bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Short-Term Effects of Dual Back-Support Exoskeleton within Logistics Operations
Authors: Cardoso André , Colim Ana , Carneiro Paula , Costa Nélson , Gomes Sérgio , Pires Abel , Arezes Pedro
Published: July 2024

Logistics activities involve significant risk factors for the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD), particularly low back pain. Exoskeletons have emerged as potential solutions to mitigate these risks. This study assesses the short-term effects of dual passive back-support exoskeletons (Auxivo and Htrius) on WMSD risk factors in logistics operations. Two workstations were evaluated using self-report ratings, postural assessment, and surface electromyography (EMG). The results indicate that both exoskeletons provided relief and support during tasks, with Htrius showing a slight advantage. Exoskeletons reduced perceived exertion, especially during trunk flexion tasks, and improved posture, particularly in tasks involving manual lifting loads at lower height levels. While variations in muscular activity were observed, the Htrius exoskeleton showed a trend of reducing lumbar muscle activity. Overall, Htrius demonstrated promise in improving workers’ comfort, safety, and efficiency, potentially reducing WMSD risk and muscular fatigue. However, individual preferences and workplace-specific characteristics should be considered when selecting exoskeleton models. Future research should explore the effects on different loads, genders, and EMG of different muscles to further enhance the understanding and application of exoskeletons in occupational contexts.
Promising Catalyst for Chlorosilane Dismutation
Authors: Zhuchok Olesya , Stolmakov Yegor , Kalinina Alexandra , Medov Vitaly , Belousova Darya , Maleev Nikita , Mochalov Georgy
Published: July 2024

Currently, the most common method of silane synthesis for electronics and photovoltaics is trichlorosilane dismutation. Therefore, an experimental study of the kinetics of the dismutation reaction of chlorosilanes is of scientific and practical interest. A catalyst has been proposed that allows the dismutation reaction to be carried out in a wide range of temperatures and pressures. Both kinetic and thermodynamic data on the dependence of the rate of the dismutation reactions of trichlorosilane, dichlorosilane, and monochlorosilane on pressure were experimentally obtained. In addition, the dependence of saturated vapor pressure on temperature for monochlorosilane and dichlorosilane were also experimentally determined. Using the example of TCS, it was experimentally established that increasing the pressure to six atmospheres makes it possible to increase the specific productivity of the reactor by at least an order of magnitude due to the acceleration of the chemical reaction and the increase in the molar concentration of chlorosilanes in the vapor mixture. Consequently, it becomes possible to multiply the reactor’s load on the substance and, accordingly, the performance of the chlorosilane dismutation apparatus in general.
Effects of Extraction Methods on Volatile Oil Profiles of Cinnamomi ramulus–Zingiberis rhizoma recens Couplet Medicines
Authors: Xin Xiaodong , Li Xinnong , Chen Jiabao , Shen Chuanghui , Shi Xiaohan , Wang Lei , Li Chunhua
Published: July 2024

Cinnamomi ramulus (CR, Guizhi in Chinese) and Zingiberis rhizoma recens (ZRR, Shengjiang in Chinese) are couplet medicines (drug pairs or drug combinations) in traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions. They contain a high amount of volatile oils which endow them with unique flavors and pharmacological activities. Extraction methods have a great influence on the extraction efficiency and composition of volatile oils. Firstly, the volatile oils of CR and ZRR were extracted by steam distillation (SD) and analyzed by GC-MS to obtain their chemical profiles. In total, 35 and 55 compounds were identified in the volatile oils of CR and ZRR, respectively. In order to find a suitable extraction method for the couplet medicine CR-ZRR, subsequently, steam distillation (SD), azeotropic distillation (AD) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) were applied to extract the volatile oils from CR-ZRR. The average extraction yields by SD, AD and SFE were 0.573%, 0.62% and 2.135%, respectively. The chemical composition of the volatile oils was then analyzed by GC-MS. In total, 73, 59 and 71 compounds were identified from the extracts obtained by SD, AD and SFE, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) and OPLS-DA showed that citral, (E)-cinnamaldehyde dimethyl acetal, zingiberene, cinnamaldehyde and β-sesquiphellandrene were the main contributors to distinguish the volatile oils that were obtained by different processes. Considering the chemical diversity and the total content of the main bioactive components of the volatiles oils, SD was more suitable for CR-ZRR volatile oil extraction. This study provides a basis for elucidating the chemical composition and suitable extraction method for the volatile oils of CR-ZRR.
The Impact of Social Capital on Migrants’ Social Integration: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Xin , Lu Xudong , Huang Chunjie , Liu Wenbo , Wang Guangchen
Published: July 2024

