bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Fire Weather Danger under a Changing Climate at High Resolution in Greece
Authors: Politi Nadia , Vlachogiannis Diamando , Sfetsos Athanasios , Gounaris Nikolaos , Varela Vassiliki
Published: January 2023

Future fire weather conditions under climate change were investigated based on the Fire Weather Index (FWI), Initial Spread Index (ISI) and threshold-specific indicators in Greece. The indices were calculated from climate datasets derived from high-resolution validated simulations of 5 km. The dynamical downscaled simulations with the WRF model were driven by EC-Earth output for historical (1980–2004) and future periods, under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs), RCP4.5 and 8.5. The analysis showed that the FWI is expected to increase substantially, particularly in the southern parts with extreme values found above 100. In addition, the number of days with an FWI above the 90th percentile is projected to increase considerably (above 30 days), under both scenarios. Over the eastern and northern mainland, the increase is estimated with more than 70 days under RCP4.5, in the near future (2025–2049). Moreover, central and north-eastern parts of the country will be affected with 30 or more extreme consecutive days of prolonged fire weather, under RCP4.5, in the near future and under RCP8.5 in the far future (2075–2099). Finally, the expected rate of fire spread is more spatially extended all over the country and particularly from southern to northern parts compared to the historical state.
Development of the Circular Economy Design Guidelines for the Australian Built Environment Sector
Authors: Zaman Atiq , Caceres Ruiz Ana Maria , Shooshtarian Salman , Ryley Tim , Caldera Savindi , Maqsood Tayyab
Published: January 2023

The construction and demolition (C&D) waste stream is the main source of solid waste in Australia. While there is a strong circularity drive in Australia’s and state/territory governments’ waste regulatory framework, clear guidelines for C&D waste management are yet to be developed for the built environment sector in Australia. This study proposes a suite of construction industry-specific guidelines for achieving circular economy (CE) goals by reviewing issues related to “Design for Zero Waste” (DfZW) and “Design for Recycling” (DfR). To do so, this study explores the current CE practices in construction and infrastructure projects in both global and Australian contexts through a systematic literature review. In addition, barriers and enablers of CE in the built environment were identified. This study provides a list of guidelines that can help industry practitioners achieve CE in the construction sector in Australia. These guidelines draw on the main themes identified through the literature review: circularity practices, resource management, innovation, and optimisation. Thus, this study bridges the gap between theory and practice by offering clear, circular guidelines for designing out C&D waste in Australia. The proposed guidelines enable industry practitioners to keep products and materials in use for a longer period and develop strategies to regenerate natural systems. Future research should focus on several aspects, including measuring emissions reductions linked to the strategies shown in the proposed guidelines.
Changes in Selected Forage Parameters of Meadow Timothy (Phleum pratense L.) Biomass and in the Soil as a Response to Slurry Interaction with Soil Conditioners
Authors: Wiśniewska-Kadżajan Beata , Malinowska Elżbieta , Novak Jan
Published: January 2023

The aim of the research was to assess the effect of slurry and soil conditioners on Phleum pratense yield and its selected parameters and on soil nutrients. The second aspect of the experiment was to obtain information whether slurry and soil conditioners applied together will increase the accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the soil compared to slurry applied on its own or together with NPK fertilizers. The research was carried out on the basis of a three-year (2015–2017) field experiment. The interaction of soil conditioners or mineral fertilizers with slurry was tested on forage grass of the Meadow timothy species of the Secesja variety, sown in autumn 2014. Grass total protein, crude fiber and crude ash content and net energy concentration (NE) were determined; additionally, at the end of the experiment, total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in the soil was measured. The results of plant material analyses were statistically developed using a three-factor analysis of variance, while the results of soil content determination were developed with a one-factor analysis. The interaction of slurry with Humus Active or Rosahumus significantly increased the amount of meadow timothy biomass in relation to plants fertilized with slurry on its own (by 22% and 26%, respectively) or supplemented with NPK fertilizers (by 9% and 7%). The interaction of slurry with the Rosahumus soil conditioner resulted in a significant increase in meadow timothy crude fiber content compared to the effect of slurry applied on its own or with NPK fertilizers (by 5% and 6.5%). The interaction of slurry with soil conditioners did not result in a significant increase in total protein and crude ash content or in the net energy concentration compared to slurry applied on its own or with NPK fertilizers. Soil nutrient content determined after the experiment proved a significant impact of the interaction of soil conditioners and slurry on the accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Users’ Preferences in Selecting Transportation Modes for Leisure Trips in the Digital Era: Evidence from Bandung, Indonesia
Authors: Joewono Tri Basuki , Wirayat Mohamed Yusuf Faridian , Belgiawan Prawira Fajarindra , Andani I Gusti Ayu , Gunawijaya Clint
Published: January 2023

