bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is the Transition to Electric Passenger Cars Sustainable? A Life Cycle Perspective
Authors: Machedon-Pisu Mihai , Borza Paul Nicolae
Published: February 2023

Compared to conventional passenger cars, the hybrid and electric alternatives include electric motors and large batteries; the use of clean energy, reduced operation emissions, and decreasing purchase prices can represent solid reasons for their market adoption. The feasibility of the transition to electric cars is analyzed herein in terms of the costs, main pollutants, and energy consumption of compact to large-sized cars. In this regard, the proposed life cycle assessment methodology evaluates the pollution and energetic impacts of the current passenger car models with a weight varying from 1.6 to 1.8 tons, depending on the car type, for a complete life cycle. The life cycle emissions and energy consumption are also determined through simulation in order to validate the estimated values for the considered powertrains. This study has shown that a transition to current full-electric passenger cars, based on a European and United States energy mix, is not currently sustainable in terms of energy consumption. The complete life cycle values are similar for the tested conventional and full-electric passenger cars, ranging from 5 to 5.2 MJ/km. By comparison, the hybrid alternatives and full-electric cars based solely on renewable energy present lower energy consumption, ranging from 3.32 to 4.62 MJ/km. At the same time, the hybrid alternatives and conventional cars provide relevant benefits in life cycle costs: 20–25% lower than full-electric cars. In terms of life cycle emissions, the tested full-electric cars based on renewables show a noticeable reduction in greenhouse gases and in other relevant pollutants: 37% and 62%, respectively, lower than that of conventional cars.
Identifying Landscape Character for Large Linear Heritage: A Case Study of the Ming Great Wall in Ji-Town, China
Authors: Zhao Shuang , Yang Diechuan , Gao Chi
Published: February 2023

The Ming Great Wall (M-GW) is the most representative large linear heritage in China, and faces the problem of landscape fragmentation caused by traditional monument-based protection and disorderly tourism development. We propose to utilise character-based approach for managing landscape change and preserving its integrity. This paper presents a hierarchical characterisation method for the M-GW landscape in Ji-Town in two steps: definition and delimitation of landscape area, and zoning of landscape characters. The landscape area was identified based on the landscape relevance of the space from natural, cultural, and visual aspects. The landscape character types and areas were identified by two dominant attributes using a layout method at Level I (general zoning), and by eight specific attributes using a synthetic method that combines digital and manual approaches at Level II (detailed zoning). According to the analysis results, a wide belt landscape area of about 8650.7 km2 was delimited. A total of eight landscape character types, 15 sub-types, 47 landscape character areas and 359 sub-areas were obtained. Additionally, the results highlighted the key landscape characteristics that could be used for the planning and construction of the National Cultural Park. Finally, this research provides further direction for the theoretical and technical basis of future research on landscape characterization and sustainable management of the whole M-GW and other linear heritage landscapes.
Competitive Sustainability of Saudi Companies through Digitalization and the Circular Carbon Economy Model: A Bold Contribution to the Vision 2030 Agenda in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Yusuf Nadia , Lytras Miltiadis D.
Published: February 2023

This study examines the challenges and opportunities of implementing the circular carbon economy model and digitalization in Saudi Arabia with a focus on CO2 emissions. The research finds that, prior to the pandemic outbreak in 2020, Saudi Arabia had succeeded in stabilizing production-based CO2 emissions due to a combination of policies outlined in the scope of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. However, the economic downturn caused by the pandemic has led to a short-term reduction in CO2 emissions trends, highlighting the need for preparation for a rebound. Driven by the use of analytical methods including the Kaya Identity, this study suggests that the newly proposed circular carbon economy model could be an effective way for the country to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by coordinating all significant stakeholders, including businesses and government actors. The research analyzes Saudi Arabia’s CO2 emissions trends over the past two decades and presents several steps necessary to achieve social, environmental, and economic outcomes for sustainable businesses operating in a fossil-rich country. We also highlight the need for organizational changes, new policy-making tools, as well as government, consumer, and stakeholder support to drive the changes required for integration of the circular carbon economy model and the adoption of smart technologies. Overall, the results can be used to emphasize the importance of sustainability as a competitive feature that allows businesses and countries to benefit from the distribution of risks and shared accountability.
Does the Digital Economy Promote Domestic Non-Tradable Sectors?: Evidence from China
Authors: Cui Chunying , Yan Ziwei
Published: February 2023

The impact of the digital economy (DE) has become the important faction of the market volume of domestic non-tradable sectors (DNSs). As rising digitalization supersedes traditional market power as a driving force, there is increasing concern about the volume of trade and economy; however, the literature of how the DE procession changed the DNS’s are limited, although the Chinese government is eager to enlarge the scale of the domestic market to be consistent with the trend of digitalization. This paper addressed this issue by employing a series of data from prefecture-level cities between 2010 and 2019 in China. Using panel data methods under fixed effect, synthetic difference-in-differences (SDID), and temporal-spatial econometrics, the paper’s hypothesis sheds light on the positive impact of the DE on DNSs. The regression results showed a 14.84% of improvement for the effects of DE development on DNS growth. The policy impact effect increased the average treatment effect by 3.9% average treatment effect, accompanied by temporal and spatial correlations. Further analysis illustrated that a possible intermediary mechanism through which the DE promotes the development of DNSs is the enhancement of the local product market development. It was concluded that policy-makers of developing countries should be devoted to breaking down domestic trade barriers among different regions to enhance the benefits of digitalization.
Impacts of Eco-Poverty Alleviation Policies on Farmer Livelihood Changes and Response Mechanisms in a Karst Area of China from a Sustainable Perspective
Authors: Liu Yan , Qian Zhu , Kong Han , Wu Ran , Zheng Pengfei , Qin Wenyi
Published: February 2023

