bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organizational Maturity and Sustainability Orientation Influence on DMS Life Cycle—Case Analysis
Authors: Jordan Sandra , Sternad Zabukovšek Simona
Published: February 2023

The topic of the article addresses the management of the document management system (DMS), which represents one of the important steps for organizations to speed up the implementation of business processes, achieve better control over documents, and ensure safer operations. When implementing and using DMS, the importance of the organization’s maturity shall not be forgotten, as it gives the organization a framework to evaluate and improve the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the organization’s DMS, which can contribute to better decision-making and increased productivity. On the other hand, sustainable-oriented organizations are likely to show interest in choosing, implementing, and using DMS. In the article, the impact of an organization’s maturity and the role of sustainability on the DMS lifecycle are researched. Results are presented based on a case analysis of Company X. Supporting the case analysis, structured interviews with the project leader on the clients’ and the project leader on the providers’ side have been performed, which shall give a deeper insight into DMS implementation and the importance of sustainability and organizational maturity, resulting in more successful DMS implementation and use.
The Effect of Effluent Recirculation in a Full-Scale Constructed Wetland System
Authors: Herrera-Melián José Alberto , Guedes-Alonso Rayco , Tite-Lezcano Jean Carlos , Santiago Dunia E. , Ranieri Ezio , Alonso-Bilbao Ignacio
Published: February 2023

This study deals with the effect of effluent recirculation (ER) on the pollutant removal efficacy of a full-scale, hybrid treatment system composed of a macrophyte pond and a horizontal flow constructed wetland. The average removals of 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, total N (TN), ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N), total phosphorus (TP), sulfates, E. coli and Total coliforms (TC) for the years 2017–2018 (no recirculation), 2019 (50% recirculation) and 2021 (100% recirculation) were compared. Results show a general improvement of the effluent with ER. Removals for 0%, 50% and 100% ER, respectively, were: 59%, 61% and 66% for COD; 90%, 96% and 96% for BOD; 94%, 94% and 99% for TSS; 33%, 40% and 67% for TN; 22%, 30% and 55% for NH4-N; 92%, 98% and 96% for sulfates; 99.6%, 99.7% and 99.9% for E. coli; and 99.5%, 99.7% and 9.9% for TC. No clear effect was observed on the removal of TP and dissolved PO4-P, which were very low. 50% ER improved turbidity removal from 88% to 91%, but 100% ER provided worse results. The removal of NH4-N and TN significantly improved with 100% ER. This indicates that ER can be a simple, economic, and feasible way to upgrade the performance of full-scale natural wastewater treatment systems.
Higher Education, Technological Innovation, and Green Development—Analysis Based on China’s Provincial Panel Data
Authors: Zhang Tonggong , Ma Zhe , Shang Yingshi
Published: February 2023

Higher Education and technological innovations have so far proved to be key factors of regional green development as they have been seen to contribute greatly to economic growth and environmental protection. On the other hand, higher education positively supports technological innovation by offering knowledge production and transformation. The majority of the studies being conducted around this have focused more on promoting regional green development by backing the importance of technological innovation and the reinforcement of talent reserve in higher education. However, very few studies have been dedicated to pointing out specific ways in which higher education influences regional green development. In this study, based on provincial panel data for 2003–2020 in China, both the direct and in-between effect of higher education on green development was evaluated using the mediation effect model. Then a panel threshold model was created to explore the regional differences in this effect in China. Key results show that higher education significantly promotes regional green development, and technological innovation plays an in-between role in the above-mentioned influence relationships; there is significant diversity among regions with different developing levels of technological innovation, and the positive impact of higher education on green development in educationally developed provinces gradually decreases, while this positive impact in educationally developing provinces keeps rising. Specific policy recommendations to promote regional green development for higher education mainly include further balancing investment in higher education, coordinating the development of higher education and technological innovation, and strengthening the flow of resources among provinces.
Participatory Evaluation of Sorghum Processing and Sensory Attributes in Mali: Methodology for Improving Food Security Outcomes from Variety Development Efforts
Authors: Isaacs Krista , Smit Marjolein , Samaké Bakary , Rattunde Fred , Cissé Fatimata , Diallo Abdoulaye , Sidibe Mamourou , Weltzien Eva
Published: February 2023

A requirement for the successful development of new sorghum varieties in Mali is effective evaluation of grain qualities, since sorghum is a staple food crop on which farmers rely for food security. The diversity of grain quality and social aspects that determine varietal acceptability for processing and cooking, however, make this a challenging task. As the processors of sorghum grain in households, women’s knowledge of grain quality traits can contribute to this work. Our objective is to understand opportunities to use grain quality traits to identify experimental varieties that may contribute to food security. Culinary evaluations were conducted in nine villages across two sorghum production zones. Three teams of women, one per replicate, processed, cooked and evaluated five test varieties in each village. Sensory evaluations were conducted by 25 taste testers per village. The major varietal differences observed included the decortication losses, women’s appreciation for ease of processing, and consistency of the prepared food. The participatory evaluation of the quality testing results led to the development of the concept of ‘food yield’. Discussion of these results focuses on designing cost-efficient grain and food quality evaluations that rely on women’s expertise as processors and strengthens their role in the variety development process.
Applying Integrated Data Envelopment Analysis and Analytic Hierarchy Process to Measuring the Efficiency of Tourist Farms: The Case of Slovenia
Authors: Prevolšek Boris , Gačnik Maja Borlinič , Rozman Črtomir
Published: February 2023