In recent decades, a large influx of migrants from rural areas to cities has brought numerous pressures to urban infrastructure, the environment, public services, and social stability. Therefore, promoting the social integration of migrants is crucial for the sustainable development of cities. Analyzing this situation from the perspective of social capital, as opposed to economic and human capital, can better reveal the underlying mechanisms behind social integration. Therefore, we sought to explore the impact mechanism of social integration among China’s migrants by establishing a comprehensive model that incorporates bonding social capital (BSC), bridging social capital (BRC), relative deprivation (RD), hometown attachment (HA), and social integration (SI) through research based on the 2017 China Migrant Dynamic Survey (CMDS). The results indicate that different types of social capital have varied impacts. Bridging social capital is positively correlated with social integration, with relative deprivation playing a mediating role between the two. In contrast, bonding social capital is negatively correlated with social integration, with hometown attachment moderating the relationship between them. This study enriches social capital theory in the field of migration research and provides recommendations for government efforts to promote social integration
Analysis of the Decoupling Relationship between Environmental Pollution and Economic Development in Island Areas: A Case Study of Zhoushan Islands, China
Authors: Li Fan , Qi Danxuan , He Yixiong
Published: July 2024

Due to the geographical location and resource characteristics of island region, it is important to make its strategic position in the country and even the world. In order to realize the sustainable development of island region, it is necessary to conduct in-depth research on the interaction between the economy and the environment in island region. By combining the decoupling model and EKC theory, this paper adopted the data of economic growth and environmental pollution indexes from 2002 to 2022 to explore the relationship between economic growth and environmental pollution in Zhoushan Island, China. According to research findings, the overall decoupling state between environmental pollution and economic growth in Zhoushan Islands was not very stable, and EKC analysis further revealed that the decoupling of industrial waste gas, industrial solid waste and industrial wastewater was basically consistent with the EKC analysis results. It was not completely consistent with the traditional inverted U-shaped EKC, but showed an incremental relationship, meaning that as the economy grows, so do its emissions. In order to realize the coordinated and sustainable development of the regional economy and society, Zhoushan Islands should further implement industrial optimization and upgrading, adjust the energy structure, improve the scientific and technological level of environmental management, and strengthen inter-departmental cooperation in law enforcement.
Recycling Iron Ore Waste through Low-Cost Paving Techniques
Authors: Silveira Virlene Leite , Guimarães Antônio Carlos Rodrigues , Coelho Lisley Madeira , dos Santos William Wilson , da Silveira Pedro Henrique Poubel Mendonça , Monteiro Sergio Neves
Published: July 2024

Research on road construction has evolved and advanced. Environmental sustainability considerations are now an integral part of the specific focus of these infrastructure projects. This study investigated the feasibility of recycling on iron ore reject through cost-effective pavement techniques, demonstrating significant improvements in the performance of stabilized mixtures with the addition of anti-dust treatment. The mineralogical and chemical analysis of the reject, coupled with the conducted priming tests (LWT and WTAT), highlighted the effectiveness and promising application of these materials in construction. Under a load of 33 kg, the anti-dust-treated mixture showed a deformation of 5.3 mm, compared to 7.76 mm for the stabilized reject–emulsion mixture. Similar improvements were observed in reject–soil–emulsion mixtures, with a sinking of 4.16 mm for anti-dust-treated specimens compared to 6.99 mm for stabilized mixtures. The results of the WTAT test corroborated the effectiveness of the layer formed by the anti-dust treatment; in all cases, the mass loss was less than 2%. These findings have significant implications for sustainability in construction, contributing to environmental conservation and resource efficiency.
The Impact of Entrepreneurial Capital on CSR and New Joint Venture Performance in Emerging Economies
Authors: Khan Md Jahir Uddin , Hasan Md Abid , Rabeeu Ahmed , Hossain Mohammad Ashraf
Published: July 2024

This research highlights the critical role that entrepreneurial capital (EC) plays in organizational development and resilience by examining the connections between EC and the success of new joint ventures (NJVs) in developing nations. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is becoming more popular in the early phases of a company’s growth because of its capacity to improve credibility and competitive differentiation. Traditionally associated with well-established corporations. This study uses a mediated-moderation model to explore theories on how EC affects the disruptive innovation, economic, social, legal, and environmental sustainability of NJVs. Using quantitative survey data from 270 NJVs, this paper highlights the strategic interdependencies influencing NJV trajectories, as well as the functions of disruptive innovation and CSR. The findings demonstrate that EC greatly enhances NJVs performance in every category, promoting CSR and innovative projects. NJVs benefit from early CSR participation because it reduces risks and boosts entrepreneurial vitality. Disruptive innovation transforms EC into measurable performance advantages. This study has important policy and management implications because it shows that NJVs can stay ahead of the competition and improve their performance by strategically using EC for CSR and innovation projects. Overall, this study emphasizes how crucial CSR is to the startup environment, supporting resilient and long-term growth in emerging economies.
Synergistic Landscape Design Strategies to Renew Thermal Environment: A Case Study of a Cfa-Climate Urban Community in Central Komatsu City, Japan
Authors: Xiao Jing , Yuizono Takaya , Li Ruixuan
Published: July 2024

