bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motherhood, Human Trafficking, and Asylum Seeking: The Experiences and Needs of Survivor Mothers in Birthing and Postnatal Care
Authors: Bosatta Lois , Crespi de Valldaura Mariana , Bales Kevin , Spiby Helen , Ni Bhriain Laoise
Published: May 2024

This article aims to illuminate the little-studied phenomenon of asylum-seeking child-bearing women in the UK, survivors of violence and human trafficking. This is a significant issue in terms of the proportion of women affected and the paucity of care and support currently available to them as mother survivors. This study looked to examine the frontline support services of one project to survivor mothers through two collaborating organisations, Happy Baby Community and Hestia, and how their services support mothers’ experiences of perinatal mental health, infant feeding, and the general experiences of migrant women and trafficking survivors in maternity care in the UK. Using evidence collected from semi-structured service-users’ interviews and focus groups, and an anonymous online staff survey, this article shows the types of care and support that are required to address not only the challenges faced by any new mother, but also the additional challenges experienced with trafficking and seeking asylum such as mental health, housing, and legal and access to other support. This article illustrates the many complex and inter-related challenges these women face, and the way the project meets practical, informational, emotional, appraisal, and social needs. It concludes by identifying several implications of the support provided and/or needed, which could be considered by other services or policymakers looking to meet the fundamental needs and rights of this cohort.
Assessing Soil Prediction Distributions for Forest Management Using Digital Soil Mapping
Authors: Gavilán-Acuna Gonzalo , Coops Nicholas C. , Olmedo Guillermo F. , Tompalski Piotr , Roeser Dominik , Varhola Andrés
Published: May 2024

Texture, soil organic matter (SOM), and soil depth (SoD) are crucial properties in forest management because they can supply spatial information on forest site productivity and guide fertilizer applications. However, soil properties possess an inherent uncertainty that must be mapped to enhance decision making in management applications. Most digital soil mapping predictions primarily concentrate on the mean of the distribution, often neglecting the estimation of local uncertainty in soil properties. Additionally, there is a noticeable scarcity of practical soil examples to demonstrate the prediction uncertainty for the benefit of forest managers. In this study, following a digital soil mapping (DSM) approach, a Quantile Regression Forest (QRF) model was developed to generate high-resolution maps and their uncertainty regarding the texture, SoD, and SOM, which were expressed as standard deviation (Sd) values. The results showed that the SOM (R2 = 0.61, RMSE = 2.03% and with an average Sd = 50%), SoD (R2 = 0.74 and RMSE = 19.4 cm), clay (R2 = 0.63, RMSE = 10.5% and average Sd = 29%), silt (R2 = 0.59, RMSE = 6.26% and average Sd = 33%), and sand content (R2 = 0.55, RMSE = 9.49% and average Sd = 35%) were accurately estimated for forest plantations in central south Chile. A practical demonstration of precision fertilizer application, utilizing the predictive distribution of SOM, effectively showcased how uncertainty in soil attributes can be leveraged to benefit forest managers. This approach holds potential for optimizing resource allocation and maximizing economic benefits.
Planning for Urban Sustainability through Residents’ Wellbeing: The Effects of Nature Interactions, Social Capital, and Socio-Demographic Factors
Authors: Mitchell Abigail , Larson Kelli L. , Pfeiffer Deirdre , Rosales Chavez Jose-Benito
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to examine how varied environmental and social factors in urban environments affect human wellbeing, which is an important dimension of urban sustainability. Past research has focused on individual dimensions of health and isolated nature interactions, limiting knowledge about how different environmental and social factors affect distinct aspects of residents’ wellbeing. Through quantitative analyses of social survey and environmental data in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona (USA), we explored how distinct nature recreation activities—along with nature satisfaction and social capital—affected residents’ subjective, mental, and physical wellbeing across diverse neighborhoods during the COVID-19 pandemic, controlling for socio-demographics. Results reveal how distinct drivers shape different dimensions of wellbeing. Perceived social and environmental attributes of neighborhoods and proximity to nature preserves were associated with subjective wellbeing, while park visitation was linked to physical health. Nature interactions largely were unrelated to mental health. Changes in nature recreation during the COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly impact any dimension of wellbeing. Our research suggests that multiple local environmental and social features should be considered when designing healthy communities for urban sustainability.
Knowledge Assessment Patterns for Distant Education: The Perceived Impact on Grading, Motivation, and Satisfaction
Authors: Beranič Tina , Heričko Marjan , Pavlič Luka
Published: May 2024

