bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of Surface Seawater pH in the North Pacific
Authors: Wang Jie , Yao Peiling , Liu Jiaming , Wang Xun , Mao Jingjing , Xu Jiayuan , Wang Jiarui
Published: March 2023

In the recent significant rise in atmospheric CO2, seawater’s continuous acidification is altering the marine environment’s chemical structure at an unprecedented rate. Due to its potential socioeconomic impact, this subject attracted significant research interest. This study used traditional linear regression, nonlinear regression random forest, and the BP neural network algorithm to establish a prediction model for surface seawater pH based on data of North Pacific sea surface temperature (SST), salinity (SSS), chlorophyll-a concentration (Chl-a), and pressure of carbon dioxide on the sea surface (pCO2) from 1993 to 2018. According to existing research, three approaches were found to be highly accurate in reconstructing the surface seawater pH of the North Pacific. The highest-performing models were the linear regression model using SSS, Chl-a, and pCO2, the random forest model using SST and pCO2, and the BP neural network model using SST, SSS, Chl-a, and pCO2. The BP neural network model outperformed the linear regression and random forest model when comparing the root mean square error and fitting coefficient of the three best models. In addition, the best BP neural network model had substantially higher seasonal applicability than the best linear regression and the best random forest model, with good fitting effects in all four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The process of CO2 exchange at the sea–air interface was the key factor affecting the pH of the surface seawater, which was found to be negatively correlated with pCO2 and SST, and positively correlated with SSS and Chl-a. Using the best BP neural network model to reconstruct the surface seawater pH over the North Pacific, it was found that the pH exhibited significant temporal and spatiotemporal variation characteristics. The surface seawater pH value was greater in the winter than the summer, and the pH decline rate over the past 26 years averaged 0.0013 yr−1, with a general decreasing tendency from the northwest to the southeast. The highest value was observed in the tropical western Pacific, while the lowest value was observed in the eastern equatorial region with upwelling, which is consistent with the findings of previous studies.
The Effect of Service Quality of Green Restaurants on Green Restaurant Image and Revisit Intention: The Case of Istanbul
Authors: Eren Ramazan , Uslu Abdullah , Aydın Ayla
Published: March 2023

With the rise of environmental awareness, trends of avoiding food waste and reducing carbon emissions trends have generated green business opportunities for the food and beverage industry. In this industry, the competitive advantage provided by high service quality is an important factor. In this context, the effects of perceived service quality on green restaurants’ image and customers’ revisit intentions were investigated. Moreover, the effects of green restaurants’ image on revisit intention were discussed. The GRSERV scale was used to measure the service quality of green restaurants in İstanbul; a total of 356 questionnaires were collected. Partial least squares (PLS) path analysis showed that the perceived service quality by customers visiting green restaurant businesses has a positive impact on both green restaurant image and revisit intention. It has also been determined that green restaurant image has significant effects on revisit intention.
Comparison of Academic Results during Conventional and Online Modes of Learning: A Case Study of Two Groups of Saudi University Students
Authors: Ababneh Islam , Al-qdah Majdi , Almutairi Areej
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 outbreak disrupted all aspects of people’s lives, including pedagogy and instruction at universities, where its impact was felt globally, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is no exception. This paper discusses and compares the academic results during the conventional mode of learning (spring semester of 2019) and during the online mode of learning (spring semester of 2020), which was throughout the pandemic period. Specifically, the study considers two Saudi groups of fifty students who were enrolled in the Department of Health Information Management and Technology at the University of Hafr Al-batin in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. The students’ accumulative marks in six first-year courses in two semesters were analyzed and compared by calculating the passing/failure percentages, descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode, standard deviation, variance, maximum, minimum, and range), and the p-value of an inferential t-test. Additionally, the students filled out a six-category survey about their experiences and level of satisfaction with online learning compared to the regular learning mode. It was concluded that more students passed with higher grades in the year 2020 in five theoretical courses. Differently, it was deduced that practical courses such as computer applications had similar passing averages in the two years; the course required students to submit continuous assignments and projects in a fixed time period. Additionally, the participants revealed in their filled online survey that they preferred many features of the remote learning mode and the online assessment methodology. They inclined toward online learning for its flexibility and effectiveness, even though they confessed to having less interaction and focus during online sessions. Thus, the results imply to authorities in the Ministry of Higher Education to carefully and gradually embed online teaching for selected subjects with exam validation measures such as time strict limits, question banks, randomizations, and other security features.
Impact of CSR on Customer Citizenship Behavior: Mediating the Role of Customer Engagement
Authors: Fatma Mobin , Khan Imran
Published: March 2023

The goal of this study is to analyze a proposed model that shows how customer perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and customer citizenship behavior (CCB) in the banking sector are directly and indirectly related. In addition, we examine how CSR contributes to the growth of customer engagement. Customers of Indian banks made up the study’s target population, and 363 responses were collected as part of the sample. According to the findings, customer perception of CSR is favorably correlated with customer engagement and CCB. Moreover, customer engagement serves as a mediating factor in the link between consumer perception of CSR and CCB. Our findings demonstrate that CSR influences consumer engagement directly, and that customer engagement partially mediates the relationship between CSR and CCB. The results also provide evidence in favor of CSR and customer engagement as CCB outcomes.
Does the Green Development of Cities Need High-Level Opening Up? A Quasi-Natural Experiment Based on China’s Pilot Free Trade Zone
Authors: Wang Bei , Chen Hong , Chen Ruiqi , Zeng Weiting , Ye Lechuan
Published: March 2023

