bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eco-Zip: Climate-Proofing an International Logistic Hub
Authors: Bertin Mattia , Vincenti Eugenia
Published: March 2024

One of the most significant challenges in urban design today is the adaptation of industrial and logistical areas to climate change. These vast hubs are sites with a high degree of vulnerability concerning management of stormwater and heat waves. However, local planning struggles to develop appropriate tools for these essential structures. The lack of tools disregards climate influence on the future economy and the quality and safety of workplaces. Moreover, intervening in such large areas can increase green and blue systems. The research described in this article reflects on their possible evolution in a climate change mitigation and adaptation scenario from a global perspective, helping to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals (8; 9; 11; 13; 15). The study intends to propose the redefinition of the settlement scheme as an adaptation tool. This strategy takes the Industrial Zone of Padova as a test site, and it is developed to reduce risks related to extreme climate events by favouring the action of green infrastructures and, at the same time, exploiting the social and economic opportunities that may emerge from this urban transformation.
An Integrated Model for Risk Assessment of Urban Road Collapse Based on China Accident Data
Authors: Zhang Zewei , Qi Qingjie , Cheng Ye , Cui Dawei , Yang Jinghu
Published: March 2024

With the deepening development and utilization of urban underground space, the risk of urban road collapse is becoming increasingly prominent, which is a serious threat to the safety of life and property. Therefore, the risk assessment of urban road collapse has vital significance for the safety management of cities. The main idea is to predict ongoing accidents by analyzing historical accident cases in depth. This paper explores the combination of Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM) and Bayesian Networks (BNs) to construct a risk assessment model of road collapse. First, the main risk factors of road collapse and their coupling relationships are identified, which is used to increase the low reliability of complex systems. Then, the risk factors of road collapse are logically divided by ISM to obtain the BN hierarchy. Finally, the BN node probabilities are evaluated by the Expectation–Maximization (EM) algorithm using the collected 92 real road collapse accident cases. The model can be used to quantify the coupling strength and influence degree of each risk factor on the occurrence of road collapse accidents, which in turn can predict the probability of road collapse accidents in a given scenario. This study can provide a theoretical basis for urban safety management and reduce the risk of road collapse and potential loss of life and property, which is important for the sustainable development of societies.
Toxicological Response of Zebrafish Exposed to Cocktails of Polymeric Materials and Valproic Acid
Authors: Savuca Alexandra , Chelaru Ionut-Alexandru , Balmus Ioana-Miruna , Curpan Alexandrina-Stefania , Nicoara Mircea Nicusor , Ciobica Alin Stelian
Published: March 2024

Microplastic pollution represents an emerging problem of great interest in the public domain in the last decade; in addition, it overlaps with another delicate problem—pollution with pharmaceutical products that can have negative effects on the environment and people, even in small amounts. The main purpose of this study was to assess the biochemical and behavioral effects of exposure of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) to polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and valproic acid (VPA), respectively to their mixtures—possible situations in natural aquatic environments. In terms of behavioral responses, sociability appears to be more impaired in the PP group after 5 days of exposure. The mechanisms affected are more those of swimming performance than of sociability. Even more, VPA increases presence in the arm with conspecifics but decreases mobility and locomotion, indicating a possible anxiety mechanism. The mixtures decrease the aggressiveness, especially in the case of the PE+VPA group, where it reaches a super low level compared to the control, which could endanger the species in nature. Regarding the anxiogenic effect, PP and PE act differently: if PE has an anxiogenic effect, on the opposite side is the PP group, which shows a bolder and more agitated behavior. All four variants showed behavioral changes indicative of toxicity from the first dose.
Exploring Institutional Pressures, Green Innovation, and Sustainable Performance: Examining the Mediated Moderation Role of Entrepreneurial Orientation
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Zhu Xiumei , Lee Min-Jae
Published: March 2024

This study aims to understand the multifaceted role of entrepreneurial orientation between institutional pressures, green innovation, and sustainable performance by using institutional theory and the entrepreneurship perspective as a comprehensive theoretical lens. To be more specific, this study not only analyzes the impact of institutional pressures consisting of regulatory, normative, and cognitive pressures on green innovation and the mediating effect of entrepreneurial orientation but also examines the moderating effect of entrepreneurship between green innovation and sustainable performance. Empirical results based on survey data from 483 listed firms in China indicate a positive effect between institutional pressures and green innovation and confirm the mediating effect of entrepreneurial orientation. Meanwhile, between green innovation and sustainable performance, entrepreneurial orientation showed a significant negative moderating effect. Our findings show that institutional pressures can drive corporate green innovation and suggest that entrepreneurial orientation can help achieve green innovation by encouraging them to challenge more innovative environmental practices based on institutional pressure. On the other hand, in firms that have not had enough green innovation, a high entrepreneurial orientation can undermine sustainable performance because it can increase risk.
Sustainable Cultural Tourism: Proposal for a Comparative Indicator-Based Framework in European Destinations
Authors: Zubiaga Mikel , Sopelana Amaia , Gandini Alessandra , Aliaga Héctor M. , Kalvet Tarmo
Published: March 2024

