bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Response of Chromosomally Engineered Durum Wheat-Thinopyrum ponticum Recombinant Lines to the Application of Heat and Water-Deficit Stresses: Effects on Physiological, Biochemical and Yield-Related Traits
Authors: Giovenali Gloria , Kuzmanović Ljiljana , Capoccioni Alessandra , Ceoloni Carla
Published: February 2023

Abiotic stress occurrence and magnitude are alarmingly intensifying worldwide. In the Mediterranean basin, heat waves and precipitation scarcity heavily affect major crops such as durum wheat (DW). In the search for tolerant genotypes, the identification of genes/QTL in wild wheat relatives, naturally adapted to harsh environments, represents a useful strategy. We tested three DW-Thinopyrum ponticum recombinant lines (R5+, R112+, R23+), their control sibs lacking any alien introgression, and the heat-tolerant cv. Margherita for their physiological, biochemical and yield response to heat stress (HS) application at anthesis, also in combination with water-deficit stress applied from booting until maturity. Under HS, R5+ and R112+ (23%- and 28%-long 7el1L Th. ponticum chromosome segment distally inserted on DW 7AL, respectively) showed remarkable stability of the yield-related traits; in turn, R23+ (40%-long 7el1L segment), despite a decreased grain yield, exhibited a greater spike fertility index and proline content in spike than its control sib. Under water-deficit + HS, R5+ showed the highest increment in water use efficiency and in flag leaf proline content, accompanied by the lowest yield penalty even vs. Margherita. This research confirms the value of harnessing wild gene pools to enhance DW stress tolerance and represents a starting point for elucidating the mechanisms of Thinopyrum spp. contribution to this relevant breeding target.
Palliating Salt Stress in Mustard through Plant-Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria: Regulation of Secondary Metabolites, Osmolytes, Antioxidative Enzymes and Stress Ethylene
Authors: Khan Varisha , Umar Shahid , Iqbal Noushina
Published: February 2023

The severity of salt stress is alarming for crop growth and production and it threatens food security. Strategies employed for the reduction in stress are not always eco-friendly or sustainable. Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) could provide an alternative sustainable stress reduction strategy owning to its role in various metabolic processes. In this study, we have used two strains of PGPR, Pseudomonas fluorescens (NAIMCC-B-00340) and Azotobacter chroococcum Beijerinck 1901 (MCC 2351), either singly or in combination, and studied their effect in the amelioration of salt toxicity in mustard cultivar Pusa Jagannath via its influence on plants’ antioxidants’ metabolism, photosynthesis and growth. Individually, the impact of Pseudomonas fluorescens was better in reducing stress ethylene, oxidative stress, photosynthesis and growth but maximal alleviation was observed with their combined application. MDA and H2O2 content as indicator of oxidative stress decreased by 27.86% and 45.18% and osmolytes content (proline and glycine-betaine) increased by 38.8% and 26.3%, respectively, while antioxidative enzymes (SOD, CAT, APX and GR) increased by 58.40, 25.65, 81.081 and 55.914%, respectively, over salt-treated plants through the application of Pseudomonas fluorescens. The combined application maximally resulted in more cell viability and less damage to the leaf with lesser superoxide generation due to higher antioxidative enzymes and reduced glutathione formation (GSH). Considering the obtained results, we can supplement the PGPR in combination to plants subjected to salt stress, prevent photosynthetic and growth reduction, and increase the yield of plants.
Biocontrol Activity of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants and Their Bioactive Components against Soil-Borne Pathogens
Authors: Greff Babett , Sáhó András , Lakatos Erika , Varga László
Published: February 2023

Soil-borne phytopathogens can have detrimental effects on both cereal and horticultural crops resulting in serious losses worldwide. Due to their high efficiency and easy applicability, synthetic pesticides are still the primary choice in modern plant disease control systems, but stringent regulations and increasing environmental concerns make the search for sustainable alternatives more pressing than ever. In addition to the incorporation of botanicals into agricultural practices, the diversification of cropping systems with aromatic and medicinal plants is also an effective tool to control plant diseases through providing nutrients and shaping soil microbial communities. However, these techniques are not universally accepted and may negatively affect soil fertility if their application is not thoroughly controlled. Because the biocontrol potential of aromatic and medicinal plants has been extensively examined over the past decades, the present study aims to overview the recent literature concerning the biopesticide effect of secondary metabolites derived from aromatic and medicinal plants on important soil-borne plant pathogens including bacteria, fungi, and nematodes. Most of the investigated herbs belong to the family of Lamiaceae (e.g., Origanum spp., Salvia spp., Thymus spp., Mentha spp., etc.) and have been associated with potent antimicrobial activity, primarily due to their chemical constituents. The most frequently tested organisms include fungi, such as Rhizoctonia spp., Fusarium spp., and Phytophthora spp., which may be highly persistent in soil. Despite the intense research efforts dedicated to the development of plant-based pesticides, only a few species of aromatic herbs are utilized for the production of commercial formulations due to inconsistent efficiency, lack of field verification, costs, and prolonged authorization requirements. However, recycling the wastes from aromatic and medicinal plant-utilizing industries may offer an economically feasible way to improve soil health and reduce environmental burdens at the same time. Overall, this review provides comprehensive knowledge on the efficiency of aromatic herb-based plant protection techniques, and it also highlights the importance of exploiting the residues generated by aromatic plant-utilizing sectors as part of agro-industrial processes.
Delineation of Genotype X Environment Interaction for Grain Yield in Spring Barley under Untreated and Fungicide-Treated Environments
Authors: Thuraga Vishnukiran , Martinsson Ulrika Dyrlund , Vetukuri Ramesh R , Chawade Aakash
Published: February 2023

