bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Does Corporate ESG Performance Affect Financial Irregularities?
Authors: Liu Dingru , Jin Shanyue
Published: June 2023

As a violation of moral integrity, corporate financial irregularities not only cause losses to investors and other stakeholders, but the enterprise itself is also punished by the relevant regulatory authorities. However, to realize their own interests, some enterprises still violate laws and participate in financial irregularities. Good environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance can reduce corporate risks, improve financial status, and constrain financial irregularities. This study empirically clarifies the impact of ESG performance on financial irregularities in Chinese listed companies. Furthermore, we examine the moderating role of stakeholder attention—that is, the public, media, and institutional investors. Based on 1050 observations of non-financial and non-real estate companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock exchanges from 2011 to 2020, this study examines the impact of ESG performance on financial irregularities using a fixed-effects model. Additionally, we verify the moderating effect of public, media, and institutional investor attention to the impact of ESG on financial irregularities. The results indicate that firms with better ESG performance have fewer financial irregularities. At the same time, the greater the attention of the public, media, and investors, the stronger the inhibitory effect of ESG performance on financial irregularities. This study helps broaden the relevant corporate social responsibility (CSR) and financial management theories and provides theoretical support for enterprises to improve ESG performance and inhibit financial irregularities.
A Novel Authentication and Communication Protocol for Urban Traffic Monitoring in VANETs Based on Cluster Management
Authors: Latif Rana Muhammad Amir , Jamil Muhammad , He Jinliao , Farhan Muhammad
Published: June 2023

City zones have become increasingly overcrowded due to the extensive population widening ratio and the swift relocation of people from villages. The traffic monitoring process is a significant issue in these areas due to the massive traffic flow on the roads. This research proposed a cluster-based improved authentication and communication protocol for an Intelligent Transportation System in Vehicular AdHoc Networks (VANETs). Our primary objective is to optimize resource sharing in vehicular communication. We enhanced the reliability, scalability, and stability of fast-moving VANETs by introducing cluster-based routing protocols for Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communications. We used a third-party certification authority for vehicle authentication to address security and privacy concerns. Our proposed protocol support minimizes the end-to-end (E2E) delay and route request and reduces link failure. Our protocol’s leading yield includes throughput enhancement, TCP Socket Initialization time minimization, TCP handshake response speedup, and DNS lookup improvement. The protocols are centered on short-range peer-to-peer (P2P) wireless communication in a 400 m radius cluster. They include innovative P2P wireless communications on VANET using minimized resources. The proposed protocols deliver a secure authentication mechanism with a securely generated vehicle authentication key provided by a certification authority. Furthermore, we have developed RESTful APIs in vehicular communication for implementation purposes and also offered and implemented algorithms for resource sharing regarding V2V and V2I communication. Ultimately, we evaluated the performance of our experiments.
Simulation and Characterization of Nanoplastic Dissolution under Different Food Consumption Scenarios
Authors: Wang Ying , Wang Zhongtang , Lu Xin , Zhang Hongyan , Jia Zhenzhen
Published: June 2023

Understanding of the potential leaching of plastic particles, particularly nanoplastics (NPs), from food packaging is crucial in assessing the safety of the packaging materials. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate potential exposure risks by simulating the release of NPs from various plastic packaging materials, including polypropylene (PP), general casting polypropylene (GCPP) or metalized casting polypropylene (MCPP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyphenylene sulfone (PPSU), under corresponding food consumption scenarios. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to identify and characterize the NPs leached from plastic packaging. The presence of separated NPs was observed in PP groups subjected to 100 °C hot water, GCPP plastic sterilized at a high temperature (121 °C), and PE plastic soaked in 100 °C hot water, exhibited a distorted morphology and susceptibility to aggregation. The findings suggest that the frequent consumption of takeaway food, hot beverages served in disposable paper cups, and foods packaged with GCPP materials may elevate the risk of ingestion of NPs. This reminds us that food packaging can serve as an important avenue for human exposure to NPs, and the results can offer valuable insights for food safety management and the development of food packaging materials.
Perspective on Particulate Matter: From Biomass Burning to the Health Crisis in Mainland Southeast Asia
Authors: Amnuaylojaroen Teerachai , Parasin Nichapa
Published: June 2023

Air pollution, notably particulate matter pollution, has become a serious concern in Southeast Asia in recent decades. The combustion of biomass has been recognized to considerably increase air pollution problems from particulate matter in this region. Consequently, its effect on people in this area is significant. This article presents a synthesis of several datasets obtained from satellites, global emissions, global reanalysis, and the global burden of disease (GBD) to highlight the air quality issue and emphasize the health crisis in mainland Southeast Asia. We found that the death rates of people have increased significantly along with the rise of hotspots in mainland Southeast Asia over the last two decades (2000–2019). In comparison, most countries saw a considerable increase in the predicted fatality rates associated with chronic respiratory illnesses during those two decades. Several reports highlight the continued prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases likely related to poor air quality in Southeast Asia.
Assessing the Impact of Microplastic Filaments Contaminated with PAHs on Mytilus coruscus Larvae through Surface Contact
Authors: Li Jiji , Huang Ji , Ye Yingying , Lü Jiayin , Mao Shuai , Bai Jie , Qi Pengzhi , Guo Baoying , Qu Chengkai , Jiang Hongchen
Published: June 2023

