bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the Impact of Spatial Configuration on TOD Function Mix Use and Spatial Intensity: An Analysis of 47 Morning Top-Flow Stations in Beijing (2018–2020)
Authors: Wan Bo , Zhao Xudan , Sun Yuhan , Yang Tao
Published: May 2023

Urban rail transportation is an important public transportation network for realizing the dual carbon strategy and sustainable transportation development. A top-stream station is an important node in this network. This paper focuses on 47 top-stream station sites during the peak hours of workdays from 2018 to 2020 in Beijing (26 inbound and 22 outbound, with Beijing South Station as a double-stream station) and collects and analyzes information such as station area spatial texture, spatial organization efficiency, land use function, land use mix, POI (Point of Interest) distribution and functional mix, construction intensity, and population heat distribution. Through an analysis of the network topological structure characteristics of each station area, comparison of spatial efficiency differences, analysis of land use function composition and mix characteristics, and distribution of spatial construction intensity, this paper discusses the relationship between the spatial structure, spatial function, spatial intensity characteristics and key indicators of the built environment of station areas from the perspective of urban design. The conclusion shows that there is a close relationship between the function, structure, and strength of the overall built environment of the station domain at the theoretical level. The regression test, to some extent, confirms the close relationship between key indicators and expands the indicator system for measuring the fit relationship. The comparison between general station sites and headstream station sites shows that the fit relationship of indicators for headstream station sites is not completely the same as that for general station sites, indicating that the influencing factors for headstream station sites are diverse. This reminds investment, design, construction, and management teams in practice that the measurement and planning of the built environment space structure of the station domain should be based on local conditions and be closely related to the topological structure of the station domain’s rail network and road network structure. At the same time, whether the stability of the indicator system and the specific R-squared value have differences in various cities requires further verification. This paper explores and tries to raise questions about the research methodology of the built environment space structure, the measurement of the station domain, and the concepts of station-city coordination and development.
A New Technique for Impervious Surface Mapping and Its Spatio-Temporal Changes from Landsat and Sentinel-2 Images
Authors: Hua Lizhong , Wang Haibo , Zhang Huafeng , Sun Fengqin , Li Lanhui , Tang Lina
Published: May 2023

Accurately mapping and monitoring the urban impervious surface area (ISA) is crucial for understanding the impact of urbanization on heat islands and sustainable development. However, less is known about ISA spectra heterogeneity and their similarity to bare land, wetland, and high-rise-building shadows. This study proposes a feature-based approach using decision tree classification (FDTC) to map ISAs and their spatio-temporal changes in a coastal city in southeast China using Landsat 5 TM, Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS, and Sentinel-2 images from 2009 to 2021. Atmospheric correction using simplified dark object subtraction (DOS) was applied to Landsat imagery, which enabled faster computation. FDTC’s performance was evaluated with three sensors with different spectral and spatial resolutions, with parameter thresholds held constant across remote-sensing images. FDTC produces a high average overall accuracy (OA) of 94.53%, a kappa coefficient (KC) of 0.855, and a map-level image classification efficacy (MICE) of 0.851 for ISA mapping over the studied period. In comparison with other indices such as BCI (biophysical composition index), PISI (automated built-up extraction index), and ABEI (perpendicular impervious surface index), the FDTC demonstrated higher accuracy and separability for extracting ISA and bare land as well as wetland and high-rise buildings. The results of FDTC were also consistent with those of two open-source ISA products and other remote sensing indices. The study found that the ISA in Xiamen City increased from 16.33% to 26.17% over the past 13 years due to vegetation occupation, encroachment onto bare land, and reclamation of coastal areas. While the expansion significantly reduced urban vegetation in rapidly urbanizing areas of Xiamen, ambitious park greening programs and massive redevelopment of urban villages resulted in a modest but continuous increase in urban green space.
Synthesis and Characterization of the Carbonate Hydrotalcites (NiAl-HT, CoAl-HT, and NiCoAl-HT), and Its Application for Removal of the Anionic Azo Dye Titan Yellow from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Chouikh Samira , Cheikh Sabrina , Imessaoudene Ali , Mouni Lotfi , Amrane Abdeltif , Benahmed Amine , Bettahar Noureddine
Published: May 2023

This work focuses on studying the removal of Titan Yellow (TY) dye, which is a water pollutant using three matrices of layered double hydroxide (LDHs; M+2Al-HT), with M+2 = Ni, Co, or NiCo were synthesized using the co-precipitation technique in a solution with a constant pH. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of the formed solids shows that the synthesized phase is the LDH type with the average interlamellar distance (dspacing ≈ 7.595 Å). The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra were compared, before and after adsorption, confirming the displacement of the carbonated interlayers and confirmed the presence of the S=O bond in the dye under study. Thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG/DTG) shows temperatures of decarbonation of the LDHs. The BET specific surface areas of NiAl-HT, NiCoAl-HT, and CoAl-HT were found equal to 156.819 m2∙g−1, 142.72 m2∙g−1, and 56.98 m2∙g−1, respectively, and the SEM-EDX micrographs results confirmed the creation of the hydrotalcite type material. The UV–visible study of the adsorption of TY is performed by varying different parameters such as pH of the solution, mass, contact time, and temperature. The obtained isotherms from this kinetic study show that the adsorption of TY dye is more efficient in NiAl-HT. It can, therefore, be stated that the adsorption process of TY is endothermic and spontaneous. The results of this study could be extended to other anionic azo dyes having similar chemical structures.
Social Sustainability Indicators from Employees’ Perspective: A Qualitative Study on Whether Social Sustainability in Businesses Is Perceived as a Necessity, Preference, or Dream
Authors: Kalfaoğlu Serap
Published: May 2023

