bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental Assessment of Local Food Policies through a Territorial Life Cycle Approach
Authors: Lulovicova Andrea , Bouissou Stephane
Published: March 2023

Sub-national governments play a vital role in achieving food-related sustainability goals through the re-territorialization of agriculture. While the environmental impact of such policies cannot be reduced to decreased food miles, multiple methodological bottlenecks prevent seizing their entire potential. In this paper, a territorial life cycle analysis is adapted and used to comprehend the cradle-to-grave impact of local food policies. This is conducted by assessing the impact of a territory’s food-producing and consuming activities before and after the local food policies implementation. To evaluate the feasibility of the methodology, the municipality of Mouans-Sartoux (southeast France), engaged in local food policies for twenty years, is chosen. Four impact categories are modeled: global warming, fossil resource depletion, water consumption, and land use. The findings show that local food policies drive direct and indirect changes in farming and retail practices, but a more significant transformation is achieved by inhabitants, mostly by decreasing meat and ultra-processed product consumption. All actions summed up decrease the local food system’s impact by between 7 and 19%. These results demonstrate the efficiency of the method to provide a holistic environmental assessment at a mesoscale as well as the environmental efficacity of the local authority’s intervention in food-related matters.
Unsustainable Tourism Approaches in Touristic Destinations: A Case Study in Turkey
Authors: Barakazı Mahmut
Published: March 2023

Large investments made because of high tourism revenues in touristic destinations can threaten balanced growth, ecological sensitivity and sustainable tourism principles. To raise awareness of this situation and draw attention to unsustainable tourism approaches, this study is presented with the situation approach method. The main purpose of this research is to determine the negative effects of unsustainable tourism approaches in tourist destinations. In this context, case studies are frequently used and are the preferred qualitative research method. The Historical Peninsula of Istanbul, Bodrum, Uzungöl and Hasankeyf, which will be examined in line with the principles of sustainable tourism, are understood to be damaged in four basic categories: unplanned construction, sound pollution, exposure to environmental destruction and overtourism pressure. The results of unsustainable tourism approaches are seen in these regions, which are more and more negatively affected by the increasing number of tourists and unconscious tourism policies. Contrary to scientific studies that generally focus on sustainable tourism policies, this study reveals the mistakes made with case approach evidence and develops some ideas for the solution to the problem. It also has remarkable results in terms of showing the obstacles in front of sustainability.
Effect of Consumers’ Acceptance of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables and Their Contribution to Household Food Security
Authors: Ngidi Mjabuliseni Simon Cloapas , Zulu Sinethemba Sibusisiwe , Ojo Temitope Oluwaseun , Hlatshwayo Simphiwe Innocentia
Published: March 2023

In the past decades, indigenous leafy vegetables (ILVs) have played a significant role in household food security, especially in poor rural households. However, ILVs have been replaced by exotic cash crops in the contemporary world. This study was conducted to assess the consumption of indigenous leafy vegetables and their contribution to household food security of households in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. The study used secondary data collected by the South African Vulnerability Assessment Committee in 2016. A total of 1520 respondents were selected using a multistage sampling method. The results from descriptive statistics revealed that most consumers did not produce ILVs but consumed them. Meanwhile, a small number of people produced ILVs yet did not consume them. The results from the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) showed that a large proportion of the population experienced moderate food security while some of the individuals within the population experienced severe food insecurity. An endogenous switching regression model (ESRM) was employed to analyze the impact of the consumption of ILVs on household food security. The results revealed that only a few variables of the consumption of ILVs were significant and positive (household size, wealth index, and ‘if the disabled person receives grants’). As a result, the consumption of ILVs had a minimal impact on the household food security of the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. The findings further revealed that age, gender, and education variables negatively influenced the consumption of ILVs. Thus, the recommended programs must be established to educate people about the importance of consuming ILVs. Agricultural extension services must equally promote the consumption of exotic cash crops and ILVs. Lastly, policies can contribute by increasing the diversity of ILVs left at retail outlets through diverse production.
A Comprehensive In Situ Investigation on the Reinforcement of High-Filled Red Soil Using the Dynamic Compaction Method
Authors: Wang Lei , Du Fenglei , Liang Yonghui , Gao Wensheng , Zhang Guangzhe , Sheng Zhiqiang , Chen Xiangsheng
Published: March 2023

High-filled red soil typically lacks sufficient bearing capacity, which can pose significant challenges when constructing building foundations. One economical and effective method for the reinforcement of high-filled red soil is the dynamic compaction (DC) method. However, the design parameters for reinforcing high-filled red soil using the DC method are largely based on experience, which indicates the significant value of field results of related engineering practice. In this paper, we report a field study that was carried out to investigate the effect of impact energy on the treatment of super-high-filled ground with red soil in southwestern Yunnan, China, where three pilot DC tests were designed and conducted with three different impact energies (4000 kN·m, 8000 kN·m and 15,000 kN·m). To evaluate the reinforcement effect and optimize the DC operational parameters, a series of in situ tests, including settlement monitoring, standard penetration tests, dynamic penetration tests, surface wave velocity tests and plate-load tests, were carried out. Furthermore, the improvement depth of DC was discussed. The results of the field study show that the characteristic value of the ground bearing capacity of the three test zones could reach 250 kPa, which coincides with the design requirement, although the improvement depth of testing zone III fails to reach the required depth. This study helps to improve the in situ recycling of high-filled soil, thereby promoting the sustainable development of engineering construction.
Exploring the Global Scientific Literature on Food Waste and Loss
Authors: Mokrane Selma , Buonocore Elvira , Capone Roberto , Franzese Pier Paolo
Published: March 2023

