bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transition towards Sustainable Carwash Wastewater Management: Trends and Enabling Technologies at Global Scale
Authors: Dadebo Derrick , Ibrahim Mona G. , Fujii Manabu , Nasr Mahmoud
Published: May 2022

Carwash wastewater (CWW) contains grease, oil, hydrocarbon residues, heavy metals, and surfactants, posing severe impacts to the environment and human health. Accordingly, various physical, chemical, and biological processes for CWW treatment have been demonstrated in recent research. In this study, a bibliometric approach was performed to comprehensively illustrate the recent progress, current direction, and future perspectives of CWW-related research. A keyword co-occurrence network was used to represent the results of the bibliometric analysis and to show the major pollutants in CWW effluents and the common systems for treating CWW via coagulation/flocculation, electrochemical, oxidation, membrane, adsorption, biological, and hybrid methods. An integrated anaerobic digestion/oxidation process has been reported to degrade CWW-associated pollutants and help develop an energy-efficient approach for waste management. The results demonstrated that the treatment of CWW has several benefits relevant to sustainable development, viz., good health and well-being, protection of life below water, bioenergy generation, and community awareness and acceptance towards wastewater reuse. Hence, these benefits could assist in meeting the environmental, economic, and social sustainable development goals (SDGs). These study outputs can encourage policymakers and stakeholders in implementing sensible regulations that control water usage and treatment in car sharing and personal vehicle services to either directly or indirectly adopt the agenda 2030 with its seventeen SDGs.
Rhizophagus irregularis and Nitrogen Fixing Azotobacter with a Reduced Rate of Chemical Fertilizer Application Enhances Pepper Growth along with Fruits Biochemical and Mineral Composition
Authors: Sharma Meenakshi , Sharma Vandana , Delta Anil , Kaushik Prashant
Published: May 2022

Bell pepper is an important vegetable crop containing lots of bioactive compounds. The present study was designed to improve the productivity and quality of bell pepper with the application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Rhizophagus irregularis) and plant growth-promoting bacteria (Azotobacter chroococcum) in a combination of chemical fertilizer. Five treatments consisted of 75% chemical fertilizer (T1), 100% chemical fertilizer (T2), 75% chemical fertilizer + R. irregularis (T3), 75% chemical fertilizer + A. chroococcum (T4) and 75% chemical fertilizer + R. irregularis + A. chroococcum (T5). Out of 18 morphological parameters, 11 morphometric fruit parameters were recorded in detail by a tomato analyzer. The morphological and biochemical (TSS, ascorbic acid and capsaicin content) attributes of bell pepper were recorded higher in the case of a mixed consortium of chemical fertilizers having R. irregularis and A. chroococcum. Similarly, the amount of mineral content recorded was highest after 75% chemical fertilizer + R. irregularis + A. chroococcum, followed by the treatment with only 100% chemical fertilizer. The root mycorrhization (%) and the number of spores were observed highest in 75% chemical fertilizer + R. irregularis + A. chroococcum, and there was no mycorrhization and spore formation in 75% CF, 100% CF and 75% CF+AC. The treatment involving 75% chemical fertilizer + R. irregularis + A. chroococcum proved better for pepper’s growth, yield and yield-related traits.
From Seed to Seedling: Influence of Seed Geographic Provenance and Germination Treatments on Reproductive Material Represented by Seedlings of Robinia pseudoacacia
Authors: Roman Andreea M. , Truta Alina M. , Morar Irina M. , Viman Oana , Dan Catalina , Sestras Adriana F. , Holonec Liviu , Boscaiu Monica , Sestras Radu E.
Published: May 2022

The influence of the geographical origin of eight Romanian provenances of Robinia pseudoacacia on the characteristics of seeds, germination, and growth of seedlings in young stages of life was analyzed. Four experiments were undertaken to test seed germination (thermal treatment at distinct temperatures, mechanical scarification, acetone 90%, and biostimulator). The germination percentage showed that scarification treatment provided the best results among all treatments (41.7%). Seeds soaked in water at 100 °C provided the second-highest germination rate. Furthermore, the same two treatments also assured the highest values for the seedlings’ length. There were registered significant differences among the provenances for the analyzed characteristics, the seed germination capacity, and the growth rate of the seedlings in the first years of life. The study highlighted the resources that could ensure good quality of the reproductive forest material, which can be used in new afforestation and breeding programs. Pearson correlations and multivariate analysis provided interesting and useful information about R. pseudoacacia provenances and 13 characteristics of the seeds and seedlings, highlighting the relationship among them. The results could be of interest for the efficient use of forest genetic resources and the obtention of quality reproductive material in black locust.
Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in the Urban Soil and Plants of Kirkuk City in Iraq
Authors: Khurshid Chrow Ahmed , Mahdi Karrar , Ahmed Osamah Ibrahim , Osman Rima , Rahman Mostafizur , Ritsema Coen
Published: May 2022

