bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Radar Reflectivity Image Prediction Method: The Spatial MIM + Pix2Pix
Authors: Guo Jianlin , Lu Zhiying , Yan Qin , Zhang Jianfeng
Published: November 2023

Radar reflectivity images have the potential to provide vital information on the development of convective cloud interiors, which can play a critical role in precipitation prediction. However, traditional prediction methods face challenges in preserving the high-frequency component, leading to blurred prediction results. To address this issue and accurately estimate radar reflectivity intensity, this paper proposes a novel reflectivity image prediction approach based on the Spatial Memory in Memory (Spatial MIM) networks and the Pix2Pix networks. Firstly, a rough radar reflectivity image prediction is made using the Spatial MIM network. Secondly, the prediction results from the Spatial MIM network are fed into the Pix2pix network, which improves the high-frequency component of the predicted image and solves the image blurring issue. Finally, the proposed approach is evaluated using data from Oklahoma in the United States during the second and third quarters of 2021. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach yields more accurate radar reflectivity prediction images.
Analysis of Spatiotemporal Variations and Influencing Factors of Sea Ice Extent in the Arctic and Antarctic
Authors: Sun Xiaoyu , Lv Tingting , Sun Qizhen , Ding Zhuoming , Shen Hui , Gao Yi , He Yawen , Fu Min , Li Chunhua
Published: November 2023

The 44 years (1979–2022) of satellite-derived sea ice extent in the Arctic and Antarctic reveals the details and new trends in the process of polar sea ice coverage changes. The speed of Arctic sea ice extent reduction and the interannual difference significantly increased after 2004. Trend analysis suggests that the Arctic Ocean may experience an ice-free period around 2060. The maximum anomaly of Arctic sea ice extent has gradually transitioned from September to October, indicating a trend of prolonged melting period. The center of gravity of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean is biased towards the Pacific side, and the spatial distribution pattern of sea ice is greatly influenced by the Atlantic warm current. The dynamism of the sea ice extent on the Atlantic side is significantly greater than in other regions. Since 2014, the Antarctic sea ice extent has shifted from slow growth to a rapid decreasing trend; the sea ice extent reached a historical minimum in 2022, decreasing by 2.02 × 106 km2 compared to 2014. The Antarctic experiences seven months of ice growth each year and five months of ice melting period, the annual change patterns of sea ice extent in the Arctic and Antarctic are slightly different.
Creating Sustainable Climate Change Havens for Migrating Populations in the United States and Other Global Sites
Authors: Hirschman Elizabeth C.
Published: November 2023

A model for constructing sustainable Climate Change Haven communities in appropriate areas of the United States and globally is presented. The model proposes the construction of walkable communities of 20,000 to 30,000 residents with electricity provided by hydropower generators and biofuel combustion. The remediation of surface-mined areas using switchgrass and flood control dams to redirect excess rainfall will be required in some areas. This model also addresses the multiple social and cultural considerations required to resettle groups of migrants in Climate Change Haven communities, together with the preparation and preservation of nearby farmland for feeding the community.
Temporal Changes in Cd Sorption and Plant Bioavailability in Compost-Amended Soils
Authors: Al Mamun Shamim , Lehto Niklas J. , Cavanagh Jo , McDowell Richard , Kellermann Liv , Robinson Brett H.
Published: November 2023

The application of Cd-contaminated phosphate fertiliser has enriched concentrations of this non-essential element in many agricultural soils. Consequently, concentrations of the metal in some agricultural products exceed the Maximum Limit in foods. Composts can reduce the transfer of Cd from soil to plants; however, it is unclear how long this beneficial effect endures. We aimed to determine temporal changes of phytoavailable Cd in two market garden soils (an Allophanic Orthic Granular Soil and a Recent Silt Loam). Soils were amended with either municipal green waste compost or sawdust and animal waste compost at a rate of 2.5% w/w under three incubation regimes: at 19 °C, at 30 °C, and at 30 °C with additional N added as urea at 0.6 g urea/kg soil added over 1 year. Each replicate was sampled after 1, 5, 9, 13, 21, 31, and 49 weeks, and phytoavailable Cd was estimated through 0.05 M Ca(NO3)2 extraction. Seed potato (Solanum tuberosum), ‘Nadine’ variety, was grown in the Pukekohe Allophanic Orthic Granular Soil, freshly amended with municipal compost and the same soil aged for one year. The concentration of Cd in all samples was analysed using an ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer). The C concentration in the soil—compost mixtures decreased over the year, with the greatest decreases occurring in the soils incubated at 30 °C with added N. Unexpectedly, the concentration of Ca(NO3)2-extractable Cd in the compost-amended soils did not increase over time and in some cases even decreased. This was confirmed through a pot experiment, which showed the Cd concentration in potato was reduced by 50% in both the freshly amended soil and the amended soil aged for one year. Cadmium immobilisation in soils might be due to both the sorption of Cd by organic matter and the occlusion of sorbed Cd by oxy-hydroxides of iron and aluminium. Over 49 weeks, soluble Cd does not increase as organic matter oxidises. The application of municipal compost to soil will reduce both plant Cd solubility and plant Cd uptake for at least one year in the soils tested.
The Expansion of Data Science: Dataset Standardization
Authors: Pessanha Santos Nuno
Published: November 2023