Eco-poverty alleviation policies have significant impacts on the changes in farmer household livelihoods. This study developed a multi-dimensional index system, which applies the social cognitive theory and farmer household livelihood capital to analyze the effects of eco-poverty alleviation policies on farmer household livelihood change in a karst area in China. The multivariate logistic, entropy weight, and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution models were used to analyze the responses of 892 farmer households from eight villages in Guizhou Province, China. The results show that the Poverty Alleviation Resettlement Project (PARP) had the highest impact as it enables higher engagement of farmer households in non-agricultural activities, resulting in significant livelihood changes. Among the eco-poverty alleviation policies studied, changes in livelihoods of farmer households are highest from PARP, followed by the Ecological Forest Ranger Project (EFRP), Grain for Green Program (GGP), Forest Ecosystem Compensation Program (FECP), and Single Carbon Sink Program (SCSP). Specifically, GGP received the highest response from farmer households working out-of-province, whereas SCSP received the lowest. EFRP received the highest response from farmer households working in the village. Farmer households in different regions were found to respond differently to various eco-poverty alleviation policies, based on how specific policies can address their practical problems. It is also related to the delayed effects of these policies on their livelihoods. This study provides a theoretical basis for optimizing livelihood improvements for farmers at the regional level, which can aid in formulating strategies in the future to alleviate poverty and revitalize local rural communities.
Consumer Willingness to Recycle The Wasted Batteries of Electric Vehicles in the Era of Circular Economy
Authors: Guo Miaomei , Huang Weilun
Published: February 2023

Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly being used for the benefit of the environment and to foster the development of a low-carbon circular economy. However, compared to internal combustion engine cars, spent EV batteries (WBEVs) constitute a different form of waste, and their recycling mechanism is still in its early stages. WBEV consumer willingness to recycle is an issue in a circular economy in which EV users should be WBEV recycling pioneers. The purpose of this article is to develop an analytical model for consumers’ desire to return WBEVs for recycling, based on the circular economy and consumer welfare, in order to investigate consumer incentives for the construction of a WBEV recycling system. PLS-SEM was used for the analysis, and the results revealed the following. First, both the perception of government policy and environmental attitudes have significant positive causal effects on consumers’ intentions to recycle. Second, the perception of benefits has a significant positive mediating effect on recycling intention, whereas the perception of loss has a significant negative mediating effect. Third, the multigroup analysis found that, with the exception of gender, the variables of age, income, education, area of residence, recycling experiences, and EV ownership all have substantial moderating impacts, although their routes and directions vary considerably. Recycling policies must be appropriate for consumers, and this has policy consequences for the circular economy. Environmental education and incentives should be provided to increase consumer knowledge and willingness to recycle. Big data might help with the design of a WBEV recycling system. It is necessary to create an intelligent recycling platform, cross-regional recycling collaboration, and smart logistics for WBEVs. Further, the battery refill mechanism of energy replenishment might encourage the recycling of WBEVs.
Theoretical Analysis of a COVID-19 CF-Fractional Model to Optimally Control the Spread of Pandemic
Authors: Butt Azhar Iqbal Kashif , Imran Muhammad , Batool Saira , Nuwairan Muneerah AL
Published: February 2023

In this manuscript, we formulate a mathematical model of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic to understand the dynamic behavior of COVID-19. For the dynamic study, a new SEIAPHR fractional model was purposed in which infectious individuals were divided into three sub-compartments. The purpose is to construct a more reliable and realistic model for a complete mathematical and computational analysis and design of different control strategies for the proposed Caputo–Fabrizio fractional model. We prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions by employing well-known theorems of fractional calculus and functional analyses. The positivity and boundedness of the solutions are proved using the fractional-order properties of the Laplace transformation. The basic reproduction number for the model is computed using a next-generation technique to handle the future dynamics of the pandemic. The local–global stability of the model was also investigated at each equilibrium point. We propose basic fixed controls through manipulation of quarantine rates and formulate an optimal control problem to find the best controls (quarantine rates) employed on infected, asymptomatic, and “superspreader” humans, respectively, to restrict the spread of the disease. For the numerical solution of the fractional model, a computationally efficient Adams–Bashforth method is presented. A fractional-order optimal control problem and the associated optimality conditions of Pontryagin maximum principle are discussed in order to optimally reduce the number of infected, asymptomatic, and superspreader humans. The obtained numerical results are discussed and shown through graphs.
On Laplacian Energy of r-Uniform Hypergraphs
Authors: Yalçın N. Feyza
Published: February 2023

