bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frontiers in the Solicitation of Machine Learning Approaches in Vegetable Science Research
Authors: Sharma Meenakshi , Kaushik Prashant , Chawade Aakash
Published: August 2021

Along with essential nutrients and trace elements, vegetables provide raw materials for the food processing industry. Despite this, plant diseases and unfavorable weather patterns continue to threaten the delicate balance between vegetable production and consumption. It is critical to utilize machine learning (ML) in this setting because it provides context for decision-making related to breeding goals. Cutting-edge technologies for crop genome sequencing and phenotyping, combined with advances in computer science, are currently fueling a revolution in vegetable science and technology. Additionally, various ML techniques such as prediction, classification, and clustering are frequently used to forecast vegetable crop production in the field. In the vegetable seed industry, machine learning algorithms are used to assess seed quality before germination and have the potential to improve vegetable production with desired features significantly; whereas, in plant disease detection and management, the ML approaches can improve decision-support systems that assist in converting massive amounts of data into valuable recommendations. On similar lines, in vegetable breeding, ML approaches are helpful in predicting treatment results, such as what will happen if a gene is silenced. Furthermore, ML approaches can be a saviour to insufficient coverage and noisy data generated using various omics platforms. This article examines ML models in the field of vegetable sciences, which encompasses breeding, biotechnology, and genome sequencing.
Entrepreneurship in Crisis: The Determinants of Syrian Refugees’ Entrepreneurial Intentions in Turkey
Authors: Almohammad Dawoud , Durrah Omar , Alkhalaf Taher , Rashid Mohamad
Published: August 2021

This study aims to identify the determinants of entrepreneurial intentions among Syrian refugees in Turkey. The research, based on planned behaviour theory, focused on the impact of the refugee context on those intentions and thus on the attitudes and behaviour of entrepreneurs. The study is based on the positivist paradigm, and a quantitative methodology was used to collect data. We preferred the method of convenience sampling and chose 122 entrepreneurial projects at the beginning of 2020. The results show that psychological characteristics have no significant impact. Motivation, conviction, and independence are not sufficient conditions for the choice of an entrepreneurial profession. Self-standards do not affect the entrepreneurial intentions of refugees, as support from family and friends may not be sufficient reason to engage in an entrepreneurial project. However, entrepreneurship emerged among the refugees distinguished by perseverance, efficiency, a spirit of innovation, prior experience, adequate perceptions of barriers, and having the resources needed to implement projects. The refugee context has a negative emotional impact on entrepreneurship for reasons related to conditions of instability, language difficulties, the need for capital to invest, and a lack of entrepreneurial knowledge. The research findings can be used to support the role of humanitarian organisations, UN agencies, and host governments in developing a deeper understanding of entrepreneurial intentions in the refugee context.
Water Use Behavior in a Multicultural Urban Area in Sweden
Authors: Dadvar Atefeh , Mahapatra Krushna , Forss Jörgen
Published: August 2021

The increasing world population and climate change are major concerns for the supply of water needs. Understanding user behavior facilitates the development of effective strategies of domestic water management. This research applied a questionnaire survey and data analysis methods to analyze the water consumption behavior of tenants in a multicultural urban area, dominated by immigrants of different ethnic origins, in the city of Växjö in Sweden. Results showed that the majority of the studied participants perceived themselves to be environmentally friendly. They reported to be engaged in water conservation activities quite often, but analysis showed that they did not have accurate perceptions of their water consumption. Positive attitudes towards water conservation and self-reported water conservation activities significantly but negatively influenced respondents’ actual water consumption, i.e., water consumption was higher. Subjective norms did not have a significant influence. The results also revealed that individual measurement and debit positively influenced, i.e., reduced, actual water consumption. Therefore, water management systems should include an individual measurement and debit system combined with a visualization system to enable tenants to monitor the quantity and cost of their water consumption.
A Conceptual Framework for the Evaluation of Social Agriculture: An Application to a Project Aimed at the Employability of Young People NEET
Authors: Baselice Antonio , Prosperi Maurizio , Lopolito Antonio
Published: August 2021

Agriculture can be a possible provider of social services of relevant importance for the whole society. In order to generate a valuable social service, a multi-actor approach is often applied, based on an active collaboration among public institutions, non-profit organizations, and private firms, and capable of generating multiple positive impacts. This new approach may both favorite agricultural diversification and enhance the quality of life of rural communities. However, in order to enable policymakers in motivating the public support to these types of initiatives, an evaluation method capable of disentangling the multiple benefits generated by social agricultural projects is required. In this paper, we adapted the evaluation method previously developed by the SIMRA consortium for Social Innovation initiatives, to a project aimed at the employability of NEETs in the south of Italy. A selection grid, framed by cross-referencing the national policy objectives of social agriculture and the criteria of eligibility adopted in public calls is proposed, to choose the suitable indicators for the evaluation. The evaluation experience allowed the measurement of 34 indicators of performance. The results prove that 12 indicators are positive, while 12 are moderate, and 10 are low and are mainly related to the enhancement of social inclusion. The evaluation exercise may be useful to disentangling the multiple outcomes generated by initiatives based on social innovation, which are highly based on intangible assets, and exert a positive effect on the internal cohesion and the engagement of the civil society.
Improving Experienced Mathematics Teachers’ Classroom Talk: A Visual Learning Analytics Approach to Professional Development
Authors: Lo Chung Kwan , Chen Gaowei
Published: August 2021

