bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Multi-Period Corporate Default Based on Bayesian Estimation of Forward Intensity—Evidence from China
Authors: Ni Zhengfang , Jiang Minghui , Zhan Wentao
Published: January 2023

We employed a forward intensity approach to predict the multi-period defaults of Chinese-listed firms during the period 2001–2019 on a monthly basis. We introduced the firm’s default heterogeneity into the model, and each firm’s actual past default situation was considered for Bayesian estimation. Maximum pseudo-likelihood estimation was conducted on 3513 firms to calculate the parameters of the Bayesian model to adjust the default intensity of all 4216 firms. Finally, we re-calculated the default probabilities and compared them with the original default probabilities of the out-of-sample 703 firms for all prediction horizons. We found that the Bayesian model, considering the firm’s default heterogeneity, improved the prediction accuracy ratio of the out-of-sample firm’s default probabilities both for short and long horizons. As compared with the original model, the prediction accuracy ratio of the out-of-sample’s default probabilities, which were computed by our model, increased by almost 15% for horizons from 1 month to 6 months. When the horizon was extended from 1 year to 3 years, the prediction accuracy ratio increased by more than 10%. We found that the Bayesian model improved the predictive performance of the forward intensity model, which is helpful to improve the credit risk measurement system of Chinese-listed firms.
Unraveling the Most Influential Determinants of Residential Segregation in Jakarta: A Spatial Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation Approach
Authors: Kusumah Hendra , Wasesa Meditya
Published: January 2023

This study involves the analysis of the residential segregation patterns in Jakarta, Indonesia, one of the largest global metropolitan cities. Our objective is to determine whether similarities in religion or socioeconomic status are more dominant in shaping residential segregation patterns in Jakarta. To do so, we extended Schelling’s segregation agent-based model incorporating the random discrete utility choice approach to simulate the relocation decisions of the inhabitants. Utilizing actual census data from the 2010–2013 time period and the Jakarta GIS map, we simulated the relocation movements of the inhabitants at the subdistrict level. We set the inhabitants’ socioeconomic and religious similarities as the independent variables and the housing constraints as the moderating variable. The segregation parameters of the inhabitants (i.e., dissimilarity and Simpson indexes) and the spatial patterns of residential segregation (i.e., Moran index and segregation maps) were set as the dependent variables. Additionally, we further validated the simulation outcomes for various scenarios and contrasted them with their actual empirical values. This study concludes that religious similarity is more dominant than socioeconomic status similarity in shaping residential segregation patterns in Jakarta.
Real-Time Documentation of the Effect of Onabotulinumtoxin A Detrusor Injection in OAB Patients—Preliminary Results
Authors: Schulte-Baukloh Heinrich , Weiß Catarina , Weinberger Sarah , Hubatsch Mandy , Schlomm Thorsten , Ralla Bernhard
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Detrusor injection with onabotulinumtoxin A (OnabotA-DI) is an established therapy for overactive bladder (OAB). Little is known about the exact onset and course of the effect in the days after the injection therapy. By using a new type of app-controlled automated diary pod, for the first time, the precise onset of the effect of OnabotA-DI can be documented in real time. Materials and methods: Patients due for OnabotA-DI were asked to document voiding 3 days before and up to 3 weeks after therapy using the Diary Pod app. The detrusor injection was performed with onabotulinumtoxin A (Botox®), 100 units, at 20 sites of the detrusor muscle in a standardized manner. Voiding on the injection day itself was not documented. Results: A total of 17 patients (15 women, 2 men; aged 33–83 (mean 64.6; median 70) years) were included in the study. The handling of the Diary Pod app was user-friendly, and elderly patients did not encounter technical problems. The results of patients with reliably documented micturitions showed a continuous reduction in micturition frequency every day from the first day and significantly from day 5. For 24 h voiding, from 12.83 ± 5.54 in the 3 days before injection, the following mean values were found with significant (p < 0.05) changes after the intervention: 9.17 ± 3.19 on day 5, 8.75 ± 3.69 on day 10, 7.17 ± 2.04 on day 15, and 5.75 ± 0.5 on day 20. These changes were in similar proportions during the daytime and nighttime. Conclusions: Contrary to previous knowledge, the effect of the OnabotA-DI set in from the first postoperative days and was reflected a similar extent in day and night micturition. This study is the first to document the onset of action of OnabotA-DI in real time.
A Scale-Dependent Distance Functional between Past Light Cones in Cosmology
Authors: Carfora Mauro , Familiari Francesca
Published: January 2023

We discuss a rigorous procedure for quantifying the difference between our past light cone and the past light cone of the fiducial Friedmann–Lemaitre–Robertson–Walker spacetime, modeling the large-scale descriptions of cosmological data in the standard ΛCDM scenario. This result is made possible by exploiting the scale-dependent distance functional between past light cones recently introduced by us. We express this harmonic map-type functional in terms of the physical quantities that characterize the actual measurements along our past light cone, namely the area distance and the lensing distortion, also addressing the very delicate problem of the presence of light cone caustics. This analysis works beautifully and seems to remove several of the difficulties encountered in comparing the actual geometry of our past light cone with the geometry of the fiducial FLRW light cone of choice. We also discuss how, from the point of view of the FLRW geometry, this distance functional may be interpreted as a scale-dependent effective field, the pre-homogeneity field, which may be of relevance in selecting the FLRW model that best fits the observational data.
Analytical Approximate Solutions for Scalarized AdS Black Holes
Authors: Zou De-Cheng , Meng Bo , Zhang Ming , Li Sheng-Yuan , Lai Meng-Yun , Myung Yun Soo
Published: January 2023