Barley (Hordeul vulgare L.) is the fourth most important cereal crop based on production and cultivated area. Biotic stresses, especially fungal diseases in barley, are devastating, incurring high possibilities of absolute yield loss. Identifying superior and stable yielding genotypes is crucial for accompanying the increasing barley demand. However, the identification and recommendation of superior genotypes is challenging due to the interaction between genotype and environment. Hence, the present investigation was aimed at evaluating the grain yield of different sets of spring barley genotypes when undergoing one of two treatments (no treatment and fungicide treatment) laid out in an alpha lattice design in six to seven locations for five years, through additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), GGE biplot (genotype + genotype X environment), and stability analysis. The combined analysis of variance indicated that the environment was the main factor that contributed to the variation in grain yield, followed by genotype X environment interaction (GEI) effects and genotypic effects. Ten mega environments (MEs) with five MEs from each of the treatments harboured well-adapted, stable yielding genotypes. Exploiting the stable yielding genotypes with discreet use of the representative and discriminative environments identified in the present study could aid in breeding for the improvement of grain yield in spring barley genotypes.
Quantitative Trait Loci for Genotype and Genotype by Environment Interaction Effects for Seed Yield Plasticity to Terminal Water-Deficit Conditions in Canola (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Raman Harsh , Shamaya Nawar , Pirathiban Ramethaa , McVittie Brett , Raman Rosy , Cullis Brian , Easton Andrew
Published: February 2023

Canola plants suffer severe crop yield and oil content reductions when exposed to water-deficit conditions, especially during the reproductive stages of plant development. There is a pressing need to develop canola cultivars that can perform better under increased water-deficit conditions with changing weather patterns. In this study, we analysed genetic determinants for the main effects of quantitative trait loci (QTL), (Q), and the interaction effects of QTL and Environment (QE) underlying seed yield and related traits utilising 223 doubled haploid (DH) lines of canola in well-watered and water-deficit conditions under a rainout shelter. Moderate water-deficit at the pre-flowering stage reduced the seed yield to 40.8%. Multi-environmental QTL analysis revealed 23 genomic regions associated with days to flower (DTF), plant height (PH) and seed yield (SY) under well-watered and water-deficit conditions. Three seed yield QTL for main effects were identified on chromosomes A09, C03, and C09, while two were related to QE interactions on A02 and C09. Two QTL regions were co-localised to similar genomic regions for flowering time and seed yield (A09) and the second for plant height and chlorophyll content. The A09 QTL was co-located with a previously mapped QTL for carbon isotope discrimination (Δ13C) that showed a positive relationship with seed yield in the same population. Opposite allelic effects for plasticity in seed yield were identified due to QE interactions in response to water stress on chromosomes A02 and C09. Our results showed that QTL’s allelic effects for DTF, PH, and SY and their correlation with Δ13C are stable across environments (field conditions, previous study) and contrasting water regimes (this study). The QTL and DH lines that showed high yield under well-watered and water-deficit conditions could be used to manipulate water-use efficiency for breeding improved canola cultivars.
Preparation and Characterization of Polypropylene/Sepiolite Nanocomposites for Potential Application in Automotive Lightweight Materials
Authors: Wu Guofeng , Lei Liang , Wu Yijian , Yu Fei , Li Jianjun , He Hui
Published: February 2023

Polypropylene (PP)/sepiolite nanocomposites were prepared using the melt blending technique. The effects of nano-sepiolite content on the mechanical property, thermal property, crystallinity, morphology and rheological property of PP/sepiolite nanocomposites were investigated. The organic modified sepiolites (OSep) were dispersed evenly in PP matrix after surface treatment. The addition of OSep improved the storage modulus and thermal stability, showing a strong interaction between OSep and PP matrix. With the increase of OSep content, the fluidity of PP/OSep composites first increased due to the lubrication of surface modifiers and then decreased due to the interaction between OSep and PP. The size of the toughening agent elastomer first increased and then decreased, and the impact notched strength of PP/Osep composites first decreased and then increased. The loading of OSep also reduced the crystallinity and shrinkage rate of PP. PP/OSep nanocomposites have potential applications in high-performance automotive lightweight materials.
A Comprehensive Review on the Nucleate/Convective Boiling of Low-GWP Refrigerants: Alternatives to HFC Refrigerants
Authors: Shafiq Qadir Nawaz , Liaw Jane-Sunn , Wang Chi-Chuan
Published: February 2023

