prediction results show that coupling human intervention factors generally improves model performance, but adding certain intervention factors also results in lower performance. Overall, a multivariate deep learning model with coupled variable correlation and lag outperformed other comparative models, and thus validated its effectiveness in predicting infectious diseases.
Palliative Role of Zamzam Water against Cyclosporine-Induced Nephrotoxicity through Modulating Autophagy and Apoptosis Crosstalk
Authors: Taha Medhat , Elazab Sara T. , Baokbah Tourki A. S. , Al-Kushi Abdullah G. , Mahmoud Mohamed Ezzat , Abdelbagi Omer , Qusty Naeem F. , El-Shenbaby Ibrahim , Babateen Omar , Badawy Alaa. M. , Ibrahim Mohie Mahmoud
Published: April 2023

Cyclosporine (CsA) is considered one of the main components of treatment protocols for organ transplantation owing to its immunosuppressive effect. However, its use is very restricted due to its nephrotoxic effect. ZW is an alkaline fluid rich in various trace elements and has a great ability to stimulate antioxidant processes. This study aimed to investigate the possible mitigating effect of ZW on CsA-induced nephrotoxicity and its underlying mechanisms. Forty rats were allocated into four groups (n = 10): a control group, ZW group, cyclosporine A group (injected subcutaneously (SC) with CsA (20 mg/kg/day)), and cyclosporine A+ Zamzam water group (administered CsA (SC) and ZW as their only drinking water (100 mL/cage/day) for 21 days). Exposure to CsA significantly (p < 0.001) increased the serum creatinine level, lipid peroxidation marker level (malondialdehyde; MDA), and the expression of apoptotic markers procaspase-8, caspase-8, caspase- 9, calpain, cytochrome c, caspas-3, P62, and mTOR in renal tissues. Meanwhile, it markedly decreased (p< 0.001) the autophagic markers (AMPK, ULK-I, ATag5, LC3, and Beclin-1), antiapoptotic Bcl-2, and antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, the administration of CsA caused histological alterations in renal tissues. ZW significantly (p < 0.001) reversed all the changes caused by CsA and conclusively achieved a positive outcome in restraining CsA-induced nephrotoxicity, as indicated by the restoration of the histological architecture, improvement of renal function, inhibition of apoptosis, and enhancement of autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR pathway.
Quantitative and Qualitative Pain Evaluation in Response to OnabotulinumtoxinA for Chronic Migraine: An Observational Real-Life Study
Authors: Altamura Claudia , Brunelli Nicoletta , Viticchi Giovanna , Salvemini Sergio , Cecchi Gianluca , Marcosano Marilena , Fofi Luisa , Silvestrini Mauro , Vernieri Fabrizio
Published: April 2023

(1) Background: Randomized controlled trials and real-life studies demonstrated the efficacy of OnabotulinumtoxinA (OBT-A) for CM prevention. However, no studies specifically addressed its effect on pain’s quantitative intensity and qualitative characteristics. (2) Methods: This is an ambispective study: a post-hoc retrospective analysis of real-life prospectively collected data from two Italian headache centers on CM patients treated with OBT-A over one year (i.e., Cy1-4). The primary endpoint was the changes in pain intensity (Numeric Rating Scale, NRS; the Present Pain Intensity (PPI) scale, the 6-point Behavioral Rating Scale (BRS-6)) and quality scale (the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ)) scores. We also assessed the relationship between changes in intensity and quality of pain and disability scale (MIDAS; HIT-6) scores, monthly headache days (MHDs), and monthly acute medication intake (MAMI) (3) Results: We retrieved 152 cases (51.5 years SD 11.3, 80.3% females). From baseline to Cy-4, MHDs, MAMI, NRS, PPI, and BRS-6 scores decreased (consistently p < 0.001). Only the throbbing (p = 0.004), splitting (p = 0.018), and sickening (p = 0.017) qualities of pain collected in the SF-MPQ were reduced. Score variations in MIDAS related to those in PPI scales (p = 0.035), in the BRS-6 (p = 0.001), and in the NRS (p = 0.003). Similarly, HIT-6 score changes related to PPI score modifications (p = 0.027), in BRS-6 (p = 0.001) and NRS (p = 0.006). Conversely, MAMI variation was not associated with qualitative or quantitative pain score modifications except BRS-6 (p = 0.018). (4) Conclusions: Our study shows that OBT-A alleviates migraine by reducing its impact on multiple aspects, such as frequency, disability, and pain intensity. The beneficial effect on pain intensity seems specific to pain characteristics related to C-fiber transmission and is associated with a reduction in migraine-related disability.
Mycotoxins Exposure of Lactating Women and Its Relationship with Dietary and Pre/Post-Harvest Practices in Rural Ethiopia
Authors: Mesfin Addisalem , Lachat Carl , Gebreyesus Seifu Hagos , Roro Meselech , Tesfamariam Kokeb , Belachew Tefera , De Boevre Marthe , De Saeger Sarah
Published: April 2023

