bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Social Services Risk Index at Local Level: A Tool for Diagnosis and Decision Making
Authors: Muñoz-Moreno Rocío , Relinque-Medina Fernando , Morilla-Luchena Aleix , Fernández-Borrero Manuela A.
Published: July 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a decisive impact on our society, generating both direct and indirect effects in a multitude of dimensions, beyond the purely health-related, which have conditioned people’s well-being and quality of life. The social services system has played an essential role in absorbing the consequences of these impacts on the most socially vulnerable population. Analysing the social impacts and monitoring the risks derived from the pandemic can favour the prevention of risk situations, adjust the resources of the social services system to changing social realities and facilitate the strategic decision-making process to mitigate or minimise the impacts of potential socio-annual crises or catastrophes. This article presents a methodological process, based on the HCVRA (Hazards, Capacity Building, Vulnerability, Risk Assessment) disaster management models, designed ad hoc with the aim of identifying, on the one hand, the social impacts of COVID-19 and, on the other hand, the areas with the highest social risk in the post-COVID scenario. The application of this methodological process has made it possible to configure a set of indicators based on public databases, defined by consulting experts and weighted by a panel of stakeholders through a multi-criteria method to obtain a territorialised risk index at the highest level of disaggregation of the available data, based on the dimensions of vulnerability, threat and resilience.
Peripheral, Marginal, or Non-Core Areas? Setting the Context to Deal with Territorial Inequalities through a Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Oppido Stefania , Ragozino Stefania , Esposito De Vita Gabriella
Published: July 2023

Territorial inequalities are an issue of increasing relevance in the international scientific debate across different disciplinary fields, and their mitigation is a key challenge on the political agenda in many countries at the European and international level. An ongoing research project developed by the authors is investigating the phenomenon and possible strategies for rebalancing territorial development. In this framework, the present study provides an extensive review of the literature on the topic with the purpose of grasping the multiplicity of terms referring to areas affected by conditions of territorial inequalities. This paper describes the methodology adopted for developing a stand-alone Systematic Literature Review (SLR) protocol able to navigate both quantitative and qualitative insights on this complex topic. The SLR includes 347 records assessed for quantitative eligibility, 50 of which were included in the qualitative phase and studied through four categories of analysis (terms and phenomena, causes, models, and drivers) corresponding to the research questions. By tracing the evolution of the debate and the increasing scientific interest in the topic over time, the findings highlight the cross-disciplinary nature of the territorial inequalities that can be examined as complex and dynamic results of many spatial and aspatial issues at different territorial scales of investigation. Development models are benefiting from the evolution of the proximity concept from spatial to aspatial features—organizational, cognitive, and technological ones—changing the dependency between geography and innovation, especially with reference to entrepreneurship.
Postural Education Programmes with School Children: A Scoping Review
Authors: Araújo Cristina Lima , Moreira Ana , Carvalho Graça S.
Published: July 2023

Spinal deformities and back pain are growing problems in childhood and adolescence, due to unhealthy habits. This study undertook a scoping review to identify scientific studies with children and adolescents, focusing on the methodologies used, implementation of key factors and gaps, and results of postural education programmes to promote sustainable healthy habits. The methodological tool PRISMA-ScR was used. Five online databases were used to identify papers published since 2013. Eligibility criteria were defined, and the search strategies were drafted. A total of 86 publications were initially identified; after screening and applying eligibility criteria, 11 papers were included in this study for detailed analysis. The postural education programmes in these papers mainly focused on adolescents’ postures and postural learning acquisition, using different teaching methodologies; only one study was conducted with children between 5 and 6 years old enrolled in preschool. Follow-up studies revealed inconsistent results. However, developing and measuring the effectiveness of young children’s postural education programmes, to enhance experiences of movement variability and strategies for postural control in playful activities, is of great relevance for children’s healthy development, and can also have positive impacts on environmental and social sustainability by promoting healthy and conscious lifestyles.
Current Issues and Developments in Cyanobacteria-Derived Biofuel as a Potential Source of Energy for Sustainable Future
Authors: Singh Kshetrimayum Birla , Kaushalendra  , Verma Savita , Lalnunpuii Rowland , Rajan Jay Prakash
Published: July 2023

Biofuel production using cyanobacteria aims to maintain the sustainability of an ecosystem with minimum impact on the environment, unlike fossil fuels, which cause havoc on the environment. The application of biofuel as an alternative energy source will not only help in maintaining a clean environment and improving air quality but also decrease harmful organic matter content from aquatic bodies. Cyanobacteria are valuable sources of many novel bioactive compounds, such as lipids and natural dyes, with potential commercial implications. One of the advantages of cyanobacteria is that their biochemical constituents can be modified by altering the source of nutrients and growth conditions. Careful changes in growth media and environmental conditions altering the quality and quantity of the biochemicals and yield capacity have been discussed and analyzed. In the present review, the challenges and successes achieved to date in the commercial production of biofuel and its application in the transportation industry are discussed. The authors also focus on different types of feedstocks obtained from biomass, especially from cyanobacterial species. This review also discusses the selection of appropriate cyanobacterial species with merits and demerits in the post-harvesting process. In sum, the current review provides insight into the use of organic bioresources to maintain a sustainable environment.
Prediction and Analysis of Chlorophyll-a Concentration in the Western Waters of Hong Kong Based on BP Neural Network
Authors: Zhu Wei-Dong , Kong Yu-Xiang , He Nai-Ying , Qiu Zhen-Ge , Lu Zhi-Gang
Published: July 2023

The Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration is an important indicator of water environmental conditions; thus, the simultaneous monitoring of large-area water bodies can be realized through the remote sensing-based retrieval of Chl-a concentrations. Together with hyperspectral remote sensing data, a BP neural network model was used to invert chlorophyll-a concentration, with remote sensing reflectance as the input factor. Given the presence of many bands in the hyperspectral data, selecting an appropriate band reflectance as the input factor is crucial to improving inversion accuracy. In this study, a Pearson correlation analysis method was proposed to select bands. A normality test was performed on the reflectance of each band of the Zhuhai-1 hyperspectral remote sensing data, and the significance index was p < 0.05. The absolute kurtosis value was less than 10, and the absolute skewness value was less than 3, indicating that the Pearson method was applicable. Pearson correlation analysis was utilised to calculate the correlation coefficient between the reflectance data and chlorophyll-a concentration. Five reflectance data with high correlation were selected as the input factors, and chlorophyll-a concentration was adopted as the output factor. An error backpropagation network model was constructed to predict chlorophyll-a concentration, and a Garson function was added to clarify the connection weights of the input factors in the model construction process. Model 12 was determined as the optimal model on the basis of the criteria of the coefficient of determination, the average relative variance, and the minimum mean square error. The chlorophyll-a concentration was predicted for July and November 2020 in the study area, and the results showed that the predicted values had a small error compared with the measured values. The root-mean-square error and mean relative error of the chlorophyll-a concentration predicted and measured values were 2.12 μg/L and 9.66%, respectively. Significant spatial differences in the Chl-a concentration were observed in the study area due to the influence of islands and land; the Chl-a concentration in July was generally higher than that in November. The results of these studies provide a reference for monitoring the water environment in the study area.
Research on the Fracture Propagation Law of Separate Layered Fracturing in Unconventional Sandstone Reservoirs
Authors: Ran Qiquan , Zhou Xin , Xu Mengya , Dong Jiaxin , Ren Dianxing , Li Ruibo
Published: July 2023

The unconsolidated sandstone is a type of rock that has poor cementation, a low strength, a high porosity, and permeability. It is highly compressible under high stress and exhibits non-linear plastic deformation during hydraulic fracturing construction in its reservoir. In this study, the mechanical properties of unconsolidated sandstone with a different permeability were studied, and a three-dimensional hydraulic fracture propagation numerical model was established based on the modified traditional Cambridge model. This model was used to simulate the fracture propagation law of unconsolidated sandstone in separate layer fracturing under different construction conditions. During hydraulic fracturing construction, the fracturing fluid slowly invades the reservoir when the displacement of the fracturing fluid is small. The unconsolidated sandstone undergoes compaction and hardening, followed by shear expansion, and then complete destruction. A larger displacement will cause the reservoir rock to directly enter the state of destruction from compaction and hardening. This study found that several critical parameters are obtained for fracturing construction. When the displacement is greater than 5 m3/min, the fracturing fluid exceeds 100 mPa·s, or when the filtration coefficient exceeds 1.2 × 10−3 m/s, the second and third layers will be penetrated. This study provides valuable insights into the mechanical properties of unconsolidated sandstone and reveals the critical parameters for the successful hydraulic fracturing construction in this type of reservoir.
Averaging Principle for ψ-Capuo Fractional Stochastic Delay Differential Equations with Poisson Jumps
Authors: Yang Dandan , Wang Jingfeng , Bai Chuanzhi
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we study the averaging principle for ψ-Capuo fractional stochastic delay differential equations (FSDDEs) with Poisson jumps. Based on fractional calculus, Burkholder-Davis-Gundy’s inequality, Doob’s martingale inequality, and the Ho¨lder inequality, we prove that the solution of the averaged FSDDEs converges to that of the standard FSDDEs in the sense of Lp. Our result extends some known results in the literature. Finally, an example and simulation is performed to show the effectiveness of our result.
The Dilemma of Sustainable Development of Russian Arctic Development Based on ANP-SWOT Model Theory Perspective
Authors: Li Menglong , Li Zhilun , Xing Xiaoman
Published: July 2023

