bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Operational Cost Minimization of Electrical Distribution Network during Switching for Sustainable Operation
Authors: Mubarak Hamza , Muhammad Munir Azam , Mansor Nurulafiqah Nadzirah , Mokhlis Hazlie , Ahmad Shameem , Ahmed Tofael , Sufyan Muhammad
Published: April 2022

Continuous increases in electrical energy demand and the deregulation of power systems have forced utility companies to provide high-quality and reliable services to maintain a sustainable operation and reduce electricity price. One way to continue providing the required services while simultaneously reducing operational costs is through minimizing power losses and voltage deviation in the distribution network. For this purpose, Network Reconfiguration (NR) is commonly adopted by employing the switching operation to enhance overall system performance. In the past, work proposed by researchers to attain switching sequence operation was based on hamming distance approach. This approach caused the search space to grow with the increase in total Hamming distance between the initial and the final configuration. Therefore, a method is proposed in this paper utilizing a Mixed Integer Second Order Cone Programming (MISOCP) to attain optimal NR to address this issue. The Hamming dataset approach is opted to reduce search space by considering only radial configuration solutions to achieve an optimal switching sequence. In addition, a detailed economic analysis has been performed to determine the saving after the implementation of the proposed switching sequence. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is validated through simulations on IEEE 33-bus distribution network and a practical 71-bus network in Malaysia. The result shows that the proposed method determined the optimal network configuration by minimizing the power losses for the 33 bus and 71-bus system by 34.14% and 25.5% from their initial configuration, respectively to maintain sustainable operation.
View of Saudi Arabia Strategy for Water Resources Management at Bishah, Aseer Southern Region Water Assessment
Authors: Fazel Hesham K. , Abdo Sayeda M. , Althaqafi Atiah , Eldosari Saad H. , Zhu Bao-Ku , Safaa Hosam M.
Published: April 2022

Water quality management is critical for the preservation of freshwater resources in semi-arid and arid areas, which are necessary for long-term development. Local authorities and water resource managers can allocate resources for potable or agricultural needs based on the quality of water in various places. A total of 14 water samples were collected and examined in this study. Microbiological, chemical and physical analyses were considered as important indicators for assessing water quality. Physical, chemical, and microbiological data were measured and evaluated as essential markers for determining water quality. A comparison was made between these characteristics and the King Saudi Water Standard (GSO149/2014). According to the findings, results of infiltration pond and Tabla Dam manifest the anthropogenic activities and natural influences of the greatest impact on water quality. Therefore, a reliable assessment approach for assessing water quality is very important for decision makers and for constructing sustainable development plans.
A Bus Subsidy Scheme Design Model Considering Competition between Bus Companies
Authors: Ji Shiqian , Zhong Jiaming , He Zhaocheng
Published: April 2022

The competition between bus companies plays an important role in the effects of bus subsidy schemes for operation-sharing networks. This paper presents a bi-level programming model considering the competition to design bus subsidy schemes. In the upper sub-model, a subsidy scheme is given with the target of minimizing the total social costs (TSC). Further, in the lower sub-model, each bus company competes with other companies under the subsidy scheme. The competition is portrayed as a non-cooperative game where each company changes the departure frequency of their lines separately to obtain the maximum profit. The subsidy schemes can minimize the TSC when all bus companies pursue the maximum profit. A specific approach combining genetic algorithm and best response dynamics is proposed to solve the model. To validate the constructed model, a real-world case study is conducted in Guangzhou. From the results, as the scheme is implemented, the bus companies will be inspired to increase the line departure frequency, leading to a reduction of the passenger waiting time and performing a higher level of service. The TSC are reduced by 28.6%, among which the total waiting time costs are reduced by 43.0%. The model can guide bus subsidy scheme design for operation-sharing bus networks.
Properties of Cold-Bonded and Sintered Aggregate Using Washing Aggregate Sludge and Their Incorporation in Concrete: A Promising Material
Authors: Özkan Hakan , Kabay Nihat , Miyan Nausad
Published: April 2022

The aggregate makes up about 65–75% of the total volume of concrete and the use of artificial aggregates manufactured from waste and by-product materials, as an alternative to natural aggregate, has attracted considerable research interest. Washing aggregate sludge (WAS) is obtained as a waste during the process of washing the aggregates, which is disposed or used as landfill. The utilization of WAS as a major component to manufacture artificial aggregates remains unexplored. Therefore, the focus has been directed towards the production of cold-bonded and sintered aggregates using WAS and their incorporation in concrete. The fresh pellets were manufactured using WAS, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and kept in the laboratory conditions at 20 ± 2 °C and 95 ± 5% relative humidity to obtain cold-bonded aggregates, whereas WAS and GGBFS were utilized to manufacture sintered aggregate by heating the fresh pellets up to 1150 °C. The manufactured aggregate properties were characterized through physical, mechanical, chemical, and microstructural analysis. Concrete specimens were also produced by introducing the artificial aggregates in replacement with the coarse aggregate. The results showed that the concrete containing artificial aggregates can be produced with lower oven-dry density and comparable mechanical properties to efficiently utilize WAS.
Social Value Assessment and Spatial Expression of National Park Ecosystems Based on Residents’ Perceptions
Authors: Wang Ruxing , Zhang Yechen , Zhang Hongmei , Yu Hu
Published: April 2022