With recent advances in science and technology, more processing capability and data have become available, allowing a more straightforward implementation of data analysis techniques. Fortunately, available online data storage capacity follows this trend, and vast amounts of data can be stored online freely or at accessible costs. As happens with every evolution (or revolution) in any science field, organizing and sharing these data is essential to contribute to new studies or validate obtained results quickly. To facilitate this, we must guarantee interoperability between existing datasets and developed software, whether commercial or open-source. This article explores this issue and analyzes the current initiatives to establish data standards and compares some of the existing online dataset storage platforms. Through a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis, it is possible to better understand the strategy that should be taken to improve the efficiency in this field, which directly depends on the data’s characteristics. The development of dataset standards will directly increase the collaboration and data sharing between academia and industry, allowing faster research and development through direct interoperability.
Transcriptional Changes during Phytophthora capsici Infection Reveal Potential Defense Mechanisms in Squash
Authors: Acharya Shailesh Raj , Shrestha Swati , Michael Vincent Njung’e , Fu Yuqing , Sabharwal Prerna , Thakur Shallu , Meru Geoffrey
Published: November 2023

Phytophthora capsici incites foliar blight, root, fruit, and crown rot in squash (Cucurbita spp.) and limits production worldwide. Resistance to crown rot in C. moschata breeding line #394-1-27-12 is conferred by three dominant genes, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this resistance are poorly understood. In the current study, RNA sequencing was used to investigate transcriptional changes in #394-1-27-12 (resistant) and Butterbush (susceptible) following infection by P. capsici at 12, 24, 48, 72, and 120 h post inoculation (hpi). Overall, the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Butterbush (2648) exceeded those in #394-1-27-12 (1729), but in both genotypes, the highest number of DEGs was observed at 72 hpi and least at 24 hpi. Our gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed a downregulation of the genes involved in polysaccharide and lignin metabolism in Butterbush but as an upregulation of those associated with regulation of peptidase activity. However, in #394-1-27-12, the downregulated genes were primarily associated with response to stimuli, whereas those upregulated were involved in oxidation–reduction and response to stress. The upregulated genes in #394-1-27-12 included defensin-like proteins, respiratory-burst oxidases, ethylene-responsive transcription factors, cytochrome P450 proteins, and peroxidases. These findings provide a framework for the functional validation of the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to P. capsici in cucurbits.
Influence of Climate Warming on the Ground Surface Stability over Permafrost along the Qinghai–Tibet Engineering Corridor
Authors: Zhao Tao , Wang Chong , Wang Jiachen
Published: November 2023

The warming climate has posed a serious threat on ground surface stability. In permafrost regions, ground surface instability may induce engineering and geological disasters, especially for the engineering corridor. It is difficult to evaluate ground surface stability over permafrost because the stability is influenced by various factors in permafrost regions. Many single index models cannot comprehensively evaluate the ground surface stability for permafrost. We, therefore, proposed an evaluation model considering different influential factors based on the trapezoidal fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. And the ground surface stability was calculated and analyzed along the Qinghai–Tibet Engineering Corridor under three climate warming conditions (the slow climate warming, the medium climate warming and the rapid climate warming). The results show that the ground surface stability influential factors, including the mean annual ground temperature, the active layer thickness, and the volume ice content, will be greatly changed with the warming climate. By 2100, the percentage of high-temperature permafrost (−0.5 °C < T ≤ 0 °C) will increase about 29.45% with rapid climate warming. The active layer thickness will have an average thickening rate of about 0.030 m/year. Most of the high ice content permafrost will change to low ice content permafrost. The ground surface stability, therefore, will be greatly changed with the warming climate along the Qinghai–Tibet Engineering Corridor. Compared to the present, the stable area will decrease about 5.28% by 2050 under the slow climate warming. And that is approximately 7.91% and 21.78% under the medium and rapid climate warming, respectively. While in year 2100, the decrement is obviously increased. The stable area will decrease about 11.22% under the slow climate warming and about 17.3% under the medium climate warming. The proportion of stable area, however, has an increasing trend under the rapid climate warming. This phenomenon is mainly caused by the warming climate which can lead to the permafrost being degraded to melting soil. The unstable area is mainly distributed near the Chumaer River high plain, Tuotuohe–Yanshiping, Wudaoliang, Tangula Mountains, and other high-temperature permafrost areas. This paper provides a reference for geological hazard prevention and engineering construction along the Qinghai–Tibet Engineering Corridor.
How Sustainable Design and Awareness May Affect the Real Estate Market
Authors: Katafygiotou Martha , Protopapas Pavlos , Dimopoulos Thomas
Published: November 2023