This study mainly focuses on the development of the Arctic region and the difficulties it faces in the new situation. Finding a suitable development path for low-carbon environmental protection and sustainable development has gradually become the focus of attention in all countries. The secret contest of strength is also becoming increasingly fierce. The escalation of the arms race has virtually made the ambitious Russian Arctic plan more radical. This article will use the “ANP-SWOT” strategic analysis method to reveal the possible damage to the environment of the Arctic region and its unsustainable side behind Russia’s grand development plan in the Arctic region. At the same time, it will list the views and contradictions of the countries in the region for the proposals on the resolution of conflicts, broaden the perspective to the global scope, take the common interests of all mankind as the starting point, combine the views and contradictions of all parties, and put forward proposals that are truly beneficial to the development of the Arctic region, thereby promoting inter-regional cooperation and developing a new Arctic strategy that prioritizes global progress and prosperity.
Measuring the Development Capability of the Innovation Ecosystem from a Quadruple Helix Perspective—An Empirical Analysis Based on Panel Data for Chinese High-Tech Industries
Authors: Li Mingqiu , Chen Heng , Li Jinqiu , Li Yan
Published: July 2023

With the rapid development of high-tech industries, the research perspective of industrial innovation has gradually evolved from the innovation system to innovation ecosystem. Whether the innovation ecosystem of China’s high-tech industry can achieve the benign evolution and development of the system under the new global pattern has become a real issue. Based on the perspective of the four-helix innovation model, in this study we construct an index system of the industrial innovation ecosystem development and designs a framework system of the industrial innovation ecosystem development capability, including the coordinated development capability, evolutionary development capability, and sustainable development capability at three levels. We construct measurement models of different capability dimensions and multi-dimensionally analyses of the regional development differences and change trends of each capability dimension of the system. The results show that the coordinated development capability of China’s high-tech industrial innovation ecosystem is poor, which inhibits the comprehensive capability of the system’s development to a certain extent. Although the evolutionary and sustainable development capabilities fluctuate greatly and have significant regional differences, they are measured at a better level and thereby contribute to the development of the system.
Information Alienation and Circle Fracture: Policy Communication and Opinion-Generating Networks on Social Media in China from the Perspective of COVID-19 Policy
Authors: Dai Yuanchu , Cheng Xinyu , Liu Yichuan
Published: July 2023

The emergence of the Internet and social media provides a new platform for information diffusion, promoting the interaction among relatively independent participants in the opinion market and changing the balance of the intrinsic mechanism and external dynamics based on political communication. In this way, it is necessary to investigate the new interactive landscape of political communication and political discourse regarding digital media. In this study, we conduct a social and semantic network analysis of the dissemination and public opinion generation landscape of the COVID-19 “New Ten Articles” policy communication by the Chinese government, exploring the network relationships and emotional value interactions behind the contact of a new public policy in China. The results show that, in the political communication system, the influence of information’s position in the communication field has surpassed the information source impact, and the power of network opinion leaders is significant; the policy communication network presents a situation of “identity status circle” division, and the information circle connection presents a trend of fracture and barrier thickening, which may cause policy information alienation and social opinion polarization risk; the imbalance between policy information supply and public demand is further enhanced, and the negative emotion “cloud” is distributed on a scale and condenses into grassroots social governance pressure; and the content released by some key opinion leaders, experts, online media, and local mainstream media accounts is significantly correlated with network emotions. These emotions continue to spread in subsequent discussions, and to some extent, influence the formation process of political public opinion.
Optimizing EMG Classification through Metaheuristic Algorithms
Authors: Aviles Marcos , Rodríguez-Reséndiz Juvenal , Ibrahimi Danjela
Published: July 2023

This work proposes a metaheuristic-based approach to hyperparameter selection in a multilayer perceptron to classify EMG signals. The main goal of the study is to improve the performance of the model by optimizing four important hyperparameters: the number of neurons, the learning rate, the epochs, and the training batches. The approach proposed in this work shows that hyperparameter optimization using particle swarm optimization and the gray wolf optimizer significantly improves the performance of a multilayer perceptron in classifying EMG motion signals. The final model achieves an average classification rate of 93% for the validation phase. The results obtained are promising and suggest that the proposed approach may be helpful for the optimization of deep learning models in other signal processing applications.
Short-Range Order Modeling in Alloys
Authors: Kremer Edward
Published: July 2023

The short and long-range orders in alloys can be assessed based on a new expression for the combinatorial factor, which is more convenient and intuitive than the traditionally used form. This novel expression can be directly applied to reproduce the results of several well-known statistical-thermodynamic models that are typically considered independent or even inconsistent. The short list of models includes Quasichemical Theory, Associated Solution Model, Surrounded Atom Model, and Cluster Site Approximation. As a result, the formalism and interpretation of these models are significantly clarified, allowing us to identify and fix several long-standing errors that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. Multicomponent generalization of these models is also greatly simplified. For systems undergoing a phase transition, an extended version of the theory provides a mechanism that allows the correct critical temperature of phase transition to be reproduced, as well as a significant increase in the accuracy of thermodynamic functions. In the case of order–disorder transformations, the new theory ensures an integrated description of short and long-range orders, which has long been considered an important and difficult problem.
Benchmark Dose Approach to DNA and Liver Damage by Chlorpyrifos and Imidacloprid in Male Rats: The Protective Effect of a Clove-Oil-Based Nanoemulsion Loaded with Pomegranate Peel Extract
Authors: Omar Alia Ahmed Abdel-Hamid , Gad Marwa Farouk , Refaie Amel A. , Abdelhafez Hemmat Mansour , Mossa Abdel-Tawab H.
Published: July 2023