The professional development of experienced teachers has received considerably less attention than that of novice teachers. This study focuses on four experienced secondary mathematics teachers in Shanghai, China, with two participating in a year-long professional development program (treatment teachers) and the other two received conventional knowledge-based professional development (comparison teachers). The program introduced productive classroom talk skills which can facilitate teachers’ formative assessment of student learning during class. To encourage teachers to reflect on their classroom discourse when reviewing recordings of their teaching, we used visual learning analytics with the treatment teachers and theorized the use of this technology with activity theory. After completing the program, the treatment teachers were better able to use productive talk moves to elicit student responses and to provide timely formative feedback accordingly. Specifically, the percentage of word contributions in lessons from students and the length of their responses increased noticeably. Qualitative findings suggest that the use of visual learning analytics mediated the treatment teachers and improved classroom discourse. Based on these findings and activity theory, we provide recommendations for future use of visual learning analytics to improve teachers’ classroom talk and designing professional development activities for experienced teachers.
Achieving Sustainable Urban Development with an Ageing Population: An “Age-Friendly City and Community” Approach
Authors: Han Jianbo , Chan Edwin Hon Wan , Qian Queena Kun , Yung Esther Hiu Kwan
Published: August 2021

The ageing population tends to be seen as a burden of cities’ future development. Thus, the public funds for older residents’ wellbeing are at risk of being cut back under the economic austerity due to the prevalent neoliberalism policy atmosphere. However, some cities set good examples to turn their older citizens into active contributors to sustainable urban development (SUD) by developing age-friendly cities and communities (AFCC). Taking Hong Kong as an example, this study aims to raise a strategy for policymakers, especially at the municipal level, to incorporate the concept of AFCC in SUD. Data were retrieved for our analysis from a published report of the Hong Kong Public Policy Research Fund project. A total of 15 AFCC and SUD policy factors were identified by using factor analysis. The correlations between these policy factors were evaluated and visualised in a synergetic effect network. According to the network, this study indicates that developing the silver hair market can be a suitable entry point to realise SUD by adopting an AFCC development. Isolation prevention, social sustainability and low-energy-consumption development are the supportive policy factors for the silver hair market. Specifically, respect, discrimination prevention, communication and information, age-friendly facilities, environmental safety and public transportation accessibility are five AFCC policy factors incorporated in the policy integration to enhance older residents’ wellbeing further. This study is an innovative attempt to develop a comprehensive model for the synergy between sustainable urban development and an age-friendly city and community using a correlation network. This study also provides a reference for other city governments to respond to population ageing positively.
Coping Strategies of Food Insecure Households in Conflict Areas: The Case of South Sudan
Authors: Sassi Maria
Published: August 2021

The surge in acute food insecurity due to conflict calls for sound evidence-based policymaking. Unfortunately, the knowledge on behaviours of households when they face a food shortage in these situations is under-reported in the literature. Our paper contributes to the covering of this gap by presenting the food consumption and livelihood-based coping mechanisms used by households in Western Bahr el Ghazal in South Sudan, distinguishing between rural areas and the Wau Protection of Civilian camp. We used a descriptive research design and unique primary data collected by the submission of a survey to a sample of 838 households from July–August 2020. In the alarming hunger situation in the investigated areas, households deeply use coping mechanisms independently of their food security status. The majority of them are at the breakdown of their coping ability. The behaviours used by households indicate a wider social catastrophe that the long-term consequences of these mechanisms can further accentuate. Food assistance resulted in a relatively better situation in the Wau Protection of Civilian camp. The paper confirms the centrality of a humanitarian-development-peace approach to food security in the investigated area, where the support of livelihood strategies and opportunities for households and the promotion of sound institutions have paramount roles.
When Does a Dual Matrix Have a Dual Generalized Inverse?
Authors: Udwadia Firdaus E.
Published: August 2021

