bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consumption-Driven Carbon Emission Reduction Path and Simulation Research in Steel Industry: A Case Study of China
Authors: Xu Desheng , Liu Encui , Duan Wei , Yang Ke
Published: October 2022

China’s steel industry’s carbon emissions accounted for more than 60% of global carbon emissions, approximately 15% in China in 2020. China’s steel industry accounted for approximately 16% of China’s total carbon emissions in 2021. The ability to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions generated by the steel industry and protect the living environment for humans and nature has become a realistic issue for China. This paper constructs a steel consumption–carbon emission system. Research shows that by adjusting the GDP growth rate and CO2 emissions per unit of steel production, the carbon peak in the steel industry will advance to 2030 and the carbon emissions after the peak will be significantly reduced. The reduction in steel consumption in the construction and machinery sectors does not have a significant impact on carbon emissions from the steel industry, whereas the reduction in steel consumption in the transportation and infrastructure sectors has contributed to carbon reduction activities in the steel industry. When all four sectors are regulated simultaneously, it is found that the predicted carbon peaking time for the steel sector advances to 2029, fulfilling the goal of achieving carbon peaking by 2030. Carbon emissions should decrease after that point.
Monitoring Wetland Landscape Evolution Using Landsat Time-Series Data: A Case Study of the Nantong Coast, China
Authors: Wang Minjing , Kang Yanyan , Sun Zhuyou , Lei Jun , Peng Xiuqiang
Published: October 2022

Coastal wetlands not only have rich biodiversity and high productivity but also provide important ecological services. The monitoring of landscape changes can provide important support for the sustainable development of coastal zones. Landsat images from 1986 to 2017 were used to interpret the types of coastal wetlands in Nantong. A single dynamic degree and multiple landscape indices were calculated to analyze the rate of change and characteristics of each wetland type. The results demonstrate the following: (1) A Nantong wetland type system was established, which was divided into three major categories and eleven subcategories. (2) In general, natural wetlands, such as thatched and Suaedasalsa marshes, were extremely reduced, while artificial wetlands and non-wetlands with high human activity, such as breeding ponds, farmland, and construction land, increased significantly. (3) In the past 30 years, due to the influence of environmental pressures, such as population growth, land demand, and economic development, the major influencing factors of local landscape change have shifted from natural geographical factors to human activities and economic as well as social factors. Remote sensing wetland interpretation can be very helpful in monitoring the dynamic changes in coastal wetlands and can provide scientific support for the sustainable management of coastal zones.
Integrating Renewable Energy Sources in Italian Port Areas towards Renewable Energy Communities
Authors: Agostinelli Sofia , Neshat Mehdi , Majidi Nezhad Meysam , Piras Giuseppe , Astiaso Garcia Davide
Published: October 2022

The impact of ports on urban areas’ decarbonization to reduce air and environmental pollution effects to achieve sustainable development is undeniable, especially in the marine transportation sector. In this case, applied studies that can contribute to existing knowledge on increasing ports’ energy self-sufficiency using renewable energy sources (RESs) are critical and necessary. In this study, firstly, (1) the RESs assessment prioritization methodology was designed for Lazio ports. Additionally, (2) long-term solar radiation and wind speed were analyzed using the Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA-2) dataset of Lazio ports. Furthermore, (3) the time-series, normal-distribution and correlation methods were applied to the generated energy source, based on various parameters of the RESs used in the ports. Finally, (4) Italian port areas, towards renewable energy community (REC) scenarios, were analyzed and developed.
Evaluation of Combined Thermal–Mechanical Compression Systems: A Review for Energy Efficient Sustainable Cooling
Authors: Kılıç Muhsin
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study is to assess the state-of-the-art situation of mechanical compressors with thermal compressor systems in combined cooling systems and their ability to provide the required cooling effects with lower energy consumption than traditional cooling systems. The integrated systems have various advantages such as a broad temperature range, low energy consumption, and more flexibility in operating conditions. A comprehensive review of thermal–mechanical combined cooling systems is presented in terms of its principles, applications, different configurations, and various heat source systems. Two types of thermal compressor systems are included in this study. The first one is the absorption system that uses a liquid–vapor working pair in its thermodynamic cycle. Additionally, the second type is the adsorption system that utilizes a solid–vapor working pair in its thermodynamic cycle. It is concluded that continuing technological innovations are vital for sustainable cooling. Technological developments can lead to cooling that is both inexpensive and energy-efficient.
Ellipse-Like Radiation Range Grading Method of Traffic Accident Influence on Mountain Highways
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Wang Sai , Long Xueqin , Li Dongyi , Ma Chicheng , Li Peng
Published: October 2022