An effective community landscape design consistently impacts thermally comfortable outdoor conditions and climate adaptation. Therefore, constructing sustainable communities requires a resilience assessment of existing built environments for optimal design mechanisms, especially the renewal of thermally resilient communities in densely populated cities. However, the current community only involves green space design and lacks synergistic landscape design for renewing the central community. The main contribution of this study is that it reveals a three-level optimization method to validate the Synergistic Landscape Design Strategies (SLDS) (i.e., planting, green building envelope, water body, and urban trees) for renewing urban communities. A typical Japanese community in central Komatsu City was selected to illustrate the simulation-based design strategies. The microclimate model ENVI-met reproduces communities involving 38 case implementations to evaluate the physiologically equivalent temperature (PET) and microclimate condition as a measure of the thermal environments in humid subtropical climates. The simulation results indicated that the single-family buildings and real estate flats were adapted to the summer thermal mitigation strategy of water bodies and green roofs (W). In small-scale and large-scale models, the mean PET was lowered by 1.4–5.0 °C (0.9–2.3 °C), and the cooling effect reduced mean air temperature by 0.4–2.3 °C (0.5–0.8 °C) and improved humidification by 3.7–15.2% (3.7–5.3%). The successful SLDS provides precise alternatives for realizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the renewal of urban communities.
Balancing Emerging Risks Considering the Life-Cycle Perspectives of Submerged Floating Tunnels for a Resilient Future Infrastructure
Authors: Velde Shweta , Sresakoolchai Jessada , Kaewunruen Sakdirat
Published: July 2024

Infrastructure expansion considerably contributes to greenhouse gas emissions causing the critical global issue of climate change. In recent years, submerged floating tunnels (SFTs) have thus been developed as a sustainable and efficient solution for crossing large water bodies instead of resource-demanding superstructures (e.g., cable stayed bridges). This research delves into a comparative analysis of two SFT design alternatives: SFTs with pontoons and SFTs with tethers centered on environmental sustainability and long-term viability. By incorporating life-cycle assessments and quantitative risk analysis methodologies, our study aims to ascertain the optimal SFT design for real-world application. Our study embarks on detailed investigations into SFTs and then gathers data on material quantities and LCA studies, identifying potential hazards and comparing life cycle performance. Our new findings highlight the significant advantage of the SFT with a tethered design, which has a lower dependency on materials, particularly steels, resulting in lower CO2 emissions. Additionally, in terms of risk, the SFT with tethers has a lower risk profile in general, especially in situations, including environmental elements, like rising water levels, potential tsunamis, and storms. This design is a promising solution for sustainable and resilient infrastructure development, coinciding with global objectives to cut down carbon emissions and enrich potential benefits in the face of increasing climatic uncertainties. Not only does this study scrutinize the risk and environmental aspects of both SFT designs, but it also opens the path for future infrastructure projects that emphasize engineering robustness and environmental sustainability.
Tourist Motivations to Adopt Sustainable Smart Hospitality: An Innovation Resistance Theory Perspective
Authors: Zhang Qingyu , Khan Salman , Khan Safeer Ullah , Khan Ikram Ullah , Mehmood Shafaqat
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to assess the neglected conceptualization of smartness in the context of tourism and its probable consequences. Specifically, this study focused on investigating the relationships between sustainable smartness, usage barriers, value barriers, risk barriers, traditional barriers, image barriers, and tourists’ behavioral intentions regarding their stay in smart hotels. The conceptual model of this study is constructed based on innovation resistance theory. By engaging structural equation modeling (SEM) in Smart-PLS 3.2.8, we calculated data from 672 valid respondents. The findings demonstrate that smartness significantly affects usage, value, risk, and traditional and image barriers. Furthermore, we unearthed a significant effect of all barriers on tourists’ behavioral intentions.
Pricing and Financing Strategies of Dual-Channel Green Supply Chain with Risk Aversion and Consumer Preferences
Authors: Zhang Maojun , Li Jiaqi , Liu Feifei , Nan Jiangxia , Jiang Jiawen
Published: July 2024

Nowadays, considering the growing tendency of companies toward e-commerce as well as green production, dual-channel green supply chain management has become particularly important. This paper investigates pricing decisions within a dual-channel green supply chain framework while considering the capital constraints faced by risk-averse manufacturers. Simultaneously, the impact of the degree of risk aversion, consumer green preferences, and channel preferences on the optimal decision-making process of green supply chain members is analyzed. We address the issue of financial constraints faced by manufacturers through bank loans and trade credit financing and compare the two cases. Our findings illustrate that trade credit financing outperforms bank loan financing in the dual-channel green supply chain. Moreover, pricing decisions under different models are influenced by consumer preferences and risk aversion. Specifically, the greenness of the product, wholesale price, and sale price exhibit negative correlations with manufacturers’ risk aversion but positive correlations with consumer preferences.
Environmentally and Socially Responsible Behavior of Women from Generation Z in the Context of Tourist Activity
Authors: Balińska Agata , Jaska Ewa , Werenowska Agnieszka
Published: July 2024