In recent years, microplastics have been of great concern in environmental and health research. In field surgeries and laboratory investigations, research interests were focused on the retention of microplastics inside of animals by ingestion and the series of negative effects after that. However, such large plastic debris and filaments are hardly eaten by small animals, like zooplankton, planktonic larvae, etc. In this study, the surface contact between plastic filaments contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and mussel pediveliger larvae has been investigated to figure out the effects of “non-digestive tract route of exposure” on subject animals. In a 1600 mL artificial seawater medium, high mortalities of mussel larvae were recorded after being exposed to two PAHs-contaminated (benzo[α]pyrene (BaP) and phenanthrene (Phe)) filaments for 5 days, 68.63% for BaP and 56.45% for Phe on average. We suggest that the surface contact was the dominant pathway to transfer PAHs from contaminated filaments to larvae and that the risk of contaminated plastic ropes transferring hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) to larvae in mussel aquaculture should be taken seriously.
Adverse Effects of Prenatal Exposure to Oxidized Black Carbon Particles on the Reproductive System of Male Mice
Authors: Jiang Shuanglin , Chen Li , Shen Jianyun , Zhang Di , Wu Hai , Wang Rong , Zhang Shangrong , Jiang Nan , Li Wenyong
Published: June 2023

Ambient black carbon (BC), a main constituent of atmospheric particulate matter (PM), is a primary particle that is mainly generated by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuel and biomass burning. BC has been identified as a potential health risk via exposure. However, the adverse effects of exposure to BC on the male reproductive system remain unclear. In the present study, we explored the effects of maternal exposure to oxidized black carbon (OBC) during pregnancy on testicular development and steroid synthesis in male offspring. Pregnant mice were exposed to OBC (467 μg/kg BW) or nanopure water (as control) by intratracheal instillation from gestation day (GD) 4 to GD 16.5 (every other day). We examined the testicular histology, daily sperm production, serum testosterone, and mRNA expression of hormone synthesis process-related factors of male offspring at postnatal day (PND) 35 and PND 84. Histological examinations exhibited abnormal seminiferous tubules with degenerative changes and low cellular adhesion in testes of OBC-exposed mice at PND 35 and PND 84. Consistent with the decrease in daily sperm production, the serum testosterone level of male offspring of OBC-exposed mice also decreased significantly. Correspondingly, mRNA expression levels of hormone-synthesis-related genes (i.e., StAR, P450scc, P450c17, and 17β-HSD) were markedly down-regulated in male offspring of PND 35 and PND 84, respectively. In brief, these results suggest that prenatal exposure has detrimental effects on mouse spermatogenesis in adult offspring.
Domperidone Inhibits Clostridium botulinum C2 Toxin and Bordetella pertussis Toxin
Authors: Jia Jinfang , Braune-Yan Maria , Lietz Stefanie , Wahba Mary , Pulliainen Arto T. , Barth Holger , Ernst Katharina
Published: June 2023

Bordetella pertussis toxin (PT) and Clostridium botulinum C2 toxin are ADP-ribosylating toxins causing severe diseases in humans and animals. They share a common translocation mechanism requiring the cellular chaperones Hsp90 and Hsp70, cyclophilins, and FK506-binding proteins to transport the toxins’ enzyme subunits into the cytosol. Inhibitors of chaperone activities have been shown to reduce the amount of transported enzyme subunits into the cytosol of cells, thus protecting cells from intoxication by these toxins. Recently, domperidone, an approved dopamine receptor antagonist drug, was found to inhibit Hsp70 activity. Since Hsp70 is required for cellular toxin uptake, we hypothesized that domperidone also protects cells from intoxication with PT and C2. The inhibition of intoxication by domperidone was demonstrated by analyzing the ADP-ribosylation status of the toxins’ specific substrates. Domperidone had no inhibitory effect on the receptor-binding or enzyme activity of the toxins, but it inhibited the pH-driven membrane translocation of the enzyme subunit of the C2 toxin and reduced the amount of PTS1 in cells. Taken together, our results indicate that domperidone is a potent inhibitor of PT and C2 toxins in cells and therefore might have therapeutic potential by repurposing domperidone to treat diseases caused by bacterial toxins that require Hsp70 for their cellular uptake.
Single-Center Experience of Control of Ventilator-Circuit-Transmitted Burkholderia cepacia Outbreak in an Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Shen Bing-Jie , Wang Jann-Tay , Chang Hou-Tai , Chang Shan-Chwen , Liao Chun-Hsing
Published: June 2023