This paper deals with the existence of various types of dual generalized inverses of dual matrices. New and foundational results on the necessary and sufficient conditions for various types of dual generalized inverses to exist are obtained. It is shown that unlike real matrices, dual matrices may not have {1}-dual generalized inverses. A necessary and sufficient condition for a dual matrix to have a {1}-dual generalized inverse is obtained. It is shown that a dual matrix always has a {1}-, {1,3}-, {1,4}-, {1,2,3}-, {1,2,4}-dual generalized inverse if and only if it has a {1}-dual generalized inverse and that every dual matrix has a {2}- and a {2,4}-dual generalized inverse. Explicit expressions, which have not been reported to date in the literature, for all these dual inverses are provided. It is shown that the Moore–Penrose dual generalized inverse of a dual matrix exists if and only if the dual matrix has a {1}-dual generalized inverse; an explicit expression for this dual inverse, when it exists, is obtained irrespective of the rank of its real part. Explicit expressions for the Moore–Penrose dual inverse of a dual matrix, in terms of {1}-dual generalized inverses of products, are also obtained. Several new results related to the determination of dual Moore-Penrose inverses using less restrictive dual inverses are also provided.
Multifarious Roles of Hidden Chiral-Scale Symmetry: “Quenching” gA in Nuclei
Authors: Rho Mannque
Published: August 2021

I discuss how the axial current coupling constant gA renormalized in scale symmetric chiral EFT defined at a chiral matching scale impacts on the axial current matrix elements on beta decays in nuclei with and without neutrinos. The “quenched” gA observed in nuclear superallowed Gamow–Teller transitions, a long-standing puzzle in nuclear physics, is shown to encode the emergence of chiral-scale symmetry hidden in QCD in the vacuum. This enables one to explore how trace-anomaly-induced scale symmetry breaking enters in the renormalized gA in nuclei applicable to certain non-unique forbidden processes involved in neutrinoless double beta decays. A parallel is made between the roles of chiral-scale symmetry in quenching gA in highly dense medium and in hadron–quark continuity in the EoS of dense matter in massive compact stars. A systematic chiral-scale EFT, presently lacking in nuclear theory and potentially crucial for the future progress, is suggested as a challenge in the field.
Minimum Time Problem Controlled by Affine Connection
Authors: Udriste Constantin , Tevy Ionel
Published: August 2021

Geometrically, the affine connection is the main ingredient that underlies the covariant derivative, the parallel transport, the auto-parallel curves, the torsion tensor field, and the curvature tensor field on a finite-dimensional differentiable manifold. In this paper, we come up with a new idea of controllability and observability of states by using auto-parallel curves, and the minimum time problem controlled by the affine connection. The main contributions refer to the following: (i) auto-parallel curves controlled by a connection, (ii) reachability and controllability on the tangent bundle of a manifold, (iii) examples of equiaffine connections, (iv) minimum time problem controlled by a connection, (v) connectivity by stochastic perturbations of auto-parallel curves, and (vi) computing the optimal time and the optimal striking time. The connections with bounded pull-backs result in bang–bang optimal controls. Some significative examples on bi-dimensional manifolds clarify the intention of our paper and suggest possible applications. At the end, an example of minimum striking time with simulation results is presented.
Coupled Fractional Traveling Wave Solutions of the Extended Boussinesq–Whitham–Broer–Kaup-Type Equations with Variable Coefficients and Fractional Order
Authors: Choi Jin Hyuk , Kim Hyunsoo
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we propose the extended Boussinesq–Whitham–Broer–Kaup (BWBK)-type equations with variable coefficients and fractional order. We consider the fractional BWBK equations, the fractional Whitham–Broer–Kaup (WBK) equations and the fractional Boussinesq equations with variable coefficients by setting proper smooth functions that are derived from the proposed equation. We obtain uniformly coupled fractional traveling wave solutions of the considered equations by employing the improved system method, and subsequently their asymmetric behaviors are visualized graphically. The result shows that the improved system method is effective and powerful to find explicit traveling wave solutions of the fractional nonlinear evolution equations.
Degeneracy Patterns of Chiral Companions at Finite Temperature
Authors: Torres-Rincon Juan M.
Published: August 2021

Chiral symmetry represents a fundamental concept lying at the core of particle and nuclear physics. Its spontaneous breaking in vacuum can be exploited to distinguish chiral hadronic partners, whose masses differ. In fact, the features of this breaking serve as guiding principles for the construction of effective approaches of QCD at low energies, e.g., the chiral perturbation theory, the linear sigma model, the (Polyakov)–Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model, etc. At high temperatures/densities chiral symmetry can be restored bringing the chiral partners to be nearly degenerated in mass. At vanishing baryochemical potential, such restoration follows a smooth transition, and the chiral companions reach this degeneration above the transition temperature. In this work I review how different realizations of chiral partner degeneracy arise in different effective theories/models of QCD. I distinguish the cases where the chiral states are either fundamental degrees of freedom or (dynamically-generated) composed states. In particular, I discuss the intriguing case in which chiral symmetry restoration involves more than two chiral partners, recently addressed in the literature.
Rational Interpolation: Jacobi’s Approach Reminiscence
Authors: Uteshev Alexei , Baravy Ivan , Kalinina Elizaveta
Published: August 2021