The spontaneous scalarization of Schwarzscild-AdS is investigated in the Einstein-scalar-Gauss–Bonnet (ESGB) theory. Firstly, we construct scalarized AdS black holes numerically. Secondly, making use of the homotopy analysis method (HAM), we obtain analytical approximate solutions for scalarized AdS black holes in the ESGB theory. It is found that scalarized AdS black holes constructed numerically are consistent with analytical approximate solutions in the whole space.
Discrete Gravity in Emergent Space Theory: Hidden Conical Defects and Teleparallel Gravity
Authors: Pincak Richard , Pigazzini Alexander , Jafari Saeid , Özel Cenap
Published: January 2023

In the first part of the paper, we try to identify the presence of gravity, at a microscopic level, by introducing conical defects and maintaining an approach that assumes topological equivalence among the underlying manifolds that form the tissue of the D-brane itself. In the second part, we will present an alternative to the conical defects, considering the theory of teleparallel gravity, in which the presence of the torsion and the construction of the brane always occurs within the context of our new interpretation of emergent spaces.
Surface Density of Disk Galaxies in MOND
Authors: Del Popolo Antonino , Le Delliou Morgan
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we extend a paper by Milgrom (2009, MNRAS 398, 1023) dealing with the existence of a quasi-universal surface density for object of all mass and structure, if they are in the Newtonian regime, i.e., that their mean acceleration is larger than MOND typical acceleration a0. This result is in agreement with Donato et al. (2009)’s results, claiming the existence of a quasi-universal surface density in all masses in galaxies. The Milgrom paper also predicts that objects with mean inner acceleration smaller than the values discussed do not show the quasi-universal behavior of the surface density discussed. In the present paper, we extend the result of Milgrom’s paper, based on a point mass model, considering spiral galaxies, modelled with a double exponential disk. Similar to Milgrom’s results, we find the existence of a universal surface density for galaxies with large surface density, and a different behavior for galaxies having small surface density.
Distinct Whole Transcriptomic Profiles of the Bursa of Fabricius in Muscovy Ducklings Infected by Novel Duck Reovirus with Different Virulence
Authors: Yun Tao , Hua Jionggang , Ni Zheng , Ye Weicheng , Chen Liu , Zhu Yinchu , Zhang Cun
Published: January 2023

Novel duck reovirus (NDRV) is a newly identified reovirus that brings about more severe damage on multiple organs and mortality in various species of waterfowl. We previously characterized the transcriptomic profiles responding to NDRV in the bursa of Fabricius of Muscovy ducklings, which is a major immunological organ against virus infection. However, the molecular mechanisms of variant cell responses in the bursa of Fabricius to NDRV with different virulence is unclear. Here, we conducted a whole transcriptomic analysis to study the effects of two strains, HN10 (virulent NDRV) and JDm10 (artificially attenuated NDRV), on the bursa of Fabricius of Muscovy ducklings. We harvested a large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of the bursa of Fabricius specially induced by HN10 and JDm10, and we found that HN10 induced DEGs enriched in differentiation and development in multiple organs beyond JDm10. Moreover, the ceRNA regulatory network also indicated the different connections among mRNA, lncRNA and miRNA. Interestingly, we further noticed that a population of differential expressed miRNA could particularly target to transcripts of HN10 and JDm10. We took miR-24 as an example and observed that miR-24 could reduce the transcription of GLI family zinc finger 3 (Gli3) and membrane-associated guanylate kinase, WW and PDZ domain containing 1 (Magi1) via recognition 3′ UTR of these two genes by a dual luciferase reporter gene assay in vitro. However, this effect could be compromised by HN10 infection or the ectopic over-expression of the putative miR-24 targeting regions in L1 and L3 fragments of HN10. Taken together, we examined and proposed a novel regulatory competitive mechanism between transcripts of NDRV and Muscovy ducklings for miRNA. These findings may advance the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of NDRV in Muscovy ducklings, and help provide the potential targets for vaccine and drug development against NDRV.
Influenza and Universal Vaccine Research in China
Authors: Li Jiali , Zhang Yifan , Zhang Xinglong , Liu Longding
Published: January 2023

Influenza viruses usually cause seasonal influenza epidemics and influenza pandemics, resulting in acute respiratory illness and, in severe cases, multiple organ complications and even death, posing a serious global and human health burden. Compared with other countries, China has a large population base and a large number of influenza cases and deaths. Currently, influenza vaccination remains the most cost-effective and efficient way to prevent and control influenza, which can significantly reduce the risk of influenza virus infection and serious complications. The antigenicity of the influenza vaccine exhibits good protective efficacy when matched to the seasonal epidemic strain. However, when influenza viruses undergo rapid and sustained antigenic drift resulting in a mismatch between the vaccine strain and the epidemic strain, the protective effect is greatly reduced. As a result, the flu vaccine must be reformulated and readministered annually, causing a significant drain on human and financial resources. Therefore, the development of a universal influenza vaccine is necessary for the complete fight against the influenza virus. By statistically analyzing cases related to influenza virus infection and death in China in recent years, this paper describes the existing marketed vaccines, vaccine distribution and vaccination in China and summarizes the candidate immunogens designed based on the structure of influenza virus, hoping to provide ideas for the design and development of new influenza vaccines in the future.
Non-Nucleoside Inhibitors Decrease Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Replication by Blocking the Viral 3Dpol
Authors: Theerawatanasirikul Sirin , Semkum Ploypailin , Lueangaramkul Varanya , Chankeeree Penpitcha , Thangthamniyom Nattarat , Lekcharoensuk Porntippa
Published: January 2023