Burkholderia cepacia is an emerging nosocomial pathogen frequently associated with outbreaks, but the exact transmission route of this pathogen can at times be elusive in spite of extensive environmental investigative cultures. Active surveillance for sputum cultures was performed for all patients from September 2008 to September 2009 in an intensive care unit (ICU) with B. cepacia outbreak. With evidence of persistent positive conversion of sputum cultures (colonization) and infections among patients, discontinuing re-usable ventilator circuits was introduced. A total of 689 patients were admitted to this unit for a mean duration of 8.7 ± 7.5 days. There were 489 patients (71.0%) with a stay for one to ten days; 161 (23.4%) patients for 11 to 20 days; and 39 (5.7%) with over 20 days. In the first group, 13.5% of patients had cultures converting from negative to positive, in contrast to 66.7% in the last group (p < 0.01). With intervention of using disposable ventilator circuits since June 2009, the incidence of isolated B. cepacia decreased gradually. The estimated 30-day isolation-free probabilities of the groups before, during, one month (August 2009) after, and two months (September 2009) after this intervention were 38.5%, 47.3%, 66.5%, and 96.0%, respectively (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the effect of discontinuing reusable ventilator circuit persisted in the following 6 years; both total isolates of B. cepacia and the infection caused by it were much lower compared to the outbreak period. In summary, this six-year outbreak in a medical ICU persisted until reusable ventilator circuits were discontinued in 2009. The effect of disposable circuits on the decreased incidence of B. cepacia infection maintained in the following years.
Leishmania infantum Axenic Amastigotes Induce Human Neutrophil Extracellular Traps and Resist NET-Mediated Killing
Authors: Oliveira Thamara K. F. , Oliveira-Silva Jullyanna , Linhares-Lacerda Leandra , da Silva Fraga-Junior Vanderlei , Benjamim Claudia F. , Guimaraes-Costa Anderson B. , Saraiva Elvira M.
Published: June 2023

Neutrophils are multifaceted cells that, upon activation, release meshes of chromatin associated with different proteins, known as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes and amastigotes induce NET release, and we have identified the signaling pathways involved in NET extrusion activated by promastigotes. Amastigotes maintain the infection in vertebrate hosts, and we have shown the association of NETs with amastigotes in human biopsies of cutaneous leishmaniasis. However, the interaction of amastigotes and neutrophils remains poorly understood. Our study aimed to characterize the pathways involved in the formation of NETs induced by axenic amastigotes from L. infantum, the causal agent of visceral leishmaniasis. Human neutrophils pretreated with signaling pathway inhibitors were incubated with amastigotes, and NET release was quantified in the culture supernatant. Amastigote viability was checked after incubation with NETs. We found that the release of NETs by neutrophils stimulated with these amastigotes requires the participation of elastase and peptidyl arginine deaminase and the involvement of PI3K, ROS, and calcium. Moreover, amastigotes are not susceptible to NET-mediated killing. Altogether, these findings improve our comprehension of the signaling pathways implicated in the interaction between amastigotes and human neutrophils.
Strengthening the Operational Research Capacity of National Tuberculosis Control Programs: Necessity or Luxury?
Authors: Zachariah Rony , Goncharova Olga , Kamarli Chynara , Bazikov Timur , Ahmedov Sevim , Osmonaliev Kudaibergen , Harries Anthony D. , Davtyan Hayk , Thekkur Pruthu , Kalmambetova Gulmira , Kadyrov Abdullaat
Published: June 2023

‘How to get research into practice: first get practice into research [...]
Chiral Loop Quantum Supergravity and Black Hole Entropy
Authors: Eder Konstantin , Sahlmann Hanno
Published: June 2023

Recent work has shown that local supersymmetry on a spacetime boundary in N-extended AdS supergravity in chiral variables implies coupling to a boundary OSp(N|2)C super Chern–Simons theory. Consequently there has been a proposal to define and calculate the entropy S for the boundary, in the supersymmetric version of loop quantum gravity, for the minimal case N=1, via this super Chern–Simons theory. We give an overview of how supergravity can be treated in loop quantum gravity. We review the calculation of the dimensions of the quantum state spaces of UOSp(1|2) super Chern–Simons theory with punctures, and its analytical continuation, for the fixed quantum super area of the surface, to OSp(1|2)C. The result is S=aH/4 for large (super) areas. Lower order corrections can also be determined. We begin also a discussion of the statistical mechanics of the surface degrees of freedom by calculating the grand canonical partition function at zero chemical potential. This is a new result.
The Lense–Thirring Effect on the Galilean Moons of Jupiter
Authors: Iorio Lorenzo
Published: June 2023

