bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Consumer Trust Mechanism in China’s B2C E-Commerce Platform for Second-Hand Cars
Authors: Li Xueqian , Ma Jiaqi , Zhou Xinyu , Yuan Ruixia
Published: February 2023

The rapid development of China’s e-commerce industry has led to the rise of China’s second-hand car e-commerce. With the increasingly rich trust theory and the rapid development of e-commerce platforms, the issue of online consumer trust has attracted more and more scholars’ attention. This paper takes China’s B2C second-hand car e-commerce platforms as an example, combines the second-hand car research conclusions and consumer trust theory, and conducts a systematic study on the formation of consumer trust in second-hand car e-commerce platforms. Based on the trust of individual consumers, system environment, website/APP and platform companies, this paper explores the influencing factors of consumer trust and constructs the influencing factors model of trust formation. The empirical study was conducted by using the structural equation model and multiple regression to verify the degree of fitting of the theoretical hypothesis and the model. The research results have a certain reference value for the development of second-hand car e-commerce platforms.
Asymmetric Heat Transfer in Aircraft Electrothermal Anti-Icing
Authors: Xiong Huajie , Wu Wenjun , An Yijing , Li Xiao , Zhou Zhihong
Published: February 2023

Aircraft icing is an important cause of air disasters, and electrothermal anti-icing is a common protection method. In this work, the influence of icing meteorological conditions on the anti-icing was studied through an icing wind tunnel experiment on the fairing. Based on the finite volume method, a transient heat transfer calculation method for electrothermal anti-icing was proposed. The calculated results were compared with the experimental results, and the influence of heating mode and structure layout on the anti-icing effect was analyzed. The results show that the calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental results, and the heat transfer of the anti-icing structure shows obvious asymmetry. First, during heating, the temperature gradient of the structural profile is large, the high temperature is concentrated in the heating layer, and the temperature distribution of the heating layer is relatively uniform. During cooling, the temperature distribution of the structural profile is more uniform, the high temperature is mainly concentrated in the back conduction layer, and the temperature of the outer wall increases first and then decreases from the center to the surroundings. Second, when the spray is turned on, the temperature of the outer wall is significantly reduced, but the temperature of the heating layer hardly changes. Third, the uniform heating mode can simultaneously raise the temperature of the outer wall and reduce the temperature of heating layer. Fourth, while the front conduction layer can significantly affect the temperature of the heating layer and the outer wall, the effect of the back conduction layer is small. However, the back one can be used to control the structural temperature more finely.
Stop Guessing in the Dark: Identified Requirements for Digital Product Passport Systems
Authors: Jansen Maike , Meisen Tobias , Plociennik Christiane , Berg Holger , Pomp André , Windholz Waldemar
Published: February 2023

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a concept for collecting and sharing product-related information along the life cycle of a product. DPPs are currently the subject of intense discussion, and various development efforts are being undertaken. These are supported by regulatory activities, especially in the case of the battery passport. The aggregation of product life-cycle data and their respective use, as well as the sharing of these data between companies, entrepreneurs, and other actors in the value chain, is crucial for the creation of a resource-efficient circular economy. Despite the urgent need for such a solution, there is currently little attention given to the digital infrastructure for the creation and handling of the DPPs (i.e., the so-called DPP system). Moreover, there is so far no common understanding of what the requirements for a DPP system are. This is the background and underlying motivation of our paper: we identify the requirements for a DPP system in a structured way, i.e., based on stakeholder involvement and current literature from science and industry. In addition, we compose, categorize, and critically analyze the results, i.e., the list of requirements for DPP systems, in order to identify gaps. Summarized, our research provides insights into the criteria to be considered in the creation of an actual DPP system.
Deep mtDNA Sequence Divergences and Possible Species Radiation of Whip Spiders (Arachnida, Amblypygi, Phrynidae, Phrynus/Paraphrynus) among Caribbean Oceanic and Cave Islands
Authors: Agnarsson Ingi , Coddington Jonathan A. , Caicedo-Quiroga Laura , May-Collado Laura J. , Pálsson Snæbjörn
Published: February 2023