Contrary to the economic and environmental perspectives of sustainability, its social dimension seems to be overshadowed by the lack of research. The objective of this study is to identify social sustainability indicators in businesses from the perspective of employees. The study sheds light on the meaning and practices of social sustainability, and aims to understand how employees perceive and define social sustainability in the context of businesses. In this direction, data were collected from eight high-level employees working in different units in different sectors, with thematic analysis from qualitative research designs and in-depth interviews. The MAXQDA 2020 Program was used in the analysis of the data. As a result, in accordance with the designed model, three basic categories as “socially beneficial applications”, “anthropocentrism in job design”, and “value-creating relationships system” and twenty-six subcategories were defined. Based on the perspective of employees, it has been revealed that there is still a lack of complete awareness regarding social sustainability practices in businesses. However, it is believed that these practices are essential for protecting the future, creating a secure and unified environment, and promoting accountability and transparency towards stakeholders. Furthermore, efforts to enhance employee competence are considered important in the context of social sustainability practices in businesses. This study fills an important gap in the literature in terms of determining social criteria in terms of interpreting the performances of businesses and measuring their success.
Spatial Analysis of Flood Exposure and Vulnerability for Planning More Equal Mitigation Actions
Authors: Pappalardo Viviana , La Rosa Daniele
Published: May 2023

The issue of spatial equity of Nature-Based Solutions in cities generally concerns the spatial distribution of their benefits to local residents and other city users. In the context of flood risk management, planners are challenged to identify effective mitigation and adaptation measures that can generate benefits to the higher number of people and, more specifically, to people with highest levels of exposure and vulnerability. To address these issues, an essential step is to identify the geography of needs for mitigation, intended as prior areas in which to locate measures for flood risk mitigation. This study combines geospatial layers of multiple dimensions of exposure and vulnerability to flooding and identifies prior areas suitable for design scenarios for mitigation of flooding risk, for a regional case study located in Sicily. The results show patterns of exposure and vulnerability that vary according to locally relevant physical and social urban dimensions. Based on these results, proposals for mitigation actions are advanced with the overall objective of generating equal benefits to the most vulnerable exposed social subjects. Moreover, this study argues about the particular implications of implementing stormwater green infrastructure planning for equal beneficial distribution of the potentially achievable risk reduction.
Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Yangtze River Basin: Its Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Influencing Factors
Authors: Wang Jiacan , Chen Mo , Zhang Hongyan , Ye Fang
Published: May 2023

The intangible cultural heritage in the Yangtze River Basin is rich and complete, therefore revealing its spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors can provide a scientific basis for the diversified cultural protection and inheritance in the Yangtze River Basin and the high-quality sustainable development of the region. This study sets a total of 1250 national intangible cultural heritage from the first batch to the fifth batch in 11 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions which the main stream of the Yangtze River flows through as the research object. The results are visually expressed using ArcGIS spatial analysis technology in combination with the geographic concentration index, nearest neighbor index, kernel density analysis, geographical detector, and the like, which are as follows: (1) The Yangtze River Basin is a highly concentrated area for all categories of intangible cultural heritage in China. There is little difference in the overall distribution of intangible cultural heritage in the eastern, central, and western parts, but it differs a lot between different provincial areas. (2) The overall and different types of intangible cultural heritage in the Yangtze River Basin shows differentiated agglomeration characteristics, with the overall distribution structure of the “six cores and one belt”; from the perspective of types, intangible cultural heritages of traditional craftsmanship, traditional drama, folklore, folk literature, and traditional dance have obvious agglomeration; intangible cultural heritages of traditional medicine and traditional fine arts have little agglomeration; intangible cultural heritages of traditional sports, entertainment, and acrobatics are sparsely distributed, and have the least agglomeration. (3) Human and social factors are the primary factors that affect the spatial and temporal distribution of intangible cultural heritage in the Yangtze River Basin, followed by natural geographical factors, and the policy environment.
Fatigue Property Evaluation of Sustainable Porous Concrete Modified by Recycled Ground Tire Rubber/Silica Fume under Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Authors: Luo Guobao , Zhang Jian , Zhao Zhenhua , Sun Mingzhi
Published: May 2023