To improve the efficiency of accident treatment on mountain highways and reduce the degree of disruption from traffic accidents, the grading method of the ellipse-like radiation range of traffic accident impact is proposed. First, according to the propagation law of traffic accidents, the general function of mountain highways affected by traffic accidents was constructed based on the Gaussian plume model. Then, based on the gravity field theory, the influence of the accident source point on the accident road was analyzed in the aftermath of a supposed accident. Additionally, considering the cascading failure of the road network, the influence of the accident-intersecting roads was demarcated by the cascading failure load propagation function. Based on this analysis, the ellipse-like radiation range models of traffic accidents on the accident road and the intersecting roads were proposed, respectively. Next, the adjustment parameter was further introduced to incorporate the different levels of influence of traffic accidents on the surrounding road network into the model, and the grading impacts of the accident on the potentially utilized opposite lane were discussed. Finally, according to the queuing theory model, simulation design, and portability analysis, the accuracy of the ellipse-like radiation range grading model was verified. The research results show that, compared with queuing theory and simulation results, the error of the grading model of the ellipse-like radiation range affected by traffic accidents was within a reasonable range; that is, the model can reasonably quantify the difference of traffic accident propagation on the accident road and the intersecting roads. Moreover, the heterogeneity of traffic accident propagation was verified by taking the non-occupied opposite lanes as an example. The grading method of influence radiation range utilized for traffic accidents on mountain highways can quickly provide corresponding auxiliary decision support for accident rescue within varying influence ranges.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions from a Main Tributary of the Yangtze River, Eastern China
Authors: Miao Yuqing , Sun Fanghu , Hong Weilin , Fang Fengman , Yu Jian , Luo Hao , Wu Chuansheng , Xu Guanglai , Sun Yilin , Meng Henan
Published: October 2022

Rivers and streams are recognized as potential greenhouse gas (GHGs: CO2, CH4, and N2O) sources, contributing to global warming. However, GHG emissions from rivers and streams have received insufficient attention compared to other ecosystems (forests, grasslands, wetlands, etc.). In this study, dissolved GHG concentrations were measured in the Qingyijiang River, the longest tributary in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, during two campaigns in September 2020 and April 2021. Our results showed that the Qingyijiang River was oversaturated with dissolved GHGs. The dissolved GHG concentration in the surface river water ranged from 8.70 to 67.38 μM CO2, 0.03 to 2.06 μM CH4, and 12.30 to 32.22 nM N2O. The average diffusive GHG emission rates were 31.89 ± 22.23 mmol CO2 m−2 d−1, 697.22 ± 939.82 μmol CH4 m−2 d−1, and 18.12 ± 7.73 μmol N2O m−2 d−1. The total emissions (CO2-e) were CO2 (58%) dominated, while CH4 (38%) played a moderate role in total emissions. Temporally, average GHG concentrations and fluxes from the studied river in April were higher than those in September. The concentration and flux of CH4 exhibited high spatial variability, similar to those in most rivers. In contrast, we found that there was no obvious spatial variability in CO2 and N2O concentrations but a significant difference among reaches in N2O fluxes. We found that water temperature and flow velocity were the potential drivers for the regulating spatial variability in GHGs. However, no other observed limnological parameters were found in governing the spatial patterns of GHGs, suggesting a complex combination of factors governing GHG fluxes; thus, these inconspicuous mechanisms underscore the need for further research. Overall, our study suggests that this river acts as a minor source of GHGs relative to other rivers, and CH4 cannot be ignored when considering aquatic carbon emissions.
The Process of Digitalization of the Urban Environment for the Development of Sustainable and Circular Cities: A Case Study of Bologna, Italy
Authors: Benedetti Anna Chiara , Costantino Carlo , Gulli Riccardo , Predari Giorgia
Published: October 2022

The residential heritage that was built during the great expansion of real estate after the Second World War has severe deficiencies in structural safety, fire resistance, energy efficiency, and accessibility and these cannot be solved with sustainable renovation measures. This study focuses on replacement interventions and promotes a management model that addresses three areas (technical, social, and economic) and it refers to the application of the circularity principle to the construction sector for the goal of climate neutrality by 2050. The final objective is to define a protocol—namely, the guidelines—to reference in a decision-making process that promotes urban regeneration by comparing demolition with reconstruction and renovation. The proposed methodology allows for the determination of suitable areas in Bologna for replacement and the joining of the municipal geodatabase with data from archival research on building permits in 1949–1965 by using GIS software. This digital archive can be implemented in a digital twin for an urban block, which can become a predictive tool for urban planning and the management of the whole life of a building. The main result is the characterization of urban blocks by identifying typical features belonging to specific building libraries that are validated with density analyses. These urban clusters and building archetypes can be used to assess targeted intervention measures by using specific tools, such as predictive maps and 3D city models.
Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Bike-Sharing: A Literature Review
Authors: Rotaris Lucia , Intini Mario , Gardelli Alessandro
Published: October 2022

