bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leveraging Machine Learning and Simulation to Advance Disaster Preparedness Assessments through FEMA National Household Survey Data
Authors: Jiang Zhenlong , Chen Yudi , Yang Ting-Yeh , Ji Wenying , Dong Zhijie (Sasha) , Ji Ran
Published: May 2023

Effective household and individual disaster preparedness can minimize physical harm and property damage during catastrophic events. To assess the risk and vulnerability of affected areas, it is crucial for relief agencies to understand the level of public preparedness. Traditionally, government agencies have employed nationwide random telephone surveys to gauge the public’s attitudes and actions towards disaster preparedness. However, these surveys may lack generalizability in certain affected locations due to low response rates or areas not covered by the survey. To address this issue and enhance the comprehensiveness of disaster preparedness assessments, we develop a framework that seamlessly integrates machine learning and simulation. Our approach leverages machine learning algorithms to establish relationships between public attitudes towards disaster preparedness and demographic characteristics. Using Monte Carlo simulation, we generate datasets that incorporate demographic information of the affected location based on government-provided demographic distribution data. The generated dataset is then input into the machine learning model to predict the disaster preparedness attitudes of the affected population. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our framework by applying it to Miami-Dade County, where it accurately predicts the level of disaster preparedness. With this innovative approach, relief agencies can have a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of public disaster preparedness.
Reviewing the Universal Mobility of the Footpaths in the Centers of Historic Indian Cities through Field Survey
Authors: Das Mahapatra Gaurab , Mori Suguru , Nomura Rie
Published: May 2023

In this research, the condition of universal mobility, in the centers of historic Indian cities, has been critically analyzed. Implementing universal design guidelines (especially universal mobility standards) in the centers of historic Indian cities is comparatively challenging, due to the high-density, ever-increasing population, and organic urban development. The rising number of elderly and specially abled people also add a demographic challenge to universal mobility. The focus of this research is to understand the extent to which universal mobility guidelines can be implemented in the centers of historic Indian cities. The dataset for this research is derived from a field survey of 69 footpath stretches from the centers of 5 historic cities in India, namely Jaipur, Jodhpur, Nagpur, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Footpath stretches in the centers of these historic cities were evaluated based on several factors pertaining to universally designed infrastructure and universal mobility features. Such comprehensive research on universal mobility in footpaths of historic Indian cities has not been previously conducted. The findings of this research indicate the poor condition of universal mobility in the studied areas. Furthermore, the results can be useful for assessing the extent of implementation of universal mobility in the centers of other historic Indian cities.
Impact of the Digital Economy and Financial Development on Residents’ Consumption Upgrading: Evidence from Mainland China
Authors: Chen Dongjing , Guo Xiaotong
Published: May 2023

Consumption upgrading reflects people’s pursuit of a better life and is an important engine of high-quality economic development. Based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2006 to 2021, this study analyses the impact and mechanism of the digital economy and financial development on residents’ consumption upgrading from a macro perspective. The findings demonstrate that the digital economy, financial development, and their synergistic effect significantly promote residents’ consumption upgrading, which improves the overall level of residents’ consumption expenditure and promotes the transformation of the residents’ consumption structure from subsistence to development and enjoyment expenditure. The common mechanism of the digital economy and financial development is industrial structure optimization. The positive effects of the digital economy, financial development, and their synergy on residents’ consumption upgrading have obvious regional and urban–rural heterogeneity and show nonlinear characteristics with the advancement of new urbanization.
Evaluation of Waste in Food Services: A Structural Equation Analysis Using Behavioral and Operational Factors
Authors: Bulhões Mario dos Santos , Fonseca Maria da Conceição Pereira da , Pereira Darlan Azevedo , Martins Márcio A. F.
Published: May 2023

To make the activities of food service companies more sustainable, it is essential to continuously improve their production processes. Understanding which factors are associated with the phenomenon of waste, as well as how they are causally related, is essential for proposing more effective actions to mitigate it. However, the vast majority of studies consider only the analysis of behavioral factors in food waste. To fill this gap, this work evaluates the behavioral and operational dimensions of the phenomenon studied, assessing the implications of the interdependence and causality relations for the respective factors of these dimensions, bringing a broader perspective to the waste problem. The behavioral dimension is developed from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) (Motivation (MO), Intention (IN), and Waste Behavior (CD)) associated with the operational aspects, which are treated in this study as Opportunity (OP), Ability (HB), and Waste Control and Management (CGD), through the use of structural equation modeling (SEM) using the partial least squares in a public food service establishment. The sample size was calculated using the GPower calculator. The composition of the sample was defined considering (i) public profile; (ii) definition of the number of indicators; and (iii) definition of the power of the statistical test and the effect of exogenous variables (f2). Contact was made by sending an email. A return of 102 respondents was obtained. A minimum value of 86 observations was necessary to achieve a statistical power of 80% to identify R2. Highlighting the participation of some indicators, Situational Factors 36%, Environmental Beliefs 29%, Health Risks 40%, Training 35%, and Technical Skills 42%, have a strong influence on the average variance extracted (AVE) in their constructs. The proposed model showed the importance of alignment between the factors of the behavioral and operational dimensions in view of improvements in production processes and reduction of waste in food service units.
Cross-Mapping Important Interactions between Water-Energy-Food Nexus Indices and the SDGs
Authors: Ioannou Alexandra E. , Laspidou Chrysi S.
Published: May 2023