Social values of ecosystem services originate from human perceptions of ecosystem services and are defined as non-market values perceived by ecosystem stakeholders. Although it is widely recognized that the information of social value can provide assistance to stakeholders and decision makers in environmental management, this issue has received far less attention. This article uses the Public Participation Geographic Information System (PPGIS) method to analyze the assessment of social values of national park ecosystem services by residents with different environmental values and their relationship with surrounding natural resource conditions. According to the preference of the interviewed residents, it was found that the four most important types of social value are biodiversity value, aesthetic value, economic value, and recreation and wellness value. In terms of spatial distribution, the hot spots of social values show a pattern of “two cores and multiple centers”. The “two cores” are the Gutianshan National Nature Reserve and Qianjiangyuan National Forest Park, which are located at the north and south ends of the national park; the “multiple centers” include Kukeng, Xikeng, Xiachuan, Gaotiankeng villages in Changhong Township and Longkeng Village in the Hetian Township. By analyzing the relationship between the four social value types with higher preference and the resource environment (land use and elevation), the article found that social values are closely related to scenic spots, river water surface, reservoir water surface, forested land, tea plantations, and villages, and that they are mostly distributed in the range of 400 m to 600 m above sea level. The distribution of social values in the ecocentric subgroup is larger, covering almost the entire national park area. The transition of the value index is smoother, while the distribution of social values in the anthropocentric subgroup is relatively concentrated in one area.
Influence of Crops and Different Production Systems on Soil Carbon Fractions and Carbon Sequestration in Rainfed Areas of Semiarid Tropics in India
Authors: Gopinath Kodigal A. , Rajanna Gandhamanagenahalli A. , Venkatesh Govindarajan , Jayalakshmi Mitnala , Kumari Venugopalan Visha , Prabhakar Mathyam , Rajkumar Bollam , Chary Gajjala Ravindra , Singh Vinod Kumar
Published: April 2022

Organic agriculture’s economic benefits and widespread adoption are well documented, but its impact on soil C dynamics in rainfed regions of semiarid tropics is less understood. The use of organic amendments in organic farming not only supply nutrients but also have the potential to contribute to soil carbon sequestration. Carbon storage and various soil organic pools are affected differently by various crops and production systems. A study was conducted with three crops (sunflower, pigeonpea, and greengram) under three production systems (control, organic and integrated) to assess the effect on soil C stocks, carbon sequestration potential, and crop yield. After seven years of experiment, pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) cultivation improved soil bulk density, porosity and water holding capacity compared to greengram [Vigna radiata (L) Wilczek] and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Furthermore, plots under pigeonpea cultivation being on par with greengram had 15.6% higher total C (113.52 Mg C ha−1), 14% higher easily oxidizable organic C (17.5 Mg C ha−1) and C sequestration rate of 1.22 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 compared to sunflower. Among the three production systems, plots under organic management had significantly lower bulk density and higher water holding capacity and porosity at all of the profile depths compared to integrated production system and control. Similarly, organic production system being on par with integrated production system improved the easily oxidizable, oxidizable and weakly oxidizable organic C fractions at different soil depths compared to control. The C sequestration rate ranged from 0.21 to 0.85 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 in organic production systems compared to negligible rate (0.01–0.04 Mg ha−1 yr−1) in the plots under control. On average, integrated production system being on par with organic management recorded significantly higher pigeonpea equivalent seed yield (886 kg ha−1) compared to control (792 kg ha−1). These results suggest the potential of organic production system in improving soil properties, C sequestration, and crop yields in semiarid rainfed areas.
Safeguarding against Harm in a Climate-Smart Forest Economy: Definitions, Challenges, and Solutions
Authors: Clay Kylie , Cooper Lauren
Published: April 2022

Sustainably managed forests and forest products have a well-documented potential to deliver significant climate change mitigation benefits via sequestration, storage, and substitution (the 3Ss) when they are sourced sustainably and substituted for traditional resource-intensive materials. Moving beyond product-specific considerations, a climate-smart forest economy (CSFE) aims to bolster the 3Ss and catalyze broader systemic change to address the climate crisis. In their most successful cases, forest value chain interventions that lead to CSFEs will link secondary and tertiary sectors for greater waste reduction, substitution, innovation, and overall cascading climate benefits. However, interventions that contribute to CSFEs, from small to large scale, will inevitably impact environments and communities, both directly and indirectly. While positive impacts can be thought of as co-benefits and should be encouraged, negative impacts are considered negative externalities, and these should be avoided or minimized wherever possible by safeguarding against harm. The failure to minimize negative externalities will have implications for equity, project longevity, and climate benefits. This paper provides preliminary results of mixed methods research with an aim of identifying and building consensus on the definitions, challenges, and solutions relevant to the assessment, planning, and implementation of CSFE safeguards. While broad and novel CSFE safeguards application faces diverse challenges, this paper explores practical solutions to advance and set a foundation for future dialogue, analysis, and application.
Investigating the Potential of Data Science Methods for Sustainable Public Transport
Authors: Keller Christine , Glück Felix , Gerlach Carl Friedrich , Schlegel Thomas
Published: April 2022