The aim of this research was to determine the scope of environmentally and socially responsible behavior related to tourist trips of women from Generation Z. The choice of this issue falls within the scientific discussion on the sustainable behavior of young consumers and the area of research on sustainable tourism. The presented research fills the research gap related to the sustainable behavior of young women in the context of tourist trips. This article reviews the literature justifying the choice of this research topic. The results of our own survey research were presented (a sample of 618 touristically active women from Generation Z). Quantitative and qualitative analyses of the obtained results were made. This research showed that respondents were most concerned about recreational space (not leaving garbage in the forest or on the beach, observing regulations in tourist regions and towns, and using only designated trails). They rated their behavior the lowest in terms of reduction in water consumption, use of ecological cosmetics while using water reservoirs, and choosing accommodation places where pro-ecological solutions are used. According to the respondents, the main reasons for the lack of responsible behavior are indifference and habits learned at home. The originality of the presented research results from its scope and concerns only women belonging to Generation Z.
Exploring the Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Simulating Heritage Corridors for Sustainable Development of Industrial Heritage in Foshan City, China
Authors: Yao Linghan , Gao Chao , Zhuang Yingnan , Yang Hongye , Wang Xiaoyi
Published: July 2024

Industrial heritage serves as a testament to the historical and cultural legacy of industrialization, and its preservation and adaptive reuse are crucial for promoting sustainable urban development. This study explores the spatiotemporal dynamics of industrial heritage in Foshan City, China, and simulates potential heritage corridors to inform effective conservation and revitalization strategies. By employing Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) and Standard Deviational Ellipse (SDE) methods, the research investigates the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of industrial heritage across different historical periods and industrial types. An Analytic Hierarchical Process (AHP) is used to construct a hierarchical model of resistance factors, which serves as the basis for simulating potential heritage corridors using the Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR) model. The results unveil distinct spatiotemporal distribution patterns, with concentrations of industrial heritage in the central Chancheng District and southeastern Shunde District. Two primary potential heritage corridors are identified, and prioritized strategies for their adaptive reuse are proposed. The findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of industrial heritage distribution in Foshan City and provide valuable insights for the conservation, planning, and sustainable development of these significant sites. The study highlights the importance of integrating spatiotemporal analysis and heritage corridor modeling in the decision-making process for industrial heritage revitalization, ensuring the preservation of invaluable industrial history and culture while fostering sustainable urban growth.
New Geo- and Mining Heritage-Based Tourist Destinations in the Sudetes (SW Poland)—Towards More Effective Resilience of Local Communities
Authors: Pijet-Migoń Edyta , Migoń Piotr
Published: July 2024

This paper explores several geotourist destinations in the mountainous area of SW Poland, either recently created or being developed right now, where the unifying theme is the emergence of a new site of interest in a place formerly inaccessible due to mining operations. We focus on five sites, including three in the territory of Land of the Extinct Volcanoes UNESCO Global Geopark, connected with the legacy of mining (coal, ores) and quarrying (solid rock, aggregates). For each locality, the history of mining is briefly outlined, followed by the presentation of its conversion into a tourist object and current use. The localities illustrate, at the same time, (a) various aspects of geoheritage and its connection with human activities, thus in line with the ABC concept promoted for geoparks and similar initiatives; (b) attempts to alleviate problems of abandoned mining grounds and their management; (c) different ways towards conversion of formerly inaccessible localities into tourist destinations; (d) ideas to increase the portfolio of (geo)tourist products at the regional scale, striving to achieve greater balance in the geographical distribution of sites of potential interest; and (e) a variety of current management challenges. Overall, it is argued that in each case, the emergence of a new site of interest is beneficial for the local community, as the visibility of the place is increasing, tourist visits grow, local identity is strengthened, and new employment opportunities arise, both directly and indirectly.
Environmental Regulations, Green Technological Innovation, and Green Economy: Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Chenggang , Du Danli , Liu Tiansen , Li Xiaohuan , Zhu Yue , Du Wenhui , Xu Fan , Yan Mingtong , Chen Junxin
Published: July 2024