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), an economically important pathogen of cloven-hoofed livestock, is a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus classified in the Picornaviridae family. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of RNA viruses is highly conserved. Compounds that bind to the RdRp active site can block viral replication. Herein, we combined double virtual screenings and cell-based antiviral approaches to screen and identify potential inhibitors targeting FMDV RdRp (3Dpol). From 5596 compounds, the blind- followed by focus-docking filtered 21 candidates fitting in the 3Dpol active sites. Using the BHK-21 cell-based assay, we found that four compounds—NSC217697 (quinoline), NSC670283 (spiro compound), NSC292567 (nigericin), and NSC65850—demonstrated dose-dependent antiviral actions in vitro with the EC50 ranging from 0.78 to 3.49 µM. These compounds could significantly block FMDV 3Dpol activity in the cell-based 3Dpol inhibition assay with small IC50 values ranging from 0.8 nM to 0.22 µM without an effect on FMDV’s main protease, 3Cpro. The 3Dpol inhibition activities of the compounds were consistent with the decreased viral load and negative-stranded RNA production in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusively, we have identified potential FMDV 3Dpol inhibitors that bound within the enzyme active sites and blocked viral replication. These compounds might be beneficial for FMDV or other picornavirus treatment.
Characterization and Genomic Analysis of a Bacteriophage with Potential in Lysing Vibrio alginolyticus
Authors: Fu Jingyun , Li Ying , Zhao Lihong , Wu Chunguang , He Zengguo
Published: January 2023

Vibrio alginolyticus is one of the major pathogens causing vibriosis to a variety of aquatic animals as well as bringing about severe food safety concerns. Nowadays, phage therapy has received increasing attention as an alternative to the antibiotics that have being limited for use in aquaculture industries. In this work, a potent bacteriophage, vB_ValM_PVA23 (PVA23), which efficiently infects pathogenic strains of V. alginolyticus, was isolated from sewage water and characterized by microbiological and genomic analyses. Based on the transmission electronic observation, the phage was characterized to be the Myoviridae family. It has a latent period of 10 min and a burst size of 203 PFUs/infected bacterium, and was stable over a broad pH range (5.0–11.0) and a wide temperature span (−80 °C to 60 °C), respectively. Genome sequencing results show that PVA23 has a 246,962-bp double-stranded DNA with a G + C content of 41.25%. The lab and plant shrimp farming trials demonstrated that phage preparation derived from PVA23 out-performed the chemical disinfectant iodine treatment in the prevention of V. alginolyticus propagation, and the phage application could rapidly yet significantly reduce the level of V. alginolyticus in the pond within 12 h, with negligible rebound observed. These results suggests that phage PVA23 has the potential to be used as an anti-V. alginolyticus agent in aquaculture industries.
Unexpected Pathogen Diversity Detected in Australian Avifauna Highlights Potential Biosecurity Challenges
Authors: Kasimov Vasilli , Wille Michelle , Sarker Subir , Dong Yalun , Shao Renfu , Hall Clancy , Potvin Dominique , Conroy Gabriel , Valenza Ludovica , Gillett Amber , Timms Peter , Jelocnik Martina
Published: January 2023

Birds may act as hosts for numerous pathogens, including members of the family Chlamydiaceae, beak and feather disease virus (BFDV), avipoxviruses, Columbid alphaherpesvirus 1 (CoAHV1) and Psittacid alphaherpesvirus 1 (PsAHV1), all of which are a significant biosecurity concern in Australia. While Chlamydiaceae and BFDV have previously been detected in Australian avian taxa, the prevalence and host range of avipoxviruses, CoAHV1 and PsAHV1 in Australian birds remain undetermined. To better understand the occurrence of these pathogens, we screened 486 wild birds (kingfisher, parrot, pigeon and raptor species) presented to two wildlife hospitals between May 2019 and December 2021. Utilising various qPCR assays, we detected PsAHV1 for the first time in wild Australian birds (37/486; 7.61%), in addition to BFDV (163/468; 33.54%), Chlamydiaceae (98/468; 20.16%), avipoxviruses (46/486; 9.47%) and CoAHV1 (43/486; 8.85%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that BFDV sequences detected from birds in this study cluster within two predominant superclades, infecting both psittacine and non-psittacine species. However, BFDV disease manifestation was only observed in psittacine species. All Avipoxvirus sequences clustered together and were identical to other global reference strains. Similarly, PsAHV1 sequences from this study were detected from a series of novel hosts (apart from psittacine species) and identical to sequences detected from Brazilian psittacine species, raising significant biosecurity concerns, particularly for endangered parrot recovery programs. Overall, these results highlight the high pathogen diversity in wild Australian birds, the ecology of these pathogens in potential natural reservoirs, and the spillover potential of these pathogens into novel host species in which these agents cause disease.
ZDHHC11 Suppresses Zika Virus Infections by Palmitoylating the Envelope Protein
Authors: Hu Dingwen , Zou Haimei , Chen Weijie , Li Yuting , Luo Ziqing , Wang Xianyang , Guo Dekuan , Meng Yu , Liao Feng , Wang Wenbiao , Zhu Ying , Wu Jianguo , Li Geng
Published: January 2023