The planning and implementation of public transport involves many data sources. These data sources in turn generate a high volume of data, in a wide variety of formats and data rates. This phenomenon is reinforced by the ongoing digitization of public transport; new data sources have continuously emerged in public transport in recent years and decades. This results in a great potential for the application and utilization of data science methods in public transport. Using big data methods and sources can, or in some cases already does, contribute to a better understanding and the further optimization of public transport networks, public transport service and public transport in general. This paper classifies data sources in the field of public transport and examines systematically for which use cases the data are used or can be used. These steps contribute by structuring ongoing discussions about the application of data science in the public transport domain and illustrate the potential of the application of data science for public transport. We present several use cases in which we applied data science methods, such as machine learning and visualization to public transport data. Several of these projects use data from automated passenger information systems, a data source that has not been widely studied to date. We report our findings for these use cases and discuss the lessons learned, to inform future research on these use cases and discuss their potential. This paper concludes with a summary of the typical problems that occur when dealing with big public transport data and a discussion of solutions for these problems. This discussion identifies future work and topics worth investigating for public transport companies as well as for researchers. Working on these topics will, in our opinion, support the improvement of public transport towards the efficiency and attractiveness that is needed for public transport to play its essential role in future sustainable mobility. The application of these methods in public transport requires the collaboration of domain experts with researchers and data scientists, calling for a mutual understanding. This paper also contributes to this understanding by providing an overview of the methods that are already used, potential new use cases, data sources, challenges and possible solutions.
The Impact of Innovation-Driven Strategy on High-Quality Economic Development: Evidence from China
Authors: Xiao Wensheng , Kong Haojia , Shi Lifan , Boamah Valentina , Tang Decai
Published: April 2022

It is of great significance to study the impact of innovation-driven strategy on high-quality development. This paper investigates the relationship between the economic development quality index (EDQI) and the innovation-driven index (IDI) using the entropy method based on China’s macroeconomic data from 2000 to 2019. It examines the impacts of innovation-driven strategy on the economy using systematic cluster analysis and the impact of innovation on economic development quality through regression analyses. Results of empirical analyses illustrate that the innovation-driven strategy of China has played an important role in the quality of economic development. Still, the lack of hard innovation leads to primary and secondary industries’ insufficient development quality. Different innovation indicators have different effects, and the overall efficiency of financial research funds is insufficient. Further, the results also show that the positive role of innovation-driven strategy is mainly realized through high-tech markets in China. Therefore, R&D investment should focus on high-tech industries or fields related to the national economic lifeline or strategic industries, such as environmental protection, microchips, and high-end instruments industries in China. This paper attempts to study the effect of China’s innovation-driven strategy on the quality of economic development to provide reference experience for developing countries’ sustainable economic development.
A Conceptual Landscape-Level Approach to Assess the Impacts of Forestry on Biodiversity
Authors: Mattsson Eskil , Erlandsson Martin , Karlsson Per Erik , Holmström Hampus
Published: April 2022

In this study, we propose a conceptual approach to assessing biodiversity impacts in the life-cycle assessments (LCAs) of forest wood production with a focus on Nordic managed forests at the landscape level. As a basis for our methodology, we suggest assessing the proportion of the total land area of productive forest under the control of a forest owner that fulfils certain criteria that can be regarded as having a positive impact on the development of forest biodiversity. A similar assessment of the forest management performed on the surrounding land is used to define a site-specific reference situation. In the context of an attributional LCA, the suggested method for the specification of business-as-usual (BAU) or environmental quality objectives (EQO) baselines encourages forest owners to choose forest management options that increase the proportion of productive forest land with properties that are more favorable to biodiversity over time. We illustrate the BAU baseline approach with two examples in Sweden to calculate the biodiversity impact from wood production for individual forest owners using four biodiversity indicators from the Swedish national Environmental Quality Objectives (EQOS)—‘Living Forests’. The approach defined in this study is at this stage only applicable to forestry assessments. Using a BAU baseline approach similar to that used for international climate reporting is a simple but novel approach that makes use of consensuses that have already been drawn and approaches that have already been established.
Remote Work Efficiency from the Employers’ Perspective—What’s Next?
Authors: Pokojski Zenon , Kister Agnieszka , Lipowski Marcin
Published: April 2022