The contradiction between urban open development and the environmental pollution of cities becomes increasingly serious. People begin to pay attention to the green development effect of Free Trade Zones. Based on 278 prefecture-level cities in China from 2009 to 2019, we use the time-varying DID method with the implementation of PFTZ establishment policy as a quasi-natural experiment to explore whether the green development of Chinese cities needs high-level opening up. The main findings of this paper are as follows: (i) Compared with cities without PFTZs, the environmental pollution composite index (EPI) of cities with PFTZs decreases significantly by 5.278% on average; that is, the establishment of PFTZs significantly improves the green development level of those cities. (ii) After the establishment of PFTZs, the green development level of Chinese coastal cities will be enhanced to a greater extent than that of inland cities. In addition, the higher Chinese cities are in the urban hierarchy, the more they can grasp the development opportunities from the establishment of PFTZs. (iii) The establishment of PFTZs effectively reduces the EPI and significantly improves the green development level of cities through three paths: the scale effect, the structure effect and the technology effect. This paper provides micro-empirical evidence for literature related to the environmental benefits and green development of PFTZ construction and provides a reference for most developing countries to learn from China’s experience.
The Efficacy of Virtual Reality in Climate Change Education Increases with Amount of Body Movement and Message Specificity
Authors: Queiroz Anna C. M. , Fauville Géraldine , Abeles Adina T. , Levett Aaron , Bailenson Jeremy N.
Published: March 2023

Climate change impacts are felt globally, and the impacts are increasing in severity and intensity. Developing new interventions to encourage behaviors that address climate change is crucial. This pre-registered field study investigated how the design of a virtual reality (VR) experience about ocean acidification could impact participants’ learning, behavior, and perceptions about climate change through the manipulation of the experience message framing, the sex of voice-over and the pace of the experience, and the amount of participants’ body movement. The study was run in 17 locations such as museums, aquariums, and arcades in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Denmark. The amount of body movement was a causal mechanism, eliciting higher feelings of self-efficacy while hindering learning. Moreover, linking the VR narrative about ocean acidification linguistically to climate change impaired learning compared to a message framing that did not make the connection. As participants learned more about the experience, they perceived the risks associated with ocean acidification as higher, and they were more likely to engage in pro-climate behavior. The results shed light on the mechanisms behind how VR can teach about ocean acidification and influence climate change behavior.
Ultrafast Synthesis of Mo2C-Based Catalyst by Joule Heating towards Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhang Hefeng , Qi Shengliang , Zhu Kaixin , Wang Haidong , Zhang Guanghui , Ma Weiguang , Zong Xu
Published: March 2023

Developing earth-abundant electrocatalysts useful for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) is critical for electrocatalytic water splitting driven by renewable energy. Molybdenum carbide (Mo2C) with the crystal structure of hexagonal symmetry has been identified to be an excellent HER catalyst due to its platinum-like electronic structure while the synthesis of Mo2C is generally time consuming and energy intensive. Herein, we demonstrated the ultrafast synthesis of a Mo2C-based electrocatalyst with Joule heating at 1473 K for only 6 s. Benefitting from several advantages including efficient catalytic kinetics, enhanced charge transport kinetics and high intrinsic activity, the as-prepared catalyst exhibited drastically enhanced HER performance compared with commercial Mo2C. It showed an overpotential of 288 mV for achieving a current density of −50 mA cm−2 and good stability, which highlighted the feasibility of the Joule heating method towards preparing efficient electrocatalysts.
On the Existence of Independent [j,k]-Dominating Sets in the Generalized Corona of Graphs
Authors: Kosiorowska Anna , Włoch Iwona
Published: March 2023

In 2013 the concept of [j,k]-dominating sets in graphs have been introduced as an extension of [1,k]-dominating sets. Regarding studying [j,k]-dominating sets, the research is also interesting if the additional independence requirement is assumed, because the existence of independent [1,k]-dominating sets is an NP-complete problem in general case. Inspired by this topic, in this paper we study the problem of the existence of independent [j,k]-dominating sets in a special, multi-argument graph product. We give the complete characterization of the generalized corona G∘hn with an independent [j,k]-dominating set, for arbitrary positive integers j and k, which generalize the known result for a corona of two graphs.
Guided Wave-Based Damage Detection of Square Steel Tubes Utilizing Structure Symmetry
Authors: Yang Tingting , Zhou Wensong , Yu Lei
Published: March 2023