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an RNA-enveloped virus that belongs to the Flavivirus genus, and ZIKV infections potentially induce severe neurodegenerative diseases and impair male fertility. Palmitoylation is an important post-translational modification of proteins that is mediated by a series of DHHC-palmitoyl transferases, which are implicated in various biological processes and viral infections. However, it remains to be investigated whether palmitoylation regulates ZIKV infections. In this study, we initially observed that the inhibition of palmitoylation by 2-bromopalmitate (2-BP) enhanced ZIKV infections, and determined that the envelope protein of ZIKV is palmitoylated at Cys308. ZDHHC11 was identified as the predominant enzyme that interacts with the ZIKV envelope protein and catalyzes its palmitoylation. Notably, ZDHHC11 suppressed ZIKV infections in an enzymatic activity-dependent manner and ZDHHC11 knockdown promoted ZIKV infection. In conclusion, we proposed that the envelope protein of ZIKV undergoes a novel post-translational modification and identified a distinct mechanism in which ZDHHC11 suppresses ZIKV infections via palmitoylation of the ZIKV envelope protein.
Characterization of the First Alternavirus Identified in Fusarium avenaceum, the Causal Agent of Potato Dry Rot
Authors: Zhang Xiaofang , Wu Chunyan , Hua Huihui , Cai Qingnian , Wu Xuehong
Published: January 2023

A novel virus with a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genome was isolated from Fusarium avenaceum strain GS-WW-224, the causal agent of potato dry rot. The virus has been designated as Fusarium avenaceum alternavirus 1 (FaAV1). Its genome consists of two dsRNA segments, 3538 bp (dsRNA1) and 2477 bp (dsRNA2) in length, encoding RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and a hypothetical protein (HP), respectively. The virions of FaAV1 are isometric spherical and approximately 30 nm in diameter. Multiple sequence alignments and phylogenetic analyses based on the amino acid sequences of RdRp and HP indicated that FaAV1 appears to be a new member of the proposed family Alternaviridae. No significant differences in colony morphology and spore production were observed between strains GS-WW-224 and GS-WW-224-VF, the latter strain being one in which FaAV1 was eliminated from strain GS-WW-224. Notably, however, the dry weight of mycelial biomass of GS-WW-224 was higher than that of mycelial biomass of GS-WW-224-VF. The depth and the width of lesions on potato tubers caused by GS-WW-224 were significantly greater, relative to GS-WW-224-VF, suggesting that FaAV1 confers hypervirulence to its host, F. avenaceum. Moreover, FaAV1 was successfully transmitted horizontally from GS-WW-224 to ten other species of Fusarium, and purified virions of FaAV1 were capable of transfecting wounded hyphae of the ten species of Fusarium. This is the first report of an alternavirus infecting F. avenaceum and conferring hypervirulence.
Safety, Efficacy, and Immunogenicity of Varying Types of COVID-19 Vaccines in Children Younger Than 18 Years: An Update of Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tian Yan , Chen Long , Shi Yuan
Published: January 2023

Vaccination is one of the most effective measures for children as the epidemic progresses. However, there is a significant research gap in the meta-analysis of the COVID-19 vaccines for children younger than 18 years. This study is a comprehensive review of different COVID-19 vaccines. Published articles were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Twelve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of COVID-19 vaccines were included in the review until 21 October 2022. Most local and systemic adverse reactions were predominantly mild to moderate in severity and disappeared quickly after different types of vaccines. The subunit vaccine had the highest safety. The significant risk was lower in the subunit vaccine group after the initial (RR 1.66, 95% CI 1.26–2.17, p = 0.0003) and booster vaccination (RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.02–1.92, p = 0.04). Younger children had a more outstanding safety profile in the mRNA and inactivated vaccine groups. The humoral immune response was proportional to the number of doses in the inactivated and the adenovirus vaccine groups, and the strength of immunogenicity was negatively correlated with age in the inactivated vaccine. The mRNA and the subunit vaccines provided satisfactory prevention against COVID-19, especially seven days after the booster dose. However, more research and longer-term follow-up are needed to assess the duration of immune responses, efficacy, and safety.
A Bivalent MAPS Vaccine Induces Protective Antibody Responses against Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi A
Authors: Zhang Fan , Boerth Emily M. , Gong Joyce , Ma Nicole , Lucas Katherine , Ledue Olivia , Malley Richard , Lu Ying-Jie
Published: January 2023

