bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Body Performance with COVID-19 Affectation According to Virus Specification Based on Biosensor Techniques
Authors: Alathari Mohammed Jawad Ahmed , Al Mashhadany Yousif , Mokhtar Mohd Hadri Hafiz , Burham Norhafizah , Bin Zan Mohd Saiful Dzulkefly , A Bakar Ahmad Ashrif , Arsad Norhana
Published: December 2021

Life was once normal before the first announcement of COVID-19’s first case in Wuhan, China, and what was slowly spreading became an overnight worldwide pandemic. Ever since the virus spread at the end of 2019, it has been morphing and rapidly adapting to human nature changes which cause difficult conundrums in the efforts of fighting it. Thus, researchers were steered to investigate the virus in order to contain the outbreak considering its novelty and there being no known cure. In contribution to that, this paper extensively reviewed, compared, and analyzed two main points; SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission in humans and detection methods of COVID-19 in the human body. SARS-CoV-2 human exchange transmission methods reviewed four modes of transmission which are Respiratory Transmission, Fecal–Oral Transmission, Ocular transmission, and Vertical Transmission. The latter point particularly sheds light on the latest discoveries and advancements in the aim of COVID-19 diagnosis and detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus associated with this disease in the human body. The methods in this review paper were classified into two categories which are RNA-based detection including RT-PCR, LAMP, CRISPR, and NGS and secondly, biosensors detection including, electrochemical biosensors, electronic biosensors, piezoelectric biosensors, and optical biosensors.
Deep Auto-Encoder and Deep Forest-Assisted Failure Prognosis for Dynamic Predictive Maintenance Scheduling
Authors: Yu Hui , Chen Chuang , Lu Ningyun , Wang Cunsong
Published: December 2021

Prognostics and health management (PHM) with failure prognosis and maintenance decision-making as the core is an advanced technology to improve the safety, reliability, and operational economy of engineering systems. However, studies of failure prognosis and maintenance decision-making have been conducted separately over the past years. Key challenges remain open when the joint problem is considered. The aim of this paper is to develop an integrated strategy for dynamic predictive maintenance scheduling (DPMS) based on a deep auto-encoder and deep forest-assisted failure prognosis method. The proposed DPMS method involves a complete process from performing failure prognosis to making maintenance decisions. The first step is to extract representative features reflecting system degradation from raw sensor data by using a deep auto-encoder. Then, the features are fed into the deep forest to compute the failure probabilities in moving time horizons. Finally, an optimal maintenance-related decision is made through quickly evaluating the costs of different decisions with the failure probabilities. Verification was accomplished using NASA’s open datasets of aircraft engines, and the experimental results show that the proposed DPMS method outperforms several state-of-the-art methods, which can benefit precise maintenance decisions and reduce maintenance costs.
Clustering-Based Plane Segmentation Neural Network for Urban Scene Modeling
Authors: Lee Hongjae , Jung Jiyoung
Published: December 2021

Urban scene modeling is a challenging but essential task for various applications, such as 3D map generation, city digitization, and AR/VR/metaverse applications. To model man-made structures, such as roads and buildings, which are the major components in general urban scenes, we present a clustering-based plane segmentation neural network using 3D point clouds, called hybrid K-means plane segmentation (HKPS). The proposed method segments unorganized 3D point clouds into planes by training the neural network to estimate the appropriate number of planes in the point cloud based on hybrid K-means clustering. We consider both the Euclidean distance and cosine distance to cluster nearby points in the same direction for better plane segmentation results. Our network does not require any labeled information for training. We evaluated the proposed method using the Virtual KITTI dataset and showed that our method outperforms conventional methods in plane segmentation. Our code is publicly available.
Did Electric Vehicle Sales Skyrocket Due to Increased Environmental Awareness While Total Vehicle Sales Declined during COVID-19?
Authors: Lieven Theo , Hügler Beatrice
Published: December 2021

Since the beginning of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a global threat to humankind. In addition to many cases of illness and millions of deaths, the economy has suffered. Not surprisingly, vehicle sales have declined sharply in most countries by up to 25%. However, the overall sales of electric vehicles (EVs) did not stall; instead, they increased to previously forecasted levels. Is this increase evidence that COVID-19 has promoted sustainable action and strengthened environmental awareness, as researchers have discussed in recently published articles? Or is this merely the effect of monetary incentives by governments, as has been demonstrated in scientific research? This study examines the causes behind the surprising continuous climb of EV sales despite the outbreak of the pandemic by contrasting the influence of COVID-19 on environmental concerns and the usual monetary incentives with their potential complementary effects.
Correlates of Social Competences among Polish Adolescents: Physical Activity, Self-Esteem, Participation in Sports and Screen Time
Authors: Koszałka-Silska Agnieszka , Korcz Agata , Wiza Agata
Published: December 2021