Leisure trips have become more important in an era where people are increasingly concerned with quality of life. Leisure trips are unique in that they are not as strict as mandatory trips, while, at the same time, they have wider characteristics because of their flexibility. Research on leisure trips from developing countries is still under-represented as there is still a focus on commuting trips. This study aims to identify factors that influence the mode of transportation choice for leisure trips by domestic travelers who live in cities surrounding Bandung, Indonesia. Data were collected using stated-preference self-report questionnaires distributed to locals who have the intention to travel for leisure in Bandung in the future. Based on responses from 305 respondents with a total number of 1220 observations, a multinomial logit model was estimated. It was found that trains and buses were selected more often by locals than other modes of transportation, including private cars, for leisure trips. Our model showed that locals considered travel time and travel costs as the most significant factors in selecting the mode of transportation for their leisure trips. Besides the existence of online transportation—hailing rides through mobile apps—as an alternative, this study also reveals payment method to be a unique consideration of locals when travelling leisurely in this digital era.
Quantum Fluctuations in the Small Fabry–Perot Interferometer
Authors: Protsenko Igor E. , Uskov Alexander V.
Published: January 2023

Spectra of the small Fabry–Perot interferometer (FPI) of the size of the order of the wavelength, with the main mode excited by a quantum field from a nano–LED or a laser, are investigated. The input field is detuned from the FPI mode with only a few photons. We formulate the convenient model for the FPI interacting with a quantum field, and provide novel explicit expressions for the field and the photon number fluctuation spectra inside and outside the FPI, with clearly identified contributions of the quantum and the classical noise. As a result, we found the spectra structures are quite different for the field, the photon number fluctuations inside the FPI, for the transmitted and the reflected fields and note asymmetries in spectra. The quantum noise is colored (or white) inside (or outside) the FPI, which explains differences in spectra. As another novel result, we calculate the second-order time auto–correlation functions for the FPI field; they oscillate and are negative under certain conditions. Results will help the study, design, manufacture, and use of the small elements of quantum optical integrated circuits, such as delay lines or optical transistors.
Some Properties of Certain Classes of Meromorphic Multivalent Functions Defined by Subordination
Authors: Seoudy Tamer M. , Shammaky Amnah E.
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we define two classes of meromorphic multivalent functions in the punctured disc U*=w∈C:0<|w|<1 by using the principle of subordination. We investigate a number of useful results including subordination results, some connections with a certain integral operator, sandwich properties, an inclusion relationship, and Fekete-Szegö inequalities for the functions belonging these classes. Our results are connected with those in several earlier works, which are related to this field of Geometric Function Theory (GFT) of Complex Analysis.
A New Class of Graph Grammars and Modelling of Certain Biological Structures
Authors: Vijayakumar Jayakrishna , Mathew Lisa , Nagar Atulya K.
Published: January 2023

Graph grammars can be used to model the development of diverse graph families. Since their creation in the late 1960s, graph grammars have found usage in a variety of fields, such as the design of sophisticated computer systems and electronic circuits, as well as visual languages, computer animation, and even the modelling of intricate molecular structures Replacement of edges and nodes are the two primary approaches of graph rewriting. In this paper we introduce a new type of node replacement graph grammar known as nc-eNCE graph grammar. With this new class of graph grammars we generated certain graph classes and we showed that these class of graph grammars are more powerful than the existing edge and node controlled embedding graph grammars. In addition, these graph grammars were used to model several common protein secondary structures such as parallel and anti-parallel β-sheet structures in different configurations. The use of these graph grammars in modelling other bio-chemical structures and their interactions remains to be explored.
Entropy Generation for MHD Peristaltic Transport of Non-Newtonian Fluid in a Horizontal Symmetric Divergent Channel
Authors: Abuasbeh Kinda , Ahmed Bilal , Niazi Azmat Ullah Khan , Awadalla Muath
Published: January 2023

The analysis in view is proposed to investigate the impacts of entropy in the peristaltically flown Ree–Eyring fluid under the stress of a normally imposed uniform magnetic field in a non-uniform symmetric channel of varying thickness. The administering equations of the present flow problem are switched into the non-dimensional form and then reduced by the availing of long wavelengths and creeping flow regime restrictions. The analytical treatment for the developed problem is performed to attain closed-form solutions which are further displayed as graphs of velocity, pressure, temperature, and entropy distribution. The trapping phenomenon has also been an area of our current examination. The role of relevant pronounced parameters such as the Brinkmann number, Hartmann number, and Ree–Eyring parameter for throwing vivid impacts are also concerned. It has been inferred that both the Brinkmann number and Ree–Eyring parameter with rising values inflate temperature and entropy profiles. The velocity profile shows the symmetric nature due to the horizontally assumed symmetric channel of varying thickness. The circulation of streamlines and bolus formations is visibly reduced in response to the increasing Hartmann number.
A Comprehensive Review of Non-Newtonian Nanofluid Heat Transfer
Authors: Nabwey Hossam A. , Rahbar Farhad , Armaghani Taher , Rashad Ahmed. M. , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: January 2023