This paper examines the efficiency of tourist farms in Slovenia by adopting an approach using a framework of non-parametric programming—Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), combining the two because the DEA analysis by itself does not take into account all attributes, especially qualitative ones. The beforementioned two methods rank the farm tourism units with respect to their efficiency. By using the DEA method, an input- and output-oriented BCC and CCR model were introduced to upgrade the criteria by including the additional non-numerical criteria of the AHP. The results of the models showed that there are possible improvements on all levels of efficiency, as well as on the criteria of the additional offer of tourist farms, which were analyzed in the AHP model with additional criteria. According to the estimated efficiency, the ranking of tourist farms differed according to the two methods. Within the group of farms assessed as efficient by DEA, the AHP model allowed a more accurate ranking.
Life Cycle Assessments of Takeaway Food and Beverage Packaging: The Role of Consumer Behavior
Authors: Caspers Justus , Süßbauer Elisabeth , Coroama Vlad Constantin , Finkbeiner Matthias
Published: February 2023

Consumer behavior can significantly influence the environmental impact of products. Takeaway food and beverage packaging can be assumed to be an example of this effect, as consumers directly affect its disposal or, in the case of reusable packaging, the reuse rate. While possible environmental impacts of takeaway food and beverage packaging are comprehensively discussed in available Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies, consumer behavior is not extensively considered. Thus, a literature review was used to analyze existing LCAs of takeaway food and beverage packaging regarding three aspects: (i) the extent to which consumers are considered in the use phase, (ii) the inclusion of littering, and (iii) the consideration of consumer behavior in the End-of-Life (EoL) phase. The analysis shows that none of the reviewed LCAs includes all reviewed aspects of consumer behavior, and that the depth of implementation varied significantly. We conclude that, currently, the topic is not adequately considered in available LCAs and future studies need to address it more widely. This is especially important for the comparison of single-use and reusable takeaway packaging, as consumer behavior significantly influences the environmental impact of both systems. Finally, we argue why a method that includes littering on takeaway packaging needs to be developed.
Does Environmental Cost Expenditure Matter? Evidence from Selected Countries in the Asia-Pacific Region
Authors: Ifada Luluk Muhimatul , Jaffar Romlah
Published: February 2023

This study investigated the effect of companies’ environmental cost expenditure on environmental performance and the disclosure thereof by selected companies in the Asia-Pacific region. This region is vulnerable to significant environmental degradation due to its substantial economic development. This study examined the issue from a legitimacy theory perspective. Secondary data, collected from the Bloomberg database of 578 listed companies from 2008 to 2020, were used as the sample for the study. The results show that the level of environmental cost expenditure does matter because it was positively associated with environmental performance and its disclosure. The environmental performance variable also served as a mediating variable between environmental cost expenditure and disclosure. Disclosure provides a signal to investors to access companies’ environmental initiatives and risks, which could influence their investment decision. The findings highlight the importance of companies’ financial commitment to protect and preserve the environment in their daily operation. The findings also help managers to make strategic business decisions to strengthen their companies’ legitimacy by operating within the norms and values shared by society. The results from this study provide an insight which can be generalized with respect to companies from other regions.
Income Expectations in Sustainability of Subjective Perception of Households’ Wellbeing
Authors: Dziechciarz–Duda Marta
Published: February 2023

The knowledge of the sources of the sustainability of the subjective perception of households’ material wellbeing is essential in designing a country’s effective socio-economic policy to increase citizens’ satisfaction. The empirical goal of the study is to check the effectiveness and efficiency of statistical and econometric tools. The cognitive task of the analysis is describing material wellbeing and identifying the sources of satisfaction with life. The methods applied to measure and model emotions of interest include correspondence analysis, hierarchical clustering and panel data models (within estimator variants). The main findings are that Polish households declare a sustainable, increasingly high subjective perception of wellbeing. The author identified possible sources of wellbeing and self-perception sustainability. The main factors constituting the subjective perception of wellbeing are dwelling situation and the possession of durables, along with the absence of drastic differences in the material condition of families.
A New Best Proximity Point Results in Partial Metric Spaces Endowed with a Graph
Authors: Aloqaily Ahmad , Souayah Nizar , Matawie Kenan , Mlaiki Nabil , Shatanawi Wasfi
Published: February 2023

For a given mapping f in the framework of different spaces, the fixed-point equations of the form fx=x can model several problems in different areas, such as differential equations, optimization, and computer science. In this work, the aim is to find the best proximity point and to prove its uniqueness on partial metric spaces where the symmetry condition is preserved for several types of contractive non-self mapping endowed with a graph. Our theorems generalize different results in the literature. In addition, we will illustrate the usability of our outcomes with some examples. The proposed model can be considered as a theoretical foundation for applications to real cases.
The Growth of Service Sectors, Institutional Environment and Quality Development in China’s Manufacturing
Authors: Han Dechao
Published: February 2023