The matrix representations of hypergraphs have been defined via hypermatrices initially. In recent studies, the Laplacian matrix of hypergraphs, a generalization of the Laplacian matrix, has been introduced. In this article, based on this definition, we derive bounds depending pair-degree, maximum degree, and the first Zagreb index for the greatest Laplacian eigenvalue and Laplacian energy of r-uniform hypergraphs and r-uniform regular hypergraphs. As a result of these bounds, Nordhaus–Gaddum type bounds are obtained for the Laplacian energy.
On the Traversable Yukawa–Casimir Wormholes
Authors: Oliveira Pedro Henrique Ferreira de , Alencar Geová , Jardim Ivan Carneiro , Landim Ricardo Renan
Published: February 2023

Wormholes require negative energy, and therefore an exotic matter source. Since Casimir’s energy is negative, it has been speculated as a good candidate to source those objects a long time ago. However, only very recently a full solution for 3+1 dimensions has been found by Garattini, thus the Casimir energy can be a source of traversable wormholes. We have recently shown that this can be generalized to higher dimensional spacetimes. Lately, Garattini sought to analyze the effects of Yukawa-type terms on shape functions and obtained promising results. However, his approach breaks down the usual relation between the energy density and the radial pressure of the Casimir field. In this work, we study the effects of the same three Yukawa-type corrective factors on the shape function of the Casimir wormhole keeping the usual way to obtain the radial pressure from the energy density. We show that, in addition to being able to construct traversable wormholes that satisfy all the necessary conditions, it is possible to obtain adequate constraints on the constants to recover the standard case with no double limit used by Garatinni. We show that, for some values of the Yukawa parameter, it is possible to generate a repulsive gravitational wormhole. Finally, we analyze the stability of the solutions and find the upper bounds for the Yukawa factor.
An Agent-Based Social Impact Theory Model to Study the Impact of In-Person School Closures on Nonmedical Prescription Opioid Use among Youth
Authors: Shojaati Narjes , Osgood Nathaniel D.
Published: February 2023

Substance use behavior among youth is a complex peer-group phenomenon shaped by many factors. Peer influence, easily accessible prescription opioids, and a youth’s socio-cultural environment play recognized roles in the initiation and persistence of youth nonmedical prescription opioid use. By altering the physical surroundings and social environment of youth, in-person school closures may change risk factors for youth drug use. Acknowledging past research on the importance of the presence of peers in youth substance use risk behavior, this paper reports the findings from the use of an agent-based simulation grounded in social impact theory to investigate possible impacts of in-person school closures due to COVID-19 on the prevalence of nonmedical prescription opioid use among youth. The presented model integrates data from the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey and characterizes the accessibility of within-home prescription opioids. Under the status quo, the lifting of in-person school closures reliably entails an increase in the prevalence of youth with nonmedical prescription opioid use, but this effect is ameliorated if the prescription opioids are securely stored during the in-person school closures period.
The Origin of the Mangrove and Saltmarsh Snail Ellobium (Eupulmonata, Ellobiidae)
Authors: Harzhauser Mathias , Pacaud Jean-Michel , Landau Bernard M.
Published: February 2023

The pulmonate gastropod genus Ellobium has its greatest diversity in the modern Indo-West Pacific Region (IWP). Its origin, however, is traced to the Early Oligocene of the Northeastern Atlantic and the Western Tethys Region. Two Ellobium species are documented from the Rupelian of France and Italy and a new species is recorded from the Chattian of Hungary: Ellobium kerwaensis nov. sp. The first records in the IWP are known from the Early Miocene, suggesting an eastward range expansion of the genus around the Oligocene/Miocene boundary, when Ellobium became extinct in the European seas. Extant Ellobium species are bound to habitats above the high tide line in salt marshes and mangroves. Comparable environmental requirements are expected for the fossil congeners. Ellobium may derive from Eocene ancestors, such as the Bartonian Eoellobium heberti from the Northeastern Atlantic. Eoellobium is introduced in this paper as a new genus.
Machine Learning Based Recommendation System for Web-Search Learning
Authors: M. R. M. Veeramanickam , Rodriguez Ciro , Navarro Depaz Carlos , Concha Ulises Roman , Pandey Bishwajeet , S. Kharat Reena , Marappan Raja
Published: February 2023

Nowadays, e-learning and web-based learning are the most integrated new learning methods in schools, colleges, and higher educational institutions. The recent web-search-based learning methodological approach has helped online users (learners) to search for the required topics from the available online resources. The learners extracted knowledge from textual, video, and image formats through web searching. This research analyzes the learner’s significant attention to searching for the required information online and develops a new recommendation system using machine learning (ML) to perform the web searching. The learner’s navigation and eye movements are recorded using sensors. The proposed model automatically analyzes the learners’ interests while performing online searches and the origin of the acquired and learned information. The ML model maps the text and video contents and obtains a better recommendation. The proposed model analyzes and tracks online resource usage and comprises the following steps: information logging, information processing, and word mapping operations. The learner’s knowledge of the captured online resources using the sensors is analyzed to enhance the response time, selectivity, and sensitivity. On average, the learners spent more hours accessing the video and the textual information and fewer hours accessing the images. The percentage of participants addressing the two different subject quizzes, Q1 and Q2, increased when the learners attempted the quiz after the web search; 43.67% of the learners addressed the quiz Q1 before completing the web search, and 75.92% addressed the quiz Q2 after the web search. The average word counts analysis corresponding to text, videos, overlapping text or video, and comprehensive resources indicates that the proposed model can also apply for a continuous multi sessions online search learning environment. The experimental analysis indicates that better measures are obtained for the proposed recommender using sensors and ML compared with other methods in terms of recall, ranking score, and precision. The proposed model achieves a precision of 27% when the recommendation size becomes 100. The root mean square error (RMSE) lies between 8% and 16% when the number of learners < 500, and the maximum value of RMSE is 21% when the number of learners reaches 1500. The proposed recommendation model achieves better results than the state-of-the-art methods.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Reducing Uremic Toxins Accumulation in Kidney Disease: Current Understanding and Future Perspectives
Authors: Caggiano Gianvito , Stasi Alessandra , Franzin Rossana , Fiorentino Marco , Cimmarusti Maria Teresa , Deleonardis Annamaria , Palieri Rita , Pontrelli Paola , Gesualdo Loreto
Published: February 2023

