bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of a 2k–p Fractional Experimental Design in Coagulation-Flocculation Processes in the Treatment of Wastewater from a Slaughterhouse
Authors: Carpintero Javier , Villa-Dominguez Jennifer , Tavera-Quiroz María José , Tavera-Quiroz Humberto Carlos , Kaźmierczak Bartosz , Fábregas-Villegas Jonathan , Canales Fausto A.
Published: August 2022

Determining the optimal dose of coagulant required to perform flocculation is critical in most water treatment plants’ planning and operation. This study implemented a 2k–p fractional factorial design of experiments to identify the factors influencing the color decrease of wastewater from a slaughterhouse. The variables assessed were the velocity gradient, residence time, primary coagulant dosage, chlorine dosage, and coagulation adjuvant dosage. The results indicate that the primary coagulant dose and the velocity gradient significantly affect the samples’ color and that the other factors can be run at a low technical-economic level to start up the water treatment plant. The fractional factorial design allowed reducing the number of experimental points without affecting the minimum information required to identify which factors are significant in reducing the color of a wastewater sample.
The Efficiency Evolution and Risks of Green Development in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, China
Authors: Yu Yongbo , Yi Zihan , Jia Jiahui
Published: August 2022

The sustainability of economic development is constrained by issues such as the depletion of global resources and environmental deterioration; therefore, assessing the effectiveness of green development is crucial for ensuring both economic and social sustainability. The superefficient, slacks-based measures–data envelopment analysis (SBM-DEA) model and the Malmquist–Luenberger productivity index are used in this study to quantify and analyze the level of green development efficiency of the three major city clusters in the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Using techniques such as the Dagum Gini coefficient and Kernel density estimation, this research study also focuses on the regional disparity distribution, dynamic evolution patterns, and risk factors affecting the green and balanced development of city clusters. The results show that, firstly, the green development efficiency of the city clusters presents an overall fluctuating downward trend, and that the low efficiency of resource utilization due to diseconomies of scale is the main obstacle to its growth. Secondly, super variable density and intra-cluster gap are the primary causes of the risk of green and balanced development. There is insufficient momentum to improve green development efficiency. Given these results, the focus of policy implementation to reduce the risk of green development transformation should be on maximizing the driving force of technological progress, improving resource allocation efficiency, and increasing the level of synergistic development within cities.
Research on the Influence of Digital Technology and Policy Restrictions on the Development of Digital Service Trade
Authors: Zhang Xiying , Wang Yihuan
Published: August 2022

Due to economic globalization and the progress of digital technology, digital service trade develops rapidly, but it also faces challenges such as digital trade policy barriers, and gradually attracts the attention of all countries in the world. Based on panel data of 40 countries or regions from 2014 to 2020, this study empirically analyzed the moderating effects of digital technology and policy restrictions on digital service trade and the moderating effects of policy restrictions on the relationship between digital service trade and the other two by using a double fixed effect model. The results show that: first, the improvement of digital technology level enhances the scale of digital service trade import and export significantly; Secondly, the higher the degree of policy restriction is, the more significant the development of digital service trade will be inhibited, and according to the heterogeneity of import and export scale, the more significant the restriction is only on export. Third, restriction policy has a significant positive moderating effect on the positive relationship between digital technology and digital service trade, and only supports emerging economies according to the heterogeneity of countries. Therefore, China should strengthen its own digital technology construction, reduce the difference between China and its trading partners in digital service trade restriction policies, and actively participate in the construction of a digital service trade governance system under a multilateral cooperation mechanism, so as to promote the vigorous development of digital service trade.
Assessment of Efficiency of Heat Transportation in Indirect Propane Refrigeration System Equipped with Carbon Dioxide Circulation Loop
Authors: Pawłowski Mateusz , Gagan Jerzy , Butrymowicz Dariusz
Published: August 2022

Recent research on indirect cooling systems using natural refrigerants has become increasingly common. One such solution is the gravity-induced circulation loop. The paper provides model considerations of the configuration of an indirect propane refrigeration system equipped with a circulation loop using carbon dioxide as a heat transfer fluid. Close attention has been paid to the analytical modelling of the carbon dioxide circulation loop operation. The model was formulated to determine the optimum height of the liquid downcomer based on the determination of flow resistance and heat transfer rate in evaporation and condensation processes. A validation of the proposed analytical model against the available literature on two-phase flow structure predictions and thermal performance predictions was performed. The effect of the change in the refrigeration capacity of the system on the coefficient of performance COP of the entire indirect system was analysed for the first time. The analysis was performed for three different carbon dioxide evaporation temperatures for the system’s refrigeration capacity, ranging from 0.5 to 10 kW. It has been proven that the system efficiency increases by up to 23% with an increase in the refrigeration capacity of the system. An increase in evaporation temperature in the circulation loop from −20 °C to 0 °C improves the COP of the entire indirect refrigeration system by approximately 50%. The above findings indicate that indirect cooling systems using naturally circulated CO2 as a heat transfer fluid should be designed for operation at maximum refrigeration capacity.
Factors Affecting Visiting Behavior to Bali during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Extended Theory of Planned Behavior Approach
Authors: Cahigas Maela Madel L. , Prasetyo Yogi Tri , Alexander James , Sutapa Putu Lauterina , Wiratama Shannen , Arvin Vincent , Nadlifatin Reny , Persada Satria Fadil
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic affected tourists’ traveling behavior and resulted in the stoppage of Bali’s tourism growth. Hence, this study aimed to determine the factors that influence Indonesians to travel to Bali during the COVID-19 pandemic by utilizing the extended theory of planned behavior (TBP) approach. A total of 269 respondents participated in the survey and answered forty (40) questions developed from seven (7) latent variables. Structural equation modeling (SEM) specified that hedonic motivation had the highest direct effect on tourist traveling intention, followed by attitude, and COVID-19 safety protocols. Meanwhile, social media influence, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms were insignificant to tourists’ intention to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings contributed to the proposed strategies that increased the number of local and international tourists. Since this study aimed to stabilize the tourism sector and improve the economy in Bali, the government and tourism stakeholders benefit from the results.
A Comparative Study on the Efficiency of R&D Activities of Universities in China by Region Using DEA–Malmquist
Authors: Du Yamin , Seo Wonchul
Published: August 2022