Kirkuk city is known for its industrial activities, especially oil and cement production, as well as its road traffic. The aim of this study was to assess potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the soil and plants from urban areas by measuring pollution indices and estimating the effect that this pollution has on the environment. Leaf and soil samples were taken from 10 different locations in Kirkuk. These samples were pre-treated using the acid digestion method and concentrations of 12 elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results indicate a high content of aluminum and magnesium (mg/kg) in the soil samples from all study sites. For leaf samples, the results showed a moderate to low amount of magnesium and aluminum. Based on our results, the PTE concentrations were found in the following order—Mg > Al > Ni > Cu > Cr > Pb > Co > As > Se > Cd > Hg > Ti—in leaf samples from all 10 study sites. However, in the soil samples, PTE concentrations were in the following order—Mg > Al > Cr > Ni > Cu > Pb > Co > As > Se > Ti > Cd > Hg—from all study sites. Pollution indices showed a moderate level of contamination of Pb, Cd, and Ni, and a high level of contamination of As and Hg in plant and soil samples from all study sites in Kirkuk city.
Fuzzy Demand Vehicle Routing Problem with Soft Time Windows
Authors: Yang Tao , Wang Weixin , Wu Qiqi
Published: May 2022

Considering the vehicle routing problem with fuzzy demand and fuzzy time windows, a vehicle routing optimization method is proposed considering both soft time windows and uncertain customer demand. First, a fuzzy chance-constrained programming model is established based on credibility theory, minimizing the total logistics cost. At the same time, a random simulation algorithm is designed to calculate the penalty cost of delivery failures caused by demand that cannot be satisfied. In order to overcome the shortcomings of GA, which easily falls into the local optimum in the process of searching, and the slow convergence speed of SA when the population is too large, a hybrid simulated annealing–genetic algorithm is adopted to improve the solution quality and efficiency. Finally, the Solomon standard example is used to verify the effectiveness of the algorithm, and the influence of decision-makers’ subjective cost preference is analyzed.
Nuclear Accident Emergency Response System: Radiation Field Estimation and Evacuation
Authors: Chen Bo , Li Zhicheng , Yang Zaiyue
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a nuclear accident emergency response system based on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and bus collaboration is designed for radiation field estimation and evacuation. When a nuclear accident occurs, the radiation field is estimated firstly using the measurements acquired by UAVs. Based on the Cramer–Rao Lower Bound (CRLB), the coordinate optimization combined with UAV routing is formulated as a nonconvex mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem to maximize the estimation accuracy. Further, a two-stage solution procedure based on genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed to solve the above problem. Then, taking the predicted radiation field as input, personnel in the emergency planning zone (EPZ) are evacuated to shelters by buses. The evacuation routing problem for minimizing both the total radiation exposure and evacuation time is formulated as a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) problem, which is solvable with efficient commercial solvers, such as Gurobi and CPLEX. The simulation results indicate that the system can provide effective help for emergency management under the nuclear accident scenarios.
Trends in the Environmental Conditions, Climate Change and Human Health in the Southern Region of Ukraine
Authors: Karamushka Viktor , Boychenko Svitlana , Kuchma Tetyana , Zabarna Olena
Published: May 2022

The Kherson, Mykolaiv, Odesa, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, being adjusted to the coasts of the Black and Azov Seas, are located in the steppe zone and constitute the southern region of Ukraine. The environmental parameters and health indicators of the population of the region are sensitive to the impact of natural (e.g., climate change) and anthropogenic processes. An analysis of satellite remote sensing data (NOAA NDVI time series) for the assessment of vegetation condition demonstrates an increase in frequency and duration of drought events in the region during the last few decades. It may have a relation to climate change processes. Data analysis of local meteorological observations over the past 100 years proved alterations of some bioclimatic indexes. The Equivalent Effective Temperature (IEET) increases in winter and summer (due to the increasing repeatability of high anomalous temperatures) and remains stable in spring and autumn seasons. The increasing number and variability of climate anomalies can provoke an increase in cardiovascular and some other diseases in the local population. At the same time, an analysis of the statistical data of health indicators of the population (such as morbidity of digestion, breathing, and the endocrine and circulatory systems) shows a tendency to decrease morbidity (contrary to the indicators of the mountain regions’ population, which have higher values of life expectancy). Interrelations between environmental, climate change, and population health indicators in the Black Sea region are being discussed.
The Sustainability of the Tobacco Industry in the Framework of Green Human Resources Management
Authors: Burlea-Schiopoiu Adriana , Shoukat Muhammad Haroon , Shah Syed Asim , Ahmad Muhammad Shakil , Mazilu Mirela
Published: May 2022