We treat the interpolation problem {f(xj)=yj}j=1N for polynomial and rational functions. Developing the approach originated by C. Jacobi, we represent the interpolants by virtue of the Hankel polynomials generated by the sequences of special symmetric functions of the data set like {∑j=1Nxjkyj/W′(xj)}k∈N and {∑j=1Nxjk/(yjW′(xj))}k∈N; here, W(x)=∏j=1N(x−xj). We also review the results by Jacobi, Joachimsthal, Kronecker and Frobenius on the recursive procedure for computation of the sequence of Hankel polynomials. The problem of evaluation of the resultant of polynomials p(x) and q(x) given a set of values {p(xj)/q(xj)}j=1N is also tackled within the framework of this approach. An effective procedure is suggested for recomputation of rational interpolants in case of extension of the data set by an extra point.
Comparative Study of Peridynamics and Finite Element Method for Practical Modeling of Cracks in Topology Optimization
Authors: Lahe Motlagh Peyman , Kefal Adnan
Published: August 2021

Recently, topology optimization of structures with cracks becomes an important topic for avoiding manufacturing defects at the design stage. This paper presents a comprehensive comparative study of peridynamics-based topology optimization method (PD-TO) and classical finite element topology optimization approach (FEM-TO) for designing lightweight structures with/without cracks. Peridynamics (PD) is a robust and accurate non-local theory that can overcome various difficulties of classical continuum mechanics for dealing with crack modeling and its propagation analysis. To implement the PD-TO in this study, bond-based approach is coupled with optimality criteria method. This methodology is applicable to topology optimization of structures with any symmetric/asymmetric distribution of cracks under general boundary conditions. For comparison, optimality criteria approach is also employed in the FEM-TO process, and then topology optimization of four different structures with/without cracks are investigated. After that, strain energy and displacement results are compared between PD-TO and FEM-TO methods. For design domain without cracks, it is observed that PD and FEM algorithms provide very close optimum topologies with a negligibly small percent difference in the results. After this validation step, each case study is solved by integrating the cracks in the design domain as well. According to the simulation results, PD-TO always provides a lower strain energy than FEM-TO for optimum topology of cracked structures. In addition, the PD-TO methodology ensures a better design of stiffer supports in the areas of cracks as compared to FEM-TO. Furthermore, in the final case study, an intended crack with a symmetrically designed size and location is embedded in the design domain to minimize the strain energy of optimum topology through PD-TO analysis. It is demonstrated that hot-spot strain/stress regions of the pristine structure are the most effective areas to locate the designed cracks for effective redistribution of strain/stress during topology optimization.
Common Independence in Graphs
Authors: Dettlaff Magda , Lemańska Magdalena , Topp Jerzy
Published: August 2021

The cardinality of a largest independent set of G, denoted by α(G), is called the independence number of G. The independent domination number i(G) of a graph G is the cardinality of a smallest independent dominating set of G. We introduce the concept of the common independence number of a graph G, denoted by αc(G), as the greatest integer r such that every vertex of G belongs to some independent subset X of VG with |X|≥r. The common independence number αc(G) of G is the limit of symmetry in G with respect to the fact that each vertex of G belongs to an independent set of cardinality αc(G) in G, and there are vertices in G that do not belong to any larger independent set in G. For any graph G, the relations between above parameters are given by the chain of inequalities i(G)≤αc(G)≤α(G). In this paper, we characterize the trees T for which i(T)=αc(T), and the block graphs G for which αc(G)=α(G).
Association between Pesticides in House Dust and Residential Proximity to Farmland in a Rural Region of Taiwan
Authors: Simaremare Sailent Rizki Sari , Hung Chien-Che , Yu Tzu-Hsien , Hsieh Chia-Jung , Yiin Lih-Ming
Published: August 2021

Pesticide drift was reported in many international studies, but rarely studied in Taiwan. We conducted a study in a rural region of Taiwan to examine the associations between pesticides in house dust and nearby agricultural areas using geographic information system (GIS). A questionnaire regarding home characteristics and pesticide use, and indoor and outdoor dust samples were collected from 47 rural homes. Dust samples were analyzed for six pesticides, and agricultural land data for GIS analysis were retrieved from a national website. All but prallethrin were frequently detected from indoor dust samples (>50%), and the maximum concentrations were all below 1000 ng/g. Detection frequencies and concentrations of pesticides in outdoor dust samples were even lower than that in indoor dust samples. Only “work involving pesticides” in the questionnaire was significantly associated with four pesticides in house dust (p < 0.05). Carbofuran and tetramethrin in house dust were significantly correlated with rice cultivation area at certain buffer distances (ρ > 0.33, p < 0.05), and chlorpyrifos was found to be associated with abandoned cultivation area, suggesting the occurrence of pesticide drift. Despite the low levels of pesticides in house dust, residents in the rural region should be cautious of pesticide drift from nearby active or abandoned farmlands.
The Effects of Distributed vs. Condensed Schedule for Robot-Assisted Training with Botulinum Toxin A Injection for Spastic Upper Limbs in Chronic Post-Stroke Subjects
Authors: Hung Jen-Wen , Chen Yen-Wei , Chen Yi-Ju , Pong Ya-Ping , Wu Wen-Chi , Chang Ku-Chou , Wu Ching-Yi
Published: August 2021