In recent years, the desire and requirement for green buildings have increased. The aim of this research is to determine and confirm the increased request for green properties and to investigate whether this is related to a new need or simply a desire of buyers. Moreover, the paper examines people’s knowledge of greenness and sustainability and their wish to live and work in sustainable buildings. The methodology used for this research is based on quantitative research methods with the use of questionnaires to better understand the residents’ awareness, needs, and desires related to sustainability. The research was based on the hypothesis that increased knowledge and awareness of sustainable design can affect the real estate market. Secondly, this research examined whether the increased desire and need for sustainable buildings may increase the market value of sustainable buildings and if people with higher incomes desire green buildings more. Finally, the last hypothesis examined regarded the differences between residential and commercial buildings in terms of sustainable design. The study explored whether buyers will pay extra to purchase a sustainable property and how sustainability can affect the market value and the construction industry. The participants who took part in the research study were living and working in Cyprus. One of the significant outcomes was the fact that people who have knowledge and awareness related to sustainability are willing to pay extra to purchase green properties. Another interesting outcome was that most people have knowledge of sustainable building design. This awareness is crucial as people’s desire is the strongest driver, which can influence them to invest more in green real estate.
The “Modern” Campus: Case Study in (Un)Sustainable Urbanism
Authors: Mehaffy Michael W. , Salingaros Nikos A. , Lavdas Alexandros A.
Published: November 2023

The design of campuses, like other aspects of contemporary environmental design, must be reassessed in light of the challenge of sustainability. This paper considers the “modern” campus design typology (including business campuses, commercial districts, hospitals, and schools) as a design paradigm for pedestrian public space, with implications for human flourishing and well-being. Its findings point to a serious problem: while the foundational design theories of a century ago have been widely critiqued as an obsolete way of thinking about cities, human nature, biological nature, and even the nature of mathematical and physical structures, we find that, in the case of campuses, the pervasive influence of these obsolete theories can still be seen in practice. Specifically, a new “techno-modernist” aesthetic offers visually exciting new “neoplastic” forms but is built on essentially the same discredited concepts of urban space. We propose a more directly human-oriented design methodology to promote the well-being of occupants, and improve outcomes for creative development, education, and health. This analysis resurrects tested traditional design tools and validates them through scientific findings from mathematics and neuroscience. It also adopts the older “design pattern” methodology of Christopher Alexander by linking it to biophilia and neuro-design.
Simplified Modeling and Experimental Validation of a Combi-Storage Distribution Tank for Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Roumpedakis Tryfon C. , Leontaritis Aris-Dimitrios , Vlachogiannis Prokopios , Varvagiannis Efstratios , Charalampidis Antonios , Karellas Sotirios
Published: November 2023

This study regards the evaluation of the performance of a thermally stratified tank as an intermediate combi-storage tank for a solar-driven residential thermal system coupled to a seasonal energy storage system. In such applications, the efficient operation of this intermediate tank is crucial to the enhanced exploitation of the harvested solar energy and the minimization of heat losses. In this perspective, the development of a dedicated model in TRNSYS software and its validation with experimental results are investigated. With respect to the simulation model’s discretization, it was found that beyond 60 nodes, the benefits to the model’s accuracy are almost negligible. Comparing the experimental data with the simulation’s results, the predicted temperature profile converges accurately to the measured values under steady-state conditions (threshold stabilization period of 1000 s after charging/discharging has occurred). However, the response of the model deviates considerably under transient conditions due to the lack of detailed inertia modeling of both the tank and the rest of the system components. Conclusively, the developed 1D simulation model is adequate for on- and off-design models where transient phenomena are of reduced importance, whereas for dynamic and semi-dynamic simulations, more detailed models are needed.
State-of-the-Art Review on Destination Marketing and Destination Management
Authors: Reinhold Stephan , Beritelli Pietro , Fyall Alan , Choi Hwan-Suk Chris , Laesser Christian , Joppe Marion
Published: November 2023

This article presents a narrative perspective review of the state-of-the-art of destination marketing and management. The past 15 years of developments, stretching from technological advances enabling methodological progress and new consumer behavior to climate, health, and financial crises, require a reassessment of previous academic contributions and current practices. Referring back to the social origins of destinations, this article conceptualizes destinations as a heterogeneous space of flows and proposes future research linked to tourist demand and tourism supply, sustainability and resilience, technological shifts, and institutions. Finally, six broader streams of conversations suggest how to advance the marketing and management of destinations related to a destination ontology grounded in flows, with a focus on processes and action, stewardship and collaboration, resilient destinations, transient and permanent residents, as well as new instrumental technologies and augmented experiences.
Diagnostic Efficacy of Serological Antibody Detection Tests for Hepatitis Delta Virus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pan Zhenzhen , Chen Sisi , Xu Ling , Gao Yao , Cao Yaling , Fan Zihao , Tian Yuan , Zhang Xiangying , Duan Zhongping , Ren Feng
Published: November 2023