This review presents the nucleate/convective boiling performance for a variety of important low global warming potential (LGWP) alternatives to commonly used high-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants (such as R-134a, R404A, and R-410A, etc.). Efforts are stressed on the assessment of their evaporation pressure drop and heat transfer coefficient (HTC) characteristics. These alternatives include R-1234ze(Z), R-1234ze(E), R-1233zd (E), R-1234ze(E), R-410A, R-1234yf, and R-513A. The authors investigated the thermo-fluid properties within and outside a tube, mini-channel, micro-fin tube, and plate heat exchanger. The investigation of the numerical, experimental, and simulated results revealed that the evaporation pressure drop and HTC characteristics were dependent on a variety of variables. These factors include the working fluid’s thermodynamics and transport properties, the refrigerant’s mass flux, heat flux, saturation temperature, the vapor quality, the conditions and flow patterns, the orientation of the heating surface, and the geometry (shape, size, and surface area smooth/enhanced) of the heating surface. An expanded LGWP refrigerants, surfaces, and conditions database is needed. Mechanistic models may assist. These models can optimize boiling, anticipate heat transfer, and develop high-performance geometries.
Mathematical Modeling and Optimization of Ultrasonic Pre-Treatment for Drying of Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata)
Authors: Karlović Sven , Dujmić Filip , Brnčić Suzana Rimac , Sabolović Marija Badanjak , Ninčević Grassino Antonela , Škegro Marko , Šimić Marko Adrian , Brnčić Mladen
Published: February 2023

Innovations in food drying processes are usually aimed at reducing drying time and improving the overall properties of dried products. These are important issues from an economic and environmental point of view and can contribute to the sustainability of the whole process. In this study, the effects of ultrasonic treatment on the drying kinetics of pumpkin pulp are investigated, and mathematical models to predict the drying kinetics are analyzed and optimized. The results show that ultrasonic pretreatment significantly reduces drying time from 451 to 268 min, with optimal processing parameters at 90% of the maximum ultrasonic power and a processing time of 45 min. The total color change of the samples was the lowest at the obtained optimal processing parameters. Based on the values (RMSE and R2) of the investigated mathematical drying models, it was found that the Weibull model is the best fit for the experimental data and is considered suitable for the drying kinetics of ultrasonically pretreated pumpkin samples. In this study, an artificial neural network with 15 neurons in hidden layers was also used to model the drying process in combination with ultrasound pretreatment. The network had a performance of 0.999987 and the mean square error was 8.03 × 10−5, showing how artificial neural networks can successfully predict the effects of all tested process variables on the drying time/moisture ratio.
High-Efficiency Stepped Separation and Recoveries of Vanadium and Molybdenum via Low-Temperature Carbonation Conversion of High-Chromium Vanadium Residue
Authors: Zhang Jiahao , Xue Nannan , Zhang Yimin , Zheng Qiushi
Published: February 2023

High-chromium vanadium residue (HCVR (HCVR: high-chromium vanadium residue)) is an important secondary resource of valuable metals such as vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), and molybdenum (Mo). The mainstream technology for the utilization of HCVR, the Na2CO3-assisted-roasting–water-leaching method, usually requires roasting temperatures of more than 800 °C and results in the synchronous leaching of Cr with V and Mo. This makes the subsequent separation of V, Mo, and Cr in the aqueous system difficult. In this study, an efficient and clean process for the selective separation of Cr and stepped recoveries of V and Mo from HCVR is proposed via K2CO3-mediated carbonation conversion. Using this process, the roasting temperature can be reduced from more than 800 °C to 200 °C, and 83.14%, 99.94%, and 0.33% of V, Mo, and Cr, respectively, can be leached. Further, using the weakly alkaline ammonium-salt and sulfide precipitation methods, 98.28% pure V2O5 and 98.65% pure MoS2 can be obtained and the recoveries of V and Mo can reach 82.47% and 98.88%, respectively. While almost all Mo can be recovered from the HCVR, Cr and some V might be present as a stable ferrochrome spinel in the tailing, which may be returned to the main process for the extraction of V and Cr from vanadium slag. Thus, K2CO3 might be a more effective alternative to Na2CO3 for the separation and recovery of V and Mo from HCVR and, hence, may enable its more efficient utilization.
Application of Improved PNN in Transformer Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Zhang Xunyou , Sun Zuo
Published: February 2023

A transformer is an important part of the power system. Existing transformer fault diagnosis methods are still limited by the accuracy and efficiency of the solution and excessively rely on manpower. In this paper, a novel neural network is designed to overcome this issue. Based on the traditional method of judging the ratio of dissolved gas in transformer internal insulation oil, a fast fault diagnosis model of a transformer was built with an improved probabilistic neural network (PNN). The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was used to find the global optimal smoothing factor and improve the fault diagnosis accuracy of PNN. The transformer fault diagnosis model based on improved PNN not only eliminates the influence of human subjective factors but also significantly improves the diagnosis speed and accuracy, meeting the requirements for real-time application in practical projects. The feasibility and effectiveness of the method proposed in this paper are illustrated by a case study of actual data. Through analysis and comparison, the diagnostic accuracy of the proposed method is 10% higher than that of the general BPNN and 5% higher than that of the traditional PNN on the premise of ensuring the efficiency of the solution.
Performance Evaluation of Hydroponic Wastewater Treatment Plant Integrated with Ensemble Learning Techniques: A Feature Selection Approach
Authors: Mustafa Hauwa , Hayder Gasim , Abba S. , Algarni Abeer , Mnzool Mohammed , Nour Abdurahman
Published: February 2023