Effective decision-making in tourism destinations relies significantly on employing suitable indicators for policy design and impact evaluation. However, the adoption of sustainability-focused indicators remains constrained in the field of cultural tourism. The purpose of this research is to provide decision-makers with an extensive array of criteria and indicators, enabling informed decision-making, policy formulation, and impact assessment tailored to the distinctive attributes encountered in European destinations. Based on the synthesis of existing approaches, and in co-creation with 21 European tourism destinations, an indicator-based framework is proposed, structured around the environmental, economic, social, cultural, resilience, and characterization domains. The results are particularly novel in the resilience and cultural domains, related to the recovery from crisis impacts, but also to the enhancement of digital approaches, as well as the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage towards a more hospitable destination. Moreover, the involvement of stakeholders incorporating real-case scenarios allows this research to bridge the gap between theoretical constructs and practical application. The indicator-based framework resulting from this research will provide stakeholders with assistance in assessing and comparing the impacts of cultural tourism on their destinations and, thence, help them acquire knowledge on cultural resource management, contributing to a more sustainable, responsible, and balanced impact.
Analysis of Socio-Emotional Competencies as a Key Dimension for Sustainability in Colombian Elite Athletes
Authors: Marín-González Fabián Humberto , Portela-Pino Iago , Fuentes-García Juan Pedro , Martínez-Patiño María José
Published: March 2024

Socio-emotional, cognitive, and behavioral learning are emphasized by UNESCO as being essential to the advancement of sustainability. Sports are big events that have a big social, economic, and environmental impact. This study examined the socio-emotional competitiveness of elite Colombian Olympic and Paralympic athletes in relation to their academic background, gender, age, sport type, and modality. Methods: Colombian elite athletes who were members of the “Support to the Excellence Coldeportes Athlete” participated in the study. The total population studied included 334 Colombian elite athletes: mean age 27.10 ± 6.57 years old with 13.66 ± 6.37 years practicing his/her sports modality. The socio-emotional competencies of the participants were assessed using the Socio-emotional Competencies Scale (SECS). Results: In the areas of conflict resolution, emotional control, self-awareness, and interpersonal regulation, men performed better than women. Athletes under 25 years old showed more self-consciousness. Sports, whether individual or team, did not differ. Higher levels of drive, self-awareness, cooperation, and emotional control were displayed by Paralympians. Athletes with a university education demonstrated more drive, self-awareness, empathy, and collaboration. Every competency showed a favorable correlation. Conclusion: Tailored interventions aimed at enhancing socio-emotional functioning are essential for sustainability and should consider variations in gender, age, level of education, and handicap status. The article aims to facilitate and optimize the creation of specific programs to help Olympic and Paralympic athletes in their preparation through socio-emotional competences.
Calculation and Cause Analysis of Hidden Unemployment—A Case Study of the Northeast State-Owned Forest Areas in China
Authors: Wang Chen , Cao Juanjuan , Wen Jing
Published: March 2024

The Northeast State-owned Forest Areas comprise the largest region of resources in China. The transformation of the Northeast State-owned Forest Areas is due to various stimuli, such as policies, systems, and markets. In the context of ecological construction and the reform of the state-owned forest system in Northeast China, these have undergone a transformation in terms of economy, society, and ecology. However, a mismatch persists between employment and industrial structures, leading to hidden unemployment. This study employs the framework of hidden unemployment theory, utilizing the Cobb–Douglas production function to quantify the hidden unemployment rate, revealing the relationship between transformation and hidden unemployment. Through this analysis, the underlying causes of hidden unemployment in Northeast China’s state-owned forest regions are scrutinized. There is a bidirectional causal relationship between ecological transformation and hidden unemployment, while there is a unidirectional causal relationship between economic transformation and hidden unemployment. Variance decomposition analysis highlights the substantial contribution of social transformation, followed by economic transformation, with ecological transformation playing a comparatively smaller role. Based on the above research, this article proposes expediting the reforms within the forest industry groups, facilitating the separation of governmental and corporate interests. Additionally, it advocates for strategic forestry development planning to effectively absorb surplus labor, and proposes three policy directives aimed at supporting forest area employees, including provisions for job transfers and reemployment opportunities.
Soil Salinity Estimation by 3D Spectral Space Optimization and Deep Soil Investigation in the Songnen Plain, Northeast China
Authors: Ma Min , Hao Yi , Huang Qingchun , Liu Yongxin , Xiu Liancun , Gao Qi
Published: March 2024