Background and Aims Coinfection of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) with hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes the most severe form of viral hepatitis, and the global prevalence of HDV infection is underestimated. Although serological testing of anti-HDV antibodies is widely used in the diagnosis of HDV, its diagnostic efficacy remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of HDV serological tests, the results of which may assist in the diagnosis of HDV. Methods Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. The PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases were searched from the beginning to 31 May 2023. Study quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool. STATA SE was used for the meta-analysis of the sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio. Results Among a total of 1376 initially identified studies, only 12 articles met the final inclusion criteria. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 1.00 (95% CI: 0.00–1.00) and 0.71 (95% CI: 0.50–0.78) for HDV total antibodies, 0.96 (95% CI: 0.83–0.99) and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.82–1.00) for anti-HDV IgM and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.86–0.98) and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.67–1.00) for anti-HDV IgG. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for HDV serological tests were 0.99 (95% CI: 0.96–1.00) and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.79–0.96). Conclusions This meta-analysis suggests that serological tests have high diagnostic performance in detecting antibodies against HDV, especially in HDV IgM and IgG. However, this conclusion is based on studies of a limited number and quality, and the development of new diagnostic tools with higher precision and reliability is still necessary.
Transcriptomic and Translatomic Analyses Reveal Insights into the Signaling Pathways of the Innate Immune Response in the Spleens of SPF Chickens Infected with Avian Reovirus
Authors: Wang Sheng , Huang Tengda , Xie Zhixun , Wan Lijun , Ren Hongyu , Wu Tian , Xie Liji , Luo Sisi , Li Meng , Xie Zhiqin , Fan Qing , Huang Jiaoling , Zeng Tingting , Zhang Yanfang , Zhang Minxiu , Wei You
Published: November 2023

Avian reovirus (ARV) infection is prevalent in farmed poultry and causes viral arthritis and severe immunosuppression. The spleen plays a very important part in protecting hosts against infectious pathogens. In this research, transcriptome and translatome sequencing technology were combined to investigate the mechanisms of transcriptional and translational regulation in the spleen after ARV infection. On a genome-wide scale, ARV infection can significantly reduce the translation efficiency (TE) of splenic genes. Differentially expressed translational efficiency genes (DTEGs) were identified, including 15 upregulated DTEGs and 396 downregulated DTEGs. These DTEGs were mainly enriched in immune regulation signaling pathways, which indicates that ARV infection reduces the innate immune response in the spleen. In addition, combined analyses revealed that the innate immune response involves the effects of transcriptional and translational regulation. Moreover, we discovered the key gene IL4I1, the most significantly upregulated gene at both the transcriptional and translational levels. Further studies in DF1 cells showed that overexpression of IL4I1 could inhibit the replication of ARV, while inhibiting the expression of endogenous IL4I1 with siRNA promoted the replication of ARV. Overexpression of IL4I1 significantly downregulated the mRNA expression of IFN-β, LGP2, TBK1 and NF-κB; however, the expression of these genes was significantly upregulated after inhibition of IL4I1, suggesting that IL4I1 may be a negative feedback effect of innate immune signaling pathways. In addition, there may be an interaction between IL4I1 and ARV σA protein, and we speculate that the IL4I1 protein plays a regulatory role by interacting with the σA protein. This study not only provides a new perspective on the regulatory mechanisms of the innate immune response after ARV infection but also enriches the knowledge of the host defense mechanisms against ARV invasion and the outcome of ARV evasion of the host’s innate immune response.
Development of an Immunochromatography Assay to Detect Marburg Virus and Ravn Virus
Authors: Changula Katendi , Kajihara Masahiro , Muramatsu Shino , Hiraoka Koji , Yamaguchi Toru , Yago Yoko , Kato Daisuke , Miyamoto Hiroko , Mori-Kajihara Akina , Shigeno Asako , Yoshida Reiko , Henderson Corey W. , Marzi Andrea , Takada Ayato
Published: November 2023

The recent outbreaks of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Guinea, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, and Tanzania, none of which had reported previous outbreaks, imply increasing risks of spillover of the causative viruses, Marburg virus (MARV) and Ravn virus (RAVV), from their natural host animals. These outbreaks have emphasized the need for the development of rapid diagnostic tests for this disease. Using monoclonal antibodies specific to the viral nucleoprotein, we developed an immunochromatography (IC) assay for the rapid diagnosis of MVD. The IC assay was found to be capable of detecting approximately 102−4 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50)/test of MARV and RAVV in the infected culture supernatants. We further confirmed that the IC assay could detect the MARV and RAVV antigens in the serum samples from experimentally infected nonhuman primates. These results indicate that the IC assay to detect MARV can be a useful tool for the rapid point-of-care diagnosis of MVD.
Features of SARS-CoV-2 Replication in Various Types of Reptilian and Fish Cell Cultures
Authors: Kononova Yulia , Adamenko Lyubov , Kazachkova Evgeniya , Solomatina Mariya , Romanenko Svetlana , Proskuryakova Anastasia , Utkin Yaroslav , Gulyaeva Marina , Spirina Anastasia , Kazachinskaia Elena , Palyanova Natalia , Mishchenko Oksana , Chepurnov Alexander , Shestopalov Alexander
Published: November 2023