Wastewater treatment and reuse are being regarded as the most effective strategy for combating water scarcity threats. This study examined and reported the applications of the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence in the phytoremediation of wastewater using Salvinia molesta plants. Water quality (WQ) indicators (total dissolved solids (TDS), temperature, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), and turbidity) of the S. molesta treatment system at a retention time of 24 h were measured using an Arduino IoT device. Finally, four machine learning tools (ML) were employed in modeling and evaluating the predicted concentration of the total dissolved solids after treatment (TDSt) of the water samples. Additionally, three nonlinear error ensemble methods were used to enhance the prediction accuracy of the TDSt models. The outcome obtained from the modeling and prediction of the TDSt depicted that the best results were observed at SVM-M1 with 0.9999, 0.0139, 1.0000, and 0.1177 for R2, MSE, R, and RMSE, respectively, at the training stage. While at the validation stage, the R2, MSE, R, and RMSE were recorded as 0.9986, 0.0356, 0.993, and 0.1887, respectively. Furthermore, the error ensemble techniques employed significantly outperformed the single models in terms of mean square error (MSE) and root mean square error (RMSE) for both training and validation, with 0.0014 and 0.0379, respectively.
Pressure Relief-Type Overpressure Distribution Prediction Model Based on Seepage and Stress Coupling
Authors: Liao Gaolong , Guo Shusheng , Wang Chao , Shen Yuan , Gao Yanfang
Published: February 2023

At present, great progress has been made in the prediction of undercompaction and fluid expansion overpressure. However, in recent years, the field has frequently encountered pressure relief-type overpressure. Different from primary overpressure, such as undercompaction and fluid expansion, this type of overpressure belongs to secondary overpressure, which has a certain concealment in response to seismic velocity and logging data. Based on this, a geological analysis model of pressure relief-type overpressure was established according to the seepage and stress coupling theory. The model can realize the prediction of pressure relief range and pressure distribution, which provides a new way to predict this kind of overpressure. The influence of the laws of porosity, permeability, and geological movement on pressure relief were analyzed. The research results provide a new method for the prediction of pressure relief-type overpressure and improving the basic guarantee of safe and efficient drilling.
Variable Fluid Characteristics’ Impacts on the Dissipative and Chemically Reactive Fluid Flow across a Stretched Surface
Authors: Alrehili Mohammed , Alrihieli Haifaa
Published: February 2023

This article’s goal was to explain how chemical reaction and viscous dissipation affect a non-Newtonian Cross-fluid in a boundary layer flow due to a stretching sheet with variable fluid properties. The results were obtained after assuming laminar, steady, and viscous flow characteristics. In this study, the analysis took into account the characteristics of the fluid variable diffusivity and slip velocity. It was considered that fluid viscosity and thermal conductivity are temperaturedependent variables. Because of their mobility, non-Newtonian fluid particles are thought to interact chemically. The physical problem is governed by a set of partial differential equations that are not linear. Anumerical solution was reached usingNewton’s shooting methodology and the Runge–Kutta integration technique. A set of figures displays the distributions of the temperature, concentration, and velocity at various physical parameter values. The influence of all physical parameters is shown in tabular form together with the local Sherwood number, drag force, and local Nusselt number. A key conclusion was that the temperature profile of the nanofluid increases as the mixed convection parameter and Eckert number rise. Furthermore, both the Sherwood number and the Nusselt number decreased as the slip velocity parameter increased. Last but not least, the results proved that the suggested numerical approach, which offers a reliable description of the flow and heat mass transfer mechanism, is effective.
Analyzing the Impact of Ungauged Hill Torrents on the Riverine Floods of the River Indus: A Case Study of Koh E Suleiman Mountains in the DG Khan and Rajanpur Districts of Pakistan
Authors: Saleem Maaz , Arfan Muhammad , Ansari Kamran , Hassan Daniyal
Published: February 2023

Floods are one of the most destructive natural hazards in Pakistan, causing significant damage. During monsoons, when westerly winds and concentrated rainfall occur in rivers’ catchments, floods become unmanageable. Given the limited resources of Pakistan, there has been minimal effort to quantify the amount of rainfall and runoff generated by ungauged catchments. In this study, ten hill torrents in Koh e Suleiman (District Rajanpur and DG Khan), an area affected by flash flooding in 2022 due to extreme precipitation events, were investigated. The Hydrologic Engineering Centre’s Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS), a semi-distributed event-based hydrological model, was used to delineate streams and quantify runoff. Statistical analysis of the rainfall trends was performed using the non-parametric Gumbel extreme value analysis type I distribution, the Mann–Kendall test, and Sen’s slope. The results of the study show that the total inflow to the river Indus is 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, and 0.8 MAF for 25, 50, 100, and 200 years of return period rainfall, respectively. This study presents appropriate storage options with a retention potential of 0.14, 1.14, and 1.13 MAF based on an analysis of the hydrology of these hill torrents to enhance the spate irrigation potential as flood control in the future.
Hierarchical Plan Execution for Cooperative UxV Missions
Authors: de Gier Jan , Bergmans Jeroen , Hildmann Hanno
Published: February 2023

