bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coupled CFD-DEM Simulation of Seed Flow in Horizontal-Vertical Tube Transition
Authors: Guzman Leno , Chen Ying , Landry Hubert
Published: March 2023

A series of computational fluid dynamics–discrete element method (CFD-DEM) simulations were applied to seed flow in horizontal-vertical 90-degree elbows. The performance of one-way and two-way CFD-DEM coupling methods was compared. Additionally, simulated seed velocities were compared to the current pneumatic conveying theory for each coupling method. Simulated field peas (Pisum sativum) were pneumatically conveyed to study the effect of air velocity (20, 25, and 30 m/s), seed rate (0.07, 0.21, and 0.42 kg/s), elbow diameter, D, (48.3, 60.3, and 72.4 mm), and elbow bend radius (1.5D, 2.5D, 3.5D, and 4.5D) on seed attributes (trajectory, velocity, and force). Results showed that seed velocity was significantly different between one-way and two-way coupling. Both methods resulted in nearly identical seed trajectory and force. Overall, simulated seed velocities had a strong correlation to values calculated through the current pneumatic conveyance theory. Dimensional analysis revealed that seed contact force was proportional to the elbow diameter to the power of 0.26 and inversely proportional to the elbow bend radius to the power of 0.5. Simulation results indicated that one-way coupling could be suitable to describe seed flow when two-way coupling may not be possible or practical.
Research on the Optimization of A/B Testing System Based on Dynamic Strategy Distribution
Authors: Sheng Jinfang , Liu Huadan , Wang Bin
Published: March 2023

With the development of society, users have increasing requirements for the high-quality experience of products. The pursuit of a high profit conversion rate also gradually puts forward higher requirements for product details in the competition. Product providers need to iterate products fast and with a high quality to enhance user viscosity and activity to improve the profit conversion rate efficiently. A/B testing is a technical method to conduct experiments on target users who use different iterative strategies, and observe which strategy is better through log embedding and statistical analysis. Usually, different businesses of the same company are supported by different business systems, and the A/B tests of different business systems need to be operated in a unified manner. At present, most A/B testing systems cannot provide services for more than one business system at the same time, and there are problems such as high concurrency, scalability, reusability, and flexibility. In this regard, this paper proposes an idea of dynamic strategy distribution, based on which a configuration-driven traffic-multiplexing A/B testing model is constructed and implemented systematically. The model solves the high-concurrency problem when requesting experimental strategies by setting message middleware and strategy cache modules, making the system more lightweight, flexible, and efficient to meet the A/B testing requirements for multiple business systems.
Data-Driven Evaluation of the Synergistic Development of Economic-Social-Environmental Benefits for the Logistics Industry
Authors: Mu Wei , Xie Jun , Ding Heping , Gao Wen
Published: March 2023

The receding globalization has reshaped the logistics industry, while the additional pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic has posed new difficulties and challenges as has the pressure towards sustainable development. Achieving the synergistic development of economic, social, and environmental benefits in the logistics industry is essential to achieving its high-quality development. Therefore, we propose a data-driven calculation, evaluation, and enhancement method for the synergistic development of the composite system of economic, social, and environmental benefits (ESE-B) of the logistics industry. Based on relevant data, the logistics industry ESE-B composite system sequential parametric index system is then constructed. The Z-score is applied to standardize the original index data without dimension, and a collaborative degree model of logistics industry ESE-B composite system is constructed to estimate the coordinated development among the subsystems of the logistics industry’s ESE-B system. The method is then applied to the development of the logistics industry in Anhui Province, China from 2011 to 2020. The results provide policy recommendations for the coordinated development of the logistics industry. This study provides theoretical and methodological support for the sustainable development aspects of the logistics industry.
Trauma and the Emergence of Spiritual Potentiality in Ibn ’Arabī’s Metaphysics
Authors: Lala Ismail
Published: March 2023

Spirituality has been proven in recent studies to be a key contributor in posttraumatic growth. One of the most well-known mystical thinkers in Islam, Muḥyī al-Dīn ibn ’Arabī (d. 634/1240), nevertheless, believes that trauma does not facilitate spiritual growth, but rather has the capacity to reveal the spiritual potentiality that was latent within a person. This paper begins by exploring the concept of trauma in the Qur’an and how it may actualise the potentiality of humans. It then scrutinises Ibn ’Arabī’s understanding of human potentiality or ‘preparedness’ (isti‘dād) and how its actualisation leads to the rank of the Perfect Man (al-Insān al-kāmil). Finally, it adduces two examples (Mūsā and Yūnus) in whom traumatic experiences result in posttraumatic growth and the actualisation of their spiritual potentialities. In the case of the former, it is posttraumatic growth through preservation of the self; for the latter, it is posttraumatic growth through preservation of others.
A Semantic View on Planetary Mapping—Investigating Limitations and Knowledge Modeling through Contextualization and Composition
Authors: van Gasselt Stephan , Nass Andrea
Published: March 2023