Adolescents’ social competences determine the effectiveness of social functioning. In the long term, a higher level of social competence increases readiness for university and increases the chance of achieving success in a professional career. The primary objective of this study is to examine the association between social competences and self-esteem, physical activity, screen time, and participation in sports among Polish adolescents. 106 adolescents completed the Social Competences Questionnaire (SCQ) and Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), as well as selected questions from the Health Behavior in School Aged Children (HBSC). Analysis of the study variables showed a moderate statistically significant relationship between social competences and self-esteem (rs = 0.55, p < 0.001). Statistical analysis also showed that adolescents who engage in moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA; ≥5 days/week) have significantly higher levels of social competences than adolescents with lower MVPA (Z = 3.50, p ˂ 0.001). No significant statistical association was found between social competences and screen time, or participation in sport. Hierarchical multiple regression also suggested that higher self-esteem and engaging in moderate and vigorous physical activity is positively associated with higher social competences among adolescents. Adolescents’ social competences are significantly associated with self-esteem and physical activity. The results can help those working with young people with social functioning difficulties in performing effective interventions and shaping policies.
On the Future of Computational Thinking Education: Moving beyond the Digital Agenda, a Discourse Analysis Perspective
Authors: Dolgopolovas Vladimiras , Dagiene Valentina
Published: December 2021

This article explores the development directions of the phenomenon of Computational Thinking (CT) from the perspectives of discourse analysis. The motivation is based on the understanding of CT as an advanced educational approach, methodology, and community, aimed at a set of learners’ digital and further competences having a huge impact on modern education and society. The novelty of this study lies in the attempt to look holistically at CT and its perspectives, considering it as an evolving phenomenon per se, leaving aside discussion on its internal characteristics or applications. The study utilizes a comprehensive analysis, applying discourse analysis and social semiotics methods. The results present the most trended storylines associated with CT and its context, providing a thorough introduction to the CT discursive landscape. The findings and discussion present a reflective insight into the discursive landscape directions, focusing on meaning-makers and their identities, the transformative and transductive potential of CT, observing the phenomenon’s development paths from a metaphorical perspective and positioning it towards the development of the socio-technical networks it mediates. In the conclusion, the options for development and possible trends in the reconstitution of the CT phenomenon are outlined.
Utilization of Greenhouse Gases for Syngas Production by Dry Reforming Process Using Reduced BaNiO3 Perovskite as a Catalyst
Authors: Ahmad Naushad , Wahab Rizwan , Manoharadas Salim , Alrayes Basel F. , Alharthi Fahad
Published: December 2021

For the commercialization of syngas production, the utilization of greenhouse gases and the fabrication of an active catalyst for the dry reforming methane (DRM) process are the biggest challenges because of deactivation by carbon deposition, oxidation, sintering, and loss of active surface sites under high temperature. In the present article, BaNiO3 perovskite was synthesized by the coprecipitation method, and its reduced form (r-BNO) was utilized for syngas production by the DRM reaction. It was found that the r-BNO showed high stability and good resistance against carbon deposition, however, the conversions (CH4 and CO2) have been found to be less than 50%. Many techniques such as TGA, XRD, FT-IR, UV-Vis, BET, SEM, TEM, XPS, TPR, TPO, and TPD were used in order to investigate the physical properties and evaluation conditions for syngas production. From the obtained results, it was revealed that BaNiO3 perovskite possessed a hexagonal crystal structure and perforated–rough surface; in addition, its structure was virtually regenerated by oxidation of the r-BNO catalyst, which provides a convenient way to regenerate the original catalyst in an oxidative atmosphere. Structural and surface alterations of the used catalyst, after the DRM reaction, were characterized by using TGA, TPO, and TEM, and it was found that there was no significant deposition of inert carbons (D and G) and deactivation of the r-BNO catalyst.
Adapting Railway Maintenance to Climate Change
Authors: Garmabaki A. H. S. , Thaduri Adithya , Famurewa Stephen , Kumar Uday
Published: December 2021