Robot-assisted training (RT) combined with a Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injection has been suggested as a means to optimize spasticity treatment outcomes. The optimal schedule of applying RT after a BoNT-A injection has not been defined. This single-blind, randomized controlled trial compared the effects of two predefined RT approaches as an adjunct to BoNT-A injections of spastic upper limbs in chronic post-stroke subjects. Thirty-six patients received a BoNT-A injection in the affected upper extremity and were randomly assigned to the condensed or distributed RT group. The condensed group received an intervention of four sessions/week for six consecutive weeks. The distributed group attended two sessions/week for 12 consecutive weeks. Each session included 45 min of RT using the InMotion 2.0 robot, followed by 30 min of functional training. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Modified Ashworth Scale, Wolf Motor Function Test, Motor Activity Log, and Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire were assessed at pre-training, mid-term, post-training, and at 6 week follow-up, with the exception of the Motor Activity Log, which did not include mid-term measures. After the intervention, both groups had significant improvements in all outcome measures (within-group effects, p < 0.05), with the exception of the Wolf Motor Function Test time score. There were no significant differences between groups and interaction effects in all outcome measures. Our findings suggest that RT provided in a fixed dosage as an adjunct to a BoNT-A injection has a positive effect on participants’ impairment and activity levels, regardless of treatment frequency. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03321097).
Occurrence of Ochratoxin A in Different Types of Cheese Offered for Sale in Italy
Authors: Altafini Alberto , Roncada Paola , Guerrini Alessandro , Minkoumba Sonfack Gaetan , Fedrizzi Giorgio , Caprai Elisabetta
Published: August 2021

The detection of Ochratoxin A (OTA) in the milk of ruminants occurs infrequently and at low levels, but its occurrence may be higher in dairy products such as cheese. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of OTA in cheeses purchased in the metropolitan city of Bologna (Italy) and the surrounding area. For the analysis, a LC-MS/MS method with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 1 µg/kg was used. OTA was detected in seven out of 51 samples of grated hard cheese (concentration range 1.3–22.4 µg/kg), while it was not found in the 33 cheeses of other types which were also analysed. These data show a low risk of OTA contamination for almost all types of cheese analysed. To improve the safety of cheese marketed in grated form, more regulations on cheese rind, which is the part most susceptible to OTA-producing moulds, should be implemented or, alternatively, producers should consider not using the rind as row material for grated cheese. It would be interesting to continue these investigations particularly on grated hard cheeses to have more data to update the risk assessment of OTA in cheese, as also suggested by EFSA in its 2020 scientific opinion on OTA.
BK Polyomavirus—Biology, Genomic Variation and Diagnosis
Authors: Furmaga Jacek , Kowalczyk Marek , Zapolski Tomasz , Furmaga Olga , Krakowski Leszek , Rudzki Grzegorz , Jaroszyński Andrzej , Jakubczak Andrzej
Published: August 2021

The BK polyomavirus (BKPyV), a representative of the family Polyomaviridae, is widespread in the human population. While the virus does not cause significant clinical symptoms in immunocompetent individuals, it is activated in cases of immune deficiency, both pharmacological and pathological. Infection with the BKPyV is of particular importance in recipients of kidney transplants or HSC transplantation, in which it can lead to the loss of the transplanted kidney or to haemorrhagic cystitis, respectively. Four main genotypes of the virus are distinguished on the basis of molecular differentiation. The most common genotype worldwide is genotype I, with a frequency of about 80%, followed by genotype IV (about 15%), while genotypes II and III are isolated only sporadically. The distribution of the molecular variants of the virus is associated with the region of origin. BKPyV subtype Ia is most common in Africa, Ib-1 in Southeast Asia, and Ib-2 in Europe, while Ic is the most common variant in Northeast Asia. The development of molecular methods has enabled significant improvement not only in BKPyV diagnostics, but in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment as well. Amplification of viral DNA from urine by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and qPCR Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a non-invasive method that can be used to confirm the presence of the genetic material of the virus and to determine the viral load. Sequencing techniques together with bioinformatics tools and databases can be used to determine variants of the virus, analyse their circulation in populations, identify relationships between them, and investigate the directions of evolution of the virus.
Rapid and Robust Continuous Purification of High-Titer Hepatitis B Virus for In Vitro and In Vivo Applications
Authors: Wettengel Jochen M. , Linden Bianca , Esser Knud , Laue Michael , Burwitz Benjamin J. , Protzer Ulrike
Published: August 2021