Worldwide, many developing countries are making efforts to achieve sustainability through the 17 SDGs and at the same time to contribute to environmental security. The Nexus approach enables a more integrated and sustainable use of resources that extends beyond traditional siloed thinking and is applicable at multiple scales. This is especially important in a globalized world where collaboration is becoming increasingly important for societies. In this framework, we present an analysis that will assist policymakers set priorities in investments by investigating the influence of the WEF nexus on the 17 SDGs and vice versa. Following the Nexus approach may thus enhance synergies and contribute to increased performance in connected SDGs that are positively influenced. In this article, we present an analysis that allows stakeholders to adapt it to their specific needs by entering new scores based on the characteristics of each case study; the results of this methodology should be considered in light of the specific conditions, including socio-cultural aspects and geographical, geopolitical, and governance realities, as well as the scale of the case study in question. A Fuzzy Cognitive Map analysis is also conducted on the scores to quantify SDG impact and identify the SDGs that most strongly “influence” nexus-coherent policies and the SDGs that are most strongly “influenced by” the nexus. This is achieved by analyzing the causality in this complex system of positive and negative interlinkages. Through this analysis, three SDGs, namely SDG 2 (Food), SDG 6 (Water) and SDG 7 (Energy), are indicated as the most influenced by the WEF nexus, revealing either synergies or trade-offs, while other SDGs are identified as having little interaction with the WEF nexus system.
A Proposal of a Tool to Assess Psychosocial Benefits of Nature-Based Interventions for Sustainable Built Environment
Authors: Herranz-Pascual Karmele , Garcia-Pérez Igone , Zorita Saioa , García-Madruga Carolina , Cantergiani Carolina , Skodra Julita , Iraurgi Ioseba
Published: May 2023

The use of nature-based solutions (NbS) in urban regeneration processes has been demonstrated as a multifunctional solution to increase the resilience of the built environment, contributing to improved environmental quality and health and wellbeing, and providing empowerment to communities facing natural hazards. However, when it comes to the assessment of psychological wellbeing and social benefits, existing evidence is still limited. To contribute to the knowledge of NbS’ psychosocial benefits, it is necessary to develop and test assessment tools to contribute to a common NbS monitoring framework. In this paper, we describe the development of a psychosocial benefit assessment tool for nature-based interventions in the urban regeneration processes. This tool has been developed within the framework of the H2020 CLEVER-Cities project through a participatory and co-design process, considering advanced sustainability paradigms, such as Regenerative Sustainability and Sensory Sustainability Science. This tool is structured around two dimensions, (1) perceived health and wellbeing and (2) social benefits, which refer to 13 attributes, assessed through 24 items. The Delphi method was used to validate the assessment tool, in which a multidisciplinary panel of experts participated. The results indicate that it has good face and content validity, concluding with the potential applicability of this tool in different contexts.
Examining the Potential of Marine Renewable Energy: A Net Energy Perspective
Authors: Samsó Roger , Crespin Júlia , García-Olivares Antonio , Solé Jordi
Published: May 2023

It is often claimed that marine renewable energy alone could meet the electricity demand of current and future human societies. However, such claims are based on highly uncertain estimations of the global potentials of marine renewable energy sources (including tidal, ocean currents, wave, offshore wind and salinity and thermal gradients), and do not take into account the embedded energy of current technologies. To better understand the effective potential of marine energy, we conducted a literature review of its gross, technical, economic and sustainable potentials, as well as the energy return on investment (EROI), and estimated the net energy potential. We found that all marine technologies could provide a maximum energy surplus of 57,000 TWh/yr. This figure goes down to ∼5000TWh/yr when excluding offshore wind. The previous figures do not include the contribution from ocean currents, for which no reliable estimates of global potentials and EROIs could be obtained. Due to its high upfront costs and environmental impacts and low social acceptance, no additional tidal range capacity expansion is envisioned. Similarly, the combination of a low sustainable potential and the low EROI makes the large-scale exploitation of salinity gradients unlikely with current technologies. Including all technologies, the average EROI of marine energy is ∼20, but excluding offshore wind reduces the average EROI to ∼8. While we did consider sustainability constraints for some marine energy sources, our estimation of marine net energy potential primarily relied on technical factors and did not account for economic and legal constraints. Therefore, the results presented here should be interpreted as an upper bound for the actual net energy contribution of marine energy sources to the global energy mix.
Gamification and Controversial Heritage: Trainee Teachers’ Conceptions
Authors: Sampedro-Martín Sergio , Arroyo-Mora Elisa , Cuenca López José María , Martín-Cáceres Myriam José
Published: May 2023