The path of exploring the high-quality development of the manufacturing industry has become one of the focus issues in China. In terms of experience, the impact of service sector growth on the quality of China’s manufacturing industry is unclear. Therefore, institutional environment is incorporated in the research frame, and the Sys-GMM is used to estimate the relationship between them based on China’s provincial panel data from 2010 to 2020. The main results showed that: (1) Both the service sector growth and institutional environment can improve the quality of manufacturing development, and they have a significant interaction. (2) The impact of service sector growth on the quality of manufacturing industry decreases in the eastern, central and western regions of China. The expansion of foreign direct investment in services cannot significantly improve the quality development in China’s manufacturing, and there is no obvious interaction between SFDI and the institutional environment. However, the domestically funded service sector is the opposite. The main contribution of this paper is to empirically verify the impact of service sector growth on the quality of manufacturing development in China, and consider the differences in the impact of regional development of service sectors and the heterogeneity of investment subjects. In addition, from the perspective of system development, this article considers the influence of the institutional environment, so as to analyze the former’s impact on the latter in more detail.
Antenna-on-Chip for Millimeter Wave Applications Using CMOS Process Technology
Authors: Chung Ming-An , Chen Yu-Hsun , Meiy Ing-Peng
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a monopole patch antenna is designed, and the structure of the antenna is analyzed. The manufacturing process adopts TSMC 0.18 μm CMOS process technology. An artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) on the M1 layer is proposed in this paper to increase the radiation gain and reduce the reflection coefficient (S11) magnitude for impedance matching and antenna performance. This method can make up for the radiation efficiency and benefits of the antenna-on-chip that are affected by the high dielectric constant and low resistivity of the silicon substrate of the CMOS process. The antenna designed in this paper obtains a simulated bandwidth of 37.5 GHz to 69.5 GHz using the Electromagnetic Simulation Software, and the fractional bandwidth of the design is 60%. Among them, 62 GHz shows a maximum gain value of −2.64 dBi. Actual measurements have confirmed that the reflection coefficient of the antenna on the chip proposed in this paper is the same as the simulation trend, and a wider bandwidth is obtained from 20.9 GHz to 67 GHz, with a fractional bandwidth of 104.89%. This bandwidth covers millimeter wave 28 GHz, 38 GHz, and 60 GHz application frequencies.
Repeatability of Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Biomarkers in the Tibia Bone Marrow of a Murine Myelofibrosis Model
Authors: Ross Brian D. , Malyarenko Dariya , Heist Kevin , Amouzandeh Ghoncheh , Jang Youngsoon , Bonham Christopher A. , Amirfazli Cyrus , Luker Gary D. , Chenevert Thomas L.
Published: February 2023

Quantitative MRI biomarkers are sought to replace painful and invasive sequential bone-marrow biopsies routinely used for myelofibrosis (MF) cancer monitoring and treatment assessment. Repeatability of MRI-based quantitative imaging biomarker (QIB) measurements was investigated for apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), proton density fat fraction (PDFF), and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) in a JAK2 V617F hematopoietic transplant model of MF. Repeatability coefficients (RCs) were determined for three defined tibia bone-marrow sections (2–9 mm; 10–12 mm; and 12.5–13.5 mm from the knee joint) across 15 diseased mice from 20–37 test-retest pairs. Scans were performed on consecutive days every two weeks for a period of 10 weeks starting 3–4 weeks after transplant. The mean RC with (95% confidence interval (CI)) for these sections, respectively, were for ADC: 0.037 (0.031, 0.050), 0.087 (0.069, 0.116), and 0.030 (0.022, 0.044) μm2/ms; for PDFF: 1.6 (1.3, 2.0), 15.5 (12.5, 20.2), and 25.5 (12.0, 33.0)%; and for MTR: 0.16 (0.14, 0.19), 0.11 (0.09, 0.15), and 0.09 (0.08, 0.15). Change-trend analysis of these QIBs identified a dynamic section within the mid-tibial bone marrow in which confident changes (exceeding RC) could be observed after a four-week interval between scans across all measured MRI-based QIBs. Our results demonstrate the capability to derive quantitative imaging metrics from mouse tibia bone marrow for monitoring significant longitudinal MF changes.
Carcinogenic Activity and Risk Assessment of PAHs in Ambient Air: PM10 Particle Fraction and Bulk Deposition
Authors: Jakovljević Ivana , Smoljo Iva , Sever Štrukil Zdravka , Pehnec Gordana
Published: February 2023

This paper present seasonal variation in the equivalent concentration (BaPeq) of PAHs in order to assess the potential cancer risk for two different groups of residents via ingestion, dermal contact and inhalation pathways. The possible ecological risk caused by PAH atmospheric deposition based on risk quotient was also estimated. A bulk (total, wet and dry) deposition and PM10 particle fraction (particles with an equivalent aerodynamic diameter < 10 µm) were collected from June 2020 to May 2021 at an urban residential location in the northern part of Zagreb, Croatia. The monthly average of total equivalent BaPeq mass concentrations of PM10 varied from 0.057 ng m−3 in July to 3.656 ng m−3 in December; the annul ∑BaPeq average was 1.348 ng m−3. In bulk deposition, ∑BaPeq mass concentrations varied from 1.94 to 57.60 ng L−1. In both investigated media, BaP had the highest contribution in carcinogenic activity. For PM10 media, dermal absorption implied the greatest potential cancer risk, followed by ingestion and inhalation. For bulk media, a moderate ecological risk for BaA, BbF and BaP was observed according to the risk quotient approach.
Synthesis of Mixed-Phase TiO2–ZrO2 Nanocomposite for Photocatalytic Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Kumari Pooja , Saha Rajib , Saikia Gaurav , Bhujel Aditya , Choudhury Mahua Gupta , Jagdale Pravin , Paul Samrat
Published: February 2023