Islands—whether classic oceanic islands or habitat islands such as isolated thermal vents, mountain tops, or caves—often promote the diversification of lineages that colonize them. We examined CO1 mtDNA sequence divergences within the tailless whip spider genus Phrynus Lamarck, 1809 (Amblypygi: Phrynidae) among oceanic islands and among cave ’islands´ distributed across the Caribbean archipelago and on the continental mainland. The significance of this study lies in the extensive taxon sampling of a supposedly depauperate lineage (considering its age), over a large proportion of its geographical range, and the discovery of deep mtDNA sequence divergences. We sampled thousands of specimens—and sequenced 544, including six outgroup species—across 173 localities on 17 islands (135 localities) and five countries on the North to South American mainland (38 localities), including a total of 63 caves. Classical taxonomy identified ten named Phrynus and two Paraphrynus Moreno, 1940 species. Paraphrynus seems to be paraphyletic and nested in Phrynus. Uncorrected genetic distances within named species and among morphological species ranged up to 15% and 19%, respectively. Geographic distances explained a significant portion of genetic distances on islands (19%, among both subterranean and epigean specimens), and for epigean specimens on the mainland (27%). Species delimitation analyses indicated that the 12 named species harbored from 66 to well over 100 putative species. The highest number of species was indicated by the GMYC method (114 species) while the Bayesian Poisson tree processes (bPTP) and the BP&P relying on the Markov chain Monte Carlo Bayesian Phylogenetic model estimated an upper level of 110 species. On the other hand, the recently recommended and relatively conservative distance-based (phylogeny free) ASAP model has the greatest support for 73 species. In either case, nearly all putative species are tightly limited to a single locality, often a small cave system, and sometimes to the surrounding epigean area. Caribbean Phrynus diversity has likely been vastly underestimated, likely due to both morphological crypsis and the ignorance of Caribbean cave fauna. Although mtDNA sequences can suggest species limits, nuclear DNA sequencing and detailed morphological research are necessary to corroborate them and explore whether this phenomenon constitutes species radiation or perhaps just mtDNA divergences as a consequence of, for example, stationary females and actively dispersing males.
Prognostic Value of Initial Diagnostic Imaging Findings for Patient Outcomes in Adult Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yu Hang , Ande Sudharsana Rao , Batoo Divjeet , Linton Janice , Shankar Jai
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Termed the “silent epidemic,” traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the greatest global contributors not only to post-traumatic death but also to post-traumatic long-term disability. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to specifically evaluate the prognostic value of features on initial imaging completed within 24 h of arrival in adult patients with TBI. Method: The authors followed the PRISMA 2020 checklist for systematic review and meta-analysis design and reporting. Comprehensive searches of the Medline and Embase databases were carried out. Two independent readers extracted the following demographic, clinical and imaging information using a predetermined data abstraction form. Statistics were performed using Revman 5.4.1 and R version 4.2.0. For pooled data in meta-analysis, forest plots for sensitivity and specificity were created to calculate the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). Summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves were generated using a bivariate model, and diagnostic accuracy was determined using pooled sensitivity and specificity as well as the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC). Results: There were 10,733 patients over the 19 studies. Overall, most of the studies included had high levels of bias in multiple, particularly when it came to selection bias in patient sampling, bias in controlling for confounders, and reporting bias, such as in reporting missing data. Only subdural hematoma (SDH) and mortality in all TBI patients had both an AUC with 95% CI not crossing 0.5 and a DOR with 95% CI not crossing 1, at 0.593 (95% CI: 0.556–0.725) and 2.755 (95% CI: 1.474–5.148), respectively. Conclusion: In meta-analysis, only SDH with mortality in all TBI patients had a moderate but significant association. Given the small number of studies, additional research focused on initial imaging, particularly for imaging modalities other than NECT, is required in order to confirm the findings of our meta-analysis and to further evaluate the association of imaging findings and outcome.
Monitoring Resistance and Biochemical Studies of Three Egyptian Field Strains of Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Six Insecticides
Authors: Moustafa Moataz A. M. , Moteleb Rasha I. A. , Ghoneim Yehia F. , Hafez Sameh Sh. , Ali Reham E. , Eweis Essam E. A. , Hassan Nancy N.
Published: February 2023

Background: Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) is a prominent agricultural insect pest that has developed resistance to a variety of insecticide classes. In this study, the resistance of three field strains of S. littoralis, collected over three consecutive seasons (2018 to 2020) from three Egyptian Governorates (El-Fayoum, Behera and Kafr El-Shiekh), to six insecticides was monitored. Methods: Laboratory bioassays were carried out using the leaf-dipping method to examine the susceptibility of the laboratory and field strains to the tested insecticides. Activities of detoxification enzymes were determined in an attempt to identify resistance mechanisms. Results: The results showed that LC50 values of the field strains ranged from 0.0089 to 132.24 mg/L, and the corresponding resistance ratio (RR) ranged from 0.17 to 4.13-fold compared with the susceptible strain. Notably, low resistance developed to spinosad in all field strains, and very low resistance developed to alpha-cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos. On the other hand, no resistance developed to methomyl, hexaflumeron or Bacillus thuringiensis. The determination of detoxification enzymes, including carboxylesterases (α- and β-esterase), mixed function oxidase (MFO) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), or the target site of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), revealed that the three field strains had significantly different activity levels compared with the susceptible strain. Conclusion: Our findings, along with other tactics, are expected to help with the resistance management of S. littoralis in Egypt.
Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soils from Four Different Industrial Plants in a Medium-Sized City in North China
Authors: Yang Dejun , Zhu Huawei , Liu Jianqin , Zhang Yajun , Wu Song , Xiong Jibing , Wang Fayuan
Published: February 2023