Remote work has been of interest to managers since the implementation of new information and communication technologies (ICTs). During the initial period, it was treated as an employee’s privilege or even a luxury and as such it was not a popular practice. The COVID-19 pandemic and the intervening period have changed attitudes toward remote work, as it became a necessity for many organisations. However, in connection with its use, many new, previously unknown problems have arisen, such as: the organisation of remote work, the supervision and monitoring of work performance, and employee support. The present research was conducted using a standardised questionnaire computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) method in May–June 2021 on a population of 248 enterprises, divided into micro, small, medium-sized and large entities. The research data were collected during the COVID-19 pandemic which, on the one hand, provided an exceptional opportunity to fill in the theoretical gaps that were existing in this field; however, on the other hand, it could be burdened with certain flaws due to the context of the pandemic. An enterprise’s attitude to remote work has a positive influence on the efficiency of the remote work, the control of the remote work and the remote work support, with the strongest impact exerted on the last of the factors mentioned. A better attitude to remote work influences, to the largest degree, an enterprise’s support for performing work from remote locations outside of corporate offices. Among the enterprises that were surveyed, the following were most frequently indicated as elements of such support: additional office equipment provided to an employee, remote work training, and the installation of additional computer programs. Financial support was declared by about 11% of the enterprises and it usually took the form of a remote work allowance or funds to cover the costs of purchasing equipment or paying for the Internet.
Exploring the Performance of International Airports in the Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Era: Evidence from Incheon International Airport
Authors: Shamohammadi Mehdi , Park Yonghwa , Choi Jong Hae , Kwon Oh Kyoung
Published: April 2022

Considering the socio-economic importance of Incheon International Airport, this study explored the changes in its aeronautical and non-aeronautical efficiency between 2001 and 2021. The study was conducted to measure and observe the changes in efficiency during the pre- and post-pandemic era of COVID-19. We employed a two-stage analytical approach to obtain the results using a set of desirable and undesirable variables. For the first stage, we employed a novel network data envelopment analysis–window analysis model to find the efficiency measures; for the second stage, we applied the Tobit regression analysis to observe the impact of some control variables on efficiency levels. The empirical results from the efficiency analysis stage revealed that, although the pandemic negatively affected the efficiency of this airport, the gain from appropriate strategies mitigated the excessive efficiency decline. Moreover, aeronautical activities showed better efficiency than non-aeronautical activities during the study period. In addition, further investigation of the second-stage analysis implied that an outbreak of pandemic diseases such as COVID-19 would dramatically impact international hubs such as Incheon International Airport; however, focusing on the import and export activities, in addition to increasing the connectivity with other airports, would improve the efficiency.
Chalcogen Atom-Doped Graphene and Its Performance in N2 Activation
Authors: Kuganathan Navaratnarajah
Published: April 2022

In this work, we studied dispersion correction, adsorption and substitution of chalcogen dopants (O, S, Se and Te) on the surface of graphene using density functional theory. The results reveal that a single oxygen atom is more preferred for adsorption onto the graphene surface than the other dopants, with an adsorption energy of −0.84 eV. The preference of this dopant is evidenced by a greater charge transfer of 0.34 electrons from the graphene surface to the oxygen. The substitutional doping of oxygen is energetically more favourable than the doping of other atoms. While nitrogen activation is enhanced by the adsorption, the activation is not significant with the doping of chalcogen atoms.
Fractional Hypergeometric Functions
Authors: Jain Shilpi , Cattani Carlo , Agarwal Praveen
Published: April 2022

The fractional calculus of special functions has significant importance and applications in various fields of science and engineering. Here, we aim to find the fractional integral and differential formulas of the extended hypergeometric-type functions by using the Marichev–Saigo–Maeda operators. All the outcomes presented here are of general attractiveness and can yield a number of previous works as special cases due to the high degree of symmetry of the involved functions.
q1q2-Ostrowski-Type Integral Inequalities Involving Property of Generalized Higher-Order Strongly n-Polynomial Preinvexity
Authors: Kalsoom Humaira , Vivas-Cortez Miguel
Published: April 2022

Quantum calculus has numerous applications in mathematics. This novel class of functions may be used to produce a variety of conclusions in convex analysis, special functions, quantum mechanics, related optimization theory, and mathematical inequalities. It can drive additional research in a variety of pure and applied fields. This article’s main objective is to introduce and study a new class of preinvex functions, which is called higher-order generalized strongly n-polynomial preinvex function. We derive a new q1q2-integral identity for mixed partial q1q2-differentiable functions. Because of the nature of generalized convexity theory, there is a strong link between preinvexity and symmetry. Utilizing this as an auxiliary result, we derive some estimates of upper bound for functions whose mixed partial q1q2-differentiable functions are higher-order generalized strongly n-polynomial preinvex functions on co-ordinates. Our results are the generalizations of the results in earlier papers. Quantum inequalities of this type and the techniques used to solve them have applications in a wide range of fields where symmetry is important.
Epidemiologic, Imaging, and Clinical Issues in Bezold’s Abscess: A Systematic Review
Authors: Valeggia Silvia , Minerva Matteo , Muraro Eva , Bovo Roberto , Marioni Gino , Manara Renzo , Brotto Davide
Published: April 2022