As an environmentally friendly pavement material, porous concrete in seasonal frozen region is often subjected to repeated loads and freeze-thaw cycles. Therefore, the fatigue property of porous concrete under freeze-thaw is extremely important. However, few researches have been reported on the topic. Based on this background, this paper investigates the flexural fatigue property of ground tire rubber/silica fume composite modified porous concrete (GTR/SF-PC) with experimental and mathematical statistical methods. The flexural fatigue life of GTR/SF-PC under different freeze-thaw cycles (0, 15, 30) was tested with three-point flexural fatigue experiment at four stress levels (0.70, 0.75, 0.80, 0.85). Kaplan Meier survival analysis and Weibull model were adopted to analyze and characterize the flexural fatigue life. The fatigue life equations of GTR/SF-PC under different freeze-thaw cycles were established. The results indicate that, duo to the addition of ground tire rubber and silica fume, the static flexural strength of GTR/SF-PC is not significantly affected by freeze-thaw cycles. The flexural fatigue property of GTR/SF-PC is gradually deteriorated under the action of freeze-thaw cycles. Compared with 0 freeze-thaw cycles, the average flexural fatigue life of GTR/SF-PC decreases about 15% and the fatigue failure rate increases about 50% after 30 freeze-thaw cycles, respectively. The fatigue equations with different reliabilities of GTR/SF-PC show that the reliability is inversely proportional to fatigue life, therefore, the appropriate fatigue equation considering freeze-thaw effect is necessary for fatigue design of porous concrete.
Metric-Based Fractional Dimension of Rotationally-Symmetric Line Networks
Authors: Ismail Rashad , Javaid Muhammad , Zafar Hassan
Published: May 2023

The parameter of distance plays an important role in studying the properties symmetric networks such as connectedness, diameter, vertex centrality and complexity. Particularly different metric-based fractional models are used in diverse fields of computer science such as integer programming, pattern recognition, and in robot navigation. In this manuscript, we have computed all the local resolving neighborhood sets and established sharp bounds of a metric-based fractional dimension called by the local fractional metric dimension of the rotationally symmetric line networks of wheel and prism networks. Furthermore, the bounded and unboundedness of these networks is also checked under local fractional metric dimension when the order of these networks approaches to infinity. The lower and upper bounds of local fractional metric dimension of all the rotationally symmetric line networks is also analyzed by using 3D shapes.
Design, Simulation, Implementation, and Comparison of Advanced Control Strategies Applied to a 6-DoF Planar Robot
Authors: Urrea Claudio , Saa Daniel
Published: May 2023

In general, structures with rotational joints and linearized dynamic equations are used to facilitate the control of manipulator robots. However, in some cases, the workspace is limited, which reduces the accuracy and performance of this type of robot, especially when uncertainties are considered. To counter this problem, this work presents a redundant planar manipulator robot with Six-Degree-of-Freedom (6-DoF), which has an innovative structural configuration that includes rotary and prismatic joints. Three control strategies are designed for the monitoring and regulation of the joint trajectory tracking problem of this robot under the action of variable loads. Two advanced control strategies—predictive and Fuzzy-Logic Control (FLC)—were simulated and compared with the classical Proportional–Integral–Derivative (PID) controller. The graphic simulator was implemented using tools from the MATLAB/Simulink software to model the behavior of the redundant planar manipulator in a virtual environment before its physical construction, in order to conduct performance tests for its controllers and to anticipate possible damages/faults in the system mechanics before the implementation of control strategies in a real robot. The inverse dynamics were obtained through the Lagrange–Euler (L-E) formulation. According to the property of symmetry, this model was obtained in a simplified way based on the main diagonal of the inertia matrix of the robot. Additionally, the model includes the dynamics of the actuators and the estimation of the friction forces, both with central symmetry present in the joints. The effectiveness of these three control strategies was validated through qualitative comparisons—performance graphs of trajectory tracking—and quantitative comparisons—the Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR) performance indicator and joint error indexes such as the Residual Mean Square (RMS), Residual Standard Deviation (RSD), and Index of Agreement (IA). In this regard, FLC based on the dynamic model was the most-suitable control strategy.
Capped L2,p-Norm Metric Based on Robust Twin Support Vector Machine with Welsch Loss
Authors: Wang Haoyu , Yu Guolin , Ma Jun
Published: May 2023

A twin bounded support vector machine (TBSVM) is a phenomenon of symmetry that improves the performance of the traditional support vector machine classification algorithm. In this paper, we propose an improved model based on a TBSVM, called a Welsch loss with capped L2,p-norm distance metric robust twin bounded support vector machine (WCTBSVM). On the one hand, by introducing the capped L2,p-norm metric in the TBSVM, the problem of the non-sparse output of the regularization term is solved; thus, the generalization and robustness of the TBSVM is improved and the principle of minimizing the structural risk is realized. On the other hand, a bounded, smooth, and non-convex Welsch loss function is introduced to reduce the influence of noise, which further improves the classification performance of the TBSVM. We use a half-quadratic programming algorithm to solve the model non-convexity problem caused by Welsch loss. Therefore, the WCTBSVM is more robust and effective in dealing with noise compared to the TBSVM. In addition, to reduce the time complexity and speed up the convergence of the algorithm, we constructed a least squares version of the WCTBSVM, named the fast WCTBSVM (FWCTBSVM). Experimental results on both UCI and artificial datasets show that our model can show better classification performance on classification problems.
Organizational Paradoxes and Metamorphosis in Collective Action
Authors: De Toni Alberto F. , Zollo Giuseppe , De Zan Alberto
Published: May 2023