Mycotoxins can be transferred to breast milk during lactation. Hence, the presence of multiple mycotoxins (aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2, and M1, alpha and beta zearalanol, deoxynivalenol, fumonisins B1, B2, B3, and hydrolyzed B1, nivalenol, ochratoxin A, ochratoxin alpha, and zearalenone) in breast milk samples was assessed in our study. Furthermore, the relationship between total fumonisins and pre/post-harvest and the women’s dietary practices was examined. Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze the 16 mycotoxins. An adjusted censored regression model was fitted to identify predictors of mycotoxins, i.e., total fumonisins. We detected only fumonisin B2 (15% of the samples) and fumonisin B3 (9% of the samples) while fumonisin B1 and nivalenol were detected only in a single breast milk sample. No association between total fumonisins and pre/post-harvest and dietary practices was found (p < 0.05). The overall exposure to mycotoxins was low in the studied women, although fumonisins contamination was not negligible. Moreover, the recorded total fumonisins was not associated with any of the pre/post-harvest and dietary practices. Therefore, to better identify predictors of fumonisin contamination in breast milk, longitudinal studies with food samples in addition to breast milk samples and with larger sample sizes are needed for the future.
Treating Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury Patients—When Intravesical Botox Injection or Urethral Botox Injection Are Indicated
Authors: Chen Po-Cheng , Lee Kau-Han , Lee Wei-Chia , Yeh Ting-Chun , Kuo Yuh-Chen , Chiang Bing-Juin , Liao Chun-Hou , Meng En , Kao Yao-Lin , Lee Yung-Chin , Kuo Hann-Chorng
Published: April 2023

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), such as urgency, urinary incontinence, and/or difficulty voiding, hamper the quality of life (QoL) of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). If not managed adequately, urological complications, such as urinary tract infection or renal function deterioration, may further deteriorate the patient’s QoL. Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injection within the detrusor muscle or urethral sphincter yields satisfactory therapeutic effects for treating urinary incontinence or facilitating efficient voiding; however, adverse effects inevitably follow its therapeutic efficacy. It is important to weigh the merits and demerits of BoNT-A injection for LUTS and provide an optimal management strategy for SCI patients. This paper summarizes different aspects of the application of BoNT-A injection for lower urinary tract dysfunctions in SCI patients and provides an overview of the benefits and drawbacks of this treatment.
Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Bloom Toxin Microcystin and Increased Vibrio Occurrence as Climate-Change-Induced Biological Co-Stressors: Exposure and Disease Outcomes via Their Interaction with Gut–Liver–Brain Axis
Authors: Chatterjee Saurabh , More Madhura
Published: April 2023