With the increase in remote learning, the efficient implementation of distant knowledge assessments has become an essential topic. New challenges have arisen that have had to be adequately addressed and successfully solved. As a response, we introduced an assessment patterns catalogue for distant education, handling various challenges by proposing possible solutions. The catalogue presents a collection of proven practises targeting knowledge assessment in digital and distant environments. The paper presents the survey results from the final step of catalogue creation. The objective was to verify its suitability and expedite its use, focusing on several aspects of knowledge assessment. We focused on the perceived assessment patterns’ impact on grading objectivity and consistency, as well as students’ motivation and satisfaction with an implemented assessment, explored from the students’ and teachers’ perspectives. We gathered data using a uniform questionnaire distributed between students and teachers, both actively involved in distant knowledge assessment. Detailed data analysis highlighted the patterns with the highest perceived impact on the previously mentioned assessment aspects. We also analysed the top-rated patterns within the pattern categories. The results depict a high overlap between students’ and teachers’ perspectives, wherein patterns like Pentathlon, Statistical Validator, Game Rules, and Bonus Points were perceived as the patterns with the highest impact on grading objectivity and consistency, as well as the patterns with the most significant impact on students’ motivation and satisfaction.
Scientific Research on Bioethanol in Brazil: History and Prospects for Sustainable Biofuel
Authors: Grandis Adriana , Fortirer Janaina , Pagliuso Débora , Buckeridge Marcos
Published: May 2024

Despite the recent need for sustainable energy resources, bioenergy gained its spotlight in the 2000s. Sugarcane is a significant crop in terms of sugar and energy capacity, and it can be an alternative energy source to mitigate the effects of climate change. Bioenergy production from sugarcane in Brazil is one of the most efficient options. This production lends a centrality to biofuels’ importance in confronting climate change effects. The present article reviews the Brazilian history of this crop as a biofuel source, focusing on plants as a biomass. We highlight the historical changes related to scientific, technological, industrial, and environmental advances since the beginning of the 20th century. We describe how creating governmental institutes and disseminating scientific knowledge strengthened public policies that led Brazil to occupy leadership positions in producing, distributing, and using bioenergy throughout the country. The compiled data show the improvements and the new approaches needed to improve ethanol sugarcane use. We performed a bibliometric analysis to evaluate Brazilian science’s contribution to this process compared to other countries. Brazil’s history of science and investment in sugarcane biofuel development for transportation may be divided into two phases: ethanol-only and flex-fuel cars. A third phase is starting, directed to the SAF and ethanol-to-hydrogen era.
Coupling Global Parameters and Local Flow Optimization of a Pulsed Ejector for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Li Chao , Sun Baigang , Bao Lingzhi
Published: May 2024

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), as an important utilization of hydrogen energy, contribute to the sustainable development of global energy. Pulsed ejectors have a high potential for improving the hydrogen utilization of PEMFCs in the full operating range by circulating unconsumed hydrogen. In this study, a pulsed ejector applied to a 120 kW fuel cell was designed, and the flow characteristics were analysed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Based on the data from the CFD model, the global optimization of the ejector was carried out using the Gaussian process regression (GPR) surrogate model and the grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm. The local structure was then further optimized using an adjoint method coupling streamlining modification that takes into account the local flow characteristics. The CFD results showed that, under a fixed structure, increasing the pressure difference between the secondary flow and the ejector outlet would promote boundary layer separation, shorten the shockwave chain length, change the effective flow area of the secondary flow, and lower the entrainment ratio (ER). The analytical results from the GPR model indicated significant interactions among the structural parameters. The globally optimized ejector using GPR and GWO improved the hydrogen entrainment ratio from 1.42 to 3.12 at the design point. Furthermore, the results of streamlining local optimization show that the entrainment ratio increased by 1.67% at the design point and increased by up to 3.99% over the full operating range compared to the optimized ejector by global optimization.
The Influence of the Aggregate Configuration on the Seismic Assessment of Unreinforced Masonry Buildings in Historic Urban Areas
Authors: Cima Valentina , Tomei Valentina , Grande Ernesto , Imbimbo Maura
Published: May 2024

Unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings in historic urban areas of European countries are generally clustered in an aggregate configuration and are often characterized by façade walls mutually interconnected with adjacent ones. As a result, the seismic performance of buildings in an aggregate configuration can be affected by the mutual interaction between the adjacent units. This interaction, often called the aggregate effect, could significantly influence the level of the seismic vulnerability of URM buildings in aggregate configuration toward in-plane and out-of-plane mechanisms, the latter being the object of the present paper. Traditional methods for assessing the seismic vulnerability of URM buildings neglect the interactions between adjacent buildings, potentially underestimating the actual vulnerability. This study aims to derive fragility curves specific for UMR buildings in aggregate configuration and proposes an innovative methodology that introduces the aggregate effect into an analytical approach, previously developed by the authors for isolated URM buildings. The aggregate effect is modeled by accounting for the friction forces arising among adjacent facades during the development of out-of-plane overturning mechanisms by considering different scenarios, based on how façade walls interact with neighboring structures (e.g., whether they are connected to transverse and/or lateral coplanar ones). The proposed approach is applied to a real case study of an Italian historical center. The obtained results demonstrate that the aggregate effect significantly influences the fragility curves of URM buildings arranged in aggregate configurations. This highlights the importance of considering this effect and the usefulness of the proposed approach for large-scale assessments of seismic vulnerability in historic urban areas, contributing to sustainable disaster risk prevention.
Optimizing Spatial Layout of Campsites for Self-Driving Tours in Xinjiang: A Study Based on Online Travel Blog Data
Authors: Dai Xiaomin , Zhang Qihang
Published: May 2024