Heritage education is configured as an ideal framework for the treatment of socio-environmental problems relevant to modern society. To this end, it is essential that teachers can develop proposals in the classroom that promote critical thinking and the eco-social education of their students, based on innovative and experiential methodologies. For this reason, initial teacher training must ensure that future teachers acquire these innovative tools. Thus, the aim of this work is to identify the conceptions of student teachers in initial teacher training regarding gamification as a teaching methodology to address controversial heritage. To achieve this, a questionnaire has been designed with questions about heritage, controversy, and educational gamification, which was given to 235 students (M = 60; F = 175) taking their primary education degrees at different Spanish universities. To guide the design of the research instrument and analyze the results, a system of categories was developed and the SPSS data processing program was used. The first results show that, even though students in initial teacher training think that they do have a predisposition to use gamification to work around controversial heritage in class, they lack the knowledge of methodological strategies and gamified educational activities, which suggests a dearth of training on these issues in the primary education degree courses.
Mitigation of Global Climate Change through Genetic Improvement of Resin Production from Resinous Pines: The Case of Pinus halepensis in Greece
Authors: Tsaktsira Maria , Tsoulpha Parthena , Economou Athanasios , Scaltsoyiannes Apostolos
Published: May 2023

Carbon sequestration by forests and storage in biomass has gained great interest globally in climate change mitigation. Resinous pine forests act as ideal carbon sinks because, in addition to capturing atmospheric CO2 for biomass production, they produce resin (resin concentration in C: 77.17% w/w), contributing further to the mitigation of the greenhouse effect. Greece until the 1970s was considered one of the main resin-producing countries of Europe, due to the quantity and quality of resin products collected from natural populations mainly of Pinus halepensis Mill. Previous and current research has shown that resin production is a genetically controlled trait (h2 > 0.70) that exhibits great variability among trees (resin 0.5–33.0 kg per tree and year). The above led to the genetic selection of P. halepensis genotypes with constant over time high resin yields (≥20 kg per tree and year) and consequently greater atmospheric CO2 sequestration for more effective counteracting climate change but also for economic reasons for the benefit of resin producers. These high-yielding genotypes were cloned through grafting on P. brutia rootstocks and became potential trees for establishing commercial pine plantations. Thus, one hectare of commercial plantation of 500 P. halepensis trees, with a resin yield of 20 kg per tree, is expected to sequester 28.31 tn CO2 per year (instead of 2.82 tn of CO2 per year of a natural stand of 400 P. halepensis trees based on a resin yield of 2.5 kg per tree), at the productive age of 25 years. In this case, commercial plantations with improved genotypes of P. halepensis have great potential not only in mitigating the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, but also in restoring degraded marginal areas and arid soils, and at the same time can offer social and economic benefits to the local communities.
When Do Supply Chains Strengthen Biological and Cultural Diversity? Methods and Indicators for the Socio-Biodiversity Bioeconomy
Authors: Saes Maria Sylvia Macchione , Saes Beatriz Macchione , Feitosa Elis Regina Monte , Poschen Peter , Val Adalberto Luis , Marcovitch Jacques
Published: May 2023

The bioeconomy has gained traction among the broader discourses on sustainable development, ecological transition, and the circular economy. Governments in the Global North and international institutions maintain that the bioeconomy can gradually replace fossil-based raw materials and nonrenewable resources with biomass and biological renewables. The Global South has increasingly adopted the approach, but with important variations across mega-biodiverse regions. In these regions, the bioeconomy must encourage economic activities that preserve biodiversity and strengthen local communities, promoting their well-being and cultural diversity. This paper argues that conventional research methods and indicators are not fit for this purpose. We therefore propose an alternative method and indicators and present an initial validation of the approach with an application to the pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) value chain in the Brazilian Amazon. By applying a bottom-up approach to evaluation that considers the perspective of the individuals and communities involved, the proposed methodology captures relevant dimensions of the value chain—including trade-offs—-while identifying bottlenecks and the role of institutions. It also allows for verification of the achievement of the objectives of the socio-biodiversity bioeconomy in this model. The application to the case study finds that the managed pirarucu fisheries are a viable value chain associated with improved fish stocks and lower than average forest loss. Socio-economic benefits include the generation of reasonable income and greater participation by women. Income remains a complement to other sources of livelihood, however, and attractiveness to local communities is an issue. Positive outcomes are owed largely to local knowledge, collective action, and the role played by meta-organizations, while negative ones such as overfishing have resulted from institutional failures. Conventional analysis would likely not have considered these factors and missed these policy lessons. This corroborates the view that alternative methods and indicators are needed for the socio-biodiversity bioeconomy. While the application to the case study suggests the method and the indicators are conceptually suitable, we identify a number of shortcomings regarding the identification of interventions, attribution, and monitoring of the sustainability of the model.
Research on Geological Safety Evaluation Index Systems and Methods for Assessing Underground Space in Coastal Bedrock Cities Based on a Back-Propagation Neural Network Comprehensive Evaluation–Analytic Hierarchy Process (BPCE-AHP)
Authors: Zhao Yuting , Liu Honghua , Qu Wanlong , Luan Pengyu , Sun Jing
Published: May 2023