Our study purpose is to analyze the tobacco industry’s sustainable practices by investigating how and when green human resources management (GHRM) practices influence the development of the organizational citizenship behavior for the environment (OCBE) at the individual level. Therefore, we focus on OCBE as a mediation mechanism (how) and green culture enablers as a serial mediation (when) for the nexuses between GRHM, OCBE, and organizational performance (OP). The employee behavior requires the support of managers (leadership), who serve as enablers to ensure long-term goals and increase organizational resources. Data from 410 respondents in the tobacco industry in Pakistan were analyzed using descriptive analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and the PLS-SEM model. Our results proved that GHRM significantly increased OP. In practice, our findings are helpful for managers as guidelines for the decision-making process related to improving the organizational culture and employee green behavior to improve sustainability in the tobacco industry.
On Use of Construction Technology Designs for Expert Opinions
Authors: Jarský Čeněk , Popenková Miloslava , Gašparík Jozef , Šťastný Patrik
Published: May 2022

This article describes the basic principles and results of an expert system for construction planning and management. In the field of expert opinions, the system greatly helps to determine the limit of unreasonably low construction prices on the basis of a rapid cost analysis. Additionally, it can determine the technologically shortest possible construction periods or can answer the question of whether it is possible to complete the construction in the specified period, provided that a certain amount of construction is currently underway, which is very useful in expert opinions. The system is based on modeling the construction process using the so-called construction technology network graphs. This method allows, among other things, to create and use so-called typical network graphs as preprepared models of individual types of objects in the form of computer files, which can be modified according to the spatial structure of real buildings or facilities when used in creating a feasibility study or efficient time and financial planning and management of the building process. The system also enables the automatic creation of quality assurance checklists (inspection and acceptance plans for quality assurance), environmental plans (plans for the elimination of adverse effects of construction activities on the environment), and safety and health plans. Direct links to the bills of quantities (list of works and supplies with numbering of individual items), budgets (list of works and supplies with prices), or production calculations, despite the operational records of the actual construction process also on the company’s accounting agenda, are available.
Evaluation the Resistance Growth of Aged Vehicular Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Stack by Distribution of Relaxation Times
Authors: Zhu Dong , Yang Yanbo , Ma Tiancai
Published: May 2022

The aged stack results in resistance growth and power decline. At present, most of the analyses of resistance growth are qualitative or identified by complex mechanism models. For more effective identification, the distribution of relaxation times (DRT) method is applied to the aging analysis of the stack. The individual polarization process of the stack corresponding to each DRT peak is determined by appropriate experimental conditions and the impedance of the individual polarization process is characterized by the peak area. The three DRT peaks from low frequency to high frequency are identified as the mass transport, the charge transfer of oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs), and the proton transport in the cathode catalyst layer (CCL) and anode side. The stack’s voltage recession rate is 15% at the rated current density of 800 mA cm−2 after running for 2000 h in the driving cycle. Mass transport is the main reason accounting for 66.1% of the resistance growth. The charge transfer resistance growth cannot be ignored, accounting for 30.23%. The resistance growth obtained by the DRT can quickly and accurately identify the main reason for stack decline and therefore promises to become an important diagnostic tool in relation to aging.
Digital Onboarding: Facilitators and Barriers to Improve Worker Experience
Authors: Petrilli Sara , Galuppo Laura , Ripamonti Silvio Carlo
Published: May 2022

The pandemic has forced organizations to find new ways of working. In fact, we are seeing an increase in remote working and this has inevitably impacted onboarding processes. In this respect, the aim of this study was to understand how young graduates under 30 experienced digital onboarding (in terms of emotions and cognitions) when joining organizations with structured Human Resources processes. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted in which participants were asked to fill in ethnographic sheets in order to understand the barriers and facilitators that organizations can implement to improve the digital onboarding experience. We used thematic analysis. What emerged from our study is that newcomers struggled, in digital contexts, to find the right information, to be proactive and to receive immediate feedback in order to understand the context and to understand their fit with the company: it is important not to lose sight of the importance of socialization, but rather to find effective and structured practices that facilitate it and make it last over time. In our study, we argue that a structured digital onboarding program could be a relevant step in order to implement an effective transition towards remote working cultures and an attention to socialization processes.
Embedding Effects in Contingent Valuation Applications to Cultural Capital: Does the Nature of the Goods Matter?
Authors: Riganti Patrizia
Published: May 2022