The effects of global warming are not limited to rising global temperatures and have set in motion a complex chain of events contributing to climate change. A consequence of global warming and the resultant climate change is the rise in cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyano-HABs) across the world, which pose a threat to public health, aquatic biodiversity, and the livelihood of communities that depend on these water systems, such as farmers and fishers. An increase in cyano-HABs and their intensity is associated with an increase in the leakage of cyanotoxins. Microcystins (MCs) are hepatotoxins produced by some cyanobacterial species, and their organ toxicology has been extensively studied. Recent mouse studies suggest that MCs can induce gut resistome changes. Opportunistic pathogens such as Vibrios are abundantly found in the same habitat as phytoplankton, such as cyanobacteria. Further, MCs can complicate human disorders such as heat stress, cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Firstly, this review describes how climate change mediates the rise in cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms in freshwater, causing increased levels of MCs. In the later sections, we aim to untangle the ways in which MCs can impact various public health concerns, either solely or in combination with other factors resulting from climate change. In conclusion, this review helps researchers understand the multiple challenges brought forth by a changing climate and the complex relationships between microcystin, Vibrios, and various environmental factors and their effect on human health and disease.
Cosmic-Time Quantum Mechanics and the Passage-of-Time Problem
Authors: Czachor Marek
Published: April 2023

A new dynamical paradigm merging quantum dynamics with cosmology is discussed. We distinguish between a universe and its background space-time. The universe here is the subset of space-time defined by Ψτ(x)≠0, where Ψτ(x) is a solution of a Schrödinger equation, x is a point in n-dimensional Minkowski space, and τ≥0 is a dimensionless ‘cosmic-time’ evolution parameter. We derive the form of the Schrödinger equation and show that an empty universe is described by a Ψτ(x) that propagates towards the future inside some future-cone V+. The resulting dynamical semigroup is unitary, i.e., ∫V+d4x|Ψτ(x)|2=1 for τ≥0. The initial condition Ψ0(x) is not localized at x=0. Rather, it satisfies the boundary condition Ψ0(x)=0 for x∉V+. For n=1+3 the support of Ψτ(x) is bounded from the past by the ‘gap hyperboloid’ ℓ2τ=c2t2−x2, where ℓ is a fundamental length. Consequently, the points located between the hyperboloid and the light cone c2t2−x2=0 satisfy Ψτ(x)=0, and thus do not belong to the universe. As τ grows, the gap between the support of Ψτ(x) and the light cone increases. The past thus literally disappears. Unitarity of the dynamical semigroup implies that the universe becomes localized in a finite-thickness future-neighbourhood of ℓ2τ=c2t2−x2, simultaneously spreading along the hyperboloid. Effectively, for large τ the subset occupied by the universe resembles a part of the gap hyperboloid itself, but its thickness Δτ is non-zero for finite τ. Finite Δτ implies that the three-dimensional volume of the universe is finite as well. An approximate radius of the universe, rτ, grows with τ due to Δτrτ3=Δ0r03 and Δτ→0. The propagation of Ψτ(x) through space-time matches an intuitive picture of the passage of time. What we regard as the Minkowski-space classical time can be identified with ctτ=∫d4xx0|Ψτ(x)|2, so tτ grows with τ as a consequence of the Ehrenfest theorem, and its present uncertainty can be identified with the Planck time. Assuming that at present values of τ (corresponding to 13–14 billion years) Δτ and rτ are of the order of the Planck length and the Hubble radius, we estimate that the analogous thickness Δ0 of the support of Ψ0(x) is of the order of 1 AU, and r03∼(ctH)3×10−44. The estimates imply that the initial volume of the universe was finite and its uncertainty in time was several minutes. Next, we generalize the formalism in a way that incorporates interactions with matter. We are guided by the correspondence principle with quantum mechanics, which should be asymptotically reconstructed for the present values of τ. We argue that Hamiltonians corresponding to the present values of τ approximately describe quantum mechanics in a conformally Minkowskian space-time. The conformal factor is directly related to |Ψτ(x)|2. As a by-product of the construction, we arrive at a new formulation of conformal invariance of m≠0 fields.
Liposomal Lactoferrin Exerts Antiviral Activity against HCoV-229E and SARS-CoV-2 Pseudoviruses In Vitro
Authors: Andreu Sabina , Ripa Inés , Bello-Morales Raquel , López-Guerrero José Antonio
Published: April 2023