Saline–alkaline soil is a severe threat to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but it can also be a precious land resource if properly utilized according to its properties. This research takes the Songnen Plain as the study area. The aim is to figure out the saline–alkaline status and mechanisms for its scientific utilization. Sentinel-2 multispectral imagery is used, and a 3D spectral space optimization method is proposed according to the restrictive relationships among the surface soil salinity index (SSSI), vegetation index (VI), and surface soil wetness index (SSWI) to construct a surface soil salinization–alkalization index (SSSAI) for estimation of the surface soil salinity (SSS). It is testified that SSS can be precisely estimated using the SSSAI (R2 = 0.74) with field verification of 50 surface salinized soil samples. Surface water and groundwater investigations, as well as deep soil exploration, indicate that the salt ions come from groundwater, and alkalinization is a primary problem in the deep soils. Fine-textured clay soils act as interrupted aquifers to prevent salt ions from penetrating and diluting downward with water, which is the cause of the salinization–alkalization problem in the study area. Finally, a sustainable solution for the saline–alkaline land resource is proposed according to the deep soil properties.
High-Speed Railway Opening, Industrial Symbiotic Agglomeration and Green Sustainable Development—Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Haonan , Zhu Tianqi , Zhao Lijuan
Published: March 2024

In recent years, China’s transportation infrastructure has undergone significant changes. High-speed rail, as a new and favored mode of transportation, offers travelers convenience, efficiency, and punctuality, replacing many high-pollution transportation methods. Based on the characteristics of high-speed rail, this paper selects data from 30 provinces spanning from 1999 to 2019. It utilizes the double-difference method to evaluate the impact of high-speed rail opening on economic sustainability. It has been found that the introduction of high-speed rail contributes to economic sustainability during the examination period. The mechanism test also reveals that the opening of high-speed rail promotes green and sustainable development through the industrial agglomeration effect. In addition, the opening of high-speed rail (HSR) has a significant time lag effect and a spatial spillover effect on green sustainable development. The conclusion complements the theoretical framework regarding the impact of high-speed rail on the environment and regional economic sustainability. It also provides guidance for the efficient utilization of high-speed rail, which holds both theoretical and practical importance.
Unraveling the Fallacy of Expertise: Exploring the Influence of Product-Related Experience on Consumer Perception of Product Knowledge
Authors: Lichtenstern Martin E. , Anwar Sajid , Siddiqi Hammad
Published: March 2024

This paper investigates the impact of product-related experience on consumers’ perception of their knowledge about extended warranties for automobiles in Germany and its implications for sustainability. Utilizing a structural equation model and analyzing data from 467 participants, the study explores the influence of general self-confidence and product-related experience on both subjective and objective knowledge. The empirical findings highlight that while high general self-confidence and product-related experience significantly shape participants’ subjective knowledge, they do not have a similar impact on objective knowledge. Notably, previous possession, representing the highest level of product-related experience, emerges as the primary influencing factor on participants’ subjective knowledge. Surprisingly, subjective and objective knowledge does not significantly influence participants’ willingness to pay. The analysis presented in this paper underscores the importance of understanding the distinction between self-perceived knowledge and objective knowledge, particularly concerning extended warranties for automobiles and the need for accurate knowledge dissemination to inform sustainable consumer choices.
Research on the Co-Creation Mechanism of Geographical Indication Industry Value Based on Evolutionary Game Analysis
Authors: Zhao Tingwei , Yu Xiang , Liu Sishi
Published: March 2024

The success of the geographical indication industry relies on the collaborative value creation among its stakeholders. This article presents an evolutionary game model for the triad of associations, firms, and peasant households in the geographical indication industry. The model examines their strategic choices and analyzes the impact of profitability, scale factors, and premium factors across different developmental stages. The study uncovers that while all parties may display collective behavior, there are variations specific to each stage. In periods of low profitability, firms tend to adopt a more cautious approach, while peasant households prioritize overall benefits. Both scale factors and premium factors guide the game towards positive strategies. Consequently, it is recommended to strengthen associations’ leadership role by fostering firm accountability in quality governance, reducing costs and risks associated with peasant household participation, safeguarding their rights and interests, enhancing economies of scale for geographical indication products, and bolstering competitiveness and sustainability.
GIS-Enabled Multi-Criteria Assessment for Hospital Site Suitability: A Case Study of Tehran
Authors: Zandi Iman , Pahlavani Parham , Bigdeli Behnaz , Lotfata Aynaz , Alesheikh Ali Asghar , Garau Chiara
Published: March 2024