During the past decades, the gut microbiome emerged as a key player in kidney disease. Dysbiosis-related uremic toxins together with pro-inflammatory mediators are the main factors in a deteriorating kidney function. The toxicity of uremic compounds has been well-documented in a plethora of pathophysiological mechanisms in kidney disease, such as cardiovascular injury (CVI), metabolic dysfunction, and inflammation. Accumulating data on the detrimental effect of uremic solutes in kidney disease supported the development of many strategies to restore eubiosis. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) spread as an encouraging treatment for different dysbiosis-associated disorders. In this scenario, flourishing studies indicate that fecal transplantation could represent a novel treatment to reduce the uremic toxins accumulation. Here, we present the state-of-the-art concerning the application of FMT on kidney disease to restore eubiosis and reverse the retention of uremic toxins.
Food-Derived Uremic Toxins in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Lauriola Mara , Farré Ricard , Evenepoel Pieter , Overbeek Saskia Adriana , Meijers Björn
Published: February 2023

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a higher cardiovascular risk compared to the average population, and this is partially due to the plasma accumulation of solutes known as uremic toxins. The binding of some solutes to plasma proteins complicates their removal via conventional therapies, e.g., hemodialysis. Protein-bound uremic toxins originate either from endogenous production, diet, microbial metabolism, or the environment. Although the impact of diet on uremic toxicity in CKD is difficult to quantify, nutrient intake plays an important role. Indeed, most uremic toxins are gut-derived compounds. They include Maillard reaction products, hippurates, indoles, phenols, and polyamines, among others. In this review, we summarize the findings concerning foods and dietary components as sources of uremic toxins or their precursors. We then discuss their endogenous metabolism via human enzyme reactions or gut microbial fermentation. Lastly, we present potential dietary strategies found to be efficacious or promising in lowering uremic toxins plasma levels. Aligned with current nutritional guidelines for CKD, a low-protein diet with increased fiber consumption and limited processed foods seems to be an effective treatment against uremic toxins accumulation.
Impacts of Local Transit Systems on Vulnerable Populations in Michigan
Authors: Kotval-K Zeenat , Wilkinson Annabelle , Brush Andy , Kassens-Noor Eva
Published: February 2023

Residents in small urban and rural areas frequently depend on unreliable personal transportation to maintain their lifestyle and get to essential destinations within their society. Especially, vulnerable populations, such as seniors and low-income residents, have lower access to personal vehicles and therefore are mobility-challenged. Being challenged in terms of mobility has effects on the health of the population concerned as this constraint not only limits economic activity that leads to perpetuation of lower means and poverty but also social activity that leads to physical and mental isolation. In a study of Michigan public and nonprofit transit systems, the customer satisfaction, particularly of vulnerable populations, with transit services is analyzed through on-board intercept surveys. Results illustrate the significance of employment, age, income, disability, and demand-response services in public transit planning and ultimately public health.
Prediction of Coreceptor Tropism in HIV-1 Subtype C in Botswana
Authors: Kotokwe Kenanao , Moyo Sikhulile , Zahralban-Steele Melissa , Holme Molly Pretorius , Melamu Pinkie , Koofhethile Catherine Kegakilwe , Choga Wonderful Tatenda , Mohammed Terence , Nkhisang Tapiwa , Mokaleng Baitshepi , Maruapula Dorcas , Ditlhako Tsotlhe , Bareng Ontlametse , Mokgethi Patrick , Boleo Corretah , Makhema Joseph , Lockman Shahin , Essex Max , Ragonnet-Cronin Manon , Novitsky Vlad , Gaseitsiwe Simani ,   PANGEA Consortium
Published: February 2023