The concept of planetary mapping constitutes different activities within different contexts. Much like the field of cartography, it is an amalgamation of science, techniques, and artistic disciplines. It has undergone considerable changes over the last decades to cope with increasing demands related to data management, analysis, and visualization. Planetary mapping employs abstraction, which involves simplifications and generalizations. It aims to produce accessible visualization of planetary surfaces to gain insights and knowledge. Here, we show that different manifestations of this concept are interdependent and we discuss how different mapping concepts relate to each other semantically. We reason that knowledge gain can only be achieved through thematic mapping. The reasoning for systematic mapping and exploration is an intellectual product of thematic mapping. In order to highlight these relationships, we (a) develop in-depth definitions for different types of planetary mapping, (b) discuss data and knowledge flow across different mapping concepts, and (c) highlight systemic limitations related to data that we acquire and attempt to abstract through models. We finally develop a semantic proto-model that focuses on the transformation of information and knowledge between mapping domains. We furthermore argue that due to compositionality, map products suffer not only from abstraction but also from limitations related to uncertainties during data processing. We conclude that a complete database is needed for mapping in order to establish contextualization and extract knowledge. That knowledge is needed for reasoning for planning and operational decision making. This work furthermore aims to motivate future community-based discussions on functional semantic models and ontologies for the future development of knowledge extraction from thematic maps.
Concurrent Optimization of Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Total Phenolic Compounds and In Vitro Anticancer and Antioxidant Potential of Pulicaria schimperi (Aerial Parts) Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Alam Perwez , Fantoukh Omer , Asaker Mohammed , Almarfadi Omer , Akhtar Ali , Al-Hamoud Gadah , Hawwal Mohammed , Alqahtani Ali
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to maximize the dependent variables [total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS), and anticancer activities (against HepG2 and MCF-7 cells)] from P. schimperi aerial parts by optimizing three independent variables (extraction temperature, extraction time, and liquid-to-solid ratio) of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) using the Box–Behnken design (BBD) of response surface methodology (RSM). For each of the dependent variables, the projected quadratic models were found to be very significant (p < 0.001). The extraction temperature and extraction time had a significant impact on the TPC extraction, antioxidant, and anticancer properties (p < 0.05). The best conditions were identified as an extraction temperature of 54.4 °C, extraction time of 48 min, and liquid-to-solid ratios of 20.72 mL/g for the simultaneous extraction of the TPC, antioxidant, and anticancer properties of P. schimperi. The experimental results and the expected values agreed under these circumstances. Regarding the high extraction effectiveness and antioxidant and anticancer effects at comparably low extraction temperature and duration, UAE demonstrated considerable benefits over conventional solvent extraction (CSE). This improved UAE approach has shown a potential use for effective polyphenolic antioxidant extraction from P. schimperi aerial parts in the nutraceutical sectors.
Investigating Sport Stakeholders’ Understanding of Behaviour Management within a Competitive Youth Baseball Team
Authors: Gurgis Joseph John , Kerr Gretchen , Battaglia Anthony
Published: March 2023

The following study employed an instrumental case study to investigate sport stakeholders’ understandings of behavioural management strategies used in competitive youth baseball, including the identification of common strategies and interpretations of these as punishment or discipline. Twenty-one participants, from one competitive (AAA) all-boys baseball team, including three coaches, eleven baseball players, and seven parents, were recruited to participate in an individual semi-structured interview. Interviews ranged between 30 and 150 min, and data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Several behaviour management tactics were identified, of which exercise, benching and yelling negative comments were most often reported. While participants interpreted excessive exercise and benching as punitive and/or disciplinary approaches to behavioural management, yelling was consistently viewed as punitive. Participants confused punishment and discipline as interchangeable, thus suggesting a lack of awareness regarding developmentally appropriate strategies of behavioural management and highlighting the normalization of certain punitive tactics in youth sport. The results underscore the necessity of imparting knowledge to the sports community regarding age-appropriate behavioural management interventions to foster safe and enjoyable athletic experiences for youth competitors.
Research on the Impact of Sustainable Urbanization on Urban Rural Income Disparity in China
Authors: Cheng Xiejun , Zhang Min , Xu Jiayi , Xu Jingrong , Tang Decai
Published: March 2023

There is a large gap between China’s urban and rural income. The urban rural income disparity (URID) is particularly prominent. This paper deeply studies the interaction between sustainable urbanization (SU) and the URID in China by taking the construction of a new urbanization plan with Chinese characteristics suggested in China’s 14th Five-Year Plan as the research background. Firstly, the paper puts forward the hypothesis of an inverted U-shape between SU and the URID through impact path analysis. Secondly, a nonlinear panel regression model (NPRM) and a threshold regression model (TRM) are constructed to test the hypothesis. Research findings: (1) The NPRM shows that the quadratic coefficient is significant and negative, so the assumption is true, and an inverted U-shaped relationship exists. (2) The result of the TRM shows that SU passes the single threshold test, and the hypothesis of a U-shaped relationship is tenable. (3) Economic development has narrowed the URID; economic openness and road network construction have increased the URID; education has no significant impact on the URID.
Environmentally Sustainable Practices and Hotel Performance: Evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Langgat Juliana , Ramdani Boumediene , Pavic Suzana , Tok Evren
Published: March 2023