Pesticides are widely used around the world to increase crop production. They also have negative impacts on animals, humans, and the ecosystem. This is the first report evaluating a novel pomegranate-extract-loaded clove-oil-based nanoemulsion (PELCN) and its potential for reducing oxidative stress and DNA damage, as well as its hepatoprotective effects against imidacloprid (IM) and chlorpyrifos (CPF) toxicity in male rats. The benchmark dose (BMD) approach was also used to study the dose–response toxicity of IM and CPF. IM and CPF were administered daily for 28 days at doses of 14, 28, and 54 mg/kg body weight (bw) of IM and 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg bw of CPF via drinking water. The PELCN was administered orally at a dose of 50 mg/kg bw/day of pomegranate extract, 500 mg/kg bw of the clove oil nanoemulsion, and IM or CPF at high doses in the drinking water. In male rats, IM and CPF caused a reduction in body weight gain and hepatotoxic effects as evidenced by increases in the liver enzymes AST, ALT, and ALP. They caused oxidative damage in the liver of male rats as indicated by the decreased liver activity of the GST, GPX, SOD, and CAT enzymes and decreased serum TAC. IM and CPF produced a significant dose-dependent increase in DNA damage in hepatocyte cells, resulting in moderate to severe liver damage with cells that are more inflammatory and have enlarged sinusoids and compacted nuclei. IM had a higher BMD than CPF for both body and liver weight, suggesting that CPF was more dose-dependently toxic than IM. Albumin was a highly sensitive liver biomarker for IM, while total protein was a biomarker for the CPF-treated rats. GPx was an extremely sensitive biomarker of oxidative stress in the IM treatment, while CAT and GPx were highly sensitive parameters in the CPF-treated rats. Therefore, at comparable doses, CPF has a higher potential to cause liver damage and oxidative stress than IM. The hepatotoxicity of IM and CPF can be mitigated by administering a nanoemulsion containing clove oil and pomegranate extract. The nanoemulsion acts as a protector against the oxidative stress caused by these insecticides, especially at high doses. The nanoemulsion based on clove oil increases the bioavailability and stability of the pomegranate extract, which has antioxidant properties.
Research Progress on Neurodevelopmental Toxicity in Offspring after Indirect Exposure to PFASs in Early Life
Authors: Zhuchen Huai-Yu , Wang Jie-Yu , Liu Xiao-Shan , Shi Yan-Wei
Published: July 2023

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widespread environmental pollutants. There is increasing evidence that PFASs have various adverse health effects, including renal toxicity, metabolic dysfunction, endocrine disruption, and developmental toxicity. PFASs have been found to accumulate in the placenta, and some PFASs can cross the placental barrier and subsequently accumulate in the fetus via the maternal–fetal circulation. An increasing number of studies have shown that early life exposure to PFASs can affect fetal neurodevelopment. This paper reviews the characteristics of indirect exposure to PFASs in early life, the effects on neurodevelopment in offspring, and the possible mechanisms of toxic effects.
Exploring Dimensionality Reduction Techniques for Deep Learning Driven QSAR Models of Mutagenicity
Authors: Kalian Alexander D. , Benfenati Emilio , Osborne Olivia J. , Gott David , Potter Claire , Dorne Jean-Lou C. M. , Guo Miao , Hogstrand Christer
Published: July 2023

Dimensionality reduction techniques are crucial for enabling deep learning driven quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models to navigate higher dimensional toxicological spaces, however the use of specific techniques is often arbitrary and poorly explored. Six dimensionality techniques (both linear and non-linear) were hence applied to a higher dimensionality mutagenicity dataset and compared in their ability to power a simple deep learning driven QSAR model, following grid searches for optimal hyperparameter values. It was found that comparatively simpler linear techniques, such as principal component analysis (PCA), were sufficient for enabling optimal QSAR model performances, which indicated that the original dataset was at least approximately linearly separable (in accordance with Cover’s theorem). However certain non-linear techniques such as kernel PCA and autoencoders performed at closely comparable levels, while (especially in the case of autoencoders) being more widely applicable to potentially non-linearly separable datasets. Analysis of the chemical space, in terms of XLogP and molecular weight, uncovered that the vast majority of testing data occurred within the defined applicability domain, as well as that certain regions were measurably more problematic and antagonised performances. It was however indicated that certain dimensionality reduction techniques were able to facilitate uniquely beneficial navigations of the chemical space.
Serum Concentrations of Benzaldehyde, Isopentanaldehyde and Sex Hormones: Evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Mao Zhilei , Yuan Rui , Wang Xu , Xie Kaipeng , Xu Bo
Published: July 2023