With the rapid development of the economy in China, the scale and quantity of urban underground space development continue to grow rapidly; as such, geological safety problems in urban underground space development and utilization are a research hotspot at present. Therefore, it is important to establish a high-quality evaluation index system and method for assessing the geological safety of urban underground spaces in coastal bedrock. Taking the typical area of Qingdao as an example, this study establishes an effective system for evaluating the geological safety of urban underground space according to the geological background, hydrogeology, engineering geology, and unfavorable geological phenomena in the Hongdao Economic Zone of Qingdao. Then, the method of evaluating the geological safety of urban underground space was studied. Through a comprehensive analysis and comparison of the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation–analytic hierarchy process (FCE-AHP), the grey relation comprehensive evaluation–analytic hierarchy process (GRCE-AHP), the matter-element comprehensive evaluation–analytic hierarchy process (MECE-AHP), and the back-propagation neural network comprehensive evaluation–analytic hierarchy process (BPCE-AHP), it was determined that the back-propagation neural network comprehensive evaluation–analytic hierarchy process (BPCE-AHP) was an ideal method for evaluating the geological safety of underground space in Qingdao’s coastal bedrock area. This method was used to evaluate the geological safety of the study area, and the evaluation results were verified; this further proved the practicability and rationality of the back-propagation neural network comprehensive evaluation–analytic hierarchy process (BPCE-AHP).
Non-Profit Organizations as Facilitators of the Sustainable Social Innovation of Firms: An Italian Case Study
Authors: Vigoroso Lucia , Sorrenti Roberto , Cavallo Eugenio , Caffaro Federica
Published: May 2023

Non-profit organizations (NPOs) are becoming top players in the business arena and can significantly contribute to socially sustainable development by leading several open innovation (OI) processes. The present study investigated the functioning of an NPO (ELIS, based in Rome, Italy), that acts as an open innovation intermediary in a large consortium of enterprises. By adopting a mixed-method approach, key aspects related to the NPO’s organizational culture, the OI management process within the consortium, as well as leadership skills and values were investigated among 77 employees and 8 managers of the NPO. Results showed that the managers’ approach to OI, teamwork, and market challenges significantly affected the NPO’s ability to produce OI among the consortium members. Moreover, empowering leadership, and a culture of trust and mistake acceptance were highly valued by the NPO in view of an effective OI performance. The study contributes to the current literature by highlighting the conditional factors of the NPO’s capability to create open innovation with enterprises, and push them toward societal change. Implications for OI development have been discussed.
Study on Factors Affecting Wettability of Blasting Dust in Dexing Copper Mine
Authors: Guo Jingzhong , Jin Longzhe , Yang Yuanzhong , Khan Naseer Muhammad , Cao Kewang
Published: May 2023

The working face blasting dust of Dexing Copper Mine was taken as the research object, and hydrophilic dust (HD, sinking quickly to the bottom) and hydrophobic dust (HCD, floating on the surface for a long time) were separated. The wettability was quantitatively characterized by measuring the wetting contact angle of the two, and the physicochemical properties of the dust particles were comprehensively characterized by measuring the particle size distribution, surface properties, elemental composition, and phase composition of the dust particles. Finally, by comparing the differences in physicochemical properties between HCD and HD, the key factors affecting the wettability of dust were investigated. The results indicate that the wetting angle of HCD is much smaller than that of HD at any given time. When the wetting contact angle of HCD reaches 20° and is in a relative equilibrium state, HD tends to 0°. In terms of wetting properties, the average particle size of HCD is 21.97% smaller compared with HD, which makes HCD have a larger mass-specific surface area, surface energy, and surface activity. Additionally, the true density of HCD is 4.54% lower than that of HD. HCD is less affected by gravity and has a more complex surface pore structure, resulting in a more pronounced air film effect on the surface of dust particles. The formation of an air film greatly weakens the dust’s wettability. Therefore, particle size and surface structure are the main factors affecting the dust’s wettability. Organic substances cannot be detected in the HCD and HD spectra, indicating that both HCD and HD are hydrophilic phases, which determines the overall wettability of blasting dust. The phase composition of HCD and HD is similar, and the difference in the content of hydrophobic groups (C-C, C-H) between them is less than 3%, so the surface groups are not the main factors affecting the wettability of dust.
Study on the Coupled and Coordinated Development and Evolution of Digital Economy and Green Technology Innovation
Authors: Zhang Yihua , Hong Xinxin , Wang Yuan
Published: May 2023