Within the economic and cultural context of Xinjiang, the tourism industry has rapidly developed as a strategic pillar of the national economy, with the self-driving tour market emerging prominently. However, the uneven spatial layout and insufficient service facilities of self-driving camps limit their development potential. This study aims to enhance the attractiveness of tourism in Xinjiang and improve the visitor service experience by constructing an evaluation system for the layout of self-driving camps based on online travel blog data, utilizing methods such as literature review, surveys, ArcGIS spatial analysis, and web text analysis. The Delphi method and entropy weight method were applied to determine the weights of the influencing factors. The findings reveal spatial imbalances in the layout of Xinjiang’s self-driving camps and propose eight preferred scenic areas for camp location. This study also suggests sustainable development strategies. These insights and recommendations aim to optimize the layout of self-driving camps, enhance the tourism experience, and promote the sustainable development of Xinjiang’s tourism industry.
Analyzing Exchange Rate Effects on Trade: Empirical Evidence
Authors: Ahmed Yosri Nasr , Alnafissa Mohamad , Negm Mosatafa M. , Gharieb Yasmine Mohieeldin , Algarini Abdullah , Hassouba Taghreed Abdel-Aziz
Published: May 2024

In this study, we aimed to find a fair exchange rate for Egypt, exploring how exchange rate policies affect the country’s economic growth and food security. We also sought to answer an important question for Egyptian policymakers: “Do current exchange rate policies help reduce Egypt’s trade deficit?”. We used two methods in our research: First, we applied the purchasing power parity (PPP) method to determine the equilibrium real exchange rate (ERER). Then, we combined the computable general equilibrium model (CGE) with the ERER value from the PPP method to observe how different sectors interact with the overall economy and understand how household incomes and poverty levels are related. Our findings showed that the fair exchange rate is EGP 38.5 per US dollar, according to the PPP method. This new exchange rate may significantly impact the Egyptian economy. Some impacts are positive, such as better real GDP, more exports, and fewer imports; however, these are minor and not significant. On the downside, it may lead to higher inflation, increased prices for goods, and reduced consumption. Moreover, this study highlights the importance of having balanced exchange rate policies that consider Egypt’s unique economic situations, and challenges and align with other economic policies. Experience and reality have shown that exchange rates alone are not the only solution.
The Effect of Organizational Ethical Climate on Job Satisfaction among Nurses: The Mediating Role of Trust in Colleagues
Authors: Köroğlu Özlem , Akkoç İrfan , Turunç Ömer , Çalışkan Abdullah , Akbaş Müzeyyen Çiğdem , Karayalçın Cem , Gürsel Güney , Akbaş Halil
Published: May 2024

This study examines the effect of the ethical climate on job satisfaction in the nursing profession and how this effect occurs through trust in colleagues. A survey design was used to collect data from 407 nurses working in hospitals in Mersin City, Turkey. The study used self-report questionnaires to measure the ethical climate, job satisfaction, and trust. The data were analyzed using SPSS 22 software, which incorporated confirmatory factor analysis to assess construct validity and the bootstrap method to examine mediation effects. Ethical protocols were rigorously observed. The study clearly demonstrated a significant positive relationship between the ethical climate and job satisfaction. The trust variable fully mediates the relationship between the ethical climate and job satisfaction. The findings make a strong case for the importance of an ethical climate in nursing, synthesizing findings from the previous literature. The findings of this study demonstrate the necessity of assessing different attitudes and behaviors in order to promote expected behaviors in the unique and intense working environment of nurses. These behaviors may diverge from theoretical predictions. The results of this study also revealed that an ethical climate and positive work attitudes among nurses have a significant effect on job satisfaction, which is an important input for productivity.
Assessing Traffic Characteristics for Safe Pedestrian Crossings: Developing Warrants for Sustainable Urban Safety
Authors: Chauhan Shivang , Dave Sanjay , Shah Jiten , Kedia Ashu
Published: May 2024

The escalating urbanisation fuelled by population growth and economic expansion has triggered a notable surge in vehicular and pedestrian traffic, amplifying their interaction. Nonetheless, inadequate research, investment, and prioritisation have engendered inefficient pedestrian crossing infrastructures. This study endeavours to bridge this gap by crafting tailored warrants suited to Indian traffic dynamics, facilitating the implementation of pedestrian crossing facilities. Employing PV2 threshold value analysis, this study scrutinises pedestrian behavioural traits, such as gap acceptance and waiting time. Additionally, K-means clustering analysis delineates distinct levels of severity (LOSe), grounded in variables encompassing vehicular and pedestrian flow, gap acceptance, and waiting time. By establishing the nexus between vehicular volume and gap acceptance and vehicular volume and waiting time, a spectrum of PV2 threshold values is delineated. These LOS categories guide the selection of pedestrian facilities, ensuring secure pedestrian–vehicle interactions. Leveraging PV2 charts and vehicular volume assessments, our research identifies fitting pedestrian crossing infrastructures, thereby bolstering road safety for pedestrians and vehicles, underpinning sustainable urban mobility.
Comparing the Collaboration of Smallholder Farmers through Participatory Guarantee System Practices in Northeastern Thailand
Authors: Phromthep Pisanee , Torut Buraskorn
Published: May 2024