The perspectives of detecting the general relativistic gravitomagnetic Lense–Thirring effect on the orbits of the Galilean moons of Jupiter induced by the angular momentum S of the latter are preliminarily investigated. Numerical integrations over one century show that the expected gravitomagnetic signatures of the directly observable right ascension α and declination δ of the satellites are as large as tens of arcseconds for Io, while for Callisto they drop to the ≃0.2arcseconds level. Major competing effects due to the mismodeling in the zonal multipoles Jℓ,ℓ=2,3,4,… of the Jovian non-spherically symmetric gravity field and in the Jupiter’s spin axis k^ should have a limited impact, especially in view of the future improvements in determining such parameters expected after the completion of the ongoing Juno mission in the next few years. On the other hand, the masses of the satellites, responsible of their mutual N-body perturbations, should be known better than now. Such a task should be accomplished with the future JUICE and Clipper missions to the Jovian system. Present-day accuracy in knowing the orbits of the Jovian Galilean satellites is of the order of 10 milliarcseconds, to be likely further improved thanks to the ongoing re-reduction of old photographic plates. This suggests that, in the next future, the Lense–Thirring effect in the main Jovian system of moons might be detectable with dedicated data reductions in which the gravitomagnetic field is explicitly modeled and solved-for.
Matching Slowly Rotating Spacetimes Split by Dynamic Thin Shells
Authors: Pereira Jonas P. , Rueda Jorge A.
Published: June 2023

We investigated within the Darmois–Israel thin-shell formalism the match of neutral and asymptotically flat, slowly rotating spacetimes (up to second order in the rotation parameter) when their boundaries are dynamic. It has several important applications in general relativistic systems, such as black holes and neutron stars, which we exemplify. We mostly focused on the stability aspects of slowly rotating thin shells in equilibrium and the surface degrees of freedom on the hypersurfaces splitting the matched slowly rotating spacetimes, e.g., surface energy density and surface tension. We show that the stability upon perturbations in the spherically symmetric case automatically implies stability in the slow rotation case. In addition, we show that, when matching slowly rotating Kerr spacetimes through thin shells in equilibrium, the surface degrees of freedom can decrease compared to their Schwarzschild counterparts, meaning that the energy conditions could be weakened. The frame-dragging aspects of the match of slowly rotating spacetimes are also briefly discussed.
Safety and Immunogenicity of Homologous and Heterologous Adenoviral-Vectored and mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Regimens in Radiotherapy Patients
Authors: Prayongrat Anussara , Noppaving Patjaya , Chobarporn Thitiporn , Sudhinaraset Natthinee , Teeyapun Nattaya , Pakvisal Nussara , Jantarabenjakul Watsamon , Sophonphan Jiratchaya , Lertbutsayanukul Chawalit , Poovorawan Yong
Published: June 2023

Diminished immune response after vaccination occurs in cancer patients. This observational study evaluated the immune response and safety profile after COVID-19 vaccination in radiotherapy patients. The study comprised 53 cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and voluntarily received the COVID-19 vaccine. The two regimens were homologous ChAdOx1-S recombinant (AstraZeneca, AZ), “AZ-AZ” and heterologous “AZ-mRNA”. The seroconversion rate and anti-RBD immunoglobulin geometric mean titers (GMT) were assessed and compared with healthy controls. Adverse effects were assessed using a questionnaire. The seroconversion rate was 52.4% 1 month after the first dose with GMT 4.3 U/mL (95%CI 1.4–13). Following the second dose, the AZ-AZ group achieved 95% seroconversion rate with GMT = 188.4 U/mL (95%CI 67.1–529), which was significantly lower than the healthy cohort, GMT = 945 U/mL (95%CI 708–1261). Cancer patients in AZ-mRNA group achieved a 100% seroconversion rate with a high GMT = 1400.8 U/mL (95%CI 429.5–4566), which was significantly lower than the healthy cohort, GMT = 5169.9 U/mL (95%CI 3582.2–7461.5). Most adverse effects were mild. Our findings suggest that radiotherapy patients had fair immunogenicity after the first dose, but achieved a high seroconversion rate after the second dose with manageable adverse effects. However, their immunologic response was lower than in healthy individuals, indicating that other preventive strategies are needed.
Critical Elements of an Mpox Vaccination Model at the Largest Public Health Hospital System in the United States
Authors: Piccolo Anthony J. Lo , Chan Justin , Cohen Gabriel M. , Mgbako Ofole , Pitts Robert A. , Postelnicu Radu , Wallach Andrew , Mukherjee Vikramjit
Published: June 2023

In the spring of 2022, mpox spread to non-endemic countries, including the United States. In New York City (NYC), vaccine demand grew as quickly as case counts. With the leadership of the Regional Emerging Special Pathogens Treatment Center (RESPTC) at NYC Health and Hospitals/Bellevue (NYC H+H)—part of the largest public hospital system in the United States—an innovative vaccination model was established that overcame challenges involving health inequities, inadequate access, and lack of vaccine uptake, to successfully administer JYNNEOS vaccines to over 12,000 patients. Transmission has slowed since its peak in August 2022, which has been attributed to successful vaccination campaigns, infection-induced immunity, and behavioral changes among those at highest risk; however, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) assessment released on 4 April 2023 suggests jurisdictions with low vaccination levels (<35%) remain at risk for an mpox resurgence. Here, we summarize the critical aspects of our mpox vaccination model in NYC, which include integration into routine clinical care, prioritization of health equity, and reutilization of COVID-19 vaccination systems, to provide valuable insights for healthcare institutions as we move into the next stage of this ongoing outbreak.
The Humoral Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine in Hemodialysis Patients Is Correlated with Nutritional Status
Authors: Jacobson-Naftali Merav , Azoulay Odile , Frishman Sigal , Godny Lihi , Zingerman Boris , Rozen-Zvi Benaya , Agur Timna
Published: June 2023