A limited number of effective therapies are currently available to treat human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and other human coronaviruses, which are responsible for nearly a third of global cases of the common cold. The possibility of new emerging coronaviruses demands powerful new antiviral strategies. Lactoferrin is a well-known protein that possesses anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities, and it has previously shown antiviral activity against several viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. To increase this antiviral activity, here we present bovine liposomal lactoferrin. Liposomal encapsulation of the compound was proven to increase permeability, bioavailability, and time release. In the present work, we compare the antiviral activity of free and liposomal bovine lactoferrin against HCoV229E and SARS-CoV-2 in vitro and in human primary bronchial epithelial cells, and we demonstrated that the liposomal form exerts a more potent antiviral activity than its free form at non-cytotoxic doses.
The Antiviral Effect of Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir during COVID-19 Pandemic Real-World Data
Authors: Petrakis Vasilios , Rafailidis Petros , Trypsianis Grigorios , Papazoglou Dimitrios , Panagopoulos Periklis
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 and the prevalence of Omicron variants have reduced the risk of the severe clinical progress of COVID-19. However, the risk of breakthrough infections has increased, and early administration of an effective antiviral treatment is significant in order to prevent the severe progression of COVID-19 in vulnerable patients with comorbidities. Patients and methods: Adults with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in a matched-pair retrospective study based on age, gender, comorbidities and vaccination status. They were divided into two groups: group A (n = 200) consisted of outpatients at increased risk of severe clinical progress who were treated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and group B (n = 200) consisted of non-hospitalized patients who did not receive antiviral treatment. Demographic data, clinical outcome (death, intubation), days of hospitalization, time for recovery, adverse events and treatment compliance were reported. Results: The median age (75.24 ± 13.12 years in the study group and 76.91 ± 14.02 years in the comparison group) and the proportion of males (59% vs. 60.5%, respectively) were similar between the two groups. A total of 6.5% of patients in group A and 10.5% in group B were unvaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. Three patients from group A (1.5%) and one hundred eleven (55.5%) from group B required hospitalization. The duration of hospitalization (3 days vs. 10 days in group B, p < 0.001) and the total time needed for recovery (5 days vs. 9 days, p < 0.001) was shorter in the study group. A rebound of SARS-CoV-2 infection within 8–12 days after diagnosis was documented in 6.5% of patients in group A and 8% of patients in group B. Conclusion: Oral treatment with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in high-risk non-hospitalized patients was safe and effective in preventing the severe clinical progress of COVID-19 pneumonia. Early administration of antiviral agents in vulnerable outpatients combined with a full vaccination scheme is significant in order to avoid hospitalization and severe clinical outcomes.
Border Control for Infectious Respiratory Disease Pandemics: A Modelling Study for H1N1 and Four Strains of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Lim Nigel Wei-Han , Lim Jue Tao , Dickens Borame Lee
Published: April 2023

Post-pandemic economic recovery relies on border control for safe cross-border movement. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, we investigate whether effective strategies generalize across diseases and variants. For four SARS-CoV-2 variants and influenza A-H1N1, we simulated 21 strategy families of varying test types and frequencies, quantifying expected transmission risk, relative to no control, by strategy family and quarantine length. We also determined minimum quarantine lengths to suppress relative risk below given thresholds. SARS-CoV-2 variants showed similar relative risk across strategy families and quarantine lengths, with at most 2 days’ between-variant difference in minimum quarantine lengths. ART-based and PCR-based strategies showed comparable effectiveness, with regular testing strategies requiring at most 9 days. For influenza A-H1N1, ART-based strategies were ineffective. Daily ART testing reduced relative risk only 9% faster than without regular testing. PCR-based strategies were moderately effective, with daily PCR (0-day delay) testing requiring 16 days for the second-most stringent threshold. Viruses with high typical viral loads and low transmission risk given low viral loads, such as SARS-CoV-2, are effectively controlled with moderate-sensitivity tests (ARTs) and modest quarantine periods. Viruses with low typical viral loads and substantial transmission risk at low viral loads, such as influenza A-H1N1, require high-sensitivity tests (PCR) and longer quarantine periods.
BCG-Vaccinated Children with Contact to Tuberculosis Patients Show Delayed Conversion of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-Specific IFN-γ Release
Authors: Owusu Dorcas O. , Adankwah Ernest , Aniagyei Wilfred , Acheampong Isaac , Minadzi Difery , Yeboah Augustine , Arthur Joseph F. , Lamptey Millicent , Vivekanandan Monika M. , Abass Mohammed K. , Kumbel Francis , Osei-Yeboah Francis , Gawusu Amidu , Batsa Debrah Linda , Debrah Alexander , Mayatepek Ertan , Seyfarth Julia , Phillips Richard O. , Jacobsen Marc
Published: April 2023

