bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heavy Metal Concentration Estimation for Different Farmland Soils Based on Projection Pursuit and LightGBM with Hyperspectral Images
Authors: Lin Nan , Shao Xiaofan , Wu Huizhi , Jiang Ranzhe , Wu Menghong
Published: May 2024

Heavy metal pollution in farmland soil threatens soil environmental quality. It is an important task to quickly grasp the status of heavy metal pollution in farmland soil in a region. Hyperspectral remote sensing technology has been widely used in soil heavy metal concentration monitoring. How to improve the accuracy and reliability of its estimation model is a hot topic. This study analyzed 440 soil samples from Sihe Town and the surrounding agricultural areas in Yushu City, Jilin Province. Considering the differences between different types of soils, a local regression model of heavy metal concentrations (As and Cu) was established based on projection pursuit (PP) and light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM) algorithms. Based on the estimations, a spatial distribution map of soil heavy metals in the region was drawn. The findings of this study showed that considering the differences between different soils to construct a local regression estimation model of soil heavy metal concentration improved the estimation accuracy. Specifically, the relative percent difference (RPD) of As and Cu element estimations in black soil increased the most, by 0.30 and 0.26, respectively. The regional spatial distribution map of heavy metal concentration derived from local regression showed high spatial variability. The number of characteristic bands screened by the PP method accounted for 10–13% of the total spectral bands, effectively reducing the model complexity. Compared with the traditional machine model, the LightGBM model showed better estimation ability, and the highest determination coefficients (R2) of different soil validation sets reached 0.73 (As) and 0.75 (Cu), respectively. In this study, the constructed PP–LightGBM estimation model takes into account the differences in soil types, which effectively improves the accuracy and reliability of hyperspectral image estimation of soil heavy metal concentration and provides a reference for drawing large-scale spatial distributions of heavy metals from hyperspectral images and mastering soil environmental quality.
Enjoyment and Affective Responses to Moderate and High-Intensity Exercise: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Individuals with Subsyndromal PTSD
Authors: Greene Daniel R. , Holland-Winkler Angelia M. , Petruzzello Steven J.
Published: May 2024

This crossover randomized controlled trial examined the acute psychological effects of a bout of moderate-intensity continuous aerobic exercise (MICE) and a bout of high-intensity functional exercise (HIFE), relative to a no-exercise sedentary control (SED), in participants (N = 21; 15 f; 24.7 ± 9.3 years) with subsyndromal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Affective state (Energy, Tiredness, Tension, Calmness) was assessed before (Pre), immediately after (Post 0), 20-min after (Post 20), and 40-min after (Post 40) each condition. Affective valence was assessed during each condition, and exercise enjoyment was assessed at Post 0. Enjoyment was significantly greater following HIFE and MICE relative to SED. Energy was significantly increased Post 0 HIFE and MICE but decreased Post 0 SED. Tension was reduced following all conditions and was significantly lower at Post 40 relative to Pre for HIFE, MICE, and SED. Tiredness was significantly reduced at Post 40 relative to Pre following MICE only, while Calmness was significantly lower at Post 40 relative to Pre following MICE and SED. Overall, both exercise conditions were enjoyed to a greater extent than the control, but MICE may provide greater psychological benefits with respect to Calmness and Tiredness. This study is among the first to assess acute changes in affective states relative to various exercise modes in individuals living with subsyndromal PTSD.
Does Total Playing Time Affect the Neuromuscular, Physiological, and Subjective Recovery of Futsal Players during a Congested Period?
Authors: Spyrou Konstantinos , Armendáriz María L. Pérez , Alcaraz Pedro E. , Carrasco Rubén Herrero , Udayanga M. A. Sajith , Freitas Tomás T.
Published: May 2024

The aims of this study were to analyze the effects of a congested period (three games in four days) on countermovement (CMJ) jump-landing metrics, heart rate variability (HRV), and total recovery quality (TQR) score in under-19 male futsal players, and to detect the differences between those who played for more minutes (HIGHMIN) and less minutes (LOWMIN). Fourteen youth futsal players (age: 17.5 ± 0.5 years; body mass: 70.2 ± 8.5 kg; height: 1.80 ± 0.1 m) participated. HRV, TQR questionnaire, and CMJ metrics (i.e., CMJ height, relative peak power (PPREL), eccentric and concentric impulse, braking time, and time to peak force) were registered. A linear mixed model and effect sizes (ESs) were used to assess the differences between groups and days. Considering the total sample, a significant decrease was found in the PPREL and TQR score (p = 0.001–0.013 and ES = 0.28–0.99) on Days 2, 3, and 4 when compared to Day 1. HIGHMIN group presented a significant decrease in PPREL on Day 3 (p = 0.004; ES: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.39–2.65) when compared to Day 1, and in the TRQ score on Day 3 (p = 0.002; ES: 1.98; 95% CI: 0.18–2.46) and 4 (p = 0.003; ES: 2.25; 95% CI: 0.52–3.38) when compared to Day 1. Non-significant differences were found for the rest of the metrics and in the group LOWMIN. In summary, neuromuscular performance (i.e., CMJ PPREL) and subjective recovery were impaired in players with higher playing minutes during a match-congested period when compared to those with less on-court time.
Conversion of Post-Refining Waste MONG to Gaseous Fuel in a Rotary Gasifier
Authors: Sitka Andrzej , Szulc Piotr , Smykowski Daniel , Anwajler Beata , Tietze Tomasz , Jodkowski Wiesław
Published: May 2024