Bike-sharing is recognized as a fast and efficient transport solution in cities, with zero emissions, convenience, speed of movement for short distances and beneficial effects on users’ health. In recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, its use has been rather heterogeneous across countries and significant differences have emerged from empirical studies. However, there has been no systematic review of the empirical studies focused on the impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the use of bike-sharing. This article aims to review all of the papers that have been published on this topic since the outbreak of the pandemic. In this analysis, we consider several elements, such as the impacts of the pandemic on actual and potential ridership, on the demand for bike-sharing compared to other public transport means, and on commuting and non-commuting trips. We also focus on the factors that have had an impact on the change in bike-sharing usage and the related policy and operational implications that have emerged from the literature. Finally, we highlight the gaps in the literature that require further investigation.
Frontier Research of Engineering: Geothermal Energy Utilization and Groundwater Heat Pump Systems
Authors: Marazuela Miguel Angel , García-Gil Alejandro
Published: October 2022

Geothermal energy is a near-inexhaustible and multi-purpose resource capable of satisfying global energy demand while lowering the reliance on fossil fuels for primary energy [...]
Effects of Climate and Land Use Change on Agricultural Water Consumption in Baicheng County
Authors: Zhang Qin , Yue Chunfang , Li Yizhen , Hu Xin
Published: October 2022

Changes in climate and land type directly affect the transformation and utilization of regional water resources. To analyze the evolutionary characteristics and drivers of agricultural water consumption (AWC) in arid regions, the Baicheng County is selected as an example. Based on the meteorological and land use/cover data from 1990 to 2020, the Penman–Monteith model and sensitivity method were used for analysis. The results show that: (1) The water consumption of major crops during the growth period was increasing, which was caused by climate change and changes in agricultural planting structure. (2) The sensitivity of AWC to meteorological factors was as follows: mean temperature (1.56) > mean wind speed (0.6) > precipitation (−0.12) > sunshine duration (−0.06). Temperature and wind speed were the dominant factors contributing to increased water consumption in oasis agriculture. (3) The change in land type was more obvious, mainly in cultivated land and urban and rural residential land with obvious growth, while the area of water area, forestland, and grassland showed a decreasing trend. In the past 30 years, the increase in cultivated land has reached 24.32%. The increase in cultivated land area was an important reason for the increase in AWC.
Determination of the Ascorbic Acid Content and the Antioxidant Activity of Different Varieties of Vegetables Consumed in Romania, from Farmers and Supermarkets
Authors: Trifunschi Svetlana , Zugravu Corina Aurelia , Munteanu Melania Florina , Borcan Florin , Pogurschi Elena Narcisa
Published: October 2022

Vitamin C sustains the health of the human organism. It reduces the risk of chronic diseases and it can help to control arterial hypertension. In addition, it prevents and reduces the risk of developing various heart diseases, it normalizes the level of uric acid in the blood, it can help with the prevention of gout attacks, it helps to prevent iron deficiency and strengthens the immune system. Considering these aspects, it can be stated that a diet rich in vitamin C plays an essential role in a person’s daily food intake. Within the present study, we identified the content of vitamin C in various types of bell peppers and tomatoes consumed in Romania. The vitamin C content was determined by using the titration and the iodometric methods. The research results pointed out that the content of vitamin C in the analyzed bell peppers is between 4.693 and 11.264 mg/ 100 g, and in the analyzed tomatoes is between 0.939 and 4.639 mg/100 g. The antioxidant activity was studied as well, by using the DPPH radical and the Trolox equivalent antioxidative capacity (TEAC). The antioxidant activity was correlated with the content of ascorbic acid, present in the samples. The studies revealed that the vegetables bought from the farmers had a higher content of vitamin C than the ones bought from the supermarkets. This aspect was also confirmed by their increased antioxidant activity, which points out that the local vegetables are a rich source of natural antioxidants, which can be used to prevent various health conditions caused by oxidative stress.
Simulation Analysis of Factors Affecting Energy Carbon Emissions in Fujian Province
Authors: Lin Xianjin , Lin Xiaoyan , Zhang Jun , He Qionge , Yan Pengyu
Published: October 2022

China’s goal of reaching peak carbon by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060 has been a popular research topic in recent years. Carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals are solemn commitments made by the Chinese government to the international community. As a national ecological civilization demonstration area, Fujian province has incorporated peak carbon and carbon neutrality into its overall ecological construction plans. This paper uses the scalable stochastic environmental impact assessment model STIRPAT to quantitatively analyze the relationship between carbon emission intensity and economy, population, energy intensity, energy structure, and industrial structure in Fujian Province from 2001 to 2020, and it uses a Markov transition matrix to predict the ratio of energy structure in the next four years. On the basis of the above-mentioned research, combined with the provincial ecological planning outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan of Fujian Province, three development modes (i.e., the general mode, the energy-saving mode, and the energy consumption mode) are proposed. Finally, according to the model, this paper predicts that the carbon intensity goal of 2025 can be achieved under the general and energy saving modes, while the carbon intensity goal cannot be reached under the energy consumption mode.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Pile–Rock Interaction Characteristics of Steel Pipe Piles Penetrating into Coral Reef Limestone
Authors: Zhang Yongtao , Deng Zhiqiang , Chen Peishuai , Luo Huiwu , Zhang Ruiyuan , Yu Chengcheng , Zhan Caizhao
Published: October 2022