Organic agriculture based on the participatory guarantee system (PGS) is frequently touted as a tool for improving ecosystem sustainability and self-reliance and for alleviating the poverty of smallholder farmers in Thailand. However, specific criteria must be fulfilled for products to be certified organic. In this paper, we investigate the similarities and differences between three cases of organic agricultural production (based on the participatory guarantee system) in four provinces in northeastern Thailand: Nong Bua Lam Phu, Nakhon Phanom, Ubon Ratchathani, and Nakhon Ratchasima. A total of 135 smallholder farmers were selected to act as informants, and semi-structured interviews were held. The participatory guarantee system was utilized, considering the farmers’ diverse agricultural backgrounds and socio-economic conditions. For agriculture to be adapted with the ultimate aim of sustainability, policy support will be necessary in the form of financial measures and capacity building.
Regional Differences and Spatial-Temporal Evolution Characteristics of Digital Economy Development in the Yangtze River Economic Belt
Authors: Chen Jiayi , Hu Chaozhu , Luo Youxi
Published: May 2024

Digital economy has emerged as one of the primary driving forces for economic globalization. However, assessing digital economy development in a robust and scientific manner remains a great challenge. This paper proposes an evaluation system with measurement errors correction to accurately research the regional differences in and the spatial-temporal evolution characteristics of digital economy development in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YEB), combining the entropy method, the Dagum–Gini coefficient, an σ convergence model and grey correlation analysis. The results present that the digital economy development index in the YEB rose from 2012 to 2021, with the greatest weight being social livelihood benefits. Meanwhile, there were noticeable regional differences in digital economy development in the YEB; in particular, the middle reaches showed obvious convergence. The grey correlation degree between the influence factors and the digital economy development ranged from 0.5286 to 0.9144, demonstrating a robust positive correlation. The theoretical framework of this paper integrates economic development models with advanced statistical analysis techniques, providing a robust analytical perspective for examining the complexities of digital economy evolution. The insights offer a blueprint for policymakers seeking to foster a robust and equitable digital economy, underscoring the potential of data-driven policy formulations in navigating the intricate landscape of economic globalization.
Does a Company’s Position within the Interlocking Director Network Influence Its ESG Performance?—Empirical Evidence from Chinese Listed Companies
Authors: Feng Hua , Zhang Zhihong , Wang Qinglu , Yang Lingyun
Published: May 2024

In an era focused on deepening green sustainable development, improving corporate ESG performance has become a theoretical focal point. Starting from the positional attributes of the interlocking director network, this study investigates the influence of a company’s position within this network on its ESG performance among China’s A-share-listed companies from 2009 to 2022. It utilizes Huazheng ESG ratings from the Wind database and employs regression models, analyses, endogeneity, and propensity score matching tests via Stata15.0 to probe the internal mechanisms at play. Research findings indicate that corporations at the core of the interlocking director network exhibit significantly better ESG performance compared to those in peripheral positions. The interlocking director network enhances corporate ESG performance by improving internal control levels. Media attention positively influences the effect of the interlocking director network on corporate ESG performance. Further analysis reveals that the beneficial impact of the interlocking director network on ESG performance is more pronounced in highly marketized corporations, those outside of heavy pollution industries, and those with a higher proportion of female directors. Economically, the positive effect of the interlocking director network on ESG performance enhances both earnings per share and total factor productivity. This study offers a novel pathway for enhancing corporate sustainability in emerging economies through the lens of the interlocking director network, drawing on China’s experience. It aims to guide emerging markets in fostering ESG practices among corporations, thus offering theoretical insights for enhancing ESG performance.
Sustainable Tourism Industry in Indonesia through Mapping Natural Tourism Potential: Taxonomy Approach
Authors: Rizaldi Artamevia Salsabila , Rumanti Augustina Asih , Andrawina Luciana
Published: May 2024

Rembang Regency is located on the north coast of Java Island, Central Java Province, Indonesia, which has many beaches ideal for tourism activities. Even though it has the charm of beaches, natural tourist destinations are still the primary choice compared to cultural and artificial sites. However, limited studies exist regarding standard indicators for assessing natural tourism potential in Rembang Regency, which is essential for identifying potential tourist locations. This research focuses on grouping indicators of natural tourism potential based on six main aspects: attractions, amenities, accommodation, activity, accessibility, and ancillary services, environment in tourist areas, and human resources considerations. A taxonomic model will be utilized to develop a procedure for determining natural tourism potential, including indicator weighing via a hierarchical analysis. The findings will yield a taxonomy model aiding information and knowledge management, fostering information sharing and utilization. Moreover, the established procedures will facilitate an accurate and efficient determination of natural tourism potential. This research aims to contribute to sustainable natural tourism management in Rembang Regency, preserving nature while enhancing the tourist experience.
Characterization and Multi-Scenario Prediction of Habitat Quality Evolution in the Bosten Lake Watershed Based on the InVEST and PLUS Models
Authors: Wang Yang , Sheng Ziyi , Wang Haowei , Xue Xuan , Hu Jiaxin , Yang Yuhai
Published: May 2024