Biodiesel manufacturing frequently employs sustainable materials like soybeans, microorganisms, palm extract, jatropha plant, and recycled frying oils. The expansion of biodiesel manufacturing has escalated the volume of waste byproducts, encompassing glycerin and non-glycerin organic matter (MONG), jointly known as raw glycerin. MONG is characterized by a low calorific value, a high autoignition temperature, and significant viscosity at room temperature. As a waste product, it negatively affects the natural environment due to the lack of viable disposal methods. Hence, there is a need for its conversion into high-calorific gaseous fuel with significantly less environmental impact. One of the methods for converting MONG into gaseous fuel is the pyrolysis process. This study describes the pyrolytic conversion of MONG conducted on a test stand consisting of a rotating chamber with a shell filled with liquid lead as a heating medium. Based on the measurements and balance calculations, the amount of heat required to preserve the autothermal process was determined. The calorific value and composition of the pyrolytic gas were measured, revealing that 70% of the gas involves compounds characterized by a high calorific value. As a result, the calorific value of dry, purified gas equals 35.07 MJ/kg. A life cycle assessment has been conducted, in order to determine if the produced gaseous fuel matches sustainable development criteria. MONG-based gas is a sustainable replacement of, e.g., natural gas, lignite, or hard coal; however, it allows us to avoid 233–416 kg/h CO2 emissions per 1 MWt of heat.
Habit Transformation in Times of Crisis: How Green Values Promote Sustainable Mobility
Authors: Freudenreich Thomas , Penz Elfriede
Published: May 2024

Going on holiday is often associated with taking the car or plane. Even for short distances, and where alternative, sustainable transportation modes would be available, we frequently choose the more unsustainable options. Affordability, comfortability, and time savings led to an increase in transportation, which in turn, negatively contributed to greenhouse gas emissions. The reduction in those emissions can be achieved by choosing public transportation. However, since transportation choices are often made unconsciously and habitually, it is crucial to transform those unsustainable habits into more sustainable ones. Contextual changes can serve as a catalyst. This research investigates whether pre-COVID-19 and pre-inflation unsustainable travel habits can be broken through the perceived impact of COVID-19, financial hardship, and green consumption values, increasing the intention for sustainable transportation modes using a survey design. We found that the context change, as such, does not predict future intentions to travel sustainably, but existing green consumption values do. Building on the self-activation theory, the results show that habits and the perceived impact of COVID-19 and financial hardship activate a person’s green consumption values. Consumers’ green values mediate the relationship between unsustainable habits and the intentions to use sustainable transportation modes, combining the habit discontinuity and self-activation hypotheses.
Nitrification–Autotrophic Denitrification Using Elemental Sulfur as an Electron Donor in a Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR): Performance and Kinetic Analysis
Authors: Corbalán Mario , Da Silva Cristopher , Barahona Andrea , Huiliñir César , Guerrero Lorna
Published: May 2024

Simultaneous nitrification and autotrophic denitrification (SNAD) has received attention as an efficient biological nitrogen removal alternative. However, SNAD using elemental sulfur (S0) has scarcely been studied. Thus, the main objective of this research was to study the behavior of a simultaneous nitrification–autotrophic denitrification operation in a sequential batch reactor (SNAD-SBR) at a lab scale using S0 as an electron donor, including its kinetics. Two-scale reactors were operated at lab scales in cycles for 155 days with an increasing nitrogen loading rate (NLR: 0.0296 to 0.0511 kg N-NH4+/m3/d) at 31 °C. As a result, simultaneous nitrification–autotrophic denitrification using S0 as an electron donor was performed successfully, with nitrification efficiency of 98.63% and denitrification efficiency of 44.9%, with autotrophic denitrification as the limiting phase. The kinetic model adjusted for ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) was the Monod-type kinetic model (µmax = 0.791 d−1), while, for nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB), the Haldane-type model was employed (µmax = 0.822 d−1). For denitrifying microorganisms, the kinetic model was adjusted by a half order (k1/2v = 0.2054 mg1/2/L1/2/h). Thus, we concluded that SNAD could be feasible using S0 as an electron donor, with kinetic behavior similar to that of other processes.
Conceptual Models of Franchisee Behaviors in the Dietary Supplements and Cosmetics to Imply the Business Investments
Authors: Suttidharm Patcharapol , Leelasantitham Adisorn
Published: May 2024

Franchise businesses have demonstrated resilience before, through, and after the circumstances of COVID-19. This can be attributed to the inherent appeal of rapid success and risk mitigation for investors. Therefore, investors are attached to engaging in a franchise business model. Fierce competition exists among franchise businesses, with numerous brands within the same industry, especially the cosmetic and dietary supplement franchise category, which has garnered significant popularity in Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand. The expansion of this franchise category has accelerated, surpassing the growth rates observed in other countries. Investment decisions across various investor levels are influenced by diverse factors, including intense competition, contributing to the rapid expansion. Therefore, a comprehensive study and understanding of the investment behavior of cosmetic and dietary supplement franchise businesses has become imperative. The success of a franchise business hinges on different factors encompassing decisions made before, during, and after investments. This study delves into the decision-making behaviors preceding and following investments across different investor levels in the cosmetics and dietary supplement franchise industry, utilizing fundamental aspects derived from rational choice theory (RCT) and additional variables. The researcher gathered responses through questionnaires from 490 respondents with investment experience in the cosmetics and dietary supplement franchise business. The study revealed that factors postulated in this study significantly influenced investment choices within cosmetics and dietary supplement franchises. When segmented based on investor levels, distinct considerations emerged for each group. Furthermore, there is a compelling need for cosmetic and dietary supplement franchise owners to implement enhancements in services to uphold and expand investor bases, representing an intense challenge in the cosmetics and dietary supplement franchise business nowadays. This study is intended only for individuals with prior investment experience in the cosmetics and dietary supplement franchise industry. It focuses on examining the factors that influence investment decisions both before and after the initial investment, particularly with regard to dietary supplement and cosmetics franchises.
Pioneering Sustainability: Insights from the Integrative Role of Knowledge Management Processes and Technological Innovation
Authors: Georgakellos Dimitrios A. , Agoraki Konstantina K. , Fousteris Andreas E.
Published: May 2024