In developing countries, the interaction between rapid urban expansion and population growth brings forth a host of challenges, particularly concerning essential services like healthcare. While interest in site suitability analysis for identifying optimal hospital locations to ensure equitable and secure healthcare access is on the rise, the absence of a holistic study that encompasses social and environmental aspects in the assessment of hospital site suitability is evident. The objective of this research is to introduce a hybrid methodology that combines Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) weighting methods. This methodology aims to create hospital site suitability maps for districts 21 and 22 in Tehran, taking into account socio-environmental factors. In addition to the conventional Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) weighting method, this study employs two relatively less-explored methods, the Best-Worst Method (BWM) and Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA), to enhance the analysis of hospital site suitability. In the SWARA method, there are minimal variations in weights among criteria, indicating that all socio-environmental factors (e.g., distance from existing hospitals, distance from main roads, distance from green spaces) hold significant importance in the decision-making process. Additionally, the findings indicate that the western part of the study area is the most suitable location for the construction of a new hospital. To achieve the average hospital bed availability in Tehran, an additional 2206 beds are required in the studied area, in addition to the existing facilities. Considering the ongoing urban development, population growth, and the potential for natural disasters and epidemics, it becomes essential to enhance the healthcare system by increasing the number of hospitals and available hospital beds. The sensitivity analysis showed that GIS-based SWARA-WLC was the most suitable and stable model for determining hospital site suitability in the study area. This methodology can be adapted for use in other regions and further improved by incorporating additional criteria. In conclusion, the study recommended three specific alternative sites for establishing a new hospital in the study area.
New Trends in Symmetry in Optimization Theory, Algorithms and Applications
Authors: Wang Guoqiang , Tao Jiyuan
Published: March 2024

Optimization is an important branch of operations research in applied mathematics and computer science, where functions are optimized over a range of feasible solutions [...]
Enhancing Intrusion Detection Systems Using a Deep Learning and Data Augmentation Approach
Authors: Mohammad Rasheed , Saeed Faisal , Almazroi Abdulwahab Ali , Alsubaei Faisal S. , Almazroi Abdulaleem Ali
Published: March 2024

Cybersecurity relies heavily on the effectiveness of intrusion detection systems (IDSs) in securing business communication because they play a pivotal role as the first line of defense against malicious activities. Despite the wide application of machine learning methods for intrusion detection, they have certain limitations that might be effectively addressed by leveraging different deep learning architectures. Furthermore, the evaluation of the proposed models is often hindered by imbalanced datasets, limiting a comprehensive assessment of model efficacy. Hence, this study aims to address these challenges by employing data augmentation methods on four prominent datasets, the UNSW-NB15, 5G-NIDD, FLNET2023, and CIC-IDS-2017, to enhance the performance of several deep learning architectures for intrusion detection systems. The experimental results underscored the capability of a simple CNN-based architecture to achieve highly accurate network attack detection, while more complex architectures showed only marginal improvements in performance. The findings highlight how the proposed methods of deep learning-based intrusion detection can be seamlessly integrated into cybersecurity frameworks, enhancing the ability to detect and mitigate sophisticated network attacks. The outcomes of this study have shown that the intrusion detection models have achieved high accuracy (up to 91% for the augmented CIC-IDS-2017 dataset) and are strongly influenced by the quality and quantity of the dataset used.
A Comparison between Kinematic Models for Robotic Needle Insertion with Application into Transperineal Prostate Biopsy
Authors: Zandonà Chiara , Roberti Andrea , Costanzi Davide , Gül Burçin , Akbulut Özge , Fiorini Paolo , Calanca Andrea
Published: March 2024

Transperineal prostate biopsy is the most reliable technique for detecting prostate cancer, and robot-assisted needle insertion has the potential to improve the accuracy of this procedure. Modeling the interaction between a bevel-tip needle and the tissue, considering tissue heterogeneity, needle bending, and tissue/organ deformation and movement is a required step to enable robotic needle insertion. Even if several models exist, they have never been compared on experimental grounds. Based on this motivation, this paper proposes an experimental comparison for kinematic models of needle insertion, considering different needle insertion speeds and different degrees of tissue stiffness. The experimental comparison considers automated insertions of needles into transparent silicone phantoms under stereo-image guidance. The comparison evaluates the accuracy of existing models in predicting needle deformation.
A Review of the Distribution and Health Effect of Organophosphorus Flame Retardants in Indoor Environments
Authors: Song Xingwei , Zhu Sheng , Hu Ling , Chen Xiaojia , Zhang Jiaqi , Liu Yi , Bu Qingwei , Ma Yuning
Published: March 2024

As a replacement for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) have been widely used and detected in different indoor environments all over the world. This paper comprehensively describes the concentration levels and distribution information of 11 kinds of OPFRs from 33 indoor dust and 10 air environments, from which TBOEP, TCIPP, and TDCIPP were observed to have higher concentrations in indoor environments. The ΣOPFRs displayed higher concentrations in indoor dust than in indoor air due to the higher molecular weight and vapor pressure of ΣOPFRs in building decoration materials, specifically for TCIPP and TDCIPP compounds. Considering that it is inevitable that people will be exposed to these chemicals in the indoor environments in which they work and live, we estimated their potential health risks through three human exposure pathways and found that the ingestion exposure to TBOEP for toddlers in Japan may reach up to 1270.80 ng/kg/day, which comprises a significant pathway compared to dermal contact and indoor air inhalation. Specifically, the combined total exposure to OPFRs by air inhalation, dust ingestion, and dermal contact was generally below the RfD values for both adults and toddlers, with a few notable higher exposures of some typical OPFRs.
Safety of Oral Carica papaya L. Leaf 10% Ethanolic Extract for Acute and Chronic Toxicity Tests in Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Taychaworaditsakul Weerakit , Saenjum Chalermpong , Lumjuan Nongkran , Chawansuntati Kriangkrai , Sawong Suphunwadee , Jaijoy Kanjana , Na Takuathung Mingkwan , Sireeratawong Seewaboon
Published: March 2024