This paper analyzes the efficiency of the input and output of R&D activity and the status of its development and management in universities in each region of China and proposes suggestions for improvement. The DEA–Malmquist model was used to analyze the static and dynamic science and technology statistics for universities in each region during 2006–2019 to reveal changes in the input and output of R&D activity. The overall efficiency of the R&D activity of universities in all regions of China was low. Among the 27 regions studied, DEA revealed effective efficiency in 20 regions in 2006, accounting for 74.07%, and in 19 regions in 2019, accounting for 70.37%. The Malmquist index was greater than 1 in 17 regions in 2006–2019, with an average value of 1.023 during 2006–2019. The technological progress of R&D activity in universities in each region plays a major role in the improvement of the overall efficiency. Conclusions: The efficiency of the R&D activity of Chinese universities in all regions is low in general, with large disparities between regions. The R&D activity of Chinese universities lacks scientific management. It is necessary to optimize the allocation of research resources, construct an evaluation system for the efficiency of R&D activity, and offer incentives for research to improve the output and promote the transformation of results in Chinese universities.
Permeability-Enhancing Technology through Liquid CO2 Fracturing and Its Application
Authors: Jiang Zebiao , Quan Xiping , Tian Shixiang , Liu Hao , Guo Yaling , Fu Xiangxiang , Yang Xifa
Published: August 2022

Liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) phase change fracturing (LCPCF) is an innovative technique to improve the efficiency of gas drainage from low-permeability coal seams of high gas content. However, fracture sprouting, extension and displacement changes of coal under LCPCF need further study, and corresponding field tests are also lacking. Therefore, a mechanical model based on the thermodynamic theory of CO2 phase change is developed in this paper. Then, the pressure change characteristics, crack propagation and displacement change of coal subjected to LCPCF were analyzed through numerical simulation. In addition, the permeability-enhancing effect of the field LCPCF test was analyzed. The results obtained from the numerical simulation show that during the LCPCF process, the crack-generation process changes with pressure as follows: microfracture–numerous microfractures–major macrofracture–macrofractures. During the development of fractures, the stress is incompletely symmetrically distributed in coal centered on the fracturing borehole. The failure occurs stochastically in the coal in the vicinity of the fracturing borehole at first, and then it gradually propagates to the inner seam of coal as the gas pressure increases. The following result can be obtained from field experiments: the permeability coefficient of coal seams after increasing the permeability through LCPCF is 2.60~3.97 times that of coal seams without presplitting. The average concentration of gas extracted in coal seams within the zone having undergone an increase in permeability through liquid CO2 fracturing is 2.14 times greater than that within the zone without presplitting. The average pure amount of gas extracted within the zone having undergone an increase in permeability through LCPCF is 3.78 times greater than that within the zone without presplitting. By comparing coal seams before and after fracturing in the field test, it can be seen that the LCPCF presents a favorable effect in increasing the permeability of low-permeability coal seams. This provides an effective approach for increasing the permeability of coal seams in coal mines with similar geological conditions.
Unveiling the Direct Effects of Family Firm Heterogeneity on Environmental Performance
Authors: Forés Beatriz , Fernández-Yáñez José María , Puig-Denia Alba , Boronat-Navarro Montserrat
Published: August 2022