This paper examines the quantitative relationship between knowledge management and technological innovation and their influence on sustainable development. Organizations have increasingly focused on knowledge management processes, recognizing their importance for maintaining competitiveness and sustainability. The purpose of our study was to shed light on the impact of knowledge management processes on a firm’s sustainability and innovation. Specifically, we investigated the relationship between knowledge acquisition, knowledge storage, knowledge transfer, and knowledge application and their effects on product/service innovation, process innovation, radical innovation, and incremental innovation. Using data from 272 questionnaires completed by top managers from companies operating in Greece, we provide strong evidence of a positive relationship between knowledge acquisition, storage, and application on product innovation whereas knowledge acquisition, storage, and transfer have a statistically significant effect on process innovation. Furthermore, we found a strong positive relationship between knowledge transfer and radical innovation. Finally, all four knowledge management processes have a strong positive impact on incremental innovation. The strength of these statistically significant results is reinforced by the magnitude of the corresponding estimated coefficients. The robustness of our results was further confirmed through the estimation of a Structural Equation Model (SEM) with the application of the Partial Least Squares (PLS) technique.
Culturable Bioaerosols Assessment in a Waste-Sorting Plant and UV-C Decontamination
Authors: Manuel Candida Duarte , Samardjieva Kalina
Published: May 2024

Waste-Sorting Plant (WSP) workers are exposed to bioaerosols containing a large variety of bacterial and fungal species, posing a critical health risk that needs to be assessed and mitigated. The present study aimed to evaluate the indoor air quality in a Portuguese WSP and the air decontamination efficiency with UV-C. The concentrations of bacteria and fungi and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), CO2, relative humidity, and temperature were determined at different hours in manual sorting areas (cabin and ramp) in autumn and winter in 2022 and in administrative offices and canteen in the autumn of 2023. The PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in the air increased with the daily waste-sorting activities, especially inside the cabin, averaging 22 and 42 μg/m3, respectively, while the CO2 concentration was in the range of 343–578 ppm in both sampling sites. The bacterial species were mainly environmental (mesophilic bacteria) rather than human sources. In the waste-sorting areas, the concentration of bacteria was often found to exceed outdoor values by more than 1000 CFU/m3 on average. Additionally, the concentration of fungi indoors was consistently higher than outdoor values, in many cases exceeding 500 CFU/m3. These findings suggest that workers in these areas are frequently exposed to high levels of microbes. The indoor-to-outdoor (I/O) contamination ratios revealed that the air quality inside the administrative offices and the canteen had high pollutant concentrations during some time periods. The worst scenarios were observed in the canteen and offices with high occupancy in the afternoon. UV-C lamps at 253.7 nm and with 5.0 W irradiation power were used in the sorting cabin to test the indoor air and surface decontamination, and the results showed a high bacterial removal efficacy of over 87.6% after one hour of exposure to UV-C. The present study raises the question of whether 37 °C is the optimal incubation temperature for WSP samples since the microorganisms’ habitat before the sampling had a much lower temperature. As the waste-sorting industry expands, these findings show that the air quality of WSPs remains concerning and requires a holistic approach, integrating the working conditions of all personnel and the implementation and monitoring of mitigation measures.
Industry 4.0 Solutions as Enablers for the Sustainability of the Italian Ceramic Tiles Sector
Authors: Raffaeli Roberto , Pazzi Luca , Pellicciari Marcello
Published: May 2024

The Italian ceramic tiles district has a long tradition but is called to face new sustainability challenges related to the profitability, the environmental impact, and the capability to offer pleasant and motivating working conditions for new young employees. New Industry 4.0 approaches are emerging to evolve the current industrial organization and are expected to enhance the overall economic, environmental, and social viability. In this context, this paper aims at demonstrating the positive correlation between the new technologies and the sustainability of the sector. It outlines the main achievements of a 4-year project financed by the Italian government, involving the entire chain made up of research centers, technology providers, and tiles producers. The presented approach is concretized in several technological innovations based on the Industry 4.0 paradigm. Furthermore, a pilot line was created to test the new systems and collect data on the process. The main results are reported in terms of improved sustainability KPIs, such as extended possibility of control of production plants, waste reduction, lower consumption of raw materials and chemical additives. Finally, a sensible increase in the operators’ digitalization level is registered, making a shift from a physical and hard working environment towards more conceptual and attractive job conditions.
Combined Aerobic Fermentation of Maricultural and Agricultural Solid Waste: Physicochemical Property and Bacterial Community Structure
Authors: Tudi Yalikun , Pan Lanlan , Du Xinjian , Liu Biyue , Li Xiuchen , Zheng Fuying , Zhang Qian
Published: May 2024