Carica papaya L. leaves, traditionally utilized in dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals, exhibit a broad spectrum of potentially therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, and wound healing properties. This study examined the acute and chronic toxicity of 10% ethanolic-extracted C. papaya leaf in Sprague Dawley rats. The acute toxicity assessment was a single oral dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight, while the chronic toxicity assessment included daily oral doses of 100, 400, 1000, and 5000 mg/kg over 180 days. Systematic monitoring covered a range of physiological and behavioral parameters, including body and organ weights. End-point evaluations encompassed hematological and biochemical analyses, along with gross and histopathological examinations of internal organs. Findings revealed no acute toxicity in the C. papaya leaf extract group, although a significant decrease in uterine weight was observed without accompanying histopathology abnormalities. In the chronic toxicity assessment, no statistically significant differences between the control and the C. papaya leaf extract groups were detected across multiple measures, including behavioral, physiological, and hematological indices. Importantly, histopathological examination corroborated the absence of any tissue abnormalities. The study results indicate that C. papaya leaf extract exhibited no adverse effects on the rats during the 180-day oral administration period, affirming its potential safety for prolonged usage.
A Comparison of the Efficacy of Antivenoms and Varespladib against the In Vitro Pre-Synaptic Neurotoxicity of Thai and Javanese Russell’s Viper (Daboia spp.) Venoms
Authors: Lay Mimi , Hodgson Wayne C.
Published: March 2024

The heterogeneity in venom composition and potency in disparate Eastern Russell’s viper (Daboia siamensis) populations has repercussions for the efficacy of antivenoms. This is particularly pronounced in geographical areas in which the venom of the local species has not been well studied and locally produced antivenoms are unavailable. In such cases, alternative therapies following envenoming, which are not limited by species specificity, may be employed to complement antivenoms. We studied the neuromuscular activity of D. siamensis venom from Thailand and Java (Indonesia) and the ability of Thai antivenoms and/or Varespladib to prevent or reverse these effects. Both Thai and Javanese D. siamensis venoms displayed potent pre-synaptic neurotoxicity but weak myotoxicity in the chick biventer cervicis nerve–muscle preparation. Whilst the neurotoxicity induced by both venoms was abolished by the prior administration of Thai D. siamensis monovalent antivenom or pre-incubation with Varespladib, Thai neuro-polyvalent antivenom only produced partial protection when added prior to venom. Pre-synaptic neurotoxicity was not reversed by the post-venom addition of either antivenom 30 or 60 min after either venom. Varespladib, when added 60 min after venom, prevented further inhibition of indirect twitches. However, the subsequent addition of additional concentrations of Varespladib did not result in further recovery from neurotoxicity. The combination of Thai monovalent antivenom and Varespladib, added 60 min after venom, resulted in additional recovery of twitches caused by either Thai or Javanese venoms compared with antivenom alone. In conclusion, we have shown that Varespladib can prevent and partially reverse the pre-synaptic neurotoxicity induced by either Thai or Javanese D. siamensis venoms. The efficacy of Thai D. siamensis monovalent antivenom in reversing pre-synaptic neurotoxicity was significantly enhanced by its co-administration with Varespladib. Further work is required to establish the efficacy of Varespladib as a primary or adjunct therapy in human envenoming.
Characterization of Sodium Channel Peptides Obtained from the Venom of the Scorpion Centruroides bonito
Authors: Restano-Cassulini Rita , Olamendi-Portugal Timoteo , Riaño-Umbarila Lidia , Zamudio Fernando Z. , Delgado-Prudencio Gustavo , Becerril Baltazar , Possani Lourival D.
Published: March 2024

Five peptides were isolated from the venom of the Mexican scorpion Centruroides bonito by chromatographic procedures (molecular weight sieving, ion exchange columns, and HPLC) and were denoted Cbo1 to Cbo5. The first four peptides contain 66 amino acid residues and the last one contains 65 amino acids, stabilized by four disulfide bonds, with a molecular weight spanning from about 7.5 to 7.8 kDa. Four of them are toxic to mice, and their function on human Na+ channels expressed in HEK and CHO cells was verified. One of them (Cbo5) did not show any physiological effects. The ones toxic to mice showed that they are modifiers of the gating mechanism of the channels and belong to the beta type scorpion toxin (β-ScTx), affecting mainly the Nav1.6 channels. A phylogenetic tree analysis of their sequences confirmed the high degree of amino acid similarities with other known bona fide β-ScTx. The envenomation caused by this venom in mice is treated by using commercially horse antivenom available in Mexico. The potential neutralization of the toxic components was evaluated by means of surface plasmon resonance using four antibody fragments (10FG2, HV, LR, and 11F) which have been developed by our group. These antitoxins are antibody fragments of single-chain antibody type, expressed in E. coli and capable of recognizing Cbo1 to Cbo4 toxins to various degrees.
Animal Toxins: Biodiscovery, Mechanistic Insights and Translational Potential
Authors: Lüddecke Tim , Blank Simon
Published: March 2024