This paper addresses the subject of organizational paradoxes through the lens of complexity theory. The first part of the study focuses on the formalization of the key elements in order to better understand the concept of organizational tension through the presentation of related constructs, i.e., dilemmas, dialectics and paradoxes. The second part of the paper introduces the key to interpreting complexity theory, highlighting how the characteristic of emergence in complex systems makes it possible to identify two different levels: that of organizational elements and that of organizational forms, both of which are impacted by tension. That reflection leads the authors to postulate that metamorphosis is the process by which organizations, constantly crossed by tension, regenerate the organizational forms’ level on the basis of evolving tensions between organizational elements.
Identifying the Mutual Correlations and Evaluating the Weights of Factors and Consequences of Mobile Application Insecurity
Authors: Zaitseva Elena , Hovorushchenko Tetiana , Pavlova Olga , Voichur Yurii
Published: May 2023

Currently, there is a contradiction between the growing number of mobile applications in use and the responsibility that is placed on them, on the one hand, and the imperfection of the methods and tools for ensuring the security of mobile applications, on the other hand. Therefore, ensuring the security of mobile applications by developing effective methods and tools is a challenging task today. This study aims to evaluate the mutual correlations and weights of factors and consequences of mobile application insecurity. We have developed a method of evaluating the weights of factors of mobile application insecurity, which, taking into account the mutual correlations of mobile application insecurity consequences from these factors, determines the weights of the factors and allows us to conclude which factors are necessary to identify and accurately determine (evaluate) to ensure an appropriate level of reliability of forecasting and assess the security of mobile applications. The experimental results of our research are the evaluation of the weights of ten OWASP mobile application insecurity factors the identification of the mutual correlations of the consequences of mobile applications’ insecurity from these factors, and the identification of common factors on which more than one consequence depends.
What Is the Relevance of Murburn Concept in Thalassemia and Respiratory Diseases?
Authors: Manoj Kelath Murali
Published: May 2023

Murburn concept is a novel perspective for understanding cellular function, deeming cells as simple chemical engines (SCE) that are powered by redox reactions initiated by effective charge separation (ECS). The 1-electron active diffusible reactive (oxygen) species, or DR(O)S, equilibriums involved in these processes are also crucial for homeostasis, coherently networking cells, and rendering electromechanical functions of sensing and responding to stimuli. This perspective presents the true physiological function of oxygen, which is to enable ECS and the generation of DR(O)S. Therefore, DR(O)S must now to be seen as the quintessential elixir of life, although they might have undesired effects (i.e., the traditionally perceived oxidative stress) when present in the wrong amounts, places and times. We also elaborated that tetrameric hemoglobin (Hb) is actually an ATP-synthesizing murzyme (an enzyme working via murburn concept) and postulated that several post-translational modifications (such as glycation) on Hb could result from murburn activity. Murburn perspective has also enabled the establishment of a facile rationale explaining the sustenance of erythrocytes for 3–4 months, despite their lacking nucleus or mitochondria (to coordinate their various functions and mass-produce ATP, respectively). Although thalassemia has its roots in genetic causation, the new awareness of the mechanistic roles of oxygen-hemoglobin-erythrocyte trio significantly impacts our approaches to interpreting research data and devising therapies for this malady. These insights are also relevant in other clinical manifestations that involve respiratory distress (such as asthma, lung cancer, COVID-19 and pneumonia) and mitochondrial diseases. Herein, these contexts and developments are briefly discussed.
Investigation on Fermentation Characteristics and Microbial Communities of Wheat Straw Silage with Different Proportion Artemisia argyi
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Tan Zhongfang , Wu Guofang , Wang Lei , Qin Guangyong , Wang Yanping , Pang Huili
Published: May 2023

Mycotoxins, secondary metabolites of fungi, are a major obstacle to the utilization of animal feed for various reasons. Wheat straw (WS) is hollow, and miscellaneous bacteria can easy attach to its surface; the secondary fermentation frequency after silage is high, and there is a risk of mycotoxin poisoning. In this study, a storage fermentation process was used to preserve and enhance fermentation quality in WS through the addition of Artemisia argyi (AA), which is an effective method to use WS resources and enhance aerobic stability. The storage fermentation of WS treated with AA had lower pH and mycotoxin (AFB1 and DON) values than the control due to rapid changes in microbial counts, especially in the 60% AA groups. Meanwhile, the addition of 60% AA improved anaerobic fermentation profiles, showing higher lactic acid contents, leading to increased efficiency of lactic acid fermentation. A background microbial dynamic study indicated that the addition of 60% AA improved the fermentation and aerobic exposure processes, decreased microbial richness, enriched Lactobacillus abundance, and reduced Enterobacter and Aspergillus abundances. In conclusion, 60% AA treatment could improve the quality by increase fermentation quality and improve the aerobic stability of WS silage by enhancing the dominance of desirable Lactobacillus, inhibiting the growth of undesirable microorganisms, especially fungi, and reducing the content of mycotoxins.
Safety of Onabotulinumtoxin A in Chronic Migraine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Corasaniti Maria Tiziana , Bagetta Giacinto , Nicotera Pierluigi , Tarsitano Assunta , Tonin Paolo , Sandrini Giorgio , Lawrence Gary W. , Scuteri Damiana
Published: May 2023