Mycobacterium (M.) bovis BCG vaccination is recommended for healthy babies after birth in several countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis, including Ghana. Previous studies showed that BCG vaccination prevents individuals from developing severe clinical manifestations of tuberculosis, but BCG vaccination effects on the induction of IFN-γ after M. tuberculosis infection have hardly been investigated. Here, we performed IFN-γ-based T-cell assays (i.e., IFN-γ Release Assay, IGRA; T-cell activation and maturation marker assay, TAM-TB) in children who had contact with index tuberculosis patients (contacts). These contacts were classified as either being BCG vaccinated at birth (n = 77) or non-BCG-vaccinated (n = 17) and were followed up at three timepoints for a period of one year to determine immune conversion after M. tuberculosis exposure and potential infection. At baseline and month 3, BCG-vaccinated contacts had significantly lower IFN-γ levels after stimulation with M. tuberculosis-specific proteins as compared to non-BCG-vaccinated contacts. This resulted in decreased proportions of positive IGRA results (BCG-vaccinated: 60% at baseline, 57% at month 3; non-BCG-vaccinated: 77% and 88%, respectively) at month 3. However, until month 12, immune conversion in BCG-vaccinated contacts led to balanced proportions in IGRA responders and IFN-γ expression between the study groups. TAM-TB assay analyses confirmed higher proportions of IFN-γ-positive T-cells in non-BCG-vaccinated contacts. Low proportions of CD38-positive M. tuberculosis-specific T-cells were only detected in non-BCG-vaccinated contacts at baseline. These results suggest that BCG vaccination causes delayed immune conversion as well as differences in the phenotype of M. tuberculosis-specific T-cells in BCG-vaccinated contacts of tuberculosis patients. These differences are immune biomarker candidates for protection against the development of severe clinical tuberculosis manifestations.
Bibliographical Mapping of Research into the Relationship between In Ovo Injection Practice and Hatchability in Poultry
Authors: Oliveira Gabriel da Silva , McManus Concepta , Salgado Cristiane Batista , dos Santos Vinícius Machado
Published: April 2023

Recent advances in poultry practice have produced new tools enabling the poultry industry to increase productivity. Aiming at increasing production quality, varying protocols of in ovo injection facilitate the introduction of exogenous substances into the egg to complement the nutrients that support embryonic development up to hatching, which are already available in the internal and external compartments. Due to embryonic sensitivity, adding any substance into the egg can be either advantageous or disadvantageous for embryonic survival and can influence hatch rates. Thus, understanding the relationship between poultry practices and production rates is the first step towards successful commercial application. This review aims to assess the influence on hatch rates of injecting different substances in ovo, including effects on embryo and chick health parameters where these are reported. Bibliographic mappings of co-authorship of citations, co-occurrence of keywords, and bibliographic coupling based on the in ovo injection technique and hatchability parameters were also performed. Using the Scopus database, 242 papers were retrieved, reviewed, and submitted for bibliographic mapping using the VOSviewer® software. This review provides a broad overview of just over 38 years’ research on the subject, revealing that studies have significantly increased and peaked in 2020, being produced primarily by US researchers and published primarily in the journal Poultry Science. It also reveals that despite negative reports relating to some substances in the embryo, in ovo delivery of substances may possibly change the poultry industry for the better in terms of production rates (hatchability) and/or poultry health.
Peculiarities in the Amino Acid Composition of Sow Colostrum and Milk, and Their Potential Relevance to Piglet Development
Authors: Yao Renjie , Cools An , Matthijs Anneleen , Deyn Peter P. De , Maes Dominiek , Janssens Geert P. J.
Published: April 2023