Laboratory experiments were carried out to analyze 39 soil samples collected from four industrial areas in Xuzhou City using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The descriptive statistics of heavy metals (HMs) in the soil profiles showed that the HM content at three depths was highly variable, and most coefficients of variation (CVs) showed moderate variability. The enrichment of Cd at all depths exceeded the risk screening value, and Cd pollution occurred in four plants. The enrichment of the other HMs at three depths was mainly concentrated in the pharmaceutical plant A and chemical plant C. It was found that the different HMs had different vertical distribution characteristics. For the different industrial plants, the raw materials and products not only made the spatial distribution characteristics of the HMs different, but also caused the HM types and contents to differ. The average single pollution indices of Cd in plant A, iron-steel plant B, and plant C indicated a slight pollution level. The other seven HMs in A, B, and C and all HMs in chemical plant D belonged to the safe category. The mean values of the Nemerow pollution index in the four industrial plants belonged to the warning category. The analysis showed that none of the HMs posed potential noncarcinogenic health risks, and only the carcinogenic health risks of Cr in plants A and C were unacceptable. The carcinogenic effect of Cr through the inhalation intake of resuspended soil particulates and that of Cd, Ni, and As via direct oral ingestion were the main exposure pathways.
Fungal Contamination of Building Materials and the Aerosolization of Particles and Toxins in Indoor Air and Their Associated Risks to Health: A Review
Authors: Al Hallak Mohamad , Verdier Thomas , Bertron Alexandra , Roques Christine , Bailly Jean-Denis
Published: February 2023

It is now well established that biological pollution is a major cause of the degradation of indoor air quality. It has been shown that microbial communities from the outdoors may significantly impact the communities detected indoors. One can reasonably assume that the fungal contamination of the surfaces of building materials and their release into indoor air may also significantly impact indoor air quality. Fungi are well known as common contaminants of the indoor environment with the ability to grow on many types of building materials and to subsequently release biological particles into the indoor air. The aerosolization of allergenic compounds or mycotoxins borne by fungal particles or vehiculated by dust may have a direct impact on the occupant’s health. However, to date, very few studies have investigated such an impact. The present paper reviewed the available data on indoor fungal contamination in different types of buildings with the aim of highlighting the direct connections between the growth on indoor building materials and the degradation of indoor air quality through the aerosolization of mycotoxins. Some studies showed that average airborne fungal spore concentrations were higher in buildings where mould was a contaminant than in normal buildings and that there was a strong association between fungal contamination and health problems for occupants. In addition, the most frequent fungal species on surfaces are also those most commonly identified in indoor air, regardless the geographical location in Europe or the USA. Some fungal species contaminating the indoors may be dangerous for human health as they produce mycotoxins. These contaminants, when aerosolized with fungal particles, can be inhaled and may endanger human health. However, it appears that more work is needed to characterize the direct impact of surface contamination on the airborne fungal particle concentration. In addition, fungal species growing in buildings and their known mycotoxins are different from those contaminating foods. This is why further in situ studies to identify fungal contaminants at the species level and to quantify their average concentration on both surfaces and in the air are needed to be better predict health risks due to mycotoxin aerosolization.
The Effect of Mushroom Culture Filtrates on the Inhibition of Mycotoxins Produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus carbonarius
Authors: Loncar Jelena , Bellich Barbara , Cescutti Paola , Motola Alice , Beccaccioli Marzia , Zjalic Slaven , Reverberi Massimo
Published: February 2023

Two of the mycotoxins of greatest agroeconomic significance are aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), and ochratoxin A (OTA). It has been reported that extracts from some wood-decaying mushrooms, such as Lentinula edodes and Trametes versicolor showed the ability to inhibit AFB1 or OTA biosynthesis. Therefore, in our study, a wide screening of 42 isolates of different ligninolytic mushrooms was assayed for their ability to inhibit the synthesis of OTA in Aspergillus carbonarius and AFB1 in Aspergillus flavus, in order to find a metabolite that can simultaneously inhibit both mycotoxins. The results showed that four isolates produce metabolites able to inhibit the synthesis of OTA, and 11 isolates produced metabolites that inhibited AFB1 by >50%. Two strains, the Trametes versicolor strain TV117 and the Schizophyllum commune strain S.C. Ailanto, produced metabolites able to significantly inhibit (>90%) the synthesis of both mycotoxins. Preliminary results suggest that the mechanism of efficacy of the S. commune rough and semipurified polysaccharides could be analogous to that found previously for Tramesan®, by enhancing the antioxidant response in the target fungal cells. The overall results indicate that S. commune’s polysaccharide(s) could be a potential agent(s) in biological control and/or a useful component of the integrated strategies able to control mycotoxin synthesis.
Challenges and Opportunities in Clinical Diagnostic Routine of Envenomation Using Blood Plasma Proteomics
Authors: Cavalcante Joeliton dos Santos , de Almeida Denis Emanuel Garcia , Moraes Micael Saggion , Santos Sophia Ribeiro , Pincinato Pedro Moriel , Riciopo Pedro Marques , de Oliveira Laís Lacerda B. , Monteiro Wuelton Marcelo , Ferreira-Junior Rui Seabra
Published: February 2023