The use of TiO2 nanoparticles for photocatalysis for the degradation of organic dyes under UV light for wastewater treatment has been widely studied. However, the photocatalytic characteristics of TiO2 nanoparticles are inadequate due to their UV light response and higher band gap. In this work, three nanoparticles were synthesized: (i) TiO2 nanoparticle was synthesized by a sol-gel process. (ii) ZrO2 was prepared using a solution combustion process and (iii) mixed-phase TiO2–ZrO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by a sol-gel process to remove Eosin Yellow (EY) from aqueous solutions in the wastewater. XRD, FTIR, UV-VIS, TEM, and XPS analysis methods were used to examine the properties of the synthesized products. The XRD investigation supported the tetragonal and monoclinic crystal structures of the TiO2 and ZrO2 nanoparticles. TEM studies identified that mixed-phase TiO2–ZrO2 nanoparticles have the same tetragonal structure as pure mixed-phase. The degradation of Eosin Yellow (EY) was examined using TiO2, ZrO2, and mixed-phase TiO2–ZrO2 nanoparticles under visible light. The results confirmed that the mixed-phase TiO2–ZrO2nanoparticles show a higher level of photocatalytic activity, and the process is accomplished at a high degradation rate in lesser time and at a lower power intensity.
The Impact of Pesticide Use on Tree Health in Riparian Buffer Zone
Authors: Hanková K. , Maršík P. , Zunová T. , Podlipná R.
Published: February 2023

The result of the enormous usage of pesticides in agriculture is the contamination of soil and water bodies surrounding the fields. Therefore, creating buffer zones to prevent water contamination is very useful. Chlorpyrifos (CPS) is the active substance of a number of insecticides widely used all over the world. In our study, we focused on the effect of CPS on plants forming riparian buffer zones: poplar (Populus nigra L., TPE18), hybrid aspen (P.tremula L. × P. tremuloides Michx.), and alder (Alnus glutinosa L.). Foliage spray and root irrigation experiments were conducted under laboratory conditions on in vitro cultivated plants. Spray applications of pure CPS were compared with its commercially available form—Oleoekol®. Although CPS is considered a nonsystemic insecticide, our results indicate that CPS is transferred not only upwards from roots to shoots but also downwards from leaves to roots. The amount of CPS in the roots was higher (4.9 times and 5.7 times, respectively) in aspen or poplar sprayed with Oleoekol than in those sprayed with pure CPS. Although the treated plants were not affected in growth parameters, they showed increased activity of antioxidant enzymes (approximately two times in the case of superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase) and augmented levels of phenolic substances (control plants −114.67 mg GAE/g dry tissue, plants treated with CPS—194.27 mg GAE/g dry tissue). In summary, chlorpyrifos, especially as a foliar spray pesticide, can create persistent residues and affects not only target plants but also plants surrounding the field.
Repurposing Astragalus Polysaccharide PG2 for Inhibiting ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 Spike Syncytial Formation and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Authors: Lee Chia-Yin , Nguyen Anh Thuc , Doan Ly Hien , Chu Li-Wei , Chang Chih-Hung , Liu Hui-Kang , Lee I-Lin , Wang Teng-Hsu , Lai Jin-Mei , Tsao Shih-Ming , Liao Hsiu-Jung , Ping Yueh-Hsin , Huang Chi-Ying F.
Published: February 2023

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses a serious threat to global public health. In an effort to develop novel anti-coronavirus therapeutics and achieve prophylactics, we used gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) for drug screening and identified that Astragalus polysaccharide (PG2), a mixture of polysaccharides purified from Astragalus membranaceus, could effectively reverse COVID-19 signature genes. Further biological assays revealed that PG2 could prevent the fusion of BHK21-expressing wild-type (WT) viral spike (S) protein and Calu-3-expressing ACE2. Additionally, it specifically prevents the binding of recombinant viral S of WT, alpha, and beta strains to ACE2 receptor in our non-cell-based system. In addition, PG2 enhances let-7a, miR-146a, and miR-148b expression levels in the lung epithelial cells. These findings speculate that PG2 has the potential to reduce viral replication in lung and cytokine storm via these PG2-induced miRNAs. Furthermore, macrophage activation is one of the primary issues leading to the complicated condition of COVID-19 patients, and our results revealed that PG2 could regulate the activation of macrophages by promoting the polarization of THP-1-derived macrophages into an anti-inflammatory phenotype. In this study, PG2 stimulated M2 macrophage activation and increased the expression levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-1RN. Additionally, PG2 was recently used to treat patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms by reducing the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Therefore, our data suggest that PG2, a repurposed drug, possesses the potential to prevent WT SARS-CoV-2 S-mediated syncytia formation with the host cells; it also inhibits the binding of S proteins of WT, alpha, and beta strains to the recombinant ACE2 and halts severe COVID-19 development by regulating the polarization of macrophages to M2 cells.
Hepatitis B Virus Capsid: The Core in Productive Entry and Covalently Closed Circular DNA Formation
Authors: Mendenhall Megan A. , Hong Xupeng , Hu Jianming
Published: February 2023