Hemodialysis patients are highly susceptible to poor nutritional status. Our objective was to investigate whether poor nutritional status during mRNA-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is correlated with impaired vaccine responses. This retrospective study was conducted in two hospital-based dialysis units. The nutritional status of hemodialysis patients was assessed, using a malnutrition inflammation score (MIS) at the time of their first BNT162b2 vaccine dose. One month after the second vaccine dose, we performed a quantitative assessment of antibodies against the spike protein (anti-S1 IgG). A total of 115 hemodialysis patients, with an average age of 72 were enrolled in the study. Among them, 39 (33.9%) were female, and 67 (58.2%) had diabetes mellitus. In 43/115 (37.4%) patients, moderate to severe malnutrition (MIS > 5) was detected. Comparatively, malnourished patients showed a lower log-transformed mean level of anti-S1 IgG compared to those with normal nutrition (2.91 ± 0.83 vs. 3.25 ± 0.72, respectively, p = 0.024). In a multivariable analysis that adjusted for age, sex, and KT/V, the nutritional status assessed by an MIS remained inversely associated with an anti-S1 IgG response [B; −0.066 (−0.117 to −0.015)]. In conclusion, moderate to severe malnutrition in hemodialysis patients is associated with reduced humoral responses to BNT162b2 vaccination.
The Mechanism of bnAb Production and Its Application in Mutable Virus Broad-Spectrum Vaccines: Inspiration from HIV-1 Broad Neutralization Research
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Zhou Zehua
Published: June 2023

Elite controllers among HIV-1-infected individuals have demonstrated a stronger ability to control the viral load in their bodies. Scientists have isolated antibodies with strong neutralizing ability from these individuals, which can neutralize HIV-1 variations; these are known as broadly neutralizing antibodies. The nucleic acid of some viruses will constantly mutate during replication (such as SARS-CoV-2), which will reduce the protective ability of the corresponding vaccines. The immune escape caused by this mutation is the most severe challenge faced by humans in the battle against the virus. Therefore, developing broad-spectrum vaccines that can induce broadly neutralizing antibodies against various viruses and their mutated strains is the best way to combat virus mutations. Exploring the mechanism by which the human immune system produces broadly neutralizing antibodies and its induction strategies is crucial in the design process of broad-spectrum vaccines.
The Omicron Variant Reinfection Risk among Individuals with a Previous SARS-CoV-2 Infection within One Year in Shanghai, China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ye Chuchu , Zhang Ge , Zhang Anran , Xin Hualei , Wu Kang , Li Zhongjie , Jia Yilin , Hao Lipeng , Xue Caoyi , Wang Yuanping , Xu Hongmei , Zhu Weiping , Zhou Yixin
Published: June 2023

Reinfection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants due to immune escape is challenging for the global response to the pandemic. We estimated the Omicron reinfection prevalence among people who had a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in Shanghai, China. We conducted a telephone survey in December 2022 with those who had previously been infected with Omicron between March and May 2022. Information on their demographics, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing, and vaccination history was collected. The overall and subgroup reinfection rates were estimated and compared. Among the 1981 respondents who were infected between March and May 2022, 260 had positive nucleic acid or rapid antigen tests in December 2022, with an estimated reinfection rate of 13.1% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 11.6–14.6). The reinfection rate for those who had a booster vaccination was 11.4% (95% CI: 9.2–13.7), which was significantly lower than that for those with an incomplete vaccination series (15.2%, 95% CI: 12.3–18.1) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.579; 95% CI: 0.412–0.813). Reinfection with the Omicron variant was lower among individuals with a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and those who had a booster vaccination, suggesting that hybrid immunity may offer protection against reinfection with Omicron sublineages.
From Conspiracy to Hesitancy: The Longitudinal Impact of COVID-19 Vaccine Conspiracy Theories on Perceived Vaccine Effectiveness
Authors: Salazar-Fernández Camila , Baeza-Rivera María José , Manríquez-Robles Diego , Salinas-Oñate Natalia , Sallam Malik
Published: June 2023

The embrace of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine conspiracies has been linked to vaccine hesitancy. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 vaccine conspiracy theories and perceived vaccine effectiveness. The study utilized a longitudinal follow-up study in which adults in Chile completed surveys in December 2020 (T1) and May 2021 (T2). The psychometric properties of the five-item instrument on conspiracy theories for the COVID-19 vaccine were evaluated using data from T1 (n = 578). A confirmatory one-factor structure with suitable indicators of reliability was found. The longitudinal analysis (n = 292) revealed that conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 vaccine in T1 were associated with lower beliefs in its effectiveness in T2. However, no significant association was found between beliefs in effectiveness in T1 and conspiracy theories in T2. The study suggests that beliefs in conspiracy theories may temporally precede beliefs in vaccine effectiveness for COVID-19. The results have implications for strategies to address vaccine conspiracy beliefs and their implementation at the public policy level.
Subsequent COVID-19 Prophylaxis in COVID-19 Associated Glomerulopathies
Authors: Boyle Therese , O’Lone Emma , Phua Elaine , Anderson Janet , Mather Amanda , Fernando Suran L.
Published: June 2023