Bezold’s abscess is a deep neck abscess related to otomastoiditis. Due to the insidious clinical presentation, diagnosis can be extremely challenging, leading to delays in treatment and possible life-threatening complications. The literature currently provides a fragmented picture, presenting only single or small number of cases. The present study aims at examining our experience and the literature findings (based on PRISMA criteria) of 97 patients with Bezold’s abscess, summarizing their epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, imaging findings, and treatments. Bezold’s abscess is found at any age, with overt male prevalence among adults. The clinical presentation, as well as the causative pathogens, are strikingly heterogeneous. Otomastoiditis and cholesteatoma are major risk factors. A clinical history of otitis is commonly reported (43%). CT and MRI are the main diagnostic tools, proving the erosion of the mastoid tip in 53% of patients and the presence of a concomitant cholesteatoma in 40%. Intracranial vascular (24%) or infectious (9%) complications have also been reported. Diagnosis might be easily achieved when imaging (CT) is properly applied. MRI has a limited diagnostic role, but it might be crucial whenever intracranial complications or the coexistence of cholesteatoma are suspected, helping to develop proper treatment (prompt antibiotic therapy and surgery).
State of the Art on the Role of Postmortem Computed Tomography Angiography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Cardiac Causes of Death: A Narrative Review
Authors: Stassi Chiara , Mondello Cristina , Baldino Gennaro , Cardia Luigi , Gualniera Patrizia , Calapai Fabrizio , Sapienza Daniela , Asmundo Alessio , Ventura Spagnolo Elvira
Published: April 2022

The need of a minimally invasive approach, especially in cases of cultural or religious oppositions to the internal examination of the body, has led over the years to the introduction of postmortem CT (PMCT) methodologies within forensic investigations for the comprehension of the cause of death in selected cases (e.g., traumatic deaths, acute hemorrhages, etc.), as well as for personal identification. The impossibility to yield clear information concerning the coronary arteries due to the lack of an active circulation to adequately distribute contrast agents has been subsequently overcome by the introduction of coronary-targeted PMCT Angiography (PMCTA), which has revealed useful in the detection of stenoses related to calcifications and/or atherosclerotic plaques, as well as in the suspicion of thrombosis. In parallel, due to the best ability to study the soft tissues, cardiac postmortem MR (PMMR) methodologies have been further implemented, which proved suitable for the detection and aging of infarcted areas, and for cardiomyopathies. Hence, the purpose of the present work to shed light on the state of the art concerning the value of both coronary-targeted PMCTA and PMMR in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease and/or myocardial infarction as causes of death, further evaluating their suitability as alternatives or complementary approaches to standard autopsy and histologic investigations.
Antibiotics in Wastewater: Baseline of the Influent and Effluent Streams in Kuwait
Authors: Gevao Bondi , Uddin Saif , Krishnan Divya , Rajagopalan Smitha , Habibi Nazima
Published: April 2022

This study provides baseline information on the concentrations of antibiotics in influent and effluent from two wastewater treatment plants in regular operation in the State of Kuwait. Wastewater samples were collected from the influent and effluent streams of two WWTPs, over four sampling campaigns and analyzed for a broad range of antibiotics. The mean influent concentrations of sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, and cefalexin were 852 ng/L, 672 ng/L, 592 ng/L), and 491 ng/L, respectively, at Umm Al Hayman WWTP. At the Kabd WWTP, the influent concentration of clarithromycin was highest with a mean of 949 ng/L, followed by ciprofloxacin (mean, 865 ng/L), cefalexin (mean, 598 ng/L), and sulfamethoxazole (mean, 520 ng/L). The dominant compounds in the effluent from Umm Al Hayman were sulfamethoxazole (mean, 212 ng/L), ciprofloxacin (mean, 153 ng/L), ofloxacin (mean, 120 ng/L), dimetridazole (mean, 96 ng/L), and metronidazole (mean, 93 ng/L). Whereas, at the Kabd WWTP, the dominant compounds were sulfamethoxazole (mean, 338 ng/L), dimetridazole (mean, 274 ng/L), cefalexin (mean, 213 ng/L), ciprofloxacin (mean, 192 ng/L), and clarithromycin (189 ng/L). The mean influent concentrations of all compounds were higher than those measured in the effluents. The concentrations of antibiotic compounds were not significantly different between the two WWTPs (p > 0.05). The removal efficiencies of the various antibiotics over the four sampling campaigns for the Kabd and Umm Hayman WWTPs ranged between 10.87 and 99.75% and also showed that they were variable and were compound dependent. The data clearly show that the concentrations of antibiotics measured in the influents of both WWTPs were highest in samples collected during the winter-summer (September samples) transition followed by the concentrations measured during the winter-summer (March samples) transition period. This is possibly linked to the increased prescription of these medications to treat infectious diseases and flu prevalent in Kuwait during these periods. This study provides the first reported concentrations of antibiotics in the dissolved aqueous influents and effluents of WWTPs in Kuwait. Additional studies are required to evaluate the environmental impact that antibiotic residues may cause since treated wastewater is used in irrigation, and often there are instances when untreated wastewater is discharged directly into the marine environment.
Alpha-1 Acid Glycoprotein Reduction Differentiated Recovery from Remission in a Small Cohort of Cats Treated for Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Authors: Addie Diane , Silveira Carla , Aston Charlotte , Brauckmann Pauline , Covell-Ritchie Johanna , Felstead Chris , Fosbery Mark , Gibbins Caryn , Macaulay Kristina , McMurrough James , Pattison Ed , Robertson Elise
Published: April 2022