Nature abounds with an unprecedented diversity of biomolecular innovation [...]
Operational Differences between Product Development Partnership, Pharmaceutical Industry, and Investigator Initiated Clinical Trials
Authors: Nebie Eric I , van Eeuwijk Peter , Sawadogo Hélène N. , Reus Elisabeth , Utzinger Jürg , Burri Christian
Published: March 2024

Medicine development is a lengthy endeavour. Increasing regulatory stringency and trial complexity might lead to reduced efficiency, dwindled output, and elevated costs. However, alternative models are possible. We compared the operational differences between pharmaceutical industry sponsored trials, product development partnership trials, and investigator-initiated trials to identify key drivers of inefficiency in clinical research. We conducted an exploratory mixed-methods study with stakeholders, including clinical trial sponsors, contract research organisations, and investigators. The qualitative component included 40 semi-structured interviews, document reviews of 12 studies and observations through work shadowing in research institutions in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Switzerland. The findings were triangulated with an online survey polling clinical research professionals. The operational differences were grouped under five categories: (i) trial start-up differences including governance and management structure; (ii) study complexity; (iii) site structural and organisational differences; (iv) study conduct, quality approaches, and standard operating procedures; and (v) site capacity strengthening and collaboration. Early involvement of sites in the planning and tailored quality approaches were considered critical for clinical operations performance. Differences between the types of trials reviewed pertained to planning, operational complexities, quality approaches, and support to the sites. Integration of quality-by-design components has the potential to alleviate unnecessary process burden.
Single-Dose Rifampicin Leprosy Chemoprophylaxis for Household Contacts in Kiribati: An Audit of a Combined Retrospective and Prospective Approach
Authors: Campbell Patrick O. , Bauro Temea , Rimon Erei , Timeon Eretii , Bland Caitlin , Ioteba Nabura , Douglas Nicholas M. , Cunanan Arturo , Chambers Stephen T.
Published: March 2024

Kiribati is a Pacific Island nation with a widely dispersed population and one of the highest rates of leprosy worldwide. Single-dose rifampicin post-exposure prophylaxis (SDR-PEP) of leprosy contacts has reduced new case detection rates in controlled trials. In 2018, an SDR-PEP programme was introduced in Kiribati that included screening and chemoprophylaxis of household contacts of leprosy cases retrospectively (2010–2017) and prospectively (2018–2022). We conducted a retrospective audit to determine the comprehensiveness, timeliness and feasibility of the SDR-PEP programme. Overall, 13,641 household contacts were identified (9791 in the retrospective and 3850 in the prospective cohort). In the retrospective cohort, 1044 (11%) contacts were absent, 403 (4%) were ineligible for SDR, and 42 new cases were detected (0.4%) Overall, SDR coverage was 84.7%. In the prospective cohort, 164 (4%) contacts were absent, 251 (7%) were ineligible for SDR, and 23 new cases were diagnosed (0.6%). Overall, SDR coverage was 88.1%. Across both cohorts, there were 23 SDR refusals. The median time to SDR administration was 220 days (IQR 162–468) and 120 days (IQR 36–283) for the retrospective and prospective cohorts, respectively. SDR was readily accepted in both cohorts. The new case detection rate (0.5%) is consistent with that in other studies. Overall SDR coverage in both the retrospective and prospective phases met programmatic expectations.
Genetic Diversity of the Human Adenovirus C Isolated from Hospitalized Children in Russia (2019–2022)
Authors: Kurskaya Olga G. , Prokopyeva Elena A. , Dubovitskiy Nikita A. , Solomatina Mariya V. , Sobolev Ivan A. , Derko Anastasiya A. , Nokhova Alina R. , Anoshina Angelika V. , Leonova Natalya V. , Simkina Olga A. , Komissarova Tatyana V. , Tupikin Alexey E. , Kabilov Marsel R. , Shestopalov Alexander M. , Sharshov Kirill A.
Published: March 2024