Square steel tube, which is widely used in civil engineering, can suffer from a wide variety of damages and aging defects, thus its nondestructive testing (NDT) has attracted wide attention. This work proposes an ultrasonic guided wave (UGW)-based damage detection method for square steel tubes using structure symmetry. Firstly, the dispersion characteristics of square steel tubes are obtained using the semi-analytical finite element (SAFE) method, after which the optimal guided wave modes for damage located on the long and short edges of the steel tube are selected by modal analysis. Then, using the symmetry of the square steel tube’s section, the symmetric layout scheme of the transmitters and the receivers is designed; on this basis, a signal processing strategy for damage detection is proposed by subtracting the receiving signals obtained from symmetric positions. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed damage detection method is verified by numerical simulations and laboratory experiments. The results show that the proposed method has good inspection accuracy for crack and hole damages on both the long and short edges of square steel tube because the dispersion effect and clutters can be reduced utilizing structure symmetry. It is worth mentioning that the inspection effect for corner holes can be enhanced by modifying the position of the receivers.
The Linguistic Concept’s Reduction Methods under Symmetric Linguistic-Evaluation Information
Authors: Cui Hui , Deng Ansheng , Yue Guanli , Zou Li , Martinez Luis
Published: March 2023

Knowledge reduction is a crucial topic in formal concept analysis. There always exists uncertain, symmetric linguistic-evaluation information in social life, which leads to high complexity in the process of knowledge representation. In order to overcome this problem, we are focused on studying the linguistic-concept-reduction methods in an uncertain environment with fuzzy linguistic information. Based on three-way decisions and an attribute-oriented concept lattice, we construct a fuzzy-object-induced three-way attribute-oriented linguistic (FOEAL) concept lattice, which provides complementary conceptual structures of a three-way concept lattice with symmetric linguistic-evaluation information. Through the granular concept of the FOEAL lattice, we present the corresponding linguistic concept granular consistent set and granular reduction. Then, we further employ the linguistic concept discernibility matrix and discernibility function to calculate the granular reduction set. A similar issue on information entropy is investigated to introduce a method of entropy reduction for the FOEAL lattice, and the relation between the linguistic concept granular reduction and entropy reduction is discussed. The efficiency of the proposed method is depicted by some examples and comparative analysis.
PHB/PEG Nanofiber Mat Obtained by Electrospinning and Their Performances
Authors: Thanh Nguyen Hong , Olekhnovich Roman , Sitnikova Vera , Kremleva Arina , Snetkov Petr , Uspenskaya Mayya
Published: March 2023

In this work, a nanofiber mat based on PHB/PEG with various PEG contents was obtained by electrospinning process. The thermal and mechanical properties of the PHB/PEG nanofiber mat were investigated. In addition, PHB/PEG nanofiber mats were characterized by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and water contact angle measurement. It was shown that, by increasing the PEG contents from 1 to 4%, the average diameter of PHB nanofibers decreased from 1177 nm to 1101 nm, corresponding to 2% PEG, then the diameter of the fiber increased again from 1101 nm to 1136 nm, corresponding to 4% PEG. Tensile strength increased from 3.6 MPa to 4.4 MPa, then decreased from 4.4 MPa to 2.9 MPa. Thermogravimetric analysis showed a difference in the process of thermal degradation of nanofiber mats. The degree of crystallinity measured by XRD and DSC methods gives different values at some points. The results demonstrated that adding PEG improved the mechanical properties, hydrophobicity, porosity, and thermal stability of the PHB fiber mat, which showed that the PHB/PEG nanofiber mat has great potential for air filtration or water filtration.
Metabolite-Specific Echo Planar Imaging for Preclinical Studies with Hyperpolarized 13C-Pyruvate MRI
Authors: Sahin Sule I. , Ji Xiao , Agarwal Shubhangi , Sinha Avantika , Mali Ivina , Gordon Jeremy W. , Mattingly Mark , Subramaniam Sukumar , Kurhanewicz John , Larson Peder E. Z. , Sriram Renuka
Published: March 2023

Metabolite-specific echo-planar imaging (EPI) sequences with spectral–spatial (spsp) excitation are commonly used in clinical hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate studies because of their speed, efficiency, and flexibility. In contrast, preclinical systems typically rely on slower spectroscopic methods, such as chemical shift imaging (CSI). In this study, a 2D spspEPI sequence was developed for use on a preclinical 3T Bruker system and tested on in vivo mice experiments with patient-derived xenograft renal cell carcinoma (RCC) or prostate cancer tissues implanted in the kidney or liver. Compared to spspEPI sequences, CSI were found to have a broader point spread function via simulations and exhibited signal bleeding between vasculature and tumors in vivo. Parameters for the spspEPI sequence were optimized using simulations and verified with in vivo data. The expected lactate SNR and pharmacokinetic modeling accuracy increased with lower pyruvate flip angles (less than 15°), intermediate lactate flip angles (25° to 40°), and temporal resolution of 3 s. Overall SNR was also higher with coarser spatial resolution (4 mm isotropic vs. 2 mm isotropic). Pharmacokinetic modelling used to fit kPL maps showed results consistent with the previous literature and across different sequences and tumor xenografts. This work describes and justifies the pulse design and parameter choices for preclinical spspEPI hyperpolarized 13C-pyruvate studies and shows superior image quality to CSI.
An Online Repository for Pre-Clinical Imaging Protocols (PIPs)
Authors: Gammon Seth T. , Cohen Allison S. , Lehnert Adrienne L. , Sullivan Daniel C. , Malyarenko Dariya , Manning Henry Charles , Hormuth David A. , Daldrup-Link Heike E. , An Hongyu , Quirk James D. , Shoghi Kooresh , Pagel Mark David , Kinahan Paul E. , Miyaoka Robert S. , Houghton A. McGarry , Lewis Michael T. , Larson Peder , Sriram Renuka , Blocker Stephanie J. , Pickup Stephen , Badea Alexandra , Badea Cristian T. , Yankeelov Thomas E. , Chenevert Thomas L.
Published: March 2023