The hospitality sector is under constant pressure from clients to adopt environmentally friendly practices. Industry reports suggest that customers prefer to stay in hotels that care about the environment. This means that hotels adopting environmentally sustainable practices can attract pro-environment customers and, as a result, improve their overall performance. This study aims to examine the innovation, organization and external environment determinants of adopting sustainable practices in hotel–restaurants and whether these practices affect the overall performance of hotels. Based on a survey of 169 managers of 3- to 5-star-rated hotels, a factor-based Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling was performed. The results suggest that ease-of-use and top management support are the key determinants of adopting sustainable practices, such as support for host communities, waste management and conservation projects. Moreover, this study found that support for host communities and waste management practices influence the overall performance of hotels. This study adds significant insights on environmental practices in hotel–restaurants. These insights have implications for hotel owners and/or managers as well as designing policy interventions to increase the uptake of these practices.
Synergies and Trade-Offs between Lean-Green Practices from the Perspective of Operations Strategy: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Queiroz Geandra Alves , Delai Ivete , Alves Filho Alceu Gomes , Santa-Eulalia Luis Antonio de , Torkomian Ana Lúcia Vitale
Published: March 2023

In the operations management and sustainability literature, the integration of Lean and Green manufacturing is considered one of the great solutions to balancing operational gains and environmental sustainability. This literature focuses mainly on the integration between them. However, there are no studies investigating how this integration is related to the Operations Strategy content: competitive priorities and decision areas. Thus, this study aims to contribute to reducing this research gap by providing a more in-depth understanding of the relationships between Lean-Green practices from the point of view of the Operations Strategy. We identify synergies and potential trade-offs between competitive priorities and changes in decision areas when Lean-Green practices are implemented. We performed a systematic literature review to answer two questions: Does the implementation of Lean and Green practices affect operations’ competitive priorities, causing synergies or trade-offs? What decision area(s) are modified with the implementation of each practice? This systematic review analyzed 338 selected articles. Competitive priorities, decision areas, Lean practices, Green practices and Lean-Green practices were identified and discussed, highlighting trade-offs, synergies and changes in decision areas. The results suggest that Lean and Green are synergistic in most practices, but they must be managed according to the Operations Strategy, especially as their focuses are essentially different and trade-offs may occur.
Understanding Risk Culture in the Context of a Sustainable Project: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Moczydłowska Joanna , Sadkowska Joanna , Żelazko Beata , Ciocoiu Carmen Nadia , Stawicka Ewa
Published: March 2023

Currently, due to the growing dynamics of changes that take place in the environment of organizations, managers have to intensify their efforts to implement ‘solutions’ which will not only increase the efficiency of particular business activities, but will also strengthen the potential of the organization in the area of its sustainable development. One of the elements from a ‘wide set of potential solutions’ is risk culture. In spite of a number of studies dedicated to explaining its essence, dimensions and influence, the phenomenon of risk culture has not yet been fully explored. While the previous research and analyses have tended to focus on defining its role and learning about its effects, especially in the financial sector, this study was directed at explaining risk culture in the specific organizational context of implementing sustainable projects in business. This paper analyzes the manifestations of risk culture in sustainable projects, along with its dimensions and key determinants. The authors used the single case study method. In order to expose the Central European context, an innovative Polish enterprise with sustainable project management practices, implementing projects with a high degree of risk, was selected. The results of the study indicate that the main source of risk in the studied projects was the customer. Risk culture in this business entity is characterized by perceiving the variability of customer expectations as an important project risk factor. At the same time, sustainable project management ‘was accompanied’ by a more mature risk culture. The study confirmed that the beneficial impact of the risk culture on the project itself and the enterprise takes place under conditions of the convergence of the risk culture with the organizational culture. Conflicts between project participants, as well as conflicts between the project implementation team and the internal environment of the enterprise, increase the probability that risk culture poses a threat not only to particular projects, but also to the company.
Fracture Characteristics of Thick-Roof Coal Roadway Subjected to Duplicated Shock Waves
Authors: Zhao Shifan , Gao Mingshi , Xu Dong , Yu Xin , Zhao Hongchao
Published: March 2023