Nanofluids behave like non-Newtonian fluids in many cases and, therefore, studying their symmetrical behavior is of paramount importance in nanofluid heat transfer modeling. This article attempts to provide are flection on symmetry via thorough description of a variety of non-Newtonian models and further provides a comprehensive review of articles on non-Newtonian models that have applied symmetrical flow modeling and nanofluid heat transfer. This study reviews articles from recent years and provides a comprehensive analysis of them. Furthermore, a thorough statistical symmetrical analysis regarding the commonality of nanoparticles, base fluids and numerical solutions to equations is provided. This article also investigates the history of nanofluid use as a non-Newtonian fluid; that is, the base fluid is considered to be non-Newtonian fluid or the base fluid is Newtonian, such as water. However, the nanofluid in question is regarded as non-Newtonian in modeling. Results show that 25% of articles considered nanofluids with Newtonian base fluid as a non-Newtonian model. In this article, the following questions are answered for the first time: Which non-Newtonian model has been used to model nanofluids? What are the most common non-Newtonian base fluids? Which numerical method is most used to solve non-Newtonian equations?
Organ Patterning at the Shoot Apical Meristem (SAM): The Potential Role of the Vascular System
Authors: Banasiak Alicja , Gola Edyta
Published: January 2023

Auxin, which is transported in the outermost cell layer, is one of the major players involved in plant organ initiation and positioning at the shoot apical meristem (SAM). However, recent studies have recognized the role of putative internal signals as an important factor collaborating with the well-described superficial pathway of organogenesis regulation. Different internal signals have been proposed; however, their nature and transport route have not been precisely determined. Therefore, in this mini-review, we aimed to summarize the current knowledge regarding the auxin-dependent regulation of organ positioning at the SAM and to discuss the vascular system as a potential route for internal signals. In addition, as regular organ patterning is a universal phenomenon, we focus on the role of the vasculature in this process in the major lineages of land plants, i.e., bryophytes, lycophytes, ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms.
Klein-Gordon Theory in Noncommutative Phase Space
Authors: Liang Shi-Dong
Published: January 2023

We extend the three-dimensional noncommutative relations of the position and momentum operators to those in the four dimension. Using the Seiberg-Witten (SW) map, we give the Heisenberg representation of these noncommutative algebras and endow the noncommutative parameters associated with the Planck constant, Planck length and cosmological constant. As an analog with the electromagnetic gauge potential, the noncommutative effect can be interpreted as an effective gauge field, which depends on the Plank constant and cosmological constant. Based on these noncommutative relations, we give the Klein-Gordon (KG) equation and its corresponding current continuity equation in the noncommutative phase space including the canonical and Hamiltonian forms and their novel properties beyond the conventional KG equation. We analyze the symmetries of the KG equations and some observables such as velocity and force of free particles in the noncommutative phase space. We give the perturbation solution of the KG equation.
Synthesis and Spectroscopic Properties of Selected Acrylic and Methacrylic Derivatives of 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole
Authors: Kabatc-Borcz Janina , Czeleń Przemysław , Skotnicka Agnieszka
Published: January 2023

One of the most basic properties of chemical compounds is structural symmetry or asymmetry. This property can be considered at different levels of structural organization. The physical, chemical, biological, and technological properties of organic compounds depend on their chemical structure and are systematically related to it. The presented paper is focused on the synthesis and study of the spectroscopic properties of selected photoinitiators from the acrylate and methacrylate derivatives of 2-(benzothiazolylthio)ethyl. The indicated compounds can find potential application in medicine. The 2-(benzothiazolylthio)ethyl acrylate and methacrylate derivatives were characterized using infrared spectroscopy (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Their spectroscopic properties were determined on the basis of UV–Vis spectra. The calculated DFT energies and Frontier Molecular Orbitals calculations of the studied compounds were proved to be consistent with the experimental observations. The results have showed that the introduction of the ethoxy substituent increases the reactivity of the compounds and results in the slight bathochromic shift (~19 nm) of the absorption spectra maxima.
Enantioseparation of β-Blockers Using Silica-Immobilised Eremomycin Derivatives as Chiral Stationary Phases in HPLC
Authors: Kuznetsov Mikhail A. , Staroverov Sergey M. , Sarvin Nikita , Puzankov Ruslan , Nesterenko Pavel N.
Published: January 2023