A generic reasoning approach for autonomous unmanned vehicle (UxV) mission execution is presented. The system distinguishes (a) mission planning and (b) mission execution, treating these as separate but closely interdependent stages. The context of the work is that of tactical military operations, and the focus of the current (simulated) application is on ground-based platforms. The reference behavior for the UxVs is defined by military doctrine. Two operational requirements are met: (1) Mission plan and execution must be constructed such that they can be understood and evaluated (prior to giving the go ahead for the platforms to commence the mission) by a decision maker. (2) Mission plan and execution must account for both observations/information gathered during execution (for example, the spotting of enemy units) and for foreseeable changes in the internal and external situation (e.g., a sub-system failure, or changes in terrain or weather).
The State of Critical and Strategic Metals Recovery and the Role of Nuclear Techniques in the Separation Technologies Development: Review
Authors: Kiprono Nelson R. , Smolinski Tomasz , Rogowski Marcin , Chmielewski Andrzej G.
Published: February 2023

The extraction of useful minerals or geological materials from the Earth’s crust, most typically from various sources, is crucial to a country’s development and progress. Mineral-rich countries use these resources to transform their economies and propel them toward long-term prosperity. There is an urgent need for the world to increase mineral exploration efforts, improve the recycling of important metal-containing resources, and extract them using upgraded hydrometallurgical procedures with high recovery efficiency. This review paper highlights the importance of strategic and critical metals in the economy and the role of nuclear techniques in the analysis, process optimization, and remediation of metals using solvent extraction, adsorption, and chromatographic resins. Radiotracer analysis, X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) are appropriate for improving laboratory-based hydrometallurgical processes, with future technical and economic benefits. The development and installation of novel instruments to provide the real-time control of mining and mineral processing plants for improved control have the potential to aid in the recovery of a broad range of metals.
The Politicization of COVID-19 Origin Stories: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Survey in China
Authors: Zhu Annah Lake , Chen Ruishan , Rizzolo Jessica , Li Xiaodan
Published: February 2023

The search for the origins of COVID-19 has yielded no conclusive evidence. In the face of this uncertainty, other social and political factors can influence perceptions of virus origins, which in turn can influence policy formation and global efforts to combat future pandemics. Vastly different COVID-19 origin stories may circulate both within the same country but also between different countries. This article examines COVID-19 origins debates as they circulate in China, drawing from a 974-respondent survey conducted in mainland China. Our results show that within China there is a strong belief that COVID-19 originated outside the country, either in the United States or Europe. This contrasts with mainstream media coverage in the United State and Europe, which generally holds that the virus most likely originated in China. Given such global dissonance, moving forward with pandemic prevention reforms is challenging. Yet, even in the face of such diverse beliefs, building support for reform is still possible. As the search for COVID-19 continues, policy reform can be pursued across a plurality of domains, including wet markets, the wildlife trade, cold-chain products, and gain-of-function virology research, all in the interest of preventing the next global pandemic.
Political Stability, Confidence in the Future, and Values
Authors: Kuzenbayev Nygmetzhan , Pelizzo Riccardo
Published: February 2023

According to the literature, modernization is associated with cultural change along the two value dimensions: from survival to self-expression/emancipative values and from traditional to secular-rational values. This value change has generally been viewed as the product of both material and non-material forces; however, previous studies have used mainly material proxies for non-material, social, and psychological variables. Instead, in this paper, we propose and test a modified theoretical model that allows us to assess both the direct and indirect effects of material conditions, such as economic wealth and political stability, on emancipative and secular values by including variables that capture non-material factors, such as the respondents’ fears about their economic future and about the possible destabilization of the political systems in which they live. We conduct empirical analyses both at the individual level, using the cross-sectional data from the World Values Survey, and at the aggregate level. Both sets of analyses revealed that fears about the stability of the political system are the single most significant determinant of value change.
The Unraveling Loyalty Model of Traditional Retail to Suppliers for Business Sustainability in the Digital Transformation Era: Insight from MSMEs in Indonesia
Authors: Mujianto Mujianto , Hartoyo Hartoyo , Nurmalina Rita , Yusuf Eva Z.
Published: February 2023