The paper’s argument is that the specific characteristics of cultural heritage goods help minimise insensitivity to the scope, also known as the embedding effect, of contingent valuation (CV) estimates. This bias happens when estimates of willingness to pay (WTP) do not increase with the quantity of the goods presented, as expected from economic theory. The presence of such effect has been actively debated in the literature since it raises major concerns about the validity of the method itself and its uses within a social cost benefit analysis framework. The research presented in this paper discusses one of the few methodological studies testing the embedding effect within and across samples for cultural heritage goods. The research uses empirical data gathered from three independent and comparable samples focusing on the archaeological park of Campi Flegrei in Italy and two of its components: the Castle of Baia and the archaeological park of Cuma. Findings successfully prove that CV estimates relate to the quantity being valued and could be used with confidence by policy makers concerned with an inclusive, sustainable approach to cultural capital management.
Inferring Land Conditions in the Tumen River Basin by Trend Analysis Based on Satellite Imagery and Geoinformation
Authors: Yu Hangnan , Li Lan
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study was to map the land condition within the area of the Tumen River Basin (TRB), located on the Sino–North Korean border, using trend analysis of environmental factors. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and land surface temperature (LST) trends over the past 30 years were analyzed to identify areas that have undergone degradation, restoration, and/or a transition. Landsat NDVI and LST were obtained using the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. Erosion was also gauged over the same period using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE). Our results showed that only 0.3% of the land within the TRB underwent change that can be characterized as statistically significant within the study period. We therefore infer that land degradation may not be a major concern in the study area. Areas with a significant upward trend of soil loss accounted for 0.8% of the basin’s footprint and were mainly distributed upstream of North Korea. However, more than 80% of the area was found to be suffering from water stress, 10% of these areas were statistically significant and most were located downstream.
The Mediating and Moderating Effects of Top Management Support on the Cloud ERP Implementation–Financial Performance Relationship
Authors: Jayeola Olakunle , Sidek Shafie , Abdul-Samad Zulkiflee , Hasbullah Nornajihah Nadia , Anwar Saiful , An Nguyen Binh , Nga Vu Thi , Al-Kasasbeh Omar , Ray Samrat
Published: May 2022

Cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP) is one of the most sought-after information technology (IT) solutions for improving business performance due to its affordability, scalability, and pay-per-use subscription model. The impact of cloud ERP implementation on business performance, on the other hand, remains inconclusive. Additionally, an important factor that transverses all organizational processes, including IT implementation, is top management support (TMS). However, the TMS’s role in the latter stage (business value realization) of cloud ERP implementation is unclear. The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating and moderating impacts of top management support (TMS) on the relationship between cloud ERP implementation and financial performance. A total of 204 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia were surveyed, and data analysis was conducted using partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results demonstrate that TMS plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between cloud ERP implementation and financial performance and that this relationship is significantly stronger in SMEs with low TMS levels. As a result, it is concluded that top management should provide the required support following successful cloud ERP implementation in order to achieve positive financial results. However, such support must be adjusted in order to avoid the deterioration of the firm’s financial performance.
Interval Modeling for Gamma Process Degradation Model
Authors: Liu Guihong , Guan Qiang , Tang Yincai , Tzeng Yunhuei
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we proposed an interval degradation model to improve the reliability of the classical single point degradation model. The interval degradation model is very flexible when model parameters follows different distributions. Twenty-five types of interval Gamma degradation models are considered and discussed under different conditions. The reliabilities of interval Gamma degradation models are obtained. The Monte Carlo method has been studied to compute the reliability and lifetime of interval Gamma degradation model. The numerical examples are conducted to compare the interval degradation model with the classical single point degradation model. Simulation results reveal that the performance of reliability and mean lifetime of interval Gamma degradation model are much better than those of the single Gamma degradation model. Finally, we applied our model to a real data example and demonstrated the effectiveness and feasibility of the interval Gamma degradation model.
Adaptive Sliding Mode Control Anticipating Proportional Degradation of Actuator Torque in Uncertain Serial Industrial Robots
Authors: Truc Le Ngoc , Vu Le Anh , Thoan Tran Van , Thanh Bui Trung , Nguyen Tung Lam
Published: May 2022

The paper focuses on faulty actuator problems in an industrial robot using servomotors, and provides an adaptive sliding mode control law to overcome this circumstance. Because of multifarious reasons, robot actuators can undergo a variety of failures, such as locked or stuck joints, free-swinging joints, and partial or total loss of actuation effectiveness. The robot behavior will become worsen if the system controller has not been designed with adequate faulty tolerance. The proportional degradation of actuator torque at unknown degrees of loss, which is one type of partial loss of actuation effectiveness, is considered in this study to design a suitable controller. The robot model is constructed with uncertain parameters and unknown friction, whereas the controller uses only the approximate parameters. Symmetry and skew-symmetry give important contributions in robot modeling and transformation, as well as in the process of proving the system stability. An adjustable coefficient vector of the proposed controller can adaptively reach the upper bounds of an uncertain parametric vector, which guarantees the criterion of Lyapunov stability. In the numerical simulation stage, the selected industrial robot is a Serpent 1 robot with three degrees of freedom. A quasi-physical model based on MATLAB/Simscape Multibody for the robot is built and used in order to increase the reliability of the simulation performance closer to reality. Simulation results illustrate the efficiency of the proposal control methodology in the presence of the mentioned failure. The controller can still deliver satisfactory responses to the robot system under reasonable levels of actuator torque degradation.
On Joan Robinson’s Output Symmetry Theorems with Various Taxations under Third-Degree Price Discrimination: A Generalization
Authors: Chen Shih-Shen , Hung Ken , Tsai Chien-Shu
Published: May 2022