The growing global population and modern dietary patterns are the main drivers of current unsustainable food systems, with one of the most serious consequences being the growing issue of food waste and loss (FWL). FWL is a global problem since one-third of the global food produced for human consumption is wasted or lost yearly. FWL occurs throughout the food supply chain. In this study, the scientific literature on FWL was explored. Social network analysis and bibliometrics were integrated to explore the issue of food waste in relation to environmental impact and food security. The generated network maps displayed the relationships among keywords, authors, and countries dealing with the issue of food waste, highlighting the exponential growth of the studies focusing on food waste since 2010. The results allowed for the understanding of the evolution of food waste scientific research, identifying the most important topics and research paths. In addition, the results also showed a clear research shift from an older approach to food waste, based on the downstream notion of waste, to a more modern approach, based on sustainability, food security, consumer behavior, and the circular economy, addressing the problem of food waste by preventing it with upstream actions and policies. Considering the remarkable ethical, environmental, social, and economic implications of FWL, the outcomes of this study display the need for developing interdisciplinary approaches and methodologies capable of providing a comprehensive understanding of the FWL issue.
Towards a Sustainable City with a Sensory Garden in the Context of Urban Well-Being
Authors: Vukovic Natalia , Mingaleva Zhanna
Published: March 2023

Human well-being is one of the main goals of sustainable development (SDG 3 and SDG 11). Urban green zones are always presented in all global well-being rankings of the cities. The development of new forms of urban green zones is stimulated by such challenges as urban health and the deficit of urban territory. Sensory gardens are one of the innovative forms of urban green zones. They implement intensive and concentrative interaction of citizens with nature, positively influencing objective and subjective human well-being. In the first part of the research, we analyzed the history of the evolution of the concept of a sensory garden from its mono-sensory to multi-sensory form using the bibliographic analysis. The results of the analyses of scientific publications were confirmed by the results of a survey presented in the second part of the research. The survey was conducted in Moscow, Saint-Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg, where 215 citizens spoke about the sensory garden. The research results confirm that the sensory gardens are a prospective form of urban green zones for citizens, and they are interested in the development of its multisensory concept. According to survey results, the zones of smells and colors in the sensory garden were the most attractive for the respondents. The respondents agreed that the main function of sensory gardens is anti-stress therapy for adults.
Energy Measurement in Standard Penetration Tests
Authors: Ji Peng , Yang Jiling , Zhang Nan , Zhai Qian , Li Minjie , Wang Yueyi , Shen Tianlun , Satyanaga Alfrendo
Published: March 2023

The standard penetration test (SPT) is a widely used in situ test method worldwide that can evaluate soil properties based on the blow counts (N-value). The N-value depends on soil properties, and the energy transferred to the drill pipe during hammering. Currently, European and American scholars generally believe that variation in the amount of hammer energy transmitted to the drill pipe due to different types of drop hammer systems is the primary factor that leads to variations in N-value. In China, there is a lack of research on the quantitative energy transfer efficiency of the drop hammer system based on test data from a penetration test instrument. In this study, an in-situ test in Jiangsu Province was performed at a test site using standard penetration test instruments that are commonly used in China. Corresponding time history curves and strain, acceleration, force, velocity, energy and penetration degree data were obtained through the stress wave test. The propagation law of the stress wave and energy in a drill pipe was analyzed, and the energy transfer efficiency of the domestic SPT system was measured. In the stress wave test, most of the measured hammer energy efficiency was between 74.5 and 84.5%, and the measured average energy was 0.3723 kJ; the average energy efficiency was 78.7%; the standard deviation (SD) of the energy efficiency was 3.82, and the coefficient of variation (CV) of energy transfer efficiency(ER) was 4.9%. The average energy efficiency of 78.7% can be considered to be the energy efficiency of the domestic SPT system. The calculated results reported in this article can be used to improve the quantitative level of domestic investigation. Based on the calculated Er, the results obtained from different SPT systems at home and abroad can be corrected.
How VR Technological Features Prompt Tourists’ Visiting Intention: An Integrated Approach
Authors: Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy , Le Thi Bich Ngoc , Chau Ngoc Tuan
Published: March 2023