In order to study the characteristics of pile–rock action of steel pipe driven pile in coral reef limestone stratum, coral reef limestone at the China–Maldives Friendship Bridge site was selected to carry out indoor physical and model tests with red sandstone as the control group. The test outcomes indicate the following: (1) when substantial deformation is permitted, the coral reef limestone has a considerable strength dispersion, a low post-peak stress decrease rate, and a high residual strength, roughly 30% of the peak strength; (2) when the steel pipe pile penetrates the coral reef limestone, the pile top load shows an obvious sawtooth shape, and with the increase in penetration depth, the pile end load of the high-porosity rock sample gradually decreases, and the pile end load of the low-porosity rock sample gradually increases; (3) when the steel pipe pile is penetrated, the strain value of the red sandstone is about twice that of the coral reef limestone at the same position from the steel pipe pile. These findings indicate that the high porosity and heterogeneity cementation characteristics of the coral reef limestone make the extrusion effect during piling significantly less than that of the red sandstone. In addition, the steel pipe pile penetration process is numerically simulated using a four-dimensional discrete spring model method based on the multi-body damage criterion. The numerical simulation results further demonstrate that the pile-side rock fragmentation during steel pipe pile penetration is the primary reason for the lower bearing capacity of steel pipe piles in coral reef limestone stratums. This method provides a novel approach for studying the mechanical properties of reef limestone. The findings can serve as a guide for the design and construction of steel pipe piles in the reef limestone stratum.
Carbon Pools in a 77 Year-Old Oak Forest under Conversion from Coppice to High Forest
Authors: Ganatsas Petros , Tsakaldimi Marianthi , Karydopoulos Theodoros , Petaloudi Lydia-Maria , Papaemmanouil Alexandros , Papadopoulos Sotirios , Gerochristou Sofia
Published: October 2022

Recent model projections and many research results across the world suggest that forests could be significant carbon sinks or sources in the future, contributing in a such a way to global warming mitigation. Conversion of coppice forest to high forest may play an important role towards this direction. This study deals with the estimation of biomass, carbon pool and accumulation rates in all IPCC biomass categories of a 77 year-old oak ecosystem, which has been subjected to conversion from coppice to high forest through repeated tending measures. The research includes a plethora of field tree measurements, destructive sampling of representative oak trees and a systematic sampling of dead wood (standing and fallen), litter and soil. Furthermore, for the estimation of above ground tree living biomass at the stand level, we developed and tested appropriate allometric biomass equations based on the relationships between various independent tree variables (morphological characteristics) and the different tree biomass compartments or leaf biomass. Data analysis shows that coppice conversion results in large accumulation of carbon in all ecosystem pools, with an average annual carbon rate accumulation of 1.97 Mg ha–1 in living above and below ground tree biomass and small amounts to dead wood and litter. The developed allometric equations indicate that above ground tree living biomass can be reliable and precisely predicted by the simple measurement of tree diameter.
Assessing the Factors Impacting Transport Usage of Mobility App Users in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, India
Authors: Gupta Sanjay , Sinha Kushagra
Published: October 2022

Smartphone-based mobility apps have created a smartphone-enabled ecosystem of mobility services in developed countries and are slowly picking up pace in the Global South. Against this backdrop, this study used Latent Class Cluster Analysis to empirically investigate the impacts of mobility apps on transport usage patterns in Delhi by classifying users into three latent clusters based on socioeconomic characteristics, smartphone app usage, attitudes, and transport usage. Cluster 1 consisted of users with low app usage, and higher usage of public transport and intermediate public transport; Cluster 2 consisted of multimodal users with high app usage; and Cluster 3 consisted of users with moderate app usage and heavy reliance on private vehicles. Furthermore, the detailed characteristics of each latent class and factors affecting the individual’s probability of being classified into these clusters are discussed. It was found that younger users with higher education, more smartphone experience, medium-to-high household income and lower vehicle ownership had a very high probability of being classified as a multimodal traveler. Furthermore, the attitudes and preferences of users belonging to these clusters towards their choice of transport are discussed, along with a brief policy discussion for encouraging new app-based mobility services such as MaaS.
Itaconic Acid and Its Applications for Textile, Pharma and Agro-Industrial Purposes
Authors: Devi Nisha , Singh Shubhangi , Manickam Shivakumar , Cruz-Martins Natália , Kumar Vinod , Verma Rachna , Kumar Dinesh
Published: October 2022