This paper incorporates more general cases with a new class of constantly adjusted concavity demand curves and includes three types of taxes. To verify the output symmetry under various forms of taxation, we simulate both linear and constant elasticity demand functions under the unit, demand ad valorem, and cost ad valorem taxes. If all the demand functions in the submarkets are linear, the total outputs are identical under both uniform pricing and third-degree price discrimination. Furthermore, if all the weak market demand curves are strictly “Robinson-concave” and all the strong market demand curves are strictly “Robinson-convex” or linear, then the total output under price discrimination exceeds that under uniform pricing, and vice versa. While different taxes lead to higher costs, the cost pass-through changes the prices of the products, and the change of total output still depends on the curvature of the demand curve. Therefore, the curvature of the demand curve remains the main determinant of changes in output. Our study provides a theoretical basis for market intervention in price discrimination.
Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer for Lactate-Weighted Imaging at 3 T MRI: Comprehensive In Silico, In Vitro, In Situ, and In Vivo Evaluations
Authors: Radke Karl Ludger , Abrar Daniel B. , Frenken Miriam , Wilms Lena Marie , Kamp Benedikt , Boschheidgen Matthias , Liebig Patrick , Ljimani Alexandra , Filler Timm Joachim , Antoch Gerald , Nebelung Sven , Wittsack Hans-Jörg , Müller-Lutz Anja
Published: May 2022

Based on in silico, in vitro, in situ, and in vivo evaluations, this study aims to establish and optimize the chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging of lactate (Lactate-CEST—LATEST). To this end, we optimized LATEST sequences using Bloch–McConnell simulations for optimal detection of lactate with a clinical 3 T MRI scanner. The optimized sequences were used to image variable lactate concentrations in vitro (using phantom measurements), in situ (using nine human cadaveric lower leg specimens), and in vivo (using four healthy volunteers after exertional exercise) that were then statistically analyzed using the non-parametric Friedman test and Kendall Tau-b rank correlation. Within the simulated Bloch–McConnell equations framework, the magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry (MTRasym) value was quantified as 0.4% in the lactate-specific range of 0.5–1 ppm, both in vitro and in situ, and served as the imaging surrogate of the lactate level. In situ, significant differences (p < 0.001) and strong correlations (τ = 0.67) were observed between the MTRasym values and standardized intra-muscular lactate concentrations. In vivo, a temporary increase in the MTRasym values was detected after exertional exercise. In this bench-to-bedside comprehensive feasibility study, different lactate concentrations were detected using an optimized LATEST imaging protocol in vitro, in situ, and in vivo at 3 T, which prospectively paves the way towards non-invasive quantification and monitoring of lactate levels across a broad spectrum of diseases.
Pseudanabaena galeata CCNP1313—Biological Activity and Peptides Production
Authors: Cegłowska Marta , Szubert Karolina , Grygier Beata , Lenart Marzena , Plewka Jacek , Milewska Aleksandra , Lis Kinga , Szczepański Artur , Chykunova Yuliya , Barreto-Duran Emilia , Pyrć Krzysztof , Kosakowska Alicja , Mazur-Marzec Hanna
Published: May 2022

Even cyanobacteria from ecosystems of low biodiversity, such as the Baltic Sea, can constitute a rich source of bioactive metabolites. Potent toxins, enzyme inhibitors, and anticancer and antifungal agents were detected in both bloom-forming species and less commonly occurring cyanobacteria. In previous work on the Baltic Pseudanabaena galeata CCNP1313, the induction of apoptosis in the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was documented. Here, the activity of the strain was further explored using human dermal fibroblasts, African green monkey kidney, cancer cell lines (T47D, HCT-8, and A549ACE2/TMPRSS2) and viruses (SARS-CoV-2, HCoV-OC43, and WNV). In the tests, extracts, chromatographic fractions, and the main components of the P. galeata CCNP1313 fractions were used. The LC-MS/MS analyses of the tested samples led to the detection of forty-five peptides. For fourteen of the new peptides, putative structures were proposed based on MS/MS spectra. Although the complex samples (i.e., extracts and chromatographic fractions) showed potent cytotoxic and antiviral activities, the effects of the isolated compounds were minor. The study confirmed the significance of P. galeata CCNP1313 as a source of metabolites with potent activity. It also illustrated the difficulties in assigning the observed biological effects to specific metabolites, especially when they are produced in minute amounts.
Activity of a Carbohydrate-Binding Module Therapy, Neumifil, against SARS-CoV-2 Disease in a Hamster Model of Infection
Authors: Fell Rachel , Potter Jane A. , Yuille Samantha , Salguero Franscisco J. , Watson Robert , Ngabo Didier , Gooch Karen , Hewson Roger , Howat David , Dowall Stuart
Published: May 2022