Rock burst is one of the most serious risks for underground coal mines, and the associated dynamic waves generally cause roof falls and large-scale shrinkage of the roadway. The roadway is often seriously damaged by duplicated rock bursts. Previous research on the propagation and attenuation of shock waves cannot explain well the failure mechanisms of the surrounding rock of the roadway under duplicated dynamic waves. To fill this research gap, this paper presents comprehensive research on the failure and fracturing process of roadways affected by repeated shock waves using field tests and numerical analysis. A numerical model as per UDEC Trigon logic was developed and calibrated using mine earthquake shock waves, during which a user-defined FISH function was adopted to document the quantity characteristics of fractures (i.e., shear-slip and tension). The damage to the roof was assessed based on the quantity of fractures. At the same time, the simulation analysed the evolution trend of the failure zone of the roadway roof and the fracture development area, which agreed well with the field tests. According to the spread and extension characteristics of fractures in the surrounding rock under repeated shock waves, new support materials and schemes were proposed and applied at the mine site. The results show that the scheme has controlled the deformation of the roadway effectively and satisfied the safety and efficiency requirements of the mine.
Climate Change and Inequality: Evidence from the United States
Authors: Chisadza Carolyn , Clance Matthew , Sheng Xin , Gupta Rangan
Published: March 2023

This paper examines the effects of climate change on income inequality in the United States. Computing impulse response functions (IRFs) from the local projections’ method, we empirically show that there is an immediate temporary positive response in income inequality from rising temperatures within the first year. We also observe differences in the effects of temperature growth on inequality across different classifications, mainly states with high inequality and low temperature growth are more susceptible to changes in temperature growth than states with already high temperature growth and high inequality growth. States with low inequality growth exhibit similar positive effects on income inequality across low- and high-temperature-growth classifications. We find that the initial positive effect on income inequality is not permanent. However, if the effects of rising temperatures are unabated in the earlier periods, income inequality starts to rise in the later periods. Our results highlight an important pathway, that climate change can negatively affect sustainable development through increased income inequality.
Design and Implementation of Teaching–Learning Activities Focused on Improving the Knowledge, the Awareness and the Perception of the Relationship between the SDGs and the Future Profession of University Students
Authors: Oltra-Badenes Raul , Guerola-Navarro Vicente , Gil-Gómez José-Antonio , Botella-Carrubi Dolores
Published: March 2023

The achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the coming years is a very important milestone for the sustainability of the planet. In order to achieve these objectives, it is essential that current students, who will be the workers of the future, know the SDGs and are aware of their importance. Therefore, it is necessary to know what is the knowledge and awareness that current students have and their perception regarding the relationship of their future profession with the achievement of the SDGs. In this way, actions can be proposed and implemented that can improve students’ perception and knowledge of the SDGs. This paper presents an investigation that identifies the knowledge and awareness that university students have about the SDGs and the opinion they have regarding how their professional practice can help achieve them. This research is carried out by analyzing the opinion of students of various degrees and master’s degrees from a Spanish University. Based on this, a series of teaching–learning activities are proposed that are capable of improving the degree of knowledge and awareness of the students, as well as the perception that they may have of how their profession can help achieve the SDGs.
Impact of Natural Hazards on Agricultural Production Decision Making of Peasant Households: On the Basis of the Micro Survey Data of Hunan Province
Authors: Yang Shipeng , Xu Wanxiang , Xie Yuxuan , Sohail Muhammad Tayyab , Gong Yefang
Published: March 2023

The agricultural production decision making of peasant households can have a direct impact on agricultural development trends and national food security, and the impact of natural hazards on the agricultural production decision making of peasant households merits significant consideration. On the basis of the micro survey data of Hunan Province in 2022, this paper empirically discusses the impact of natural hazards on peasant households’ agricultural production decision making by using a Probit model. The study found that: (1) natural hazards did not significantly affect peasant households’ willingness to engage in agricultural production; (2) peasant households will reduce the impact of natural hazards on agricultural production by planting “drought-resistant crop” or “flood-tolerant crop”; and (3) natural hazards will also reduce the probability of peasant households adopting green production decision making. Subsequently, the Logit model is used to test the robustness and the PSM model is used to correct the possible selectivity bias. The above results are supported. The results of a heterogeneity analysis indicate the following: (1) natural hazards can substantially affect the disaster adaptation decision making of young and middle-aged householders, and yet fail to significantly affect the disaster adaptation decision making of elderly householders; (2) natural hazards can severely influence the disaster adaptation as well as green production decision making of peasant households that have not received agricultural technology training but those who have received such training are not significantly impacted; and (3) natural hazards significantly affect the production decision making of peasant households who have not purchased agricultural insurance, and yet fail to significantly affect the production decision making of peasant households who have purchased agricultural insurance. Our findings can provide the government with an empirical basis for formulating pertinent policies.
Channel Selection of Closed-Loop Supply Chain for Scrapped Agricultural Machines Remanufacturing
Authors: Zhou Linan , Zhou Gengui , Li Hangying , Cao Jian
Published: March 2023