Railway infrastructure is vulnerable to extreme weather events such as elevated temperature, flooding, storms, intense winds, sea level rise, poor visibility, etc. These events have extreme consequences for the dependability of railway infrastructure and the acceptable level of services by infrastructure managers and other stakeholders. It is quite complex and difficult to quantify the consequences of climate change on railway infrastructure because of the inherent nature of the railway itself. Hence, the main aim of this work is to qualitatively identify and assess the impact of climate change on railway infrastructure with associated risks and consequences. A qualitative research methodology is employed in the study using a questionnaire as a tool for information gathering from experts from several municipalities in Sweden, Swedish transport infrastructure managers, maintenance organizations, and train operators. The outcome of this questionnaire revealed that there was a lower level of awareness about the impact of climate change on the various facets of railway infrastructure. Furthermore, the work identifies the challenges and barriers for climate adaptation of railway infrastructure and suggests recommended actions to improve the resilience towards climate change. It also provides recommendations, including adaptation options to ensure an effective and efficient railway transport service.
Urban Soundscape Assessment by Visually Impaired People: First Methodological Approach in Granada (Spain)
Authors: Vida Jerónimo , Almagro José Antonio , García-Quesada Rafael , Aletta Francesco , Oberman Tin , Mitchell Andrew , Kang Jian
Published: December 2021

Soundscape assessments by citizens are starting to emerge as a common practice, normally carried out in context by means of soundwalks along selected paths with volunteers. However, when such assessments are carried out, either in situ or in laboratory experiments, visually impaired citizens are not usually involved. To address this question, three soundwalks were carried out in 2020 in the city of Granada, in southern Spain, with the participation of visually impaired people. In this paper, we present the lessons learnt from this research with respect to the methodology issues that have to do with soundwalking and the surveying procedures when people with limited vison are participating, the assessment results, and a comparison with a soundscape evaluation carried out in 2019 without the collaboration of visually impaired people. The results of this preliminary campaign highlight that: (1) Adapting soundscape assessment protocols from standards for visually impaired people is a methodological challenge that requires research attention; (2) Some of the different patterns in the assessment of the soundscape pleasantness between visually impaired and nonvisually impaired participants emerged; (3) The perception of quietness may differ for visually impaired people when orientation and identification are factors that play a role in the acoustic environment evaluation.
Advocacy for Sustainability Communication: Unseen Potential of Queer Communicators in Environmental, Climate Change and Sustainability Science
Authors: Weder Franzisca , Samanta Swastika
Published: December 2021

The story of climate change, of destruction and loss, is well represented in mass media around natural hazards and new scientific data (i.e., the newest IPCC report); in contrast, new concepts of restoration, eco-cultural identities, social change and sustainable development are not picked up in public discourses—similarly to how the voices of NGO communicators, activists or queer communicators are not heard in the media. Additionally, the growth of digital publishing technologies and related audience behavior not only influence public communication processes, but also challenge professional communicators, including journalists and PR professionals to scientists, artists and activists. With a series of explorative interviews in different cultural settings (Central Europe, Australia, New Zealand), we can show that queer communicators have the potential to cultivate a new understanding of sustainability communication as social conversation about sustainability, and thus, overcome the very visible old story about climate change and rather propagate the new story of sustainability and transformation. The interviews show that queer communicator advocacy focuses on mobilizing and initiating dialectic conversations, which includes community building and queering existing norms, thus choosing new pathways for communication for sustainability. The findings and the developed concept of advocacy for sustainability communication are discussed at the end of the paper, including a reflection on the limitations of the explorative character of the analysis and future research potential.
Research into the Impacts of Driving Cycles and Load Weight on the Operation of a Light Commercial Electric Vehicle
Authors: Settey Tomáš , Gnap Jozef , Synák František , Skrúcaný Tomáš , Dočkalik Marek
Published: December 2021

The European Parliament has adopted Directive 2019/1161 on the promotion of environmentally friendly and energy-efficient road transport vehicles, which also defines the obligations and forms of support for the procurement of environmentally friendly vehicles in urban logistics. The increase in the number of shipments delivered within e-commerce, which is also the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, requires a transition to a sustainable logistics system. New research questions are being raised in the preparation of new projects for the introduction of small electric commercial vehicles in particular. One of the main research questions about deployment itself is whether light commercial electric vehicles are able to fully replace conventionally powered vehicles. What operating conditions are optimal for the operation of them? How does load weight affect the energy efficiency of operating a light commercial electric vehicle? The authors decided to carry out research into the impacts of weight and the nature of a driving cycle under laboratory conditions to eliminate all external factors that could distort individual measurements and their results. In order to simulate driving cycles, an urban driving cycle was designed on the basis of the course of speed, acceleration, deceleration and slope conditions of roads in the selected regional city of Žilina (Slovakia). In the case of the operation of an electrically powered light commercial vehicle, the impact of load weight on the range of the vehicle is low, and is below the level of the theoretical maximum range of the vehicle in urban logistics applications. The operation of electrically powered vehicles in hilly terrains with relatively longer gradients and steeper slopes increases electricity consumption and, thereby, reduces their range.
A Conceptual Framework for Estimating Building Embodied Carbon Based on Digital Twin Technology and Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhao Zengfeng , Xiao Jianzhuang , Tiong Robert
Published: December 2021