Available treatments for hepatitis B can control the virus but are rarely curative. This led to a global initiative to design new curative therapies for the 257 million patients affected. Discovery and development of these new therapies is contingent upon functional in vitro and in vivo hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection models. However, low titer and impurity of conventional HBV stocks reduce significance of in vitro infections and moreover limit challenge doses in current in vivo models. Therefore, there is a critical need for a robust, simple and reproducible protocol to generate high-purity and high-titer infectious HBV stocks. Here, we outline a three-step protocol for continuous production of high-quality HBV stocks from supernatants of HBV-replicating cell lines. This purification process takes less than 6 h, yields to high-titer stocks (up to 1 × 1011 enveloped, DNA-containing HBV particles/mL each week), and is with minimal equipment easily adaptable to most laboratory settings.
Animal Coronavirus Diseases: Parallels with COVID-19 in Humans
Authors: Lin Chao-Nan , Chan Kuan Rong , Ooi Eng Eong , Chiou Ming-Tang , Hoang Minh , Hsueh Po-Ren , Ooi Peck Toung
Published: August 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel coronavirus in humans, has expanded globally over the past year. COVID-19 remains an important subject of intensive research owing to its huge impact on economic and public health globally. Based on historical archives, the first coronavirus-related disease recorded was possibly animal-related, a case of feline infectious peritonitis described as early as 1912. Despite over a century of documented coronaviruses in animals, the global animal industry still suffers from outbreaks. Knowledge and experience handling animal coronaviruses provide a valuable tool to complement our understanding of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In this review, we present an overview of coronaviruses, clinical signs, COVID-19 in animals, genome organization and recombination, immunopathogenesis, transmission, viral shedding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. By drawing parallels between COVID-19 in animals and humans, we provide perspectives on the pathophysiological mechanisms by which coronaviruses cause diseases in both animals and humans, providing a critical basis for the development of effective vaccines and therapeutics against these deadly viruses.
Common Themes in Zoonotic Spillover and Disease Emergence: Lessons Learned from Bat- and Rodent-Borne RNA Viruses
Authors: Williams Evan P. , Spruill-Harrell Briana M. , Taylor Mariah K. , Lee Jasper , Nywening Ashley V. , Yang Zemin , Nichols Jacob H. , Camp Jeremy V. , Owen Robert D. , Jonsson Colleen B.
Published: August 2021

Rodents (order Rodentia), followed by bats (order Chiroptera), comprise the largest percentage of living mammals on earth. Thus, it is not surprising that these two orders account for many of the reservoirs of the zoonotic RNA viruses discovered to date. The spillover of these viruses from wildlife to human do not typically result in pandemics but rather geographically confined outbreaks of human infection and disease. While limited geographically, these viruses cause thousands of cases of human disease each year. In this review, we focus on three questions regarding zoonotic viruses that originate in bats and rodents. First, what biological strategies have evolved that allow RNA viruses to reside in bats and rodents? Second, what are the environmental and ecological causes that drive viral spillover? Third, how does virus spillover occur from bats and rodents to humans?
Characterization of a Lineage C.36 SARS-CoV-2 Isolate with Reduced Susceptibility to Neutralization Circulating in Lombardy, Italy
Authors: Castelli Matteo , Baj Andreina , Criscuolo Elena , Ferrarese Roberto , Diotti Roberta A. , Sampaolo Michela , Novazzi Federica , Dalla Gasperina Daniela , Focosi Daniele , Ferrari Davide , Locatelli Massimo , Clementi Massimo , Clementi Nicola , Maggi Fabrizio , Mancini Nicasio
Published: August 2021

SARS-CoV-2 spike is evolving to maximize transmissibility and evade the humoral response. The massive genomic sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 isolates has led to the identification of single-point mutations and deletions, often having the recurrence of hotspots, associated with advantageous phenotypes. We report the isolation and molecular characterization of a SARS-CoV-2 strain, belonging to a lineage (C.36) not previously associated with concerning traits, which shows decreased susceptibility to vaccine sera neutralization.
Research Progress on the Mechanism of the Acupuncture Regulating Neuro-Endocrine-Immune Network System
Authors: Cui Jingwen , Song Wanrong , Jin Yipeng , Xu Huihao , Fan Kai , Lin Degui , Hao Zhihui , Lin Jiahao
Published: August 2021

As one of the conventional treatment methods, acupuncture is an indispensable component of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Currently, acupuncture has been partly accepted throughout the world, but the mechanism of acupuncture is still unclear. Since the theory of the neuro-endocrine-immune network was put forward, new insights have been brought into the understanding of the mechanism of acupuncture. Studies have proven that acupuncture is a mechanical stimulus that can activate local cell functions and neuroreceptors. It also regulates the release of related biomolecules (peptide hormones, lipid hormones, neuromodulators and neurotransmitters, and other small and large biomolecules) in the microenvironment, where they can affect each other and further activate the neuroendocrine-immune network to achieve holistic regulation. Recently, growing efforts have been made in the research on the mechanism of acupuncture. Some researchers have transitioned from studying the mechanism of acupuncture as a single linear pathway to using systems approaches, including metabolomics, genomics, proteomics and biological pathway analysis. This review summarizes the research progress on the neuro-endocrine-immune network related mechanism of acupuncture and discusses its current challenges and future directions.
The Flow Pattern Transition and Water Holdup of Gas–Liquid Flow in the Horizontal and Vertical Sections of a Continuous Transportation Pipe
Authors: Ren Guishan , Ge Dangke , Li Peng , Chen Xuemei , Zhang Xuhui , Lu Xiaobing , Sun Kai , Fang Rui , Mi Lifei , Su Feng
Published: August 2021