Habitat quality is an important basis for human well-being and the achievement of sustainable development. Based on land-use data for the Bosten Lake Basin in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2022, the PLUS and InVEST models are applied in this study to predict and analyze land-use changes and explore the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of the region’s habitat quality. Additionally, we use a geographic detector model to reveal the drivers of spatial variation in habitat quality. The results show that: (1) Land use in Bosten Lake Basin is dominated by grassland and bare land, with an area share of 93.21%. Habitat quality shows a trend of degradation followed by improvement, with a spatial pattern of high in the northwest and low in the southeast. (2) Habitat quality in 2030 increased from 2022 in all cases, with a mean of 0.354 for the natural development scenario, a maximum of 0.355 for the ecological development scenario, and a minimum of 0.353 for the economic development scenario. (3) The main drivers affecting habitat quality in the Bosten Lake watershed are DEM, mean annual precipitation (MAP), and GDP per capita. X1∩X4 (0.50) and X4∩X10 (0.51) are the interaction factors with the largest dominant effect in 2000, 2010 and 2020, respectively.
A Systematic Formulation into Neutrosophic Z Methodologies for Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Transportation Problem Challenges
Authors: Kamran Muhammad , Abdalla Manal Elzain Mohamed , Nadeem Muhammad , Uzair Anns , Farman Muhammad , Ragoub Lakhdar , Cangul Ismail Naci
Published: May 2024

This study formulates a multi-objective, multi-item solid transportation issue with parameters that are neutrosophic Z-number fuzzy variables such as transportation costs, supplies, and demands. This work covers two scenarios where uncertainty in the problem can arise: the fuzzy solid transportation problem and the interval solid transportation problem. The first scenario arises when we represent data problems as intervals instead of exact values, while the second scenario arises when the information is not entirely clear. We address both models when the uncertainty alone impacts the constraint set. In order to find a solution for the interval case, we generate an additional problem. Since this auxiliary problem is typical of solid transportation, we can resolve it using the effective techniques currently in use. In the fuzzy scenario, a parametric method is used to discover a fuzzy solution to the earlier issue. Parametric analysis identifies that the best parameterized approaches to complementary problems are characterized by the application of parametric analysis. We present a suggested algorithm for determining the stability set. Finally, we provide a numerical example and sensitivity analysis for the transportation problem, which is both symmetrical and asymmetrical.
The Dynamical and Kinetic Equations of Four-Five-Six-Wave Resonance for Ocean Surface Gravity Waves in Water with a Finite Depth
Authors: Lin Guobin , Huang Hu
Published: May 2024

Based on the Hamilton canonical equations for ocean surface waves with four-five-six-wave resonance conditions, the determinate dynamical equation of four-five-six-wave resonances for ocean surface gravity waves in water with a finite depth is established, thus leading to the elimination of the nonresonant second-, third-, fourth-, and fifth-order nonlinear terms though a suitable canonical transformation. The four kernels of the equation and the 18 coefficients of the transformation are expressed in explicit form in terms of the expansion coefficients of the gravity wave Hamiltonian in integral-power series in normal variables. The possibilities of the existence of integrals of motion for the wave momentum and the wave action are discussed, particularly the special integrals for the latter. For ocean surface capillary–gravity waves on a fluid with a finite depth, the sixth-order expansion coefficients of the Hamiltonian in integral-power series in normal variables are concretely provided, thus naturally including the classical fifth-order kinetic energy expansion coefficients given by Krasitskii.
Hair Mercury Levels in Pregnant Women: Fish Consumption as a Determinant of Exposure
Authors: Rumiantseva Olga , Komov Viktor , Kutuzov Mikhail , Zaroual Hicham , Mizina Ksenia , Belova Maria , Nikitin Igor , Stolyarova Alla , Mashin Dmitry , Vilkova Daria
Published: May 2024

The consumption of fish in food may contain mercury, a harmful element and dangerous chemical detrimental to human health. The purpose of this study was to determine the mercury level in the hair of pregnant women with different fish intakes in their diets. The concentration of total mercury in hair was determined using an atomic absorption spectrometer. In this study, 98 pregnant women were invited to participate (aged from 18 to 48 years). The mean content of mercury in the hair of pregnant women in Northwestern Russia was 0.428 mg/kg (ranging from 0.018 to 3.1 mg/kg). As a result, 22% of women had mercury values above 0.58 mg/kg, which is considered dangerous for the fetus. The hair mercury concentration in a village area was higher than that in a city area (i.e., 0.548 mg/kg and 0.326 mg/kg). Moreover, the maximum level of mercury was noted for a group of pregnant women who consumed more than 5 kg/month of fish and fish products. Furthermore, the consumption of freshwater fish in the diet leads to a higher mercury content in the hair of pregnant women than the consumption of marine fish.
The Rotation of Classical Bulges in Barred Galaxies in the Presence of Gas
Authors: Machado Rubens E. G. , Sakamoto Kenzo R. , Wille Andressa , Gonçalves Gustavo F.
Published: May 2024