Successful vaccination has been the decisive factor in the overall decline of SARS-CoV2 infection related morbidity and mortality. However, global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are ongoing, with reports of glomerular disease occurring in relation to both infection and vaccination. A particular rise in anti-GBM disease has been identified. Information is still emerging regarding the optimal management of such cases. We reviewed anti-GBM antibody detection rates at our test center over the past 5 years. We followed three patients with biopsy confirmed glomerular disease temporally related to COVID-19 vaccination. Each patient proceeded to receive subsequent COVID-19 vaccination as per immunologist recommendations. Further assessment included COVID-19 antibody testing in each case. A three-fold increase in significant anti-GBM antibody results noted at our center was associated with COVID infection in 10% of cases, and COVID vaccination in 25% of cases. We demonstrated that subsequent vaccination did not appear to lead to adverse effects including relapse in our three cases of COVID-19 vaccine-associated GN. We also identified positive COVID-19 antibody levels in two out of three cases, despite immunosuppression. We report a rise in anti-GBM antibody disease incidence. Our small study suggests that COVID-19 antibody testing can help determine COVID prophylaxis requirements, and subsequent vaccination with an alternative vaccine type appears safe.
Synthesizing Vehicle Speed-Related Features with Neural Networks
Authors: Krepelka Michal , Vrany Jiri
Published: June 2023

In today’s automotive industry, digital technology trends such as Big Data, Digital Twin, and Hardware-in-the-loop simulations using synthetic data offer opportunities that have the potential to transform the entire industry towards being more software-oriented and thus more effective and environmentally friendly. In this paper, we propose generative models to synthesize car features related to vehicle speed: brake pressure, percentage of the pressed throttle pedal, engaged gear, and engine RPM. Synthetic data are essential to digitize Hardware-in-the-loop integration testing of the vehicle’s dashboard, navigation, or infotainment and for Digital Twin simulations. We trained models based on Multilayer Perceptron and bidirectional Long-Short Term Memory neural network for each feature. These models were evaluated on a real-world dataset and demonstrated sufficient accuracy in predicting the desired features. Combining our current research with previous work on generating a speed profile for an arbitrary trip, where Open Street Map data and elevation data are available, allows us to digitally drive this trip. At the time of writing, we are unaware of any similar data-driven approach for generating desired speed-related features.
PCR-Based Detection and Genetic Characterization of Parainfluenza Virus 5 Detected in Pigs in Korea from 2016 to 2018
Authors: Truong Ha-Thai , Nguyen Van-Giap , Pham Le-Bich-Hang , Huynh Thi-My-Le , Lee Jasper , Hwang Su-Jin , Lee Jae-Myun , Chung Hee-Chun
Published: June 2023

This study applied a molecular-based method to detect parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) collected from 2016 to 2018 in nine provinces of Republic of Korea. We demonstrated that PIV5 was detectable in both serum and pooled organs at an average positive rate of 1.78% (99/5566). Among these, the complete genome sequence of 15,246 nucleotides was obtained for 12 field strains. Three out of the 12 strains had the lowest genetic identity (96.20–96.68%) among the 21 porcine PIV5 genomes collected in Germany, China, India, and Republic of Korea from 1998 to 2017. By analyzing a large collection of complete genome sequences of the structural protein-coding F and HN genes, this study proposed a classification of PIV5 into two lineages, 1 and 2, and identified that group 2.2.2 within sub-lineage 2.2 was substantially divergent. The evolution of two structural protein-coding genes was largely under purifying selection. A few codons (6/9 for the F gene, 7/8 for the HN gene) had elevated dN/dS values, which were loaded on internal branches and were predicted to be related to beneficial trait(s) of the virus.
Analysis of the Effect of Wear on Tire Cornering Characteristics Based on Grounding Characteristics
Authors: Zhang Shupei , Liu Yue , Zhou Haichao , Zhang Wei , Chen Yixiang , Zhu Hongcheng
Published: June 2023