Itaconic acid (IA) is a well-known bio-based monounsaturated organic acid (C5H6O4), with a white color and crystalline structure. It is widely used in the agro-based, plastics, textile, paint and pharmaceutical sectors, owing to its flexible structure, due to the presence of functional groups with covalent double bonds. IA is an alternative to the petrochemicals acrylic and methacrylic acids. Commercial manufacturing of IA using Aspergillus terreus is more economically effective and feasible, and the Department of Energy (DOE) of the United States added IA under the “top 12” organic chemicals in 2004. This review provides an overview on the synthesis of IA and improvement of its yield by mutagenesis and metabolic engineering of Aspergillus and other fungal strains, along with its wide applications for food, pharmaceutical and textile purposes.
Study on Initial Fracture Characteristics of the Main Roof in Fully Mechanized Caving Mining of Inclined Coalbed
Authors: Zhang Hualei , Xue Yonglin , Li Yangao , Yin Jiadi
Published: October 2022

In view of the occurrence conditions of inclined coalbed, the deformation and failure characteristics of the main roof will affect the safe production of the working face. Therefore, the study of the deformation and failure characteristics of the main roof in the inclined coalbed has guiding significance for the control of surrounding rock. This paper takes the II1042 working face of Taoyuan Coal Mine as the research background, adopts the methods of theoretical analysis, numerical calculation, and field practice to analyze the evolutionary characteristics of the initial failure of the main roof of the working face under the background of the inclined coalbed, and explores the mechanical behavior characteristics of the working face roof during the mining of inclined coalbed. Based on the elastic thin plate theory, a mechanical model of the overlying rock roof of a large-angle coal seam is established, and the mechanical characteristics of the surrounding rock under the initial failure of the main roof under the unbalanced load are studied. The stress distribution characteristics of the lower surface are summarized, and the evolution law of the initial fracture of the main roof is summarized. According to the actual geological conditions of the II1042 working face of Taoyuan Coal Mine, the failure characteristics of the main roof and the initial breaking step distance are obtained by analysis, and the analysis results are verified by monitoring the mine pressure of each part of the target working face on site. The research results show that: ① Under the unbalanced load of the inclined coalbed, the deflection surface of the main roof of the coal seam is asymmetrical with respect to the arrangement direction of the working face, and the maximum deflection point is located at the upper middle position of the working face, namely (a/2, 1.836 b/π), and the main roof of the working face breaks for the first time when it advances to 35 m. ② With the advancement of the working face, the two long sides of the roof break first. With the deflection and deformation of the roof, the tensile stress in the middle of the main roof reaches the tensile strength of the rock and breaks, and then the two short sides of the roof break under the action of the breaking and turning of the rock, and the upper short side will break before the lower one. ③ According to the monitoring and analysis of the rock pressure at each part of the working face, it is judged that the initial pressure step distance is between 28.2 m and 34.6 m, which is consistent with the theoretical analysis results.
Hyperparameter Sensitivity Analysis of Deep Learning-Based Pipe Burst Detection Model for Multiregional Water Supply Networks
Authors: Kim Hyeong-Suk , Choi Dooyong , Yoo Do-Guen , Kim Kyoung-Pil
Published: October 2022

In a deep learning model, the effect of the model may vary depending on the setting of the hyperparameters. Despite the importance of such hyperparameter determination, most previous studies related to burst detection models of the water supply pipe network used hyperparameters applied in other fields as-is or made a trial-and-error setting based on experience, which is a limitation. In this paper, a study was conducted on the deep learning hyperparameter determination of a deep neural network (DNN)-based real-time detection model of pipe burst accidents. The pipe burst model predicted water pressure by using operation data in units of 1 min, and the data period applied for the model training was less than 1 month (1, 2, and 3 weeks) in order to consider frequent changes in the system. A sensitivity analysis was first performed on the type of activation function and the period of the learning data, which may have different effects depending on the characteristics of the target problem. The number of hidden layers related to the network structure and the number of neurons in each hidden layer were set as hyperparameters for additional sensitivity analysis. The sensitivity analysis results were derived and compared using four quantified prediction error indicators. In addition, the model running time was analyzed to evaluate the practical applicability of the development model. From the results, it was confirmed that excellent effects could be expected if using a rectifier function as the activation function, 144 nodes in the hidden layer, which is eight times the number of nodes in the input layer, and four hidden layers. Additionally, by analyzing the appropriate period of training data required for model pressure prediction through prediction error and driving time, it was confirmed that it was most appropriate to use the data of two weeks. By applying the hyperparameter values determined through detailed sensitivity analysis and by applying the data of one week including actual burst accidents to the built-up pressure prediction model, the accident detection and predictive performance of the model were verified. The rational determination of the period of input factors for the optimal hyperparameter setting and model building, as in this study, is very necessary and very important as it can serve to ensure the continuity of the operation effects of the deep learning model.
Building a Sustainable Energy Community: Design and Integrate Variable Renewable Energy Systems for Rural Communities
Authors: Mustafa Jawed , Almehmadi Fahad Awjah , Alqaed Saeed , Sharifpur Mohsen
Published: October 2022