Some 14% of global prevalence, based on high-income country populations, suffers from migraine. Chronic migraine is very disabling, being characterized by at least 15 headache days per month of which at least 8 days present the features of migraine. Onabotulinumtoxin A, targeting the machinery for exocytosis of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, has been approved for use in chronic migraine since 2010. This systematic review and meta-analysis appraises the safety of onabotulinumtoxin A treatment for chronic migraine and the occurrence of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) in randomized, clinical studies in comparison with placebo or other comparators and preventative treatments according to the most updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 recommendations. The search retrieved 888 total records. Nine studies are included and seven were eligible for meta-analysis. The present study demonstrates that toxin produces more TRAEs than placebo, but less than oral topiramate, supporting the safety of onabotulinumtoxin A, and highlights the heterogeneity of the studies present in the literature (I2 = 96%; p < 0.00001). This points to the need for further, adequately powered, randomized clinical trials assessing the safety of onabotulinumtoxin A in combination with the newest treatment options.
Pain Reduction in Cervical Dystonia Following Treatment with IncobotulinumtoxinA: A Pooled Analysis
Authors: Albanese Alberto , Wissel Jörg , Jost Wolfgang H. , Castagna Anna , Althaus Michael , Comes Georg , Scheschonka Astrid , Vacchelli Matteo , Jinnah Hyder A.
Published: May 2023

This analysis pooled pain severity data from four phase 3 and 4 studies of incobotulinumtoxinA (incoBoNT-A) for the treatment of cervical dystonia (CD) in adults. CD-related pain severity was assessed at baseline, each injection visit, and 4 weeks after each injection of incoBoNT-A using the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale pain severity subscale or a pain visual analog scale. Both were analyzed using a score range of 0–10 and pain was categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. Data for 678 patients with pain at baseline were assessed and sensitivity analyses evaluated pain responses in the subgroup not taking concomitant pain medication (n = 384 at baseline). At Week 4 after the first injection, there was a mean change of −1.25 (standard deviation 2.04) points from baseline pain severity (p < 0.0001), with 48.1% showing ≥ 30% pain reduction from baseline, 34.4% showing ≥50% pain reduction from baseline, and 10.3% becoming pain free. Pain responses were sustained over five injection cycles with a trend to incremental improvements with each successive cycle. Pain responses in the subgroup not taking concomitant pain medication demonstrated the lack of confounding effects of pain medications. These results confirmed the pain relief benefits of long-term treatment with incoBoNT-A.
Selection Effects and COVID-19 Mortality Risk after Pfizer vs. Moderna Vaccination: Evidence from Linked Mortality and Vaccination Records
Authors: Atanasov Vladimir , Barreto Natalia , Whittle Jeff , Meurer John , Weston Benjamin W. , Luo Qian (Eric) , Yuan Andy Ye , Franchi Lorenzo , Zhang Ruohao , Black Bernard
Published: May 2023

Prior research generally finds that the Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) and Moderna (mRNA1273) COVID-19 vaccines provide similar protection against mortality, sometimes with a Moderna advantage due to slower waning. However, most comparisons do not address selection effects for those who are vaccinated and with which vaccine. We report evidence on large selection effects, and use a novel method to control for these effects. Instead of directly studying COVID-19 mortality, we study the COVID-19 excess mortality percentage (CEMP), defined as the COVID-19 deaths divided by non-COVID-19 natural deaths for the same population, converted to a percentage. The CEMP measure uses non-COVID-19 natural deaths to proxy for population health and control for selection effects. We report the relative mortality risk (RMR) for each vaccine relative to the unvaccinated population and to the other vaccine, using linked mortality and vaccination records for all adults in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, from 1 April 2021 through 30 June 2022. For two-dose vaccinees aged 60+, RMRs for Pfizer vaccinees were consistently over twice those for Moderna, and averaged 248% of Moderna (95% CI = 175%,353%). In the Omicron period, Pfizer RMR was 57% versus 23% for Moderna. Both vaccines demonstrated waning of two-dose effectiveness over time, especially for ages 60+. For booster recipients, the Pfizer–Moderna gap is much smaller and statistically insignificant. A possible explanation for the Moderna advantage for older persons is the higher Moderna dose of 100 μg, versus 30 μg for Pfizer. Younger persons (aged 18–59) were well-protected against death by two doses of either vaccine, and highly protected by three doses (no deaths among over 100,000 vaccinees). These results support the importance of a booster dose for ages 60+, especially for Pfizer recipients. They suggest, but do not prove, that a larger vaccine dose may be appropriate for older persons than for younger persons.
COVID-19 Prevention Behaviours and Vaccine Acceptability, and Their Association with a Behaviour Change Campaign in Somalia: Analysis of a Longitudinal Cohort
Authors: Seal Andrew , Jelle Mohamed , Hassan Mohamed Yusuf , Farah Dek Abdi , Musili Faith Mueni , Micheni Janet , Asol George Samuel , Bhandari Meena , Nemeth Balint
Published: May 2023