Infections by Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi A strain are still a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Generation of antibodies against the Vi capsular polysaccharide of S. Typhi via either pure polysaccharide or protein–polysaccharide conjugate is a very effective way to protect against S. Typhi. To date, there is no commercially available vaccine against S. Paratyphi A. The O-specific polysaccharide (OSP) has been generally considered a good vaccine target for Paratyphi A. Here, a bivalent vaccine against Vi and OSP was generated using the Multiple Antigen Presenting System (MAPS). Three different protein constructs, including CRM197, rEPA of Pseudomonas, and a pneumococcal fusion protein SP1500-SP0785, were fused to Rhizavidin (Rhavi) and evaluated their impact on immunogenicity when incorporated as fusion proteins affinity-bound to the two polysaccharides. We compared the antibody responses, antibody avidity, and cidal activity of sera post-immunization with monovalent vs. combination vaccines. We also wished to evaluate the generation of Vi-specific memory B cells in mice. We found little interference when combination vaccine was compared to monovalent vaccines with respect to antibody concentration and cidal activity of sera. Significant affinity maturation was noted for both Vi and OSP antigens. Thus, our preclinical results with a combination Vi- and OSP-MAPS vaccine strongly support the feasibility of this approach and its application of this approach to other important salmonella and Shigella species.
Cognitive and Cultural Factors That Affect General Vaccination and COVID-19 Vaccination Attitudes
Authors: Keselman Alla , Arnott Smith Catherine , Wilson Amanda J. , Leroy Gondy , Kaufman David R.
Published: January 2023

The development of COVID-19 vaccines is a major scientific accomplishment that has armed communities worldwide with powerful epidemic control tools. Yet, COVID-19 vaccination efforts in the US have been marred by persistent vaccine hesitancy. We used survey methodology to explore the impact of different cognitive and cultural factors on the public’s general vaccination attitudes, attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines, and COVID-19 vaccination status. The factors include information literacy, science literacy, attitudes towards science, interpersonal trust, public health trust, political ideology, and religiosity. The analysis suggests that attitudes towards vaccination are influenced by a multitude of factors that operate in a complex manner. General vaccination attitude was most affected by attitudes towards science and public health trust and to a lesser degree by information literacy, science literacy, and religiosity. Attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines were most affected by public health trust and to a lesser extent by general trust, ideology and attitudes towards science. Vaccination status was most influenced by public health trust. Possible mediating effects of correlated variables in the model need to be further explored. The study underscores the importance of understanding the relationship between public health trust, literacies, and sociocultural factors.
COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Hesitancy among Hemodialysis Patients in Saudi Arabia Using the Health Belief Model: A Multi-Centre Experience
Authors: Alobaidi Sami , Alsolami Enad , Sherif Abdalla , Almahdy Mohammed , Elmonier Rady , Alobaidi Waad Y. , Akl Ahmed
Published: January 2023

Objective: Vaccination hesitance for the COVID-19 booster dosage among hemodialysis patients is an important barrier in reducing morbidity and mortality linked to COVID-19 infection. Hence, this study aimed to explore the predictors of the third (booster) dose of COVID-19 vaccine intention among CKD patients on hemodialysis from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: This study was a multi-center cross-sectional study conducted at four dialysis centers in KSA from 13 February 2022 to 21 June 2022. The data was collected by the nephrologist in charge of the unit using a structured study questionnaire, which consisted of four parts; socio-demographic and clinical variables, questions about COVID-19 infection and subjective assessment of health state, COVID-19 booster dose vaccination intention and confidence in vaccines and preferences, and a health belief model. The study population consisted of 179 hemodialysis patients. Results: Participants in the study had conflicting health beliefs about their vulnerability to COVID-19 infection and the severity of the COVID-19 infection. Study participants expressed positive health beliefs about the advantages of the COVID-19 booster dose, and reported less perceived obstacles in receiving the vaccine. The influence of cues on action among the study population was high. A total of 140 (78.2%) hemodialysis patients expressed their intention to receive the COVID-19 booster dose. Patients who reported poor health in the self-rating of their health status had a substantially higher definite intention to take the COVID-19 booster dose, according to the chi-square test (11.16, df = 3, p = 0.01). There was a significant association between the constructs in the HBM model and COVID-19 vaccine (booster) intention. Marital status (OR = 1.67, CI 1.07–2.58) was found to be the strongest predictors of a definite intention to receive a COVID-19 booster dose. Confidence in the locally manufactured vaccine (OR = 0.33, CI 0.17–0.60), education (OR = 0.62, CI 0.41–0.93), and rating of health status (OR = 0.43 CI 0.25–0.74) were the strongest significant correlates of having no definite intention to take the COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusions: HBM constructs were found to be significantly associated with vaccination intention, which can be considered while planning policies to promote COVID-19 booster vaccination among hemodialysis patients. The study results could be utilized in drafting policies to improve COVID-19 booster dose vaccination uptake among hemodialysis population.
Adverse Effects of Sinopharm COVID-19 Vaccine among Vaccinated Medical Students and Health Care Workers
Authors: Meo Anusha Sultan , Masood Adeeba , Shabbir Usama , Ali Hubba , Nadeem Zeeshan , Meo Sultan Ayoub , Alshahrani Abdullah Nasser , AlAnazi Saad , Al-Masri Abeer A , Al-Khlaiwi Thamir
Published: January 2023