This study proposes a decentralized hybrid energy system consisting of solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind turbines (WT) connected with the local power grid for a small Najran, Saudi Arabia community. The goal is to provide the selected community with sustainable energy to cover a partial load of the residential buildings and the power requirements for irrigation. For this, a dynamic model was constructed to estimate the hourly energy demand for residential buildings consisting of 20 apartments with a total floor area of 4640 m2, and the energy requirements for irrigation to supply a farm of 10,000 m2 with water. Subsequently, HOMER software was used to optimize the proposed hybrid energy system. Even considering the hourly fluctuations of renewable energies, the artificial neural network (ANN) successfully estimated PV and wind energy. Based on the mathematical calculations, the final R-square values were 0.928 and 0.993 for PV and wind energy, respectively. According to the findings, the cost of energy (COE) for the optimized hybrid energy system is $0.1053/kWh with a renewable energy penetration of 65%. In addition, the proposed system will save 233 tons of greenhouse gases annually.
Generalizations of Topological Decomposition and Zeno Sequence in Fibered n-Spaces
Authors: Bagchi Susmit
Published: October 2022

The space-time geometry is rooted in the Minkowski 4-manifold. Minkowski and Euclidean topological 4-manifolds behave differently in view of compactness and local homogeneity. As a result, Zeno sequences are selectively admitted in such topological spaces. In this paper, the generalizations of topologically fibered n-spaces are proposed to formulate topological decomposition and the formation of projective fibered n-subspaces. The concept of quasi-compact fibering is introduced to analyze the formation of Zeno sequences in topological n-spaces (i.e., n-manifolds), where a quasi-compact fiber relaxes the Minkowski-type (algebraically) strict ordering relation under topological projections. The topological analyses of fibered Minkowski as well as Euclidean 4-spaces are presented under quasi-compact fibering and topological projections. The topological n-spaces endowed with quasi-compact fibers facilitated the detection of local as well as global compactness and the non-analytic behavior of a continuous function. It is illustrated that the 5-manifold with boundary embedding Minkowski 4-space transformed a quasi-compact fiber into a compact fiber maintaining generality.
Cyclosporin A as a Source for a Novel Insecticidal Product for Controlling Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Sun Chengxian , Li Shunjia , Wang Kai , Feng Hongqiang , Tian Caihong , Liu Xiaoguang , Li Xiang , Yin Xinming , Wang Yanmei , Wei Jizhen , An Shiheng
Published: October 2022

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, causes substantial annual agricultural production losses worldwide due to its resistance to many insecticides. Therefore, new insecticides are urgently needed to more effectively control FAW. Cyclosporin A (CsA) is a secondary metabolite of fungi; little is known about its insecticidal activity, especially for the control of FAW. In this study, we demonstrate that CsA shows excellent insecticidal activity (LC50 = 9.69 μg/g) against FAW through significant suppression of calcineurin (CaN) activity, which is a new target for pest control. Combinations of CsA and indoxacarb, emamectin benzoate, or Vip3Aa showed independent or synergistic toxicity against FAW; however, the combination of CsA and chlorantraniliprole showed no toxicity. Sublethal doses of CsA led to decreases in FAW larval and pupal weight, pupation, emergence, mating rates, adult longevity, extended development of FAW larvae and pupae and the pre-oviposition period of adults, and increases in the proportion of pupal malformation. Importantly, CsA treatment reduced FAW ovarian size and female fecundity, which suggests that it has great potential to suppress FAW colony formation. Taken together, these results indicate that CsA has high potential as an insecticide for controlling FAW.
The Contribution of Phospholipase A2 and Metalloproteinases to the Synergistic Action of Viper Venom on the Bioenergetic Profile of Vero Cells
Authors: Ayvazyan Naira , Ghukasyan Gevorg , Ghulikyan Lusine , Kirakosyan Gayane , Sevoyan Gohar , Voskanyan Armen , Karabekyan Zaruhi
Published: October 2022

Increasing concern about the use of animal models has stimulated the development of in vitro cell culture models for analysis of the biological effects of snake venoms. However, the complexity of animal venoms and the extreme synergy of the venom components during envenomation calls for critical review and analysis. The epithelium is a primary target for injected viper venom’s toxic substances, and therefore, is a focus in modern toxinology. We used the Vero epithelial cell line as a model to compare the actions of a crude Macrovipera lebetina obtusa (Levantine viper) venom with the actions of the same venom with two key enzymatic components inhibited (specifically, phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and metalloproteinases) in the bioenergetic cellular response, i.e., oxygen uptake and reactive oxygen species generation. In addition to the rate of free-radical oxidation and lipid peroxidation, we measured real-time mitochondrial respiration (based on the oxygen consumption rate) and glycolysis (based on the extracellular acidification rate) using a Seahorse analyzer. Our data show that viper venom drives an increase in both glycolysis and respiration in Vero cells, while the blockage of PLA2 or/and metalloproteinases affects only the rates of the oxidative phosphorylation. PLA2-blocking in venom also increases cytotoxic activity and the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. These data show that certain components of the venom may have a different effect within the venom cocktail other than the purified enzymes due to the synergy of the venom components.
Using Rapid Analyte Measurement Platform (RAMP) as a Tool for an Early Warning System Assessing West Nile Virus Epidemiological Risk in Bucharest, Romania
Authors: Prioteasa Florian Liviu , Tiron Georgiana Victorița , Dinu Sorin , Fălcuţă Elena
Published: October 2022