The rapid global spread of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in an urgent effort to find efficacious therapeutics. Broad-spectrum therapies which could be used for other respiratory pathogens confer advantages, as do those based on targeting host cells that are not prone to the development of resistance by the pathogen. We tested an intranasally delivered carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) therapy, termed Neumifil, which is based on a CBM that has previously been shown to offer protection against the influenza virus through the binding of sialic acid receptors. Using the recognised hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 infection, we demonstrate that Neumifil significantly reduces clinical disease severity and pathological changes in the nasal cavity. Furthermore, we demonstrate Neumifil binding to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. This is the first report describing the testing of this type of broad-spectrum antiviral therapy in vivo and provides evidence for the advancement of Neumifil in further preclinical and clinical studies.
Manipulation of Host Microtubule Networks by Viral Microtubule-Associated Proteins
Authors: Seo Dahee , Gammon Don B.
Published: May 2022

Diverse DNA and RNA viruses utilize cytoskeletal networks to efficiently enter, replicate, and exit the host cell, while evading host immune responses. It is well established that the microtubule (MT) network is commonly hijacked by viruses to traffic to sites of replication after entry and to promote egress from the cell. However, mounting evidence suggests that the MT network is also a key regulator of host immune responses to infection. At the same time, viruses have acquired mechanisms to manipulate and/or usurp MT networks to evade these immune responses. Central to most interactions of viruses with the MT network are virally encoded microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) that bind to MTs directly or indirectly. These MAPs associate with MTs and other viral or cellular MAPs to regulate various aspects of the MT network, including MT dynamics, MT-dependent transport via motor proteins such as kinesins and dyneins, and MT-dependent regulation of innate immune responses. In this review, we examine how viral MAP interactions with the MT network facilitate viral replication and immune evasion.
The Biology of Varicella-Zoster Virus Replication in the Skin
Authors: Tommasi Cristina , Breuer Judith
Published: May 2022

The replication of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in skin is critical to its pathogenesis and spread. Primary infection causes chickenpox, which is characterised by centrally distributed skin blistering lesions that are rich in infectious virus. Cell-free virus in the cutaneous blistering lesions not only spreads to cause further cases, but infects sensory nerve endings, leading to the establishment of lifelong latency in sensory and autonomic ganglia. The reactivation of virus to cause herpes zoster is again characterised by localised painful skin blistering rash containing infectious virus. The development of in vitro and in vivo models of VZV skin replication has revealed aspects of VZV replication and pathogenesis in this important target organ and improved our understanding of the vaccine strain vOKa attenuation. In this review, we outline the current knowledge on VZV interaction with host signalling pathways, the viral association with proteins associated with epidermal terminal differentiation, and how these interconnect with the VZV life cycle to facilitate viral replication and shedding.
SARS-CoV-2 and Arthropods: A Review
Authors: Higgs Stephen , Huang Yan-Jang S. , Hettenbach Susan M. , Vanlandingham Dana L.
Published: May 2022

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) that led to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies how a lack of understanding and preparedness for emerging viruses can result in consequences on a global scale. Statements that SARS-CoV-2 could not be transmitted by arthropod vectors were made without experimental support. Here we review laboratory-based research, field studies, and environmental studies to evaluate the potential for the virus to be transmitted either biologically or mechanically by arthropods. Based on these data, we conclude that transmission by arthropods is highly unlikely to play a significant epidemiological role in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
Differences in Expression of Selected Interleukins in HIV-Infected Subjects Undergoing Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Szymańska Beata , Jurkowska Karolina , Knysz Brygida , Piwowar Agnieszka
Published: May 2022

The use of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) inhibits the replication of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and thus may affect the functioning of the immune system, e.g., induce changes in the expression of certain cytokines. The aim was to examine the effect of cART on the expression of selected cytokines: interleukin -4, -7 and -15 in HIV-infected subjects. The test material was the plasma of HIV-infected men and healthy men (C, control group). The levels of interleukin were measured by immunoenzymatic method before cART and one year after treatment in relation to the C group. HIV-infected men were analyzed in subgroups depending on the HIV-RNA viral load, CD4+ and CD8+T-cell counts, and the type of therapeutic regimen. A significantly higher level of IL-4 was demonstrated in HIV-infected men before cART compared to those after treatment and in the control group. The use of cART resulted in a significant decrease in the level of IL-7 in HIV-infected men; however, high levels of IL-7 were associated with a low number of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells. An increase in the level of IL-15 in HIV-infected men was noted after the use of cART. There was no difference in the expression of interleukins depending on the treatment regimen used. The study showed the effect of cART on the expression of interleukins, especially IL-4 and IL-7. Further research in this direction seems promising, confirming the role of these interleukins in the course of the disease.
A Novel In Vivo Model of Laryngeal Papillomavirus-Associated Disease Using Mus musculus Papillomavirus
Authors: King Renee E. , Bilger Andrea , Rademacher Josef , Ward-Shaw Ella T. , Hu Rong , Lambert Paul F. , Thibeault Susan L.
Published: May 2022