Specific and sensitive tools for the diagnosis and monitoring of accidents by venomous animals are urgently needed. Several diagnostic and monitoring assays have been developed; however, they have not yet reached the clinic. This has resulted in late diagnoses, which represents one of the main causes of progression from mild to severe disease. Human blood is a protein-rich biological fluid that is routinely collected in hospital settings for diagnostic purposes, which can translate research progress from the laboratory to the clinic. Although it is a limited view, blood plasma proteins provide information about the clinical picture of envenomation. Proteome disturbances in response to envenomation by venomous animals have been identified, allowing mass spectrometry (MS)-based plasma proteomics to emerge as a tool in a range of clinical diagnostics and disease management that can be applied to cases of venomous animal envenomation. Here, we provide a review of the state of the art on routine laboratory diagnoses of envenomation by snakes, scorpions, bees, and spiders, as well as a review of the diagnostic methods and the challenges encountered. We present the state of the art on clinical proteomics as the standardization of procedures to be performed within and between research laboratories, favoring a more excellent peptide coverage of candidate proteins for biomarkers. Therefore, the selection of a sample type and method of preparation should be very specific and based on the discovery of biomarkers in specific approaches. However, the sample collection protocol (e.g., collection tube type) and the processing procedure of the sample (e.g., clotting temperature, time allowed for clotting, and anticoagulant used) are equally important to eliminate any bias.
Medication Adherence to Psychotropic Medication and Relationship with Psychiatric Symptoms among Syrian Refugees in Turkey: A Pilot Study
Authors: Dikeç Gül , Timarcıoğlu Kübra
Published: February 2023

Background: Due to experiencing traumatic and stressful events, refugees are at risk of having mental disorders. The refugees might need to use psychotropic agents to treat mental disorders. It is essential to understand this population’s adherence rate to psychotropic medication. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate adherence to psychotropic medication and the relationship with psychiatric symptoms among Syrian refugees in Turkey. Method: The study design was descriptive and correlational. The study was conducted with 55 Syrian refugees attending a community health center in southern Turkey. The data was collected with General Medication Adherence Scale–Arabic Version (GMAS–AR) and Brief Psychiatric Inventory (BPI). Results: 78.2% (n: 43) of the participants’ medication adherence was poor, and a significant negative and weak correlation was found at 0.01 level between GMAS–AR and BPI (r: −0.37). According to multiple linear regression analysis, the model with gender and BPI was significant, and this model explained 19% of GMAS–AR total points (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Mental health professionals should test the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions that increase adherence to treatment for the cultural characteristics of societies.
Pneumocystis jirovecii Colonization in Mexican Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Plascencia-Cruz Marcela , Plascencia-Hernández Arturo , De Armas-Rodríguez Yaxsier , Cervantes-Guevara Gabino , Cervantes-Cardona Guillermo Alonso , Ramírez-Ochoa Sol , González-Ojeda Alejandro , Fuentes-Orozco Clotilde , Hernández-Mora Francisco Javier , González-Valencia Carlos Miguel , Pérez de Acha-Chávez Andrea , Cervantes-Pérez Enrique
Published: February 2023

The prevalence of colonization by Pneumocystis jirovecii (P. jirovecii) has not been studied in Mexico. We aimed to determine the prevalence of colonization by P. jirovecii using molecular detection in a population of Mexican patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and describe their clinical and sociodemographic profiles. We enrolled patients discharged from our hospital diagnosed with COPD and without pneumonia (n = 15). The primary outcome of this study was P. jirovecii colonization at the time of discharge, as detected by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of oropharyngeal wash samples. The calculated prevalence of colonization for our study group was 26.66%. There were no statistically significant differences between COPD patients with and without colonization in our groups. Colonization of P. jirovecii in patients with COPD is frequent in the Mexican population; the clinical significance, if any, remains to be determined. Oropharyngeal wash and nested PCR are excellent cost-effective options to simplify sample collection and detection in developing countries and can be used for further studies.
Leishmanicidal Activity of Guanidine Derivatives against Leishmania infantum
Authors: Almeida Fernanda Silva , Moreira Vitor Partite , Silva Edson dos Santos , Cardoso Leonardo Lima , de Sousa Palmeira Pedro Henrique , Cavalcante-Silva Luiz Henrique Agra , Araújo Demétrius A. M. de , Amaral Ian P. G. do , González Eduardo René Pérez , Keesen Tatjana S. L.
Published: February 2023