With the advancement of the green economy, the influence of the environmental regulations on green technological innovation and the green economy is increasingly expanding. This paper investigates the impact of the environmental regulations and corporate green technological innovation on the green economy. We hope to explore how the environmental regulations affect the green economy through corporate green innovation. Thus, the research aims to enhance our understanding of the impact of the environmental regulations on the green economy. By incorporating the fixed-effects models, mediation models, spatial models, and regression analysis, this paper unveils the impact process of the environmental regulations on the green economy. The research findings are as follows: (1) The environmental regulations show the direct capacity to facilitate the elevation of the green economy. (2) Through the mediating variable of corporate green technological innovation, the environmental regulations could indirectly enhance the green economy. (3) Significant spatial correlations exist between the environmental regulations and corporate green technological innovation activities across the different regions in China. (4) Substantial disparities are evident in the relationships among the environmental regulations, green technological innovation, and the green economy across the various regions in China. The findings presented in this paper serve to broaden the scope of research on the relationship between the environmental regulations and the green economy. Moreover, it offers essential insights for the relevant government authorities and businesses in formulating management policies.
Storing Electric Energy Generated by a Photovoltaic Installation to Increase Profit from Its Sale—Case Study in Poland
Authors: Michalski Marcin , Polański Jakub , Nemś Magdalena
Published: July 2024

Battery systems enable the sustainable use of energy from renewable energy installations that are characterized by variable time availability. The present study investigated the benefits of implementing an electrical energy storage system to a photovoltaic (PV) installation in the Polish climatic conditions. The impact of such a system on increasing profits from energy sales was verified. The use of storage allows for shifting the process of feeding energy into the grid to later hours when it is more expensive. The production volume and timing of energy generation were considered using the example of a 5 kWp research installation located in the Laboratory of Renewable Energy. The yields and energy prices were analyzed on an hourly basis for the year 2023. The considered system is additionally equipped with a battery with a capacity of 15 kWh. Analyses have shown that this system covers 55.6% of days in a year where the entire daily production from the PV installation can be stored. Additionally, the feasibility of using different energy storage capacities to shift the sale of the maximum energy volume was examined. Also the payback period of investments was considered for four scenarios (from the most expensive devices to the cheapest ones with subsidies). Prices were compared with profits resulting from the use of storage systems of a given capacity, as well as with the lengths of warranties covering the devices.
How Does Environmental Education Moderate Local People’s Commitment to the Environment and Intention to Support Tourism Development?
Authors: Ozbey Derya Ozilhan , Coskun Degirmen Gul , Guven Yigit , Gozen Ebru , Hicyakmazer Cem Taner , Yalız Solmaz Dilek , Aytekin Arif
Published: July 2024

This research has been conducted to determine the environmental commitment of local people and its effect on the intention to support sustainable tourism development based on the Value–Belief–Norm Theory. In addition to related studies in the literature, the present study also examined the moderating role of environmental education. The study data were obtained from local people living in Manavgat, Antalya, one of the most notable tourism destinations in Turkey. Prior to testing the hypothetical research model through the structural model, the data were examined for outlier calculations, normality distributions, and potential multicollinearity issues. As a consequence of obtaining satisfactory findings, the structural model was tested using the AMOS program. Moreover, the Process macro (model 1) was preferred to measure the moderator effect. The results of this research demonstrate the consistency of the Value–Belief–Norm Theory and show that residents’ personal norms influence their environmental commitment and intention to support sustainable tourism development. Furthermore, the findings of this study revealed the moderating role of environmental education in these relationships. Several theoretical and practical implications have been identified for destination management organizations, industry managers, policy-makers, and academics working in the field.
Does Critical Thinking Mediate the Relationship between Sustainability Knowledge and Tourism Students’ Ability to Make Sustainable Decisions?
Authors: Shafieieh Masoud , Ozturen Ali , Rezapouraghdam Hamed , Karatepe Osman M.
Published: July 2024

The complex and critical global issues of the 21st century resulting from the unsustainable growth of tourism and hospitality, like air, land, and water pollution, have exacerbated concerns over whether educational institutions equip future managers and employees with adequate skills to meet the new demands of the current era. These ever-growing global sustainability issues stemming from the sophisticated interactions between people and the planet have no simple answers. They require well-skilled critical thinkers disposed of analyticity and systematicity to consider them and make positive contributions through their sustainable decisions. Despite this recognition, there are limited studies of the tourism and hospitality industry focusing on this crucial topic, and it is unclear how sustainability knowledge may result in more sustainable decision-making abilities. Accordingly, the current study proposed a model that links tourism and hospitality students’ sustainability knowledge to their sustainable tourism decision-making, testing the mediating role of critical thinking. Applying a quantitative research design, the researchers used a self-administered online survey to collect data from 146 full-time tourism students in Northern Cyprus. The PROCESS plug-in for the statistical package for social sciences was used to test the hypotheses of this study. The result of this study revealed that sustainability knowledge and critical thinking play significant roles in students’ sense of sustainable tourism competency and their sustainable tourism decision-making power. This study discusses how critical thinking serves as a mediating factor between knowledge of environmental sustainability, perceived competency in sustainable tourism, and sustainable decision-making ability. This study offers a more nuanced view of critical thinking’s function in terms of converting knowledge into sustainable tourism practices.
A Heuristic Procedure for Improving the Routing of Urban Waste Collection Vehicles Using ArcGIS
Authors: Herrera-Granda Israel D. , Cadena-Echeverría Jaime , León-Jácome Juan C. , Herrera-Granda Erick P. , Chavez Garcia Danilo , Rosales Andrés
Published: July 2024