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), caused by laryngeal infection with low-risk human papillomaviruses, has devastating effects on vocal communication and quality of life. Factors in RRP onset, other than viral presence in the airway, are poorly understood. RRP research has been stalled by limited preclinical models. The only known papillomavirus able to infect laboratory mice, Mus musculus papillomavirus (MmuPV1), induces disease in a variety of tissues. We hypothesized that MmuPV1 could infect the larynx as a foundation for a preclinical model of RRP. We further hypothesized that epithelial injury would enhance the ability of MmuPV1 to cause laryngeal disease, because injury is a potential factor in RRP and promotes MmuPV1 infection in other tissues. In this report, we infected larynges of NOD scid gamma mice with MmuPV1 with and without vocal fold abrasion and measured infection and disease pathogenesis over 12 weeks. Laryngeal disease incidence and severity increased earlier in mice that underwent injury in addition to infection. However, laryngeal disease emerged in all infected mice by week 12, with or without injury. Secondary laryngeal infections and disease arose in nude mice after MmuPV1 skin infections, confirming that experimentally induced injury is dispensable for laryngeal MmuPV1 infection and disease in immunocompromised mice. Unlike RRP, lesions were relatively flat dysplasias and they could progress to cancer. Similar to RRP, MmuPV1 transcript was detected in all laryngeal disease and in clinically normal larynges. MmuPV1 capsid protein was largely absent from the larynx, but productive infection arose in a case of squamous metaplasia at the level of the cricoid cartilage. Similar to RRP, disease spread beyond the larynx to the trachea and bronchi. This first report of laryngeal MmuPV1 infection provides a foundation for a preclinical model of RRP.
Inter-Annual and Seasonal Variability of Flows: Delivering Climate-Smart Environmental Flow Reference Values
Authors: Salinas-Rodríguez Sergio A. , van de Giesen Nick C. , McClain Michael E.
Published: May 2022

Environmental flow (eflow) reference values play a key role in environmental water science and practice. In Mexico, eflow assessments are set by a norm in which the frequency of occurrence is the managing factor to integrate inter-annual and seasonal flow variability components into environmental water reserves. However, the frequency parameters have been used indistinctively between streamflow types. In this study, flow variability contributions in 40 rivers were evaluated based on hydrology, climate, and geography. Multivariate assessments were conducted based on a standardized contribution index for the river types grouping (principal components) and significant differences (one-way PERMANOVA). Eflow requirements for water allocation were calculated for different management objectives according to the frequency-of-occurrence baseline and an adjustment to reflect the differences between river types. Results reveal that there are significant differences in the flow variability between hydrological conditions and streamflow types (p-values < 0.05). The performance assessment reveals that the new frequency of occurrence delivers climate-smart reference values at least at an acceptable level (for 85–87% of the cases, r2 ≥ 0.8, slope ≤ 3.1), strengthening eflow assessments and implementations.
Application of Functional Modification of Iron-Based Materials in Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs)
Authors: Liu Mengting , Zhao Zhenzhen , He Chiquan , Wang Feifei , Liu Xiaoyan , Chen Xueping , Liu Jialin , Wang Daoyuan
Published: May 2022

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have become a favored approach in wastewater treatment due to the high efficiency and diverse catalyzed ways. Iron-based materials were the commonly used catalyst due to their environmental friendliness and sustainability in the environment. We collected the published papers relative to the application of the modified iron-based materials in AOPs between 1999 and 2020 to comprehensively understand the related mechanism of modified materials to improve the catalytic performance of iron-based materials in AOPs. Related data of iron-based materials, modification types, target pollutants, final removal efficiencies, and rate constants were extracted to reveal the critical process of improving the catalytic efficiency of iron-based materials in AOPs. Our results indicated that the modified materials through various mechanisms to enhance the catalytic performance of iron-based materials. The principal aim of iron-based materials modification in AOPs is to increase the content of available Fe2+ and enhance the stability of Fe2+ in the system. The available Fe2+ is elevated by the following mechanisms: (1) modified materials accelerate the electron transfer to promote the Fe3+/Fe2+ reaction cycle in the system; (2) modified materials form chelates with iron ions and bond with iron ions to avoid Fe3+ precipitation. We further analyzed the effect of different modifying materials in improving these two mechanisms. Combining the advantages of different modified materials to develop iron-based materials with composite modification methods can enhance the catalytic performance of iron-based materials in AOPs for further application in wastewater treatment.
Availability and Accessibility of Hydrography and Hydrogeology Spatial Data in Europe through INSPIRE
Authors: Markovinović Danko , Cetl Vlado , Šamanović Sanja , Bjelotomić Oršulić Olga
Published: May 2022