Green technology innovation offers a new dynamic support and realization path for the comprehensive transformation and upgrading of the digital economy and intensive development mode. The study of green technology’s coupled and coordinated development and evolution with the digital economy is conducive to promoting the quality and efficiency of the digital economy. With the aid of the coupling coordination degree, nuclear density, and the Gini coefficient, this paper develops a digital economy and green technology innovation evaluation index system based on the theoretical mechanism of coupling and coordination and empirically investigates the spatial and temporal evolution of the dynamic coupling and coordination of the digital economy and green technology innovation in Chinese regions from 2011 to 2021. The results show that there is an imbalance in the coupled and coordinated development of the regional digital economy and green technology innovation, and the overall strength needs to be improved; the empirical results of nuclear density show that the regional development gap is further revealed, and the driving mechanism needs to be optimized; the empirical results of Gini coefficient show that there are obvious differences in contribution rates between regions, and the coordination and collaboration mechanism needs to be improved. Finally, it is suggested that, in the future, green technology innovation capabilities should be comprehensively promoted, regional digital development drive mechanisms should be optimized, inter-regional coordination and regulatory mechanisms should be improved, and the coupled and coordinated development of the digital economy and green technology innovation at a higher level should be realized as soon as possible.
Urban Stream Corridors and Forest Patches—The Connections: A Case Study of Bloomington, IN
Authors: Luchauer Gretchen M. , Freeman-Day Stephanie , Fischer Burnell C.
Published: May 2023

Streams and forests are ecosystems connected through hydrology, but few studies have looked at the connectivity between streams and forests in the context of urban development. City-made decisions affect connections between streams and forests by isolating both ecosystems. Streams are often channelized or buried to increase potential development areas. Forests often become fragmented and may be removed unless protected. Historical choices in land usage affect the sites and sizes of current urban streams, forests, and development. This affects the distribution of impervious surfaces, which separates streams from forests. Despite these barriers to stream/forest interactions, cities can experience stream/forest connectivity. Seven Bloomington watersheds are ranked on their proportions of buried streams, channelized streams, forested hydrology, forested streams, urban forest patch cover, and impervious surface cover, along with the historical presence of urbanization. Watersheds demonstrate stream/forest connectivity, with five watersheds containing 50% or greater forested stream segments. Bloomington canopy cover reduces stormwater runoff by approximately 127 kiloliters per year. These forested areas reduce flooding, reduce nutrient loading, and reduce stream conditions associated with urban stream syndrome. Understanding urban stream/forest connectivity can improve green infrastructure design and green space design, which improve urban resilience and better connect residents to the environment.
Land–Sea Interactions and Ecosystem Services: Research Gaps and Future Challenges
Authors: Barceló Matías , Vargas Cristian A. , Gelcich Stefan
Published: May 2023

The land–sea interface is essential for understanding the interconnectedness of terrestrial and marine ecosystems and provides ecosystem services to people. Although research has been conducted on both ecosystems, knowledge about their interactions remains limited. While there has been growing research interest on land–sea interactions over the last decade, other types of knowledge system such as local or indigenous knowledge have not yet been included. The goal of this study is to review the literature related to land–sea interactions using an ecosystem services framework to help classify existing research. A systematic review of the literature was employed by searching peer-reviewed publications in Web of Science using land–sea interaction keywords. The synthesis identified 166 publications. The findings indicate that the primary disciplines that have investigated land–sea interactions were biogeochemistry and ecology, with a focus on nutrients and interactions. In terms of ecosystem services, supporting and regulating services were the most researched, with urbanization and agricultural and forestry effluents as main studied drivers. Results reveal a need for a more comprehensive view of land–sea interactions that recognizes the critical role that social factors play in shaping the sustainability of these systems. Therefore, a future challenge involves using a more holistic approach to the study and management of land–sea interactions.
Reciprocal Symmetry via Inverse Series Pairs
Authors: Chu Wenchang
Published: May 2023

Reciprocal series are employed to systematically review convolution sums, orthogonality relations, recurrence relations and reciprocal formulae for several classical number sequences, such as binomial coefficients, Stirling numbers, Bernoulli numbers, and Euler numbers.
Spacelike Lines with Special Trajectories and Invariant Axodes
Authors: Almoneef Areej A. , Abdel-Baky Rashad A.
Published: May 2023