By combining agency theory and the resource- and capabilities-based view, this paper aims to unveil the influence of family firm heterogeneity on environmental performance. Previous results are inconsistent about how the specific features of this type of business contribute to better environmental protection performance. We analyse a number of variables related to the management, ownership and corporate governance characteristics of the family business and their individual influence on environmental performance. We test our hypotheses using a database of 748 family firms in the Spanish tourism sector. This economic sector, which is mostly composed of family businesses, puts great pressure on the environment. As such, family firms must take an active role in the resolution of the environmental problems that afflict society. We find that the effects of a family-controlled ownership and management structure on environmental performance are negative. Family-founder firms with a high degree of family control also are shown to have a negative relationship with environmental performance. However, the existence of a formal management mechanism, such as a management committee, emerges as the most powerful structural factor in facilitating the achievement of environmental objectives. The conclusions drawn from this study allow us to outline future lines of research as well as recommendations for practitioners. Our study responds to the call made in the literature to delve deeper into the heterogeneity of the family business, and specifically to determine which of its characteristic features allow this type of business to achieve better environmental performance.
Application of Glass Waste on Red Ceramic to Improve Sintering
Authors: Delaqua Geovana , Magalhães Juan , Marvila Markssuel , Vernilli Fernando , Monteiro Sérgio , Colorado Henry , Vieira Carlos
Published: August 2022

Given the current huge generation of solid waste worldwide, alternative and innovative methodologies for incorporating these materials should be encouraged elsewhere. In this context, the objective of this research is to evaluate the use of glass waste as a substitute for sand as raw material in ceramics. Formulations containing from 0% to 20% of glass waste were produced, thus replacing natural sand. Extruded and calcined specimens were produced at temperatures of 800, 900 and 1000 °C. The characterization results demonstrated the compatibility and their potential for the glass waste for improving the properties of ceramics. Results of density, water absorption and flexural strength improved when 20% of glass waste was added due to the porosity reduction, provided by the formation of a liquid phase and then by a sintering, promoted by the glass waste. This resulted in coherent properties with ceramic applications in the form of tiles and blocks, at a calcining temperature of 800 °C. On the contrary, results without glass did not reach the necessary parameters even at 1000 °C. In conclusion, the feasibility of using glass waste has been proven, which, in addition to improving the material’s properties, provides economy benefits for the ceramic industry, with the calcination process at milder temperatures.
Review of Model Predictive Control of Distributed Energy Resources in Microgrids
Authors: Razmi Darioush , Babayomi Oluleke , Davari Alireza , Rahimi Tohid , Miao Yuntao , Zhang Zhenbin
Published: August 2022

In recent years, in response to increasing environmental concerns, advances in renewable energy technology and reduced costs have caused a significant increase in the penetration of distributed generation resources in distribution networks. Nonetheless, the connection of distributed generation resources to distribution networks has created new challenges in the control, operation, and management of network reliability. This article is a review on the model predictive control (MPC) for distributed energy resources (DER) in microgrids. The solutions of MPC for energy conversion of solar photovoltaic, wind, and energy storage systems are covered in detail. MPC’s applications for increasing reliability of grid-connected converters under (a)symmetrical grid faults are also discussed. The promising potentials of the applications of MPC to the stable multi-variable control performance of DERs are highlighted. This work reflects strong symmetry on MPC control strategies and provides guidance map for readers to facilitate future research works in these exciting fields.
Effects of the Vertices on the Topological Bound States in a Quasicrystalline Topological Insulator
Authors: Traverso Simone , Traverso Ziani Niccolò , Sassetti Maura
Published: August 2022

The experimental realization of twisted bilayer graphene strongly pushed the inspection of bilayer systems. In this context, it was recently shown that a two layer Haldane model with a thirty degree rotation angle between the layers represents a higher order topological insulator, with zero-dimensional states isolated in energy and localized at the physical vertices of the nanostructure. We show, within a numerical tight binding approach, that the energy of the zero dimensional states strongly depends on the geometrical structure of the vertices. In the most extreme cases, once a specific band gap is considered, these bound states can even disappear just by changing the vertex structure.
A Path-Curvature Measure for Word-Based Strategy Searches in Semantic Networks
Authors: Cohen Haim , Nachshon Yinon , Maril Anat , Naim Paz M. , Jost Jürgen , Saucan Emil
Published: August 2022

Building on a modified version of the Haantjes path-based curvature, this article offers a novel measure that considers the direction of a stream of associations in a semantic network and estimates the extent to which any single association attracts the upcoming associations to its environment—in other words, to what degree one explores that environment. We demonstrate that our measure differs from Haantjes curvature and confirm that it expresses the extent to which a stream of associations remains close to its starting point. Finally, we examine the relationship between our measure and accessibility to knowledge stored in memory. We demonstrate that a high degree of attraction facilitates the retrieval of upcoming words in the stream. By applying methods from differential geometry to semantic networks, this study contributes to our understanding of strategic search in memory.
Quantifying Complementarity via Robustness of Asymmetry
Authors: Lü Xin
Published: August 2022

Complementarity plays a central role in the conceptual development of quantum mechanics, and also provides practical applications in quantum information technologies. How to properly quantify it is an important problem in quantum foundations, and there exists different types of complementarity relations. In this paper, a complementarity relation is established with the robustness of asymmetry. Specifically, the two complementary aspects are quantified by applying the robustness of asymmetry corresponding to two cyclic groups whose generators are linked by the Fourier matrix. This complementarity relation is compared with known results and considered in other perspectives, especially its operational meaning regarding quantum state discrimination. We conclude that the internal asymmetry of quantum states is closely related to other fundamental concepts, such as complementarity and coherence, and it is possible to quantitatively investigate complementarity and quantum state discrimination using the robustness of asymmetry.
Fault Tolerant Addressing Scheme for Oxide Interconnection Networks
Authors: Nadeem Asim , Kashif Agha , Zafar Sohail , Aljaedi Amer , Akanbi Oluwatobi
Published: August 2022