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a systemic immune-mediated inflammatory perivasculitis that occurs in a minority of cats infected with feline coronavirus (FCoV). Various therapies have been employed to treat this condition, which was previously usually fatal, though no parameters for differentiating FIP recovery from remission have been defined to enable clinicians to decide when it is safe to discontinue treatment. This retrospective observational study shows that a consistent reduction of the acute phase protein alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) to within normal limits (WNL, i.e., 500 μg/mL or below), as opposed to duration of survival, distinguishes recovery from remission. Forty-two cats were diagnosed with FIP: 75% (12/16) of effusive and 54% (14/26) of non-effusive FIP cases recovered. Presenting with the effusive or non-effusive form did not affect whether or not a cat fully recovered (p = 0.2). AGP consistently reduced to WNL in 26 recovered cats but remained elevated in 16 cats in remission, dipping to normal once in two of the latter. Anaemia was present in 77% (23/30) of the cats and resolved more quickly than AGP in six recovered cats. The presence of anaemia did not affect the cat’s chances of recovery (p = 0.1). Lymphopenia was observed in 43% (16/37) of the cats and reversed in nine recovered cats but did not reverse in seven lymphopenic cats in the remission group. Fewer recovered cats (9/24: 37%) than remission cats (7/13: 54%) were lymphopenic, but the difference was not statistically different (p = 0.5). Hyperglobulinaemia was slower than AGP to return to WNL in the recovered cats. FCoV antibody titre was high in all 42 cats at the outset. It decreased significantly in 7 recovered cats but too slowly to be a useful parameter to determine discontinuation of antiviral treatments. Conclusion: a sustained return to normal levels of AGP was the most rapid and consistent indicator for differentiating recovery from remission following treatment for FIP. This study provides a useful model for differentiating recovery from chronic coronavirus disease using acute phase protein monitoring.
Huaier Polysaccharide Interrupts PRV Infection via Reducing Virus Adsorption and Entry
Authors: Huan Changchao , Yao Jingting , Xu Weiyin , Zhang Wei , Zhou Ziyan , Pan Haochun , Gao Song
Published: April 2022

A pseudorabies virus (PRV) novel virulent variant outbreak occurred in China in 2011. However, little is known about PRV prevention and treatment. Huaier polysaccharide has been used to treat some solid cancers, although its antiviral activity has not been reported. Our study confirmed that the polysaccharide can effectively inhibit infection of PRV XJ5 in PK15 cells. It acted in a dose-dependent manner when blocking virus adsorption and entry into PK15 cells. Moreover, it suppressed PRV replication in PK15 cells. In addition, the results suggest that Huaier polysaccharide plays a role in treating PRV XJ5 infection by directly inactivating PRV XJ5. In conclusion, Huaier polysaccharide might be a novel therapeutic agent for preventing and controlling PRV infection.
Expression of the Heterotrimeric GP2/GP3/GP4 Spike of an Arterivirus in Mammalian Cells
Authors: Matczuk Anna Karolina , Zhang Minze , Veit Michael , Ugorski Maciej
Published: April 2022

Equine arteritis virus (EAV), an enveloped positive-strand RNA virus, is an important pathogen of horses and the prototype member of the Arteiviridae family. Unlike many other enveloped viruses, which possess homotrimeric spikes, the spike responsible for cellular tropism in Arteriviruses is a heterotrimer composed of 3 glycoproteins: GP2, GP3, and GP4. Together with the hydrophobic protein E they are the minor components of virus particles. We describe the expression of all 3 minor glycoproteins, each equipped with a different tag, from a multi-cassette system in mammalian BHK-21 cells. Coprecipitation studies suggest that a rather small faction of GP2, GP3, and GP4 form dimeric or trimeric complexes. GP2, GP3, and GP4 co-localize with each other and also, albeit weaker, with the E-protein. The co-localization of GP3-HA and GP2-myc was tested with markers for ER, ERGIC, and cis-Golgi. The co-localization of GP3-HA was the same regardless of whether it was expressed alone or as a complex, whereas the transport of GP2-myc to cis-Golgi was higher when this protein was expressed as a complex. The glycosylation pattern was also independent of whether the proteins were expressed alone or together. The recombinant spike might be a tool for basic research but might also be used as a subunit vaccine for horses.
Public Health Surveillance for Adverse Events Following COVID-19 Vaccination in Africa
Authors: Anjorin AbdulAzeez Adeyemi , Odetokun Ismail A. , Nyandwi Jean Baptiste , Elnadi Hager , Awiagah Kwame Sherrif , Eyedo Joseph , Abioye Ajibola Ibraheem , Gachara George , Maisara Aala MohmedOsman , Razouqi Youssef , Yusuf Mohamud Mohamed Farah , Mhgoob Zuhal Ebrahim , Ajayi Tunde , Ntirenganya Lazare , Saibu Morounke , Salako Babatunde Lawal , Elelu Nusirat , Wright Kikelomo Ololade , Fasina Folorunso O. , Mosbah Rasha
Published: April 2022