To achieve sustainable tourism, the tourism development authorities have used advanced technologies to promote destinations, attract visitors, and protect the environment. Accordingly, while the available research on tourism technologies indicates that virtual reality (VR) matters in the visit intention of potential tourists, the mechanism of their inner senses when experiencing VR technologies is overlooked. To fill in this void, this study develops a comprehensive conceptual model for investigating the influence of VR technological features on tourists’ minds, and consequently, their destination visit intention. This study integrates the technology acceptance model, stimuli-organism-response model, and flow theory into a unified conceptual model for a comprehensive understanding of tourists’ behavior. By focusing on tourists’ decision-making and behavior processes, this study sheds new light on how VR stimuli (i.e., vividness and interactivity) could translate into tourists’ attitudes and visiting intentions. This conceptual model is then tested and validated using structural equation modeling on survey data collected from 311 VR users after experiencing virtual tours designed for destinations in Vietnam. The findings indicate that virtual tours affect tourists’ psychological well-being, which translates into visiting intention. Based on the results, this study emphasizes the role of VR as a powerful marketing tool to promote a destination. Furthermore, approaches to enhance the effectiveness of VR tours, particularly, for tourism developers, are proposed. This study thus contributes to the literature in the area of VR tourism, contributing both theoretical and practical knowledge.
Clustering, Routing, Scheduling, and Challenges in Bio-Inspired Parameter Tuning of Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks for Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Joshua Christy Jackson , Jayachandran Prassanna , Md Abdul Quadir , Sivaraman Arun Kumar , Tee Kong Fah
Published: March 2023

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) are wireless networks of automotive nodes. Among the strategies used in VANETs to increase network connectivity are broadcast scheduling, data aggregation, and vehicular node clustering. In the context of extremely high node mobility and ambiguous vehicle distribution (on the road), VANETs degrade in flexibility and quick topology, facing significant issues such as network physical layout construction and unstable connections. These challenges make it difficult for vehicle communication to be robust, reliable, and scalable, especially in urban traffic networks. Numerous research investigations have revealed a nearly optimal solution to various VANET difficulties through the application of techniques derived from nature and evolution. On the other hand, as key productivity sectors continue to demand more energy, sustainable and efficient ways of using non-renewable resources continue to be developed. With the help of information and communication technologies (ICT), parameter tuning approaches can reduce accident rates, improve mobility, and mitigate environmental impacts. In this article, we explore evolutionary algorithms to mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), as well as vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs). A discussion of three major categories of optimization is provided throughout the paper. There are several significant research works presented regarding parameter tuning in cluster formation, routing, and scheduling of broadcasts. Toward the end of the review, key challenges in VANET and MANET research are identified.
Analyzing the Effectiveness of Single Active Bridge DC-DC Converter under Transient and Load Variation
Authors: Baloch Saad Khan , Larik Abdul Sattar , Mahar Mukhtiar Ahmed
Published: March 2023

Over the last couple of years, the use of DC-DC converters is being widely used in several applications. The need for a reliable and robust converter for application is very important because of the social impact that it can have on the losses in high-power electronics applications and output efficiency. This paper gives a comprehensive review of single-active-bridge (SAB) converters. The detail modelling and performance evaluation of SAB topology with PI controllers are also presented in this article. The performance of SAB topology is analyzed under transient and load variations. Due to the nonlinear behavior of SAB topology, the traditional PI controllers have not minimized transient disturbances. The major problem with the usage of conventional controllers and traditional configurations for the SAB converter are the ripples, which are generated in output voltage and current. These ripples severely affect the performance of the SAB converter. An effort has been made to analyze and contribute to the importance of a robust controller to mitigate the converter dynamics. This article also gives an in-depth dynamic analysis of SAB converters, which were controlled using PI controllers and failed to perform satisfactorily under non-linearities.
A Novel Joint Time-Frequency Spectrum Resources Sustainable Risk Prediction Algorithm Based on TFBRL Network for the Electromagnetic Environment
Authors: Li Shuang , Sun Yaxiu , Han Yu , Alfarraj Osama , Tolba Amr , Sharma Pradip Kumar
Published: March 2023

To protect the electromagnetic environment and understand its current state in a timely manner, monitoring the electromagnetic environment has great practical significance, while massive amounts of data are generated. It is crucial to utilize data mining technology to extract valuable information from these massive amounts of data for effective spectrum management. Traditional spectrum prediction methods do not integrate the prior information of spectrum resource occupancy, so that the prediction of the channel state of a single frequency point is of limited significance. To address these issues, the paper describes a dynamic threshold algorithm which mines bottom noise and spectrum resource occupancy from massive electromagnetic environment data. Moreover, the paper describes a joint time-frequency spectrum resource prediction algorithm based on the time-frequency block residual LSTM (TFBRL) network, which utilizes hourly time closeness, daily period, and annual trend as prior knowledge of spectrum resources. The TFBRL network comprises three main parts: (1) a residual convolution network with a squeeze-and-excitation (SE) attention mechanism, (2) a long short term memory (LSTM) model with memory ability to capture sequence latent information, and (3) a feature fusion module based on a matrix to combine time closeness, daily period, and annual trend feature components. Experimental results demonstrate that the TFBRL network outperforms the baseline networks, improving by 31.37%, 16.00% and 13.06% compared with the best baseline for MSE, RMSE and MAE, respectively. Thus, the TFBRL network has good risk prediction performance and lays the foundation for subsequent frequency scheduling.
Effect of Competent Human Capital, Strategic Flexibility and Turbulent Environment on Sustainable Performance of SMEs in Manufacturing Industries in Palestine
Authors: Dwikat Said Yousef , Arshad Darwina , Mohd Shariff Mohd Noor
Published: March 2023