The symmetry of an interconnection network plays a key role in defining the functioning of a system involving multiprocessors where thousands of processor-memory pairs known as processing nodes are connected. Addressing the processing nodes helps to create efficient routing and broadcasting algorithms for the multiprocessor interconnection networks. Oxide interconnection networks are extracted from the silicate networks having applications in multiprocessor systems due to their symmetry, smaller diameter, connectivity and simplicity of structure, and a constant number of links per node with the increasing size of the network can avoid overloading of nodes. The fault tolerant partition basis assigns unique addresses to each processing node in terms of distances (hops) from the other subnets in the network which work in the presence of faults. In this manuscript, the partition and fault tolerant partition resolvability of oxide interconnection networks have been studied which include single oxide chain networks (SOXCN), rhombus oxide networks (RHOXN) and regular triangulene oxide networks (RTOXN). Further, an application of fault tolerant partition basis in case of region-based routing in the networks is included.
New Obstructions to Warped Product Immersions in Complex Space Forms
Authors: Aquib Mohd. , Mihai Adela , Mihai Ion , Uddin Siraj
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we obtain a geometric inequality for warped product pointwise semi-slant submanifolds of complex space forms endowed with a semi-symmetric metric connection and discuss the equality case of this inequality. We provide some applications concerning the minimality and compactness of such submanifolds.
Dynamics of Open Quantum Systems—Markovian Semigroups and Beyond
Authors: Czerwinski Artur
Published: August 2022

The idea of an open quantum system was introduced in the 1950s as a response to the problems encountered in areas such as nuclear magnetic resonance and the decay of unstable atoms. Nowadays, dynamical models of open quantum systems have become essential components in many applications of quantum mechanics. This paper provides an overview of the fundamental concepts of open quantum systems. All underlying definitions, algebraic methods and crucial theorems are presented. In particular, dynamical semigroups with corresponding time-independent generators are characterized. Furthermore, evolution models that induce memory effects are discussed. Finally, measures of non-Markovianity are recapped and interpreted from a perspective of physical relevance.
Creating a System of IOE-PDPTA to Bridge Tourists and Poster Designers: An Application of IOE in Personalized Poster Design
Authors: Chang Tsen-Yao , Chen Yi-Chung
Published: August 2022

Current applications of the Internet of Everything (IOE) tend to ignore the components of people, processes, and data. In the current study, we propose applying the IOE to design, the core of which comprises people, processes, and data. Evidence of the positive effects of the IOE on design indirectly confirms the value of these three components. The selected case study was poster designs advertising personalized travel. We reported the process of how the system was created, followed by an actual simulation with the personalized poster design for the tourism promotion for the city of Tainan, Taiwan. This study created an IOE framework and applied relevant algorithms to collect data to target design issues. Data were collected, converted, and cleaned through multiple physical objects, internet resources, and output keywords, which were then provided to three designers with various backgrounds and styles. Posters were designed based on the keywords identified. As the targeted audience, 124 respondents were recruited to participate in a survey on the finished posters. Analysis of this feedback demonstrated the validity of the proposed framework.
A Consociation Model: Organization of Collective Entrepreneurship for Village Revitalization
Authors: Lin Haiying , Li Yanyan , Zhou Li
Published: August 2022

This study focused on how rural communities adopted consociational mechanisms to organize collective entrepreneurship, addressing the conflicts across the divergent social groups toward a convergent process that allows different entrepreneurs to fold into a grand coalition. It extended the theory of consociation from political science to the field of social entrepreneurship and inductively theorized the dimensional mechanisms based on the collective entrepreneurial effort of Yuan village in Shaanxi province of China. The results demonstrated four streams of consociational mechanisms: (1) emancipation to empower the vulnerable groups, (2) reconciliation of divergent interests, (3) reflection learning to generate reciprocity, and (4) proportional participation to institutionalize a hierarchical order in the community. These results advance the consociation theory and the organization of social change literature with strong policy implications.
The Lack of Systemic and Subclinical Side Effects of Botulinum Neurotoxin Type-A in Patients Affected by Post-Stroke Spasticity: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Battaglia Marco , Borg Margherita Beatrice , Torgano Lara , Loro Alberto , Cosenza Lucia , Bertoni Michele , Picelli Alessandro , Santamato Andrea , Invernizzi Marco , Uberti Francesca , Molinari Claudio , Carda Stefano , Baricich Alessio
Published: August 2022