Local, national, and international health agencies have advocated multi-pronged public health strategies to limit infections and prevent deaths. The availability of safe and effective vaccines is critical in the control of a pandemic. Several adverse events have been reported globally following reception of different vaccines, with limited or no data from Africa. This cross-sectional epidemiological study investigated adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination in Africans from April–June, 2021 using a structured online questionnaire. Out of 1200 participants recruited, a total of 80.8% (n = 969) respondents from 35 countries, including 22 African countries and 13 countries where Africans live in the diaspora, reported adverse events. Over half of the vaccinees were male (53.0%) and frontline healthcare workers (55.7%), respectively. A total of 15.6% (n = 151) reported previous exposure to SARS-CoV-2, while about one-fourth, 24.8% (n = 240), reported different underlying health conditions prior to vaccination. Fatal cases were 5.1% (n = 49), while other significant heterogenous events were reported in three categories: very common, common, and uncommon, with the latter including enlarged lymph nodes 2.4% (n = 23), menstrual disorder 0.5% (n = 5), and increased libido 0.2% (n = 2). The study provided useful data for concerned authorities and institutions to prepare plans that will address issues related to COVID-19 vaccines.
Welfare Assessment Tools in Zoos: From Theory to Practice
Authors: Jones Narelle , Sherwen Sally L. , Robbins Rachel , McLelland David J. , Whittaker Alexandra L.
Published: April 2022

Zoos are increasingly implementing formalized animal welfare assessment programs to allow monitoring of welfare over time, as well as to aid in resource prioritization. These programs tend to rely on assessment tools that incorporate resource-based and observational animal-focused measures. A narrative review of the literature was conducted to bring together recent studies examining welfare assessment methods in zoo animals. A summary of these methods is provided, with advantages and limitations of the approaches presented. We then highlight practical considerations with respect to implementation of these tools into practice, for example scoring schemes, weighting of criteria, and innate animal factors for consideration. It is concluded that there would be value in standardizing guidelines for development of welfare assessment tools since zoo accreditation bodies rarely prescribe these. There is also a need to develop taxon or species-specific assessment tools to complement more generic processes and more directly inform welfare management.
E-cadherin Expression in Canine Gastric Carcinomas: Association with Clinicopathological Parameters
Authors: Flores Ana , Rêma Alexandra , Mesquita João , Taulescu Marian , Seixas Fernanda , Gärtner Fátima , Amorim Irina
Published: April 2022

E-cadherin (E-cad) is a cell-adhesion molecule known for its tumor-invasion suppressor function. E-cad expression was examined immunohistochemically in a series of canine tissue samples, including normal gastric mucosa (NGM; n = 3), gastric carcinomas (GC; n = 33), adjacent non-neoplastic mucosa (NNM; n = 32), neoplastic emboli (n = 16) and metastatic lesions (n = 9). The relationship between E-cad expression and clinicopathological features were investigated. In NGM, epithelial cells showed strong latero-lateral membranous expression of E-cad, and this pattern was considered normal. The membranous staining was preserved in all specimens of NNM (100%), whereas abnormal E-cad expression was found in 87.9% of the GCs. A marked difference in E-cad expression was observed between normal and malignant tissues (p < 0.0002). Abnormal E-cad expression was significantly more frequent in poorly/undifferentiated carcinomas (96%) and diffuse (95%) and indeterminate carcinomas (100%) than in well-differentiated/intestinal ones (62.5%; p = 0.0115 and p = 0.0392, respectively). There was significant association between abnormal E-cad expression and the depth of invasion (p = 0.0117), and the presence neoplastic emboli (p = 0.0194). No statistically significant differences in E-cad expression were observed concerning tumor location, histological type according to WHO classification, and presence of metastatic lesions. Therefore, deregulation of E-cad expression may play a role in canine gastric carcinogenesis and in tumor progression; moreover, it might be a prognostic tool for canine gastric cancer.
A Multiscale Approach for Predicting Certain Effects of Hand-Transmitted Vibration on Finger Arteries
Authors: Noël Christophe , Settembre Nicla , Reda Maha , Jacquet Emmanuelle
Published: April 2022

Prolonged exposure to strong hand-arm vibrations can lead to vascular disorders such as Vibration White Finger (VWF). We modeled the onset of this peripheral vascular disease in two steps. The first consists in assessing the reduction in shearing forces exerted by the blood on the walls of the arteries (Wall Shear Stress—WSS) during exposure to vibrations. An acute but repeated reduction in WSS can lead to arterial stenosis characteristic of VWF. The second step is devoted to using a numerical mechano-biological model to predict this stenosis as a function of WSS. WSS is reduced by a factor of 3 during exposure to vibration of 40 m·s−2. This reduction is independent of the frequency of excitation between 31 Hz and 400 Hz. WSS decreases logarithmically when the amplitude of the vibration increases. The mechano-biological model simulated arterial stenosis of 30% for an employee exposed for 4 h a day for 10 years. This model also highlighted the chronic accumulation of matrix metalloproteinase 2. By considering daily exposure and the vibratory level, we can calculate the degree of stenosis, thus that of the disease for chronic exposure to vibrations.
Water Quality and Water Pollution in Time of COVID-19: Positive and Negative Repercussions
Authors: Manoiu Valentina-Mariana , Kubiak-Wójcicka Katarzyna , Craciun Alexandru-Ioan , Akman Çiğdem , Akman Elvettin
Published: April 2022