Along with economic development and technological innovation, rapid expansion of agricultural machinery has sparked widespread concern. In particular, the superiority of scrapped agricultural machinery recycling and remanufacturing in improving environmental sustainability, economic benefits, and carbon emission reduction has garnered public attention. Based on this reality, this study constructs models for five different agricultural machinery recycling channels according to different actors involved in recovery, dismantling, and remanufacturing. Each model’s equilibrium is determined by mathematical deduction. The applicable condition of each model and the influence of multiple factors are analyzed. The results indicate the following: (i) no single recycling channel is definitely superior to others, and different channels have their own applicable conditions that are influenced by transfer payments, supply chain cooperation, recycling prices, and supply and demand; (ii) cooperative scenarios are more conducive to attracting third-party enterprises to participate to increase supply chain revenue; (iii) rise in recovery and remanufacturing prices may lead to divergence among supply chain parties on channel selection; and (iv) oversupply requires government subsidies to maintain recycling and remanufacturing.
Blockchain Technology to Enhance Integrated Blue Economy: A Case Study in Strengthening Sustainable Tourism on Smart Islands
Authors: Pranita Diaz , Sarjana Sri , Musthofa Budiman Mahmud , Kusumastuti Hadining , Rasul Mohamad Sattar
Published: March 2023

Smart destinations require a management system that provides convenient real-time use of digital technology in creating, communicating, and delivering value to visitors. Research related to smart island destinations is still limited, let alone those that utilize blockchain technology to create the smartness of the destination. This research is an empirical study that captures the perceptions of stakeholders in the blue economy on smart islands and the use of blockchain technology in order to build smart islands, a destination that consists of many islands that lack connectedness, such as the Seribu Islands in Jakarta, Indonesia. Data were collected using qualitative and quantitative approaches (mixed methods). Qualitative data were collected from scientific journal publications and followed up with VOS viewer analysis, and quantitative data with the questionnaire survey responses from 150 blue economy industry players in the Seribu Islands and structural equation modeling showed that good digital literacy and blue economy management have significant influence on blockchain technology and impact smart islands. This study indicates that, for islands that have challenges in accessibility and connectivity, the presence of blockchain and smart technology is needed to integrate various resources from each stakeholder so that the blue economy in the islands can be developed more effectively and efficiently, while at the same time ensuring the achievement of sustainability.
Study on Deformation Characteristics of Surrounding Rock of Roadway with Coal–Rock Interface
Authors: Wang Tuo , Chang Jucai , Guo Yijun
Published: March 2023

Surrounding rock of roadway with a coal–rock interface is a common form in coal mines. In order to determine deformation characteristics and obtain the control principle of roadways with a coal–rock interface, the interface between the roof and coal seam was added to simulate the weak cohesion between the stratum. In this model, the interface shear stiffness was considered to be one of the key factors affecting horizontal inward movement of the roadway sidewalls. The deformation of the roadway with or without coal–rock interface under different burial depths was analyzed. Then, the shear stiffness of the interface element was changed to study the influence of shear stiffness on roadway deformation. At the same time, the characteristics of discontinuous deformation caused by the coal–rock interface at different positions in the roadway were studied. The results show that the roadway sidewall appeared to bulge in the middle and there is no dislocation and a small deformation in the contact position of the roadway sidewall with the roof and the floor when there is no interface between the stratum of the roadway. When there is an interface, the sidewall of the roadway is extruded as a whole, the slip and dislocation between the coal sidewall and the roof were obvious, and the maximum deformation of the sidewall is 1.68 times that of the roadway without an interface. When the shear stiffness of the interface is low, the deformation and the range of the plastic zone of roadway are large, with a large deformation at the upper part of the roadway sidewall, and a small deformation at the lower part of the roadway sidewall. The deformation of sidewall at the interface position decreases gradually with the increase of the interface shear stiffness, approaching the shape without the interface. When the coal–rock interface is at the sidewall of the roadway, the deformation of the rock and coal body at the interface is discontinuous, with slip and dislocation. The greater the proportion of rock height in the roadway sidewall, the greater the rock deformation. On the contrary, the coal deformation increases. It is more reasonable to simulate the deformation of roadways by adding a coal–rock interface, and the results are closer to the actual situation.
Business Model Innovation and Performance of Startups: The Moderating Role of External Legitimacy
Authors: Zhang Lu , Yang Xuanzhi , Zhu Sulu , Xia Zhengyi
Published: March 2023

Business model innovation (BMI) is a key performance driver for startups. Nonetheless, the reality is that new firms with new business models still face survival pressures. New institutional theory shows that legitimacy factors will affect the performance level of new ventures. Legitimacy is an important subject in the field of institution and organization, which refers to the extent to which an individual or organization’s behavior is accepted by the public and reflects the important influence of external institutional forces on the organization. Consequently, this study collected data from entrepreneurs in Eastern China and conducted a regression analysis, which revealed that novelty-based and efficiency-based business model innovation positively affects the performance of startups. Moreover, this study found that different dimensions of external legitimacy have different effects on the relationship between business model innovation and the performance of startups. Regulative legitimacy and normative legitimacy negatively regulate the relationship between novelty-based business model innovation and the performance of startups. In contrast, normative legitimacy positively regulates the relationship between efficiency-based business model innovation and the performance of startups. The study also found that cognitive legitimacy positively regulates the relationship between novelty-based business model innovation and the performance of startups. In summary, the study highlights the importance of considering the influence of different dimensions of external legitimacy on the relationship between business model innovation and the performance of startups. The findings suggest that legitimacy is a crucial factor affecting startups’ ability to improve their performance through business model innovation.
Matching Assistive Technology, Telerehabilitation, and Virtual Reality to Promote Cognitive Rehabilitation and Communication Skills in Neurological Populations: A Perspective Proposal
Authors: Stasolla Fabrizio , Lopez Antonella , Akbar Khalida , Vinci Leonarda Anna , Cusano Maria
Published: March 2023