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) relies on the core protein (HBc) to establish productive infection, as defined by the formation of the covalently closed circularized DNA (cccDNA), as well as to carry out almost every step of the lifecycle following cccDNA formation. Multiple copies of HBc form an icosahedral capsid shell that encapsidates the viral pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) and facilitates the reverse transcription of pgRNA to a relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA) within the capsid. During infection, the complete HBV virion, which contains an outer envelope layer in addition to the internal nucleocapsid containing rcDNA, enters human hepatocytes via endocytosis and traffics through the endosomal compartments and the cytosol to deliver its rcDNA to the nucleus to produce cccDNA. In addition, progeny rcDNA, newly formed in cytoplasmic nucleocapsids, is also delivered to the nucleus in the same cell to form more cccDNA in a process called intracellular cccDNA amplification or recycling. Here, we focus on recent evidence demonstrating differential effects of HBc in affecting cccDNA formation during de novo infection vs. recycling, obtained using HBc mutations and small molecule inhibitors. These results implicate a critical role of HBc in determining HBV trafficking during infection, as well as in nucleocapsid disassembly (uncoating) to release rcDNA, events essential for cccDNA formation. HBc likely functions in these processes via interactions with host factors, which contributes critically to HBV host tropism. A better understanding of the roles of HBc in HBV entry, cccDNA formation, and host species tropism should accelerate ongoing efforts to target HBc and cccDNA for the development of an HBV cure and facilitate the establishment of convenient animal models for both basic research and drug development.
Genomic Analysis of Two Novel Bacteriophages Infecting Acinetobacter beijerinckii and halotolerans Species
Authors: Gomes Marta , Domingues Rita , Turner Dann , Oliveira Hugo
Published: February 2023

Bacteriophages are the most diverse genetic entities on Earth. In this study, two novel bacteriophages, nACB1 (Podoviridae morphotype) and nACB2 (Myoviridae morphotype), which infect Acinetobacter beijerinckii and Acinetobacter halotolerans, respectively, were isolated from sewage samples. The genome sequences of nACB1 and nACB2 revealed that their genome sizes were 80,310 bp and 136,560 bp, respectively. Comparative analysis showed that both genomes are novel members of the Schitoviridae and the Ackermannviridae families, sharing ≤ 40% overall nucleotide identities with any other phages. Interestingly, among other genetic features, nACB1 encoded a very large RNA polymerase, while nACB2 displayed three putative depolymerases (two capsular depolymerases and one capsular esterase) encoded in tandem. This is the first report of phages infecting A. halotolerans and beijerinckii human pathogenic species. The findings regarding these two phages will allow us to further explore phage—Acinetobacter interactions and the genetic evolution for this group of phages.
Genetic Diversity of Norovirus in Children with Acute Gastroenteritis in Southwest Nigeria, 2015–2017
Authors: Arowolo Kafayat O. , Ayolabi Christianah I. , Adeleye Isaac A. , Lapinski Bruna A. , Santos Jucelia S. , Raboni Sonia M.
Published: February 2023

Norovirus (NoV) is a leading cause of viral gastroenteritis globally, especially in children below five years. Epidemiological studies on the diversity of NoV in middle- and low-income countries, including Nigeria, are limited. This study aimed to determine the genetic diversity of NoV in children below five years with acute gastroenteritis at three hospitals in Ogun State, Nigeria. A total of 331 fecal samples were collected from February 2015 to April 2017, while 175 were randomly selected and analyzed using RT-PCR, partial sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of both the polymerase (RdRp) and capsid (VP1) genes. NoV was detected in 5.1% (9/175; RdRp) and 2.3% (4/175; VP1) of samples, with 55.6% (5/9) co-infection with other enteric viruses. A diverse genotype distribution was identified, and GII.P4 was the dominant RdRp genotype detected (66.7%), with two genetic clusters, followed by GII.P31 (22.2%). The rare GII.P30 genotype (11.1%) was detected at a low rate for the first time in Nigeria. Based on the VP1 gene, GII.4 was the dominant genotype (75%), with two variants, Sydney 2012 and possibly New Orleans 2009, co-circulating during the study. Interestingly, both intergenotypic, GII.12(P4) and GII.4 New Orleans(P31), and intra-genotypic, GII.4 Sydney(P4) and GII.4 New Orleans(P4), putative recombinant strains were observed. This finding suggests the first likely report of GII.4 New Orleans(P31) in Nigeria. In addition, GII.12(P4) was first described in Africa and globally in this study, to the best of our knowledge. This study provided insights into the genetic diversity of NoV circulating in Nigeria, which would be useful for ongoing and future vaccine design and monitoring of emerging genotypes and recombinant strains.
Role of T Cells in Vaccine-Mediated Immunity against Marek’s Disease
Authors: Heidari Mohammad , Zhang Huanmin , Sunkara Lakshmi T , Ahmad Syed Mudasir
Published: February 2023