The development of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) retail has demonstrated an evolution of buyer–seller interactions. In the era of digital transformation, FMCGs and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can easily use website applications to shop for various products from suppliers, make payments, and access a wider variety of products with more efficient delivery. However, empirical studies on loyalty drivers on B2B relationships for business sustainability in the retail industry have not received much attention. This research aimed to examine the factors that influence loyalty and analyze the mediating role of MSME loyalty by discussing a new conceptual framework designed based on the buyer–seller relationship theory and relational marketing. Data were collected from 500 owners or managers of FMCG retail stalls in various provinces in Indonesia and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results showed that merchandising, website quality, commitment, and satisfaction have a positive effect on loyalty, as opposed to service quality and trust. There are also different roles in the mediating variables of trust, commitment, and satisfaction on retail store loyalty. These findings were useful for policymakers, managers, and practitioners to clarify the influence of service quality, merchandising website quality, and the role of relationship quality on loyalty in the era of digital transformation.
Investigation of the Conductive Properties of ZnO Thin Films Using Liquid Probes and Creation of a Setup Using Liquid Probes EGaIn for Studing the Conductive Properties of Thin Films
Authors: Permiakov Nikita , Maraeva Evgeniya , Bobkov Anton , Mbwahnche Ritsoh , Moshnikov Vyacheslav
Published: February 2023

The use of liquid probes based on indium–gallium eutectic (EGaIn) with the possibility of positioning is an important problem for the study of thin films. This work is centered on the creation of a setup for measuring the current–voltage characteristics with the use of a liquid eutectic electrode. A technique for obtaining a cone-shaped liquid EGaIn electrode, a 3D assembly model and an algorithm for the operation of a probe setup for obtaining the current–voltage characteristics using liquid contacts are presented.
Long and Short Duration Exposures to the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) Fluoxetine, Paroxetine and Sertraline at Environmentally Relevant Concentrations Lead to Adverse Effects on Zebrafish Behaviour and Reproduction
Authors: Venkatachalam Ananda Baskaran , Levesque Bailey , Achenbach John C. , Pappas Jane J. , Ellis Lee D.
Published: February 2023

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are currently the most prescribed class of psychotropic medications. Their increased global manufacture and use have become growing concerns for aquatic toxicologists and environmental biologists, who assess both the direct and indirect effects of substances on the environment and on human health. In order to assess the potential impact of environmentally relevant levels of SSRIs on fish development, behaviour and reproduction, we exposed juvenile and adult zebrafish to a select group of SSRIs using two separate exposure paradigms. In the first paradigm, juvenile zebrafish were exposed to Fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Paxil), Sertraline (Zoloft) or a mixture of the three beginning at environmentally relevant levels (10 µg/L) for 135 days (long-term exposure) beginning at 5 days post fertilization (dpf). In the second paradigm, adult zebrafish were exposed to matching concentrations of the same SSRIs for 35 days (short-term exposure). The long-term exposure paradigm proved to have little to no overt effect on growth or development at sub-lethal concentrations (10 and 100 µg/L). However, both the stress/anxiety response (novel tank tests) and reproduction (fecundity and fertility) were dramatically reduced. Importantly, the short-term exposure of reproductively mature fish led to similar adverse effects on both the stress response and reproduction. Following both the short and long duration exposure paradigms, a 2-week washout period led to a small reduction in the adverse effects. These findings highlight the potential for SSRIs to negatively impact population dynamics in zebrafish and may be of particular value should they be found in other fish species in the environment.
On the Appearance of Time in the Classical Limit of Quantum Gravity
Authors: Ayala Oña Roger I. , Kislyakova Darya P. , Shestakova Tatyana P.
Published: February 2023

A possible solution of the problem of time in the Wheeler–DeWitt quantum geometrodynamics is that time appears within a semiclassical limit. Following this line of thinking, one can come to the Schrodinger equation for matter fields in curved spacetime with quantum-gravitational corrections. In the present paper, we study the semiclassical limit in the case of a closed isotropic model with a scalar field decomposed into modes. We analyse calculations made within frameworks of three approaches. The first approach was proposed by Kiefer and Singh. Since the Wheeler–DeWitt equation does not contain a time derivative, it is constructed by means of a special mathematical procedure, a time variable being a parameter along a classical trajectory of gravitational field. The second method was suggested in the paper of Maniccia and Montani, who introduced the Kuchař–Torre reference fluid as an origin of time. Furthermore, the third is the extended phase space approach to the quantisation of gravity. In this approach, the temporal Schrodinger equation is argued to be more fundamental than the Wheeler–DeWitt equation, and there is no problem of time. Time is introduced due to fixing a reference frame of a certain observer, who can register the macroscopic consequences of quantum gravitational phenomena in the Very Early Universe. To go to the semiclassical limit, the Born–Oppenheimer approximation for gravity is used. In each of the approaches, in the order of O(1/M), a temporal Schrödinger equation for matter fields in curved spacetime with quantum gravitational corrections is obtained. However, equations and corrections are different in various approaches, and the results depend on the additional assumptions made within the scopes of these approaches.
Temperature Variations in the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere during Geomagnetic Storms with Disparate Durations at High Latitudes
Authors: Wei Guanchun , Lu Jianyong , Wang Wenbin , Tian Yufeng , Li Jingyuan , Xiong Shiping , Sun Meng , Shen Fuzhen , Li Zheng , Zhang Hua , Cui Jingqi , Yang Chaolei , Yao Jingrui , Jiang Shuwen , Zhu Zhixin , Wang Jingye
Published: February 2023