Somalia experienced its first wave of COVID-19 infections in March 2020 and has experienced fluctuating infection levels since. Longitudinal data on suspected cases of COVID-19, attitudes, and behaviours were collected by telephone interviews of cash-transfer programme beneficiaries from June 2020–April 2021. A multi-media Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) campaign was designed and implemented from February 2021 to May 2021. Between the end of the first wave and the onset of the second the perceived threat from COVID-19 increased, with the proportion of respondents viewing it as a major threat increasing from 46% to 70% (p = 0.021). Use of face coverings increased by 24% (p < 0.001) and hand shaking and hugging for social greeting decreased, with 17% and 23% more people abstaining from these practices (p = 0.001). A combined preventative behaviour score (PB-Score) increased by 1.3 points (p < 0.0001) with a higher score in female respondents (p < 0.0001). During wave 2, vaccine acceptance was reported by 69.9% (95% CI 64.9, 74.5), overall. Acceptance decreased with increasing age (p = 0.009) and was higher in males (75.5%) than females (67.0%) (p = 0.015). Awareness of the SBCC campaign was widespread with each of the 3 key campaign slogans having been heard by at least 67% of respondents. Awareness of 2 specific campaign slogans was independently associated with an increased use of face coverings (aOR 2.31; p < 0.0001) and vaccine acceptance (aOR 2.36; p < 0.0001). Respondents reported receiving information on the pandemic from a wide range of sources with mobile phones and radio the most common. Trust in different sources ranged widely.
Optimizing the Production of gp145, an HIV-1 Envelope Glycoprotein Vaccine Candidate and Its Encapsulation in Guanosine Microparticles
Authors: Akamine Pearl , González-Feliciano José A. , Almodóvar Ruth , Morell Gloriner , Rivera Javier , Capó-Vélez Coral M. , Delgado-Vélez Manuel , Prieto-Costas Luis , Madera Bismark , Eichinger Daniel , Pino Ignacio , Rivera José H. , Ortiz-Ubarri José , Rivera José M. , Baerga-Ortiz Abel , Lasalde-Dominicci José A.
Published: May 2023

We have developed a pipeline to express, purify, and characterize HIV envelope protein (Env) gp145 from Chinese hamster ovary cells, to accelerate the production of a promising vaccine candidate. First in shake flasks, then in bioreactors, we optimized the growth conditions. By adjusting the pH to 6.8, we increased expression levels to 101 mg/L in a 50 L bioreactor, nearly twice the previously reported titer value. A battery of analytical methods was developed in accordance with current good manufacturing practices to ensure a quality biopharmaceutical. Imaged capillary isoelectric focusing verified proper glycosylation of gp145; dynamic light scattering confirmed the trimeric arrangement; and bio-layer interferometry and circular dichroism analysis demonstrated native-like properties (i.e., antibody binding and secondary structure). MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was used as a multi-attribute platform for accurate mass determination, glycans analysis, and protein identification. Our robust analysis demonstrates that our gp145 product is very similar to a reference standard and emphasizes the importance of accurate characterization of a highly heterogeneous immunogen for the development of an effective vaccine. Finally, we present a novel guanosine microparticle with gp145 encapsulated and displayed on its surface. The unique properties of our gp145 microparticle make it amenable to use in future preclinical and clinical trials.
Optimal Expression, Function, and Immunogenicity of an HIV-1 Vaccine Derived from the Approved Ebola Vaccine, rVSV-ZEBOV
Authors: Azizi Hiva , Knapp Jason P. , Li Yue , Berger Alice , Lafrance Marc-Alexandre , Pedersen Jannie , de la Vega Marc-Antoine , Racine Trina , Kang Chil-Yong , Mann Jamie F. S. , Dikeakos Jimmy D. , Kobinger Gary , Arts Eric J.
Published: May 2023