The contribution of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to economic prosperity and expansion is widely acknowledged worldwide. However, the empirical evidence in the literature on enhancing sustainable performance in manufacturing industries, specifically SMEs in developing countries living under constant unstable economic and political environments such as Palestine, is still insufficient. Referring to the theory of Triple Bottom Line (TBL), Contingency Theory (CT), Natural Resource Based View (NRBV) and the relevant literature on sustainable performance in business firms, this study aims to explore the effect of competent human capital (CHC), strategic flexibility (SF) and turbulent environment (TE) on the sustainable performance (SP) of SMEs industries in the context of Palestine. Based on 380 random samples in manufacturing SME industries in the country, 245 useful questionnaires were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling for analysis by the Smart PLS 4.0 software. The findings indicate that several enablers could improve the performance of SMEs in Palestinian industries in terms of sustainability. One of these aspects is adopting a supportive governmental policy to strengthen the sustainability concept in the industrial sector and encouraging industries to move toward circularity and greening their operations. Nevertheless, SMEs need to implement proper managerial tools at the firm’s level that enhance sustainable performance, including investment in competent human capital, developing flexible strategies and proper analysis of the surrounding turbulent environment, since all of these will positively impact and improve the sustainable performance of those SMEs. The contribution of this study to the literature develops current knowledge of sustainable performance in SMEs in manufacturing industries, specifically in countries that suffer from political and economic turbulence, by providing a conceptual framework focusing on managerial and business aspects that contributes to achieving desired sustainable performance. Consequently, the study’s findings also show how CHC, SF and TE are essential managerial tools for organizations and SMEs operating in an extremely competitive and turbulent market.
Ecological Compensation in Zhijiang City Based on Ecosystem Service Value and Ecological Risk
Authors: Xu Xuexian , Peng Yuling
Published: March 2023

Using Zhijiang City, Hubei Province as an example, this study constructed an ecological risk assessment model based on land use data from the three phases of 2000, 2010, and 2020. We then determined the ecological compensation priority sequence based on the ecosystem services value (ESV) and the economic status of the research area. The findings revealed that there was a significant spatial differentiation in ESV during the study period, with the ESV being higher south of the Yangtze River than north. Overall, in Zhijiang City, the ESV generally decreased over the course of the study period, with a decrease of CNY 812 million in 20 years. The loss of wetland and grassland was the greatest, and was most obvious between 2010 and 2020, whereas the loss of construction land was the lowest among the different types of landscapes. The ecological risk index of Zhijiang City showed a declining trend between 2000 and 2020. The extent of high-ecological risk areas shrank by 55.83 km2, and their predominant landscape types were grassland and forest land. The low-ecological risk area expanded by 340.50 km2 and was primarily distributed in construction land along the Yangtze River Basin. The ecological compensation priority sequence was divided into five levels in each town in Zhijiang City, with Gujiadian Town and Baiyang Town receiving the highest grades and being designated as priority compensation areas. The study intends to serve as a model for the construction of ecological cities, ecological environmental protection, and sustainable development in the Yangtze River Basin.
A Novel Attribute Reduction Algorithm for Incomplete Information Systems Based on a Binary Similarity Matrix
Authors: Zhou Yan , Bao Yan-Ling
Published: March 2023

With databases growing at an unrelenting rate, it may be difficult and complex to extract statistics by accessing all of the data in many practical problems. Attribute reduction, as an effective method to remove redundant attributes from massive data, has demonstrated its remarkable capability in simplifying information systems. In this paper, we concentrate on reducing attributes in incomplete information systems. We introduce a novel definition of a binary similarity matrix and present a method to calculate the significance of attributes in correspondence. Secondly, We develop a heuristic attribute reduction algorithm using a binary similarity matrix and attribute significance as heuristic knowledge. In addition, we use a numerical example to showcase the practicality and accuracy of the algorithm. In conclusion, we demonstrate through comparative analysis that our algorithm outperforms some existing attribute reduction methods.
Offline Computation of the Explicit Robust Model Predictive Control Law Based on Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Ma Chaoqun , Jiang Xiaoyu , Li Pei , Liu Jing
Published: March 2023

A significant challenge in robust model predictive control (MPC) is the online computational complexity. This paper proposes a learning-based approach to accelerate online calculations by combining recent advances in deep learning with robust MPC. The use of soft constraint variables addresses feasibility issues in the robust MPC design, while the employment of a symmetrical structure deep neural network (DNN) approximates the robust MPC control law. The symmetry of the network structure facilitates the training process. The use of soft constraints expands the feasible region and also increases the complexity of the training data, making the network difficult to train. To overcome this issue, a dataset construction method is employed. The performance of the proposed method is demonstrated through simulated examples, and the proposed algorithm can be applied to control systems in various fields such as aerospace, three-dimensional printing, optical imaging, and chemical production.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Malware Detection, Analysis, and Mitigation
Authors: Djenna Amir , Bouridane Ahmed , Rubab Saddaf , Marou Ibrahim Moussa
Published: March 2023