Botulinum Neurotoxin type-A (BoNT-A) is the treatment of choice for focal post-stroke spasticity (PSS). Due to its mechanism of action and the administration method, some authors raised concern about its possible systemic diffusion leading to contralateral muscle weakness and autonomic nervous system (ANS) alterations. Stroke itself is a cause of motor disability and ANS impairment; therefore, it is mandatory to prevent any source of additional loss of strength and adjunctive ANS disturbance. We enrolled 15 hemiparetic stroke survivors affected by PSS already addressed to BoNT-A treatment. Contralateral handgrip strength and ANS parameters, such as heart rate variability, impedance cardiography values, and respiratory sinus arrythmia, were measured 24 h before (T0) and 10 days after (T1) the ultrasound (US)-guided BoNT-A injection. At T1, neither strength loss nor modification of the basal ANS patterns were found. These findings support recent literature about the safety profile of BoNT-A, endorsing the importance of the US guide for a precise targeting and the sparing of “critical” structures as vessels and nerves.
Genome-Wide Characterization Reveals Variation Potentially Involved in Pathogenicity and Mycotoxins Biosynthesis of Fusarium proliferatum Causing Spikelet Rot Disease in Rice
Authors: Wang Ling , Ge Shuailing , Liang Wenhao , Liao Weiyang , Li Wen , Jiao Gui’ai , Wei Xiangjin , Shao Gaoneng , Xie Lihong , Sheng Zhonghua , Hu Shikai , Tang Shaoqing , Hu Peisong
Published: August 2022

Fusarium proliferatum is the primary cause of spikelet rot disease in rice (Oryza sativa L.) in China. The pathogen not only infects a wide range of cereals, causing severe yield losses but also contaminates grains by producing various mycotoxins that are hazardous to humans and animals. Here, we firstly reported the whole-genome sequence of F. proliferatum strain Fp9 isolated from the rice spikelet. The genome was approximately 43.9 Mb with an average GC content of 48.28%, and it was assembled into 12 scaffolds with an N50 length of 4,402,342 bp. There is a close phylogenetic relationship between F. proliferatum and Fusarium fujikuroi, the causal agent of the bakanae disease of rice. The expansion of genes encoding cell wall-degrading enzymes and major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporters was observed in F. proliferatum relative to other fungi with different nutritional lifestyles. Species-specific genes responsible for mycotoxins biosynthesis were identified among F. proliferatum and other Fusarium species. The expanded and unique genes were supposed to promote F. proliferatum adaptation and the rapid response to the host’s infection. The high-quality genome of F. proliferatum strain Fp9 provides a valuable resource for deciphering the mechanisms of pathogenicity and secondary metabolism, and therefore shed light on development of the disease management strategies and detoxification of mycotoxins contamination for spikelet rot disease in rice.
Physiological Response of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) to Long-Term Exposure to an Anesthetic Obtained from Heterosigma akashiwo
Authors: Gonçalves Ana Teresa , Llanos-Rivera Alejandra , Ruano Miguel , Avello Veronica , Gallardo-Rodriguez Juan José , Astuya-Villalón Allisson
Published: August 2022

Despite the invaluable role of anesthetics as a tool for ensuring animal welfare in stressful situations, there is currently a lack of anesthetic drugs that meet the requirements of intensive aquaculture. In response to the growing interest in anesthetic substances of natural origin, this study evaluated the physiological and health impact of an anesthetic based on an extract of the microalga Heterosigma akashiwo on juvenile salmon (Salmo salar) exposed for a period of 72 h. To simulate a condition closer to reality where fish are subjected to stimuli (e.g., transport), the animals were exposed to 50 mg L−1 of algal extract and to physical stress. Functional, physiological, and histological parameters were evaluated in blood and tissues at different sampling periods (0, 24, and 72 h). There was no mortality and the induction and recovery times observed were within the established criteria for anesthetic efficacy. The anesthetic extract did not induce any side effects, such as stress or metabolic damage, indicating that this extract is a viable option for supporting fish welfare during deleterious events. This study provides information to support that the anesthetic extract tested, derived from H. akashiwo, is a promising candidate drug for operations requiring sedation (e.g., Salmonid transport).
Self-Assembly of Porcine Parvovirus Virus-like Particles and Their Application in Serological Assay
Authors: Gao Yanfei , Wang Haiwei , Wang Shanghui , Sun Mingxia , Fang Zheng , Liu Xinran , Cai Xuehui , Tu Yabin
Published: August 2022

Porcine parvovirus (PPV) is widely prevalent in pig farms. PPV is closely related to porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) and porcine circovirus disease (PCVD), which seriously threatens the healthy development of the pig industry. Although commercial antibody detection kits are available, they are expensive and unsuitable for large-scale clinical practice. Here, a soluble VP2 protein of PPV is efficiently expressed in the E. coli expression system. The VP2 protein can be self-assembled into virus-like particles (VLPs) in vitro. After multiple steps of chromatography purification, PPV-VLPs with a purity of about 95% were obtained. An indirect, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA), comparable to a commercial PPV kit, was developed based on the purified PPV-VLPs and was used to detect 487 clinical pig serum samples. The results showed that the I-ELISA is a simple, cost-effective, and efficient method for the diagnosis of clinical pig serum and plasma samples. In summary, high-purity, tag-free PPV-VLPs were prepared, and the established VLP-based I-ELISA is of great significance for the sero-monitoring of antibodies against PPV.
ASFV Gene A151R Is Involved in the Process of Virulence in Domestic Swine
Authors: Ramirez-Medina Elizabeth , Vuono Elizabeth , Pruitt Sarah , Rai Ayushi , Espinoza Nallely , Valladares Alyssa , Spinard Edward , Silva Ediane , Velazquez-Salinas Lauro , Gladue Douglas P. , Borca Manuel V.
Published: August 2022