The composition of mother’s milk is considered the ideal diet for neonates. This study investigated how conserved or variable the amino acid profile of sow colostrum and milk is throughout lactation, compared with other studies in sows and other species. Twenty-five sows (parity one to seven) from one farm with gestation lengths of 114 to 116 d were sampled on d 0, 3, and 10 after parturition. The total amino acid profile of the samples was analyzed through ion-exchange chromatography, and the results were displayed as the percentage of total amino acid and compared with literature data. Most of the amino acid concentrations in sow milk decreased significantly (p < 0.05) throughout the lactation period, while the amino acid profile generally showed a conserved pattern, especially from d 3 to d 10, and was rather similar across different studies. Glutamine + glutamate was the most abundant amino acid in milk at all sampling moments, accounting for 14–17% of total amino acids. The proportions of proline, valine, and glycine in sow milk nearly accounted for 11%, 7%, and 6% respectively, and were higher compared to human, cow, and goat milk, while the methionine proportion was less than the other three. Compared to the large variations often reported in macronutrient concentrations, the amino acid profile of sow milk in the present study, as well as in others, seems well conserved across the lactation period. Similarities with characteristic differences were also observed between sow milk and piglet body composition, which might reflect the nutrition requirements of preweaning piglets. This study warrants further research exploring the link between the whole amino acid profile and the particular amino acids for suckling piglets and could facilitate insight for optimizing creep feed.
Bayesian Machine Learning and Functional Data Analysis as a Two-Fold Approach for the Study of Acid Mine Drainage Events
Authors: Rigueira Xurxo , Pazo María , Araújo María , Gerassis Saki , Bocos Elvira
Published: April 2023

Acid mine drainage events have a negative influence on the water quality of fluvial systems affected by coal mining activities. This research focuses on the analysis of these events, revealing hidden correlations among potential factors that contribute to the occurrence of atypical measures and ultimately proposing the basis of an analytical tool capable of automatically capturing the overall behavior of the fluvial system. For this purpose, the hydrological and water quality data collected by an automated station located in a coal mining region in the NW of Spain (Fabero) were analyzed with advanced mathematical methods: statistical Bayesian machine learning (BML) and functional data analysis (FDA). The Bayesian analysis describes a structure fully dedicated to explaining the behavior of the fluvial system and the characterization of the pH, delving into its statistical association with the rest of the variables in the model. FDA allows the definition of several time-dependent correlations between the functional outliers of different variables, namely, the inverse relationship between pH, rainfall, and flow. The results demonstrate that an analytical tool structured around a Bayesian model and functional analysis automatically captures different patterns of the pH in the fluvial system and identifies the underlying anomalies.
Projection of Future Meteorological Droughts in Lake Urmia Basin, Iran
Authors: Ghazi Babak , Dutt Sanjana , Torabi Haghighi Ali
Published: April 2023