The regularities of chromatographic retention and separation enantioselectivity of the selected β-blockers (propranolol, pindolol, alprenolol, atenolol, oxprenalol, metoprolol, clenbuterol, sotalol, pronethalol, salbutamol, and labetalol) were studied with eight chiral stationary phases (CSPs) in polar ionic mode (PIM) elution system. A range of novel CSPs was prepared by immobilisation of macrocyclic glycopeptide antibiotic eremomycin (E-CSP); structurally related antibiotics chloreremomycin (Chloro-E-CSP) and semi-synthetic oritavancin (O-CSP); and five eremomycin derivatives including amide- (Amide-E-CSP), adamantyl-2-amide- (Adamantylamide-E-CSP), eremomycin aglycon (EAg-CSP), eremosaminyl eremomycin aglycon (EEA-CSP), and des-eremosamynyl eremomycin (DEE-CSP) onto microspherical silica (Kromasil, particle size 5 micron, pore size 11 nm). The effect of different functional groups in eremomycin structure on chiral recognition of β-blockers was studied. The original E-CSP revealed moderate enantioseparation for all studied β-blockers. The presence of a free carboxylic group in a chiral selector molecule is found to be critical for the general retention of enantiomers as no separation enantioselectivity was recorded for Amide-E-CSP and Adamantyl-E-CSP. Modification of the aromatic system of eremomycin by the introduction of a chloro- substituent in the aromatic ring (Chloro-E-CSP) or a hydrophobic 4’-chlorobiphenylmethyl substituent to the disaccharide sugar residue (O-CSP) resulted in decreased enantioselectivity. The best enantioseparation of β-blockers was obtained for CSPs with eremosaminyl eremomycin aglycon and des-eremosamynyl eremomycin as chiral selectors.
Practitioners’ Perspectives towards Requirements Engineering: A Survey
Authors: Ozkaya Mert , Akdur Deniz , Toptani Etem Cetin , Kocak Burak , Kardas Geylani
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we discuss the results of our survey among 84 practitioners in order to understand practitioners’ perspectives towards requirements engineering. We asked 28 questions to learn the practitioners’ motivations, the techniques and technologies used for different activities, practitioners’ experiences with customer involvement, and any challenges encountered. Some important results are as follows: the practitioners’ top motivations are the precise communication of requirements and analyzing the requirements to detect issues. Most practitioners (i) insist on using natural languages, (ii) specify requirements as the use case and scenario descriptions, (iii) neglect using/transforming requirements for making high-level decisions and reasoning about requirements, (iv) neglect the specifications of quality requirements and their reasoning while considering quality requirements important, and (v) neglect any technologies for facilitating requirements engineering (e.g., meta-modeling technologies, formal verification tools, and advanced tools). Practitioners are challenged by the cost and effort spent in specifying requirements, the omissions of errors, misinterpretations of requirements and their incorrect (manual) transformations, and customers’ lack of technical knowledge. With the survey results, practitioners can gain an awareness on the general perspectives, academics can trigger new research addressing the observed issues, and tool vendors can improve their tools with regard to the weaknesses determined.
The Impact of Top Management Team Characteristics on the Risk Taking of Chinese Private Construction Enterprises
Authors: Zhang Yunhua , Cao Chen , Gu Jiaxing , Garg Harish
Published: January 2023

Private construction businesses have grown quickly, greatly boosting China’s economic growth; nonetheless, these businesses suffer tremendous developmental uncertainty, particularly when compared to larger state-owned businesses. The traits of the top management team (TMT) may have a direct impact on how risk-taking and decision-making behaviors are exhibited by businesses, according to earlier studies. The majority of private construction companies in China are family businesses with family members making up the majority of their top executives. As a result, these companies are vulnerable to family centralization, which will definitely boost their risk-taking level. This study used a sample of private listed companies in China’s construction industry from 2009 to 2019 to explore the impact of CEO traits on the risk-taking degree of enterprises. The findings show that a higher percentage of top female managers and a higher average rate of TMT member both lower the level of risk taking in private construction businesses. The level of risk taking, however, is positively impacted by the top management’s higher average education level. The average tenure and overseas experience of TMTs and the degree of risk taking in private construction enterprises are not significantly correlated. Additionally, the degree of risk taking in private construction firms can vary depending on the qualities of the senior management team.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Technologies in 2022
Authors:   Technologies Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Load Frequency Control Assessment of a PSO-PID Controller for a Standalone Multi-Source Power System
Authors: Dhanasekaran Boopathi , Kaliannan Jagatheesan , Baskaran Anand , Dey Nilanjan , Tavares João Manuel R. S.
Published: January 2023

The performance of load frequency control (LFC) for isolated multiple sources of electric power-generating units with a proportional integral derivative (PID) controller is presented. A thermal, hydro, and gas power-generating unit are integrated into the studied system. The PID controller is proposed as a subordinate controller to stabilize system performance when there is a sudden demand on the power system. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to obtain optimal gain values of the proposed PID controller. Various cost functions, mainly integral time absolute error (ITAE), integral absolute error (IAE), integral squared error (ISE), and integral time squared error (ITSE) were used to optimize controller gain parameters. Furthermore, the enhancement of the PSO technique is proven by the performance comparison of conventional, differential evolution (DE) algorithm- and genetic algorithm (GA)-based PID controllers for the same system. The results show the PSO-PID controller delivers a faster settled response and the percentage improvement of the proposed technique over the conventional method is 79%, over GA is 55%, and over DE is 24% in an emergency in a power system.
Can Intrapartum Ultrasonography Improve the Placement of the Vacuum Cup in Operative Vaginal Deliveries?
Authors: Garcia-Jimenez Rocio , Valero Irene , Borrero Carlota , Garcia-Mejido Jose Antonio , Fernandez-Palacin Ana , Serrano Rosa , Sainz-Bueno Jose Antonio
Published: January 2023