Exposure to environmental chemicals could disturb the balance of sex hormones. However, the studies on Benzaldehyde, Isopentanaldehyde exposure and sex hormones are still limited. Based on the data of 1064 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we used the linear regression model and restricted cubic spline (RCS) model to evaluate the associations of Benzaldehyde/Isopentanaldehyde exposure with testosterone (TT), estradiol (E2), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), free androgen index (FAI) and the ratio of TT to E2 (TT/E2). A ln-unit increase in Benzaldehyde was associated with lower TT (β = −0.048, P = 0.030) and E2 (β = −0.094, P = 0.046) in all participants. After further adjustment for menopausal status, Benzaldehyde was negatively associated with E2 (β = −0.174, P = 0.045) in females. The interaction between Benzaldehyde and gender was significant (Pinter = 0.031). However, Isopentanaldehyde showed a positive association with SHBG and TT/E2 in all participants (all P < 0.05). The positive associations of Isopentanaldehyde with TT, SHBG and TT/E2 were found in males but not in females. RCS plots illustrated the linear associations of Benzaldehyde with E2 (Pnon-linear = 0.05) in females and Isopentanaldehyde with TT (Pnon-linear = 0.07) and TT/E2 (Pnon-linear = 0.350) in males. The non-linear relationships were identified between Isopentanaldehyde and SHBG in males (Pnon-linear = 0.035). Our findings indicated the effects of Benzaldehyde and Isopentanaldehyde exposure on sex hormones, and the effects had the gender specificity. Cohort studies and high-quality in vitro and in vivo experiments are needed to confirm the specific effects and uncover the underlying mechanisms.
Environmentally Friendly Approach to the Reduction of Microplastics during Domestic Washing: Prospects for Machine Vision in Microplastics Reduction
Authors: Periyasamy Aravin Prince
Published: July 2023

The increase in the global population is directly responsible for the acceleration in the production as well as the consumption of textile products. The use of textiles and garment materials is one of the primary reasons for the microfibers generation and it is anticipated to grow increasingly. Textile microfibers have been found in marine sediments and organisms, posing a real threat to the environment as it is invisible pollution caused by the textile industry. To protect against the damaging effects that microplastics can have, the formulation of mitigation strategies is urgently required. Therefore, the primary focus of this review manuscript is on finding an environmentally friendly long-term solution to the problem of microfiber emissions caused by the domestic washing process, as well as gaining an understanding of the various properties of textiles and how they influence this problem. In addition, it discussed the effect that mechanical and chemical finishes have on microfiber emissions and identified research gaps in order to direct future research objectives in the area of chemical finishing processes. In addition to that, it included a variety of preventative and minimizing strategies for reduction. Last but not least, an emphasis was placed on the potential and foreseeable applications of machine vision (i.e., quantification, data storage, and data sharing) to reduce the amount of microfibers emitted by residential washing machines.
Arsenic-Induced, Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis Is Associated with Decreased Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Coactivator α in Rat Brains
Authors: Ding Bo , Ma Xinbo , Liu Yang , Ni Bangyao , Lu Siqi , Chen Yuting , Liu Xiaona , Zhang Wei
Published: July 2023

Chronic exposure to arsenic in drinking water damages cognitive function, and nerve cell apoptosis is one of the primary characteristics. The damage to mitochondrial structure and/or function is one of the main characteristics of apoptosis. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator α (PGC-1α) is involved in the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, energy metabolism, and apoptosis. In this study, we aimed to study the role of PGC-1α in sodium arsenite (NaAsO2)-induced mitochondrial apoptosis in rat hippocampal cells. We discovered that increased arsenic-induced apoptosis in rat hippocampus increased with NaAsO2 (0, 2, 10, and 50 mg/L, orally via drinking water for 12 weeks) exposure by TUNEL assay, and the structure of mitochondria was incomplete and swollen and had increased lysosomes, lipofuscins, and nuclear membrane shrinkage observed via transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, NaAsO2 reduced the levels of Bcl-2 and PGC-1α and increased the levels of Bax and cytochrome C expression. Moreover, correlation analysis showed that brain arsenic content was negatively correlated with PGC-1α levels and brain ATP content; PGC-1α levels were negatively correlated with apoptosis rate; and brain ATP content was positively correlated with PGC-1α levels, but no significant correlation between ATP content and apoptosis has been observed in this study. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that NaAsO2-induced mitochondrial pathway apoptosis is related to the reduction of PGC-1α, accompanied by ATP depletion.
Water Quality Index and Human Health Risk Assessment of Drinking Water in Selected Urban Areas of a Mega City
Authors: Nawaz Rab , Nasim Iqra , Irfan Ali , Islam Amjad , Naeem Ayesha , Ghani Nadia , Irshad Muhammad Atif , Latif Maria , Nisa Badar Un , Ullah Riaz
Published: July 2023