Barred galaxies often develop a box/peanut pseudobulge, but they can also host a nearly spherical classical bulge, which is known to gain rotation due to the bar. We aim to explore how the presence of gas impacts the rotation of classical bulges. We carried out a comprehensive set of hydrodynamical N-body simulations with different combinations of bulge masses and gas fractions. In these models, both massive bulges and high gas content tend to inhibit the formation of strong bars. For low-mass bulges, the resulting bar is stronger in cases of low gas content. In the stronger bar models, bulges acquire more angular momentum and thus display considerable rotational velocity. Such bulges also develop anisotropic velocity dispersions and become triaxial in shape. We found that the rotation of the bulge becomes less pronounced as the gas fraction is increased from 0 to 30%. These results indicate that the gas content has a significant effect on the dynamics of the classical bulge, because it influences bar strength. Particularly in the case of the low-mass bulges (10% bulge mass fraction), all of the measured rotational and structural properties of the classical bulge depend strongly and systematically on the gas content of the galaxy.
Impact of Public Policy and COVID-19 Pandemic on Hepatitis C Testing and Treatment in France, 2014–2021
Authors: Brouard Cécile , Schwager Manon , Expert Aude , Drewniak Nicolas , Laporal Stella , de Lagasnerie Grégoire , Lot Florence
Published: May 2024

Given the World Health Organization’s target to eliminate the hepatitis C virus (HCV) by 2030, we assessed the impact of French public policies and the COVID-19 pandemic on HCV testing and initiation of direct-antiviral agents (DAAs). Using the French National Health Data System, we identified individuals living in metropolitan France with at least one reimbursement for an anti-HCV test and those with a first delivery of DAAs between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2021. During this period, the annual number of people tested increased each year between 3.3 (in 2015) and 9.3% (in 2021), except in 2020, with a drop of 8.3%, particularly marked in April (−55.0% compared to February 2020). A return to pre-pandemic testing levels was observed in 2021. The quarterly number of patients initiating DAAs presented an upward trend from Q1-2014 until mid-2017, with greater increases in Q1-2015, and Q1- and Q2-2017, concomitant with DAA access policies and availability of new therapies. Then, quarterly numbers decreased. A 65.5% drop occurred in April compared to February 2020. The declining DAA initiations since mid-2017, despite new measures improving access and screening efforts, could be due to the shrinking pool of patients requiring treatment and a need to increase awareness among undiagnosed infected people. Further action is needed to eliminate HCV in France.
SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Co-Infection: Fair Competition or Sinister Combination?
Authors: Teluguakula Narasaraju , Chow Vincent T. K. , Pandareesh Mirazkar Dasharatharao , Dasegowda Venkatesha , Kurrapotula Vidyasagar , Gopegowda Shivaramu M. , Radic Marko
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic remains a serious public health problem globally. During winter influenza seasons, more aggressive SARS-CoV-2 infections and fatalities have been documented, indicating that influenza co-infections may significantly impact the disease outcome of COVID-19. Both influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses share many similarities in their transmission and their cellular tropism for replication in the human respiratory tract. However, the complex intricacies and multi-faceted dynamics of how the two pathogens interact to ensure their survival in the same lung microenvironment are still unclear. In addition, clinical studies on influenza co-infections in COVID-19 patients do not provide conclusive evidence of how influenza co-infection mechanistically modifies disease outcomes of COVID-19. This review discusses various viral as well as host factors that potentially influence the survival or synergism of these two respiratory pathogens in the infected lung microenvironment.
Fidelity Characterization of Highly Pathogenic Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus and NADC30-like Strain
Authors: Gao Xiang , Bian Ting , Gao Peng , Ge Xinna , Zhang Yongning , Han Jun , Guo Xin , Zhou Lei , Yang Hanchun
Published: May 2024

The porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has significantly impacted the global pork industry for over three decades. Its high mutation rates and frequent recombination greatly intensifies its epidemic and threat. To explore the fidelity characterization of Chinese highly pathogenic PRRSV JXwn06 and the NADC30-like strain CHsx1401, self-recombination and mutation in PAMs, MARC-145 cells, and pigs were assessed. In vitro, CHsx1401 displayed a higher frequency of recombination junctions and a greater diversity of junction types than JXwn06. In vivo, CHsx1401 exhibited fewer junction types yet maintained a higher junction frequency. Notably, JXwn06 showed more accumulation of mutations. To pinpoint the genomic regions influencing their fidelity, chimeric viruses were constructed, with the exchanged nsp9-10 regions between JXwn06 and CHsx1401. The SJn9n10 strain, which incorporates JXwn06’s nsp9-10 into the CHsx1401 genome, demonstrated reduced sensitivity to nucleotide analogs compared to CHsx1401. Conversely, compared with JXwn06, the JSn9n10 strain showed increased sensitivity to these inhibitors. The swapped nsp9-10 also influences the junction frequency and accumulated mutations as their donor strains. The results indicate a propensity for different types of genetic variations between these two strains and further highlight the nsp9-10 region as a critical determinant of their fidelity.
Immunogenicity and Protective Capacity of Sugar ABC Transporter Substrate-Binding Protein against Streptococcus suis Serotype 2, 7 and 9 Infection in Mice
Authors: Yan Zujie , Pan Ruyi , Zhang Junjie , Sun Jianhe , Ma Xiaochun , Dong Nihua , Yao Xiaohui , Wei Jianchao , Liu Ke , Qiu Yafeng , Sealey Katie , Nichols Hester , Jarvis Michael A. , Upton Mathew , Li Xiangdong , Ma Zhiyong , Liu Juxiang , Li Beibei
Published: May 2024