Hydrography and hydrogeology data contain spatial references and as such are part of spatial data infrastructure. On the European level, these data are part of European spatial data infrastructure, well known as INSPIRE. The objective of INSPIRE is to make public spatial data available and accessible for a broad range of users in a simple, interoperable, and efficient way. Spatial data play an important role in facilitating data integration, enabling data-driven decision making on where and why things happen and easing communication through intuitive visualizations. Within this paper, we take the opportunity to reflect on the development and implementation of INSPIRE, with the main focus on the availability and accessibility of hydrography and hydrogeology data. By availability, we aim for the existence of metadata describing spatial data, while by accessibility, we aim for the existence of related services for spatial data viewing and downloading. The overall findings, based on the analysis in the INSPIRE Geoportal, shows that the data are still not fully available, although the deadline for INSPIRE implementation has already passed. Data accessibility is also an issue. Data that are even available in the infrastructure are sometimes not accessible. However, technological developments and recent policy initiatives could be drivers for future improvement.
Comprehensive Benefit Evaluation of Pervious Pavement Based on China’s Sponge City Concept
Authors: Li Xiao-Juan , Deng Jun-Xi , Xie Wan-Jun , Jim Chi-Yung , Wei Tai-Bing , Lai Ji-Yu , Liu Cheng-Cheng
Published: May 2022

Sponge cities provide broad hydrological functions to alleviate urban flooding and other water-related problems in China. Conventional impervious paving cannot meet contemporary sustainable city goals. The permeable paving technology offers primary benefits such as increasing stormwater infiltration, drainage, purification, groundwater recharge, and microclimatic amelioration. Few studies have evaluated the embracive range of benefits and the social functions holistically. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive benefit evaluation system to cover a broad range of indicators. Nineteen indicators were selected based on the literature review, field studies, and research experience. Organized in a three-tiered hierarchical structure, they were divided into environmental, economic, and social benefits. A grey intuitionistic fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model was built by combining intuitionistic fuzzy analysis with a grey comprehensive evaluation. The computational tools could determine the differential weights of indicators and benefit scores. Taking an example of a permeable pavement project in Quanzhou City, the comprehensive benefits were assessed and validated using our evaluation model. The results show that (1) the comprehensive benefits of the project met the economic feasibility criteria with advantages over conventional paving; (2) the environmental benefits were prominently expressed; (3) the social benefits were assessed and confirmed. The results verified the feasibility and applicability of the quantitative-qualitative model. The method could permit the integrated and systematic benefit assessment of permeable paving designs. It also provides guidance and reference to evaluate the performance of permeable pavements and their comprehensive range of benefits. The findings could reference choosing and refining designs, optimizing the benefits, and promoting a science-oriented development of permeable paving.
Watershed Ecohydrological Processes in a Changing Environment: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Cao Zhe , Wang Shuangtao , Luo Pingping , Xie Danni , Zhu Wei
Published: May 2022

Basin ecohydrological processes are essential for informing policymaking and social development in response to growing environmental problems. In this paper, we review watershed ecohydrology, focusing on the interaction between watershed ecological and hydrological processes. Climate change and human activities are the most important factors influencing water quantity and quality, and there is a need to integrate watershed socioeconomic activities into the paradigm of watershed ecohydrological process studies. Then, we propose a new framework for integrated watershed management. It includes (1) data collection: building an integrated observation network; (2) theoretical basis: attribution analysis; (3) integrated modeling: medium- and long-term prediction of ecohydrological processes by human–nature interactions; and (4) policy orientation. The paper was a potential solution to overcome challenges in the context of frequent climate extremes and rapid land-use change.
The Effect Of Black Sticky Rice Tape Consumption On Alteration Of Saliva Ph On Tsanawiyyah Student Of Islamic Boarding School No.3 Pameungpeuk Sub-District Bandung
Authors: Laut Deru Marah
Published: May 2022

Background : Saliva in the oral cavity serves not only to help in mastication, but also has a protective function, which is maintaining oral hygiene through cleaning mechanisms and coating any tissue in the oral cavity. Many people now consume fermented foods for dessert dishes such a black sticky rice tape. People know that black sticky rice tape has health benefits, such as for body metabolism and antioxidants.

Methods : This research aims to determine the effect of black sticky rice tape consumption on saliva pH on students of Islamic Boarding School No.3 Pameungpeuk, Bandung. The techniques of the research are analytic with quasi experiment design and random sampling tehnique with 45 respondents. The sample is to eat black sticky rice tape as much as 1 tablespoon then do saliva pH examination at 10 minutes after. The saliva pH is measured by digital pH meter analyzed by using T-test dependent.

Results : The results of this research indicate that the effect of black sticky rice tape on saliva pH at the time of examination 10 minutes with <0,05 and after tested with the normalization test found p value >0,05.

Conclusion : It can be concluded that is a significant effect of the black sticky rice tape on saliva pH on students of Islamic Boarding School No.3 Pameungpeuk, Bandung.