The association between the instantaneous invariants of a one-parameter Lorentzian spatial movement and the spacelike lines with certain trajectories is considered in this study. To be more precise, we present a theoretical formulation of a Lorentzian inflection line congruence, which is the spatial symmetrical of the inflection circle of planar kinematics. Finally, we establish novel Lorentzian explanations for the Disteli and Euler–Savary formulae. Our results add to a better understanding of the interaction between axodes and Lorentzian spatial movements, with potential implications in fields such as robotics and mechanical engineering.
Anxiolytic, Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Peptides Hmg 1b-2 and Hmg 1b-4 from the Sea Anemone Heteractis magnifica
Authors: Gladkikh Irina N. , Klimovich Anna A. , Kalina Rimma S. , Kozhevnikova Yulia V. , Khasanov Timur A. , Osmakov Dmitry I. , Koshelev Sergey G. , Monastyrnaya Margarita M. , Andreev Yaroslav A. , Leychenko Elena V. , Kozlov Sergey A.
Published: May 2023

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) have been known as sensors of a local pH change within both physiological and pathological conditions. ASIC-targeting peptide toxins could be potent molecular tools for ASIC-manipulating in vitro, and for pathology treatment in animal test studies. Two sea anemone toxins, native Hmg 1b-2 and recombinant Hmg 1b-4, both related to APETx-like peptides, inhibited the transient current component of human ASIC3-Δ20 expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, but only Hmg 1b-2 inhibited the rat ASIC3 transient current. The Hmg 1b-4 action on rASIC3 as a potentiator was confirmed once again. Both peptides are non-toxic molecules for rodents. In open field and elevated plus maze tests, Hmg 1b-2 had more of an excitatory effect and Hmg 1b-4 had more of an anxiolytic effect on mouse behavior. The analgesic activity of peptides was similar and comparable to diclofenac activity in an acid-induced muscle pain model. In models of acute local inflammation induced by λ-carrageenan or complete Freund’s adjuvant, Hmg 1b-4 had more pronounced and statistically significant anti-inflammatory effects than Hmg 1b-2. It exceeded the effect of diclofenac and, at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg, reduced the volume of the paw almost to the initial volume. Our data highlight the importance of a comprehensive study of novel ASIC-targeting ligands, and in particular, peptide toxins, and present the slightly different biological activity of the two similar toxins.
HPV Infection of the Oropharyngeal, Genital and Anal Mucosa and Associated Dysplasia in People Living with HIV
Authors: Hidalgo-Tenorio Carmen , Calle-Gómez Inmaculada , Moya-Megías Raquel , Rodríguez-Granges Javier , Omar Mohamed , López Hidalgo Javier , García-Martínez Carmen
Published: May 2023

Background: The main objectives were to describe the prevalence of HPV, its genotypes and HPV-associated dysplastic lesions in the oropharyngeal mucosa of PLHIV and related factors. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional prospective study consecutively enrolled PLHIV attending our specialist outpatient units. At visit, HIV-related clinical and analytical variables were gathered, and oropharyngeal mucosa exudates were taken to detect HPV and other STIs by polymerase chain reaction. Samples were also taken from the anal canal of all participants and from the genital mucosa of the women for HPV detection/genotyping and cytological study. Results: The 300 participants had a mean age of 45.1 years; 78.7% were MSM and 21.3% women; 25.3% had a history of AIDS; 99.7% were taking ART; and 27.3% had received an HPV vaccine. HPV infection prevalence in the oropharynx was 13%, with genotype 16 being the most frequent (2.3%), and none had dysplasia. Simultaneous infection with Treponema pallidum (HR: 4.02 (95% CI: 1.06–15.24)) and a history of anal HSIL or SCCA (HR: 21.52 (95% CI: 1.59–291.6)) were risk factors for oropharyngeal HPV infection, whereas ART duration (8.8 vs. 7.4 years) was a protective factor (HR: 0.989 (95% CI: 0.98–0.99)). Conclusions: The prevalence of HPV infection and dysplasia was low in the oropharyngeal mucosae. A higher exposure to ART was protective against oral HPV infection.
In Silico and In Vitro Evaluation of Some Amidine Derivatives as Hit Compounds towards Development of Inhibitors against Coronavirus Diseases
Authors: Hassan Ahmed H. E. , El-Sayed Selwan M. , Yamamoto Mizuki , Gohda Jin , Matsumoto Takehisa , Shirouzu Mikako , Inoue Jun-ichiro , Kawaguchi Yasushi , Mansour Reem M. A. , Anvari Abtin , Farahat Abdelbasset A.
Published: May 2023

Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and influenza A virus, require the host proteases to mediate viral entry into cells. Rather than targeting the continuously mutating viral proteins, targeting the conserved host-based entry mechanism could offer advantages. Nafamostat and camostat were discovered as covalent inhibitors of TMPRSS2 protease involved in viral entry. To circumvent their limitations, a reversible inhibitor might be required. Considering nafamostat structure and using pentamidine as a starting point, a small set of structurally diverse rigid analogues were designed and evaluated in silico to guide selection of compounds to be prepared for biological evaluation. Based on the results of in silico study, six compounds were prepared and evaluated in vitro. At the enzyme level, compounds 10–12 triggered potential TMPRSS2 inhibition with low micromolar IC50 concentrations, but they were less effective in cellular assays. Meanwhile, compound 14 did not trigger potential TMPRSS2 inhibition at the enzyme level, but it showed potential cellular activity regarding inhibition of membrane fusion with a low micromolar IC50 value of 10.87 µM, suggesting its action could be mediated by another molecular target. Furthermore, in vitro evaluation showed that compound 14 inhibited pseudovirus entry as well as thrombin and factor Xa. Together, this study presents compound 14 as a hit compound that might serve as a starting point for developing potential viral entry inhibitors with possible application against coronaviruses.
Fluorescence Microscopy in Adeno-Associated Virus Research
Authors: Golm Susanne K. , Hübner Wolfgang , Müller Kristian M.
Published: May 2023

Research on adeno-associated virus (AAV) and its recombinant vectors as well as on fluorescence microscopy imaging is rapidly progressing driven by clinical applications and new technologies, respectively. The topics converge, since high and super-resolution microscopes facilitate the study of spatial and temporal aspects of cellular virus biology. Labeling methods also evolve and diversify. We review these interdisciplinary developments and provide information on the technologies used and the biological knowledge gained. The emphasis lies on the visualization of AAV proteins by chemical fluorophores, protein fusions and antibodies as well as on methods for the detection of adeno-associated viral DNA. We add a short overview of fluorescent microscope techniques and their advantages and challenges in detecting AAV.
Mucosal Vaccination with Live Attenuated Bordetella bronchiseptica Protects against Challenge in Wistar Rats
Authors: Chamorro Beatriz Miguelena , Luca Karelle De , Swaminathan Gokul , Rochereau Nicolas , Majorel Jade , Poulet Hervé , Chanut Blandine , Piney Lauriane , Mundt Egbert , Paul Stéphane
Published: May 2023

Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb) is a Gram-negative bacterium responsible for canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC). Several vaccines targeting this pathogen are currently licensed for use in dogs, but their mechanism of action and the correlates of protection are not fully understood. To investigate this, we used a rat model to examine the immune responses induced and the protection conferred by a canine mucosal vaccine after challenge. Wistar rats were vaccinated orally or intranasally on D0 and D21 with a live attenuated Bb vaccine strain. At D35, the rats of all groups were inoculated with 103 CFU of a pathogenic strain of B. bronchiseptica. Animals vaccinated via either the intranasal or the oral route had Bb-specific IgG and IgM in their serum and Bb-specific IgA in nasal lavages. Bacterial load in the trachea, lung, and nasal lavages was lower in vaccinated animals than in non-vaccinated control animals. Interestingly, coughing improved in the group vaccinated intranasally, but not in the orally vaccinated or control group. These results suggest that mucosal vaccination can induce mucosal immune responses and provide protection against a Bb challenge. This study also highlights the advantages of a rat model as a tool for studying candidate vaccines and routes of administration for dogs.
ANCA Associated Glomerulonephritis Following SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination: A Case Series and Systematic Review
Authors: Thammathiwat Theerachai , Banjongjit Athiphat , Iampenkhae Kroonpong , Townamchai Natavudh , Kanjanabuch Talerngsak
Published: May 2023

Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) proved beneficial for COVID-19 disease attenuation and preventing virus spreading. Cumulative reports of the rarity of antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) raise concerns about its relationship with COVID-19 vaccination. Several case reports described ANCA-associated pauci-immune glomerulonephritis (ANCA-GN) following COVID-19 vaccination with some uniqueness. We systematically reviewed COVID-19 vaccine-induced ANCA-GN from PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane library databases until 1 January 2023 according to PRISMA guidelines and presented our three cases. Twenty-six cases from 25 articles, including our 3 cases, were analyzed. Most cases were diagnosed following the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (59%) with a median (IQR) interval onset of 14 (16) days. The highest prevalence was related to the mRNA-type vaccine. Anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) ANCA was far more common than the other ANCAs, with various positive autoantibodies. Fourteen cases (out of 29 cases, 48%) had extra-kidney AAV manifestation. Although severe kidney injury was observed in 10/29 (34%), remission was achieved in 89% (25/28) with no death. The mechanisms of the vaccine-inducing ANCA-GN were postulated here. Since ANCA-GN after the COVID-19 vaccine was rare, the benefit of the COVID-19 vaccine could outweigh the risk of ANCA-GN side effects in the pandemic era.
Future COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Refusal in Healthcare Workers after a Massive Breakthrough Infection Wave, a Nationwide Survey-Based Study
Authors: Gu Fuying , Lin Huiying , Chen Zhenqiang , Ambler Gareth , Chen Xinyan , Chen Xiaoling , Xia Pincang , Liu Nan , Du Houwei
Published: May 2023