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease caused a highly problematic situation worldwide. Various vaccines were launched to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to investigate the adverse effects of first and second doses of the Sinopharm vaccine among vaccinated medical and dental students and healthcare workers. A well-established questionnaire was distributed online, and 414 medical and dental students and healthcare workers (HCW) comprising 355 females (85.7%) and 59 males (14.3%) participated; all were vaccinated with two doses of Sinopharm. The most common side effect was pain at the injection site after dose one in 253 respondents (61.3%) and after dose two in 161 respondents (38.9%). Other symptoms included general lethargy in 168 (40.6%), myalgia/body pain in 99 (23.9%), low-grade fever in 93 (22.4%), and headache in 87 (21%) respondents. Common side effects reported after the second dose of the vaccine following pain at the injection site included general lethargy in 21.3% (88), headache in 10.4% (43), myalgia/body pain in 9.9% (41), and low-grade fever in 6.1% (25) of the respondents. In conclusion, common adverse effects of the Sinopharm vaccine were pain at the injection site, general lethargy, myalgia, body pain, low-grade fever, and headache. These adverse effects were mild in intensity for both doses but slightly more frequent and severe for the first dose than the second dose.
Plankton Community Structure and Biomass in the Eastern Middle Caspian Sea
Authors: Kurochkina Tatyana Fedorovna , Nasibulina Botagoz Murasovna , Bakhshalizadeh Shima , Popov Nikolai , Kuanysheva Gulnur , Fazio Francesco , Ali Attaala Muhaysin
Published: January 2023

Despite the role of planktonic organisms in the fishery value of the Caspian Sea and in addition to the increase in the plankton population in the Caspian Sea, there are few detailed studies regarding the determination of the planktonic organisms in the Caspian Sea. In the present investigation, we aimed to study the cell abundance and diversity of the phyto- and zooplankton in the eastern part of the Middle Caspian Sea in the spring of 2016. The composition of phytoplankton consisted of 50 species belonging to 4 systematic groups which were registered in the eastern part of the Middle Caspian: Cyanophyta (7), Bacillariophyta (24), Dinoflagellata (13), and Chlorophyta (6). Zooplankton were represented by 9 taxa: Cladocera—6, Copepod—1, and other groups—2. The most important phytoplankton species were Rhizosolenia calcar-avis, Anabaena bergii, Exuviaella cordata, and Binuclearia lauterbornii. The 0–50 m layer in the eastern Middle Caspian was the most productive, where the biomass varied from 98 mg/m3 to 109 mg/m3, consisting largely of diatoms. The cladoceran Evadne anonyx typica, the copepod Acartia tonsa, and the larvae of barnacle crustaceans (Cirripedia) were widely distributed in this layer. Zooplankton abundance decreased markedly with the depth. The maximum zooplankton concentrations were confined to depths down to 200 m.
Study on the Influence of Water Level on Earth Dam Reinforced by Cut-Off Wall: A Case Study in Wujing Reservoir
Authors: Liu Da , Lin Taiqing , Gao Jianglin , Xue Binghan , Yang Jianhua , Chen Congxin , Zhang Weipeng , Sun Wenbin
Published: January 2023

The construction of a cut-off wall is a common reinforcement method for earth rock dams. At present, compared with the in-depth study on homogeneous earth dams, more and more attention is being paid to the stability and deformation of earth dams strengthened by a concrete cut-off wall. In this study, aiming at the Wujing project of the earth dam strengthened by cut-off wall, the influence of the water level rise and fall on the stability of the dam slope, the deformation of the dam body, and the crack width on dam crest were analyzed by numerical calculation and in situ measurement. The analysis results show that when the reservoir encounters a sudden drawdown, the safety factor of the dam slope decreases sharply. The faster the sudden drawdown, the faster the safety factor decreases. When the reservoir water level rises, the dam’s horizontal displacement shifts to the upstream direction, and the change of horizontal displacement of the downstream slope is significantly larger than that at the measuring point of the upstream slope. The water level of the reservoir rises, and the surface of the dam body rises, and the fluctuation of settlement deformation shows that the upstream side is larger than the downstream side, especially during the period of abrupt change in the reservoir water level. The longitudinal cracks on the dam crest show a tendency of shrinkage when the reservoir water level rises, and opening decreases with the decrease of deformation gradient increment and increases with the increase of gradient increment.
An Integrated Approach to an Assessment of Bottlenecks for Navigation on Riverine Waterways
Authors: Schoeneich Marta , Habel Michał , Szatten Dawid , Absalon Damian , Montewka Jakub
Published: January 2023

Water transport, both sea and inland, is the cheapest, least invasive, and safest option for non-standard loads; hence, it is important to increase the percentage share of inland waterway transport on the rivers of Central and Eastern Europe. Transporting cargo is particularly difficult on shallow waterways because rivers overloaded with sediment determine the vertical parameters on inland waterways. A ship’s safe manoeuvrability depends on the available water depth of the navigational area concerning the vessel’s draught. The draught is related to channel depth and sediments. The paper presents a model assessment of a new tool for studying limitations for ships carrying oversized cargo and the shallow channel bed inland waterways. Our analysis was carried out on the Vistula River lowland reach for the winter hydrological conditions. The Lower Vistula River in Poland is a clear example of a sedimentation problem. This waterway is also a zone of active sediment transport of sandy material; a massive volume of sediment reaches 1 million cubic meters per year. The results of this research could be helpful for inland transport management, risk assessment of ships entering waterways with shallow channel beds such as the Vistula River, and analysis for a new waterway project.
Soil Erosion under Future Climate Change Scenarios in a Semi-Arid Region
Authors: Elaloui Abdenbi , Khalki El Mahdi El , Namous Mustapha , Ziadi Khalid , Eloudi Hasna , Faouzi Elhousna , Bou-Imajjane Latifa , Karroum Morad , Tramblay Yves , Boudhar Abdelghani , Chehbouni Abdelghani
Published: January 2023