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical infectious disease with thousands of cases annually; it is of great concern to global health, particularly the most severe form, visceral leishmaniasis. Visceral leishmaniasis treatments are minimal and have severe adverse effects. As guanidine-bearing compounds have shown antimicrobial activity, we analyzed the cytotoxic effects of several guanidine-bearing compounds on Leishmania infantum in their promastigote and amastigote forms in vitro, their cytotoxicity in human cells, and their impact on reactive nitrogen species production. LQOFG-2, LQOFG-6, and LQOFG-7 had IC50 values of 12.7, 24.4, and 23.6 µM, respectively, in promastigotes. These compounds exhibited cytotoxicity in axenic amastigotes at 26.1, 21.1, and 18.6 µM, respectively. The compounds showed no apparent cytotoxicity in cells from healthy donors. To identify mechanisms of action, we evaluated cell death processes by annexin V and propidium iodide staining and nitrite production. Guanidine-containing compounds caused a significant percentage of death by apoptosis in amastigotes. Independent of L. infantum infection, LQOFG-7 increased nitrite production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, which suggests a potential mechanism of action for this compound. Therefore, these data suggest that guanidine derivatives are potential anti-microbial molecules, and further research is needed to fully understand their mechanism of action, especially in anti-leishmanial studies.
Natural History of Hepatosplenic Schistosomiasis (HSS) Non–Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension (NCPH): Influence of Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Decompensation in Prognosis
Authors: Veiga Zulane S. T. , Fernandes Flávia F. , Guimarães Lívia , Piedade Juliana , Pereira Gustavo Henrique S.
Published: February 2023

Background: Hepatosplenic schistosomiasis (HSS) is a peculiar form of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH). Although HSS patients present normal hepatic function, some evolve signs of hepatocellular failure and features of decompensated cirrhosis. The natural history of HSS-NCPH is unknown. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted that evaluated patients who fulfilled clinical-laboratorial criteria for HSS. Results: A total of 105 patients were included. Eleven patients already presented with decompensated disease and had lower transplant-free survival at 5 years than those without (61% vs. 95%, p = 0.015). Among 94 patients without prior decompensation, the median follow-up was 62 months and 44% of them had varicose bleeding (two or more episodes in 27%). Twenty-one patients presented at least one episode of decompensation (10-year probability 38%). Upon multivariate analysis, varicose bleeding and higher bilirubin levels were associated with decompensation. The 10-year probability of survival was 87%. Development of decompensation and age were predictive of mortality. Conclusion: HSS is characterized by multiple episodes of GI bleeding, a high probability of decompensation and reduced survival at the end of the first decade. Decompensation is more common in patients with varicose esophageal bleeding and is associated with lower survival.
Pauli Exclusion Classical Potential for Intermediate-Energy Heavy-Ion Collisions
Authors: Dorso Claudio O. , Frank Guillermo , López Jorge A.
Published: February 2023

This article presents a classical potential used to describe nucleon–nucleon interactions at intermediate energies. The potential depends on the relative momentum of the colliding nucleons and can be used to describe interactions at low momentum transfer mimicking the Pauli exclusion principle. We use the potential with molecular dynamics to study finite nuclei, their binding energy, radii, symmetry energy, and a case study of collisions.
Inertial Frame Dragging and Relative Rotation of ZAMOs in Axistationary Asymptotically Flat Spacetimes
Authors: Braeck Simen
Published: February 2023

In axistationary, asymptotically flat spacetimes, zero angular momentum observers (ZAMOs) define an absolute standard of non-rotation locally, as can be verified by the absence of any Sagnac effect for these observers. Nevertheless, we argue that on a global scale the only physically meaningful concept is that of relative rotation. The argument is substantiated by solving Einstein’s equations for an approximate thin shell model, where we maintain a degree of freedom, by relaxing the natural assumption of vanishing rotation at asymptotic infinity, at the outset of the analysis. The solution reveals that Einstein’s equations only determine differences in the rotation rate of ZAMOs, thereby establishing the concept of relative rotation globally. The interpretation of rotation as relative in a global context is inherently linked to the freedom to transform between coordinate systems rotating relative to each other, implying that an arbitrary ZAMO located at any radius may claim to be the one that is non-rotating on a global scale, and that the notion of an asymptotic Lorentz frame relative to which one may measure absolute rotation is devoid of any meaning. The concept of rotation in Kerr spacetime is then briefly discussed in the context of this interpretation.
Impact of Previous Common Human Coronavirus Exposure on SARS-CoV-2-Specific T-Cell and Memory B-Cell Response after mRNA-Based Vaccination
Authors: Casado José L. , Vizcarra Pilar , Martín-Hondarza Adrián , Blasco Magdalena , Grandal-Platero Marta , Haemmerle Johannes , Fernández-Escribano Marina , Vallejo Alejandro
Published: February 2023