Background: SARS-CoV-2 can enter the environment from the feces of COVID-19 patients and virus carriers through untreated sewage. The virus has shown the ability to adapt to a wide range of hosts, so the question of the possible involvement of aquafauna and animals of coastal ecosystems in maintaining its circulation remains open. Methods: the aim of this work was to study the tropism of SARS-CoV-2 for cells of freshwater fish and reptiles, including those associated with aquatic and coastal ecosystems, and the effect of ambient temperature on this process. In a continuous cell culture FHM (fathead minnow) and diploid fibroblasts CGIB (silver carp), SARS-CoV-2 replication was not maintained at either 25 °C or 29 °C. At 29 °C, the continuous cell culture TH-1 (eastern box turtle) showed high susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2, comparable to Vero E6 (development of virus-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) and an infectious titer of 7.5 ± 0.17 log10 TCID50/mL on day 3 after infection), and primary fibroblasts CNI (Nile crocodile embryo) showed moderate susceptibility (no CPE, infectious titer 4.52 ± 0.14 log10 TCID50/mL on day 5 after infection). At 25 °C, SARS-CoV-2 infection did not develop in TH-1 and CNI. Conclusions: our results show the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to effectively replicate without adaptation in the cells of certain reptile species when the ambient temperature rises.
Baseline Pneumococcal IgG Levels and Response to 23-Valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine among Adults from Beijing, China
Authors: Zhou Shanshan , Lv Min , Bai Shuang , Chen Weixin , Zhao Wei , Wang Jian , Zhang Ao , Li Jing , Xie Hui , Gao Yanqing , Li Dongmei , Wu Jiang
Published: November 2023

Purpose: To investigate the baseline levels of serotype-specific IgG antibodies to Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) and assess their impact on the assessment of vaccine immunogenicity. Methods: We used a subset of serum samples from a randomized controlled trial. The blood of 584 healthy participants was collected on day 0 before and day 28 after the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) vaccination. Serotype-specific IgG against PPSV23-covered serotypes were measured by the World Health Organization (WHO) reference enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Vaccine immunogenicity was compared using conversion rates (proportion of participants with IgG levels following immunization that are 2-fold greater than the baseline) and geometric mean fold rises (GMFRs) between the two groups, which were grouped according to pre-vaccination (baseline) IgG antibody levels. Results: Our data showed that over half of individuals have baseline IgG levels for 15 out of 23 serotypes above 1.3 µg/mL, and geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) were generally higher in the elderly group and the female group; significant differences were found in 15 serotypes for vaccine immunogenicity based on the seroconversion rate or GMFRs between individuals with baseline IgG ≥ 1.3 µg/mL and individuals with baseline IgG < 1.3 µg/mL. The seroconversion rate decreased with the increase of baseline IgG levels according to a linear regression model. Conclusions: The assessment of vaccine immunogenicity could be impacted by the fact that many adults had high baseline antibody levels. This study is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, number NCT05298800.
Co-Formulation of Recombinant Porcine IL-18 Enhances the Onset of Immune Response in a New Lawsonia intracellularis Vaccine
Authors: Hidalgo-Gajardo Angela , Gutiérrez Nicolás , Lamazares Emilio , Espinoza Felipe , Escobar-Riquelme Fernanda , Leiva María J. , Villavicencio Carla , Mena-Ulecia Karel , Montesino Raquel , Altamirano Claudia , Sánchez Oliberto , Rivas Coralia I. , Ruíz Álvaro , Toledo Jorge R.
Published: November 2023

Pig is one of the most consumed meats worldwide. One of the main conditions for pig production is Porcine Enteropathy caused by Lawsonia intracellularis. Among the effects of this disease is chronic mild diarrhea, which affects the weight gain of pigs, generating economic losses. Vaccines available to prevent this condition do not have the desired effect, but this limitation can be overcome using adjuvants. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 18 (IL-18), can improve an immune response, reducing the immune window of protection. In this study, recombinant porcine IL-18 was produced and expressed in Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris. The protein’s biological activity was assessed in vitro and in vivo, and we determined that the P. pastoris protein had better immunostimulatory activity. A vaccine candidate against L. intracellularis, formulated with and without IL-18, was used to determine the pigs’ cellular and humoral immune responses. Animals injected with the candidate vaccine co-formulated with IL-18 showed a significant increase of Th1 immune response markers and an earlier increase of antibodies than those vaccinated without the cytokine. This suggests that IL-18 acts as an immunostimulant and vaccine adjuvant to boost the immune response against the antigens, reducing the therapeutic window of recombinant protein-based vaccines.
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among Unvaccinated Adults: A Cross-Sectional Exploratory Analysis of Vaccination Intentions in Italy Related to Fear of Infection
Authors: Curzio Olivia , Cori Liliana , Bianchi Fabrizio , Prinelli Federica , Galli Massimo , Giacomelli Andrea , Imiotti Maria Cristina , Jesuthasan Nithiya , Recchia Virginia , Adorni Fulvio
Published: November 2023