The Mediterranean Region is presumed to be one of the locations where climate change will have the most effect. This impacts natural resources and increases the extent and severity of natural disasters, in general, and soil water erosion in particular. The focus of this research was to assess how climate change might affect the rate of soil erosion in a watershed in the High Atlas of Morocco. For this purpose, high-resolution precipitation and temperature data (12.5 × 12.5 km) were collected from EURO-CORDEX regional climate model (RCM) simulations for the baseline period, 1976–2005, and future periods, 2030–2060 and 2061–2090. In addition, three maps were created for slopes, land cover, and geology, while the observed erosion process in the catchment was determined following field observations. The erosion potential model (EPM) was then used to assess the impacts of precipitation and temperature variations on the soil erosion rate. Until the end of the 21st century, the results showed a decrease in annual precipitation of −32% and −46% under RCP 4.5 for the periods 2030–2060 and 2061–2090, respectively, −28% and −56% under RCP 8.5 for the same periods, respectively, and a large increase in temperature of +2.8 °C and +4.1 °C for the RCP 4.5 scenario, and +3.1 °C and +5.2 °C for the RCP 8.5 scenario for the periods 2030–2060 and 2061–2090, respectively. The aforementioned changes are anticipated to significantly increase the soil erosion potential rate, by +97.11 m3/km2/year by 2060, and +76.06 m3/km2/year by 2090, under the RCP 4.5 scenario. The RCP 8.5 predicts a rise of +124.64 m3/km2/year for the period 2030–2060, but a drop of −123.82 m3/km2/year for the period 2060–2090.
Multivariate Time Series Clustering of Groundwater Quality Data to Develop Data-Driven Monitoring Strategies in a Historically Contaminated Urban Area
Authors: Zanotti Chiara , Rotiroti Marco , Redaelli Agnese , Caschetto Mariachiara , Fumagalli Letizia , Stano Camilla , Sartirana Davide , Bonomi Tullia
Published: January 2023

As groundwater quality monitoring networks have been expanded over the last decades, significant time series are now available. Therefore, a scientific effort is needed to explore innovative techniques for groundwater quality time series exploitation. In this work, time series exploratory analysis and time series cluster analysis are applied to groundwater contamination data with the aim of developing data-driven monitoring strategies. The study area is an urban area characterized by several superimposing historical contamination sources and a complex hydrogeological setting. A multivariate time series cluster analysis was performed on PCE and TCE concentrations data over a 10 years time span. The time series clustering was performed based on the Dynamic Time Warping method. The results of the clustering identified 3 clusters associated with diffuse background contamination and 7 clusters associated with local hotspots, characterized by specific time profiles. Similarly, a univariate time series cluster analysis was applied to Cr(VI) data, identifying 3 background clusters and 7 hotspots, including 4 singletons. The clustering outputs provided the basis for the implementation of data-driven monitoring strategies and early warning systems. For the clusters associated with diffuse background contaminations and those with constant trends, trigger levels were calculated with the 95° percentile, constituting future threshold values for early warnings. For the clusters with pluriannual trends, either oscillatory or monotonous, specific monitoring strategies were proposed based on trends’ directions. Results show that the spatio-temporal overview of the data variability obtained from the time series cluster analysis helped to extract relevant information from the data while neglecting measurements noise and uncertainty, supporting the implementation of a more efficient groundwater quality monitoring.
Parameter Optimization of SWMM Model Using Integrated Morris and GLUE Methods
Authors: Zhong Baoling , Wang Zongmin , Yang Haibo , Xu Hongshi , Gao Meiyan , Liang Qiuhua
Published: January 2023

The USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) is one of the most extensively implemented numerical models for simulating urban runoff. Parameter optimization is essential for reliable SWMM model simulation results, which are heterogeneously sensitive to a variety of parameters, especially when involving complicated simulation conditions. This study proposed a Genetic Algorithm-based parameter optimization method that combines the Morris screening method with the generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) method. In this integrated methodology framework, the Morris screening method is used to determine the parameters for calibration, the GLUE method is employed to narrow down the range of parameter values, and the Genetic Algorithm is applied to further optimize the model parameters by considering objective constraints. The results show that the set of calibrated parameters, obtained by the integrated Morris and GLUE methods, can reduce the peak error by 9% for a simulation, and then the multi-objective constrained Genetic Algorithm reduces the model parameters’ peak error in the optimization process by up to 6%. During the validation process, the parameter set determined from the combination of both is used to obtain the optimal values of the parameters by the Genetic Algorithm. The proposed integrated method shows superior applicability for different rainfall intensities and rain-type events. These findings imply that the automated calibration of the SWMM model utilizing a Genetic Algorithm based on the combined parameter set of both has enhanced model simulation performance.
Enhancing Sea Ice Inertial Oscillations in the Arctic Ocean between 1979 and 2019
Authors: Yuan Danqi , Hao Zhanjiu , You Jia , Zhang Peiwen , Yin Baoshu , Li Qun , Xu Zhenhua
Published: January 2023