Providing method descriptions that are more detailed than currently available in typical peer reviewed journals has been identified as an actionable area for improvement. In the biochemical and cell biology space, this need has been met through the creation of new journals focused on detailed protocols and materials sourcing. However, this format is not well suited for capturing instrument validation, detailed imaging protocols, and extensive statistical analysis. Furthermore, the need for additional information must be counterbalanced by the additional time burden placed upon researchers who may be already overtasked. To address these competing issues, this white paper describes protocol templates for positron emission tomography (PET), X-ray computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that can be leveraged by the broad community of quantitative imaging experts to write and self-publish protocols in protocols.io. Similar to the Structured Transparent Accessible Reproducible (STAR) or Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE) articles, authors are encouraged to publish peer reviewed papers and then to submit more detailed experimental protocols using this template to the online resource. Such protocols should be easy to use, readily accessible, readily searchable, considered open access, enable community feedback, editable, and citable by the author.
Ecotoxicological Assessment of Polluted Soils One Year after the Application of Different Soil Remediation Techniques
Authors: Paniagua-López Mario , Aguilar-Garrido Antonio , Contero-Hurtado José , García-Romera Inmaculada , Sierra-Aragón Manuel , Romero-Freire Ana
Published: March 2023

The present work evaluated the influence of eight different soil remediation techniques, based on the use of residual materials (gypsum, marble, vermicompost) on the reduction in metal(loid)s toxicity (Cu, Zn, As, Pb and Cd) in a polluted natural area. Selected remediation treatments were applied in a field exposed to real conditions and they were evaluated one year after the application. More specifically, five ecotoxicological tests were carried out using different organisms on either the solid or the aqueous (leachate) fraction of the amended soils. Likewise, the main soil properties and the total, water-soluble and bioavailable metal fractions were determined to evaluate their influence on soil toxicity. According to the toxicity bioassays performed, the response of organisms to the treatments differed depending on whether the solid or the aqueous fraction was used. Our results highlighted that the use of a single bioassay may not be sufficient as an indicator of toxicity pathways to select soil remediation methods, so that the joint determination of metal availability and ecotoxicological response will be determinant for the correct establishment of any remediation technique carried out under natural conditions. Our results indicated that, of the different treatments used, the best technique for the remediation of metal(loid)s toxicity was the addition of marble sludge with vermicompost.
Sol-Gel Synthesis of New TiO2 Ball/Activated Carbon Photocatalyst and Its Application for Degradation of Three Hormones: 17α-EthinylEstradiol, Estrone, and β-Estradiol
Authors: El Mouchtari El Mountassir , El Mersly Lekbira , Belkodia Kaltoum , Piram Anne , Lebarillier Stéphanie , Briche Samir , Rafqah Salah , Wong-Wah-Chung Pascal
Published: March 2023

Many approaches have been investigated to eliminate pharmaceuticals in wastewater treatment plants during the last decades. However, a lack of sustainable and efficient solutions exists for the removal of hormones by advanced oxidation processes. The aim of this study was to synthesize and test new photoactive bio composites for the elimination of these molecules in wastewater effluents. The new materials were obtained from the activated carbon (AC) of Arganian spinosa tree nutshells and titanium tetrachloride by the sol gel method. SEM analysis allowed one to confirm the formation of TiO2 particles homogeneously dispersed at the surface of AC with a controlled titanium dioxide mass ratio, a specific TiO2 anatase structure, and a highly specific surface area, evidenced by ATG, XRD, and BET analysis, respectively. The obtained composites were revealed to quantitatively absorb carbamazepine (CBZ), which is used as a referred pharmaceutical, and leading to its total elimination after 40 min under irradiation with the most effective material. TiO2 high content disfavors CBZ adsorption but improves its degradation. In the presence of the composite, three hormones (17α-ethinylestradiol, estrone, and β-estradiol) are partially adsorbed onto the composite and totally degraded after 60 min under UV light exposure. This study constitutes a promising solution for the efficient treatment of wastewater contaminated by hormones.
Effects of Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane on Reproductive Systems in Female Rats
Authors: Lee Jimin , Kim Kangmin , Park Seon-Mi , Kwon Jin-Sook , Jeung Eui-Bae
Published: March 2023