Malware, a lethal weapon of cyber attackers, is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with rapid deployment and self-propagation. In addition, modern malware is one of the most devastating forms of cybercrime, as it can avoid detection, make digital forensics investigation in near real-time impossible, and the impact of advanced evasion strategies can be severe and far-reaching. This makes it necessary to detect it in a timely and autonomous manner for effective analysis. This work proposes a new systematic approach to identifying modern malware using dynamic deep learning-based methods combined with heuristic approaches to classify and detect five modern malware families: adware, Radware, rootkit, SMS malware, and ransomware. Our symmetry investigation in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity analytics will enhance malware detection, analysis, and mitigation abilities to provide resilient cyber systems against cyber threats. We validated our approach using a dataset that specifically contains recent malicious software to demonstrate that the model achieves its goals and responds to real-world requirements in terms of effectiveness and efficiency. The experimental results indicate that the combination of behavior-based deep learning and heuristic-based approaches for malware detection and classification outperforms the use of static deep learning methods.
Systems of Sequential ψ1-Hilfer and ψ2-Caputo Fractional Differential Equations with Fractional Integro-Differential Nonlocal Boundary Conditions
Authors: Sitho Surang , Ntouyas Sotiris K. , Sudprasert Chayapat , Tariboon Jessada
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we introduce and study a new class of coupled and uncoupled systems, consisting of mixed-type ψ1-Hilfer and ψ2-Caputo fractional differential equations supplemented with asymmetric and symmetric integro-differential nonlocal boundary conditions (systems (2) and (13), respectively). As far as we know, this combination of ψ1-Hilfer and ψ2-Caputo fractional derivatives in coupled systems is new in the literature. The uniqueness result is achieved via the Banach contraction mapping principle, while the existence result is established by applying the Leray–Schauder alternative. Numerical examples illustrating the obtained results are also presented.
Towards a Holographic-Type Perspective in the Analysis of Complex-System Dynamics
Authors: Agop Ștefana , Filipeanu Dumitru , Țigănaș Claudiu-Gabriel , Grigoraș-Ichim Claudia-Elena , Moroșan-Dănilă Lucia , Gavriluț Alina , Agop Maricel , Ștefan Gavril
Published: March 2023

By operating with the Scale Relativity Theory by means of two scenarios (Schrӧdinger and Madelung-type scenarios) in the dynamics of complex systems, we can achieve a description of these complex systems through a holographic-type perspective. Then, a gauge invariance of the Riccati type becomes functional in complex-system dynamics, which implies several consequences: conservation laws (in particular, for dynamics, the kinetic momentum conservation law), simultaneity and synchronization among the structural units’ (belonging to a complex system) dynamics, and temporal patterns through harmonic mappings. Finally, an economic case analysis is highlighted.
The Presence of Ultra-Traces of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Heavy Metals in Some Areas of Molise: The Importance of a “Blank” in Public Health Studies
Authors: Notardonato Ivan , Fantasma Francesca , Monaco Pamela , Di Fiore Cristina , Saviano Gabriella , Giancola Carmen , Avino Pasquale , De Felice Vincenzo
Published: March 2023

The emission of chemicals into the environment has increased in a not negligible way as a result of the phenomenon of globalization and industrialization, potentially also affecting areas always considered as “uncontaminated”. In this paper, five “uncontaminated” areas were analyzed in terms of the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals (HMs), comparing them with an “environmental blank”. Chemical analyses were carried out using standardized protocols. The ‘environmental blank’ results revealed the presence of Cu (<64.9 μg g−1), Ni (<37.2 μg g−1), and Zn (<52.6 μg g−1) as HMs and fluorene (<17.0 ng g−1) and phenanthrene (<11.5 ng g−1) as PAHs. However, regarding the results of the pollution status of the areas under study, fluorene (#S1, 0.34 ng g−1; #S2, 4.3 ng g−1; #S3, 5.1 ng g−1; #S4, 3.4 ng g−1; #S5, 0.7 ng g−1) and phenanthrene (#S1, 0. 24 ng g−1; #S2, 3.1 ng g−1; #S3, 3.2 ng g−1; #S4, 3.3 ng g−1; #S5, 0.5 ng g−1) were found in all areas, while the other PAHs investigated were detected at a concentration averaging less than 3.3 ng g−1. HMs were found in all of the investigated areas. In particular, Cd was detected in all areas with an average concentration of less than 0.036 μg g−1, while Pb was absent in area #S5, but present in the other areas with an average concentration of less than 0.018 μg g−1.
Oxidative Stress Effects of Multiple Pollutants in an Indoor Environment on Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Cheng Yao , Kong Dexuan , Ci Meng , Guan Yunlong , Luo Changyi , Zhang Xianglan , Gao Fuping , Li Min , Deng Gaofeng
Published: March 2023