The present study was conducted to evaluate the quality of drinking water and assess the potential health hazards due to water contaminants in selected urban areas of Lahore, Pakistan. Water samples were collected from ten sites and analyzed for different physico-chemical parameters including turbidity, color, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), nitrates, fluoride, residual chlorine, and total hardness. Additionally, heavy metal (arsenic) and microbial parameters (E. coli) were also determined in the water samples. Drinking water quality evaluation indices, including the water quality index (WQI) for physico-chemical and biological parameters and human health risk assessment (HHRA) for heavy metal were estimated using the analytical results of the target parameters. It was found in most of the areas that the levels of arsenic, fluoride, TDS, and residual chlorine were higher than those recommended by the National Environmental Quality Standard (NEQS) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. In addition to the physico-chemical parameters, microbial content (E. coli) was also found in the drinking water samples of the selected areas. Statistical analysis of the results indicated that levels of target parameters in drinking water samples are significantly different between sampling sites. The WQI for all physico-chemical and microbial parameters indicated that drinking water in most of the areas was unfit and unsuitable (WQI > 100) for drinking purposes except for the water of Bhatti Gate and Chota Gaon Shahdara with a WQI of 87 and 91, respectively. Drinking water in these areas had a very poor WQI rating. According to HHRA, drinking water from the selected sites was found to be of high risk to children and adults. The carcinogenic risk of arsenic indicated that all samples were of high risk to both adults and children (4.60 and 4.37 × 10−3, respectively). Regular monitoring of drinking water quality is essential, and proactive measures must be implemented to ensure the treatment and availability of safe drinking water in urban areas.
Effect of Streptomyces roseolus Cell-Free Supernatants on the Fungal Development, Transcriptome, and Aflatoxin B1 Production of Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Maud Louise , Boyer Florian , Durrieu Vanessa , Bornot Julie , Lippi Yannick , Naylies Claire , Lorber Sophie , Puel Olivier , Mathieu Florence , Snini Selma P.
Published: July 2023

Crop contamination by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), an Aspergillus-flavus-produced toxin, is frequently observed in tropical and subtropical regions. This phenomenon is emerging in Europe, most likely as a result of climate change. Alternative methods, such as biocontrol agents (BCAs), are currently being developed to reduce the use of chemicals in the prevention of mycotoxin contamination. Actinobacteria are known to produce many bioactive compounds, and some of them can reduce in vitro AFB1 concentration. In this context, the present study aims to analyze the effect of a cell-free supernatant (CFS) from Streptomyces roseolus culture on the development of A. flavus, as well as on its transcriptome profile using microarray assay and its impact on AFB1 concentration. Results demonstrated that in vitro, the S. roseolus CFS reduced the dry weight and conidiation of A. flavus from 77% and 43%, respectively, and was therefore associated with a reduction in AFB1 concentration reduction to levels under the limit of quantification. The transcriptomic data analysis revealed that 5198 genes were differentially expressed in response to the CFS exposure and among them 5169 were downregulated including most of the genes involved in biosynthetic gene clusters. The aflatoxins’ gene cluster was the most downregulated. Other gene clusters, such as the aspergillic acid, aspirochlorine, and ustiloxin B gene clusters, were also downregulated and associated with a variation in their concentration, confirmed by LC-HRMS.
Intersexual Differences in the Gene Expression of Phoneutria depilata (Araneae, Ctenidae) Toxins Revealed by Venom Gland Transcriptome Analyses
Authors: Ramírez Diego Sierra , Alzate Juan F. , Simone Yuri , van der Meijden Arie , Guevara Giovany , Franco Pérez Lida Marcela , González-Gómez Julio César , Prada Quiroga Carlos F.
Published: July 2023

The wandering spider, Phoneutria depilata, is one of Colombia’s most active nocturnal arthropod predators of vertebrates and invertebrates. Its venom has been a relevant subject of study in the last two decades. However, the scarcity of transcriptomic data for the species limits our knowledge of the distinct components present in its venom for linking the mainly neurotoxic effects of the spider venom to a particular molecular target. The transcriptome of the P. depilata venom gland was analyzed to understand the effect of different diets or sex and the impact of these variables on the composition of the venom. We sequenced venom glands obtained from ten males and ten females from three diet treatments: (i) invertebrate: Tenebrio molitor, (ii) vertebrate: Hemidactylus frenatus, and (iii) mixed (T. molitor + H. frenatus). Of 17,354 assembled transcripts from all samples, 65 transcripts relating to venom production differed between males and females. Among them, 36 were classified as neurotoxins, 14 as serine endopeptidases, 11 as other proteins related to venom production, three as metalloprotease toxins, and one as a venom potentiator. There were no differences in transcripts across the analyzed diets, but when considering the effect of diets on differences between the sexes, 59 transcripts were differentially expressed. Our findings provide essential information on toxins differentially expressed that can be related to sex and the plasticity of the diet of P. depilata and thus can be used as a reference for venomics of other wandering spider species.
The AwHog1 Transcription Factor Influences the Osmotic Stress Response, Mycelium Growth, OTA Production, and Pathogenicity in Aspergillus westerdijkiae fc-1
Authors: Wang Yufei , Liu Fei , Pei Jingying , Yan Hao , Wang Yan
Published: July 2023