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is the etiological agent of a swine pandemic affecting a large geographical area extending from Central Europe to Asia. The viral disease was also recently identified in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. ASFV is a structurally complex virus with a large dsDNA genome that encodes for more than 150 genes. Most of these genes have not been experimentally characterized. One of these genes, A151R, encodes for a nonstructural protein and has been reported to be required for the replication of a Vero-cell-adapted ASFV strain. Here, we evaluated the role of the A151R gene in the context of the highly virulent field isolate Georgia 2010 (ASFV-G) during virus replication in swine macrophage cell cultures and during experimental infection in swine. We show that the recombinant virus ASFV-G-∆A151R, harboring a deletion of the A151R gene, replicated in swine macrophage cultures as efficiently as the parental virus ASFV-G, indicating that the A151R gene is not required for ASFV replication in swine macrophages. Interestingly, experimental infection of domestic pigs demonstrated that ASFV-G-∆A151R had a decreased replication rate and produced a drastic reduction in virus virulence. Animals were intramuscularly inoculated with 102 HAD50 of ASFV-G-∆A151R and compared with pigs receiving a similar dose of virulent ASFV-G. All ASFV-G-infected pigs developed an acute lethal form of the disease, while those inoculated with ASFV-G-∆A151R remained healthy during the 28-day observational period, with the exception of only one showing a protracted, but fatal, form of the disease. All ASFV-G-∆A151R surviving animals presented protracted viremias with lower virus titers than those detected in ASFV-G-infected animals. In addition, three out of the four animals surviving the infection with ASFV-G-∆A151R were protected against the challenge with the virulent parental virus ASFV-G. This is the first report indicating that the ASFV A151R gene is involved in virus virulence in domestic swine, suggesting that its deletion may be used to increase the safety profile of currently experimental vaccines.
Predicting Epitope Candidates for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Agarwal Akshay , Beck Kristen L. , Capponi Sara , Kunitomi Mark , Nayar Gowri , Seabolt Edward , Mahadeshwar Gandhar , Bianco Simone , Mukherjee Vandana , Kaufman James H.
Published: August 2022

Epitopes are short amino acid sequences that define the antigen signature to which an antibody or T cell receptor binds. In light of the current pandemic, epitope analysis and prediction are paramount to improving serological testing and developing vaccines. In this paper, known epitope sequences from SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and other Coronaviridae were leveraged to identify additional antigen regions in 62K SARS-CoV-2 genomes. Additionally, we present epitope distribution across SARS-CoV-2 genomes, locate the most commonly found epitopes, and discuss where epitopes are located on proteins and how epitopes can be grouped into classes. The mutation density of different protein regions is presented using a big data approach. It was observed that there are 112 B cell and 279 T cell conserved epitopes between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV, with more diverse sequences found in Nucleoprotein and Spike glycoprotein.
Chikungunya Virus E2 Structural Protein B-Cell Epitopes Analysis
Authors: Silva João Paulo da Cruz , Cunha Marielton dos Passos , Pour Shahab Zaki , Hering Vitor Renaux , Neto Daniel Ferreira de Lima , Zanotto Paolo Marinho de Andrade
Published: August 2022

The Togaviridae family comprises a large and diverse group of viruses responsible for recurrent outbreaks in humans. Within this family, the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an important Alphavirus in terms of morbidity, mortality, and economic impact on humans in different regions of the world. The objective of this study was to perform an IgG epitope recognition of the CHIKV’s structural proteins E2 and E3 using linear synthetic peptides recognized by serum from patients in the convalescence phase of infection. The serum samples used were collected in the state of Sergipe, Brazil in 2016. Based on the results obtained using immunoinformatic predictions, synthetic B-cell peptides corresponding to the epitopes of structural proteins E2 and E3 of the CHIKV were analyzed by the indirect peptide ELISA technique. Protein E2 was the main target of the immune response, and three conserved peptides, corresponding to peptides P3 and P4 located at Domain A and P5 at the end of Domain B, were identified. The peptides P4 and P5 were the most reactive and specific among the 11 epitopes analyzed and showed potential for use in serological diagnostic trials and development and/or improvement of the Chikungunya virus diagnosis and vaccine design.
The Role of Psychological Factors and Vaccine Conspiracy Beliefs in Influenza Vaccine Hesitancy and Uptake among Jordanian Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sallam Malik , Ghazy Ramy Mohamed , Al-Salahat Khaled , Al-Mahzoum Kholoud , AlHadidi Nadin Mohammad , Eid Huda , Kareem Nariman , Al-Ajlouni Eyad , Batarseh Rawan , Ababneh Nidaa A. , Sallam Mohammed , Alsanafi Mariam , Umakanthan Srikanth , Al-Tammemi Ala’a B. , Bakri Faris G. , Harapan Harapan , Mahafzah Azmi , Al Awaidy Salah T.
Published: August 2022