Although the fetal head position has traditionally been evaluated by digital examination (DE), it has a failure rate ranging between 20 and 70%; hence, intrapartum transabdominal ultrasonography (TUS) has become relevant. We aimed to evaluate the utility of the TUS to identify the fetal head positions in vacuum-assisted deliveries. We performed a prospective observational study including 101 pregnant patients in active labor who required a vacuum-assisted delivery. The fetal head position was assessed by a DE and a TUS prior to vacuum cup placement. After delivery, the optimal vacuum cup placement was evaluated as the distance between the chignon and the flexion point ≤2 cm. The general concordance rate between the DE and TUS was 72.2%, with the poorest concordance rate for occiput posterior positions at 46.1%. In five cases (4.9%), it was not possible to determine the fetal head position through the DE. The correlation was higher in low and medium planes, with 77% and 68.1% concordance rates, respectively, while it was lower in high planes (60%). In 90.1% of cases, the vacuum cup placement was optimal. Our findings show that intrapartum transabdominal ultrasonography is a useful technique to identify the fetal head position allowing optimal placement of the vacuum cup necessary for correct vacuum-assisted delivery.
Evaluation of the Toxicity of Microcyclamide Produced by Microcystis aeruginosa in Danio rerio Embryos
Authors: Nathane Nunes de Freitas Paloma , Kinoshita Teramoto Kazumi , Ossanes de Souza Alexander , Pinto Ernani
Published: January 2023

The genus of cyanobacteria Microcystis is one of the most recurrent in blooms and is associated with the hepatotoxin microcystin production. In addition to cyanotoxins, these bacteria produce a wide range of secondary metabolites with a wide repertoire of activities. The co-occurrence of cyanotoxins and other cyanopeptides during blooming is quite common, and the negative effects are not always limited to one class of toxins, which makes it essential to investigate the toxicity of the other compounds individually. The objective of this study was to isolate the cyanopeptide microcyclamide produced by the strain Microcystis aeruginosa LTPNA 08 by liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry with a quadrupole-time-of-flight analyzer (LC-HR-QTOF-MS/MS) and to evaluate its acute toxicity in embryos of Danio rerio through the Fish Embryo Acute Toxicity (FET) assay. The fraction containing microcyclamide (95% purity) caused lethality in 62% of the embryos after 96 h exposure (50 µg mL−1), with evidence of cardiotoxicity (cardiac edema). The calculated LC50 value was 42.98 µg mL−1 (with a concentration range of 37.79–48.89 µg mL−1). The characterization of the secondary metabolites produced by cyanobacteria and the investigation of the toxicity of these compounds individually are essential for the identification of the substances responsible for negative effects on living organisms and on the ecosystem, in addition to assisting in the development of risk management policies.
Y-27632 Impairs Angiogenesis on Extra-Embryonic Vasculature in Post-Gastrulation Chick Embryos
Authors: Duess Johannes W. , Gosemann Jan-Hendrik , Kaskova Gheorghescu Anna , Puri Prem , Thompson Jennifer
Published: January 2023

Y-27632 inhibits Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase (ROCK) signaling, which is involved in various embryonic developmental processes, including angiogenesis, by controlling actin cytoskeleton assembly and cell contractility. Administration of Y-27632 impairs cytoskeletal arrangements in post-gastrulation chick embryos, leading to ventral body wall defects (VBWDs). Impaired angiogenesis has been hypothesized to contribute to VBWDs. ROCK is essential in transmitting signals downstream of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF-mediated angiogenesis induces gene expressions and alterations of the actin cytoskeleton upon binding to VEGF receptors (VEGFRs). The aim of this study was to investigate effects of Y-27632 on angiogenesis in post-gastrulation chick embryos during early embryogenesis. After 60 h incubation, embryos in shell-less culture were treated with Y-27632 or vehicle for controls. Y-27632-treated embryos showed reduced extra-embryonic blood vessel formation with impaired circulation of the yolk sac, confirmed by fractal analysis. Western blot confirmed impaired ROCK downstream signaling by decreased expression of phosphorylated myosin light chain. Interestingly, RT-PCR demonstrated increased gene expression of VEGF and VEGFR-2 1 h post-treatment. Protein levels of VEGF were higher in Y-27632-treated embryos at 8 h following treatment, whereas no difference was seen in membranes. We hypothesize that administration of Y-27632 impairs vessel formation during angiogenesis, which may contribute to failure of VWB closure, causing VBWDs.
Embryotoxicity and Teratogenicity of Steroidal Saponin Isolated from Ophiopholis mirabilis
Authors: Xu Qian , Yang Xiao , Zhang Ranran , Li Yaxi , Yan Zhi , Li Xiaodong , Ma Bing , Liu Yanfang , Lin Ainuo , Han Shaoshuai , Li Ke , Chen Li
Published: January 2023

Benthic invertebrates produce secondary metabolites that serve as defenses against consumers and promote their fitness. To explore the chemical defense in marine benthic echinoderms, the chemical constituents of Ophiopholis mirabilis were investigated. A steroidal monoglycoside, asterosaponin P1, was isolated from O. mirabilis for the first-time using column chromatography. The chemical structure was characterized by spectroscopic and spectrometric methods. The embryotoxicity and teratogenicity of the isolated compound were assessed using the zebrafish embryo assay, a powerful vertebrate animal model system to study mechanisms of toxicity. When applied at high concentrations, asterosaponin P1 causes a significant increase in embryo mortality. A moderate LC50 of asterosaponin P1 appeared to be time- and concentration-dependent in its toxicity to zebrafish embryos. Teratogenicity in zebrafish embryos also included morphological defects, decreased hatchability, and a reduced heart rate. These findings revealed that steroidal saponin extracted from O. mirabilis exhibited acute toxic effects on zebrafish embryos, suggesting a potential chemical defense function in marine habitats.
Aromatic Residues on the Side Surface of Cry4Ba-Domain II of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis Function in Binding to Their Counterpart Residues on the Aedes aegypti Alkaline Phosphatase Receptor
Authors: Thammasittirong Anon , Thammasittirong Sutticha Na-Ranong
Published: January 2023