It remains unknown whether the C-C motif chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) coreceptor is still the predominant coreceptor used by Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) in Botswana, where the HIV-1 subtype C predominates. We sought to determine HIV-1C tropism in Botswana using genotypic tools, taking into account the effect of antiretroviral treatment (ART) and virologic suppression. HIV-1 gp120 V3 loop sequences from 5602 participants were analyzed for viral tropism using three coreceptor use predicting algorithms/tools: Geno2pheno, HIV-1C Web Position-Specific Score Matrices (WebPSSM) and the 11/25 charge rule. We then compared the demographic and clinical characteristics of people living with HIV (PLWH) harboring R5- versus X4-tropic viruses using χ2 and Wilcoxon rank sum tests for categorical and continuous data analysis, respectively. The three tools congruently predicted 64% of viruses as either R5-tropic or X4-tropic. Geno2pheno and the 11/25 charge rule had the highest concordance at 89%. We observed a significant difference in ART status between participants harboring X4- versus R5-tropic viruses. X4-tropic viruses were more frequent among PLWH receiving ART (χ2 test, p = 0.03). CCR5 is the predominant coreceptor used by HIV-1C strains circulating in Botswana, underlining the strong potential for CCR5 inhibitor use, even in PLWH with drug resistance. We suggest that the tools for coreceptor prediction should be used in combination.
SARS-CoV-2 Possible Etiology of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis in a Teenager: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Grigore Ioana , Miron Ingrith , Gavrilovici Cristina , Lupu Vasile Valeriu , Antal Dorin Cristian , Schreiner Thomas Gabriel , Prazaru Catalin , Lupu Ancuta , Dragan Felicia , Grigore Ecaterina
Published: February 2023

Cerebral venous thrombosis in pediatric patient has a varied etiology. The authors present the case of a teenager who, since the debut of SARS-CoV-2 infection, has accused intermittent right side hemicrania, which has become persistent in association with nausea and vomiting since the 5th day of quarantine. She was hospitalized in the 9th day since the debut. Neuroimaging revealed extended venous cerebral thrombosis affecting the right sigmoid sinus, the transverse sinus bilaterally, the confluence of the transverse sinuses and the right internal jugular vein. The evolution was favorable under anticoagulant and symptomatic treatment. Laboratory tests excluded other etiological causes for the cerebral venous thrombosis, thus the authors consider that cerebral thrombosis is a possible complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection in teenagers.
The Spread of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant in CALABRIA: A Spatio-Temporal Report of Viral Genome Evolution
Authors: Veneziano Claudia , Marascio Nadia , De Marco Carmela , Quaresima Barbara , Biamonte Flavia , Trecarichi Enrico Maria , Santamaria Gianluca , Quirino Angela , Torella Daniele , Quattrone Aldo , Matera Giovanni , Torti Carlo , De Filippo Caterina , Costanzo Francesco Saverio , Viglietto Giuseppe
Published: February 2023

We investigated the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 spread in Calabria, Southern Italy, in 2022. A total of 272 RNA isolates from nasopharyngeal swabs of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 were sequenced by whole genome sequencing (N = 172) and/or Sanger sequencing (N = 100). Analysis of diffusion of Omicron variants in Calabria revealed the prevalence of 10 different sub-lineages (recombinant BA.1/BA.2, BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.2, BA.2.9, BA.2.10, BA.2.12.1, BA.4, BA.5, BE.1). We observed that Omicron spread in Calabria presented a similar trend as in Italy, with some notable exceptions: BA.1 disappeared in April in Calabria but not in the rest of Italy; recombinant BA.1/BA.2 showed higher frequency in Calabria (13%) than in the rest of Italy (0.02%); BA.2.9, BA.4 and BA.5 emerged in Calabria later than in other Italian regions. In addition, Calabria Omicron presented 16 non-canonical mutations in the S protein and 151 non-canonical mutations in non-structural proteins. Most non-canonical mutations in the S protein occurred mainly in BA.5 whereas non-canonical mutations in non-structural or accessory proteins (ORF1ab, ORF3a, ORF8 and N) were identified in BA.2 and BA.5 sub-lineages. In conclusion, the data reported here underscore the importance of monitoring the entire SARS-CoV-2 genome.
Hepatitis B Blood Donor Screening Data: An Under-Recognized Resource for Canadian Public Health Surveillance
Authors: O’Brien Sheila F. , Reedman Cassandra N. , Osiowy Carla , Bolotin Shelly , Yi Qi-Long , Lourenço Lillian , Lewin Antoine , Binka Mawuena , Caffrey Niamh , Drews Steven J.
Published: February 2023

Hepatitis B surveillance is essential to achieving Canada’s goal of eliminating hepatitis B by 2030. Hepatitis B rates, association of infection with vaccine age-eligibility, and risk factors were analyzed among 1,401,603 first-time Canadian blood donors from 2005 to 2020. Donors were classified as having likely chronic or likely resolved/occult infections based on hepatitis B surface antigen, anti-hepatitis B core antigen, and hepatitis B nucleic acid test results. Likely chronically infected and control donors (ratio 1:4) participated in risk-factor interviews. The 2019 rate of likely chronic infection was 61.9 per 100,000 (95% CI 46.5–80.86) and 1449.5 per 100,000 for likely resolved/occult infections (95% CI 1370.7–1531.7). Likely chronic infections were higher in males (OR 3.2; 95% CI 2.7–3.7) and the vaccine-ineligible birth cohort (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.6–2.2). The main risk factors were living with someone who had hepatitis (OR 12.5; 95% CI 5.2–30.0) and ethnic origin from a high-prevalence country (OR 8.4; 95% CI 5.9–11.9). Undiagnosed chronic hepatitis B may be more prevalent in Canada than currently determined by traditional passive hepatitis B reporting. Blood donor data can be useful in informing hepatitis B rates and evaluating vaccination programs in Canada.
Characterization of Cucurbit Aphid-Borne Yellows Virus (CABYV) from Passion Fruit in Brazil: Evidence of a Complex of Species within CABYV Isolates
Authors: Vidal Andreza H. , Lacorte Cristiano , Sanches Marcio M. , Alves-Freitas Dione M. T. , Abreu Emanuel F. M. , Pinheiro-Lima Bruna , Rosa Raul C. Carriello , Jesus Onildo N. , Campos Magnólia A. , Felix Gustavo P. , Abreu Ana Clara R. , Santos Yam S. , Lacerda Ana Luiza M. , Varsani Arvind , Melo Fernando L. , Ribeiro Simone G.
Published: February 2023