Vaccination to prevent influenza virus infection and to lessen its severity is recommended among healthcare workers (HCWs). Health professionals have a higher risk of exposure to viruses and could transmit the influenza virus to vulnerable patients who are prone to severe disease and mortality. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the levels of influenza vaccine acceptance and uptake as well as its determinants, among Jordanian HCWs over the last influenza season of 2021/2022. This study was based on a self-administered electronic survey that was distributed in March 2022. Psychological determinants of influenza vaccine acceptance and vaccine conspiracy beliefs were assessed using the previously validated 5C scale questionnaire (confidence, complacency, constraints, calculation and collective responsibility) and the vaccine conspiracy beliefs scale. The study sample comprised a total of 1218 HCWs: nurses (n = 412, 33.8%), physicians (n = 367, 30.1%), medical technicians (n = 182, 14.9%), pharmacists (n = 161, 13.2%) and dentists (n = 87, 7.1%), among others. About two-thirds of the study sample expressed willingness to receive influenza vaccination if provided free of charge (n = 807, 66.3%), whereas less than one-third were willing to pay for the vaccine (n = 388, 31.9%). The self-reported uptake of the influenza vaccine in the last influenza season was 62.8%. The following factors were significantly associated with higher acceptance of influenza vaccination if provided freely, as opposed to vaccine hesitancy/rejection: male sex; physicians and dentists among HCW categories; higher confidence and collective responsibility; and lower complacency, constraints and calculation. Higher influenza vaccine uptake was significantly correlated with nurses and physicians among HCW categories, older age, a higher monthly income, higher confidence and collective responsibility, lower complacency and constraints and lower embrace of general vaccine conspiracy beliefs. The results of the current study can provide helpful clues to improve influenza vaccine coverage among HCWs in Jordan. Consequently, this can help to protect vulnerable patient groups and reserve valuable resources in healthcare settings. Psychological determinants appeared to be the most significant factors for vaccine acceptance and uptake, whereas the embrace of general vaccine conspiracy beliefs was associated with lower rates of influenza vaccine uptake, which should be considered in educational and interventional measures aiming to promote influenza vaccination.
Rapid Implementation of a Community–Academic Partnership Model to Promote COVID-19 Vaccine Equity within Racially and Ethnically Minoritized Communities
Authors: Abdul-Mutakabbir Jacinda C. , Granillo Cristie , Peteet Bridgette , Dubov Alex , Montgomery Susanne B. , Hutchinson Jasmine , Casey Samuel , Simmons Kelvin , Fajardo Alex , Belliard Juan Carlos
Published: August 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has highlighted inequities in mortalities and associated illnesses among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic/Latino individuals. Immunization against COVID-19 is critical to ending the pandemic, especially within racial and ethnically minoritized communities. However, vaccine hesitancy and institutional mistrust in these communities, resulting from decades of mistreatment, structural racism, and barriers to vaccination access, have translated into low vaccination uptake. Trustworthy relationships with healthcare professionals and partnerships with faith and community leaders are critical to increasing vaccination rates within these minoritized communities. Loma Linda University researchers collaborated with local faith and community organizations in San Bernardino County, CA, to rapidly implement a three-tiered approach to increase the vaccination rates within non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic/Latino communities. This community–academic partnership model provided over 1700 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine within these vaccine-hesitant, targeted minoritized communities. As over 100,000 individuals are diagnosed with COVID-19 daily and updated vaccines targeting variants of the Omicron strain are expected to rollout in the coming months, the development of sustainable programs aimed at increasing vaccine uptake within vulnerable communities are of the utmost importance.
Current Vaccine Platforms in Enhancing T-Cell Response
Authors: Ura Takehiro , Takeuchi Masaki , Kawagoe Tatsukata , Mizuki Nobuhisa , Okuda Kenji , Shimada Masaru
Published: August 2022