A series of experiments were conducted to investigate the flow pattern transitions and water holdup during oil–water–gas three-phase flow considering both a horizontal section and a vertical section of a transportation pipe simultaneously. The flowing media were white mineral oil, distilled water, and air. Dimensionless numbers controlling the multiphase flow were deduced to understand the scaling law of the flow process. The oil–water–gas three-phase flow was simplified as the two-phase flow of a gas and liquid mixture. Based on the experimental data, flow pattern maps were constructed in terms of the Reynolds number and the ratio of the superficial velocity of the gas to that of the liquid mixture for different Froude numbers. The original contributions of this work are that the relationship between the transient water holdup and the changes of the flow patterns in a transportation pipe with horizontal and vertical sections is established, providing a basis for judging the flow patterns in pipes in engineering practice. A dimensionless power-law correlation for the water holdup in the vertical section is presented based on the experimental data. The correlation can provide theoretical support for the design of oil and gas transport pipelines in industrial applications.
Geochemistry of Dissolved Heavy Metals in Upper Reaches of the Three Gorges Reservoir of Yangtze River Watershed during the Flood Season
Authors: Zeng Jie , Han Guilin , Hu Mingming , Wang Yuchun , Liu Jinke , Zhang Shitong , Wang Di
Published: August 2021

Dissolved heavy metals (HMs), derived from natural and anthropogenic sources, are an important part of aquatic environment research and gain more international concern due to their acute toxicity. In this study, the geochemistry of dissolved HMs was analyzed in the upper Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) of the Yangtze River (YZR) watershed to explore their distribution, status, and sources and further evaluate the water quality and HM-related risks. In total, 57 water samples were collected from the main channel and tributaries of the upper TGR. The concentrations of eight HMs, namely V, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Cd, and Pb, were measured by ICP-MS. The mean concentrations (in μg/L) of eight HMs decreased in the order: As (1.46), V (1.44), Ni (1.40), Mo (0.94), Cu (0.86), Zn (0.63), Pb (0.03), and Cd (0.01). The concentrations of most HMs were 1.4~8.1 times higher than that in the source area of the YZR, indicating a potential anthropogenic intervention in the upper TGR. Spatially, the concentrations of V, Cu, As, and Pb along the main channel gradually decreased, while the others were relatively stable (except for Cd). The different degrees of variations in HM concentrations were also found in tributaries. According to the correlation analysis and principal component (PC) analysis, three PCs were identified and explained 75.1% of the total variances. combined with the concentrations of each metal, PC1 with high loadings of V, Ni, As, and Mo was considered as the main contribution of human inputs, PC2 (Cu and Pb) was primarily attributed to the contribution of mixed sources of human emissions and natural processes, and Zn and Cd in PC3 were controlled by natural sources. Water quality assessment suggested the good water quality (meeting the requirements for drinking purposes) with WQI values of 14.1 ± 3.4 and 11.6 ± 3.6 in the main channel and tributaries, respectively. Exposure risk assessment denoted that the health effects of selected HMs on the human body were limited (hazard index, HI < 1), but the potential risks of V and As with HI > 0.1 were non-negligible, especially for children. These findings provide scientific support for the environmental management of the upper TGR region and the metal cycle in aquatic systems.
Resident Perceptions of Ecosystem Services Provided by U.S. Coral Reefs: Highlights from the First Cycle of the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program’s Socioeconomic Survey
Authors: Allen Mary E. , Fleming Chloe S. , Gonyo Sarah B. , Towle Erica K. , Dillard Maria K. , Levine Arielle , Gorstein Matt , Loerzel Jarrod , Regan Seann D. , Zito Ben M. , Edwards Peter E. T.
Published: August 2021

Despite being among the most valuable ecosystems on Earth, coral reefs face ongoing threats that could negatively impact the human populations who depend on them. The National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (NCRMP) collects and monitors data on various aspects of U.S. coral reefs to provide a holistic understanding of the status of the reefs and adjacent human communities. This paper explores results from the NCRMP’s first socioeconomic monitoring cycle using an ecosystem services framework and examines how these results can be used to improve coral reef management in the following U.S. coral reef jurisdictions: American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Florida, Guam, Hawai’i, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Results suggest that residents in the U.S. Pacific coral reef basin may hold stronger cultural and provisioning values, whereas residents in the U.S. Atlantic coral reef basin may hold stronger regulating values. These findings suggest that outreach efforts have been successful in communicating benefits provided by coral reef ecosystems to the public. They also provide insight into which ecosystem services are valued in each jurisdiction, allowing resource managers to make science-based decisions about how to communicate conservation and management initiatives.
How to Improve the Biological Quality of Urban Streams? Reviewing the Effect of Hydromorphological Alterations and Rehabilitation Measures on Benthic Invertebrates
Authors: Zerega Andreina , Simões Nuno Eduardo , Feio Maria João
Published: August 2021