This paper proposes a heuristic procedure created to improve the collection routes obtained with the support of the ArcGIS software and its complement, Network Analyst. After a series of experiments, it was found that the software presents several inconsistencies with logistical and operational management concepts, such as the unnecessary realization of U-turns in a dead end and unnecessary access to areas with difficult access to a single customer. These are issues that a collection route planner must consider to make a good decision that considers the cost of visiting areas with difficult access and the benefits of reaching that area. In this sense, our heuristic procedure considers a set of best practices in operational and logistical strategies that could be programmed within the Network Analyst. As it is well known in the science of vehicle routing, U-turns and sub-tours in the routes travelled by vehicles increase distances and operating costs, so in our work, we propose a systematic heuristic procedure to reduce the number of U-turns performed by a municipal waste collection truck, while using the ArcGIS-Network Analyst add-on to reduce the number of sub-tours in the route under the Directed-Capacitated Arc Routing Problem approach. It is then shown how the routes improved using our conceptual heuristic procedure, which provides better quality than the original routes obtained with ArcGIS and Network Analyst. Specifically, reducing the total distances travelled by the vehicle fleet, increasing the coverage of sidewalks visited by the truck in the urban perimeter of a city, and minimizing the time used in municipal solid waste collection operations. The importance of our work lies in the fact that effective MSW management is an essential municipal service whose regulation can drive innovation, sustainability, and efficiency in the MSW sector.
Mitigating Financial Risks in Sustainable Public–Private Partnership Infrastructure Projects: A Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Akomea-Frimpong Isaac , Jin Xiaohua , Osei-Kyei Robert
Published: July 2024

Economic recession from the coronavirus outbreak continues to have negative rippling effects on local and international financial investments in public–private partnership (PPP) projects in Ghana, a developing country. Together with poor reports on operating cash-inflows for PPP projects such as those covering schools, hospitals, railways, fishing harbors, cocoa warehouses, recreational parks and affordable housing, there is an urgent need to develop and institutionalise sustainable and robust financial risk management measures. These measures are meant to mitigate financial losses, promote sustainability practices and prolong the longevity of infrastructure developments within PPP pacts. Therefore, this study aims to assess the mitigation measures of PPP infrastructure management in Ghana. Primary data from survey questionnaires were utilised in this study, with the data obtained from PPP practitioners and experts. Data were grouped into project type, sectors and practitioners of PPP projects to aid the analysis using tools such as the Kruskal–Wallis test, the Mann–Whitney U test and factor analysis. The results demonstrate sustainable and green finance, the innovative skills and competencies of project teams, green financial risk models and inclusive cost reduction strategies as crucial to minimising financial risks in PPP project delivery. These findings have significant implications for PPP practitioners and researchers in Ghana and similar developing countries to understand and develop measures to respond to financial risks for sustainable PPP project development and future research studies.
Antibiotic Chemoprophylaxis for Leptospirosis: Previous Shortcomings and Future Needs
Authors: Petersen Kyle , Maranich Ashley
Published: July 2024

Leptospirosis is a neglected tropical disease that remains potentially life threatening and hard to diagnose. Climate change combined with overlapping reservoir and human habitats will likely lead to increasing incidence, outbreaks, and mortality in the future. Preventative vaccines are either of limited scope and availability, or under development. Antibiotic chemoprophylaxis for prevention has been the subject of numerous clinical trials. However, despite 40 years of effort, clinical trials to better define protective efficacy, dosing, and the preferred medication are of poor quality and offer limited evidence. We reviewed the literature and offer critiques of the existing trials as well as potential areas for future exploration that may better define the epidemiology and yield a better evidence base for both travel medicine and public health efforts.
High Frequency of Deletions in the pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 Genes of Plasmodium falciparum in the Middle Rio Negro Region of the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Bally Daniela Romero , Santos Simone da Silva , Arregue Diego Calafate , de Mattos Mariana Kelly , Suárez-Mutis Martha C.
Published: July 2024