The induction of T cell-mediated immunity is crucial in vaccine development. The most effective vaccine is likely to employ both cellular and humoral immune responses. The efficacy of a vaccine depends on T cells activated by antigen-presenting cells. T cells also play a critical role in the duration and cross-reactivity of vaccines. Moreover, pre-existing T-cell immunity is associated with a decreased severity of infectious diseases. Many technical and delivery platforms have been designed to induce T cell-mediated vaccine immunity. The immunogenicity of vaccines is enhanced by controlling the kinetics and targeted delivery. Viral vectors are attractive tools that enable the intracellular expression of foreign antigens and induce robust immunity. However, it is necessary to select an appropriate viral vector considering the existing anti-vector immunity that impairs vaccine efficacy. mRNA vaccines have the advantage of rapid and low-cost manufacturing and have been approved for clinical use as COVID-19 vaccines for the first time. mRNA modification and nanomaterial encapsulation can help address mRNA instability and translation efficacy. This review summarizes the T cell responses of vaccines against various infectious diseases based on vaccine technologies and delivery platforms and discusses the future directions of these cutting-edge platforms.
Multivariate Statistical Analysis of the Phytoplankton Interactions with Physicochemical and Meteorological Parameters in Volcanic Crater Lakes from Azores
Authors: Lopes João , Pinto Afonso Silva , Eleutério Telmo , Meirelles Maria Gabriela , Vasconcelos Helena Cristina
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to identify the key factors influencing the phytoplankton development in four lakes on the island of São Miguel (Azores). We used a multivariate analysis of biological parameters (phytoplankton), physicochemical parameters, and meteorological data. Data were collected between 2003 and 2018 in the volcanic Lakes of Sete Cidades (Green and Blue), Fogo, and Furnas. The ecosystems of these bodies of water are increasingly vulnerable to anthropogenic activities (increasing human pressure) as well as to changing climate patterns. This analysis is the first exploratory approach to this dataset to explore trends and patterns of evolution from a multivariate perspective. This approach is also intended to improve understanding of the conditions that favor the emergence of different Cyanobacterial divisions. For this purpose, several statistical and chemometric methods were used, such as analysis of variance (ANOVA) and principal component analysis (PCA). Multivariate models combining biological and meteorological data focused from 2010 to 2012. The results from the PCA models showed that the abundance of Bacillariophyta, Dinophyta, and Cryptophyta phyla are correlated and appear to be influenced by high levels of precipitation, evaporation, and wind speed. On the other hand, the Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta, and Chrysophyta phyla appear to be more correlated with high values of air temperature, water temperature, and radiation. Also, the Euglenophyta phylum appears to be associated with low levels of precipitation, evaporation and wind speed, and high temperatures. Finally, we can conclude that these lakes have endured physicochemical parameters over the past 15 years, meaning that the measures adopted to monitor and protect the lakes are effective.
Variability in Minimal-Damage Sap Flow Observations and Whole-Tree Transpiration Estimates in a Coniferous Forest
Authors: Yang Junjun , He Zhibin , Lin Pengfei , Du Jun , Tian Quanyan , Feng Jianmin , Liu Yufeng , Guo Lingxia , Wang Guohua , Yan Jialiang , Zhao Weijun
Published: August 2022

Transpiration is fundamental to the understanding of the ecophysiology of planted forests in arid ecosystems, and it is one of the most uncertain components in the ecosystem water balance. The objective of this study was to quantify differences in whole-tree transpiration estimates obtained with a heat ratio probe in a secondary Qinghai spruce (Picea crassifolia) forest. To do this, we analyzed the sap flux density values obtained with sensors installed in (1) holes drilled in the preceding growing season (treatment) and (2) holes drilled in the current year (control). The study was conducted in a catchment in the Qilian Mountains of western China. The results showed that an incomplete diameter at breast height (DBH) range contributed to 28.5% of the overestimation of the sapwood area when the DBH > 10 cm and 22.6% of the underestimation of the sapwood area when the DBH < 5 cm. At daily scales, there were significant differences in both the quantity and magnitude of the sap flux density between the treatment and control groups. Furthermore, a linear regression function (R2 = 0.96, p < 0.001), which was almost parallel to the 1:1 reference line, was obtained for the sap flux density correction for the treatment group, and the daily sap flux density and whole-tree transpiration were underestimated by 36.8 and 37.5%, respectively, at the half-hour scale. This study illustrates uncertainties and a correction function for sap flow estimations in young Qinghai spruce trees when using heat ratio sensors with minimal damage over multiple growing seasons.
Identifying Thresholds, Regime Shifts, and Early Warning Signals Using Long-Term Streamflow Data in the Transboundary Rio Grande–Rio Bravo Basin
Authors: Garza-Díaz Laura E. , Sandoval-Solis Samuel
Published: August 2022

As the centerpiece of ecosystems and human societies, river basins are complex social–ecological systems (SESs) that depend on the natural flow regime and the hydrologic variability to adapt to changes and absorb disturbances. Anthropogenic and climate change disturbances destabilize river systems. Therefore, a resilience question arises: What is the carrying capacity of a river basin, i.e., how much disturbance can a river basin take until the system undergoes a regime shift? To answer this question, this study aims to identify regime shifts, thresholds, and the carrying capacity of the transboundary Rio Grande–Rio Bravo (RGB) basin using 110 years of monthly streamflow data. To address this research question, first, gauged (regulated) and naturalized streamflow data is collected; if naturalized flows are not available, they are calculated through streamflow naturalization. Second, streamflow standardization is estimated using the streamflow drought index. Third, a regime shift assessment is performed using Fisher Index, and fourth, the nonparametric Mann-Kendall test is used to assess the Sustainable Regime Hypothesis which evaluates regime shifts and alternative regimes. Results demonstrate that resilience thresholds are surpassed, and regime shifts, including early warning signals, occurred in multiple locations of a transboundary basin. The present study highlights the importance of assessing the carrying capacity of a river basin; hence, evaluating regime transitions, including identifying early warning signals and thresholds, is critical in managing for sustainability and ecological resilience of SESs. Looking ahead, the integration of ecological resilience theory into water management has the potential to recognize the sustainable carrying capacity of river basins at the local, regional, and international scale.