bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling to Factor Productivity of the United Kingdom Food Chain: Using a New Lifetime-Generated Family of Distributions
Authors: Alyami Salem A. , Elbatal Ibrahim , Alotaibi Naif , Almetwally Ehab M. , Elgarhy Mohammed
Published: July 2022

This article proposes a new lifetime-generated family of distributions called the sine-exponentiated Weibull-H (SEW-H) family, which is derived from two well-established families of distributions of entirely different nature: the sine-G (S-G) and the exponentiated Weibull-H (EW-H) families. Three new special models of this family include the sine-exponentiated Weibull exponential (SEWEx), the sine-exponentiated Weibull Rayleigh (SEWR) and sine-exponentiated Weibull Burr X (SEWBX) distributions. The useful expansions of the probability density function (pdf) and cumulative distribution function (cdf) are derived. Statistical properties are obtained, including quantiles (QU), moments (MO), incomplete MO (IMO), and order statistics (OS) are computed. Six numerous methods of estimation are produced to estimate the parameters: maximum likelihood (ML), least-square (LS), a maximum product of spacing (MPRSP), weighted LS (WLS), Cramér–von Mises (CRVM), and Anderson–Darling (AD). The performance of the estimation approaches is investigated using Monte Carlo simulations. The total factor productivity (TFP) of the United Kingdom food chain is an indication of the efficiency and competitiveness of the food sector in the United Kingdom. TFP growth suggests that the industry is becoming more efficient. If TFP of the food chain in the United Kingdom grows more rapidly than in other nations, it suggests that the sector is becoming more competitive. TFP, also known as multi-factor productivity in economic theory, estimates the fraction of output that cannot be explained by traditionally measured inputs of labor and capital employed in production. In this paper, we use five real datasets to show the relevance and flexibility of the suggested family. The first dataset represents the United Kingdom food chain from 2000 to 2019, whereas the second dataset represents the food and drink wholesaling in the United Kingdom from 2000 to 2019 as one factor of FTP; the third dataset contains the tensile strength of single carbon fibers (in GPa); the fourth dataset is often called the breaking stress of carbon fiber dataset; the fifth dataset represents the TFP growth of agricultural production for thirty-seven African countries from 2001–2010. The new suggested distribution is very flexible and it outperforms many known distributions.
Analysis and Forecast of the Use of E-Commerce in Enterprises of the European Union States
Authors: Soava Georgeta , Mehedintu Anca , Sterpu Mihaela
Published: July 2022

This study analyzes the use of e-commerce by European Union enterprises. Based on an analysis of the evolution of the percentage of enterprises that perform e-commerce and the share of total turnover obtained from e-commerce, for the period of 2003–2020, a forecast for 2025 was made. These aspects were analyzed for 2015–2020 from the perspective of the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), highlighting the importance of e-commerce in the economic growth of each country by analyzing the share of gross domestic product (GDP) obtained from e-commerce in GDP. For studying the evolution of the indicators, a comparative analysis of the situation of individual and aggregate EU countries was performed, highlighting the evolution trends and determining the annual average growth rate indicator, used later for the short-term forecast. For the 2025 forecast, six regression models were used for the empirical estimation of the data. The results of the analysis show that the share of companies performing e-commerce and the turnover in e-sales vary significantly depending on the size of enterprises, and the results of the forecast estimate that by 2025 there will be a significant increase in e-commerce in most European countries.
Discovering the Landscape and Evolution of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI): Science Mapping Based on Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Liu Jiqing , Zhang Gui , Lv Xiaojing , Li Jiayu
Published: July 2022

The growing number of papers on Responsible Innovation (RI) and Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) have shaped the popularity and usefulness of RI and RRI as a technology governance concept. This study reviews and assesses the development of RRI research through a bibliometric analysis of 702 RRI-focused papers and 26,471 secondary references published in the Web of Science Core Collection database between 2006 and 2020. Firstly, the paper provides a broad outline of the field based on annual growth trends, journal distribution, and disciplinary distribution for RRI publications. Secondly, this study reveals the current state of RRI research by identifying influential literature, journals, authors, countries, and institutions. Thirdly, a phased keyword analysis is conducted to determine the stage characteristics of the RRI field. Finally, based on the bibliometric analyses, this study summarises the evolutionary trajectory of RRI and makes recommendations for future research directions. As a complement to the previous qualitative literature review, the paper provides a systematic and dynamic understanding of RRI research.
Rainfall Variability and Tidal Inundation Influences on Mangrove Greenness in Karimunjawa National Park, Indonesia
Authors: Prihantono Joko , Nakamura Takashi , Nadaoka Kazuo , Wirasatriya Anindya , Adi Novi Susetyo
Published: July 2022