As the Arctic Ocean continues to warm, both the extent and thickness of sea ice have dramatically decreased over the past few decades. These changes in ice have an impact on sea ice motion, including sea ice inertial oscillations (SIIO). However, the spatial pattern and temporal variations of Arctic SIIO remain poorly understood. In this study, the spatiotemporal characteristics of Arctic SIIO between 1979 and 2019 are revealed based on the sea ice drifting buoy dataset from the International Arctic Buoy Program (IABP). The results indicate the significant enhancement of SIIO during 1979–2019, with the trend of 7.84 × 10−3 (±3.34 × 10−3) a−1 (a−1 means per year) in summer and 1.92 × 10−3 (±0.80 × 10−3) a−1 in winter. Compared with the first 30 years, the magnitude of SIIO in 2009–2019 increases by 66% in summer and 21% in winter. Spatially, the remarkable enhancement of SIIO during 2009–2019 is found in most of the Arctic Ocean. Especially in summer, SIIO are significantly intensified in marginal seas, including the Beaufort Sea, East Siberian Sea and Laptev Sea, which is mainly correlated with the decrease of sea ice concentration in recent years. This study is anticipated to provide insights for spatiotemporal variation of Arctic sea ice inertial motion in recent decades.
Research on Optimal Allocation of Water Resources in Handan City Based on the Refined Water Resource Allocation Model
Authors: Ma Jing , Liu Hongliang , Wu Wenfeng , Zhang Yinqin , Dong Sen
Published: January 2023

In order to realize the dynamic regulation and control of regional water resources and alleviate the imbalance between supply and demand of regional water resources, on the basis of the demand of refined management of water resources, the dynamic General Water Allocation and Simulation Model (GWAS) of Handan City was constructed. The research on the optimal allocation of water resources in different regions and counties under different normal and dry years in the planning years (2025 and 2035) was carried out. The results show that the allocated water volume in the normal and dry years of Handan in 2025 is 2.248 billion m3 and 2.150 billion m3, respectively, and the water shortage rate is 11.72% and 22.11%, respectively. The water shortage is mainly in agriculture. In 2035, the allocated water volumes in normal and dry years will be 2.504 billion m3 and 2.33 billion m3, respectively, and the water shortage rates will be 4.50% and 21.84%, respectively. After optimized allocation, the water supply structure was significantly improved. The proportion of groundwater supply will decrease at each planning level year, and the water supply of external water transfer and unconventional water will increase. This research can provide technical reference to the Handan development scheme depending on water resources in the future, as well as the optimal allocation of water resources in other cities in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region.
SiO2 Nanoparticles Suspension Exposures with Marine Invertebrates: Genotoxicity Response
Authors: Kukla Sergey Petrovich , Chelomin Victor Pavlovich , Mazur Andrey Alexandrovich , Slobodskova Valentina Vladimirovna , Mazur Marina Alexandrovna
Published: January 2023

The volume of nanoparticles (NPs) used in various sectors of human life is steadily increasing. Due to their unique properties, silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) are widely used in industrial production. However, their ecotoxicological effect on marine biota is extremely poorly understood. To highlight this problem, experiments were conducted with short-term SiO2 NPs exposure to the sand dollar Scaphechinus mirabilis sperm, and a 6-day exposure to the adult bivalve mollusk Mytilus trossulus. SiO2 NPs exposure caused an increase in the concentration of Si in the digestive gland of the mollusk, resulting in DNA damage increase. Exposure to all NPs concentrations caused DNA damage to increase but did not affect the sperm fertilization ability. It was found that the DNA is a target in both chronic and acute SiO2 NPs exposure.
Integrated and Individual Impacts of Land Use Land Cover and Climate Changes on Hydrological Flows over Birr River Watershed, Abbay Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Malede Demelash Ademe , Alamirew Tena , Andualem Tesfa Gebrie
Published: January 2023

Land use/land cover (LULC) and climate change are the two major environmental factors that affect water resource planning and management at different scales. This study aims to investigate the effects of LULC and climate change patterns for a better understanding of the hydrological processes of the Birr River watershed. To examine the effects of LULC and climate change patterns on hydrology, three periods of climate data (1986–1996, 1997–2007 and 2008–2018) and three sets of LULC maps (1986, 2001 and 2018) were established. The changes in hydrological flow caused by climate and LULC changes were estimated using the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) and indicator of hydrological alteration (IHA) method. Results showed that the SWAT model performed well during the calibration and validation period at monthly timestep, with R2 and NSE values of (0.83 and 0.81) and (0.80 and 0.71), respectively. The LULC change increased surface runoff while decreasing baseflow, water yield, and evapotranspiration. This was due to increased agriculture and settlements, and a reduction in bushland, forest, and grassland. Climate change increased surface runoff and water yield while decreasing baseflow and evapotranspiration during 1996–2006. The combined effect of LULC and climate reveals increased surface runoff and a decreased trend of evapotranspiration, whereas baseflow and water yield showed inconsistency. In addition, the IHA found no statistically significant increasing trend for one-day, three-days, seven-day, and thirty-day minimum and maximum daily streamflow in the Birr River watershed. These findings will be useful to authorities, water engineers, and managers concerned with hydrology, LULC, and climate.