Benzene, toluene, and xylene (denoted as BTX) are normally used in coatings, sealants, curing agents and other home decoration products, which can cause harm to human health. However, traditional studies mostly focus on the toxicity evaluation of a single pollution source, and little attention has been paid to the toxicity reports of multiple pollutants in a complex system. To evaluate the impact of indoor BTX on human health at the cellular level, the oxidative stress effect of BTX on human bronchial epithelial cells was assessed, including cell cytotoxicity, intracellular ROS, cell mitochondrial membrane potential, cell apoptosis, and CYP2E1 expression. The concentrations of BTX introduced into the human bronchial epithelial cell culture medium were determined based on both the tested distribution in 143 newly decorated rooms and the limited concentrations in the indoor air quality (denoted as IAQ) standards. Our study showed that the concentration in line with the standard limit may still pose a serious risk to health. The cellular biology effect studies of BTX showed that BTX, even at concentrations lower than the national standard limit, can still induce observable oxidative stress effects which warrant attention.
Stiff Knee Gait Disorders as Neuromechanical Consequences of Spastic Hemiplegia in Chronic Stroke
Authors: Li Sheng
Published: March 2023

Stiff knee gait (SKG) is defined as decreased knee flexion during the swing phase. It is one of the most common gait disorders following stroke. Knee extensor spasticity is commonly accepted as the primary cause. Clinical management has focused on the reduction in knee extensor spasticity. Recent advances in understanding of post-stroke hemiplegic gait suggest that SKG can present as mechanical consequences between muscle spasticity, weakness, and their interactions with ground reactions during walking. Various underlying mechanisms are presented through sample cases in this article. They include ankle plantar flexor spasticity, knee extensor spasticity, knee flexor and extensor coactivation, and hip flexor spasticity. Careful and thorough clinical assessment is advised to determine the primary cause for each patient. Understanding of these various presentations of SKG is helpful to guide clinical assessment and select appropriate target muscles for interventions.
Discovery of Avian Paramyxoviruses APMV-1 and APMV-6 in Shorebirds and Waterfowl in Southern Ukraine
Authors: Klink Amy C. , Rula Oleksandr , Sushko Mykola , Bezymennyi Maksym , Mezinov Oleksandr , Gaidash Oleksandr , Bai Xiao , Stegniy Anton , Sapachova Maryna , Datsenko Roman , Skorokhod Sergiy , Nedosekov Vitalii , Hill Nichola J. , Ninua Levan , Kovalenko Ganna , Ducluzeau Anne Lise , Mezhenskyi Andriy , Buttler Jeremy , Drown Devin M. , Causey Douglas , Stegniy Borys , Gerilovych Anton , Bortz Eric , Muzyka Denys
Published: March 2023

Emerging RNA virus infections are a growing concern among domestic poultry industries due to the severe impact they can have on flock health and economic livelihoods. Avian paramyxoviruses (APMV; avulaviruses, AaV) are pathogenic, negative-sense RNA viruses that cause serious infections in the respiratory and central nervous systems. APMV was detected in multiple avian species during the 2017 wild bird migration season in Ukraine and studied using PCR, virus isolation, and sequencing. Of 4090 wild bird samples collected, mostly from southern Ukraine, eleven isolates were grown in ovo and identified for APMV serotype by hemagglutinin inhibition test as: APMV-1, APMV-4, APMV-6, and APMV-7. To build One Health’s capacity to characterize APMV virulence and analyze the potential risks of spillover to immunologically naïve populations, we sequenced virus genomes in veterinary research labs in Ukraine using a nanopore (MinION) platform. RNA was extracted and amplified using a multiplex tiling primer approach to specifically capture full-length APMV-1 (n = 5) and APMV-6 (n = 2) genomes at high read depth. All APMV-1 and APMV-6 fusion (F) proteins possessed a monobasic cleavage site, suggesting these APMVs were likely low virulence, annually circulating strains. Utilization of this low-cost method will identify gaps in viral evolution and circulation in this understudied but important critical region for Eurasia.
Differential Impact of IL-32 Isoforms on the Functions of Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells: A Potential Link with Arterial Stiffness and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Bunet Rémi , Roy-Cardinal Marie-Hélène , Ramani Hardik , Cleret-Buhot Aurélie , Durand Madeleine , Chartrand-Lefebvre Carl , Routy Jean-Pierre , Thomas Réjean , Trottier Benoît , Ancuta Petronela , Hanna David B. , Landay Alan L. , Cloutier Guy , Tremblay Cécile L. , El-Far Mohamed
Published: March 2023