Future changes (2015–2100) in precipitation and meteorological droughts in Lake Urmia Basin were investigated using an average mean ensemble of eight general circulation models (GCMs) with high-resolution datasets in socioeconomic pathway scenarios (SSPs) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6). In order to project the drought, the standardized precipitation index (SPI) was calculated. Overall, the results revealed that precipitation in Lake Urmia Basin will decrease by 3.21% and 7.18% in the SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios, respectively. The results based on 6-month-timescale SPI indices projected more “Extremely dry” events in SSP5-8.5 scenarios. The frequency of “Extremely dry” months in SSP5-8.5 compared to SSP1-2.6 is expected to increase by 14, 7, 14, 10, 5, 14, and 7 months for the Mahabad, Maragheh, Saqez, Sarab, Tabriz, Takab, and Urmia stations, respectively. In contrast, the frequency of “Extremely wet” months will decline for all stations in Lake Urmia Basin. The results of this study provide useful insight for considering drought prevention measures to be implemented in advance for Lake Urmia Basin, which is currently experiencing various environmental issues.
Integrated Use of Bioaccumulation, Genotoxic, and Haematological Endpoints to Assess the Effect of Water Remediation Strategies on Fish Health: A Complementary Study
Authors: Mieiro Cláudia , Coelho João , Reis Ana , Castro Diana , Figueira Paula , Martinho Filipe , Pardal Miguel , Pereira Eduarda , Pacheco Mário , Lopes Cláudia
Published: April 2023

Biosorption successfully remediates saline water contaminated with legacy contaminants, but its effects on the health of marine organisms remain unclear. Therefore, our aim was to address this knowledge gap with data on the accumulation ability, as well as the cytogenetic and biochemical effects in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus). To this end, we exposed turbot for seven days to a mixture of remediated metals (Rem treatments: Cd, Hg, and Pb), with and without the presence of nanoparticles (NP), and compared them with the maximum allowable concentrations (MAC treatment) for effluent discharges. We determined the metal accumulation in the blood and kidney and evaluated haematological changes (red blood cell count, haemoglobin, and mean cell haemoglobin (MCH)) and genotoxicity (erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities assay) in the blood. The results showed that remediation with non-living macroalgae significantly reduced the metallic blood and kidney burdens in the Rem treatments. Furthermore, no genotoxic potential occurred in the Rem and MAC treatments in parallel with the reduction in MCH levels in the Rem treatments, which would reflect hematopoietic disturbances in the MAC. Our results validate biosorption remediation as we achieved a considerable reduction in metal loads while maintaining the health status of fish, highlighting the importance of testing water remediation methods in the biota.
Identification of Priority Pollutants in Groundwater: A Case Study in Xiong’an New Region, China
Authors: Qiao Xiaocui , Li Xue , Qi Tong , Liu Yan
Published: April 2023

The pollution of man-made groundwater has become a major global problem that threatens human health and affects the aquatic environment. The establishment of an effective screening system for water pollution assessment is of great importance for maintaining the ecological health of groundwater. In this study, the concentrations of natural and non-natural pollutants in the groundwater of Xiong’an New Area were measured, and the degree of pollution degree and toxicity index of pollutants were used to construct a novel screening method. The result shows that it was more suitable to use the weighted summation method with weights of 0.5, 0.25, and 0.25 for toxicity, total pollution degree, and median pollution degree, respectively. According to the proposed screening method, Benzo[a]pyrene, Hexachlorobenzene, As, Se, Atrazine, Benzo[b]fluoranthene, Ni, Mo, Ti, and naphthalene were identified as the dominant pollutants in the study area and their levels should be strictly monitored.
Ecological Risk Assessment and Source Contributions of Heavy Metals in the Sediment of the Chan Thnal Reservoir, Kampong Speu, Cambodia
Authors: Chheang Lita , Limsuwan Pichet , Thongkon Nisakorn , Sriwiriyarat Tongchai , Thanasupsin Sudtida Pliankarom
Published: April 2023