Marek’s disease virus (MDV), a highly cell-associated oncogenic α-herpesvirus, is the etiological agent of T cell lymphomas and neuropathic disease in chickens known as Marek’s disease (MD). Clinical signs of MD include neurological disorders, immunosuppression, and lymphoproliferative lymphomas in viscera, peripheral nerves, and skin. Although vaccination has greatly reduced the economic losses from MD, the molecular mechanism of vaccine-induced protection is largely unknown. To shed light on the possible role of T cells in immunity induced by vaccination, we vaccinated birds after the depletion of circulating T cells through the IP/IV injection of anti-chicken CD4 and CD8 monoclonal antibodies, and challenged them post-vaccination after the recovery of T cell populations post-treatment. There were no clinical signs or tumor development in vaccinated/challenged birds with depleted CD4+ or CD8+ T cells. The vaccinated birds with a combined depletion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, however, were severely emaciated, with atrophied spleens and bursas. These birds were also tumor-free at termination, with no virus particles detected in the collected tissues. Our data indicated that CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes did not play a critical role in vaccine-mediated protection against MDV-induced tumor development.
Post-COVID-19 Fungal Infection in the Aged Population
Authors: Chavda Vivek , Mishra Toshika , Kamaraj Sathvika , Punetha Swati , Sengupta Oishani , Joshi Yash , Vuppu Suneetha , Vaghela Dixa , Vora Lalitkumar
Published: February 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is currently a great cause of concern for the healthcare sector around the globe. SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus that causes a serious infection that is associated with numerous adverse effects and multiple complications associated with different organs and systems during its pathogenic cycle in humans. Individuals affected by COVID-19, especially elderly populations and immunocompromised people, are greatly vulnerable to opportunistic fungal pathogens. Aspergillosis, invasive candidiasis, and mucormycosis are widespread fungal coinfections in COVID-19 patients. Other fungal infections that are rare but are exhibiting increased incidence in the current scenario include infections caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii, Histoplasma sp., Cryptococcus sp., etc. By producing virulent spores, these pathogens increase the severity of the disease and increase the morbidity and fatality rates in COVID-19 patients globally. These infections generally occur in patients recovering from COVID-19 infection, resulting in rehospitalization. Older and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of developing opportunistic fungal infections. This review focuses on understanding the opportunistic fungal infections prevalent in COVID-19 patients, especially elderly people. We have also highlighted the important preventive methods, diagnostic approaches, and prophylactic measures for fungal infections.
Comparison of Adhesive Tape Impression Cytology, Hair Plucks, and Fungal Culture for the Diagnosis of Dermatophytosis in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Bouza-Rapti Pavlina , Karafylia Anastasia , Tamvakis Androniki , Farmaki Rania
Published: February 2023

Rapid diagnosis of dermatophytosis is essential for early treatment induction and prevention of spreading to other animals and humans. No single diagnostic test is identified as the “gold standard”. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the sensitivity of adhesive tape impression (ATI) cytology in dermatophyte identification and to compare three diagnostic tests for dermatophytosis. Thirty dogs, with alopecia (n = 19) or kerion (n = 11), and fifteen cats with alopecia were included in the study. Dermatophytosis was diagnosed with tape preparations in 82.2% (37/45) of cases, while with hair plucks in 66.7% (30/45) and fungal culture in 80% (36/45). In kerions, tape preparations and fungal culture had the same sensitivity (10/11, 90.9%) that was higher than that of hair plucks (4/11, 36.4%). The sensitivity was higher in cats than in dogs with alopecia for all tests, 80% versus (vs.) 73.7%, 86.7% vs. 68.4%, and 93.3% vs. 68.4% for cats and dogs for hair plucks, fungal culture, and tape preparations, respectively. No significant difference was found between the three tests, except for dogs with kerion. Hair plucks were less sensitive than fungal culture in kerions (p = 0.041), while in comparison with tape preparations they were marginally not significantly different (p = 0.078). ATI cytology is a useful diagnostic test in dermatophytosis, in dogs with kerion as well as cats.
Analysis of Preferential Flow in Artificial Substrates with Sedum Roots for Green Roofs: Experiments and Modeling
Authors: Chen Xuan , Liu Ruifen , Liu Defu , Xin Xiaokang
Published: February 2023