From the initial COVID-19 outbreak, Italy was the first Western country to be seriously affected by the pandemic. Understanding vaccine hesitancy can help efforts to achieve broad vaccination coverage. The objectives of this research were to determine the extent of vaccine hesitancy in Italy and to understand the characteristics of those segments of the population with some hesitancy. Between January and February 2021, 41,473 subjects answered the second questionnaire delivered in phase II of the web-based EPICOVID19 survey. Among the included adult volunteers living in Italy, 4653 (11.2%) reported having previously received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. In the sample of 36,820 respondents, all not vaccinated (age 51.1 ± 13.5; 59.7% female; 63.6% high level of education), the comparison between hesitant and inclined participants was accompanied by percentages and odds ratios. A total of 2449 individuals were hesitant (6.7% of the unvaccinated ones). Hesitancy was higher among women (OR = 1.48; 95%CI: 1.36–1.62); it was highest in the 50–59 and 40–49 age groups and among those with a lower educational level. A higher level of education was associated with a lower proportion of hesitancy (5.54%) compared with 9.44% among respondents with a low level of education (OR = 0.56; 95%CI: 0.46–0.68). Hesitancy was most common in subjects who did not report fear of infection (12.4%, OR = 4.0; 95%CI: 3.46–4.61). The results can guide the design of tailored information and communication campaigns through considering objective and subjective characteristics.
Understanding Anti-Dam Resistance Politics: A Historical and Territorial Study of Two Megadams in Coastal Ecuador
Authors: Hidalgo-Bastidas Juan Pablo
Published: November 2023

Megadams are controversial ventures. Despite their contentious benefits, the negative impacts on local communities are enormous. This has prompted substantial disapproval and resistance, particularly from the communities that endure the most of its adverse effects. While many megadams have been constructed in the face of opposition, others have been halted or altered as a result of the fierce protests of affected people and their allies. A better understanding of the latter is key to promoting equitable and just water governance throughout the implementation of hydraulic infrastructure. Based on ethnographic and historical research carried out between 2014 and 2017, the article shows the power relations, social actors and historical-contextual factors that have influenced the development of the Daule-Peripa and Baba megadams on the Ecuadorian coast. From a political ecology and subaltern studies perspective, this article describes and analyses the social, territorial, and historical interconnectedness of the local communities of Patricia Pilar and Daule-Peripa dam in coastal Ecuador that successfully stopped the construction of a dam and had a great influence on its final hydraulic design. I argue that, given the adequate socio-political conditions and a systematic process of knowledge and experience exchange among affected communities, anti-dam struggles can emerge with significant capacity to influence in their favour the megadam implementation processes and other hydraulic infrastructures.
Regionalization of Root Zone Moisture Estimations from Downscaled Surface Moisture and Environmental Data with the Soil Moisture Analytical Relationship Model
Authors: Liu Yonghao , Li Taohui , Zhang Wenxiang , Lv Aifeng
Published: November 2023

Root-zone soil moisture (RZSM) plays a key role in the hydrologic cycle and regulates water–heat exchange. Although site observations can provide soil profile moisture measurements, they have a restricted representation. Satellites can determine soil moisture on a large scale, yet the depth of detection is limited. RZSM can be estimated on a large scale using the soil moisture analytical relationship (SMAR) and surface soil moisture (SSM). However, the applicability of the SMAR to different deep-root zones and covariate sources is unclear. This paper investigates the applicability of the SMAR in the Shandian River Basin, upstream of the Luan River in China, by combining site and regional soil moisture, soil properties, and meteorological data. In particular, we first compared the estimation results of the SMAR at different depths (10–20 cm; 10–50 cm) and using covariates from different sources (dataset, SMAR-P1; literature, SMAR-P2) at the site in order to generate SMAR calibration parameters. The parameters were then regionalized based on multiple linear regression by combining the SMAR-P1, SMAR-P2, and SMAR calibration parameters in the 10–50 cm root zone. Finally, the Shandian River RZSM was estimated using regional surface soil moisture and the aforementioned regionalized parameters. At the site scale, diffusion coefficient b obtained in the 10–20 cm root zone at the same depth as the surface layer exceeded the upper limit of the SMAR by one. This is not fit an environment within the site context, and thus the SMAR is not applicable at this particular depth. The opposite is observed for the 10–50 cm root zone. In addition, SMAR-P1 (RMSE = 0.02) outperformed SMAR-P2 (RMSE = 0.04) in the estimation of the RZSM at 10–50 cm. Parameter regionalization analysis revealed the failure of SMAR-P2 to pass the significance test (p > 0.05) for building a multivariate linear model, while SMAR-P1 successfully passed the significance test (p < 0.05) and finished the parameter regionalization process. The median RMSE and median R2adj of the regional RZSM results were determined as 0.12 and 0.3, respectively. The regional RZSM agrees with the spatial trend of the Shandian River. This study examines the suitability of the SMAR model in varying deep-root zones and with diverse covariate sources. The results provide a crucial basis for future utilization of the SMAR.
Geometric Modification of Piano Key Weirs to Enhance Hydraulic Performance and Discharge Capacity
Authors: Yang James , Li Shicheng , Helgesson Anna , Skepparkrans Erik , Ansell Anders
Published: November 2023