Mangroves, which are vulnerable to natural threats and human activities on small islands in the tropics, play an essential role as carbon sinks, helping to mitigate climate change. In this study, we discussed the effect of natural factors on mangrove sustainability by analyzing the impact of rainfall, land surface temperature (LST), and tidal inundation on the greenness of mangroves in Karimunjawa National Park (KNP), Indonesia. We used Sentinel-2 image data to obtain the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and normalized difference moisture index (NDMI) during the dry season to determine the effect of inundation on mangrove greenness and soil moisture. The tidal inundation area was calculated using topographic data from the KNP and tidal observations from the area adjacent to it. Unmanned autonomous vehicles and topographic data were used to estimate mangrove canopy height. We also calculated mangrove greenness phenology and compared it to rainfall from satellite data from 2019–2021. Results show that the intertidal area is dominated by taller mangroves and has higher NDVI and NDMI values than non-intertidal areas. We also observed that mangroves in intertidal areas are mostly evergreen, and optimum greenness in KNP occurs from February to October, with maximum greenness in July. Cross-correlation analysis suggests that high rainfall affects NDVI, with peak greenness occurring three months after high rainfall. The LST and NDVI cross-correlation showed no time lag. This suggests that LST was not the main factor controlling mangrove greenness, suggesting tides and rainfall influence mangrove greenness. The mangroves are also vulnerable to climate variability and change, which limits rainfall. However, sea-level rise due to climate change might positively impact mangrove greenness.
The Use of Social Networks in E-Learning Technologies in the Context of Distance Education
Authors: Mukhametgaliyeva Saphiya , Gura Alena , Dudnik Olesya , Khudarova Anastasiya
Published: July 2022

The research purpose is to identify trends, opportunities, and limitations in the use of social media in higher education based on the study of how students and teachers use social networks in distance learning. The study involves 500 students and teachers of Sechenov First Moscow State University and Kuban State Technological University. The research methodology is based on an empirical approach. The study contained the authors’ questionnaire with 25 questions addressed to students and teachers. Respondents answered them using a Likert scale (1 to 5). It has been found that Instagram is the most popular network used by students (90%) which is followed by VKontakte and Facebook used by 81% and 49% of the respondents, respectively. The results show that students are much more active users compared to teachers and are more satisfied with distance learning. The results obtained can be used in international practice to improve the quality of the remote learning process, develop more advanced types of content consumption, and improve the channels of personal communication between the teaching staff and students.
The Role of the Circular Economy in Road Transport to Mitigate Climate Change and Reduce Resource Depletion
Authors: De Abreu Victor Hugo Souza , Da Costa Mariane Gonzalez , Da Costa Valeria Xavier , De Assis Tassia Faria , Santos Andrea Souza , D’Agosto Marcio de Almeida
Published: July 2022

The transport sector is responsible for several environmental impacts, including contributions to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions and depleting natural resources. A strategy to reduce these issues goes towards the application of a circular economy, a concept that offers a response to increasing concerns about resource scarcity and the associated impacts from their use. Thus, this paper aims to fill a gap in the literature that consists of the scarcity of studies that consider the circular economy application on a micro, meso, and macro level in road transport, including all stages as well as the 7 Rs of the reverse cycle. Therefore, an approach is presented to meet road transport needs, highlighting best practices obtained through a literature review, to promote climate change mitigation and resource depletion. Qualitative data were presented for each circular economy stage with 46 best practices identified, providing invaluable guidance to transport decision-makers. Thus, public policies focusing on all of the CE stages should be taken into consideration, not only those responsible for closing the cycle, such as waste and recycling or disposal and treatment.
Data-Driven Coordinated Development of the Digital Economy and Logistics Industry
Authors: Guo Yuxia , Mao Huiying , Ding Heping , Wu Xue , Liu Yujia , Liu Hongjun , Zhou Shuling
Published: July 2022

With a renewed global scientific and technological revolution and industrial reform, the digital economy, with data resources as the key element, has rapidly developed. This study proposes a data-driven measurement and evaluation method to promote the coordinated development of the digital economy and logistics industry. An evaluation index system is constructed, which comprehensively considers the index dimensions that reflect the development level of the digital economy and logistics industry. A Z-score standardisation method is applied to data processing, to carry out dimensionless standardisation processing of the original index data. A collaborative degree model is constructed to evaluate the collaborative development level of the digital economy and logistics industry composite system. We demonstrate the implementation process of these models using data from Anhui province from 2013 to 2020. The results verify the feasibility of the research method and emphasise that the development level of the composite system of the digital economy and logistics industry in Anhui province shows a fluctuating growth trend, with variations between the types and degrees of collaboration policy; suggestions are made accordingly. This study provides theoretical and methodological support for the coordinated development of the regional digital economy and logistics industry.
The Influence of Virtual Idol Characteristics on Consumers’ Clothing Purchase Intention
Authors: Huang Qian-Qian , Qu Hong-Jian , Li Pei
Published: July 2022