High-throughput sequencing (HTS) has been an important tool for the discovery of plant viruses and their surveillance. In 2015, several virus-like symptoms were observed in passion fruit (PF) plants in Bahia state, Brazil. Using HTS technology, bioinformatics tools, RT-PCR, and Sanger sequencing, we identified the cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV, Polerovirus, Solemoviridae) in co-infection with cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV, Potyvirus, Potyviridae) in PF, in green manure, and spontaneous plants in several localities in Bahia. Complete genomes of CABYV-PF isolates were determined and analyzed with other CABYV isolates available in GenBank that have been identified in various countries. Phylogenetic analysis and pairwise identity comparison with CABYV isolates showed that CABYV-PFs are more closely related to French and Spanish isolates. Overall, analyses of all the CABYV genomes revealed that these could represent ten distinct species, and we thus proposed reclassifying these CABYV as isolates into ten species, tentatively named “Polerovirus curcubitaeprimum” to “Polerovirus curcubitaenonum”, and “Polerovirus melo”. CABYV-PF is a member of “Polerovirus curcubitaeprimum”.
Special Issue “State-of-the-Art Porcine Virus Research in China”
Authors: Ouyang Hongsheng , Ren Linzhu
Published: February 2023

China is one of the major countries involved in pig production and pork consumption [...]
Advances in the Development of Small Molecule Antivirals against Equine Encephalitic Viruses
Authors: Ogorek Tyler J. , Golden Jennifer E.
Published: February 2023

Venezuelan, western, and eastern equine encephalitic alphaviruses (VEEV, WEEV, and EEEV, respectively) are arboviruses that are highly pathogenic to equines and cause significant harm to infected humans. Currently, human alphavirus infection and the resulting diseases caused by them are unmitigated due to the absence of approved vaccines or therapeutics for general use. These circumstances, combined with the unpredictability of outbreaks—as exemplified by a 2019 EEE surge in the United States that claimed 19 patient lives—emphasize the risks posed by these viruses, especially for aerosolized VEEV and EEEV which are potential biothreats. Herein, small molecule inhibitors of VEEV, WEEV, and EEEV are reviewed that have been identified or advanced in the last five years since a comprehensive review was last performed. We organize structures according to host- versus virus-targeted mechanisms, highlight cellular and animal data that are milestones in the development pipeline, and provide a perspective on key considerations for the progression of compounds at early and later stages of advancement.
ATAK Complex (Adrenaline, Takotsubo, Anaphylaxis, and Kounis Hypersensitivity-Associated Coronary Syndrome) after COVID-19 Vaccination and Review of the Literature
Authors: Minciullo Paola Lucia , Amato Giuliana , Vita Federica , Pioggia Giovanni , Gangemi Sebastiano
Published: February 2023

Anaphylactic events triggered by mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are neither serious nor frequent. Kounis syndrome is described as the concomitant occurrence of acute coronary events and hypersensitivity reactions induced by vasospastic mediators after an allergic event. Kounis syndrome caused by vaccines is very rare. Up to now, only a few cases of allergic myocardial infarction after mRNA COVID-19 vaccine administration have been reported. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a syndrome characterized by transient wall movement abnormalities of the left ventricular apex, mid-ventricle, or other myocardial distribution, usually triggered by intense emotional or physical stress. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy after COVID-19 vaccine administration has been reported, usually with a delayed onset. A new entity characterized by the association of adrenaline administration, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, anaphylaxis, and Kounis hypersensitivity was recently described: the ATAK complex. Here, we report a case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy that occurred together with an anaphylactic reaction to an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine that required the use of adrenaline. The timing of the allergic reaction and the referenced clinical symptoms could not exclude the idea that Kounis syndrome occurred. Therefore, we can assume the patient presented the ATAK complex. We believe that highlighting on this ATAK complex will aid the application of proper diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic measures.
Information-Seeking Behavior for COVID-19 Boosters in China: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Li Xiaoshan Austin , Wu Qiwei Luna , Hubbard Katharine , Hwang Jooyun , Zhong Lingzi
Published: February 2023