Neurological populations (NP) commonly experience several impairments. Beside motor and sensorial delays, communication and intellectual disabilities are included. The COVID-19 pandemic has suddenly exacerbated their clinical conditions due to lockdown, quarantine, and social distancing preventive measures. Healthcare services unavailability has negatively impacted NP clinical conditions, partially mitigated by vaccine diffusion. One way to overcome this issue is the use of technology-aided interventions for both assessment and rehabilitative purposes. Assistive technology-based interventions, telerehabilitation, and virtual reality setups have been widely adopted to help individuals with neurological damages or injuries. Nevertheless, to the best of our knowledge, their matching (i.e., combination or integration) has rarely been investigated. The main objectives of the current position paper were (a) to provide the reader with a perspective proposal on the matching of the three aforementioned technological solutions, (b) to outline a concise background on the use of technology-aided solutions, (c) to argue on the effectiveness and the suitability of technology-mediated programs, and (d) to postulate an integrative proposal to support cognitive rehabilitation including assistive technology, telerehabilitation, and virtual reality. Practical implications for both research and practice are critically discussed.
Effect of HFE Gene Mutations on Iron Metabolism of Beta-Thalassemia Carriers
Authors: Mónaco María E. , Alvarez Asensio Natalia S. , Haro Cecilia , Terán Magdalena M. , Ledesma Achem Miryam E. , Issé Blanca A. , Lazarte Sandra S.
Published: March 2023

The human hemochromatosis protein HFE is encoded by the HFE gene and participates in iron regulation. The aim of this study was to detect the most frequent HFE gene mutations in a control population and in β-thalassemia trait (BTT) carriers, and to study their relationship with iron metabolism. Total blood count, hemoglobin electrophoresis at alkaline pH, HbA2 quantification, iron (Fe), total Fe binding capacity and ferritin were assayed. HFE gene mutations were analyzed by real-time PCR. A total of 119 individuals (69 normal and 50 BTT) were examined. In the control group, 9% (6/69) presented a codon 282 heterozygous mutation (C282Y), and 19% a codon 63 mutation (H63D) (13/69, 11 heterozygotes and 2 homozygotes). In the BTT group, 3 carriers (6%) were heterozygous for C282Y, 14 (28%) for H63D, 1 (2%) for a codon 65 mutation and 1 (2%) was H63D and C282Y double heterozygous. Control group Fe metabolism did not show significant differences (p > 0.05) according to whether or not they carried an HFE gene mutation; while the BTT group with and without HFE mutation showed higher Fe and ferritin than the control group (p < 0.05). However, no increases in iron parameters were detected in BTT carriers that simultaneously exhibited an H63D mutation compared to BTT subjects without a mutation. Therefore, the iron metabolism alterations observed in BTT carriers could not be attributed to the presence of HFE gene mutations. It is likely that BTT individuals have other genetic modifiers that affect their iron balance.
Animal Models and Their Role in Imaging-Assisted Co-Clinical Trials
Authors: Peehl Donna M. , Badea Cristian T. , Chenevert Thomas L. , Daldrup-Link Heike E. , Ding Li , Dobrolecki Lacey E. , Houghton A. McGarry , Kinahan Paul E. , Kurhanewicz John , Lewis Michael T. , Li Shunqiang , Luker Gary D. , Ma Cynthia X. , Manning H. Charles , Mowery Yvonne M. , O'Dwyer Peter J. , Pautler Robia G. , Rosen Mark A. , Roudi Raheleh , Ross Brian D. , Shoghi Kooresh I. , Sriram Renuka , Talpaz Moshe , Wahl Richard L. , Zhou Rong
Published: March 2023