Chronic inflammation is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in people living with HIV (PLWH). We have previously shown that interleukin-32 (IL-32), a multi-isoform proinflammatory cytokine, is chronically upregulated in PLWH and is linked with CVD. However, the mechanistic roles of the different IL-32 isoforms in CVD are yet to be identified. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential impact of IL-32 isoforms on coronary artery endothelial cells (CAEC), whose dysfunction represents a major factor for atherosclerosis. Our results demonstrated that the predominantly expressed IL-32 isoforms (IL-32β and IL-32γ) have a selective impact on the production of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 by CAEC. Furthermore, these two isoforms induced endothelial cell dysfunction by upregulating the expression of the adhesion molecules ICAM-I and VCAM-I and the chemoattractants CCL-2, CXCL-8 and CXCL-1. IL-32-mediated expression of these chemokines was sufficient to drive monocyte transmigration in vitro. Finally, we demonstrate that IL-32 expression in both PLWH and controls correlates with the carotid artery stiffness, measured by the cumulated lateral translation. These results suggest a role for IL-32-mediated endothelial cell dysfunction in dysregulation of the blood vessel wall and that IL-32 may represent a therapeutic target to prevent CVD in PLWH.
Elevated SARS-CoV-2-Specific Antibody Levels in Patients with Post-COVID Syndrome
Authors: Hackenbruch Christopher , Maringer Yacine , Tegeler Christian M. , Walz Juliane S. , Nelde Annika , Heitmann Jonas S.
Published: March 2023

With the routine use of effective severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines, the number of life-threatening coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) courses have largely been reduced. However, multiple COVID-19 convalescents, even after asymptomatic to moderate disease, suffer from post-COVID syndrome, with relevant limitations in daily life. The pathophysiologic mechanisms of post-COVID syndrome are still elusive, with dysregulation of the immune system suggested as a central mechanism. Here, we assessed COVID-19 post-infectious symptoms (5–6 months after PCR-confirmed acute infection) together with the humoral immune response against SARS-CoV-2 in non-hospitalized COVID-19 convalescents, early (5–6 weeks) and late (5–6 months) after their first positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR result. Convalescents reporting several post-infectious symptoms (>3) showed higher anti-spike and anti-nucleocapsid antibody levels 5–6 weeks after PCR-confirmed infection with the latter remained increased 5–6 months after positive PCR. Likewise, a higher post-infectious symptom score was associated with increased antibody levels. Of note, convalescents displaying neuro-psychiatric symptoms such as restlessness, palpitations, irritability, and headache, as well as general symptoms such as fatigue/reduced power had higher SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody levels compared with asymptomatic cases. The increased humoral immune response in convalescents with post-COVID syndrome might be useful for the detection of individuals with an increased risk for post-COVID syndrome.
Quantitative Proteomics for the Identification of Differentially Expressed Proteins in the Extracellular Vesicles of Cervical Cancer Cells
Authors: Acevedo-Sánchez Víctor , Martínez-Ruiz Roy , Aguilar-Ruíz Sergio , Torres-Aguilar Honorio , Chávez-Olmos Pedro , Garrido Efraín , Baltiérrez-Hoyos Rafael , Romero-Tlalolini María
Published: March 2023

The extracellular vesicles (EVs) in a tumoral microenvironment can exert different functions by transferring their content, which has been poorly described in cervical cancer. Here, we tried to clarify the proteomic content of these EVs, comparing those derived from cancerous HPV (+) keratinocytes (HeLa) versus those derived from normal HPV (–) keratinocytes (HaCaT). We performed a quantitative proteomic analysis, using LC-MS/MS, of the EVs from HeLa and HaCaT cell lines. The up- and downregulated proteins in the EVs from the HeLa cell line were established, along with the cellular component, molecular function, biological processes, and signaling pathways in which they participate. The biological processes with the highest number of upregulated proteins are cell adhesion, proteolysis, lipid metabolic process, and immune system processes. Interestingly, three of the top five signaling pathways with more up- and downregulated proteins are part of the immune response. Due to their content, we can infer that EVs can have a significant role in migration, invasion, metastasis, and the activation or suppression of immune system cells in cancer.
Seasonal Occurrence of Cattle Fascioliasis in Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Muhammad Faez Arizam , Ahmad Najib Mohamad , Noraini Abdul Ghafar , Weng Kin Wong , Abd Rahman Aziz , Wan Nor Amilah Wan Abdul Wahab , Noor Izani Noor Jamil
Published: March 2023

A longitudinal study was conducted in five randomly selected farms in Kelantan, Malaysia to determine the seasonal occurrence of cattle fascioliasis and its association with climatic factors. A total of 480 faecal samples were collected by a random purposive sampling method from July 2018 to June 2019. The faecal samples were examined for the presence of Fasciola eggs using a formalin ether sedimentation technique. Meteorological data including temperature, humidity, rainfall, and pan evaporation were obtained from a local meteorological station. The overall prevalence of cattle fascioliasis in Kelantan was 45.8%. The prevalence was observed to be slightly higher during the wet season from August to December (50–58%) than during the dry season from January to June (30–45%). Meanwhile, the mean eggs per gram (EPG) were highest in June (191.1 ± 0.48) and lowest in October (77.62 ± 95.5). However, there were no significant differences in the mean of EPG between the monthly prevalence, tested using one-way ANOVA (p = 0.1828). A statistically significant association (p = 0.014) was observed between the disease and cattle breeds, with Charolais and Brahman showing lower odds of having the disease. There were significant moderate-to-strong positive correlations between cattle fascioliasis and rainfall (r = 0.666; p = 0.018) and humidity (r = 0.808; p = 0.001), as well as strong negative correlations with evaporation (r = −0.829; p = 0.001). The results indicated that the higher prevalence of cattle fascioliasis in Kelantan was correlated with the climatic factors, which include higher rainfall and humidity and lower evaporation.
Study and Neural Network Analysis on Durability of Basalt Fibre Concrete
Authors: Shao Shanqing , Wang Ran , Gong Aimin , Li Ruijun , Xu Jing , Wang Fulai , Liu Feipeng
Published: March 2023