Several countries are reporting natural populations of P. falciparum with deletions in the pfhrp2/3 genes that can lead to false-negative results in rapid diagnostic tests. To investigate the prevalence of deletion in the pfhrp2/3 genes in the Rio Negro basin in the Brazilian Amazon and identify whether there is clinical differentiation between individuals infected by these parasites, clinical samples collected from 2003 to 2016 were analyzed from symptomatic and asymptomatic P. falciparum-infected individuals. The molecular deletion of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes was evaluated using the protocols recommended by the WHO. From 82 samples used, 28 (34.2%) had a single deletion in pfhrp2, 19 (23.2%) had a single deletion in pfhrp3, 15 (18.3%) had a double deletion (pfhrp2/3), and 20 (24.4%) did not have a deletion in either gene. In total, 29.3% of individuals had an asymptomatic plasmodial infection and were 3.64 times more likely to have parasites with a double deletion (pfhrp2/3) than patients with clinical malaria (p = 0.02). The high prevalence of parasites with pfhrp2/3 deletions shows the need to implement a surveillance program in this area. Deletions in parasites may be associated with the clinical pattern of the disease in this area. More studies must be carried out to elucidate these findings.
Intranasal Vaccination with Recombinant TLR2-Active Outer Membrane Vesicles Containing Sequential M2e Epitopes Protects against Lethal Influenza a Challenge
Authors: Kannan Nisha , Choi Annette , Rivera De Jesus Mariela A. , Wei Peter Male , Sahler Julie Marie , Curley Stephanie Marie , August Avery , DeLisa Matthew P. , Whittaker Gary R. , Putnam David
Published: July 2024

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease, resulting in an estimated 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness annually. While most influenza vaccines are administered parenterally via injection, one shortcoming is that they do not generate a strong immune response at the site of infection, which can become important in a pandemic. Intranasal vaccines can generate both local and systemic protective immune responses, can reduce costs, and enhance ease of administration. Previous studies showed that parenterally administered outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) that carry sequences of the M2e protein (OMV-M2e) protect against influenza A/PR8 challenge in mice and ferrets. In the current study, we measured the effectiveness of the intranasal route of the OMV-M2e vaccine against the influenza A/PR8 strain in mice. We observed high anti-M2e IgG and IgA titers post-challenge in mice vaccinated intranasally with OMV-M2e. In addition, we observed a Th1/Tc1 bias in the vaccinated mice, and an increased Th17/Tc17 response, both of which correlated with survival to A/PR8 challenge and significantly lower lung viral titers. We conclude that the intranasal-route administration of the OMV-M2e vaccine is a promising approach toward generating protection against influenza A as it leads to an increased proinflammatory immune response correlating with survival to viral challenge.
A Live Attenuated H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Based on the Mutated M Gene
Authors: Yi Yinglei , Zhang Hongbo , An Youcai , Chen Ze
Published: July 2024

The influenza vaccines currently approved for clinical use mainly include inactivated influenza virus vaccines and live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIVs). LAIVs have multiple advantages, such as ease of use and strong immunogenicity, and can provide cross-protection. In this study, the M gene of the PR8 virus was mutated as follows (G11T, C79G, G82C, C85G, and C1016A), and a live attenuated influenza virus containing the mutated M gene was rescued and obtained using reverse genetic technology as a vaccine candidate. The replication ability of the rescued virus was significantly weakened in both MDCK cells and mice with attenuated virulence. Studies on immunogenicity found that 1000 TCID50 of mutated PR8 (mPR8) can prime strong humoral and cellular immune responses. Single-dose immunization of 1000 TCID50 mPR8 was not only able to counter the challenge of the homologous PR8 virus but also provided cross-protection against the heterologous H9N2 virus.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis–Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and the Role of T Cells in Protection
Authors: Hosseinian Kiana , Gerami Amir , Bral Melody , Venketaraman Vishwanath
Published: July 2024

Tuberculosis (TB), primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), remains a widespread fatal health issue that becomes significantly detrimental when coupled with HIV. This study explores the host’s innate and adaptive immune system response to TB in HIV immunocompromised patients, highlighting the significant role of CD8+ T cells. While the crucial role of macrophages and cytokines, like TNF-α and IFN-γ, in managing the host’s immune response to M. tb is examined, the emphasis is on the changes that occur as a result of HIV coinfection. With the progression of HIV infection, the primary source of IFN-γ changes from CD4+ to CD8+ T cells, especially when latent TB advances to an active state. This study sheds light on the necessity of developing new preventative measures such as vaccines and new treatment approaches to TB, especially for immunocompromised patients, who are at a higher risk of life-threatening complications due to TB-HIV coinfection.
Determination of Deamidation in Adjuvanted Vaccine Antigens through Isoaspartic Acid Quantification
Authors: Hasija Manvi , Ma Jian , Li Bing , Rahman Nausheen , Strahlendorf Kirsten A. , Ausar Salvador Fernando
Published: July 2024