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) remains an attractive platform for a potential HIV-1 vaccine but hurdles remain, such as selection of a highly immunogenic HIV-1 Envelope (Env) with a maximal surface expression on recombinant rVSV particles. An HIV-1 Env chimera with the transmembrane domain (TM) and cytoplasmic tail (CT) of SIVMac239 results in high expression on the approved Ebola vaccine, rVSV-ZEBOV, also harboring the Ebola Virus (EBOV) glycoprotein (GP). Codon-optimized (CO) Env chimeras derived from a subtype A primary isolate (A74) are capable of entering a CD4+/CCR5+ cell line, inhibited by HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies PGT121, VRC01, and the drug, Maraviroc. The immunization of mice with the rVSV-ZEBOV carrying the CO A74 Env chimeras results in anti-Env antibody levels as well as neutralizing antibodies 200-fold higher than with the NL4-3 Env-based construct. The novel, functional, and immunogenic chimeras of CO A74 Env with the SIV_Env-TMCT within the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine are now being tested in non-human primates.
The Impact of the Virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Dogs
Authors: de Sousa Telma , Garcês Andreia , Silva Augusto , Lopes Ricardo , Alegria Nuno , Hébraud Michel , Igrejas Gilberto , Poeta Patricia
Published: May 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogenic bacterium that can cause serious infections in both humans and animals, including dogs. Treatment of this bacterium is challenging because some strains have developed multi-drug resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance patterns and biofilm production of clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa obtained from dogs. The study found that resistance to various β-lactam antimicrobials was widespread, with cefovecin and ceftiofur showing resistance in 74% and 59% of the isolates tested, respectively. Among the aminoglycosides, all strains showed susceptibility to amikacin and tobramycin, while gentamicin resistance was observed in 7% of the tested isolates. Furthermore, all isolates carried the oprD gene, which is essential in governing the entry of antibiotics into bacterial cells. The study also investigated the presence of virulence genes and found that all isolates carried exoS, exoA, exoT, exoY, aprA, algD, and plcH genes. This study compared P. aeruginosa resistance patterns worldwide, emphasizing regional understanding and responsible antibiotic use to prevent multi-drug resistance from emerging. In general, the results of this study emphasize the importance of the continued monitoring of antimicrobial resistance in veterinary medicine.
Loggerhead Sea Turtle as Possible Source of Transmission for Zoonotic Listeriosis in the Marine Environment
Authors: Rubini Silva , Baruffaldi Matilde , Taddei Roberta , D’Annunzio Giulia , Scaltriti Erika , Tambassi Martina , Menozzi Ilaria , Bondesan Giulia , Mazzariol Sandro , Centelleghe Cinzia , Corazzola Giorgia , Savini Federica , Indio Valentina , Serraino Andrea , Giacometti Federica
Published: May 2023

Listeria monocytogenes is an ubiquitous pathogen isolated from different host species including fish, crustaceans, and molluscs, but it is rarely a pathogenic microorganism to marine reptiles. In particular, only two cases of fatal disseminated listeriosis have been described in the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). In this study, we describe a lethal case of L. monocytogenes infection in a loggerhead sea turtle. The turtle was found alive, stranded on a beach in North-eastern Italy, but perished soon after being rescued. The autoptic examination revealed that heart, lung, liver, spleen, and urinary bladder were disseminated with multiple, firm, 0.1–0.5 mm sized, nodular, white-green lesions. Microscopically, these lesions corresponded with heterophilic granulomas with Gram+ bacteria within the necrotic center. Furthermore, the Ziehl–Neelsen stain was negative for acid-fast organisms. Colonies isolated from heart and liver were tested through MALDI-TOF for species identification, revealing the presence of L. monocytogenes. Whole Genome Sequencing on L. monocytogenes isolates was performed and the subsequent in silico genotyping revealed the belonging to Sequence Type 6 (ST 6); the virulence profile was evaluated, showing the presence of pathogenicity islands commonly observed in ST 6. Our results further confirm that L. monocytogenes should be posed in differential diagnosis in case of nodular lesions of loggerhead sea turtles; thus, given the zoonotic potential of the microorganism, animals should be treated with particular caution. In addition, wildlife animals can play an active role as carriers of possibly pathogenetic and virulent strains and contribute to the distribution of L. monocytogenes in the environment.
Outlook of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells: Challenges to Their Clinical Application in Horses
Authors: Petrova Valeria , Vachkova Ekaterina
Published: May 2023

Adipose tissue is recognized as the major endocrine organ, potentially acting as a source of mesenchymal stem cells for various applications in regenerative medicine. Athletic horses are often exposed to traumatic injuries, resulting in severe financial losses. The development of adipose-derived stem cells’ regenerative potential depends on many factors. The extraction of stem cells from subcutaneous adipose tissue is non-invasive, non-traumatic, cheaper, and safer than other sources. Since there is a lack of unique standards for identification, the isolated cells and applied differentiation protocols are often not species-specific; therefore, the cells cannot reveal their multipotent properties, so their stemness features remain questionable. The current review discusses some aspects of the specificity of equine adipose stem cells concerning their features, immunophenotyping, secretome profile, differentiation abilities, culturing conditions, and consequent possibilities for clinical application in concrete disorders. The presented new approaches elucidate the possibility of the transition from cell-based to cell-free therapy with regenerative purposes in horses as an alternative treatment to cellular therapy. In conclusion, their clinical benefits should not be underestimated due to the higher yield and the physiological properties of adipose-derived stem cells that facilitate the healing and tissue regeneration process and the ability to amplify the effects of traditional treatments. More profound studies are necessary to apply these innovative approaches when treating traumatic disorders in racing horses.
A Preliminary Study of the Seepage Hammer Effect and Its Impacts on the Stability of Layered Infinite Slope
Authors: Lee Wei-Lin , Tai Yih-Chin , Shieh Chjeng-Lun , Lu Chih-Wei
Published: May 2023