In order to investigate the law of basalt fibre to enhance the durability of concrete, this paper selects basalt fibre length as the main factor, supplemented by novel research methods such as neural networks, to study the rule of concrete resistance to multiple types of salt erosion. Tests have shown that large doses of mineral admixtures and basalt fibres can prolong the time that concrete is eroded by salt solutions; the age of maintenance has a small effect on the mechanical and durability of the concrete; the increase in length of basalt fibres enhances the mechanical properties of the concrete, but weakens the durability. This is exacerbated by the mixing of fibres, but the increase is not significant; the effect of length on concrete resistance to mass loss, corrosion resistance factor of compressive strength, and resistance to chloride ion attack is ranked as follows: 6 mm > 12 mm > 18 mm > 6 mm + 12 mm > 6 mm + 12 mm + 18 mm. The opposite is true for effective porosity; the highest compressive strength corrosion resistance coefficient was found in the length of 6 mm, with an average increase of 6.2% compared to 18 mm, and the mixed group was generally smaller than the single mixed group. The average increase in chloride content was 25.1% for length 18 mm compared to 6 mm; the triple-doped L6-12-18 group was the largest, with an average increase of 33.9% in effective porosity over the minimum 6 mm group. Based on the data from the above indoor trials, artificial neural network models and grey cluster analysis were used to predict and analyse the data, and the prediction and categorisation results were accurate and reliable, providing a reference for subsequent studies.
Increasing Trends in Discharge Maxima of a Mediterranean River during Early Autumn
Authors: Varlas George , Papadaki Christina , Stefanidis Konstantinos , Mentzafou Angeliki , Pechlivanidis Ilias , Papadopoulos Anastasios , Dimitriou Elias
Published: March 2023

Climate change has influenced the discharge regime of rivers during the past decades. This study aims to reveal climate-induced interannual trends of average annual discharge and discharge maxima in a Mediterranean river from 1981 to 2017. To this aim, the Pinios river basin was selected as the study area because it is one of the most productive agricultural areas of Greece. Due to a lack of sufficient measurements, simulated daily discharges for three upstream sub-basins were used. The discharge trend analysis was based on a multi-faceted approach using Mann-Kendall tests, Quantile-Kendall plots, and generalized additive models (GAMs) for fitting non-linear interannual trends. The methodological approach proposed can be applied anywhere to investigate climate change effects. The results indicated that the average annual discharge in the three upstream sub-basins decreased in the 1980s, reaching a minimum in the early 1990s, and then increased from the middle 1990s to 2017, reaching approximately the discharge levels of the early 1980s. A more in-depth analysis unraveled that the discharge maxima in September were characterized by statistically significant increasing interannual trends for two of the three sub-basins. These two sub-basins are anthropogenically low affected, thus highlighting the clear impact of climate change that may have critical socioeconomic implications in the Pinios basin.
Spatio-Temporal Evolution and Propagation of Meteoro-Hydrological Drought in Yalong River Basin
Authors: Zhu Kui , Xu Yang , Lu Fan , Sun Xueying , Gao Mingxing , Han Xuhang , Li Dongsheng , Jiang Ming
Published: March 2023

Based on the meteorological and hydrological data of the Yalong River Basin from 1960 to 2019, meteorological and hydrological droughts were analyzed using the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) and standardized runoff index (SRI); then, the spatio-temporal evolution and propagation characteristics of the droughts were studied on multiple time scales. The results showed that, firstly, on the annual scale, the frequencies of meteorological and hydrological droughts in the basin were 28.3% and 34.0%, respectively, in the past 60 years. From upstream to downstream, the longer the alternating period of dry and wet periods, the more significant the frequency of droughts. Secondly, on a seasonal scale, the frequency of meteorological droughts is high in autumn, and the frequency of hydrological drought is high in autumn and winter. The frequency of drought in different seasons decreases from the upper reaches to the lower reaches of the basin. Thirdly, on a monthly scale, the severe and exceptional meteorological drought frequencies are high from March to May, and the severe and exceptional hydrological drought frequencies are high in January, March, October, and December. The frequency of hydrological droughts is much higher than that of meteorological droughts, especially with respect to severe and exceptional drought. Meteorological and hydrological droughts spread in the same period without lag, but they tend to expand. The propagation time of drought is short in summer and autumn, but long in spring and winter. The conclusions can serve as a decision-making basis for the water diversion planning of the west route of China’s South-to-North Water Diversion Project and the cascade hydropower operation of the basin.