The occurrence of preferential flow in vegetated artificial substrates can weaken the stormwater management performance of green roofs. To explore preferential flow, various plant–substrate combinations that involved two Sedum species (Sedum sarmentosum and Sedum lineare) and two artificial substrates for three depths of 6, 10, and 14 cm were established. Artificial substrates without plants were either perlite-based (namely, PAS) or vermiculite-based (namely, VAS), and they were also set as controls. Thereafter, solute breakthrough experiments were conducted, followed by inverse and forward modeling in Hydrus-1D. Skewness coefficients of all solute breakthrough curves were non-zero, suggesting a prevalence of preferential flow. The Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficients during calibration and validation were greater than 0.7. The obtained hydraulic parameters were different among various vegetated PAS and pure PAS without plants, but appeared the same for the VAS case. Rainfall intensity, plant species, and substrate depth, and the interaction of plant species and substrate depth all had significant effects on PAS preferential flow outflow and index (PFI). Substrate depth had a significant effect on VAS preferential flow and PFI. Since a 10 cm-PAS with S. lineare had the smallest PFI of 43.16% in simulation scenarios, its use may better control preferential flow in green roofs.
Multi-Remote Sensing Data Analysis for Identifying the Impact of Human Activities on Water-Related Ecosystem Services in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, China
Authors: Wu Yifan , Xu Yang , Zhang Xuan , Li Chong , Hao Fanghua
Published: February 2023

The ecosystem service (ES) is the basis for human lives, and is also one of the criteria for evaluating environmental conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to understand how human activities would affect the ESs under the rapid urbanization and social-economic development phenomena. This study selected four vital important water-related ESs, including the water yield, soil retention, water purification, and net primary productivity (NPP), to detect how the structure and function of ecosystems had changed in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) from 1999–2018, by applying multi-remote sensing methods. The results show that: though the YREB has experienced rapid urbanization during the study period, the integrated ecosystem services value (ESV) did not present a significant change trend, and the average integrated (ESV) is 5.06 × 1012 yuan. The 20-year average water yield, soil retention, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and NPP of the YREB are 1.378 × 1012 m3; 6.35 × 1010 t, 2.92 × 105 t, 6.89 × 104 t, 1.55 × 1015 gC, respectively. Most provinces and cities present a weak negative correlation between human activities and the integrated ESV, while human activities show more than 50% attribution weights on ESV change, especially in three urban agglomeration areas. Moreover, the NPP has been found not to be mainly affected by human activities, which may stress the irreplaceable effects of climate change and other environmental protection actions. These findings emphasize that it is crucial to regulate human activities to guarantee ecosystem health and ESs in the future.
Soft Computing and Machine Learning in Dam Engineering
Authors: Hariri-Ardebili Mohammad Amin , Salazar Fernando , Pourkamali-Anaraki Farhad , Mazzà Guido , Mata Juan
Published: February 2023

Dams have played a vital role in human civilization for thousands of years, providing vital resources such as water and electricity, and performing important functions such as flood control [...]
Simulation and Key Physical Drivers of Primary Productivity in a Temperate Lake during the Ice-Covered Period: Based on the VGPM Model
Authors: Zhang Jie , Xie Fei , Song Haoming , Meng Jingya , Zhang Yiwen
Published: February 2023

The primary productivity of seasonal ice-covered water bodies is an important variable for understanding how temperate lake ecosystems are changing due to global warming. But there have been few studies on the complete change process of primary productivity during the ice-covered period, and the connection between ice physical and associated biological production has not been fully understood. In this study, a Vertically Generalized Production Model (VGPM) suitable for the ice-covered period was used to calculate the primary productivity of a temperate lake, and the key physical controlling factor was analyzed in the process of primary productivity change in the ice-covered period. The results showed that there was a high level of primary productivity, (189.1 ± 112.6) mg C·m−2·d−1, under the ice in the study site, Hanzhang Lake. The phytoplankton production under the ice was not as severely restricted by light as commonly thought. The water temperature played a more crucial role in the changes of primary productivity than the light beneath the ice. The study highlighted the variability in primary productivity covering the whole ice-covered age, and provided a better understanding of how the aquatic environment of lakes in seasonal ice-covered areas was affected by warmer temperatures.
Microplastic Toxicity and Trophic Transfer in Freshwater Organisms: Ecotoxicological and Genotoxic Assessment in Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleid. and Echinogammarus veneris (Heller, 1865) Treated with Polyethylene Microparticles
Authors: Iannilli Valentina , Passatore Laura , Carloni Serena , Lecce Francesca , Sciacca Giulia , Zacchini Massimo , Pietrini Fabrizio
Published: February 2023

The widespread occurrence of microplastics (MPs) has resulted in their interaction with biological processes. Thus, there is a great concern about the potential toxicity of MPs on animal and plant cells and on the possibility that MPs reach humans through the food web. In order to shed light on both issues, laboratory assays were performed for evaluating the effects of polyethylene (PE) microparticles on the aquatic plant Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleid. and the gammarid Echinogammarus veneris (Heller, 1865). Moreover, a stock of MP-treated Spirodela plants was used to feed gammarid individuals, and the presence of MP particles in their digestive tracts was analyzed. Results evidenced the lack of toxic effects of MPs on plants, evaluated at growth and physiological level by biometric parameters, pigment content, and photosynthetic performance estimated by chlorophyll fluorescence imaging through the ETPT (EcoTox Photosystem Tool). Only a slight reduction in pigment-related indices in MP-treated plants was observed. A remarkable genotoxic effect was instead highlighted by Comet assay in the hemocytes of gammarid individuals exposed to MPs, with three times more DNA damage (expressed as Tail Moment) in MP-treated individuals compared to control ones. Finally, the gut content of the gammarids fed with MP-treated plants revealed the presence of 7.6 MP particles/individual, highlighting the occurrence of trophic transfer of MPs among freshwater ecosystem organisms. Novel indications about the potential impact of the PE microparticles in the aquatic compartment are provided. Notably, the transfer of MP particles between primary producer and primary consumer organisms of the freshwater trophic chain and the genotoxic effects associated with the ingestion of such particles by gammarids are issues of concern for the aquatic ecosystem and the food web leading to the human diet.
Employing Data Mining Algorithms and Mathematical Empirical Models for Predicting Wind Drift and Evaporation Losses of a Sprinkler Irrigation Method
Authors: Al-Dosary Naji Mordi Naji , Maray Samy A. , Al-Hamed Saad A. , Aboukarima Abdulwahed M.
Published: February 2023