The human adenovirus (HAdV) is a common pathogen in children that can cause acute respiratory virus infection (ARVI). However, the molecular epidemiological and clinical information relating to HAdV among hospitalized children with ARVI is rarely reported in Russia. A 4-year longitudinal (2019–2022) study among hospitalized children (0–17 years old) with ARVI in Novosibirsk, Russia, was conducted to evaluate the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of HAdV. Statistically significant differences in the detection rates of epidemiological and virological data of all positive viral detections of HAdV were analyzed using a two-tailed Chi-square test. The incidence of HAdV and other respiratory viruses such as human influenza A and B viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, coronavirus, parainfluenza virus, metapneumovirus, rhinovirus, bocavirus, and SARS-CoV-2 was investigated among 3190 hospitalized children using real-time polymerase chain reaction. At least one of these respiratory viruses was detected in 74.4% of hospitalized cases, among which HAdV accounted for 4%. A total of 1.3% co-infections with HAdV were also registered. We obtained full-genome sequences of 12 HAdVs, which were isolated in cell cultures. Genetic analysis revealed the circulation of adenovirus of genotypes C1, C2, C5, C89, and 108 among hospitalized children in the period from 2019–2022.
Novel Viral Vectors for Gene Therapy
Authors: Herchenröder Ottmar , Pützer Brigitte M.
Published: March 2024

Viral vectors are gene transfer tools assembled from the backbones of naturally occurring viruses [...]
Neonatal Calf Diarrhea and Gastrointestinal Microbiota: Etiologic Agents and Microbiota Manipulation for Treatment and Prevention of Diarrhea
Authors: Jessop Emma , Li Lynna , Renaud David L. , Verbrugghe Adronie , Macnicol Jennifer , Gamsjäger Lisa , Gomez Diego E.
Published: March 2024

Neonatal calf diarrhea is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality globally. The changes associated with the gastrointestinal microbiota in neonatal calves experiencing diarrhea and its etiology are not fully understood or completely defined in the literature. Several studies have demonstrated that the fecal microbiota of calves that experience diarrhea substantially deviates from that of healthy age-matched calves. However, one key question remains: whether the changes observed in the bacterial communities (also known as dysbiosis) are a predisposing factor for, or the consequence of, gastrointestinal inflammation caused by the pathogens associated with calf diarrhea. The first objective of this literature review is to present the current information regarding the changes in the fecal microbiota of diarrheic calves and the impact of the pathogens associated with diarrhea on fecal microbiota. Modulation of the gastrointestinal microbiota using pre- and probiotics, colostrum feeding, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been used to treat and prevent gastrointestinal diseases in humans and dogs. Although information regarding the use of probiotics for the prevention of diarrhea is available in cattle, little information is available regarding the use of these strategies for treating calf diarrhea and the use of prebiotics or FMT to prevent diarrhea. The second objective of this literature review is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the impact of prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, colostrum feeding, and FMT for the treatment and prevention of calf diarrhea.
Climate Seasonality of Tropical Evergreen Forest Region
Authors: Luo Long-Xiao , Sun Zhong-Yi , Tan Zheng-Hong
Published: March 2024

Climatic seasonality has lacked research attention in terms of global tropical forests, where it impacts vegetation productivity, biodiversity, and hydrological cycles. This study employs two methods—climatological anomalous accumulation (CAA) and potential evapotranspiration (PET) threshold—to detect the climatic seasonality of global tropical forests, including the onset and duration of wet seasons. Spatial clustering based on the length of the wet season is used to delineate smaller regions within the tropical forest areas to observe their precipitation patterns. The results show that these methods effectively reveal more homogeneous regions and their respective rainfall patterns. In particular, we found that the wet season in Amazon forests detected by the CAA method is more uniform in space than the PET threshold, but the global tropical forest regions divided by the CAA method on average contain more complex climates than the PET threshold. Moreover, the year-round abundant precipitation in Southeast Asia, which is strongly influenced by monsoons, presents challenges for wet season detection. Overall, this work provides an objective perspective for understanding the climatic seasonality changes in tropical forests and lays a scientific foundation for future forest management and the development of adaptation strategies to global climate change.
Improving Flash Flood Hydrodynamic Simulations by Integrating Leaf Litter and Interception Processes in Steep-Sloped Natural Watersheds
Authors: Ámon Gergely , Bene Katalin , Ray Richard , Gribovszki Zoltán , Kalicz Péter
Published: March 2024

More frequent high-intensity, short-duration rainfall events increase the risk of flash floods on steeply sloped watersheds. Where measured data are unavailable, numerical models emerge as valuable tools for predicting flash floods. Recent applications of various hydrological and hydrodynamic models to predict overland flow have highlighted the need for improved representations of the complex flow processes that are inherent in flash floods. This study aimed to identify an optimal modeling approach for characterizing leaf litter losses during flash floods. At a gauged watershed in the Hidegvíz Valley in Hungary, a physical-based model was calibrated using two distinct rainfall–runoff events. Two modeling methodologies were implemented, integrating canopy interception and leaf litter storage, to understand their contributions during flash flood events. The results from the model’s calibration demonstrated this approach’s effectiveness in determining the impact of leaf litter on steep-sloped watersheds. Soil parameters can estimate the behavior of leaf litter during flash flood events. In this study, hydraulic conductivity and initial water content emerged as critical factors for effective parametrization. The findings underscore the potential of a hydrodynamic model to explore the relationship between leaf litter and flash flood events, providing a framework for future studies in watershed management and risk-mitigation strategies.
Linkage between Granite Weathering and Gully Erosion in Subtropical Region
Authors: Zhang Shu , Zhang Yong , Huang Gang , Zhang Bo , Li Yichan , Chen Xin , Xu Junkang , Wei Yujie
Published: March 2024