Using the temperature data observed from the Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER), we investigate the response of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) to two medium geomagnetic storms with disparate durations, on 20 April 2018 and 10 April 2022. The high-latitude MLT temperature increase in the Southern hemisphere can reach 40 K during April 2018 geomagnetic storm with a longer duration (Kp values greater than 4 for 15 h), while the temperature variations are less than 10 K for the April 2022 event (Kp values greater than 4 for 6 h). To investigate the different temperature responses to disparate geomagnetic storm durations and understand what physical process results in this difference, we simulated the two events using the thermosphere ionosphere mesosphere electrodynamics general circulation model (TIMEGCM). The simulations show that more particles and energy input in longer-duration geomagnetic storms produce larger ion drag force and pressure gradient force at ~130 km, and then the enhanced two forces cause faster horizontal wind, leading to larger horizontal divergence. Subsequently, the stronger downward vertical wind is transported to the MLT region (below 110 km) and ultimately makes greater temperature increases through adiabatic heating/cooling and vertical advection. Therefore, the effects of the storm’s duration on the MLT temperature are also important.
Immune Activation Following Vaccination of Streptococcus iniae Bacterin in Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer, Bloch 1790)
Authors: Tanpichai Pornpawit , Chaweepack Surachart , Senapin Saengchan , Piamsomboon Patharapol , Wongtavatchai Janenuj
Published: February 2023

Juvenile Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) (body weight 10 ± 0.7 g) were intraperitoneally injected with 1012 CFU fish−1 of formalin-killed Streptococcus iniae. The protective efficacy of the vaccine on survival and infection rate was assessed upon challenge at 4, 8, 12, 20, and 28 weeks post-vaccination. The results revealed that the challenged vaccinated fish showed no mortality at all time points, and the control fish presented 10–43.33% mortality. The infection rate at 2 weeks post-challenge was 0–13.33% in the vaccinated fish and 30–82.35% in the control group. At 8 weeks post-vaccination, the vaccinated fish showed comparable ELISA antibody levels with the control; however, the antibody levels of the vaccinated fish increased significantly after the challenge (p < 0.05), suggesting the presence of an adaptive response. Innate immune genes, including MHC I, MHC II, IL-1β, IL-4/13B, and IL-10, were significantly upregulated at 12 h post-challenge in the vaccinated fish but not in the control. In summary, vaccination with S. iniae bacterin provided substantial protection by stimulating the innate and specific immune responses of Asian seabass against S. iniae infection.
Sph2(176–191) and Sph2(446–459): Identification of B-Cell Linear Epitopes in Sphingomyelinase 2 (Sph2), Naturally Recognized by Patients Infected by Pathogenic Leptospires
Authors: Ataides Laura Sant’Anna , de Moraes Maia Fernanda , Conte Fernando Paiva , Isaac Lourdes , Barbosa Angela Silva , da Costa Lima-Junior Josué , Avelar Kátia Eliane Santos , Rodrigues-da-Silva Rodrigo Nunes
Published: February 2023