In the context of a company actively using virtual idols to carry out marketing activities, it is very important to help the company understand the key factors affecting consumer purchase intention. In total, 459 eligible responses were collected via an online questionnaire survey. The psychometric properties of the model were examined by factor analysis, and the multiple regression method was applied to test the hypotheses. This paper empirically analyzes the influence of virtual idol characteristics on consumers’ willingness to buy brand clothing, with consumers’ attitudes as intermediary variables and clients’ involvement in virtual idolatry and adult playfulness as adjusting variables. A quasi-replication study method using both MRA and fsQCA found that the popularity, homogeneity, relevance and anthropomorphism of virtual idols enhance customers’ willingness to buy from big to small. Among them, attitude plays an intermediary role in the influence of popularity on purchase intention, and plays a complete intermediary role in the influence of relevance and homogeneity over purchase intention; consumer idolatry involvement positively regulates the relationship between professionalism, relevance and attitude; consumers’ adult playfulness positively regulates the relationship between popularity and consumer attitude. Finally, from the perspective of improving attitude and purchase intention, we provide suggestions for virtual idol creation applicable by operation teams and clothing brand companies.
Has Industrial Upgrading Improved Air Pollution?—Evidence from China’s Digital Economy
Authors: Qi Guangzhi , Wang Zhibao , Wang Zhixiu , Wei Lijie
Published: July 2022

Air pollution has seriously hindered China’s sustainable development. The impact mechanism of industrial upgrading on air pollution is still unclear, given the rapid digital economy. It is necessary to analyze the impact of industrial structure upgrading on air pollution through the digital economy. To investigate the impact of industrial upgrading and the digital economy on air pollution, this paper selected the industrial advanced index and the digital economy index to construct a panel regression model to explore the improvement effect of industrial upgrading on air pollution and selected China’s three typical areas to construct a zonal regression model. The concentrations of air pollutants showed a downward trend during 2013–2020. Among them, the SO2 concentration decreased by 63%, which is lower than the PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations. The spatial pattern of air pollutants is heavier in the north than in the south and heavier in the east than in the west, with the North China Plain being the center of gravity. These air pollutants have significant spatial spillover effects, while local spatial correlation is dominated by high-high and low-low clustering. Industrial upgrading has a stronger suppressive effect on the PM2.5 concentration than the suppressive effect on the SO2 and NO2 concentrations, while the digital economy has a stronger improvement effect on the SO2 concentration than its improvement effect on the PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations. Industrial upgrading has a stronger improvement effect on air pollution in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration than in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei and its surrounding areas, while the improvement in air pollution attributable to the digital economy in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei and its surrounding areas is stronger than in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration. There are significant differences in the effects of industrial upgrading and the digital economy on the various types of air pollutants.
Assessment of Sargassum sp., Spirulina sp., and Gracilaria sp. as Poultry Feed Supplements: Feasibility and Environmental Implications
Authors: Al-Khalaifah Hanan , Uddin Saif
Published: July 2022

Eutrophication, coupled with ocean acidification and warming, results in an increased concentration of marine algae, severely impacting some regions. Several algae are a rich source of protein and minerals. Marine algae are rich in bioactive molecules with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antimicrobial properties. These properties make them attractive for usage in the pharmaceutical industry. This study evaluated Sargassum sp., Spirulina sp., and Gracilaria sp. for use as poultry feed. Chemical analyses show that crude protein (CP) in analyzed algae was 9.07–63.63%, with a fiber content of 0.15–17.20%, and a crude fat range of 0.152–2.11%, suggesting that algae can partially substitute imported protein sources used for poultry feed. A rapid impact assessment matrix (RIAM) was used to assess the environmental footprint of algae usage in poultry feed. The environmental assessment results show promising opportunities to help harvest the algae from the marine area. However, the feasibility of establishing outdoor algal ponds is not environmentally viable in the Middle East.
Pedagogical Model for Raising Students’ Readiness for the Transition to University 4.0
Authors: Jugembayeva Bakytgul , Murzagaliyeva Aliya , Revalde Gita
Published: July 2022

The study goal was to analyze the impact of using modern technologies and pedagogical innovations based on the University 4.0 model on the educational process effectiveness, the development of professional competencies (in humanities and engineering) and skills in students (abstract-logical thinking, critical thinking, strategic thinking, imagination, creativity, motivation), and learners’ readiness and motivation to shift to University 4.0. The experiment was conducted in the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University among 464 undergraduate students of different academic years. All the study respondents were distributed into two groups, one of which did not change the training program (control group), and the other studied under the program grounded on the University 4.0 model using modern technologies (experimental group). According to the results of the survey addressed to the students of both groups after the experiment ended, the indicators for all parameters were higher among the individuals of the experimental group. The practical significance of the results obtained and further research prospects are in the possibility of using the developed training program in different universities and departments worldwide to compare both students’ readiness for the transition to University 4.0 and the program’s impact on educational outcomes.
Spatial Analysis of Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Europe: A Scoping Review
Authors: Moutinho Sandra , Rocha Jorge , Gomes Alberto , Gomes Bernardo , Ribeiro Ana Isabel
Published: July 2022