Granites, widely distributed in the Earth’s crust, undergo pedogenic processes, shaping diverse soil-mantled landscapes influenced by climatic factors in different regions. Investigating the geochemical signatures in granite weathering profiles across varying climatic conditions provides valuable insights into the intricate interplay between weathering and landscape evolution. In this study, the geochemical features, particularly major and rare earth elements, and the weathering degree of granites across temperate to subtropical regions in China were examined. The results indicated significant variations in the geochemical characteristics of granite weathering profiles, both at a pedon and regional scale (p < 0.01). With increasing hydrothermal conditions from north to south, soil pH shifted from neutral to acidic, accompanied by the leaching of major elements (K2O, Na2O, CaO, and MgO) and the enrichment of Al and Fe. The total rare earth elements (∑REEs) ranged from 75 to 352 ppm, and light rare earth elements (LREEs) from 71 to 317 ppm, exhibiting less significant variations across the study area, while heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) showed higher concentrations in the subtropical region (3 to 35 ppm). Plagioclases dominated the weathering process in temperate regions, with K-feldspar progressively increasing and, eventually, dominating from temperate to subtropic regions, resulting in a shift in clay minerals from 2:1-type in the temperate to 1:1-type in the subtropic. The chemical index of alteration (CIA) and comprehensive weathering index (W) increased from fresh rock to residual soils along the weathering profiles and from north to south across the study area, ranging from 50.72 to 97.44 and 35.11 to 70.62, respectively. The intensified granite weathering degree was significantly influenced by climatic conditions (p < 0.05), especially the multi-year average precipitation (22.4%) and relative humidity (9.1%) (p < 0.01). Gully erosion on the granite weathering mantle was concentrated in granites with a comprehensive weathering index exceeding 52.51, and the spatial variation of the granite weathering degree aligned with the spatial distribution of gully density across the study area.
Integration of Different Storage Technologies towards Sustainable Development—A Case Study in a Greek Island
Authors: Bertsiou Maria Margarita , Baltas Evangelos
Published: March 2024

The necessity for transitioning to renewable energy sources and the intermittent nature of the natural variables lead to the integration of storage units into these projects. In this research paper, wind turbines and solar modules are combined with pumped hydro storage, batteries, and green hydrogen. Energy management strategies are described for five different scenarios of hybrid renewable energy systems, based on single or hybrid storage technologies. The motivation is driven by grid stability issues and the limited access to fresh water in the Greek islands. A RES-based desalination unit is introduced into the hybrid system for access to low-cost fresh water. The comparison of single and hybrid storage methods, the exploitation of seawater for the simultaneous fulfillment of water for domestic and agricultural purposes, and the evaluation of different energy, economic, and environmental indices are the innovative aspects of this research work. The results show that pumped hydro storage systems can cover the energy and water demand at the minimum possible price, 0.215 EUR/kWh and 1.257 EUR/m3, while hybrid storage technologies provide better results in the loss of load probability, payback period and CO2 emissions. For the pumped hydro–hydrogen hybrid storage system, these values are 21.40%, 10.87 years, and 2297 tn/year, respectively.
Structural vibration reduction achieved by lightweight porous layers through the near-field damping effect: A technical summary
Authors: Xue Yutong , Bolton J. Stuart
Published: March 2024

Properly designed porous materials can provide damping equivalent to conventional viscoelastic dampers by the dissipation of the evanescent wave energy in the vibrating structure's acoustical near-field. At the same time, these materials possess advantages such as light weight and effective
sound absorption. Thus, there are potential benefits with respect to cost and weight saving in automotive and aerospace applications by using porous layers as multi-functional noise and vibration control solutions. The intention in this article is to provide a concise summary of the methods
and major findings previously presented in an extensive set of publications and conference presentations. In that work, porous media, such as fibers and foams, were designed to serve as treatments for various vibrating structures to examine their damping effectiveness. Both analytical modeling
and numerical simulation based on finite element methods were involved depending on the complexity of the structure. Specifically, a Fourier transform-based computational method was introduced as the key step to allow accurate prediction of a panel's spatial response. The analytical model
was further developed into an efficient software toolbox, so that parametric studies could be conducted to identify the optimal properties for a porous layer to provide the maximum damping within a target frequency region, based on which near-field damping design concepts are summarized. Key
findings include the observation that the addition of bulk elasticity to the solid phase of the porous medium improves damping performance compared to equivalent limp treatments.