The advantage of a sprinkler irrigation method is that it saves up to 50% of water consumption during the application of water, as compared to any other surface irrigation system. To assess the behavior of a sprinkler irrigation method, wind drift and evaporation losses (WDEL) are often employed as important parameters. The predictive capacities of four previous mathematical empirical models and two data mining algorithms, namely, reduced-error pruning tree (REPTree) and artificial neural network (ANN) models, were employed to evaluate the impact of the operating parameters of a sprinkler irrigation method on WDEL. The inputs to the REPTree and ANN models were the working pressure, vapor pressure deficit, air temperature, wind speed, nozzle diameter, and air relative humidity. In the experimental field, for data collection, a solid set of sprinklers and collectors positioned per ASAE standards was employed. Promising results showed remarkable performance for one of the mathematical empirical models tested, with a confidence index value of 0.829. Meanwhile, the REPTree and ANN models presented smaller errors for testing data set and are qualified for use given their confidence index values of 0.956 and 0.964, respectively. The REPTree and ANN algorithms were classified as optimal models, indicating that the use of mathematical experimental models alone is inadequate in operational situations involving the nozzle diameter, working pressure, and other variables.
Integrated Effects of Water Stress and Plastic Film Mulch on Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Grain Maize Crop under Conventional and Alternate Furrow Irrigation Method
Authors: Yang Xiufang , Soothar Rajesh Kumar , Rahu Aftab Ahmed , Wang Yaosheng , Li Bin , Mirjat Muhammad Uris , Soomro Shoukat Ali , Shaikh Sher Ali , Chandio Farman Ali
Published: February 2023

Water scarcity in arid regions increases the need for technologies to improve water productivity. The integrated effects of plastic film mulching and water stress on grain maize under conventional and alternate furrow irrigation methods are still poorly understood in Sindh’s climate. Therefore, field trials were conducted at Malir farm, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Pakistan, during the cropping season 2020–2021 to investigate whether mulching is practicable for grain maize production under the different furrow irrigation methods. The experiments involved two types of furrow irrigation, two water stress levels (sufficient and severe water stress), and plastic film mulching. Treatments were laid out in a randomized block design and three replications. The conventional and alternate furrow irrigation method was assigned to the main plot, while the water stress and plastic film mulching were in sub-plots. The results showed that different furrow irrigation methods significantly affected plant growth, grain yield parameters, and crop harvest index. Significant highest plant growth and grain yield of maize crop were observed with the conventional furrow irrigation (CFI) compared with the alternate furrow irrigation (AFI) method. However, grain yield and irrigation water productivity (IWP) were increased significantly by the plastic film mulching. The results revealed that sufficient water stress was more effective in sustaining grain yield and IWP than crop irrigating at several water stresses. The interaction effect of furrow irrigation and water stress, furrow irrigation, and plastic film mulching significantly impacted the IWP of grain maize. The IWP of the maize crop was significantly higher under the AFI than the CFI method if it was mulched with plastic film and irrigated at sufficient water stress level.
Fluorine-Rich Shallow Groundwater in Weigan River Basin (Xinjiang): Enrichment Factors and Spatial Distribution
Authors: Liu Tianchao , Shao Fengjun , Zhang Zizhao , Li Tong
Published: February 2023

Long-term usage of drinking water with excessive fluoride concentration (above 1.5 mg/L) is known to harm human health. Since the fluoride concentration in the shallow groundwater of the Weigan River Basin, China, exceeds this level, this study explored fluoride’s sources and enrichment mechanism for this basin. Based on information retrieval and regional geological environment analyses, 47 sets of shallow groundwater samples in the Weigan River Basin were collected and analyzed. The research results show that the fluoride content in the drainage basin of the research area ranged from 0.2 to 5.46 mg/L, with an average value of 1.14 mg/L. The test results showed that 40.43% of the water sample test results exceeded the national domestic drinking water safety standard (1.0 mg/L). The average pH value of the research area was 8.37, which was slightly basic. Type Na+–Cl−/(SO42−) was the primary hydrochemical type. In the research area, groundwater with a high fluoride concentration contained much sodium and little calcium. The main mechanism of excessive fluoride formation in the groundwater was the continued dissolution of fluorine-containing minerals (fluorite) in the research area, while the main fluorine source was weathering of silicate rocks and evaporites. Evaporation-crystallization and cation exchange were the main factors controlling fluorine enrichment. These findings indicate that physicochemical processes are the major mechanisms for controlling F− enrichment and that may be useful for studying F− occurrence in groundwater in arid and semi-arid areas.