Receptor binding is a prerequisite process to exert the mosquitocidal activity of the Cry4Ba toxin of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis. The beta-sheet prism (domain II) and beta-sheet sandwich (domain III) of the Cry4Ba toxin have been implicated in receptor binding, albeit the precise binding mechanisms of these remain unclear. In this work, alanine scanning was used to determine the contribution to receptor binding of some aromatic and hydrophobic residues on the surface of domains II and III that are predicted to be responsible for binding to the Aedes aegypti membrane-bound alkaline phosphatase (Aa-mALP) receptor. Larvicidal activity assays against A. aegypti larvae revealed that aromatic residues (Trp327 on the β2 strand, Tyr347 on the β3–β4 loop, and Tyr359 on the β4 strand) of domain II were important to the toxicity of the Cry4Ba toxin. Quantitative binding assays using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed similar decreasing trends in binding to the Aa-mALP receptor and in toxicity of the Cry4Ba mutants Trp327Ala, Tyr347Ala, and Tyr359Ala, suggesting that a possible function of these surface-exposed aromatic residues is receptor binding. In addition, binding assays of the Cry4Ba toxin to the mutants of the binding residues Gly513, Ser490, and Phe497 of the Aa-mALP receptor supported the binding function of Trp327, Tyr347, and Tyr359 of the Cry4Ba toxin, respectively. Altogether, our results showed for the first time that aromatic residues on a side surface of the Cry4Ba domain II function in receptor binding. This finding provides greater insight into the possible molecular mechanisms of the Cry4Ba toxin.
Human and Livestock Surveillance Revealed the Circulation of Rift Valley Fever Virus in Agnam, Northern Senegal, 2021
Authors: Mhamadi Moufid , Badji Aminata , Barry Mamadou Aliou , Ndiaye El Hadji , Gaye Alioune , Ndiaye Mignane , Mhamadi Moundhir , Touré Cheikh Talibouya , Ndiaye Oumar , Faye Babacar , Diop Boly , Ndiaye Mamadou , Fall Mathioro , Diouf Andy Mahine , Sagne Samba Niang , Loucoubar Cheikh , Fausther-Bovendo Hugues , Ara  , Sall Amadou Alpha , Kobinger Gary , Faye Ousmane , Diallo Mawlouth , Faye Oumar
Published: January 2023

The mosquito-borne disease caused by the Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) is a viral hemorrhagic fever that affects humans and animals. In 1987, RVFV emerged in Mauritania, which caused the first RVFV outbreak in West Africa. This outbreak was shortly followed by reported cases in humans and livestock in Senegal. Animal trade practices with neighboring Mauritania suggest northern regions of Senegal are at high risk for RVF. In this study, we aim to conduct a molecular and serological survey of RVFV in humans and livestock in Agnam (northeastern Senegal) by RT-PCR (reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction) and ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), respectively. Of the two hundred fifty-five human sera, one (0.39%) tested RVFV IgM positive, while fifty-three (20.78%) tested positive for RVFV IgG. For animal monitoring, out of 30 sheep recorded and sampled over the study period, 20 (66.67%) showed seroconversion to RVFV IgG antibodies, notably during the rainy season. The presence of antibodies increased significantly with age in both groups (p < 0.05), as the force of RVF infection (FOI), increased by 16.05% per year for humans and by 80.4% per month for livestock sheep. This study supports the usefulness of setting up a One Health survey for RVF management.
Challenges and the Way forward in Diagnosis and Treatment of Tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Chin Kai Ling , Anibarro Luis , Sarmiento Maria E. , Acosta Armando
Published: January 2023

Globally, it is estimated that one-quarter of the world’s population is latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), also known as latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Recently, this condition has been referred to as tuberculosis infection (TBI), considering the dynamic spectrum of the infection, as 5–10% of the latently infected population will develop active TB (ATB). The chances of TBI development increase due to close contact with index TB patients. The emergence of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and the risk of development of latent MDR-TB has further complicated the situation. Detection of TBI is challenging as the infected individual does not present symptoms. Currently, there is no gold standard for TBI diagnosis, and the only screening tests are tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs). However, these tests have several limitations, including the inability to differentiate between ATB and TBI, false-positive results in BCG-vaccinated individuals (only for TST), false-negative results in children, elderly, and immunocompromised patients, and the inability to predict the progression to ATB, among others. Thus, new host markers and Mtb-specific antigens are being tested to develop new diagnostic methods. Besides screening, TBI therapy is a key intervention for TB control. However, the long-course treatment and associated side effects result in non-adherence to the treatment. Additionally, the latent MDR strains are not susceptible to the current TBI treatments, which add an additional challenge. This review discusses the current situation of TBI, as well as the challenges and efforts involved in its control.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose in the Thai Setting during the Period of Omicron Variant Predominance
Authors: Sirison Kanchanok , Nittayasoot Natthaprang , Techasuwanna Ranida , Cetthakrikul Nisachol , Suphanchaimat Rapeepong
Published: January 2023