The large-scale production of maricultural solid waste is not used effectively and has a significant impact on the environment. However, there is no report on the utilization of solid waste in mariculture of maricultural and agricultural solid waste. At present, aerobic composting is a simple and feasible means of waste resource utilization, but it also seriously pollutes the environment. This paper studied the change of physical and chemical properties (T1: solid waste + straw, T2: solid waste + cow dung + straw, T3: solid waste + cow dung + straw + 5% biochar, T4: solid waste + chicken dung + cow dung + straw + 5% biochar) and microbial succession in the composting process (T4: solid waste + chicken dung + cow dung + straw + 5% biochar) and the effect of decomposed products on seed growth. The results showed that the mixed compost of various materials had a good regulating effect on the physical and chemical indexes, and the highest temperature could reach 69.4 °C. Biochar could extend the high temperature period by 1–2 days. The germination indexes of seeds treated with T1–T4 were 75%, 80%, 81%, and 94%, respectively. Through the change of the seed germination index, it could be seen that the bacterial community structure changed significantly during composting. The Chao 1 index and Shannon index showed that the bacterial abundance and diversity index increased and then decreased. The analysis of the bacterial community structure showed that Proteobacteria and Acinetobacter were the main bacteria in composting, and the relative abundance of Proteobacteria was 81.9% at the phyla level. Acinetobacter and Pseudoxanthomonas were the main bacteria in the process of composting. Acinetobacter was the dominant bacteria in the heating stage, with an abundance of 67.2%.
The EWM-Based Evaluation of Healthy City Construction Levels in East China under the Concept of “Making Improvements Is More Important Than Reaching Standards”
Authors: Li Haibo , Guo Jiaming , Pan Chen , Wu Jiawei , Liu Xiaodong
Published: May 2024

In order to effectively identify the shortcomings and potential health risks in the construction of healthy cities and achieve sustainable development, relevant improvement strategies have been formulated. According to the National Healthy City Evaluation Index System, with the concept of “Making improvements is more important than reaching standards”, the healthy city construction levels of the first batch of 13 cities in East China were evaluated by combining entropy weight and linear coefficient weighting from the five dimensions of environment, population, society, service, and culture, based on the data of statistical yearbooks, bulletins, and government websites. The results show that Suzhou, Jiading, Wuxi, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Tongxiang, and Zhenjiang are in the first-grade group, Xiamen, Yantai, Jinan, and Weihai are in the second-grade group, and Yichun and Ma’anshan are in the third-grade group. There is also more significant heterogeneity in the healthy environment indicator among the 13 cities; at the same time, there are specific differences in the healthy culture indicator, and there are slight differences in the indicators of healthy population, society, and service. The study reveals the gaps and problems in the construction of healthy cities. It proposes constructive ideas for promoting follow-up improvement of “making up for shortcomings and strengthening the weaknesses”.
Inadequacy of Meals Served and Food Waste in a Portuguese University Canteen
Authors: Silva Sofia Sousa , Pereira Ana Cristina , Marques Bebiana , Liz Martins Margarida
Published: May 2024

This study aims to evaluate food waste and the adequacy of portions served in a Portuguese university canteen. The sample included 10278 meals. Portions served and food waste (plate waste and leftovers) were measured through physical weighing. Portion inadequacy was determined, considering the Dietary Reference Values proposed by the European Food Safety Authority. The portions of all meal components served were inadequate. Meat, fish, salads and vegetables were those in the most inadequate portions (p < 0.001), with the quantities of meat and fish served being well above the recommended level (+77%) and the quantities of salad and vegetables below the recommended level (−37.7%). During the study period, 1253.6 kg of food was wasted, representing a daily average of 65.9 kg of food waste (20.8%). It was estimated that 126.6 g of food was wasted per consumer per day. Salads and vegetables represented the food category with high food waste values (41.4%), mainly from plate waste (29.6%). Our findings show an inadequacy in terms of the portions served for all meal components. High food waste values were found, for vegetable soup, vegetables, salads and fruit; these were the items most rejected by consumers, compromising the achievement of nutritional goals for the lunches served in the university canteen.
Pseudo-Spin Symmetry and the Hints for Unstable and Superheavy Nuclei
Authors: Geng Jing , Wang Zhiheng , Liu Jia , Li Jiajie , Long Wenhui
Published: May 2024

The pseudo-spin symmetry (PSS) provides an important angle to understand nuclear microscopic structure and the novel phenomena found in unstable nuclei. The relativistic Hartree–Fock (RHF) theory, that takes the important degrees of freedom associated with the π-meson and ρ-tensor (ρ-T) couplings into account, provides an appropriate description of the PSS restoration in realistic nuclei, particularly for the pseudo-spin (PS) doublets with high angular momenta (l˜). The investigations of the PSS within the RHF theory are recalled in this paper by focusing on the effects of the Fock terms. Aiming at common artificial shell closures appearing in previous relativistic mean-field calculations, the mechanism responsible for the PSS restoration of high-l˜ orbits is stressed, revealing the manifestation of nuclear in-medium effects on the PSS, and thus, providing qualitative guidance on modeling the in-medium balance between nuclear attractions and repulsions. Moreover, the essential role played by the ρ-T coupling, that contributes mainly via the Fock terms, is introduced as combined with the relations between the PSS and various nuclear phenomena, including the shell structure and the evolution, novel halo and bubble-like phenomena, and the superheavy magicity. As the consequences of the nuclear force in complicated nuclear many-body systems, the PSS itself and the mechanism therein can not only deepen our understanding of nuclear microscopic structure and relevant phenomena, but also provide special insight into the nature of the nuclear force, which can further enrich our knowledge of nuclear physics.
Development of a Flavor Ingredient Wheel Linking E-Liquid Additives to the Labeled Flavor of Vaping Products
Authors: Buettner-Schmidt Kelly , Steward Katherine , Goniewicz Maciej L. , Schaeffer Fraase Kolby , Orr Megan , Miller Donald R.
Published: May 2024