The piano key (PK) weir is a cost-effective structure for flood discharge. Its typical layout comprises a rectangularly cranked crest in planform with up- and downstream overhangs. With the intention to enhance its hydraulic efficiency, the conventional weir is improved. The sloping floor of each key is modified with a downward semi-circle in the cross-section; each overhanging apex is thus assigned an elliptical crest. Thus, the developed crest length of the resulting weir becomes considerably extended. Experiments are performed to compare the hydraulic behaviors of the improved weir with a reference one. The models are 3D-printed to attain high manufacture precision. For the model dimensions chosen in the study, the developed crest is ~36% longer. The study demonstrates that the improvements in geometry lead to appreciably enhanced flow discharge capacity. Within the hydraulic range examined, the augment in flow discharge varies within a range from 30% to 53%. In terms of both discharge capacity and flow patterns, the improved weir clearly outperforms the conventional one. The elliptical overhang apexes noticeably extend the developed crest length. The streamlined upstream overhang without singularity and the lowered inlet key floor reduce the entrance energy loss and improve the inflow to the inlet key and the flow over the crest. The lowered floor also gives rise to extra water volume, which administers to the flow motion towards the crest. For the outlet key, its lowered floor facilitates the outflow and alleviates the liableness of local submergence at high discharges. If the footprint for spillway construction is limited or the increase in the reservoir water stage must be controlled, the use of a more effective PK weir for flood discharge has significant engineering implications.
Impacto de forraje hidropónico y microorganismos eficientes en cuyes: Parámetros productivos, hematológicos y bioquímicos nutricionales
Authors: Cuenca Condoy Mercy Del Cisne , Quinteros Rodas Wilson Olmedo , Flores Franklin Ramón , Campos Murillo Nathalie Del Consuelo
Published: November 2023

En Ecuador la carne de cuy (Cavia porcellus) constituye un alimento de alto valor nutritivo que contribuye a la seguridad y soberanía alimentaria. El consumo per-cápita en el sector rural es de 16,90 kg/año y en el sector urbano de 8,52 kg/año. Objetivo. Evaluar los parámetros productivos, hematológicos y bioquímicos nutricionales en Cavia porcellus, suplementados con forraje verde hidropónico y microorganismo eficientes. Materiales y Metodos. Se utilizó un total de 42 cuyes mejorados, de 21 días de edad, con un peso aproximado de 350 ± 50 g, en dos tratamientos, siendo T0 (Alfalfa + concentrado) y T1 (Forraje hidropónico de avena forrajera enriquecido con microorganismos+ concentrado), con tres repeticiones (7 unidades experimentales por cada repetición). Las variables estudiadas fueron: parámetros productivos (consumo de alimento, incremento de peso, conversión alimenticia, y porcentaje de mortalidad), rendimiento y contenido de materia seca (MS) del forraje verde hidropónico (FVH), digestibilidad del alimento y MS, parámetros hematológicos y parámetros bioquímicos. Resultados. Demostraron un rendimiento de masa forrajera del FVH de avena enriquecida con microorganismos funcionales de 4 Kg por bandeja, con una altura de 14-16 cm en un tiempo de cosecha de 16 días, un contenido de MS del 16.65% y una digestibilidad 82.62%. El suplemento de FVH de avena en la ración alimenticia de los cuyes, mostro diferencia significativa (p<0.05) sobre el incremento de peso y conversión alimenticia durante la primera fase de recría, alcanzando los animales un incremento de peso de 84.43 g y una conversión alimenticia de 3.65; respecto a los parámetros hematológicos de los cuyes, los valores se encontraron dentro de los rangos referenciales. Conclusiones. El FVH de avena forrajera enriquecida con microorganismos funcionales, ejerce impacto positivo sobre los parámetros productivos y hematológicos de los cobayos.
NO CHILL: A Deep Dive into theCommercial Watching Habits on OTT Platforms
Authors: A. Jondhale Mr. Omkar , I. Jha Ms. Richa
Published: November 2023

With people confined to their homes during the pandemic, their social lives have moved online and entertainment consumption has risen notably within the at-home segments of television and over-the-top (OTT). We conducted a survey which examined the various subscription trends of Indian consumers on OTT platforms. Recently, OTT platforms have started using bundled services and they have also been trying to penetrate the Tier II and Tier III market by focusing on regional content in order to increase their customer base. This shows that OTT platforms are evolving according to the changing needs of their customers. With an increase in OTT advertising, we examine the various reasons due to which people get frustrated watching ads on OTT. This paper also puts forth the idea of having a consumer watch advertisement in order to get free subscriptions instead of paying for it. Thus, similar ideas can be implemented in order to attain mutual benefits for all the parties involved.
Emerging Trends in Online Jewellery Retail
Authors: Phophalia Ms. Swati , Sharma Dr. M. K. , Kastiya Dr. Shweta
Published: November 2023

Online jewellery retailing has caught on in India as E-Commerce has passed its inflexion point in India. Although most of us like to shop jewellery in-store due to the impact of COVID 19, the pandemic emphasized the importance of the digital presence of jewellery stores. Before the pandemic, the website of the jewellers are not on top priority and focus on their physical stores.Gold jewellery, diamonds, and other valuable stones were once only purchased from the trusted family jeweller. The trend is shifting now, with more consumers willing to buy jewellery online. In India, online jewellery retail is still in its infancy. India has never been more welcoming to internet jewellery purchases than it is now. These days, the usage of online media is gaining traction, and the jewellery retail business is taking advantage of it for promotion and brand growth. Online selling allows businesses to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and over long periods. The appeal of online jewellery portals among discriminating young people is fuelled by interesting wearable designs, low base price points, the availability of 14, 18, or 22-carat gold, as well as a selection of diamond qualities, to pick from. There's also a try-before-you-buy option, as well as a quality guarantee and potential buyback. Thus the objective of this study is an attempt to help Traditional jewellery retailers further boost their sales through online retailing.
Comprehending the Challenges faced by Mental Health Experts and NGO's in India
Authors: Virani Dr. Farida , Kaware Ms. Pooja , Mulchandani Ms. Riddhi , Sharma Ms. Mansi
Published: November 2023