Metal contamination from farming, inadequate wastewater treatment, and poor disposal of municipal garbage are major threats to public health. This research aimed to (1) assess the extent of heavy metal contamination in sediment samples, (2) describe the distribution of heavy metals by locating likely pollution sources using a positive matrix factorization (PMF) model, and (3) quantify the potential ecological consequences associated with these metals at six different places around the Chan Thnal Reservoir. The findings indicated steady degradation and suggested moderate to high metal contamination. Fe > Zn > Cr > Cu > Pb > Co > As > Mn > Cd was the trend of metal concentrations in the sediment. Various soil pollution indices showed that most of the studied sediment samples were clean, moderately clean, or slightly contaminated. However, Co and Cd reached high-risk conditions posing a severe problem to the local population living in and around the Chan Thnal Reservoir. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to estimate primary factors in PMF analysis. It was found that the contamination of As, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb originated from agricultural and traffic vehicle sources; however, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cr, and Cu were derived from natural sources (e.g., atmospheric deposition and compost amendment). Furthermore, Fe, Cd, Mn, Co, Pb, and Cr were generated from urban and industrial sources (metal coatings, plastic burning, wastewater irrigation, and sewage sludge). Accordingly, this research improves our knowledge of the prevalence of heavy metal pollution in agroecosystems, which may be used to foresee and mitigate the risks of heavy metal exposure to humans and other organisms.
Effect of Wall Proximity and Surface Tension on a Single Bubble Rising near a Vertical Wall
Authors: Mundhra Raghav , Lakkaraju Rajaram , Das Prasanta Kumar , Pakhomov Maksim A. , Lobanov Pavel D.
Published: April 2023

Path instability of a rising bubble is a complex phenomenon. In many industrial applications, bubbles encounter walls, and the interactions between the bubbles and the wall have a significant impact on flow physics. A single bubble rising near a vertical wall was experimentally observed to follow a bouncing trajectory. To investigate the near-wall dynamics of rising bubbles, 3D numerical simulations were performed based on the volume of fluid (VOF) method using the open source solver OpenFOAM. The effect of wall proximity and surface tension on the bubble trajectory was investigated. Previous studies have focused on the near-wall rising dynamics of bubbles for higher Eotvos numbers (Eo) and varied the Galilei number (Ga). The physical properties of the flow were chosen such that the free-rising bubble lies in the rectilinear regime. The Ga number was fixed and the Eo number was varied to analyze its effect on the bubble’s rising trajectory. It was found that the presence of the wall increases the drag experienced by the bubble and induces an early transition from rectilinear to a planar zigzagging regime. We identify the maximum wall distance and the critical Eo number for the bubble to follow a bouncing trajectory. The amplitude, frequency and wavelength of the bouncing motion are independent of the initial wall distance, but they decrease with decreasing surface tension.
Research on Rain Pattern Classification Based on Machine Learning: A Case Study in Pi River Basin
Authors: Fu Xiaodi , Kan Guangyuan , Liu Ronghua , Liang Ke , He Xiaoyan , Ding Liuqian
Published: April 2023

For the purpose of improving the scientific nature, reliability, and accuracy of flood forecasting, it is an effective and practical way to construct a flood forecasting scheme and carry out real-time forecasting with consideration of different rain patterns. The technique for rain pattern classification is of great significance in the above-mentioned technical roadmap. With the rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies such as machine learning, it is possible and necessary to apply these new methods to assist rain classification applications. In this research, multiple machine learning methods were adopted to study the time-history distribution characteristics and conduct rain pattern classification from observed rainfall time series data. Firstly, the hourly rainfall data between 2003 and 2021 of 37 rain gauge stations in the Pi River Basin were collected to classify rain patterns based on the universally acknowledged dynamic time warping (DTW) algorithm, and the classifications were treated as the benchmark result. After that, four other machine learning methods, including the Decision Tree (DT), Long- and Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network, Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM), and Support Vector Machine (SVM), were specifically selected to establish classification models and the model performances were compared. By adjusting the sampling size, the influence of different sizes on the classification was analyzed. Intercomparison results indicated that LightGBM achieved the highest accuracy and the fastest training speed, the accuracy and F1 score were 98.95% and 98.58%, respectively, and the loss function and accuracy converged quickly after only 20 iterations. LSTM and SVM have satisfactory accuracy but relatively low training efficiency, and DT has fast classification speed but relatively low accuracy. With the increase in the sampling size, classification results became stable and more accurate. Besides the higher accuracy, the training efficiency of the four methods was also improved.