Background: Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a Gram-positive bacterium that causes substantial disease in pigs. S. suis is also an emerging zoonoses in humans, primarily in Asia, through the consumption of undercooked pork and the handling of infected pig meat as well as carcasses. The complexity of S. suis epidemiology, characterized by the presence of multiple bacterial serotypes and strains with diverse sequence types, identifies a critical need for a universal vaccine with the ability to confer cross-protective immunity. Highly conserved immunogenic proteins are generally considered good candidate antigens for subunit universal vaccines. Methods: In this study, the cross-protection of the sugar ABC transporter substrate-binding protein (S-ABC), a surface-associated immunogenic protein of S. suis, was examined in mice for evaluation as a universal vaccine candidate. Results: S-ABC was shown to be highly conserved, with 97% amino acid sequence identity across 31 S. suis strains deposited in GenBank. Recombinantly expressed S-ABC (rS-ABC) was recognized via rabbit sera specific to S. suis serotype 2. The immunization of mice with rS-ABC induced antigen-specific antibody responses, as well as IFN-γ and IL-4, in multiple organs, including the lungs. rS-ABC immunization conferred high (87.5% and 100%) protection against challenges with S. suis serotypes 2 and 9, demonstrating high cross-protection against these serotypes. Protection, albeit lower (50%), was also observed in mice challenged with S. suis serotype 7. Conclusions: These data identify S-ABC as a promising antigenic target within a universal subunit vaccine against S. suis.
Investigating the Spatial Accessibility and Coverage of the Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine: An Ecologic Study of Regional Health Data
Authors: Bemanian Amin , Mosser Jonathan F.
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic presented the unique challenge of having to deliver novel vaccines during a public health crisis. For pediatric patients, it was further complicated by the delayed timeline for authorizing the vaccine and the differences in dosing/products depending on the patient’s age. This paper investigates the relationship between the spatial accessibility and uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine in King County, WA, USA. Public data for COVID-19 vaccine sites were used to calculate spatial accessibility using an enhanced two-step floating catchment area (E2SFCA) technique. Spatial regression analyses were performed to look at the relationship between spatial accessibility and ZIP-code-level vaccination rates. The relationships of these data with other socioeconomic and demographic variables were calculated as well. Higher rates of vaccine accessibility and vaccine coverage were found in adolescent (12- to 17-year-old) individuals relative to school-age (5- to 11-year-old) individuals. Vaccine accessibility was positively associated with coverage in both age groups in the univariable analysis. This relationship was affected by neighborhood educational attainment. This paper demonstrates how measures such as E2SFCA can be used to calculate the accessibility of the COVID-19 vaccine in a region and provides insight into some of the ecological factors that affect COVID-19 vaccination rates.
Safety and Efficacy of VIT against Wasp Venom in Ultra-Rush Protocols in Patients Older Than 60 Years
Authors: Bożek Andrzej , Winterstein Janne , Pawłowicz Robert , Poians Ian , Sadowska Dominika , Miodonska Martyna , Nittner-Marszalska Marita
Published: May 2024

Background: Allergen immunotherapy remains a widely recognized and widely used method for the treatment of selected allergic diseases. Currently, according to the European Academy Of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) guidelines, venom immunotherapy (VIT) may be considered for patients over 60. Nevertheless, no separate studies have confirmed the efficacy and safety of this therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term effectiveness of VIT against wasp allergens in an ultra-rush protocol for older patients compared to young patients. Methods: Among the 113 patients included in this study, 51 were older than 60 years (Group A), and 62 formed the control “young group” (age range: 18–35 years). All patients were desensitized to wasp venom using the ultra-rush protocol according to Muller and aqueous solutions of vaccines containing wasp venom. A basophil activation test (Basotest, Orpegen Pharma, Germany) and intracutaneous tests with dilutions of wasp allergen and specific IgE to extract wasp venom were performed at the start and after six months of VIT. The safety of VIT was assessed on the basis of the international Mueller scale. Results: One hundred and eleven patients with confirmed wasp allergies completed six months of VIT: 51 participants over 60 years of age (Group A) and 60 young people (Group B). No systemic adverse reactions were observed during the VIT induction phase. However, large local reactions were noted in 17% of older patients and 20% of young patients at a similar level (p > 0.05). During maintenance VIT, two mild grade I systemic reactions were confirmed in young patients. These symptoms resolved spontaneously. There were no such reactions in older patients. The effectiveness of VIT was tested using BAT. There was a statistically significant reduction in CD63 reactivity in 86% of patients in Group A, and a comparable and substantial decrease in 84% of young patients in Group B. According to the BAT test, the mean reductions in the area under the curve (AUC) after six months of VIT were significant (p < 0.05) and comparable between Groups A and B: −6.52 vs. 7.21. Conclusions: VIT against wasp venom is safe and effective in short-term observation, and is comparable to that used for young patients.
Slope Gradient Effects on Sediment Yield of Different Land Cover and Soil Types
Authors: Nang Yu War , Onodera Shin-ichi , Wang Kunyang , Shimizu Yuta , Saito Mitsuyo
Published: May 2024