The Thai government implemented COVID-19 booster vaccines to prevent morbidity and mortality during the spreading of the Omicron variant. However, little is known about which types of vaccine should be invested in as the booster dose for the Thai population. This study aims to investigate the most cost-effective COVID-19 vaccine for a booster shot as empirical evidence for Thai policymakers. This study applied a stochastic simulation based on a compartmental susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered model and included system dynamics in the model. We evaluated three scenarios: (1) No booster, (2) A viral vector vaccine as the booster dose, (3) An mRNA vaccine as the booster dose. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated based on provider perspectives. We found the number of cases in scenarios with viral vector and mRNA booster doses to be lower than in the non-booster group. Likewise, the number of deaths in the viral vector and the mRNA booster scenarios was threefold lower than in the no-booster scenario. Moreover, the estimated grand cost for the no-booster scenario was over 100 billion baht, while viral vector and mRNA scenario costs were 70 and 64.7 billion baht, respectively. ICER shows that viral vector and mRNA scenarios are more cost-effective than the no-booster scenario. Viral vector booster shot appeared to be slightly more cost-effective than mRNA booster shot in terms of death aversion. However, being boosted by an mRNA vaccine seemed slightly more cost-effective than a viral vector vaccine concerning case aversion. In conclusion, policies to promote COVID-19 booster shots in the Thai population by either mRNA or viral vector vaccines are likely to be worthwhile for both economic and public health reasons.
Genotypes of Hepatitis C Virus and Efficacy of Direct-Acting Antiviral Drugs among Chronic Hepatitis C Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Hawsawi Nahed Mohammed , Saber Tamer , Salama Hussein M. , Fouad Walaa S. , Hagag Howaida M. , Alhuthali Hayaa M. , Eed Emad M. , Saber Taisir , Ismail Khadiga A. , Al Qurashi Hesham H. , Altowairqi Samir , Samaha Mohmmad , El-Hossary Dalia
Published: January 2023

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronic infection is a major causative factor for several chronic liver diseases, including liver cirrhosis, liver cell failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The HCV has seven major genotypes. Genotype 4 is the most prevalent genotype in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, followed by genotype 1. The HCV genotype affects the response to different HCV treatments and the progression of liver disease. Currently, combinations of direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) approved for the treatment of HCV achieve high cure rates with minimal adverse effects. Because real-world data from Saudi Arabia about the efficacy of DAAs are still limited, this study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of DAAs in treating patients with chronic hepatitis C and to identify the variables related to a sustained virologic response (SVR) in a real-world setting in Saudi Arabia. This prospective cohort study included 200 Saudi patients with chronic HCV who were 18 years of age or older and had been treated with DAAs at King Abdul-Aziz Specialized Hospital in Taif, Saudi Arabia, between September 2018 and March 2021. The response to treatment was assessed by whether or not an SVR had been achieved at week 12 post treatment (SVR12). An SVR12 was reached in 97.5% of patients. SVR12 rates were comparable for patients of different ages, between men and women, and between patients with and without cirrhosis. In addition, the SVR12 rates did not differ according to the infecting HCV genotype. In this study, the presence of cirrhosis and the patient’s gender were independent predictors of who would not reach an SVR12 (known here as the non-SVR12 group) according to the results of univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses based on the determinants of SVR12. In this population of patients with chronic HCV infection, all DAA regimens achieved very high SVR12 rates. The patients’ gender and the presence of cirrhosis were independent factors of a poor response.
Thermal Quantum Correlations in Two Gravitational Cat States
Authors: Rojas Moises , Lobo Iarley P.
Published: January 2023

We consider the effect of a thermal bath on quantum correlations induced by the gravitational interaction in the weak field limit between two massive cat states, called gravitational cat (gravcat) states. The main goal of this paper is to provide a good understanding of the effects of temperature and several parameters in the entanglement (measured by the concurrence) and quantum coherence (measured by the l1-norm that is defined from the minimal distance between the quantum state and the set of incoherent states) which are derived from the thermal quantum density operator. Our results show that the thermal concurrence and l1-norm can be significantly optimized by increasing the masses or decreasing the distance between them. We investigate and discuss the behavior of these quantities under temperature variations in different regimes, including some that are expected to be experimentally feasible in the future. In particular, we observe that thermal fluctuations raise non-entangled quantum correlations when entanglement suddenly drops.
Uncovering the Socioeconomic Structure of Spatial and Social Interactions in Cities
Authors: Lenormand Maxime , Samaniego Horacio
Published: January 2023