Objective: T-cell responses against SARS-CoV-2 are observed in unexposed individuals, attributed to previous common human coronavirus (HCoV) infections. We evaluated the evolution of this T-cell cross-reactive response and the specific memory B-cells (MBCs) after the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-based vaccination and its impact on incident SARS-CoV-2 infections. Methods: This was a longitudinal study of 149 healthcare workers (HCWs) that included 85 unexposed individuals that were subdivided according to previous T-cell cross-reactivity, who were compared to 64 convalescent HCWs. Changes in specific T-cell response and memory B-cell (MBC) levels were compared at baseline and after two doses of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-based vaccine. Results: A cross-reactive T-cell response was found in 59% of unexposed individuals before vaccination. Antibodies against HKU1 positively correlated with OC43 and 229E antibodies. Spike-specific MBCs was scarce in unexposed HCWs regardless of the presence of baseline T-cell cross-reactivity. After vaccination, 92% and 96% of unexposed HCWs with cross-reactive T-cells had CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses to the spike protein, respectively. Similar results to that were found in convalescents (83% and 92%, respectively). Contrarily, higher than that which was observed in unexposed individuals without T-cell cross-reactivity showed lower CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses (73% in both cases, p = 0.03). Nevertheless, previous cross-reactive T-cell response was not associated with higher levels of MBCs after vaccination in unexposed HCWs. During a follow-up of 434 days (IQR, 339–495) after vaccination, 49 HCWs (33%) became infected, with a significant positive correlation between spike-specific MBC levels and isotypes IgG+ and IgA+ after vaccination and a longer time to get infected. Interestingly, T-cell cross-reactivity did not reduce the time to vaccine breakthrough infections. Conclusion: While pre-existing T-cell cross-reactivity enhances the T-cell response after vaccination, it does not increase SARS-CoV-2-specific MBC levels in the absence of previous infection. Overall, the level of specific MBCs determines the time to breakthrough infections, regardless of the presence of T-cell cross-reactivity.
Bovine Enteroids as an In Vitro Model for Infection with Bovine Coronavirus
Authors: Shakya Ruchika , Jiménez-Meléndez Alejandro , Robertson Lucy J. , Myrmel Mette
Published: February 2023

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is one of the major viral pathogens of cattle, responsible for economic losses and causing a substantial impact on animal welfare. Several in vitro 2D models have been used to investigate BCoV infection and its pathogenesis. However, 3D enteroids are likely to be a better model with which to investigate host–pathogen interactions. This study established bovine enteroids as an in vitro replication system for BCoV, and we compared the expression of selected genes during the BCoV infection of the enteroids with the expression previously described in HCT-8 cells. The enteroids were successfully established from bovine ileum and permissive to BCoV, as shown by a seven-fold increase in viral RNA after 72 h. Immunostaining of differentiation markers showed a mixed population of differentiated cells. Gene expression ratios at 72 h showed that pro-inflammatory responses such as IL-8 and IL-1A remained unchanged in response to BCoV infection. Expression of other immune genes, including CXCL-3, MMP13, and TNF-α, was significantly downregulated. This study shows that the bovine enteroids had a differentiated cell population and were permissive to BCoV. Further studies are necessary for a comparative analysis to determine whether enteroids are suitable in vitro models to study host responses during BCoV infection.
Changing Ecotypes of Dengue Virus 2 Serotype in Nigeria and the Emergence of Cosmopolitan and Asian I Lineages, 1966–2019
Authors: Onoja Bernard A. , Maiga Mamoudou , Adesola Ridwan O. , Adamu Andrew M. , Adegboye Oyelola A.
Published: February 2023

Dengue virus (DENV) is a leading mosquito-borne virus with a wide geographical spread and a major public health concern. DENV serotype 1 (DENV-1) and serotype 2 (DENV-2) were first reported in Africa in 1964 in Ibadan, Nigeria. Although the burden of dengue is unknown in many African countries, DENV-2 is responsible for major epidemics. In this study, we investigated the activities of DENV-2 to determine the circulating strains and to appraise the changing dynamics in the epidemiology of the virus in Nigeria. Nineteen DENV-2 sequences from 1966–2019 in Nigeria were retrieved from the GenBank of the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI). A DENV genotyping tool was used to identify the specific genotypes. The evolutionary history procedure was performed on 54 DENV-2 sequences using MEGA 7. There is a deviation from Sylvatic DENV-2 to other genotypes in Nigeria. In 2019, the Asian I genotype of DENV-2 was predominant in southern Edo State, located in the tropical rainforest region, with the first report of the DENV-2 Cosmopolitan strain. We confirmed the circulation of other non-assigned genotypes of DENV-2 in Nigeria. Collectively, this shows that DENV-2 dynamics have changed from Sylvatic transmission reported in the 1960s with the identification of the Cosmopolitan strain and Asian lineages. Sustained surveillance, including vectorial studies, is required to fully establish the trend and determine the role of these vectors.
Usability and Vibration Analysis of a Low-Profile Automatic Powered Wheelchair to Motor Vehicle Docking System
Authors: Lee Chang , Daveler Brandon , Candiotti Jorge , Cooper Rosemarie , Sivakanthan Sivashankar , Deepak Nikitha , Grindle Garrett , Cooper Rory
Published: February 2023