Electric vehicles can lead to accelerated tire wear, an inevitable phenomenon during tire usage that can affect the cornering characteristics determining handling stability. In order to simulate tire wear, a finite element model for tire wear was established using the UMESHMOTION subroutine and Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) adaptive meshing in ABAQUS, which is based on the Archard theory. The tire’s cornering characteristics were analyzed based on the obtained worn tire. The research results demonstrate that as the wear amount increases, the cornering stiffness and aligning stiffness of the tire also increase. When there are differences in wear on both tire shoulders with the same global wear, the change in cornering stiffness is not significant, while the aligning stiffness exhibits noticeable differences. To explain the above phenomenon, grounding characteristics were incorporated as mediator variables. The analysis results indicate that wear has an impact on the grounding characteristics. Additionally, statistically significant correlations exist between grounding parameters and cornering characteristics. In conclusion, wear affects the tire’s cornering characteristics by changing the grounding characteristics.
Vehicle State Estimation Based on Sage–Husa Adaptive Unscented Kalman Filtering
Authors: Chen Yong , Yan Hao , Li Yuecheng
Published: June 2023

To combat the impacts of uncertain noise on the estimation of vehicle state parameters and the high cost of sensors, a state-observer design with an adaptive unscented Kalman filter (AUKF) is developed. The design equation of the state observer is derived by establishing the vehicle’s three degrees-of-freedom (DOF) model. On this basis, the Sage–Husa algorithm and unscented Kalman filter (UKF) are combined to form the AUKF algorithm to adaptively update the statistical feature estimation of measurement noise. Finally, a co-simulation using Carsim and Matlab/Simulink confirms the algorithm is effective and reasonable. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm, compared with the UKF algorithm, increases estimation accuracy by 19.13%, 32.8%, and 39.46% in yaw rate, side-slip angle, and longitudinal velocity, respectively. This is because the proposed algorithm adaptively adjusts the measurement noise covariance matrix, which can estimate the state parameters of the vehicle more accurately.
Online Broadband Impedance Identification for Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on a Nonlinear Equivalent Circuit Model
Authors: Pan Hongyu , Wang Xueyuan , Zhang Luning , Wang Rong , Dai Haifeng , Wei Xuezhe
Published: June 2023

Models play a crucial role in explaining internal processes, estimating states, and managing lithium-ion batteries. Electrochemical models can effectively illustrate the battery’s mechanism; however, their complexity renders them unsuitable for onboard use in electric vehicles. On the other hand, equivalent circuit models (ECMs) utilize a simple set of circuit elements to simulate voltage–current characteristics. This approach is less complex and easier to implement. However, most ECMs do not currently account for the nonlinear impact of operating conditions on battery impedance, making it difficult to obtain accurate wideband impedance characteristics of the battery when used in online applications. This article delves into the intrinsic mechanism of batteries and discusses the influence of nonstationary conditions on impedance. An ECM designed for non-steady state conditions is presented. Online adaptive adjustment of model parameters is achieved using the forgetting factor recursive least squares (FFRLS) algorithm and varied parameters approach (VPA) algorithm. Experimental results demonstrate the impressive performance of the model and parameter identification method, enabling the accurate acquisition of online impedance.
A short Literature Review on Sawlog and Pulpwood Transport Efficiency and Fuel Consumption
Authors: SMALL Riley , GHAFFARİYAN Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2023

Timber transport is one of the main components of woody supply chain, which causes high costs and considerable emissions depending on truck size, type, transport distance, and payload. A cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment of Softwood plantations and regrowth hardwood native forests estimated that the most significant contributor to total greenhouse emissions per unit of wood production in softwood plantation was log haulage at 37%. For regrowth native hardwood forests, log transportation contributed 23% of greenhouse gas emissions. This research, built on existing literature, focused on how timber harvesting transportation costs and emissions to the environment can be reduced, specifically, the transport of the industrial timber logs from the Forest Stockpile to the processing facility or unloading points. The review summarized the data and highlighted that the efficiency and emissions data could be categorized into five themes: Higher Capacity Transportation (HCT), Road Networks & Surfaces, Logistics and Planning, Fleet Replacement, and Fuel efficiency technologies. Fuel efficiency improvements across these themes ranged from 3% to 43% within the reviewed case studies. Several studies researched the fuel efficiency of High Capacity Transport indicated that the fuel consumption in liters per ton kilometer was 8-11% lower in the 92-tonne combination HCT compared to a 72-tonne combination HCT due to the increased payload for High Capacity Transport. Road networks and the composition of the surfaces have been shown to have a strong correlation to emissions. Studies have shown a 16.7% increase in emissions from a network of predominantly highways to a higher proportion of Forrest and Gravel roads. Studies that included data on vehicle age found efficiency improvements of up to 26% when new vehicles’ fuel consumption was compared to older vehicles. Newer truck fleets incorporate newer technologies, with reports showing fuel consumption improvements of up to 43% with less than a two-year payback period.
Digital Marketing in the Context of Consumer Behaviour in the ICT Industry: The Case Study of the Slovak Republic
Authors: Gajanova Lubica , Michulek Jakub
Published: June 2023