Mosquito-borne infections are increasing in endemic areas and previously unaffected regions. In 2020, the notification rate for Dengue was 0.5 cases per 100,000 population, and for Chikungunya <0.1/100,000. In 2019, the rate for Malaria was 1.3/100,000, and for West Nile Virus, 0.1/100,000. Spatial analysis is increasingly used in surveillance and epidemiological investigation, but reviews about their use in this research topic are scarce. We identify and describe the methodological approaches used to investigate the distribution and ecological determinants of mosquito-borne infections in Europe. Relevant literature was extracted from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception until October 2021 and analysed according to PRISMA-ScR protocol. We identified 110 studies. Most used geographical correlation analysis (n = 50), mainly applying generalised linear models, and the remaining used spatial cluster detection (n = 30) and disease mapping (n = 30), mainly conducted using frequentist approaches. The most studied infections were Dengue (n = 32), Malaria (n = 26), Chikungunya (n = 26), and West Nile Virus (n = 24), and the most studied ecological determinants were temperature (n = 39), precipitation (n = 24), water bodies (n = 14), and vegetation (n = 11). Results from this review may support public health programs for mosquito-borne disease prevention and may help guide future research, as we recommended various good practices for spatial epidemiological studies.
Numerical Solution of Radiative and Viscous Dissipative Fluid Flow along an Oscillating Vertical Plate
Authors: Rengasamy Rajaraman , Muthucumaraswamy Rajamanickam
Published: July 2022

A numerical analysis of an unsteady radiative and viscous dissipative fluid flow across a semi-infinite oscillating vertical plate with a constant temperature and mass diffusion is examined here. The fluid under consideration is optically thin gray, emitting, heat-retaining, and non-dispersing. A finite-difference approach known as the Crank−Nicolson strategy was applied to find the solution to the limitless governing equations. Applications of such engineering problems can be found in fields such as aerospace, solar power, the cooling of nuclear reactors, and chemical and mechanical engineering. Based on the computational solutions, the impacts of distinct physical parameters, such as velocity, concentration, temperature, skin friction, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number profiles, are portrayed pictorially and imparted. The numerical solution of the velocity profile developed in this study fits extremely well with what was previously published and validated. Furthermore, we discovered that plate oscillation, radiation, and viscous dissipation parameters surprisingly influence the flow pattern.
Few-Shot Learning for Fault Diagnosis: Semi-Supervised Prototypical Network with Pseudo-Labels
Authors: He Jun , Zhu Zheshuai , Fan Xinyu , Chen Yong , Liu Shiya , Chen Danfeng
Published: July 2022

Achieving deep learning-based bearing fault diagnosis heavily relies on large labeled training samples. However, in real industry applications, labeled data are scarce or even impossible to obtain. In this study, we addressed a challenging few-shot bearing fault diagnosis problem with few or no training labeled samples of novel categories. To tackle this problem, we considered a semi-supervised prototype network based on few-shot bearing fault diagnosis with pseudo-labels. The existing prototypical networks with pseudo-label methods train a pseudo label model to label unlabeled samples using high-dimensional labeled data, which cannot eliminate the instability of the pseudo-label model caused by dimensional labeled features. To mitigate this issue, we used kernel principal component analysis to reduce the dimensions of and remove redundant information from high-dimensional data. Specifically, we used the pseudo-label prediction algorithm with probability distance to label unlabeled samples, aiming to improve the labeling accuracy. We applied two well-known bearing data sets for the validation experiments with symmetry parameters. The findings illustrated that the classification accuracy of the proposed method is higher than that of other existing methods.
Reconstructing the Unknown Source Function of a Fractional Parabolic Equation from the Final Data with the Conformable Derivative
Authors: Nikan Omid , Binh Ho Duy , Avazzadeh Zakieh , Long Le Dinh
Published: July 2022

The paper’s main purpose is to find the unknown source function for the conformable heat equation. In the case of (Φ,g)∈L2(0,T)×L2(Ω), we give a modified Fractional Landweber solution and explore the error between the approximate solution and the desired solution under a priori and a posteriori parameter choice rules. The error between the regularized and exact solution is then calculated in Lq(D), with q≠2 under some reasonable Cauchy data assumptions.
Cryptanalysis of RSA-Variant Cryptosystem Generated by Potential Rogue CA Methodology
Authors: Mahad Zahari , Ariffin Muhammad Rezal Kamel , Ghafar Amir Hamzah Abd. , Salim Nur Raidah
Published: July 2022

Rogue certificate authorities (RCA) are third-party entities that intentionally produce key pairs that satisfy publicly known security requirements but contain weaknesses only known to the RCA. This work analyses the Murru–Saettone RSA variant scheme that obtains its key pair from a potential RCA methodology. The Murru–Saettone scheme is based on the cubic Pell equation x3+ry3+r2z3−3rxyz=1. The public, e, and private, d key generation process uses the secret parameter ψ=(p2+p+1)(q2+q+1) in place of the standard Euler–phi function ϕ(N)=(p−1)(q−1), where ed≡1(modψ). We prove that, upon obtaining an approximation of ψ, we are able to identify the provided key pair that was maliciously provided even if the private key d size is approximate to ψ. In fact, we are able to factor the modulus N=pq.
Extraction and Characterization of β-Viginin Protein Hydrolysates from Cowpea Flour as a New Manufacturing Active Ingredient
Authors: Almeida Taline S. , da Cruz Souza Caio A. , de Cerqueira e Silva Mariana B. , Batista Fabiana P. R. , Ferreira Ederlan S. , Santos André L. S. , Silva Laura N. , Melo Carlisson R. , Bani Cristiane , Bianconi M. Lucia , Cardoso Juliana C. , de Albuquerque-Júnior Ricardo L. C. , de Melo Barbosa Raquel , Pereira Matheus M. , Souto Eliana B. , Soares Cleide M. F. , Severino Patrícia
Published: July 2022