The female reproductive system becomes fertile through the action of hormones involved in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. On the other hand, estrogen-like endocrine disruptors released into the environment come into contact with humans by various routes and affect the reproductive system. Exposure to these chemicals can cause problems with the reproductive process, from egg ovulation to implantation, or cause female reproductive diseases. These reproductive problems cause infertility. Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) is used for lubrication in silicone polymers, households, and personal care products. In the case of D5, it is discharged through factory wastewater and can bioaccumulate. Therefore, it accumulates in the human body. In this study, D5 was administered orally for four weeks to determine the effects of D5 on the reproductive process. As a result, D5 increases the number of follicles in the ovary and suppresses the expression of genes related to the growth of follicles. In addition, it increases the gonadotropin hormone, inducing estradiol enhancement and progesterone reduction. Because of these changes in the reproductive system when exposed to D5, the industry should reconsider using D5.
Insecticidal Mechanism of Botanical Crude Extracts and Their Silver Nanoliquids on Phenacoccus solenopsis
Authors: Madasamy Mariappan , Sahayaraj Kitherian , Sayed Samy M. , Al-Shuraym Laila A. , Selvaraj Parthas , El-Arnaouty Sayed-Ashraf , Madasamy Koilraj
Published: March 2023

In recent years, intensive studies have been carried out on the management of agricultural insect pests using botanical insecticides in order to decrease the associated environmental hazards. Many studies have tested and characterized the toxic action of plant extracts. Four plant extracts (Justicia adhatoda, Ipomea carnea, Pongamia glabra, and Annona squamosa) containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were studied for their effects on Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) using the leaf dip method. The effects were estimated based on assays of hydrolytic enzyme (amylase, protease, lipase, acid phosphatase, glycosidase, trehalase, phospholipase A2, and invertase) and detoxification enzyme (esterase and lactate dehydrogenase) levels; macromolecular content (total body protein, carbohydrate, and lipid); and protein profile. The results show that the total body of P. solenopsis contains trypsin, pepsin, invertase, lipase, and amylase, whereas J. adathoda and I. carnea aqueous extracts considerably decreased the protease and phospholipase A2 levels, and A. squamosa aqueous extract dramatically increased the trehalase level in a dose-dependent manner. The enzyme levels were dramatically decreased by P. glabura-AgNPs (invertase, protease, trehalase, lipase, and phospholipase A2); I. carnea-AgNPs (invertase, lipase, and phospholipase A2); A. squamosa-AgNPs (protease, phospholipase A2); and J. adathoda-AgNPs (protease, lipase, and acid phosphatase). Plant extracts and their AgNPs significantly reduced P. solenopsis esterase and lactate dehydrogenase levels in a dose-dependent manner. At higher concentrations (10%), all of the investigated plants and their AgNPs consistently decreased the total body carbohydrate, protein, and fat levels. It is clear that the plant extracts, either crude or together with AgNPs, may result in the insects having inadequate nutritional capacity, which will impact on all critical actions of the affected hydrolytic and detoxication enzymes.
Patulin Alters Insulin Signaling and Metabolic Flexibility in HepG2 and HEK293 Cells
Authors: Pillay Yashodani , Nagiah Savania , Chuturgoon Anil
Published: March 2023

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have risen rapidly worldwide, sparking interest in causative agents and pathways. Patulin (PAT), a xenobiotic found in fruit products contaminated by molds, is postulated to be diabetogenic in animals, but little is known about these effects in humans. This study examined the effects of PAT on the insulin signaling pathway and the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDH). HEK293 and HepG2 cells were exposed to normal (5 mM) or high (25 mM) glucose levels, insulin (1.7 nM) and PAT (0.2 μM; 2.0 μM) for 24 h. The qPCR determined gene expression of key enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism while Western blotting assessed the effects of PAT on the insulin signaling pathway and Pyruvate Dehydrogenase (PDH) axis. Under hyperglycemic conditions, PAT stimulated glucose production pathways, caused defects in the insulin signaling pathway and impaired PDH activity. These trends under hyperglycemic conditions remained consistent in the presence of insulin. These findings are of importance, given that PAT is ingested with fruit and fruit products. Results suggest PAT exposure may be an initiating event in insulin resistance, alluding to an etiological role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and disorders of metabolism. This highlights the importance of both diet and food quality in addressing the causes of NCDs.
Ecological Niche Modelling Approaches: Challenges and Applications in Vector-Borne Diseases
Authors: Cuervo Pablo Fernando , Artigas Patricio , Lorenzo-Morales Jacob , Bargues María Dolores , Mas-Coma Santiago
Published: March 2023

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) pose a major threat to human and animal health, with more than 80% of the global population being at risk of acquiring at least one major VBD. Being profoundly affected by the ongoing climate change and anthropogenic disturbances, modelling approaches become an essential tool to assess and compare multiple scenarios (past, present and future), and further the geographic risk of transmission of VBDs. Ecological niche modelling (ENM) is rapidly becoming the gold-standard method for this task. The purpose of this overview is to provide an insight of the use of ENM to assess the geographic risk of transmission of VBDs. We have summarised some fundamental concepts and common approaches to ENM of VBDS, and then focused with a critical view on a number of crucial issues which are often disregarded when modelling the niches of VBDs. Furthermore, we have briefly presented what we consider the most relevant uses of ENM when dealing with VBDs. Niche modelling of VBDs is far from being simple, and there is still a long way to improve. Therefore, this overview is expected to be a useful benchmark for niche modelling of VBDs in future research.
One Health Approach on Dog Bites: Demographic and Associated Socioeconomic Factors in Southern Brazil
Authors: Constantino Caroline , Da Silva Evelyn Cristine , Dos Santos Danieli Muchalak , Paploski Igor Adolfo Dexheimer , Lopes Marcia Oliveira , Morikawa Vivien Midori , Biondo Alexander Welker
Published: March 2023