Water majorly contributes to soil erosion. Considering Japan’s humid and rainy climate, severe soil erosion challenges persist even though forests are the country’s dominant land type. Although numerous studies have emphasized the impact of factors such as land use, soil type, and slope steepness on sediment yield, the synergetic effects of slope gradient with varying land cover and soil types are underexplored. Herein, we used the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) on a steep catchment to identify high sediment yield areas—as well as factors influencing high sediment yield—and evaluate the effect of slope gradient on the sediment yield of different land cover and soil types. The findings reveal an average annual sediment yield of 0.55 tons ha−1 yr−1 in the Takahashi catchment, with yields tripling in some western subbasins under heavy rainfall. Furthermore, the slope gradient effect is most considerable in bare land, agriculture, and rice land cover, with the average sediment yield of bare land resulting in 2.2 tons ha−1 yr−1 at slope > 45%. Meanwhile, deciduous forests on steep slopes exhibit extreme sediment yield, peaking at 7.2 tons ha−1 yr−1 at slope > 45%. The regosol soil type has one of the highest sediment yield variations in all soil types due to slope gradient.
A Combined Seasonal Mann–Kendall and Innovative Approach for the Trend Analysis of Streamflow Rate in Two Croatian Rivers
Authors: Yıldız Mehmet Berkant , Di Nunno Fabio , Đurin Bojan , Pham Quoc Bao , de Marinis Giovanni , Granata Francesco
Published: May 2024

Climate change profoundly impacts hydrological systems, particularly in regions such as Croatia, which is renowned for its diverse geography and climatic variability. This study examined the effect of climate change on streamflow rates in two Croatian rivers: Bednja and Gornja Dobra. Using seasonal Mann–Kendall (MK) tests, overall streamflow trends were evaluated. Additionally, innovative polygon trend analysis (IPTA), innovative visualization for innovative trend analysis (IV-ITA), and Bayesian changepoint detection and time series decomposition (BEAST) algorithms were used to assess the trends’ magnitudes and transitions. The seasonal MK analysis identified significant decreasing trends, primarily during summer. The results of IPTA and IV-ITA revealed consistent decreasing trends throughout most months, with a notable increase in September, especially at high flow values. The rivers’ behavior differed between the first and second halves of the month. BEAST analysis detected abrupt changes, including earlier shifts (1951–1968) in the Bednja and more recent ones (2013–2015) in both the Bednja and, to a lesser extent, the Gornja Dobra rivers. This comprehensive approach enhances our understanding of long-term streamflow trends and short-term fluctuations induced by climate change.
Spatiotemporal Variation, Meteorological Driving Factors, and Statistical Models Study of Lake Surface Area in the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Tang Li , Sun Xiaohui
Published: May 2024

The surface area changes of 151 natural lakes over 37 months in the Yellow River Basin, based on remote sensing data and 21 meteorological indicators, employing spatial distribution feature analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis, identify key meteorological factors influencing these variations and their interrelationships. During the study period, lake area averages were from 0.009 km2 to 506.497 km2, with standard deviations ranging from 0.003 km2 to 184.372 km2. The coefficient of variation spans from 3.043 to 217.436, indicating considerable variability in lake area stability. Six primary meteorological factors were determined to have a significant impact on lake surface area fluctuations: 24 h precipitation, maximum daily precipitation, hours of sunshine, maximum wind speed, minimum relative humidity, and lakes in the source region of the Yellow River generally showed a significant positive correlation. For maximum wind speed (m/s), 28 lakes showed significant correlations, with five positive and twenty-three negative correlations, correlation coefficients ranging from −0.34 to −0.63, average −0.47, indicating an overall negative correlation between lake surface area and maximum wind speed. For maximum daily precipitation (mm), 36 lakes had 21 showing a positive correlation, indicating a positive correlation between lake surface area and daily precipitation in larger lakes. Furthermore, of the 117 lakes with sufficient data to model, the predictive capabilities of various models for lake surface area changes showcased distinct advantages, with the random forest model outperforming others in a dataset of 65 lakes, Ridge regression is best for 28 lakes, Lasso regression performs best for 20 lakes, Linear model is only best for 4 cases. The random forest model provides the best fit due to its ability to handle a large number of feature variables and consider their interactions, thereby offering the best fitting effect. These insights are crucial for understanding the influence of meteorological factors on lake surface area changes within the Yellow River Basin and are instrumental in developing predictive models based on meteorological data.