The increased mortality rates associated with antibiotic resistance has become a significant public health problem worldwide. Living beings produce a variety of endogenous compounds to defend themselves against exogenous pathogens. The knowledge of these endogenous compounds may contribute to the development of improved bioactive ingredients with antimicrobial properties, useful against conventional antibiotic resistance. Cowpea is an herbaceous legume of great interest due to its high protein content and high productivity rates. The study of genetic homology of vicillin (7S) from cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) with vicilins from soybean and other beans, such as adzuki, in addition to the need for further studies about potential biological activities of this vegetable, led us to seek the isolation of the vicilin fraction from cowpea and to evaluate the potential in vitro inhibitory action of pathogenic microorganisms. The cowpea beta viginin protein was isolated, characterized, and hydrolyzed in silico and in vitro by two enzymes, namely, pepsin and chymotrypsin. The antimicrobial activity of the protein hydrolysate fractions of cowpea flour was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, confirming the potential use of the peptides as innovative antimicrobial agents.
A Reverse Mutation E143K within the PrM Protein of Zika Virus Asian Lineage Natal RGN Strain Increases Infectivity and Cytopathicity
Authors: Lin Chen-Sheng , Li Wei-Jing , Liao Chih-Yi , Kan Ju-Ying , Kung Szu-Hao , Huang Su-Hua , Lai Hsueh-Chou , Lin Cheng-Wen
Published: July 2022

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus in the Flaviviridae, which is classified into two different lineages Asian and African. The outbreak of ZIKV Asian lineage isolates in 2015–2016 is associated with the increase in cases with prenatal microcephaly and Guillain–Barré syndrome, and has sparked attention throughout the world. Genome sequence alignment and the analysis of Asian and African lineage isolates indicate that amino acid changes, particular in positively charged amino acid substitutions in the pr region of prM protein might involve a phenotypic change that links with the global outbreak of ZIKV Asian-lineage. The study generated and characterized the virological properties of wild type and mutants of single-round infectious particles (SRIPs) and infectious clones (i.c.s) of ZIKV Asian-lineage Natal RGN strain, and then identified the function of amino acid substitutions at the positions 139 [Asn139→Ser139 (N139S)] and 143 [Glu143→Lys143 (E143K)] in ZIKV polyproteins (located within the pr region of prM protein) in the infectivity and cytopathogenicity. The E143K SRIP and i.c. of Natal RGN strain exhibited relatively higher levels of cytopathic effect, EGFP reporter, viral RNA and protein synthesis, and virus yield in three types of human cell lines, TE617, SF268 and HMC3, compared to wild type (WT), N139S SRIPs and i.c.s, which displayed more efficiency in replication kinetics. Additionally, E143K Natal RGN i.c. had greater activities of virus attachment and entry, yielded higher titers of intracellular and extracellular virions, and assembled the E proteins near to the plasma membrane in infected cells than the other i.c.s. The results indicate that the positively charged amino acid residue Lys143, a conserved residue in the pr region of prM of ZIKV African lineages, plays a crucial role in viral replication kinetics, including viral attachment, entry, assembly and egress. Thus, the negatively charged amino acid residue Glu143 within the pr region of prM leads to an alteration of the phenotypes, in particular, a lower replication efficiency of ZIKV Asian-lineage isolates with the attenuation of infectivity and cytopathicity.
Kathryn V. Holmes: A Career of Contributions to the Coronavirus Field
Authors: Bonavia Aurelio , Dominguez Samuel R. , Dveksler Gabriela , Gagneten Sara , Howard Megan , Jeffers Scott , Qian Zhaohui , Smith Mary Kathryn , Thackray Larissa B. , Tresnan Dina B. , Wentworth David E. , Wessner David R. , Williams Richard K. , Miura Tanya A.
Published: July 2022

Over the past two years, scientific research has moved at an unprecedented rate in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The rapid development of effective vaccines and therapeutics would not have been possible without extensive background knowledge on coronaviruses developed over decades by researchers, including Kathryn (Kay) Holmes. Kay’s research team discovered the first coronavirus receptors for mouse hepatitis virus and human coronavirus 229E and contributed a wealth of information on coronaviral spike glycoproteins and receptor interactions that are critical determinants of host and tissue specificity. She collaborated with several research laboratories to contribute knowledge in additional areas, including coronaviral pathogenesis, epidemiology, and evolution. Throughout her career, Kay was an extremely dedicated and thoughtful mentor to numerous graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. This article provides a review of her contributions to the coronavirus field and her exemplary mentoring.
SARS-CoV-2 Specific Immune Response and Inflammatory Profile in Advanced HIV-Infected Persons during a COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Vergori Alessandra , Boschini Antonio , Notari Stefania , Lorenzini Patrizia , Castilletti Concetta , Colavita Francesca , Matusali Giulia , Tartaglia Eleonora , Gagliardini Roberta , Boschi Andrea , Cimini Eleonora , Maeurer Markus , Piselli Pierluca , Angeli Leila , Antinori Andrea , Agrati Chiara , Girardi Enrico
Published: July 2022