The QLX is a low-profile automatic powered wheelchair docking system (WDS) prototype developed to improve the securement and discomfort of wheelchair users when riding in vehicles. The study evaluates the whole-body vibration effects between the proposed QLX and another WDS (4-point tiedown system) following ISO 2631-1 standards and a systematic usability evaluation. Whole-body vibration analysis was evaluated in wheelchairs using both WDS to dock in a vehicle while riding on real-world surfaces. Also, participants rated the usability of each WDS while driving a wheelchair and while riding in a vehicle in driving tasks. Both WDSs showed similar vibration results within the vibration health-risk margins; but shock values below health-risk margins. Fifteen powered wheelchair users reported low task load demand to operate both WDS; but better performance to dock in vehicles with the QLX (p = 0.03). Also, the QLX showed better usability (p < 0.01), less discomfort (p’s < 0.05), and greater security compared to the 4-point tiedown while riding in a vehicle (p’s < 0.05). Study findings indicate that both WDS maintain low shock exposure for wheelchair users while riding vehicles, but a better performance overall to operate the QLX compared to the 4-point tiedown system; hence enhancing user’s autonomy to dock in vehicles independently.
Internal Tube Occlusion with An Easily Removable Non-Absorbable Double Suture: A Novel Surgical Technique Adjunct for Non-Valved Glaucoma Drainage Devices
Authors: Savastano Alfonso , Gambini Gloria , Savastano Maria Cristina , Carlà Matteo Mario , Rizzo Clara , Caporossi Tomaso , Crincoli Emanuele , Rizzo Stanislao
Published: February 2023

To describe a surgical variant for non-valved glaucoma drainage device implants using an easily removable non-absorbable double suture into the lumen of the tube. A retrospective, non-comparative case series of 10 patients who underwent a non-valved glaucoma drainage device implant with an endoluminal double-suture for refractory glaucoma. The sutures were easily removed postoperatively without the need for an operating room. Intraocular pressure, number of medications, and early and late complications were evaluated with a follow-up of 12 months. None of the eyes that underwent an operation developed early or late complications. The first endoluminal suture was removed in all eyes with a mean time of removal of 30 ± 7 days. The second suture was removed in all eyes with a mean time of removal of 90 ± 7 days. No complications were noted, either, after or during suture removal. The mean preoperative IOP was 27.3 ± 4.0 and the postoperative IOP, at the end of the follow-up, was 12.7 ± 1.4. At the end of the follow-up, six patients (60%) achieved complete success and four patients (40%) achieved qualified success. In conclusion, in our case series, the surgical variant allowed for a safe and gradual regulation of the flow during postoperative management. Considering the efficacy of non-valved glaucoma drainage devices, an improvement in the safety profile allows surgeons to broaden the surgical indications.
Detection of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in Lake Tana, Ethiopia, Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Bayable Getachew , Cai Ji , Mekonnen Mulatie , Legesse Solomon Addisu , Ishikawa Kanako , Imamura Hiroki , Kuwahara Victor S.
Published: February 2023

Lake Tana is Ethiopia’s largest lake and is infested with invasive water hyacinth (E. crassipes), which endangers the lake’s biodiversity and habitat. Using appropriate remote sensing detection methods and determining the seasonal distribution of the weed is important for decision-making, water resource management, and environmental protection. As the demand for the reliable estimation of E. crassipes mapping from satellite data grows, comparing the performance of different machine learning algorithms could help in identifying the most effective method for E. crassipes detection in the lake. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the ability of random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and classification and regression tree (CART) machine learning algorithms to detect E. crassipes and estimating seasonal spatial coverage of the weed on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform using Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2 images. Cloud-masked monthly median composite Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2 data from October 2021 and 2022, January 2022 and 2023, March 2022, and June 2022 were used to represent autumn, winter, spring, and summer, respectively. Four spectral indices were derived and used in combination with spectral bands to improve the E. crassipes detection accuracy. All methods achieved greater than 95% and 90% overall accuracy when using Sentinel 2 and Landsat 8 images, respectively. Using both data sets, all methods achieved a greater than 93% F1 score for E. crassipes detection. Though the difference in performance between the methods was small, the RF was the most accurate, while the SVM and CART methods had the same accuracy. The maximum E. crassipes coverage area was observed in autumn (22.4 km2), while the minimum (2.2 km2) was observed in summer. Based on Sentinel 2 data, the E. crassipes area coverage decreased significantly by 62.5% from winter to spring and increased significantly by 81.7% from summer to autumn. The findings suggested that the RF classifier was the most accurate E. crassipes detection algorithm, and autumn was an appropriate season for E. crassipes detection in Lake Tana.
Elevated River Inputs of the Total Alkalinity and Dissolved Inorganic Carbon in the Northern Adriatic Sea
Authors: Giani Michele , Ogrinc Nives , Tamše Samo , Cozzi Stefano
Published: February 2023