West Nile virus (WNV) is the most widely spread arbovirus in the world. Early detection of this virus in mosquito populations is essential for implementing rapid vector control measures to prevent outbreaks. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) is a powerful tool for the detection of WNV in mosquito pools, but it is a time- and resource-consuming assay. We used a Rapid Analyte Measurement Platform (RAMP) assay in a vector surveillance program for rapid detection of WNV in mosquitoes collected in Bucharest city, Romania, in 2021. The positive mosquito pools were tested for confirmation with real-time RT-PCR. Three out of the 24 RAMP assay positive pools were not confirmed by real-time RT-PCR. We consider that RAMP assay can be used as a fast and reliable method for the screening of WNV presence in mosquito pools, but we recommend that samples with values ranging from 30 to 100 RAMP units should fall in a grey zone and should be considered for real-time RT-PCR confirmation.
Risk Factors of Infections Due to Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria in a Community Hospital in Rural Thailand
Authors: Ponyon Jindanoot , Kerdsin Anusak , Preeprem Thanawadee , Ungcharoen Ratchadaporn
Published: October 2022

Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health concern globally. The most serious antimicrobial resistance problem among pathogenic bacteria is multidrug resistance (MDR). The objectives of this study were to investigate the risk factors of MDR infections and to develop a risk assessment tool for MDR Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) infections at a community hospital in rural Thailand. The study revealed 30.77% MDR-GNB among GNB strains. The most common MDR-GNB strains were 63.02% for Escherichia coli and 11.46% for Klebsiella pneumoniae. A case–control study was applied to collect clinical data between January 2016 and December 2020. Univariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors for MDR-GNB and a risk assessment score for each factor was determined based on its regression coefficient. The risk factors for MDR-GNB infections were as follows: the presence of Enterobacteriaceae that produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) (ORAdj. 23.53, 95% CI 7.00–79.09), infections occurring within the urinary tract (ORAdj. 2.25, 95% CI 1.44–3.53), and patients with a history of steroid usage (ORAdj. 1.91, 95% CI 1.15–3.19). Based on the assigned risk scores for each associated factor, the newly developed risk assessment tool for MDR-GNB infections achieved 64.54% prediction accuracy (AUC-ROC 0.65, 95% CI 0.61–0.68), demonstrating that the tool could be used to assess bacterial infection cases in community hospitals. Its use should provide practical guidance on MDR evaluation and prevention. This study was part of an antibiotic stewardship program; the study surveyed antibiotic-resistant situations in a hospital and implemented an effective risk assessment tool using key risk factors of MDR-GNB infections.
Immunisation Using Novel DNA Vaccine Encoding Virus Membrane Fusion Complex and Chemokine Genes Shows High Protection from HSV-2
Authors: Gompels Ursula A. , Bravo Fernando J. , Briggs Sean , Ameri Shima , Cardin Rhonda D. , Bernstein David I.
Published: October 2022

Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 infections cause high unmet disease burdens worldwide. Mainly HSV-2 causes persistent sexually transmitted disease, fatal neonatal disease and increased transmission of HIV/AIDS. Thus, there is an urgent requirement to develop effective vaccines. We developed nucleic acid vaccines encoding a novel virus entry complex stabilising cell membrane fusion, ‘virus-like membranes’, VLM. Two dose intramuscular immunisations using DNA expression plasmids in a guinea pig model gave 100% protection against acute disease and significantly reduced virus replication after virus intravaginal challenge. There was also reduced establishment of latency within the dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord, but recurrent disease and recurrent virus shedding remained. To increase cellular immunity and protect against recurrent disease, cDNA encoding an inhibitor of chemokine receptors on T regulatory cells was added and compared to chemokine CCL5 effects. Immunisation including this novel human chemokine gene, newly defined splice variant from an endogenous virus genome, ‘virokine immune therapeutic’, VIT, protected most guinea pigs from recurrent disease and reduced recurrent virus shedding distinct from a gD protein vaccine similar to that previously evaluated in clinical trials. All DNA vaccines induced significant neutralising antibodies and warrant evaluation for new therapeutic treatments.
Prevalence of Pretreatment HIV-1 Drug Resistance in Armenia in 2017–2018 and 2020–2021 following a WHO Survey
Authors: Kirichenko Alina , Kireev Dmitry , Lapovok Ilya , Shlykova Anastasia , Lopatukhin Alexey , Pokrovskaya Anastasia , Ladnaya Natalya , Grigoryan Trdat , Petrosyan Arshak , Sarhatyan Tatevik , Sargsyants Narina , Hovsepyan Tamara , Ghazaryan Hovsep , Hovakimyan Hermine , Martoyan Siranush , Pokrovsky Vadim
Published: October 2022