E-liquids contain combinations of chemicals, with many enhancing the sensory attractiveness of the product. Studies are needed to understand and characterize e-liquid ingredients, particularly flavorings, to inform future research and regulations of these products. We identified common flavor ingredients in a convenience sample of commercial e-liquids using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. E-liquid flavors were categorized by flavor descriptors provided on the product packaging. A Flavor Ingredient Wheel was developed to link e-liquid flavor ingredients with flavor categories. An analysis of 109 samples identified 48 flavor ingredients. Consistency between the labeled flavor and ingredients used to produce such flavor was found. Our novel Flavor Ingredient Wheel organizes e-liquids by flavor and ingredients, enabling efficient analysis of the link between ingredients and their flavor profiles and allowing for quick assessment of an e-liquid ingredient’s flavor profile. Investigating ingredient profiles and identifying and classifying commonly used chemicals in e-liquids may assist with future studies and improve the ability to regulate these products.
Effect of Auxin on Cadmium Toxicity-Induced Growth Inhibition in Solanum lycopersicum
Authors: Liu Huabin , Wu Yue , Cai Jiahui , Chen Yuting , Zhou Cheng , Qiao Cece , Wang Yuliang , Wang Song
Published: May 2024

Auxins play crucial regulatory roles in plants coping with cadmium (Cd) stress. However, the regulatory mechanism by which auxins alleviate Cd toxicity in tomato seedlings remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that exposure to Cd stress leads to dynamic changes in the auxin response in tomato roots, characterized by an initial increase followed by a subsequent weakening. Under Cd stress, tomato seedlings show primary root- and hypocotyl-growth inhibition, accompanied by the accumulation of Cd and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the roots. The exogenous application of 1-naphthylacetic acid (NAA) does not mitigate the inhibitory effect of Cd toxicity on primary root growth, but it does significantly enhance lateral root development under Cd stress. Auxin transport inhibitors, such as 1-N-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) and 2,3,5-triiodobenoic acid (TIBA), aggravate the growth inhibition of primary roots caused by Cd stress. Additionally, lateral root development was inhibited by NPA. However, applying auxin synthesis inhibitors L-kynurenine (kyn) and yucasin alleviated the tomato root growth inhibition caused by Cd stress; between them, the effect of yucasin was more pronounced. Yucasin mitigates Cd toxicity in tomato seedlings by reducing Cd2+ absorption and auxin accumulation, strengthening ROS scavenging, and reducing cell death in roots. These observations suggest that yucasin potentially mitigates Cd toxicity and improves the tolerance of tomato seedlings to Cd stress.
The Effects of Rainfall Events on the Composition and Diversity of Microplastics on Beaches in Xiamen City on a Short-Term Scale
Authors: Li Xueyan , Wu Fengrun , Zhang Chengyi , Wang Tao
Published: May 2024

Coastal beaches are vulnerable to microplastic pollution originating primarily from terrestrial and marine sources or the in situ weathering of plastic waste. The present study investigates the effects of rainfall events on the composition and diversity of microplastics on beaches in Xiamen City on a short-term scale. In the results, the quantity of microplastics in beach sediments was 245.83 ± 11.61 items·kg−1 (mean ± standard error). The abundance of microplastics did not differ after each rainfall event but significantly decreased after multiple rainfall events. When the diversity of microplastics in the coastal area was evaluated, the Shannon-Wiener index and Pielou’s index also decreased from 3.12 and 0.64 to 2.99 and 0.62, respectively, after multiple rainfall events. Rainfall had varying effects on microplastics depending on their size and shape, with particles smaller than 500 μm experiencing pronounced reductions. There was a significant negative correlation between the abundance of microplastics and the grain size of sand, but a positive correlation with sediment moisture content. We encourage the consideration of the potential impact of rainfall events during sample collection to ensure the reliability of the data. We also recommend using diversity indexes to help in understanding the influence of physical processes on microplastic distribution and their mechanisms.
New Year Fireworks Influence on Air Quality in Case of Stagnant Foggy Conditions
Authors: Kalinauskaitė Audrė , Davulienė Lina , Pauraite Julija , Minderytė Agnė , Byčenkienė Steigvilė
Published: May 2024