The relationship between urban mobility, social networks, and socioeconomic status is complex and difficult to apprehend, notably due to the lack of data. Here we use mobile phone data to analyze the socioeconomic structure of spatial and social interaction in the Chilean urban system. Based on the concept of spatial and social events, we develop a methodology to assess the level of spatial and social interactions between locations according to their socioeconomic status. We demonstrate that people with the same socioeconomic status preferentially interact with locations and people with a similar socioeconomic status. We also show that this proximity varies similarly for both spatial and social interactions during the course of the week. Finally, we highlight that these preferential interactions appear to hold when considering city–city interactions.
Coinfection with Yellow Head Virus Genotype 8 (YHV-8) and Oriental Wenrivirus 1 (OWV1) in Wild Penaeus chinensis from the Yellow Sea
Authors: Qin Jiahao , Meng Fanzeng , Wang Guohao , Chen Yujin , Zhang Fan , Li Chen , Dong Xuan , Huang Jie
Published: January 2023

At present, there are few studies on the epidemiology of diseases in wild Chinese white shrimp Penaeus chinensis. In order to enrich the epidemiological information of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)-listed and emerging diseases in wild P. chinensis, we collected a total of 37 wild P. chinensis from the Yellow Sea in the past three years and carried out molecular detection tests for eleven shrimp pathogens. The results showed that infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV), Decapod iridescent virus 1 (DIV1), yellow head virus genotype 8 (YHV-8), and oriental wenrivirus 1 (OWV1) could be detected in collected wild P. chinensis. Among them, the coexistence of IHHNV and DIV1 was confirmed using qPCR, PCR, and sequence analysis with pooled samples. The infection with YHV-8 and OWV1 in shrimp was studied using molecular diagnosis, phylogenetic analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. It is worth highlighting that this study revealed the high prevalence of coinfection with YHV-8 and OWV1 in wild P. chinensis populations and the transmission risk of these viruses between the wild and farmed P. chinensis populations. This study enriches the epidemiological information of WOAH-listed and emerging diseases in wild P. chinensis in the Yellow Sea and raises concerns about biosecurity issues related to wild shrimp resources.
Occurrence and Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium Infection in HIV/Aids Patients in Algeria
Authors: Semmani Malika , Costa Damien , Achour Nassima , Cherchar Meriem , Ziane Hanifa , Mouhajir Abdelmounaim , Villier Venceslas , Adjmi Hamoudi Haiet , Favennec Loic , Razakandrainibe Romy
Published: January 2023

The estimated prevalence rate of adults living with HIV infection in MENA is one of the lowest in the world. To date, no data on the genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium isolates from HIV/AIDS patients in Algeria were available. This study aimed to identify Cryptosporidium species and subtype families prevalent in Algerian HIV-infected patients and contribute to the molecular epidemiology mapping of Cryptosporidium in the MENA region. A total of 350 faecal specimens from HIV/AIDS patients were analysed using microscopy, and a Cryptosporidium infection was identified from 33 samples, with 22 isolates successfully sequencing and confirming species and subtypes. Based on sequence analysis, 15 isolates were identified as C. parvum with family subtypes IIa (n = 7) and IId (n = 8), while five were identified as C. hominis (family subtypes Ia (n = 2) and Ib (n = 3)) and two as C. felis. The C. parvum subtype families IIa and IId predominated, suggesting potential zoonotic transmission. More extensive sampling of both humans and farm animals, especially sheep, goats and calves, as well as a collection of epidemiological data are needed for a better understanding of the sources of human C. parvum infections in Algeria.
Establishing a New Platform to Investigate the Efficacy of Oncolytic Virotherapy in a Human Ex Vivo Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Model
Authors: Koch Jana , Beil Julia , Berchtold Susanne , Mönch Dina , Maaß Annika , Smirnow Irina , Schenk Andrea , Carter Mary E. , Kloker Linus D. , Leibold Tobias , Renner Philipp , Dahlke Marc-H. , Lauer Ulrich M.
Published: January 2023

Oncolytic virotherapy constitutes a promising treatment option for many solid cancers, including peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC), which still represents a terminal stage of many types of tumors. To date, the in vitro efficacy of oncolytic viruses is mostly tested in 2D-cultured tumor cell lines due to the lack of realistic 3D in vitro tumor models. We have investigated the feasibility of virotherapy as a treatment option for PC in a human ex vivo peritoneum co-culture model. Human HT-29 cancer cells stably expressing marker genes GFP and firefly luciferase (GFP/luc) were cultured on human peritoneum and infected with two prototypic oncolytic viruses (GLV-0b347 and MeV-DsRed). Both viral constructs were able to infect HT-29 cells in patient-derived peritoneum with high tumor specificity. Over time, both GFP signal and luciferase activity decreased substantially, thereby indicating successful virus-induced oncolysis. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry stainings showed specific virotherapeutic infections of HT-29 cells and effective tumor cell lysis in infected co-cultures. Thus, the PC model established here provides a clinically relevant screening platform to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of virotherapeutic compounds and also to investigate, in an autologous setting, the immunostimulatory potential of oncolytic viruses for PC in a unique human model system superior to standard 2D in vitro models.