The main aim of this study was to describe the clinical and immunological outcomes, as well as the inflammatory profile, of patients with advanced HIV in an assisted-living facility in which an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 occurred. SARS-CoV-2 humoral and specific T-cell response were analyzed in patients with HIV infection and COVID-19; as a secondary objective of the analysis, levels of the inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNFα) were tested in the HIV/COVID-19 group, in HIV-positive patients without COVID-19, and in HIV-negative patients with mild/moderate COVID-19. Antibody kinetics and ability to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 were evaluated by ELISA assay, as well as the inflammatory cytokines; SARS-CoV-2 specific T-cell response was quantified by ELISpot assay. Mann–Whitney or Kruskal–Wallis tests were used for comparisons. Thirty patients were included with the following demographics: age, 57 years old (IQR, 53–62); 76% male; median HIV duration of infection, 18 years (15–29); nadir of CD4, 57/mmc (23–100) current CD4 count, 348/mmc (186–565). Furthermore, 83% had at least one comorbidity. The severity of COVID-19 was mild/moderate, and the overall mortality rate was 10% (3/30). Additionally, 90% of patients showed positive antibody titers and neutralizing activity, with a 100% positive SARS-CoV-2 specific T-cell response over time, suggesting the ability to induce an effective specific immunity. Significantly higher levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in COVID-19 without HIV vs. HIV/COVID-19 patients (p < 0.05) were observed. HIV infection did not seem to negatively impact COVID-19-related inflammatory state and immunity. Further data are mandatory to evaluate the persistence of these immunity and its ability to expand after exposure and/or vaccination.
Transmission of Raccoon-Passaged Chronic Wasting Disease Agent to White-Tailed Deer
Authors: Cassmann Eric D. , Frese Alexis J. , Moore S. Jo , Greenlee Justin J.
Published: July 2022

The transmission characteristics of prion diseases are influenced by host prion protein sequence and, therefore, the host species. Chronic wasting disease (CWD), a prion disease of cervids, has widespread geographical distribution throughout North America and occurs in both wild and farmed populations. CWD prions contaminate the environment through scattered excrement and decomposing carcasses. Fresh carcasses with CWD prions are accessible by free-ranging mesopredators such as raccoons and may provide a route of exposure. Previous studies demonstrated the susceptibility of raccoons to CWD from white-tailed deer. In this study, we demonstrate that white-tailed deer replicate raccoon-passaged CWD prions which results in clinical disease similar to intraspecies CWD transmission. Six white-tailed deer were oronasally inoculated with brain homogenate from a raccoon with CWD. All six deer developed clinical disease, had widespread lymphoid distribution of misfolded CWD prions (PrPSc), and had neuropathologic lesions with PrPSc accumulation in the brain. The presence of PrPSc was confirmed by immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunoassay, and western blot. The western blot migration pattern of raccoon-passaged CWD was different from white-tailed deer CWD. Transmission of raccoon CWD back to white-tailed deer resulted in an interposed molecular phenotype that was measurably different from white-tailed deer CWD.
Histopathological and Immunological Findings in the Common Marmoset Following Exposure to Aerosolized SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Ireland Rachel E. , Davies Carwyn D. , Keyser Emma , Findlay James S. F. , Eastaugh Lin , Laws Thomas R. , Salguero Francisco J. , Hunter Laura , Nelson Michelle
Published: July 2022

There is an enduring requirement to develop animal models of COVID-19 to assess the efficacy of vaccines and therapeutics that can be used to treat the disease in humans. In this study, six marmosets were exposed to a small particle aerosol (1–3 µm) of SARS-CoV-2 VIC01 that delivered the virus directly to the lower respiratory tract. Following the challenge, marmosets did not develop clinical signs, although a disruption to the normal diurnal temperature rhythm was observed in three out of six animals. Early weight loss and changes to respiratory pattern and activity were also observed, yet there was limited evidence of viral replication or lung pathology associated with infection. There was a robust innate immunological response to infection, which included an early increase in circulating neutrophils and monocytes and a reduction in the proportion of circulating T-cells. Expression of the ACE2 receptor in respiratory tissues was almost absent, but there was ubiquitous expression of TMPRSS2. The results of this study indicate that exposure of marmosets to high concentrations of aerosolised SARS-CoV-2 did not result in the development of clear, reproducible signs of COVID-19.
Effect of the Interaction between Viral PB2 and Host SphK1 on H9N2 AIV Replication in Mammals
Authors: Zhou Yong , Gao Weihua , Sun Yan , Guo Yuxin , Wu Yuping , Pu Juan
Published: July 2022