Urban science plays a pivotal role in understanding the complex interactions between fireworks, air quality, and urban environments. Dense firework smoke worsens air quality and poses a health hazard to the public. In this study, we show a situation where extremely foggy meteorological conditions coincided with intense anthropogenic emissions, including fireworks, in an urban area. For the first time, the chemical composition and sources of non-refractory submicron aerosol (NR-PM1) in outdoor and indoor air were characterized in Vilnius (Lithuania) using an aerosol chemical speciation monitor (ACSM) and Positive Matrix Factorization for the period before the fireworks, on New Year’s Eve, and after the fireworks in 2020/2021; thus, typical changes were assessed. Due to stagnant weather conditions and increased traffic, the highest concentrations of black carbon (BC) (13.8 μg/m3) were observed before the fireworks display. The contribution of organic (Org) fraction to the total NR-PM1 mass concentration, in the comparison of the values of a typical night and New Year’s Eve (from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.), increased from 43% to 70% and from 47% to 60% in outdoor and indoor air, respectively. Biomass-burning organic aerosol (BBOA, 48% (44%)) and hydrocarbon-like organic aerosol (HOA, 35% (21%)) dominated the organic fraction indoors and outdoors, respectively. HOA was likely linked to increased traffic during the event, while BBOA may have been related to domestic heating and fireworks.
SARS-CoV-2 Neutralization Assays Used in Clinical Trials: A Narrative Review
Authors: Sun Yeqing , Huang Weijin , Xiang Hongyu , Nie Jianhui
Published: May 2024

Since the emergence of COVID-19, extensive research efforts have been undertaken to accelerate the development of multiple types of vaccines to combat the pandemic. These include inactivated, recombinant subunit, viral vector, and nucleic acid vaccines. In the development of these diverse vaccines, appropriate methods to assess vaccine immunogenicity are essential in both preclinical and clinical studies. Among the biomarkers used in vaccine evaluation, the neutralizing antibody level serves as a pivotal indicator for assessing vaccine efficacy. Neutralizing antibody detection methods can mainly be classified into three types: the conventional virus neutralization test, pseudovirus neutralization test, and surrogate virus neutralization test. Importantly, standardization of these assays is critical for their application to yield results that are comparable across different laboratories. The development and use of international or regional standards would facilitate assay standardization and facilitate comparisons of the immune responses induced by different vaccines. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the principles, advantages, limitations, and application of different SARS-CoV-2 neutralization assays in vaccine clinical trials. This will provide guidance for the development and evaluation of COVID-19 vaccines.
Analysis of Acute Phase Response Using Acute Phase Proteins Following Simultaneous Vaccination of Lumpy Skin Disease and Foot-and-Mouth Disease
Authors: Kim Jiyeon , Kim Danil , Noh Hyoeun , Hong Leegon , Chun Eunwoo , Kim Eunkyung , Ro Younghye , Choi Woojae
Published: May 2024

Since 2011, South Korea has implemented biannual vaccinations against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and recently, lumpy skin disease (LSD), to mitigate the spread of transboundary animal diseases. However, due to past adverse reactions, potentially linked to acute phase responses from FMD vaccinations, there is hesitancy among Korean livestock farmers regarding new strategies for simultaneous vaccinations against both FMD and LSD. This study was conducted to assess possible adverse reactions to the LSD vaccination by analyzing acute phase proteins (APPs) in three groups: cows vaccinated against FMD (G1-FMDV), LSD (G2-LSDV), and both (G3-FMDV/LSDV). In G1-FMDV, APP levels peaked on day 3 post-vaccination (p < 0.001) and returned to baseline. In G2-LSDV, APP levels increased gradually, peaking on day 10 post-vaccination. In G3-FMDV/LSDV, APP levels peaked on day 3 post-vaccination and remained high until day 10 (p < 0.001). These results indicate that LSD vaccines trigger a later immune response compared to FMD vaccines, possibly due to different adjuvants. Therefore, a longer follow-up period for monitoring adverse reactions to LSD vaccinations may be required to understand and mitigate potential risks.
Developing Next-Generation Live Attenuated Vaccines for Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Using Reverse Genetic Techniques
Authors: Yu Ruisong , Dong Shijuan , Chen Bingqing , Si Fusheng , Li Chunhua
Published: May 2024

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is the etiology of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED), a highly contagious digestive disease in pigs and especially in neonatal piglets, in which a mortality rate of up to 100% will be induced. Immunizing pregnant sows remains the most promising and effective strategy for protecting their neonatal offspring from PEDV. Although half a century has passed since its first report in Europe and several prophylactic vaccines (inactivated or live attenuated) have been developed, PED still poses a significant economic concern to the swine industry worldwide. Hence, there is an urgent need for novel vaccines in clinical practice, especially live attenuated vaccines (LAVs) that can induce a strong protective lactogenic immune response in pregnant sows. Reverse genetic techniques provide a robust tool for virological research from the function of viral proteins to the generation of rationally designed vaccines. In this review, after systematically summarizing the research progress on virulence-related viral proteins, we reviewed reverse genetics techniques for PEDV and their application in the development of PED LAVs. Then, we probed into the potential methods for generating safe, effective, and genetically stable PED LAV candidates, aiming to provide new ideas for the rational design of PED LAVs.
Healthcare Providers’ and Pregnant People’s Preferences for a Preventive to Protect Infants from Serious Illness Due to Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Authors: Beusterien Kathleen M. , Law Amy W. , Maculaitis Martine C. , Will Oliver , Kopenhafer Lewis , Olsen Patrick , Hauber Brett , Vietri Jeffrey T. , Cappelleri Joseph C. , Coulter Joshua R. , Shea Kimberly M.
Published: May 2024