In Slovakia, a significant increase in spending on digital advertising was recorded in 2021. According to estimates, when compared to spending on other media types, online became the strongest advertising medium for the first time. As part of the analysis of consumer behaviour in the context of digital marketing, the research primarily focused on Slovak companies operating in the retail sector with IT and communication equipment – ICT specialized stores, because electronics is among the most frequently purchased online products by Slovak consumers. In the study, an analysis of consumer behaviour in the context of digital marketing was carried out to detect how respondents perceive selected digital marketing tools, to determine their preferences, attitudes, and reactions within ICT industry. For the purposes of this study, the method of collecting data through a questionnaire was chosen. The questions in the questionnaire were concerned consumer behaviour before purchase and were focused on selected digital marketing tools. The survey was conducted in December 2022 by the CAWI method, on a representative sample of the Slovak population of 391 respondents. The statistical method single proportion by one tailed test as well was used to verify the research assumptions. Based on the results of the consumer behaviour analysis, recommendations were established with the intention to be applied in the practice of Slovak companies in the context of digital marketing in the ICT industry. The fact that almost half of the respondents use the Internet for more than two hours daily presents many opportunities for businesses to appropriately address and engage potential customers through various digital marketing tools. The implementation of proposals should have a positive impact on companies in the ICT sector and their marketing activities. Their pursuance should bring benefits to businesses in the form of increased website traffic, acquisition of new customers, increased demand, profit, and satisfaction of customers.
Application of the Internet of Things and 6G Cellular Communication to Optimize Accounting and International Marketing
Authors: Zadorozhnyi Zenovii-Mykhaylo , Muravskyi Volodymyr , Pochynok Nataliya , Ivasechko Uliana
Published: June 2023

Digitalization of marketing forms preconditions for personalization and individualization of advertising promotion of goods (works, services). Databases about consumer preferences and market situation are at the disposal of major international corporations, which makes it difficult for advertisers and admen. It is envisaged that the development of technologies of the Internet of Things (IoT) and 6G cellular communication should change the situation in the field of processing and using information for accounting, management and marketing purposes. The purpose of the scientific research lies in optimization of accounting and international marketing in terms of determining income, expenses and, accordingly, profits from the lease of commercial and advertising space in all international participants of lease relations on the basis of information generated by innovative technologies of the Internet of Things and cellular communication of the sixth communication generation. In particular, the method of using technologies of the Internet of Things and 6G cellular networks was developed for obtaining information about the movement of visitors of commercial establishments and their consumer preferences. The procedure for recognition and accounting of all market participants’ income, expenses and, accordingly, financial results from the lease of commercial and advertising space has been developed, including operators of commercial establishments, advertisers, admen, and leasers. The organization of accounting the lease of commercial and advertising areas as part of international economic activity of enterprises has been optimized by providing international access to information and software and technical resources of the Internet of Things and cellular communication. Management decisions have been made as a reaction to information from a database about visiting commercial establishments. Based on the authors’ proposals, the order of circulation of accounting and management information and funds from buyers to operators of trade networks, trade establishments, advertising agencies and, finally, producers of goods (works, services) are proposed through the systems of international information relations that form a closed cycle of economic activity at the global level and require further scientific research.
Systematic Review of the Oxford Classification of IgA Nephropathy: Reproducibility and Prognostic Value
Authors: Howie Alexander J. , Lalayiannis Alexander D.
Published: June 2023

Key Points

The Oxford classification of IgA nephropathy defined five features scored subjectively in renal biopsies, identified by the initials MESTC.

Two large studies with independent observers showed reproducibility was moderate for T, moderate or poor for M and S, and poor for E and C.

In multivariate analyses including clinical features, T was related to 58% of outcomes, with no correlation of MESTC with 24% of outcomes.

Background

The Oxford classification of IgA nephropathy defined five prognostic features scored subjectively in renal biopsies: mesangial cellularity (M), endocapillary hypercellularity (E), segmental sclerosis (S), interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (T), and (fibro)cellular crescents (C). Pathological scoring systems should be reproducible and have prognostic value independently of clinical features. Reproducibility of the classification was not previously investigated in a systematic review, and the most recent systematic reviews of prognostic value were in 2017.

Methods

This systematic review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. MEDLINE, PUBMED, and EMBASE databases were searched using the terms “IgA nephropathy” and “Oxford.” Eligible papers applied the classification and mentioned statistical analysis of interobserver reproducibility and/or included multivariate analysis of outcomes related to individual Oxford scores and clinical features, including treatment with corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs.

Results

There were 99 suitable papers before September 23, 2022. Of 12 papers that mentioned reproducibility, only six reported statistics for MEST/MESTC scoring. Four of these were small studies and/or had observers at the same institution. These were considered less representative of application of the classification than two large studies with independent observers, in which agreement was moderate for T, either moderate or poor for M and S, and poor for E and C. In 92 papers with 125 multivariate analyses of various outcomes, the commonest Oxford element associated with outcomes was T (73 of 125, 58%), with no correlation of any element with outcomes in 30 analyses (24%). Treatment with immunosuppression was often related to scores, particularly C and E, without consistent relations between Oxford scores and outcomes in immunosuppressed patients.

Conclusions

This systematic review showed limitations of the Oxford classification in practice, particularly the moderate or poor reproducibility of scores. T was the Oxford score most often related to clinical outcomes, but even this was not consistently reliable as a prognostic indicator.