As China launches its second COVID-19 booster campaign and races to bring new vaccine technologies to protect against severe COVID-19 infections, there is limited research on how Chinese residents search for vaccine-related information. This study examined the factors influencing Chinese residents’ information-seeking behaviors regarding COVID-19 boosters with a sample of 616 respondents with a mean age of 31.53 from a research panel. Structural equation modeling was used to report factors that influenced respondents’ seeking intent. The results indicated that seeking-related subjective norms (β = −0.55, p < 0.001), negative affect (β = 0.08, p < 0.05), positive affect (β = 0.18, p < 0.001), and perceived knowledge insufficiency (β = 0.10, p < 0.001) are strong predictors of one’s seeking intent. We also discovered that there was an inverse relationship between risk perception and positive affect (β = −0.55, p < 0.001) and between negative and positive affect (β = −0.19, p < 0.01), while all measurements were either directly or indirectly related to information-seeking intent. A few more indirect but important relationships were also included in our discussion. In conclusion, the present study helps understand what motivates Chinese residents to seek COVID-19 booster information when limited information is available.
HBV and HCV Infection in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Pokorska-Śpiewak Maria , Marczyńska Magdalena
Published: February 2023

Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infections are the major causes of chronic liver disease and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality [...]
Analysis of Optimal Sensor Placement in Looped Water Distribution Networks Using Different Water Quality Models
Authors: Piazza Stefania , Sambito Mariacrocetta , Freni Gabriele
Published: February 2023

Urban looped water distribution systems are highly vulnerable to water quality issues. They could be subject to contamination events (accidental or deliberate), compromising the water quality inside them and causing damage to the users’ health. An efficient monitoring system must be developed to prevent this, supported by a suitable model for assessing water quality. Currently, several studies use advective–reactive models to analyse water quality, neglecting diffusive transport, which is claimed to be irrelevant in turbulent flows. Although this may be true in simple systems, such as linear transport pipes, the presence of laminar flows in looped systems may be significant, especially at night and in the peripheral parts of the network. In this paper, a numerical optimisation approach has been compared with the results of an experimental campaign using three different numerical models as inputs (EPANET advective model, the AZRED model in which diffusion–dispersion equations have been implemented, and a new diffusive–dispersive model in dynamic conditions using the random walk method, EPANET-DD). The optimisation problem was formulated using the Monte Carlo method. The results demonstrated a significant difference in sensor placement based on the numerical model.
Regionalization of IDF Curves by Interpolating the Intensity and Adjustment Parameters: Application to Boyacá, Colombia, South America
Authors: Acosta-Castellanos Pedro Mauricio , Castro Ortegón Yuddy Alejandra , Perico Granados Nestor Rafael
Published: February 2023

Intensity, duration and frequency (IDF) curves are necessary tools for the design and construction of hydraulic projects. However, the pluviographic records needed to determine the IDF curves do not exist or are scarce. This research presents the regionalization of the IDF curves for the department of Boyacá, Colombia, which is made up of 16 municipalities including the provincial capital, Tunja. For the regionalization, the adjustment parameters (u and α) of the IDF curve stations in the study area were used. In the case of regionalization by the parameters found for the construction of the IDF curves, estimation methods with ordinary moments means and maximum likelihood were used. The regionalization and interpolation of the data were performed with Arcgis software. The resulting isoline maps were made in the case of regionalization intensities, and each map is associated with a different return period and duration to construct the IDF curves in the studied area. In the case of the regionalization maps, the parameters associated with each individual parameter were performed last. The results show that the use of IDF curve data is more accurate and reduces errors in the design. With the methods proposed in this study, IDF curves can be constructed for any site of interest that does not have rainfall stations.
A Detailed Analysis on Hydrodynamic Response of a Highly Stratified Lake to Spatio-Temporally Varying Wind Field
Authors: Le Hieu Ngoc , Shintani Tetsuya , Nakayama Keisuke
Published: February 2023

Wind is generally considered an important factor driving the transport and mixing processes in stratified enclosed systems such as lakes and reservoirs. Lake Abashiri is one of the instances of such a system. For these systems, typically, the temporally unsteady but spatially uniform nature of wind has been assumed for simplicity. However, the spatial non-uniformity of wind could significantly alter compound hydrodynamic responses. In this study, such responses were investigated under the continuous imposition of different inhomogeneous wind conditions by applying numerical models and integrated analysis. The resultant tracer transport in both uniform and non-uniform wind cases was insignificant for the total study period of 9 days. However, under the short interval of Ti, where Ti is the internal fundamental period, different behaviors of both surface particle transport and the internal wave field were identified. Particularly, surface mass transport responses to higher spatial wind variance were obviously different from those in the uniform case. In addition, internal wave spectra under strong wind magnitude, which has low spatial variances, became identical to that of uniform wind; however, there were some discrepancies in the non-uniform case in the wave spectra under the influence of weak-to-moderate wind of high spatial variances. The results could provide an in-depth understanding of the lake’s hydrodynamic response to inhomogeneous wind which could improve water management in lakes and reservoirs.
Combined Analysis of Net Groundwater Recharge Using Water Budget and Climate Change Scenarios
Authors: Yun Sul-Min , Jeon Hang-Tak , Cheong Jae-Yeol , Kim Jinsoo , Hamm Se-Yeong
Published: February 2023