The availability of high-fidelity animal models for oncology research has grown enormously in recent years, enabling preclinical studies relevant to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer to be undertaken. This has led to increased opportunities to conduct co-clinical trials, which are studies on patients that are carried out parallel to or sequentially with animal models of cancer that mirror the biology of the patients’ tumors. Patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMM) are considered to be the models that best represent human disease and have high translational value. Notably, one element of co-clinical trials that still needs significant optimization is quantitative imaging. The National Cancer Institute has organized a Co-Clinical Imaging Resource Program (CIRP) network to establish best practices for co-clinical imaging and to optimize translational quantitative imaging methodologies. This overview describes the ten co-clinical trials of investigators from eleven institutions who are currently supported by the CIRP initiative and are members of the Animal Models and Co-clinical Trials (AMCT) Working Group. Each team describes their corresponding clinical trial, type of cancer targeted, rationale for choice of animal models, therapy, and imaging modalities. The strengths and weaknesses of the co-clinical trial design and the challenges encountered are considered. The rich research resources generated by the members of the AMCT Working Group will benefit the broad research community and improve the quality and translational impact of imaging in co-clinical trials.
Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria Reducing the Content of Harmful Fungi and Mycotoxins on the Quality of Mixed Fermented Feed
Authors: Guan Yifei , Lv Haoxin , Wu Guofang , Chen Jun , Wang Min , Zhang Miao , Pang Huili , Duan Yaoke , Wang Lei , Tan Zhongfang
Published: March 2023

The contamination of fermented feeds and foods with fungi and mycotoxins is a major food safety issue worldwide. Certain lactic acid bacteria (LAB), generally recognized as safe (GRAS) fermentation probiotics, are able to reduce microbial and mycotoxins contamination. In this study, Lactiplantibacillus (L.) plantarum Q1-2 and L. salivarius Q27-2 with antifungal properties were screened as inoculants for mixed fermenting feed, and the fermentation and nutritional qualities, microbial community, and mycotoxins of mixed fermented feed were analyzed at different fermentation periods (1, 3, 7, 15, and 30 days, respectively). The findings indicated that the utilization of Q1-2 and Q27-2 strains in fermenting feed led to a decrease in pH and an increase in lactic acid concentration and the proportion of Lactiplantibacillus, while effectively restraining the proliferation of undesirable microorganisms. In particular, Q1-2 reduced the relative abundance of fungi including Fusarium and Aspergillus. Compared to the control group, the Q1-2 and Q27-2 groups reduced aflatoxin B1 by 34.17% and 16.57%, and deoxynivalenol by up to 90.61% and 51.03%. In short, these two LAB inoculants could reduce the contents of aflatoxin B1 and deoxynivalenol to the limited content levels stipulated by the Chinese National Standard GB 13078-2017. These findings suggest that the LAB strains of Q1-2 and Q27-2 have potential applications in the feed industry for the mitigation of mycotoxin pollution, thereby enhancing the quality of animal feed.
Relevant Day/Night Temperatures Simulating Belgian Summer Conditions Reduce Japanese Encephalitis Virus Dissemination and Transmission in Belgian Field-Collected Culex pipiens Mosquitoes
Authors: Van den Eynde Claudia , Sohier Charlotte , Matthijs Severine , De Regge Nick
Published: March 2023

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a zoonotic mosquito-borne Flavivirus, can be considered an emerging infectious disease. Therefore, vector competence studies with indigenous mosquitoes from regions where JEV is not yet endemic are of great importance. In our study, we compared the vector competence of Culex pipiens mosquitoes emerged from Belgian field-caught larvae under two different temperature conditions: a constant 25 °C and a 25/15 °C day/night temperature gradient representing typical summer temperatures in Belgium. Three- to seven-day-old F0-generation mosquitoes were fed on a JEV genotype 3 Nakayama strain spiked blood-meal and incubated for 14 days at the two aforementioned temperature conditions. Similar infection rates of 36.8% and 35.2% were found in both conditions. The observed dissemination rate in the gradient condition was, however, significantly lower compared to the constant temperature condition (8% versus 53.6%, respectively). JEV was detected by RT-qPCR in the saliva of 13.3% of dissemination positive mosquitoes in the 25 °C condition, and this transmission was confirmed by virus isolation in 1 out of 2 RT-qPCR positive samples. No JEV transmission to saliva was detected in the gradient condition. These results suggest that JEV transmission by Culex pipiens mosquitoes upon an accidental introduction in our region is unlikely under current climatic conditions. This could change in the future when temperatures increase due to climate change.
End-Stage Kidney Disease Resulting from Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome after Receiving AstraZeneca SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine: A Case Report
Authors: Tawhari Mohammed , Alhamadh Moustafa S. , Alhabeeb Abdulrahman Yousef , Almudayfir Ziyad , Radwi Mansoor
Published: March 2023