The H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) is currently widespread worldwide, posing a severe threat to the poultry industry and public health. Reassortment is an important way for influenza viruses to adapt to a new host. In 2007, the PB2 gene of H9N2 AIV in China was reassorted, and the DK1-like lineage replaced the F/98-like lineage, forming a dominant genotype of G57. This genotype and its reassortants (such as H7N9, H10N8 and H5N6) showed higher mammalian adaptation, and caused increased human infections. However, the adaptive mechanisms of the DK1-like lineage PB2 gene remain unclear. Here, we confirmed that the PB2 lineage of the H9N2 AIV currently prevalent in China still belongs to the DK1-like lineage and, compared with the previously predominant F/98-like lineage, the DK1-like lineage PB2 gene significantly enhances H9N2 AIV to mammalian adaptation. Through transcriptomic analysis and qRT–PCR and western blot experiments, we identified a host factor, sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1), that is closely related to viral replication. SphK1 inhibits the replication of DK1-like PB2 gene H9N2 AIV, but the ability of SphK1 protein to bind DK1-like PB2 protein is weaker than that of F/98-like PB2 protein, which may contribute to H9N2 AIV containing the DK1-like PB2 gene to escape the inhibitory effect of host factor SphK1 for efficient infection. This study broadens our understanding of the adaptive evolution of H9N2 AIV and highlights the necessity to pay close attention to the AIV that contains the adaptive PB2 protein in animals and humans.
Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Elucidate the Underlying Pharmacological Mechanisms of the Herb Houttuynia cordata in Treating Pneumonia Caused by SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Liu Junying , Yuan Shouli , Yao Yao , Wang Jinfan , Scalabrino Gaia , Jiang Shibo , Sheridan Helen
Published: July 2022

Used in Asian countries, including China, Japan, and Thailand, Houttuynia cordata Thumb (H. cordata; Saururaceae, HC) is a traditional herbal medicine that possesses favorable antiviral properties. As a potent folk therapy used to treat pulmonary infections, further research is required to fully elucidate the mechanisms of its pharmacological activities and explore its therapeutic potential for treating pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2. This study explores the pharmacological mechanism of HC on pneumonia using a network pharmacological approach combined with reprocessing expression profiling by high-throughput sequencing to demonstrate the therapeutic mechanisms of HC for treating pneumonia at a systemic level. The integration of these analyses suggested that target factors are involved in four signaling pathways, including PI3K-Akt, Jak-STAT, MAPK, and NF-kB. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were applied to verify these results, indicating a stable combination between four metabolites (Afzelin, Apigenin, Kaempferol, Quercetin) and six targets (DPP4, ELANE, HSP90AA1, IL6, MAPK1, SERPINE1). These natural metabolites have also been reported to bind with ACE2 and 3CLpro of SARS-CoV-2, respectively. The data suggest that HC exerts collective therapeutic effects against pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 and provides a theoretical basis for further study of the active drug-like ingredients and mechanism of HC in treating pneumonia.
Influenza A Virus Infection Reactivates Human Endogenous Retroviruses Associated with Modulation of Antiviral Immunity
Authors: Liu Hengyuan , Bergant Valter , Frishman Goar , Ruepp Andreas , Pichlmair Andreas , Vincendeau Michelle , Frishman Dmitrij
Published: July 2022

Human endogenous retrovirus (HERVs), normally silenced by methylation or mutations, can be reactivated by multiple environmental factors, including infections with exogenous viruses. In this work, we investigated the transcriptional activity of HERVs in human A549 cells infected by two wild-type (PR8M, SC35M) and one mutated (SC35MΔNS1) strains of Influenza A virus (IAVs). We found that the majority of differentially expressed HERVs (DEHERVS) and genes (DEGs) were up-regulated in the infected cells, with the most significantly enriched biological processes associated with the genes differentially expressed exclusively in SC35MΔNS1 being linked to the immune system. Most DEHERVs in PR8M and SC35M are mammalian apparent LTR retrotransposons, while in SC35MΔNS1, more HERV loci from the HERVW9 group were differentially expressed. Furthermore, up-regulated pairs of HERVs and genes in close chromosomal proximity to each other tended to be associated with immune responses, which implies that specific HERV groups might have the potential to trigger specific gene networks and influence host immunological pathways.
Body Mass Index and Antibody Persistence after Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Hepatitis B Vaccinations
Authors: Fonzo Marco , Nicolli Annamaria , Maso Stefano , Carrer Lorenzo , Trevisan Andrea , Bertoncello Chiara
Published: July 2022

Overweight and obesity may cause a reduced response to vaccination. The purpose of the present research was to study the relationship between current body mass index (BMI) and antibody persistence after vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) given during childhood, as per the current vaccination schedule. The study was conducted on 2185 students at the School of Medicine, University of Padua, Italy. The mean age of the participants was 20.3 years. After adjusting for sex, age at first dose of vaccine administered, age at last dose, and age at study enrollment, no significant association was found between lack of serologic protection and BMI for either the HBV vaccine or each component of the MMR vaccine. For the first time, the absence of this relationship was demonstrated for the MMR vaccine. Given the evidence currently available, further research on BMI and vaccines in general remains desirable.
Persistent Health Issues, Adverse Events, and Effectiveness of Vaccines during the Second Wave of COVID-19: A Cohort Study from a Tertiary Hospital in North India
Authors: Kaur Upinder , Bala Sapna , Joshi Aditi , Reddy Noti Taruni Srija , Japur Chetan , Chauhan Mayank , Pedapanga Nikitha , Kumar Shubham , Mukherjee Anurup , Mishra Vaibhav , Talda Dolly , Singh Rohit , Gupta Rohit Kumar , Yadav Ashish Kumar , Rana Poonam Jyoti , Srivastava Jyoti , Bhat K. Shobha , Singh Anup , P.G. Naveen Kumar P. , Pandey Manoj , Patwardhan Kishor , Kansal Sangeeta , Chakrabarti Sankha Shubhra
Published: July 2022