Estimating the groundwater recharge rate is essential in all groundwater-related fields, including groundwater development, use, management, modeling, and contamination analysis. In this study, we proposed a combined method of water budget and climate change scenario for estimating the net groundwater recharge rate in the Nakdong River watershed (NRW), South Korea. For the climate change scenario method, the representative concentration pathway (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 climate scenarios were adopted. First, using the water budget method from 2009 to 2018, the net groundwater recharge rate (NGRR) of 12.15–18.10% relative to annual precipitation (AP) was obtained, subtracting direct runoff (DR) of 21.18–25.32% relative to AP, evapotranspiration (EP) of 40.53–52.29% relative to AP, and baseflow of 12.42–17.84% relative to AP, from the AP (865–1494 mm). The average annual NGRR of the NRW was 200 mm (15.59%). Second, the mean NGRRs from 2009 to 2100 under the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios were anticipated as 8.73% and 7.63%, respectively. The similarity between the water budget and climate change scenarios was confirmed using data from 2009 and 2018. According to the simple climate change scenario, it is predicted that annual precipitation will increase over the years while the groundwater level and net groundwater recharge rate will decrease. Nonetheless, the estimated NGRR by the water budget method in this study possesses uncertainty due to using potential ET instead of actual ET which should be estimated by considering soil water content.
Activities of an educational organization to ensure students’ safety in the system of inclusive education
Authors:   Department of Economic and Financial Disciplines, Moscow University for the Humanities, Lebedeva Nataliya Valerievna
Published: February 2023

The article discusses the categories of children with disabilities and the features of their development associated with socialization. The attention is also drawn to the factors influencing the creation of conditions for inclusive education.
The role of philosophy in shaping the worldview of modern youth (on the example of I. Kant’s philosophy)
Authors:   Faculty of Law, Moscow University for the Humanities, Nazarov Maksim Evgenievich
Published: February 2023

The paper presents the arguments for the importance of philosophy in the life and development of the young generation of our time. The author is based on I. Kant’s ideas and denotes their modernity. The author shows that the modern young generation often turns to philosophy in search of an answer to the question “what should an individual be guided by in order to preserve his/her moral principle”.
Bitcoin no cenário internacional: uma análise de mercado a partir do índice de Herfindahl-Hirschman
Authors: Chagas João Vitor Monteiro , Lima Karolyna Shayna Rodrigues de , Pena Heriberto Wagner Amanajás , Lisbôa Educélio Gaspar , Chaves Marcelo Santos
Published: February 2023

O presente trabalho tem o objetivo de analisar a estrutura de mercado da criptomoeda Bitcoin no cenário internacional através de um estudo da taxa de concentração do volume transacionado da moeda entre países, com a aplicação do Índice de Herfindahl- Hirschman para classificar a mesma. A metodologia utilizada para a construção do trabalho foi histórica e estatística, visando compreender processos passados e utilizar manipulação estatística para aprofundar os conhecimentos sobre o assunto.
Aprendizagem significativa do ensino metacognitivo utilizando AHP para definição das práticas pedagógicas
Authors: Veraldo Junior Lucio Garcia , De Almeida Benedito Manoel , Pirtouscheg André Luis Ortiz , Galam Luiz Rogério , Marins Fernando Augusto Silva
Published: February 2023

Essa pesquisa tem como objetivo prover um referencial teórico que compreende temas sobre teoria da aprendizagem, fundamentos de ensino metacognitivo e aprendizagem significativa. Analisando as obras selecionadas, buscou estabelecer correlações que serviram como contribuições de autores para melhorar a compreensão dos fundamentos da temática estudada. Além disso, tem o propósito de descrever os modelos conceitos a partir de revisão da literatura de modo a estabelecer métodos de planejamento de ensino para o melhor desenvolvimento dos estudantes. Para tal escolha, é utilizado o AHP (Analityc Hierarchy Process) para escolher as melhores práticas de ensino.
Identificação e avaliação das manifestações patológicas presentes em passarela metálica na cidade de Açailândia -MA
Authors: Rodrigues Sabrina de Oliveira , De Morais Viviane Carvalho , Oliveira Maria Rebeca Sousa , Carvalho Victor Bezerra , De Lima Juliana Carvalho , Sousa Pedro Manoel Lima Gustavo , Costa Jardylene Almeida , Gomes Randal Silva , Staiger Ronnyere Pereira
Published: February 2023

As passarelas são Obras de Artes Especiais (OAE´s), podendo ser definidas como uma estrutura longilínea, destinada a transpor obstáculos naturais e ou artificiais de uso exclusivo de pedestres e ciclista. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar as manifestações patológicas presentes na estrutura de uma passarela metálica localizada na cidade de Açailândia-MA. A metodologia do estudo se deu por duas etapas: a investigação visual da passarela, por meio de visitas técnicas, com registros fotográficos das manifestações patológicas e falhas observadas nos elementos estruturais analisados, e o levantamento de dados a respeito da estrutura, obtendo-se o dimensionamento para posterior indicação de viabilidade da metodologia corretiva. Os resultados mostram as manifestações patológicas encontradas, dentre elas, a corrosão da estrutura metálica, em estado avançado, que acarretaram em buracos no tabuleiro da passarela, falta de pintura de impermeabilização, falta de cobertura, presença de processos erosivos e taludes mal dimensionado. Pode-se concluir que a maioria dos problemas encontrados são devidos a falta de manutenção, falhas no projeto e execução, sendo necessário o reparo imediato da passarela.