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is classically described as a triad of nonimmune hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury. Atypical HUS (aHUS) is a rare variant of the disease, and it accounts for 5–10% of the cases. It has a poor prognosis, with a mortality rate exceeding 25% and a more than 50% chance of progressing into end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Genetic or acquired dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway is highly implicated in the pathogenesis of aHUS. Multiple triggers for aHUS have been described in the literature, including pregnancy, transplantation, vaccination, and viral infections. Herein, we report a case of a previously healthy 38-year-old male who developed microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and severe kidney impairment one week after receiving the first dose of AstraZeneca SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. A diagnosis of aHUS was made after excluding other causes of thrombotic microangiopathies. Treatment with plasma exchange, prednisone, and rituximab (375 mg/m2) once weekly for four doses resulted in improvement of his hematological parameters. However, he progressed to ESKD.
COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance among University Students and Lecturers in Different Provinces of Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Khatiwada Madan , Nugraha Ryan Rachmad , Harapan Harapan , Dochez Carine , Mutyara Kuswandewi , Rahayuwati Laili , Syukri Maimun , Wardoyo Eustachius Hagni , Suryani Dewi , Que Bertha J. , Kartasasmita Cissy
Published: March 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic imposed a pressing global threat. Vaccines against COVID-19 are a key tool to control the ongoing pandemic. The success of COVID-19 vaccination programs will largely depend on public willingness to receive the vaccine. This study aimed to evaluate the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccines among university students and lecturers in four different provinces of Indonesia. An anonymous, cross-sectional study was conducted online among university students and lecturers in Indonesia between 23 December 2020 and 15 February 2021. Of 3433 respondents, 50.3% stated that they would accept COVID-19 vaccination, while 10.7% expressed unwillingness and 39% were not sure about receiving the vaccine. Concern regarding the side effects after COVID-19 vaccination was the main reason among the participants for not willing to receive the vaccine. Being male, associated with the health sector, having a higher monthly expenditure and having health insurance could increase the acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine. Low trust in the government and low confidence towards vaccine safety and efficacy could hinder participants’ decision to be vaccinated. Simple, clear and fact-based information from trusted sources on a regular basis will be important for building confidence towards the COVID-19 vaccination program in Indonesia.
Immune Response to CoronaVac and Its Safety in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Compared with Healthcare Workers
Authors: Dechates Bothamai , Porntharukchareon Thachanun , Sirisreetreerux Supamas , Therawit Phonthip , Worawitchawong Supanat , Sornsamdang Gaidganok , Soonklang Kamonwan , Tawinprai Kriangkrai
Published: March 2023

Background: Vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 have been critical for preventing disease. Previous research showed patients with diabetes have impaired immunity. This study aimed to determine the immunity to coronavirus after CoronaVac by comparing patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and healthcare workers (HCW). Materials and methods: A prospective cohort study evaluated immune responses and safety after two doses of CoronaVac in T2D and HCW groups at Chulabhorn Hospital. The levels of total antibodies against the receptor-binding domain (anti-RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein at baseline and 4 weeks after vaccination were collected. The level of anti-RBD concentrations was reported as geometric mean concentration (GMC) and compared between groups using the geometric mean ratio (GMR). Results: 81 participants were included; 27 had T2D and 54 were HCW. After complete vaccination, anti-RBD concentrations were not significantly different between T2D (57.68 binding antibody units (BAU)/mL, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 29.08; 114.44) and HCW (72.49 BAU/mL, 95% CI = 55.77; 94.22) groups. Subgroup analysis showed the GMC of anti-RBD was significantly lower in T2D patients with dyslipidaemia (50.04 BAU/mL) than in T2D patients without dyslipidaemia (341.64 BAU/mL). Conclusions: The immune response at 4 weeks after two doses of CoronaVac did not significantly differ between patients with T2D and HCW.
Comportamiento de insectos asociados a exudados de plantas en el Estado Zulia, Venezuela: un posible caso de exudivoría
Authors: Vera Antonio , Vera Maritza , León Eloy , García Mauricio , Maldonado Rafael
Published: March 2023

La investigación amplía la información sobre la exudivoría como interacción animal-planta cuyos estudios y conocimientos científicos generados son muy escasos en el país. Se determinó el comportamiento de insectos exudívoros en plantas del estado Zulia, Venezuela. La investigación se realizó en los municipios Maracaibo y Santa Rita, estado Zulia, Venezuela durante el periodo de sequía (enero-marzo, 2017). La producción del exudado se estimuló mediante la práctica de heridas en el tallo. Se llevaron a cabo dos visitas semanales a las plantas con exudados (durante tres semanas), entre 9:00 am y 12:00 del mediodía, y se constató el desplazamiento (recorridos) de los insectos sobre el exudado, su recolecta, almacenaje en regiones del cuerpo e ingesta (consumo) del mismo. Se determinaron taxonómicamente nueve morfoespecies, como Polybia occidentalis, Dysdercus sp., un escarabajo Curculionidae, Componotus sp., Crematogaster sp. y Zacriptocerus sp., no ingirieron ni recolectaron exudados de Cochlospermum vitifolium ni de Sterculia apetala. Trigona sp. 1 tomó el exudado de Bursera tomentosa, formó pequeñas esferas y lo recolectó en la parte dorsal de su tercer par de patas, mientras que Trigona sp. 2 probablemente se alimentó de la goma de Eucalyptus camaldulensis. Melipona favosa recolectó exudado de Mangifera indica en sus patas traseras y lo consumió. Se concluyó que existen especies visitantes de los exudados, M. favosa es exudívora, mientras que Trigona sp. 1 al recolectar el exudado en su cuerpo, se estima que lo utilice en el nido.