Background: An unprecedented coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) wave occurred in China between December 2022 and January 2023, challenging the efficacy of the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines. The attitudes toward future COVID-19 booster vaccines (CBV) after the massive breakthrough infection among healthcare workers remain unknown. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and determinants of future CBV refusal after the unprecedented COVID-19 wave among healthcare workers. Methods: Between 9 and 19 February 2023, a cross-sectional nationwide online survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire vaccine among healthcare workers in China. Sociodemographics, profession, presence of chronic medical conditions, previous COVID-19 infection, attitudes towards future CBV, and reasons for future CBV refusal were collected. We estimated odds ratio [OR] with 95% confidence interval [CI] using a multivariable logistic regression model to explore the factors associated with future CBV refusal. Results: Among the 1618 participants who completed the survey, 1511 respondents with two or more doses of COVID-19 vaccines were analyzed. A total of 648 (41.8%) of respondents were unwilling to receive a future CBV. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed the association of CBV refusal with profession (vs. other staff, physician-adjusted OR 1.17, 95%CI 0.79–1.72, nurse-adjusted OR 1.88, 95%CI 1.24−2.85, p = 0.008), history of allergy (adjusted OR 1.72, 95%CI 1.05–2.83, p = 0.032), a lower self-perceived risk of future COVID-19 infection (p < 0.001), and a lower belief in CBV effectiveness (p = 0.014), safety (p < 0.001), and necessities for healthcare workers and the public (p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Our findings highlight that a considerable proportion of healthcare workers were against a future booster dose after an unprecedented COVID-19 wave. Self-perception of future COVID-19 risk, and potential harm or doubtful efficacy of vaccines are the main determinants. Our findings may help public health authorities to establish future COVID-19 vaccination programs.
Assessment of Present-Day Heavy Metals Pollution and Factors Controlling Surface Water Chemistry of Three Western Siberian Sphagnum-Dominated Raised Bogs
Authors: Kharanzhevskaya Yulia , Gashkova Lyudmila , Sinyutkina Anna , Kvasnikova Zoya
Published: May 2023

This study investigated the heavy metal concentrations in bog and stream water compared to present-day atmospheric deposition, and concentrations in peat and vegetation within three typical raised bogs in Western Siberia located in urban area, close to oil and gas facilities and in the natural background area. Our data showed that elevated heavy metals deposition occurs not only near industrial centres but also in remote areas, which is a sign of regional atmospheric deposition of heavy metals associated with long-range transport and wildfires. Present-day atmospheric depositions of heavy metals are not always consistent with their contents in waters, and the content of Zn, Pb, Cu and Cd in waters is more correlated with their concentrations in vegetation and in the upper peat layer; this indicates a significant role of biological processes in heavy metal cycling. Temperature plays an important role in increasing the mobility and vegetation uptake of heavy metals. Heavy metals removal is largely determined by the size of the bog and its stage of development, which determines bog–river interaction. The seasonal catchment-scale budget indicated that 80–97% of Zn and Pb and 47–74% of Cu and Cd from atmospheric inputs remained within the catchments.
Molybdenum Isotopic Fingerprints in Taiwan Rivers: Natural versus Anthropogenic Sources
Authors: Ekka Shail Vijeta , Liang Yu-Hsuan , Huang Kuo-Fang , Lee Der-Chuen
Published: May 2023

Two rivers from Taiwan with different source inputs, the Danshuei (polluted) and Liwu (non-polluted), were selected to study the behavior of molybdenum (Mo) isotopes during weathering and riverine transport. In the Danshuei River, δ98/95Mo ranges from 0.83‰ to 1.50‰ (wet season) and 0.54‰ to 1.25‰ (dry season). With a few exceptions, δ98/95Mo in the Danshuei River is lighter during the wet season, while, in contrast, heavier in the dry season. In the Liwu River, δ98/95Mo varies from 0.54‰ to 1.30‰ and gets heavier along the mainstream. Using the MixSIAR model, three Mo sources are identified in the Danshuei River: seawater intrusion, rock–water interaction, and anthropogenic inputs. Seawater intrusion can explain the heavy δ98/95Mo downstream signal during the wet season contributing 14–39% from the MixSIAR model. However, the lighter δ98/95Mo signal during the dry season is most likely due to anthropogenic inputs in the middle and lower reaches of the Danshuei River contributing 75–98%. In the Liwu River, dissolved Mo isotopes correlate with SO42−/Na and (Sr/Na) ×1000 ratio, suggesting that pyrite oxidation coupled with carbonate weathering governs the heavy δ98/95Mo signature, with sequestration of light δ98/95Mo into secondary mineral phases in bedload sediments. Furthermore, these results have important implications for riverine Mo sources to the ocean, controlled by anthropogenic activity and weathering processes.