We assessed the impact of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) preventive characteristics on the intentions of pregnant people and healthcare providers (HCPs) to protect infants with a maternal vaccine or monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Pregnant people and HCPs who treated pregnant people and/or infants were recruited via convenience sample from a general research panel to complete a cross-sectional, web-based survey, including a discrete choice experiment (DCE) wherein respondents chose between hypothetical RSV preventive profiles varying on five attributes (effectiveness, preventive type [maternal vaccine vs. mAb], injection recipient/timing, type of medical visit required to receive the injection, and duration of protection during RSV season) and a no-preventive option. A best–worst scaling (BWS) exercise was included to explore the impact of additional attributes on preventive preferences. Data were collected between October and November 2022. Attribute-level preference weights and relative importance (RI) were estimated. Overall, 992 pregnant people and 310 HCPs participated. A preventive (vs. none) was chosen 89.2% (pregnant people) and 96.0% (HCPs) of the time (DCE). Effectiveness was most important to preventive choice for pregnant people (RI = 48.0%) and HCPs (RI = 41.7%); all else equal, pregnant people (RI = 5.5%) and HCPs (RI = 7.2%) preferred the maternal vaccine over mAbs, although preventive type had limited influence on choice. Longer protection, protection starting at birth or the beginning of RSV season, and use for both pre-term and full-term babies were ranked highest in importance (BWS). Pregnant people and HCPs strongly preferred a preventive to protect infants against RSV (vs. none), underscoring the need to incorporate RSV preventives into routine care.
Yeşil Ekonomi Politikalarının Türkiye’nin Kalkınma Planlarındaki Yeri
Authors: Çadırcı Çiğdem , Aztimur Hatice
Published: May 2024

Ekonomik gelişme özellikle az gelişmiş ve gelişmekte olan ülkeler için temel hedeflerden birisidir. Ekonominin gelişmesi, ülkelerin sahip olduğu kaynaklar ve onları kullanma konusunda ortaya koyacağı tercihlerle doğrudan ilişkilidir. Ülkelerin üretim ve yatırım kararları, üretim faktörlerinin ne ölçüde kullanılacağı ve üretimin hangi yöntemle gerçekleştirileceği bir tercihler bütününü ortaya koyarken gelişme sürecinin sonuçlarını da belirler. Üretimin arttırılması ekonomik gelişmeyi olumlu etkilerken üretimden kaynaklanan negatif dışsallık çevre ve doğal kaynaklar üzerinde olumsuz etki yaratır. Üretimdeki hızlı artış ve uluslararası rekabetteki gelişme ile çevre tahribatı derinleşmiş ve iklim değişikliğinden kaynaklanan kriz bütün ülkelerin öncelik verdiği bir sorun haline gelmiştir. Üretim süreçlerinde ortaya konulan tercihlerin çevre üzerinde yarattığı tahribatın azaltılması ülkelerin gelişme politikalarını gözden geçirmelerine ve ortak politikalar belirlemelerine neden olmuştur. Bu çerçevede, çevre duyarlılığı yüksek yeşil ekonomi politikaları uluslararası arenada ve ülkelerin kalkınma politikalarında belirleyici bir zemine oturmuştur. Üretim ve tüketim tercihlerinden kaynaklanan dışsallıkların negatif etkilerinin yeşil ekonomi politikaları ile azaltılması hedefi Türkiye’de de önemli gündem başlıklarından birisi olmuştur. Türkiye’de kalkınma süreci; kamu politikaları aracılığı ile kalkınma planları, orta vadeli programlar, mali planlar çerçevesinde belirlenmektedir. Bu nedenle çalışmada, Türkiye’nin kamu politikalarının belirlenmesinde yol haritası niteliği taşıyan kalkınma planları, mali planlar ve orta vadeli programlarda, ekonomik gelişmenin iklim ve çevre üzerindeki olumsuz etkilerinin azaltılması amacıyla uygulanması öngörülen yeşil ekonomi politikaları incelenmiştir.
Factores de riesgo cardiovascular en pacientes geriátricos atendidos en el centro de salud INNFA
Authors: Tasé Martínez María Josefa , Alabuela Tiriats Angela América , Cabrera Chacha Esthefany Nayeli , Mena Pérez Silvia Nayeli
Published: May 2024

Los llamados factores de riesgo cardiovascular conductuales, como la dieta inadecuada, sedentarismo, el consumo excesivo de alcohol y el tabaquismo, aumentan la probabilidad de ataque cardíaco y accidente cerebrovascular, incluso cuando coexisten en personas sin padecimientos previos. Objetivo fue identificar los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en pacientes geriátricos del Centro de salud INNFA, en Macas, Ecuador. Metodología: Investigación con enfoque cuantitativo, diseño no experimental, alcance descriptivo, de corte transversal, empleó una muestra de 40 pacientes geriátricos atendidos en el Centro de Salud referido, la técnica para la recolección de datos fue la encuesta y el instrumento un cuestionario de riesgos cardiovasculares. La muestra de estudio se caracterizó por el predominio del sexo femenino y edades entre 60 y 69 años en los pacientes, condiciones socio-económicas que pueden incrementar el riesgo cardiovascular como como nivel educativo básico y la remuneración menor a un salario básico unificado. Conclusión: La mayoría de los pacientes presentaban dos o más factores de riesgo y entre estos predominaron la hipertensión arterial, hipercolesterolemia, sobrepeso, consumo excesivo de bebidas alcohólicas y la diabetes mellitus.
Obesidad como factor implicado en la gravedad de la infección por SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Solano Coyago Angi , Fernández Diana
Published: May 2024