Urbanisation alters the natural hydromorphology of streams, affecting aquatic communities and ecological quality. Increasing efforts have been put into the rehabilitation of urban streams due to their importance for urban sustainability. Despite these efforts, many projects fail to achieve the improvement of aquatic communities. This study aims to provide specific recommendations to enhance the biological rehabilitation of urban streams by reviewing: (i) the impacts of urbanisation and climate change on urban stream hydrology, (ii) the responses of invertebrate assemblages to alterations in the hydrology and morphology of streams, and (iii) the hydromorphological rehabilitation measures applied to streams and their effect on invertebrate communities. This review found that commonly employed measures of habitat heterogeneity enhancement (such as the addition of meanders, boulders, and artificial riffles) are not enough to improve invertebrate communities. On the other hand, the most effective measures are those leading to the re-establishment of natural hydrological patterns and good water quality. Ultimately, an integrated ecohydrological approach that considers the entire watershed and its interactions between ecosystems and anthropological activities is the key to managing and rehabilitating urban streams.
Evaluating the Effects of Sediment Transport on Pipe Flow Resistance
Authors: Ferro Vito , Nicosia Alessio
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the applicability of a theoretical flow resistance law to sediment-laden flow in pipes is tested. At first, the incomplete self-similarity (ISS) theory is applied to deduce the velocity profile and the corresponding flow resistance law. Then the available database of measurements carried out by clear water and sediment-laden flows with sediments having a quasi-uniform sediment size and three different values of the mean particle diameter Dm (0.88 mm, 0.41 mm and 0.30 mm) are used to calibrate the Γ parameter of the power-velocity profile. The fitting of the measured local velocity to the power distribution demonstrates that (i) for clear flow the exponent δ can be estimated by the equation of Castaing et al. and (ii) for the sediment-laden flows δ is related to the diameter Dm. A relationship for estimating the parameter Гv obtained by the power-velocity profile and that Гf of the flow resistance law is theoretically deduced. The relationship between the parameter Гv, the head loss per unit length and the pipe flow Froude number is also obtained by the available sediment-laden pipe flow data. Finally, the procedure to estimate the Darcy-Weisbach friction factor is tested by the available measurements.
A Study of Microplastic Particles in Danish Tap Water
Authors: Feld Louise , Silva Vitor Hugo da , Murphy Fionn , Hartmann Nanna B. , Strand Jakob
Published: August 2021

Microplastics (MPs) are omnipresent in our surroundings and in the environment, with drinking water being a potential pathway for human exposure. This study investigated the presence of MPs in Danish drinking water from 17 different households and workplaces in Denmark. Samples of tap water were collected using a closed sampling system to decrease airborne contamination, and QA/QC measurements were performed to assess background contamination. Particles > 100 µm were visually analysed by stereomicroscopy in combination with spectroscopy analysis (µ-FTIR) to evaluate morphology and chemical composition. An assessment of MP particles down to 10 µm was performed on water samples from three locations using hyperspectral image analysis. The results indicate a low level of MPs in Danish drinking water, with a total of seven MP particles across all samples, comprising PET, PP, PS, and ABS. Microfibers were the most common type of MP-like particles in both drinking water and blanks, but the concentration for all samples was below the limit of detection and could not be differentiated from background contamination. Most of the particles analysed by µ-FTIR were identified as cellulose fibres and a smaller subset as protein. Based on this work, we discuss the status of MP drinking water studies and address challenges and limitations regarding the analysis of MP in drinking water.
Relationships between Insufficient Drinking Water Supply and the Socio-Economic Development of Small Municipalities: Mayors’ Opinions from the Czech Republic
Authors: Kopp Jan , Kureková Lucie , Hejduková Pavlína , Vogt David , Hejduk Tomáš
Published: August 2021

Repeatedly occurring droughts in the Czech Republic in previous years have heightened the need to answer questions concerning the provision of drinking water in small municipalities in the context of their development. The goal of the research was to assess what mutual relationships exist between insufficient drinking water supply and the socio-economic level of municipalities with less than 2000 inhabitants. The basis of the study is formed by data collected via a questionnaire survey of the mayors of 2110 municipalities. For the purposes of the analysis, the Drinking Water Supply Threat Index (DWSTI) composite indicator was established. Subsequently, the effect of selected factors on DWSTI was determined via correlation and regression analysis, and results were compared for two size groups of municipalities indicate water supply problems. The digging of new wells for individual needs is seen to be the most significant signal of problems. The absence of water supply infrastructure results in a heightening of the socio-economic deprivation of small municipalities, as it limits new building and becomes a limitation to their development. A solution is possible based on regional or trans-regional financial and managerial support of development together with an active approach on the part of municipalities.