Despite being an important public health issue, particularly due to rabies, dog bites and associated risk factors have rarely been assessed by health services from a One Health perspective. Accordingly, the present study aimed to assess dog biting and associated demographic and socioeconomic risk factors in Curitiba, the eighth-largest Brazilian city with approximately 1.87 million people, based on the post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) rabies reports between January/2010 and December/2015. The total of 45,392 PEP reports corresponded to an average annual incidence of 4.17/1000 habitants, mainly affecting white (79.9%, 4.38/1000 population), males (53.1%, 4.81/1000 population), and children aged 0–9 years (20.1%, 6.9/1000 population), with severe accidents associated with older victims (p < 0.001) and mainly caused by dogs known to the victims. An increase of USD 100.00 in the median neighborhood income was associated with a 4.9% (95% CI: 3.8–6.1; p < 0.001) reduction in dog bites. In summary, dog biting occurrence was associated with victims’ low income, gender, race/color, and age; severe accidents were associated with elderly victims. As dog bites have been described as multifactorial events involving human, animal, and environmental factors, the characteristics presented herein should be used as a basis to define mitigation, control, and prevention strategies from a One Health perspective.
A Novel Insertion in the Hepatitis B Virus Surface Protein Leading to Hyperglycosylation Causes Diagnostic and Immune Escape
Authors: Lehmann Felix , Slanina Heiko , Roderfeld Martin , Roeb Elke , Trebicka Jonel , Ziebuhr John , Gerlich Wolfram H. , Schüttler Christian G. , Schlevogt Bernhard , Glebe Dieter
Published: March 2023

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health threat. Mutations in the surface antigen of HBV (HBsAg) may alter its antigenicity, infectivity, and transmissibility. A patient positive for HBV DNA and detectable but low-level HBsAg in parallel with anti-HBs suggested the presence of immune and/or diagnostic escape variants. To support this hypothesis, serum-derived HBs gene sequences were amplified and cloned for sequencing, which revealed infection with exclusively non-wildtype HBV subgenotype (sgt) D3. Three distinct mutations in the antigenic loop of HBsAg that caused additional N-glycosylation were found in the variant sequences, including a previously undescribed six-nucleotide insertion. Cellular and secreted HBsAg was analyzed for N-glycosylation in Western blot after expression in human hepatoma cells. Secreted HBsAg was also subjected to four widely used, state-of-the-art diagnostic assays, which all failed to detect the hyperglycosylated insertion variant. Additionally, the recognition of mutant HBsAg by vaccine- and natural infection-induced anti-HBs antibodies was severely impaired. Taken together, these data suggest that the novel six-nucleotide insertion as well as two other previously described mutations causing hyperglycosylation in combination with immune escape mutations have a critical impact on in vitro diagnostics and likely increase the risk of breakthrough infection by evasion of vaccine-induced immunity.
The Others: A Systematic Review of the Lesser-Known Arboviruses of the Insular Caribbean
Authors: Ali Inshan , Alarcόn-Elbal Pedro M. , Mundle Marcia , Noble Simmoy A. A. , Oura Chris A. L. , Anzinger Joshua J. , Sandiford Simone L.
Published: March 2023

The Caribbean enjoys a long-standing eminence as a popular tourist destination; however, over the years it has also amassed the sobriquet “arbovirus hotspot”. As the planet warms and vectors expand their habitats, a cognizant working knowledge of the lesser-known arboviruses and the factors that influence their emergence and resurgence becomes essential. The extant literature on Caribbean arboviruses is spread across decades of published literature and is quite often difficult to access, and, in some cases, is obsolete. Here, we look at the lesser-known arboviruses of the insular Caribbean and examine some of the drivers for their emergence and resurgence. We searched the scientific literature databases PubMed and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed literature as well as scholarly reports. We included articles and reports that describe works resulting in serological evidence of the presence of arboviruses and/or arbovirus isolations in the insular Caribbean. Studies without serological evidence and/or arbovirus isolations as well as those including dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever were excluded. Of the 545 articles identified, 122 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 42 arboviruses were identified in the literature. These arboviruses and the drivers that affect their emergence/resurgence are discussed.
Factors Associated with Disagreement of Fibrosis Stages between 2D-Shear Wave Elastography and Transient Elastography in Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Miodownik Fernanda Gdalevici , Cardoso Ana Carolina , Cancella Nabuco Leticia , Franz Cibele , Perez Renata , Alves Villela-Nogueira Cristiane
Published: March 2023