Las personas obesas enfrentan mayores complicaciones al contraer SARS-CoV-2 debido a su estado proinflamatorio crónico y respuesta inmune reducida, relacionados con el exceso de tejido adiposo. La interacción del virus con los receptores ACE2 y la retención de lípidos ectópicos renales son aspectos clave en este contexto. Objetivo. Analizar las características específicas de la obesidad que aumentan la susceptibilidad a síntomas graves de COVID-19, a partir de artículos publicados entre 2020 y 2022, y promover futuras investigaciones. Metodología. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de artículos originales entre 2020 y 2022 utilizando términos clave y operadores booleanos en bases de datos como PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, etc. Se excluyeron estudios no originales para obtener investigaciones más específicas. Resultados. De 180 artículos encontrados, 42 fueron seleccionados. Entre estos, se destacó que pacientes obesos, especialmente hombres de edad avanzada, presentaron severas complicaciones. Sin embargo, jóvenes con obesidad severa y personas con bajo peso también mostraron mayor riesgo de mortalidad. La disminución de la función pulmonar, bajos niveles de vitamina D, y la alteración de ACE2 fueron implicados en la gravedad de la infección. La hiperglucemia asociada a la obesidad aumentó el riesgo de ingreso a UCI y ventilación mecánica, mientras que la resistencia a la insulina empeoró el pronóstico. Conclusión. La obesidad emerge como un factor de riesgo importante para la gravedad y mortalidad por COVID-19, señalando la necesidad de una atención específica para este grupo de pacientes y la continuación de investigaciones en el área.
Identificación de enterobacterias productoras de carbapenemasas en el Hospital Universitario Católico de Cuenca
Authors: Sarango Gualan Claudia , Macías Matamoros Andrea
Published: May 2024

Las enterobacterias productoras de carbapenemasas desarrollan infecciones resistentes a los medicamentos en neumonía, infección del tracto urinario e infecciones relacionadas con dispositivos. Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli y Enterobacter cloacae son amenazas de resistencia emergentes importantes a nivel mundial, lo que representa alta mortalidad y limitadas opciones de tratamiento. Objetivo: Detectar la presencia de EPC de clase A, mediante la aplicación del test fenotípico de sinergia con ácido borónico en cepas de enterobacterias aisladas de superficies inertes en el Hospital Universitario Católico de Cuenca, Ecuador. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio cuali-cuantitativo de tipo experimento puro de corte transversal y alcance exploratorio - descriptivo. Las enterobacterias se identificaron mediante test bioquímicos del sistema estandarizado API 20 E. Para la detección fenotípica de carbapenamasas de clase A se utilizó el método de sinergia de discos con ácido borónico y discos imipenem, meropenem y ertapenem. Resultados: Se identificaron 25 géneros de enterobacterias, el 24 % fue Pseudomonas aeruginosam, el 20 % de enterobacterias fue productoras de carpapenemasas clase Am mientras que el 32 % fue resistente para los tres carbapenémicos en estudio, el 68 % mostró sensibilidad para imipenem, el 56 % para meropenem y 44 % para ertapenem. El 48 % de enterobacterias fueron resistentes a ertapenem, el 44 % a meropenem y 32 % a imipenem. Conclusiones: Enterobacterias como P. aureginosa, E. cloacae, Cronobacter spp. y E. coli presentan mecanismos de resistencia asociados a carbapenemasas clase A tipo KPC por lo que se recomienda vigilancia continua y estrategias de manejo para abordar la resistencia a carbapenémicos en entornos hospitalarios.
Relación entre la calidad de sueño y somnolencia diurna en estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Palacios Garay Jessica Paola , Rodríguez Salazar Raúl Eduardo , Fuerte Montaño Leonardo , Pereyra Zaldívar Violeta , Ramírez Maldonado Yenncy Petronila
Published: May 2024

Los estudiantes universitarios están propensos a sufrir alteraciones en el sueño como la somnolencia diurna, lo cual tiene repercusión directa en su calidad de vida y desempeño diario. Objetivo. Determinar la relación entre la calidad de sueño y somnolencia diurna en estudiantes de la Universidad nombre, en Perú. Materiales y Métodos. Se consideró el enfoque cuantitativo, de diseño no experimental, con la aplicación de los instrumentos de calidad del sueño de Pittsburgh y la escala de somnolencia Epworth. La población fue de 446 estudiantes y se obtuvo una muestra de 220 estudiantes universitarios, mediante un muestreo no probabilístico. Resultados. Se presentan severos problemas en relación a la calidad del sueño en un 60,9 %; así como en la calidad subjetiva del sueño en un 49,5 %, duración del sueño en un 54,5 %, uso de medicación hipnótica en un 56,8 %, disfunción diurna 50,5 %; y la latencia del sueño, eficiencia de sueño habitual y alteraciones del sueño en un 57,7 %. Entre tanto, la somnolencia diurna fue alta en un 58,6 %. Conclusiones. Existe relación positiva y significativa entre la calidad del sueño y la somnolencia diurna en los alumnos de la Universidad nombre, alcanzando una ? = 0.000 (? < 0.05); del mismo modo se encontró relación significativa en cada una de las dimensiones de la calidad del sueño y la somnolencia diurna; de lo que se interpreta que la calidad del sueño de problemas de nivel leve, la somnolencia diurna se encuentra en niveles bajos en los universitarios.