The increased antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage of patients in the absence of routine genotyping tests and in the context of active labor migration highlight the importance of HIV-1 drug resistance (DR) surveillance in Armenia. We conducted a two-phase pretreatment DR (PDR) study in 2017–2018 (phase I; 120 patients) and 2020–2021 (phase II; 133 patients) according to the WHO-approved protocol. The analysis of HIV-1 genetic variants showed high degrees of viral diversity, with the predominance of A6. The prevalence of any PDR was 9.2% in phase I and 7.5% in phase II. PDR to protease inhibitors was found only in 0.8% in phase II. PDR to efavirenz and nevirapine was found among 5.0% and 6.7% of patients in phase I, and 6.0% and 6.8% of patients in phase II, respectively. The prevalence of PDR to nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors decreased from 5.0% in phase I to 0.8% in phase II. In addition, we identified risk factors associated with the emergence of DR—male, MSM, subtype B, and residence in or around the capital of Armenia—and showed the active spread of HIV-1 among MSM in transmission clusters, i.e., harboring DR, which requires the immediate attention of public health policymakers for the prevention of HIV-1 DR spread in the country.
Characterisation of RSV Fusion Proteins from South African Patients with RSV Disease, 2019 to 2020
Authors: Mabilo Prince , Mthiyane Hloniphile , Simane Andiswa , Subramoney Kathleen , Treurnicht Florette Kathleen
Published: October 2022

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is classified into RSV-A and RSV-B, which are further classified into genotypes based on variability in the G gene. The fusion (F) protein is highly conserved; however, variability within antigenic sites has been reported. This study aimed to characterise F proteins from RSV strains detected in South Africa from 2019 to 2020. Patients of all ages, from whom respiratory samples were submitted to the National Health Laboratory Service at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, South Africa during 2019 to 2020, were included. Complete RSV F genes were amplified for next-generation sequencing. MEGA X software was used for phylogenetic analysis. The overall prevalence of RSV was 5.8% (101/1734). Among 101 RSV positive samples only 69.3% (70/101) were available for characterization of the RSV F protein gene. Among cases included for F gene characterisation, viral co-infections were observed in 50% (35/70) and 25.7% (18/70) were admitted to intensive care units (ICU). About 74.2% (23/31) of F gene sequences cluster with other African NA1/ON1 genotypes. At antigenic site I, the V384I mutation was replaced by V384T in South African strains. The S275F mutation was seen in a single South African strain. The N120 N-linked glycosylation site was present in 25.8% (8/31) of RSV-A F proteins described in this study. For the first time, we detected the rare S275F mutation that is associated with palivizumab resistance.
Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Silver Nanoparticles in the Treatment of Non-Neurological and Neurological Distemper in Dogs: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Gastelum-Leyva Fabian , Pena-Jasso Antonio , Alvarado-Vera Martha , Plascencia-López Ismael , Patrón-Romero Leslie , Loera-Castañeda Verónica , Gándara-Mireles Jesús Alonso , Lares-Asseff Ismael , Leal-Ávila María Ángeles , Alvelais-Palacios J. A. , Almeida-Pérez Javier , Bogdanchikova Nina , Pestryakov Alexey , Almanza-Reyes Horacio
Published: October 2022

Canine distemper is caused by canine distemper virus (CDV), a multisystemic infectious disease with a high morbidity and mortality rate in dogs. Nanotechnology represents a development opportunity for new molecules with antiviral effects that may become effective treatments in veterinary medicine. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in 207 CDV, naturally infected, mixed-breed dogs exhibiting clinical signs of the non-neurological and neurological phases of the disease. Group 1a included 52 dogs (experimental group) diagnosed with non-neurologic distemper treated with 3% oral and nasal AgNPs in addition to supportive therapy. Group 1b included 46 dogs (control group) diagnosed with non-neurological distemper treated with supportive therapy only. Group 2a included 58 dogs with clinical signs of neurological distemper treated with 3% oral and nasal AgNPs in addition to supportive therapy. Group 2b included 51 dogs (control group) diagnosed with clinical signs of neurological distemper treated with supportive therapy only. Efficacy was measured by the difference in survival rates: in Group 1a, the survival rate was 44/52 (84.6%), versus 7/46 in Group 1b (15.2%), while both showed clinical signs of non-neurological distemper. The survival rate of dogs with clinical signs of neurological distemper in Group 2a (38/58; 65.6%) was significantly higher than those in Control Group 2b (0/51; 0%). No adverse reactions were detected in experimental groups treated with AgNPs. AgNPs significantly improved survival in dogs with clinical signs of neurological and non-neurological distemper. The use of AgNPs in the treatment of neurological distemper led to a drastic increase in the proportion of dogs recovered without sequels compared to dogs treated without AgNPs. The evidence demonstrates that AgNP therapy can be considered as a targeted treatment in dogs severely affected by canine distemper virus.