Aspergillus westerdijkiae, known as the major ochratoxin A (OTA) producer, usually occurs on agricultural crops, fruits, and dry-cured meats. Microorganisms produce OTA to adapt to the high osmotic pressure environment that is generated during food processing and storage. To investigate the relationship between OTA biosynthesis and the high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway, the transcription factor AwHog1 gene in A. westerdijkiae was functionally characterised by means of a loss-of-function mutant. Our findings demonstrated that the growth and OTA production of a mutant lacking AwHog1 decreased significantly and was more sensitive to high osmotic media. The ΔAwHog1 mutant displayed a lower growth rate and a 73.16% reduction in OTA production in the wheat medium compared to the wild type. After three days of culture, the growth rate of the ΔAwHog1 mutant in medium with 60 g/L NaCl and 150 g/L glucose was slowed down 19.57% and 13.21%, respectively. Additionally, the expression of OTA biosynthesis genes was significantly reduced by the deletion of the AwHog1 gene. The infection ability of the ΔAwHog1 mutant was decreased, and the scab diameter of the pear was 6% smaller than that of the wild type. These data revealed that transcription factor AwHog1 plays a key role in the osmotic response, growth, OTA production, and pathogenicity in A. westerdijkiae.
Proteomic Profiling of Extracellular Vesicles Isolated from Plasma and Peritoneal Exudate in Mice Induced by Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus Crude Venom and Its Purified Cysteine-Rich Secretory Protein (Css-CRiSP)
Authors: Reyes Armando , Hatcher Joseph D. , Salazar Emelyn , Galan Jacob , Iliuk Anton , Sanchez Elda E. , Suntravat Montamas
Published: July 2023

Increased vascular permeability is a frequent outcome of viperid snakebite envenomation, leading to local and systemic complications. We reported that snake venom cysteine-rich secretory proteins (svCRiSPs) from North American pit vipers increase vascular permeability both in vitro and in vivo. They also induce acute activation of several adhesion and signaling molecules that may play a critical role in the pathophysiology of snakebites. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have gained interest for their diverse functions in intercellular communication, regulating cellular processes, blood-endothelium interactions, vascular permeability, and immune modulation. They also hold potential as valuable biomarkers for diagnosing, predicting, and monitoring therapeutic responses in different diseases. This study aimed to identify proteins in peritoneal exudate and plasma EVs isolated from BALB/c mice following a 30 min post-injection of Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus venom and its purified CRiSP (Css-CRiSP). EVs were isolated from these biofluids using the EVtrap method. Proteomic analysis of exudate- and plasma-derived EVs was performed using LC-MS/MS. We observed significant upregulation or downregulation of proteins involved in cell adhesion, cytoskeleton rearrangement, signal transduction, immune responses, and vesicle-mediated transports. These findings suggest that svCRiSPs play a crucial role in the acute effects of venom and contribute to the local and systemic toxicity of snakebites.
Comparison of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra Results of Stool and Sputum in Children with Presumptive Tuberculosis in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Babo Yohannes , Seremolo Bihil , Bogale Mamush , Bedru Ahmed , Wabe Yasin , Churako Haba , Bilat Alemu , Degaga Tamiru , de Haas Petra , Tiemersma Edine , Jerene Degu
Published: July 2023

The introduction of stool as a readily obtainable sample and the recently developed simple one-step (SOS) stool processing method on Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Xpert Ultra) offer an opportunity for TB diagnosis in children. We conducted this study in secondary health facilities in Ethiopia, which are the first-level referral facilities for childhood TB diagnosis and treatment, with the aim to determine if stool-based TB diagnosis can be performed with a reasonable level of concordance with sputum tests using Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra. Eligible children 0–14 years old with presumptive pulmonary TB were asked to provide stools in addition to routinely requested sputum samples. We determined the level of agreement between the stool and sputum test results. Of the 373 children included in the study, 61% were <5 years of age and 56% were male. Thirty-six children (9.7%) were diagnosed with TB, and all started treatment. The rate of concordance between stool and sputum was high, with a kappa value of 0.83 (p < 0.001). There were more Xpert Ultra positive results on stool (n = 27 (7.2%)) than on sputum/NGA (n = 23 (6.2%)). Laboratories in secondary hospitals can perform stool-based TB diagnosis in children, with high concordance between stool and sputum test results reaffirming the applicability of the SOS stool method.
Assessing the Relationship between Annual Surface Temperature Changes and the Burden of Dengue: Implications for Climate Change and Global Health Outcomes
Authors: Mendoza-Cano Oliver , Trujillo Xóchitl , Huerta Miguel , Ríos-Silva Mónica , Lugo-Radillo Agustin , Benites-Godínez Verónica , Bricio-Barrios Jaime Alberto , Ríos-Bracamontes Eder Fernando , Uribe-Ramos Juan Manuel , Baltazar-Rodríguez Greta Mariana , Murillo-Zamora Efrén
Published: July 2023