Background There is paucity of real-world data on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness from cohort designs. Variable vaccine performance has been observed in test-negative case-control designs. There is also scarce real-world data of health issues in individuals receiving vaccines after prior COVID-19, and of adverse events of significant concern (AESCs) in the vaccinated. Methods: A cohort study was conducted from July 2021 to December 2021 in a tertiary hospital of North India. The primary outcome was vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 during the second wave in India. Secondary outcomes were AESCs, and persistent health issues in those receiving COVID-19 vaccines. Regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors of COVID-19 outcomes and persistent health issues. Results: Of the 2760 health care workers included, 2544 had received COVID-19 vaccines, with COVISHIELD (rChAdOx1-nCoV-19 vaccine) received by 2476 (97.3%) and COVAXIN (inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine) by 64 (2.5%). A total of 2691 HCWs were included in the vaccine effectiveness analysis, and 973 COVID-19 events were reported during the period of analysis. Maximum effectiveness of two doses of vaccine in preventing COVID-19 occurrence was 17% across three different strategies of analysis adopted for robustness of data. One-dose recipients were at 1.27-times increased risk of COVID-19. Prior SARS-CoV-2 infection was a strong independent protective factor against COVID-19 (aOR 0.66). Full vaccination reduced moderate–severe COVID-19 by 57%. Those with lung disease were at 2.54-times increased risk of moderate–severe COVID-19, independent of vaccination status. AESCs were observed in 33/2544 (1.3%) vaccinees, including one case each of myocarditis and severe hypersensitivity. Individuals with hypothyroidism were at 5-times higher risk and those receiving a vaccine after recovery from COVID-19 were at 3-times higher risk of persistent health issues. Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination reduced COVID-19 severity but offered marginal protection against occurrence. The possible relationship of asthma and hypothyroidism with COVID-19 outcomes necessitates focused research. With independent protection of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and high-risk of persistent health issues in individuals receiving vaccine after recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection, the recommendation of vaccinating those with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection needs reconsideration.
COVID-19 Vaccine for Children: Vaccination Willingness of Parents and Its Associated Factors—A Network Analysis
Authors: Krakowczyk Julia Barbara , Bäuerle Alexander , Pape Lars , Kaup Theodor , Nulle Laura , Teufel Martin , Skoda Eva-Maria
Published: July 2022

Different COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for underage children, so parents and caregivers currently face the decision of whether to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 or not. Due to the rather moderate vaccine acceptance among parents across different countries, the objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between different psychological, demographic, and behavioral factors related to the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine for underage children among parents. In particular, vaccination attitudes, whether parents have been vaccinated against COVID-19 themselves, COVID-19 fear, attitude towards COVID-19 policy measures, governmental trust, subjective level of information, perceived risk of disease progression, and perceived risk of vaccine side effects were the variables of interest. The study adopted a cross-sectional study design, and the sample consisted of 2405 participants. A network analysis was conducted to investigate the associations and interconnection among these variables. The results showed that, in particular, compliance, confidence in the safety of vaccines, whether parents have been vaccinated against COVID-19 themselves, trust in the governmental system, fear of COVID-19, and the parents’ age were directly related to the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine for children. To increase compliance and confidence in the vaccines’ safety among parents, promotion campaigns should provide more information concerning the vaccines’ safety, particularly for younger parents who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 themselves.
Past, Present and Future of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Vaccine Use in China
Authors: Li Junli , Lu Jinbiao , Wang Guozhi , Zhao Aihua , Xu Miao
Published: July 2022

The BCG vaccine is prepared from a weakened strain of Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), a bacterium closely related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), which causes tuberculosis (TB). The vaccine was developed over 13 years, from 1908 to 1921, in the French Institut Pasteur by Léon Charles Albert Calmette and Jean-Marie Camille Guérin, who named the product Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG). BCG, the only licensed vaccine currently available to prevent TB, is given to infants at high risk of TB shortly after birth to protect infants and young children from pulmonary, meningeal, and disseminated TB. The BCG vaccine, one of the safest and most widely used live attenuated vaccines in the world, recently celebrated its 100th anniversary (from 1921 to 2021); its record of use in preventing TB in China is also approaching 100 years. In 2022, a new century of BCG vaccine immunization will begin. In this article, we briefly review the history of BCG vaccine use in China, describe its current status, and offer a preliminary outlook on the future of the vaccine, to provide BCG researchers with a clearer understanding of its use in China.