Mental illness is one of our greatest worldwide challenges because it is the primary cause of disability. The size of the issue in India, a country with a diverse and rich culture, can seem daunting. Only 0.75 psychiatrists are available to treat every 100,000 patients in the world's second-most populous country, and the WHO estimates that the cost of mental illness would cost the global economy $1.03 trillion between 2012 and 2030. From 2022 to 2028, the India Mental Health Market is anticipated to expand at a significant CAGR of 15%. Studies indicate that India is becoming more aware of the reality and effects of mental health while responding with acceptance and openness, highlighting the importance of access and education. This mind-set, however, requires systemic backing. The aim of this exploratory quantitative research study is to get an overview of some challenges faced by experts and NGOs' in the Mental Health and wellness space.
A Study of the Impact of Online Consumer Buying Behaviour on Offline Market while Purchasing White Goods
Authors: Kothari Dr. Hemant , Lodha Dr. Swati , Joshi Dr. Nirmala , Khan Ms. Sana
Published: November 2023

The rise of e-commerce has transformed the way consumers shop for goods and services. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in online consumer buying behavior, with consumers turning to online channels to purchase white goods. This trend has had a significant impact on the offline market, and retailers who operate both online and offline need to adapt to the changing consumer behavior to remain competitive. The purpose of this research paper is to study the impact of online consumer buying behavior on offline market while purchasing white goods. The study indicates that online consumer buying behavior has a significant impact on the offline market while purchasing white goods. Consumers who purchase white goods online are more likely to compare prices, read reviews and conduct research before making a purchase. They are also more likely to purchase from retailers who offer free delivery and easy returns.
Movilidad y Transporte
Authors: Mattioli Luisa
Published: November 2023

El desarrollo urbano y los transportes han tenido evoluciones paralelas, sin embargo el transporte y la movilidad urbana se han interpretado como asuntos sectoriales. La construcción de infraestructuras ha dirigido el crecimiento urbano disperso y el movimiento refleja los lazos funcionales. En las últimas décadas, la planificación se asumió con posterioridad a las transformaciones sumado a deficiencias de un marco de ordenamiento urbano-territorial. Este contexto, motiva a cuestionar el modelo organizativo-funcionamiento urbano siendo objetivo, “generar aportes metodológicos de planificación considerando la teoría de la complejidad con aplicación al Partido de Moreno comprendiendo la movilidad y transporte público en relación al fenómeno urbano”. Se pretende ofrecer una propuesta que facilite decisiones de administraciones locales de la Región Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. Para su alcance, la metodología relacional pauta la vinculación conceptual que recoge argumentos desde la teoría de Rolando García sobre Sistemas Globales Complejos para la generación de una construcción teórica-metodológica de planificación. Su aplicación se realiza por medio del análisis geoespacial con Sistemas de Información Geográfico sustentado en fuentes externas y de organismos oficiales. Como resultado, se definen zonas prioritarias de intervención que permiten agilizar y orientar políticas públicas y gestión del territorio atendiendo la multiplicidad de escalas territoriales.
Opiniones de personas de población general sobre medidas para mejorar la seguridad vial en Argentina
Authors: Poó Fernando Martín , Keller María Eugenia , Ledesma Rubén Daniel
Published: November 2023

El Plan Mundial para el segundo Decenio de Acción para la Seguridad Vial 2021-2030 incluye entre sus recomendaciones fundamentales la sanción, adecuación y vigilancia de leyes que regulen los comportamientos viales y el diseño y construcción de infraestructura bajo un modelo de Sistema Seguro. En este trabajo se analizan las opiniones de personas de población general de Argentina hacia un conjunto de acciones destinadas a incrementar la vigilancia de los principales comportamientos de riesgo vial identificados por la OMS (exceder la velocidad, conducir bajos los efectos del alcohol, no utilizar el casco, el cinturón de seguridad o SRI) y modificar la infraestructura para hacerla más segura para los usuarios vulnerables. Se utilizó un diseño muestral de tipo estratificado. Participaron 2.072 personas (55,3% mujeres; 44,7% varones). Las medidas más aceptadas fueron la necesidad de usar casco en moto, aumentar la eficiencia al juzgar violaciones viales e incrementar los controles. Las que recibieron menor aprobación fueron aumentar los espacios libres de autos y motos, reducir límites de velocidad en zonas residenciales, ampliar ciclovías y bicisendas, y uso de casco en ciclistas. Se observaron diferencias significativas por edad, sexo, tipo de ciudad, modo de transporte, y probabilidad percibida de sufrir un siniestro vial.