Sphingomyelin is a major constituent of eukaryotic cell membranes, and if degraded by bacteria sphingomyelinases may contribute to the pathogenesis of infection. Among Leptospira spp., there are five sphingomyelinases exclusively expressed by pathogenic leptospires, in which Sph2 is expressed during natural infections, cytotoxic, and implicated in the leptospirosis hemorrhagic complications. Considering this and the lack of information about associations between Sph2 and leptospirosis severity, we use a combination of immunoinformatics approaches to identify its B-cell epitopes, evaluate their reactivity against samples from leptospirosis patients, and investigate the role of antibodies anti-Sph2 in protection against severe leptospirosis. Two B-cell epitopes, Sph2(176-191) and Sph2(446-459), were predicted in Sph2 from L. interrogans serovar Lai, presenting different levels of identity when compared with other pathogenic leptospires. These epitopes were recognized by about 40% of studied patients with a prevalence of IgG antibodies against both Sph2(176-191) and Sph2(446-459). Remarkably, just individuals with low reactivity to Sph2(176-191) presented clinical complications, while high responders had only mild symptoms. Therefore, we identified two B-cell linear epitopes, recognized by antibodies of patients with leptospirosis, that could be further explored in the development of multi-epitope vaccines against leptospirosis.
COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Hesitancy among Pregnant and Lactating Women in Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlHefdhi Hayfa A. , Mahmood Syed Esam , Alsaeedi Manar Ahmed I. , Alwabel Haifa’ Hisham A. , Alshahrani Mariam Salem , Alshehri Ebtihaj Yahya , Alhamlan Rawan Ahmed O. , Alosaimi Maram Nawar
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Pregnant and breastfeeding women comprise a high-risk group for the development of severe COVID-19. Therefore, vaccination is highly recommended for perinatal women; however, vaccination levels for this group remain inadequate. This study explores the percentage of COVID-19 vaccination among Saudi pregnant and lactating women, as well as their attitudes toward it. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey on a sample of Saudi pregnant and breastfeeding women. The study included pregnant and lactating women. Results: The percentage of COVID-19 vaccine uptake was 78.2%. A total of 45 (21.8%) out of 206 women did not receive the vaccine. The overall vaccine hesitancy was 21.8%. Breastfeeding women were 2.86 more likely not to receive the vaccine as compared to pregnant women. Being a mother of over five children increased the vaccine uptake among our participating women (n = 20, 90%; p < 0.01). The majority of the subjects had taken the Pfizer vaccine (81.98%, 132/161). The availability of the COVID-19 vaccine was the most common factor for choosing a particular vaccine. Protection from infection (60.2%, 97/161) was reported as the main driver for vaccine uptake. The most common reason perceived for delaying COVID-19 vaccination was being worried about the side effects (176, 85.44%) on one’s own body and the effects on the unborn child (130, 63.1%). Conclusion: We uncovered high levels of hesitancy, primarily induced by concerns about adverse effects and social media-related misinformation. These high levels of vaccine uptake are likely due to the large-scale obligatory vaccination program provided in Saudi Arabia, which was well-structured and far reaching. Our results provide further support for the so-called “protection motivation theory” in boosting vaccine acceptance. Counseling and educating pregnant and breastfeeding women about COVID-19 vaccination is the need of the hour.
Comparison of COVID-19 Vaccine-Associated Myocarditis and Viral Myocarditis Pathology
Authors: Hamedi Kamron Reza , Loftus Gannett , Traylor Lawson , Goodwin Richard , Arce Sergio
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant loss of life and severe disability, justifying the expedited testing and approval of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines. While found to be safe and effective, there have been increasing reports of myocarditis after COVID-19 mRNA vaccine administration. The acute events have been severe enough to require admission to the intensive care unit in some, but most patients fully recover with only rare deaths reported. The pathways involved in the development of vaccine-associated myocarditis are highly dependent on the specific vaccine. COVID-19 vaccine-associated myocarditis is believed to be primarily caused by uncontrolled cytokine-mediated inflammation with possible genetic components in the interleukin-6 signaling pathway. There is also a potential autoimmune component via molecular mimicry. Many of these pathways are similar to those seen in viral myocarditis, indicating a common pathophysiology. There is concern for residual cardiac fibrosis and increased risk for the development of cardiomyopathies later in life. This is of particular interest for patients with congenital heart defects who are already at increased risk for fibrotic cardiomyopathies. Though the risk for vaccine-associated myocarditis is important to consider, the risk of viral myocarditis and other injury is far greater with COVID-19 infection. Considering these relative risks, it is still recommended that the general public receive vaccination against COVID-19, and it is particularly important for congenital heart defect patients to receive vaccination for COVID-19.
Secreted Aspartyl Proteinases Targeted Multi-Epitope Vaccine Design for Candida dubliniensis Using Immunoinformatics
Authors: Akhtar Nahid , Magdaleno Jorge Samuel Leon , Ranjan Suryakant , Wani Atif Khurshid , Grewal Ravneet Kaur , Oliva Romina , Shaikh Abdul Rajjak , Cavallo Luigi , Chawla Mohit
Published: February 2023

Candida dubliniensis is an opportunistic pathogen associated with oral and invasive fungal infections in immune-compromised individuals. Furthermore, the emergence of C. dubliniensis antifungal drug resistance could exacerbate its treatment. Hence, in this study a multi-epitope vaccine candidate has been designed using an immunoinformatics approach by targeting C. dubliniensis secreted aspartyl proteinases (SAP) proteins. In silico tools have been utilized to predict epitopes and determine their allergic potential, antigenic potential, toxicity, and potential to elicit interleukin-2 (IL2), interleukin-4 (IL4), and IFN-γ. Using the computational tools, eight epitopes have been predicted that were then linked with adjuvants for final vaccine candidate development. Computational immune simulation has depicted that the immunogen designed emerges as a strong immunogenic candidate for a vaccine. Further, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation analyses revealed stable interactions between the vaccine candidate and the human toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5). Finally, immune simulations corroborated the promising candidature of the designed vaccine, thus calling for further in vivo investigation.
Central Retinal Vein Occlusion in a Young Woman with Diabetes and Hypertension after mRNA-Based COVID-19 Vaccination—A Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature
Authors: Sung Shao-Yu , Jenny Laura A. , Chang Yo-Chen , Wang Nan-Kai , Liu Pei-Kang
Published: February 2023

A 25-year-old female with diabetes and hypertension presented with progressive painless blurred vision in her left eye ten days after she received her third dose of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech). The clinical examination confirmed the diagnosis of Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) complicated with macular edema. Three doses of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were injected intravitreally. Visual acuity was improved from 20/100 to 20/30, but recurrence was noted at 6 months. Several cases of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) after COVID-19 vaccination have been reported. However, the present case is the youngest female individual documented to have CRVO after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. This case demonstrates that the macular edema might be recurrent in patients with risk factors for CRVO who receive SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, suggesting the need for careful consideration of the treatment strategy and close follow-up. Although the definite pathogenesis still needs to be carefully determined, this report highlights the possible association between RVO and mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination, even in young individuals.