Deamidation is a post-translational chemical modification that occurs within proteins and can be influenced by many factors, including temperature and pH. In vaccines, deamidation is considered undesirable as it may lead to changes in structure, function, stability, and immunogenicity. Detecting deamidation in vaccines, especially adjuvanted vaccines, can be challenging due to the lack of simple quantitative techniques. In this study, the quantification of isoaspartic acid (isoAsp) was used to assess deamidation in model antigens in the presence and absence of common vaccine adjuvants. This study shows that the detection of isoAsp was possible in the presence of various types of adjuvants with little to no interference. High levels of isoAsp were detected in thermally and pH-stressed adjuvanted vaccines, suggesting significant deamidation and highlighting the stability-indicating capabilities of the assay. The quantification of isoAsp in stability programs of a vaccine drug product could possibly find applications in product shelf-life determination, using thermal kinetic modeling to predict deamidation over time. The ability to detect deamidation early in vaccine development enhances process improvements and ultimately improves the vaccine’s stability. To summarize, this paper describes a rapid and simple method to determine deamidation in adjuvanted vaccines. This method could be applicable to formulation development, stability assessment, or shelf-life determination.
Putative mRNA Biomarkers for the Eradication of Infection in an Equine Experimental Model of Septic Arthritis
Authors: Koziy Roman V. , Bracamonte José L. , Katselis George S. , Udenze Daniel , Hayat Shahina , Hammond S. Austin , Simko Elemir
Published: July 2024

Septic arthritis (SA) in horses has long-term health implications. The success of its resolution hinges on the implementation of early, aggressive treatment, which is often sustained over a prolonged period. Common diagnostic methods do not allow for the reliable detection of the eradication of joint infection. A potential alternative is the discovery and characterization of mRNA biomarkers. The purpose of this study was to identify potential mRNA biomarkers for the eradication of joint infection in equine SA and to compare their expression with our previously published proteomics data. In addition, the transcriptomics data were compared to the mRNA biomarker panel, SeptiCyte Lab, used to distinguish sepsis from non-septic shock in humans. A comparative transcriptomics analysis of synovial fluid from the SA joints of five horses with active infection and subsequent post-treatment eradicated infection in the same joints and five horses with non-septic synovitis was performed. Eight novel mRNA transcripts were identified that were significantly upregulated (>3-fold) in horses with active SA compared to horses post-eradication of infection after treatment and horses with non-septic synovitis. Two proteins in our proteomics data corresponded to these mRNA transcripts, but were not statistically different. The transcripts used in the SeptiCyte test were not differentially expressed in our study. Our results suggest that mRNA may be a useful source of biomarkers for the eradication of joint infection in horses and warrants further investigation.
Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Center Pivot Irrigation Systems in the Brazilian Tropical Savanna (1985–2020)
Authors: Sano Edson Eyji , Magalhães Ivo Augusto Lopes , Rodrigues Lineu Neiva , Bolfe Édson Luis
Published: July 2024

The 204-million-hectare Brazilian tropical savanna (Cerrado biome), located in the central part of Brazil, constitutes the main region of food and natural fiber production in the country. An important part of this production is based on center pivot irrigation. Existing studies evaluating the spatio-temporal dynamics of center pivots in Brazil do not consider their retraction. This study aimed to evaluate the expansion and retraction of center pivots in the Cerrado biome in the period 1985–2020. We relied on the data produced by the MapBiomas Irriga project. In this period, the area occupied by center pivots increased from 47 thousand hectares in 1985 to 1.2 million hectares in 2020, mostly concentrated in the states of Minas Gerais, Goiás, São Paulo, and Bahia, confirming previous reports available in the literature. Among the 13 irrigation poles recognized by the National Water Agency (ANA), the Oeste Baiano (Bahia State) and the São Marcos (Goiás State) presented the largest areas of center pivots (173,048 ha and 101,725 ha, respectively). We also found that 76% of the center pivots are concentrated in the regions with low water availability (0.01–0.45 mm day−1). Within this 16-year period (2005–2020), more than 10% of center pivots found in 2005 were either abandoned or converted into rain-fed crop production. The results of this study can provide an important foundation for public policies directed toward the sustainable use of water resources by different consumers.
Release Characteristics of Small-Sized Microplastics in Bottled Drinks Using Flow Cytometry Sorting and Nile Red Staining
Authors: Zhou Peixuan , Zhang Kejia , Zhang Tuqiao , Cen Cheng , Zheng Yingying , Shuai Youwen
Published: July 2024

Small-sized microplastics (MPs) pose concerns about potential risks to both the environment and human health. However, research on MP pollution is hampered by limitations in the detection techniques. Also, few studies have provided insight into the release of small-sized MPs from disposable polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-bottled drinks for outdoor usage. Thus, PET bottles’ potential to release small MPs sized 1–100 μm outdoors was studied in relation to physical and chemical parameters (temperature, sunlight irradiation, and drink characteristics) using flow cytometry and Nile Red dye. The results showed that temperatures below 80 °C had little effect on the release of MPs from PET bottles. Sunlight irradiation and alkalinity were prone to promote the generation of MPs, mostly 1–5 μm in size. Moreover, the combined impact test implied that two pairings—acidity with temperature and alkalinity with sunlight—positively affected MP release, with maximum releases of 21,622 ± 2477 particles/L and 31,081 ± 7173 particles/L, respectively. Based on the rapid quantification of small-sized MPs using flow cytometry after Nile Red selection, the results hereby presented will assist researchers in reducing MP release and aid them in the evaluation of MPs’ contamination of aquatic environments.