Dengue fever remains a significant global health concern, imposing a substantial burden on public health systems worldwide. Recent studies have suggested that climate change, specifically the increase in surface temperatures associated with global warming, may impact the transmission dynamics of dengue. This study aimed to assess the relationship between annual surface temperature changes from 1961 to 2019 and the burden of dengue in 185 countries. The dengue burden was evaluated for 2019 using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and the annual rate of change (ARC) in DALY rates assessed from 1990 to 2019. A cross-sectional and ecological analysis was conducted using two publicly available datasets. Regression coefficients (β) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to examine the relationship between annual surface temperature changes and the burden of dengue. The results revealed a significant negative relationship between mean surface temperatures and DALY rates in 2019 (β = −16.9, 95% CI −26.9 to −6.8). Similarly, a significant negative relationship was observed between the temperature variable and the ARC (β = −0.99, 95% CI −1.66 to −0.32). These findings suggest that as temperatures continue to rise, the burden of dengue may globally decrease. The ecology of the vector and variations in seasons, precipitation patterns, and humidity levels may partially contribute to this phenomenon. Our study contributes to the expanding body of evidence regarding the potential implications of climate change for dengue dynamics. It emphasizes the critical importance of addressing climate change as a determinant of global health outcomes.
Effects of a Late Gravitational Transition on Gravitational Waves and Anticipated Constraints
Authors: Paraskevas Evangelos Achilleas , Perivolaropoulos Leandros
Published: July 2023

We investigate the evolution of gravitational waves through discontinuous evolution (transition) of the Hubble expansion rate H(z) at a sudden cosmological singularity, which may be due to a transition of the value of the gravitational constant. We find the evolution of the scale factor and the gravitational wave waveform through the singularity by imposing the proper boundary conditions. We also use existing cosmological data and mock data of future gravitational wave experiments (the ET) to impose current and anticipated constraints on the magnitude of such a transition. We show that mock data of the Einstein Telescope can reduce the uncertainties by up to a factor of three depending on the cosmological parameter considered.
Groundwater Quality of Some Parts of Coastal Bhola District, Bangladesh: Exceptional Evidence
Authors: Shaibur Molla Rahman , Ahmmed Ishtiaque , Sarwar Sabiha , Karim Rezaul , Hossain Md. Musharraf , Islam M. Shahidul , Shah Md. Shaheen , Khan Abu Shamim , Akhtar Farhana , Uddin Md. Galal , Rahman M. Moklesur , Salam Mohammed Abdus , Ambade Balram
Published: July 2023

The composition of groundwater governs the drinking and irrigation water suitability. A large part of the coastal region of Bangladesh is affected and is responsible for changing the composition of the groundwater. This research attempted to observe the groundwater quality of the Bhola Sadar and Char Fasson upazilas in coastal Bangladesh. Twenty-eight (28) water samples, 27 at depths of 260–430 m (850–1400 ft) and 1 from a crop field, were collected and analyzed. The quality of water samples was determined through the evaluation of odor, color, turbidity, electrical conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids, nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+), sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and arsenic (As) ions. An Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer was used for heavy metal analysis. The outcomes were compared with the drinking water quality of Bangladesh and the World Health Organization. The results showed that the average values of nearly all of the parameters were underneath or within the standard level, representing that the groundwater was appropriate for drinking purposes. The water quality parameters were also compared with the irrigation water quality of Bangladesh and the Food and Agriculture Organization. It was found that the collected samples were also suitable for irrigation. To do this, the soluble sodium percentage, sodium adsorption ratio, magnesium adsorption ratio, Kelley’s ratio, and total hardness were calculated. The novelty of this research is that, despite being in a coastal district, the deep aquifer water of Bhola was appropriate for drinking and irrigation purposes.
Viral Shedding in Mice following Intravenous Adenovirus Injection: Impact on Biosafety Classification
Authors: LaRocca Christopher J. , Jacobsen Kari L. , Inoko Kazuho , Zakharkin Stanislav O. , Yamamoto Masato , Davydova Julia
Published: July 2023

There have been numerous advances in gene therapy and oncolytic virotherapy in recent years, especially with respect to cutting-edge animal models to test these novel therapeutics. With all of these advances, it is important to understand the biosafety risks of testing these vectors in animals. We performed adenovirus-based viral shedding studies in murine models to ascertain when it is appropriate to downgrade the animals from Biosafety Level (BSL) 2 to BSL 1 for experimental handling and transport. We utilized intravenous injections of a replication-competent adenovirus and analyzed viral shedding via the collection of buccal and dermal swabs from each animal, in addition to obtaining urine and stool samples. The adenovirus hexon copy number was determined by qPCR, and plaque formation was analyzed to assess the biologic activity of viral particles. Our results demonstrate that after 72 h following viral inoculation, there is no significant quantity of biologically active virus shedding from the animals. This observation suggests that on day 4 following adenovirus injection, mice can be safely downgraded to BSL 1 for the remainder of the experiment with no concern for hazardous exposure to laboratory personnel.