Introduction and objectives: The agreement of elastography techniques in chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) needs evaluation. We aimed to evaluate, in CHB, the agreement between transient elastography (TE) and two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE), analyzing the factors related to the disagreement of measures. Materials and methods: CHB patients underwent liver stiffness measures with both TE and 2D-SWE on the same day. For concordance analysis, we defined liver fibrosis as F0/1 vs. F ≥ 2, F0/1-F2 vs. F ≥ 3 and F0/1-F2-F3 vs. F4 for both methods. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the variables independently associated with the disagreement between methods. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients were enrolled. Liver fibrosis categorization according to TE was: F0-F1 = 73 (50.4%), F ≥ 2 = 40 (27.6%), F ≥ 3 = 21 (14.5%) and F4 = 11 (7.6%), and according to 2D-SWE was: F0/F1 = 113 (77.9%), F ≥ 2 = 32 (22.1%), F≥ 3 = 25 (17.2%) and F4 = 11 (7.6%). It was observed that 20.0% of the sample had steatosis (CAP≥ 275 dB/m). TE and SD-SWE estimated equal fibrosis stages in 79.3% of cases. Spearman's correlation coefficient was 0.71 (p < 0.01). Kappa values for F ≥ 2, F ≥ 3 and F = 4 were: 0.78, p < 0.001; 0.73, p < 0.001; and 0.64, p < 0.001, respectively. Diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR 5.04; 95%CI: 1.89–13.3; p < 0.001) and antiviral treatment (OR 6.79; 95%CI: 2.33–19.83; p < 0.001) were independently associated with discordance between both methods. Conclusions: In CHB, there is strong correlation and good agreement between TE and 2D-SWE in identifying fibrosis stages. Diabetes mellitus and antiviral therapy may impact the agreement of stiffness measures obtained with these elastographic methods.
Correction: Pagán, I.; García-Arenal, F. Cucumber Mosaic Virus-Induced Systemic Necrosis in Arabidopsis thaliana: Determinants and Role in Plant Defense. Viruses 2022, 14, 2790
Authors: Pagán Israel , García-Arenal Fernando
Published: March 2023

In the original publication [...]
Nanoparticles as a Delivery System of Antigens for the Development of an Effective Vaccine against Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Brito Carina , Lourenço Camila , Magalhães Joana , Reis Salette , Borges Margarida
Published: March 2023

Nanoparticles include particles ranging in size from nanometers to micrometers, whose physicochemical characteristics are optimized to make them appropriate delivery vehicles for drugs or immunogens important in the fight and/or prevention of infectious diseases. There has been a rise in the use of nanoparticles in preventive vaccine formulations as immunostimulatory adjuvants, and as vehicles for immunogen delivery to target immune cells. Toxoplasma is important worldwide, and may cause human toxoplasmosis. In immunocompetent hosts, infection is usually asymptomatic, but in immunocompromised patients it can cause serious neurological and ocular consequences, such as encephalitis and retinochoroiditis. Primary infection during pregnancy may cause abortion or congenital toxoplasmosis. Currently, there is no effective human vaccine against this disease. Evidence has emerged from several experimental studies testing nanovaccines showing them to be promising tools in the prevention of experimental toxoplasmosis. For the present study, a literature review was carried out on articles published over the last 10 years through the PubMed database, pertaining to in vivo experimental models of T. gondii infection where nanovaccines were tested and protection and immune responses evaluated. This review aims to highlight the way forward in the search for an effective vaccine for toxoplasmosis.
Effectiveness of the Air-Filled Technique to Reduce the Dead Space in Syringes and Needles during ChAdox1-n CoV Vaccine Administration
Authors: Prueksaanantakal Naphatthorn , Manomaipiboon Anan , Phankavong Patchara , Jirawathin Warissara , Benjakul Nontawat , Maneerit Jakravoot , Phumisantiphong Uraporn , Trakarnvanich Thananda
Published: March 2023

In the current study, we calculated the vaccine volume and amount of dead space in a syringe and needle during ChAdox1-n CoV vaccine administration using the air-filled technique. The aim is to reduce the dead space in syringes and needles in order to administer up to 12 doses per vial. The hypothetical situation uses a vial with a similar size as the ChAdox1-n CoV vial. We used distilled water (6.5 mL) to fill the same volume as five vials of ChAdox1-n CoV. When 0.48 mL of distilled water is drawn according to the number on the side of the barrel, an additional 0.10 mL of air can be used in the dead space of the distilled water in the syringe and needle for 60 doses, which can be divided into an average of 0.5 mL per dose. ChAdox1-n CoV was administered using a 1-mL syringe and 25G needle into 12 doses using this air-filled technique. The volume of the recipient vaccine will increase by 20% and save on the budget for low dead space syringes (LDS).
Influence of BoLA-DRB3 Polymorphism and Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) Infection on Dairy Cattle Productivity
Authors: Nakatsuchi Ayumi , Matsumoto Yasunobu , Aida Yoko
Published: March 2023