The response of coastal systems to global acidification depends strongly on river inputs, which can alter the total alkalinity (AT) and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in seawater. The northern Adriatic Sea (NAd) is a shallow continental shelf region that currently receives about 15% of the total freshwater input in the Mediterranean Sea, where the role of riverine discharges on the carbonate system has been poorly studied. In particular, river discharges can alter the carbonate system in the sea, affecting both the equilibrium chemistry and biological processes. For the main rivers flowing into the NAd (the Po, Adige, Brenta, Piave, Livenza, Tagliamento, Isonzo, Timavo and Rižana), data were collected for the pH, concentrations of the total alkalinity (AT), Ca2+ and Mg2+ and the isotopic ratio of stable carbon in the dissolved inorganic carbon (δ13CDIC). The DIC fluxes were estimated using the THINCARB (THermodynamic modeling of INOrganic CARBon) model for the compilation of the AT and pH data. The results show that the total transport of the AT in the rivers was 205 Gmol yr−1 while the transport of the DIC was 213 Gmol yr−1, of which about 70% was from the Po River. About 97% of the DIC in the river waters was in the form of bicarbonates. The high Mg2+/Ca2+ ratios indicate that dolomite weathering is predominant in the Adige, Piave, and Livenza river basins, while lower ratios in the Timavo and Rižana rivers indicate a greater proportion of calcite. The mean δ13C-DIC value was estimated to be −10.0 ± 1.7 ‰, a value nowadays considered typical for the DIC flux inputs in oceanic carbon cycle modeling. The DIC flux depends on the mineral weathering and biological activity in each river basin. However, these natural processes can be modified by anthropogenic disturbances that should be better quantified.
Microplastics Removal from a Plastic Recycling Industrial Wastewater Using Sand Filtration
Authors: Umar Muhammad , Singdahl-Larsen Cecilie , Ranneklev Sissel Brit
Published: February 2023

The removal of microplastic from wastewater collected from a plastic recycling facility was investigated, using a laboratory scale sand-filter. Wastewater samples were collected before and after the onsite sand-filter, for characterization for different polymer types, sizes, and shapes. A considerable difference in the characteristics and concentrations of microplastics was observed before and after onsite sand-filtration, demonstrating differences in the source of microplastics and/or potential contamination of the sand-filter operated at the facility. The distribution of different polymers showed polyethylene and polypropylene to be the main microplastics present in the wastewater samples. In the next stage, the samples were passed through a laboratory scale sand-filter column, to investigate the removal of microplastics. The laboratory scale sand-filter showed high efficiency (up to 100%) in removing microplastics of all polymer types, shapes, and sizes, demonstrating the effectiveness of this well-developed, and widely adopted, method for the removal of microplastics from wastewater. As the green shift and circular economy will result in more plastics being recycled, this study demonstrates the need for quantification of microplastic in effluents from plastic recycling facilities. This is important for devising appropriate microplastic removal strategies, and meeting potential discharge regulations that may come into effect in the future.
Mapping and Assessment of Flood Risk in the Wadi Al-Lith Basin, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Elsebaie Ibrahim H. , Kawara Atef Q. , Alnahit Ali O.
Published: February 2023

Flood risk mapping is vital in watershed management and planning, especially in reducing flood damages. In this study, a flood risk map was developed for the Wadi Al-Lith watershed (Saudi Arabia) by combining geographic information system techniques with a multi-criteria decision-making method known as the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Several factors were investigated in the study, including elevation, slope, topographic wetness index, drainage density, rainfall, soil and land use, and land cover. The watershed was divided into five regions: very high, high, moderate, low, and very low flooding danger areas. The results showed that 35.86% of the total watershed area is under high and very high flood risks, while 26.85% of the total area is under a moderate flood risk. Less than 38% of the total watershed area was under a low flooding risk. The results of the developed model were validated with the flooding event that occurred on 23 November 2018 in the study area. The model was also compared with the flood mapping of the 100-year return period generated by the HEC-RAS software. Both the developed model and the HEC-RAS software showed similar results. The findings demonstrated that the developed model could be used to develop flood risk maps, especially in watersheds that experience scarcity and shortages in the short-interval rainfall measurements and the stream flow gauges (e.g., Wadi Al-Lith watershed and other watersheds in Saudi Arabia). Additionally, the obtained results can provide helpful knowledge for the policy- and decision-makers to make the right decisions regarding the effectiveness of the protective structures of the study area against the risk of flash flooding in the future.
Influence of Water Treatment Technology on the Stability of Tap Water
Authors: Domoń Andżelika , Papciak Dorota , Tchórzewska-Cieślak Barbara
Published: February 2023

Control of water quality changes in the distribution system is an important issue, due to consumer health, and a threat to technical infrastructure. Annual monitoring of water quality allowed us to analyze the physical, chemical, and biological stability of water produced in two different technological systems. The article examines the extent to which water purification technology affects the possibility of uncontrolled changes in water quality during its transport to the consumer (the risk of secondary water pollution has been estimated). Based on the obtained results, it was found that the groundwater treatment system based on the following processes—aeration, coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection—does not ensure the effective elimination of biogenic substances that determine sanitary safety. The treatment technology extended by an additional biofiltration process on granulated activated carbons (GAC) contributed to the improvement of the quality of the treated water (lowering the content of nutrients) and reduced the risk of losing the biological stability of the water in the distribution system. The biofiltration process did not change the physical and chemical stability of the water; the calculated corrosiveness indicators showed that the waters are devoid of aggressive properties, with a tendency to precipitate CaCO3. The production of stable water is a step forward in controlling water quality from source to tap.