A rapid change in the pore water pressure of unsaturated soil due to a wetting front is a crucial factor and may result in instabilities in layered slopes. This study presents preliminary research on such a change, which we define as the seepage hammer effect. Vertical infiltration with multiple soil layers by column test was implemented to investigate the mechanism of the seepage hammer effect and distinguish it from the well-known Lisse effect and reverse Wieringermeer effect. A two-phase flow model was utilized to understand the evolutions of pore water/air pressure and volumetric water content, and its result evolved into a layered infinite slope stability analysis. Thus, the impacts of the seepage hammer effect on slope stability can be analyzed. This study found that the seepage hammer effect was triggered when the wetting front reached the interface of multiple layers and impermeable layers, and the rising speed of pore water pressure was proportional to the air venting capacity of soil. Slope stability analysis showed that the safety factor may decline suddenly because of the seepage hammer effect. Its relationship with the factor of safety and the sliding velocity is proportional. The detection of the seepage hammer effect could be a potential application of the study of fast-moving landslides.
A Simplified Method of Iceberg Hydrodynamic Parameter Prediction
Authors: Nikushchenko Dmitry , Stepin Anton , Nikitina Ekaterina , Tryaskin Nikita , Makovsky Alexander , Kornishin Konstantin , Efimov Yaroslav
Published: May 2023

The present article is devoted to the safe operation of oil platforms in difficult ice conditions. To ensure the safety of offshore facilities, it is essential to deviate a drifting iceberg’s trajectory that may lead to an emergency with the help of available technological means. To reliably predict the behaviour of icebergs when they are towed or deviate from their previous course, it is necessary to determine the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic characteristics of the iceberg. This paper proposes a simplified method for determining the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic characteristics of an iceberg. Key concept of the proposed approach include replacing the iceberg waterline with an equivalent ellipse. This diminishes and then shifts the hydrodynamic characteristic determination of the iceberg’s underwater section to determining the resistance of a three axial ellipsoid or elliptical cylinder depending on the shape of the iceberg’s underwater section. The hydrodynamic characteristics of several real icebergs determined by the proposed method are compared with the results of their numerical simulation using the CFD approach. The proposed approach provides a quick assessment of the hydrodynamic characteristics of icebergs when information on its underwater section is unreliable, inconsistent or absent.
Spatial Distribution and Sources of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Sediments from Dachan Bay, Shenzhen City
Authors: Huang Wenjing , Liu Beibei , Zhao Hui , Zhao Lirong , Zhang Jibiao
Published: May 2023

The study investigated the composition and content of Σ15PAH in the surface and core sediments from Dachan Bay (DCB) in Shenzhen city and discussed the effects of urban development and regional energy structure on the marine environment through the spatial distribution, vertical profile, and sources of Σ15PAH. The results indicated that the concentrations of Σ15PAH in the sediments of DCB ranged between 299 ng/g and 2336 ng/g in the surface sediments and between 65 ng/g and 994 ng/g in the core sediments. The horizontal spatial distribution of PAHs content with decreasing concentrations from the coastal to central areas implied the land-based input of PAHs. The vertical profile of high PAHs concentration in 0 cm–60 cm suggested that the PAHs pollution is attributed to the urban development of Shenzhen since 1950, especially after the 1980s. According to features of the low molecular weight (LMW)/high molecular weight (HMW), PAHs diagnostic ratios and their relationships with total organic carbon (TOC) and oil, the pyrogenic PAHs were mainly from the combustion of petroleum and byproducts in the surface and 0 cm–60 cm sediments but from the combustion of biomass in 60 cm–190 cm sediments, which corresponded with the variation of energy structure in surrounding areas. This study suggested that urban development and regional energy structure have a great impact on PAHs distribution in DCB and further controls of land-based pollutant emissions are still needed.
Application of Simulation Analysis for Thermal Management Technology on Main Parts of Pouch Cells
Authors: Wang Bo , Ding Fang , Zhang Qianbin , Liu Mingyan , Tian Miaofa
Published: May 2023

The technology of large surface thermal management of pouch cells was studied and discussed by means of simulation. With thermal management, two cells are managed by a single cold plate. First, the pressure drop of the cold plate was simulated and the velocity distribution of the flow field was observed. The cooling performance of the cold plate to the cell was then studied, and the low-temperature heating ability of the cold plate to the cell was analyzed. Through analysis, it can be concluded that large surface thermal management technology can effectively and quickly control the temperature rise of the cell when the cell is charging and discharging and the temperature difference is less than 5 °C. Finally, a control strategy for low-temperature heating of the cell by the cold plate was proposed.