Enzootic bovine leukosis caused by the bovine leukemia virus (BLV) results in substantial damage to the livestock industry; however, we lack an effective cure or vaccine. BoLA-DRB3 polymorphism in BLV-infected cattle is associated with the proviral load (PVL), infectivity in the blood, development of lymphoma, and in utero infection of calves. Additionally, it is related to the PVL, infectivity, and anti-BLV antibody levels in milk. However, the effects of the BoLA-DRB3 allele and BLV infection on dairy cattle productivity remain poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the effect of BLV infection and BoLA-DRB3 allele polymorphism on dairy cattle productivity in 147 Holstein dams raised on Japanese dairy farms. Our findings suggested that BLV infection significantly increased milk yield. Furthermore, the BoLA-DRB3 allele alone, and the combined effect of BLV infection and the BoLA-DRB3 allele had no effect. These results indicate that on-farm breeding and selection of resistant cattle, or the preferential elimination of susceptible cattle, does not affect dairy cattle productivity. Additionally, BLV infection is more likely to affect dairy cattle productivity than BoLA-DRB3 polymorphism.
Adsorptive Removal of Reactive Yellow 145 Dye from Textile Industry Effluent Using Teff Straw Activated Carbon: Optimization Using Central Composite Design
Authors: Kifetew Melkamu , Alemayehu Esayas , Fito Jemal , Worku Zemene , Prabhu Sundramurthy Venkatesa , Lennartz Bernd
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to optimize the preparation condition of activated carbon using Teff straw as a precursor material via evaluating its potential in terms of maximizing the adsorptive removal of Reactive Yellow 145 dye (RY 145) from aqueous solutions. Selective factors, such as activation time, activation temperature, and impregnation ratio on the preparation of Teff Straw-based Activated Carbon (TSAC) were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). A quadratic regression model with estimated coefficients was developed by RSM and it was observed that model predictions were matched with experimental value with an acceptable R2 value (0.98). Further, the TSAC prepared at optimal condition was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The TSAC prepared at optimal condition showed anionic nature with a BET surface area of 627.7 m2/g. In addition, important adsorptive parameters (contact time, solution pH, adsorbent dose, and dye concentration) were evaluated through batch experiments. In such a way, it was determined that 2 h for activation time, 539 °C for activation temperature, and impregnation ratio of 5 g of phosphoric acid per 1 g of TSAC were optimal for efficient adsorption with maximum removal of 98.53% for RY 145 dye. In addition, the TSAC was subjected to test in order to determine its adsorptive performance by treating real textile industry effluent for examining its Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) removal potential. The results showed that 76% COD was removed from the real textile effluent, which met Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) standard. The finding of this paper asserts that this material is a good and low-cost bio-sorbent that can be used for the removal of pollutants from textile wastewater. Nevertheless, additional investigations of the adsorbents including regeneration options are advisable to draw explicit conclusions.
Physical and Numerical Simulation of the Mechanism Underpinning Accumulation Layer Deformation, Instability, and Movement Caused by Changing Reservoir Water Levels
Authors: Wang Rubin , Wan Jianxin , Cheng Ruilin , Wang Yunzi , Wang Zhaoying
Published: March 2023

Large-scale physical models of landslides can potentially accurately reflect the interactions between many internal and external factors and elucidate the process of slope deformation and failure. In order to reveal the mechanism of deformation of the reservoir bank accumulation layer, in this study, a large-scale physical test model with a similarity ratio of 1:200 was constructed based on the actual engineering geological section. Two reservoir water level cycle fluctuation conditions were simulated, and the reservoir water level drop rate was strictly controlled to be two times the rise rate. This study analyzed pore water pressure and deformation characteristics in the accumulation layer in relation to fluctuating reservoir water levels. The results showed that the rise in reservoir water level will make landslides more stable. The periodic sudden drop in water level seriously endangers the stability of landslides. The deformation and failure of landslides are more likely to occur in the weak interlayer area. The failure mode of the accumulation body in the test was traction failure. It is suggested that the front part of the accumulation body can be reinforced in practical engineering. To reveal the progression of instability and movement during accumulation layer large-scale landslides, a numerical model was constructed using the material point method. The accumulation layer sliding process could be divided into three stages: acceleration sliding, deceleration sliding and stabilization. After destabilization, the river channel may be altered by the landslide mass to form a landslide dam, potentially threatening the integrity of the dam via impulse waves generated during destabilization. The research results provide technical support for reservoir scheduling in major water conservancy and hydroelectric power station reservoirs as well as engineering risk assessment and prevention.
Identifying Key Influences on Surface Water Quality in Freshwater Areas of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta from 2018 to 2020
Authors: Wehrheim Carolin , Lübken Manfred , Stolpe Harro , Wichern Marc
Published: March 2023

Urbanization, industrialization, and the loss of freshwater resources are leading to an increased awareness of the importance of surface water quality worldwide. Limited ground water resources, prolonged drouths, and flooding are creating pressure on the availability of freshwater sources in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta. However, the surface water quality in this region is measured mainly at the provincial level, without reference to the water quality of adjacent regions. In order to identify and understand the key factors that contribute significantly to the quality of surface water, it is necessary to consider the delta region as a holistic system and to systematically investigate the influence of different land uses on water quality. In this study, surface water quality was evaluated during the dry season, when flow is low and water exchange is limited. For this purpose, the temporal variation in the surface water quality of 12 water quality parameters at 132 monitoring stations was analyzed according to their surrounding type of land use. To further investigate the impact on low-hierarchy canals, a correlation analysis between the river and canal class hierarchy and all investigated water quality parameters was performed. The results show that surface water quality suffers particularly in the case of a low dissolved oxygen (DO) content, with a measured minimum of 0.48 mg/L, and in cases of organic pollution in the form of total suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, and chemical oxygen demand, with values up to 146 mg/L, 75.0 mg/L, and 41.0 mg/L, respectively. As the main factors influencing surface water pollution, freshwater aquaculture and industrial activities were identified. This could have a relevant impact on future sustainable land use planning.