On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the new COVID-19 disease a pandemic. Most countries responded with a lockdown to reduce its effects, which brought beneficial consequences to the environment in many regions, but the pandemic also raised a series of challenges. This review proposes an assessment of the COVID-19 pandemic positive and negative impacts on water bodies on different continents. By applying a search protocol on the Web of Science platform, a scientific bank of 35 compatible studies was obtained out of the 62 open-access articles that were initially accessible. Regarding the positive impacts, the SARS-CoV-2 monitoring in sewage waters is a useful mechanism in the promptly exposure of community infections and, during the pandemic, many water bodies all over the world had lower pollution levels. The negative impacts are as follows: SARS-CoV-2 presence in untreated sewage water amplifies the risk to human health; there is a lack of adequate elimination processes of plastics, drugs, and biological pollution in wastewater treatment plants; the amount of municipal and medical waste that pollutes water bodies increased; and waste recycling decreased. Urgent preventive measures need to be taken to implement effective solutions for water protection.
Advances in River Hydraulic Characterization
Authors: De Bartolo Samuele
Published: April 2022

The characterization of river hydraulics is very important for the definition of many problems connected with flood and morphodynamical models, including the stability of banks, slopes and sediments transport [...]
Automatic Recognition of Oil Spills Using Neural Networks and Classic Image Processing
Authors: Rousso Rotem , Katz Neta , Sharon Gull , Glizerin Yehuda , Kosman Eitan , Shuster Assaf
Published: April 2022

Oil spill events are one of the major risks to marine and coastal ecosystems and, therefore, early detection is crucial for minimizing environmental contamination. Oil spill events have a unique appearance in satellite images created by Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, because they are byproducts of the oil’s influence on the surface capillary, causing short gravity waves that change the radar’s backscatter intensity and result in unique dark formations in the SAR images. This signature’s appearance can be utilized to monitor and automatically detect oil spills in SAR images. Although SAR sensors capture these dark formations, which are likely connected to oil spills, it is hard to distinguish them from ships, ocean, land, and other oil-like formations. Most of the approaches for automatic detection and classification of oil spill events employ semantic segmentation with convolutional neural networks (CNNs), using a custom-made dataset. However, these approaches struggle to distinguish between oil spills and spots that resemble them. Therefore, developing a tailor-made sequence of methods for the oil spill recognition challenge is an essential need, and should include examination and choice of the most effective preprocessing tools, CNN models, and datasets that are specifically effective for the oil spill detection challenge. This paper suggests a new sequence of methods for accurate oil spill detection. First, a SAR image filtering technique was used for emphasizing the unique physical characteristics and appearance of oil spills. Each filter’s impact on leading CNN architectures performances was examined. Then, a method of a model ensemble was used, aiming to reduce the generalization error. All experiments demonstrated in this paper confirm that using the sequence suggested, in comparison to the common formula, leads to a 4.2% of improvement in the intersection over union score (IoU) for oil spill detection, and a 9.3% of improvement in the mean IoU among several relevant classes.
Integrated Growth Model of Typical Crops in China with Regional Parameters
Authors: Liu Fangliang , Liu Yunhe , Su Lijun , Tao Wanghai , Wang Quanjiu , Deng Mingjiang
Published: April 2022

The analysis of common properties of growth for crops is the basis for further understanding crop growth in different regions. We used four typical crops of China, winter wheat, summer maize, rice, and cotton, to build an integrated model suitable for simulating the growth of different crops. The rates and characteristics of crop growth were systematically analysed based on semirelative and fully relative logistic models of crop growth, and a comprehensive, fully relative logistic model for the four crops was established. The spatial distributions of the maximum leaf area index (LAImax) and maximum dry-matter accumulation (DMAmax) for the four crops were analysed. The semirelative and fully relative growth models exhibited different characteristics of crop growth. The essential characteristics of growth and the characteristics of the crops at each stage of growth were better represented by the fully relative logistic growth model than by the semirelative model. The comprehensive, fully relative logistic model fitted the growth of all four crops well. LAImax and DMAmax varied greatly amongst the four crops and were strongly regionally distributed. These indicators for the same crop were differentially spatially variable, and the two indicators were not significantly correlated, except for rice. LAImax and DMAmax in different regions could be obtained using a binary quadratic equation of water consumption and growing degree days for the crops. This study provides a novel method for quantitatively judging the status of crop growth, predicting crop yields, and planning for regional agricultural planting.