Low-carbon building design requests an estimation of total embodied carbon as the environmental performance metric for comparison of different design options in early design stages. Due to a lack of consensus on the system boundaries in building life cycle assessment (LCA), the carbon estimation results obtained by the current methods are often disputable. In this regard, this paper proposes a method for estimating building embodied carbon based on digital twin technology and LCA. The proposed method is advantageous over others by providing (1) a cradle-to-cradle LCA and (2) an automated data communication between LCA and building information modelling (BIM) databases. Because data for the processes in the life cycle are collected via digital twin technology in a standard and consistent way, the obtained results will be considered credible. So far, a conceptual framework is developed based on a comprehensive literature review, which consists of three parts. In the first part, formulas for LCA are given. In the second part, a hybrid approach combining semantic web with a relational database for BIM and radio-frequency identification (RFID) integration is described. In the third part, how to design the LCA database and how to link LCA with BIM are described. The conceptual framework proposed is tested for its reasonableness by a small hypothetical case study.
Defining High-Quality Answers on a Chinese Tourism Q&A Platform in Terms of Information Needs
Authors: Li Lei , Song Xue , Liu Shujun , Huang Kun
Published: December 2021

Travel Question and Answer (Q&A) platforms are widely used by travelers to exchange information online. This paper examined one such platform, Ctrip Q&A, to better understand the features of high-quality answers. The questions were first categorized into four types of information required by tourists (knowledge, efficiency, risk, and hedonic types) and then subdivided into more concrete elements, such as accommodation, food, and climate. The characteristics of high-quality answers on the platform were identified and a regression analysis was conducted to determine their importance. The study found that negative emotional expressions negatively impacted the quality of answers while the usefulness, richness, and amount of information had a positive effect. The usefulness of the answer content and quantity of information consistently predicted high-quality answers, whereas richness and conciseness were inconsistently related. Finally, the characteristics of high-quality answers to questions about different elements of tourism in the same category of tourist information varied significantly. This study may help travelers select and provide high-quality answers on tourism Q&A platforms. It may also assist platform operators in optimizing the features of their platforms, thereby improving user satisfaction and overall quality.
Chemical, Thermal, and Rheological Performance of Asphalt Binder Containing Plastic Waste
Authors: Veropalumbo Rosa , Russo Francesca , Oreto Cristina , Buonocore Giovanna Giuliana , Verdolotti Letizia , Muiambo Herminio , Biancardo Salvatore Antonio , Viscione Nunzio
Published: December 2021

In order to meet the environmental needs caused by large plastic waste accumulation, in the road construction sector, an effort is being made to integrate plastic waste with the function of polymer into asphalt mixtures; with the purpose of improving the mechanical performance of the pavement layers. This study focuses on the effect of a recycled mixture of plastic waste on the chemical, thermal, and rheological properties of designed asphalt blends and on the identification of the most suitable composition blend to be proposed for making asphalt mixture through a dry modification method. Thermo-gravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis were carried out to investigate the effect of various concentrations and dimensions of plastic waste (PW) on the neat binder (NB). The frequency sweep test and the multiple stress creep and recovery test were performed to analyze the viscoelastic behavior of the asphalt blends made up of PW in comparison with NB and a commercial modified bitumen (MB). It has been observed that the presence of various types of plastic materials having different melting temperatures does not allow a total melting of PW powder at the mixing temperatures. However, the addition of PW in the asphalt blend significantly improved the aging resistance without affecting the oxidation process of the plastic compound present in the asphalt blend. Furthermore, when the asphalt blend mixed with 20% PW by the weight of bitumen is adopted into the asphalt mixture as polymer, it improves the elasticity and strengthens the mixture better than the mixture containing MB.
A Parametric Study to Assess Lightweight Aggregate Concrete for Future Sustainable Construction of Reinforced Concrete Beams
Authors: Vives Ismael , Varona Francisco B. , Tenza-Abril Antonio J. , Pereiro-Barceló Javier
Published: December 2021

Lightweight aggregate concrete (LWC) is an attractive alternative to conventional concrete in building construction. It leads to lighter self-weight in beams and floor slabs and thus might have a positive impact on reinforcing steel consumption, also reducing the loads withstood by columns and foundations. However, LWC may increase cement consumption to maintain the required concrete compressive strength. This study presents compact equations for the design of reinforced LWC beams and subsequently applies them to a parametric analysis programmed in MATLAB. The aim of this analysis is to obtain an estimation of the equivalent carbon dioxide emissions associated with steel and cement consumption if using LWC instead of conventional concrete. The analysis involves more than 3 million beams simulating real scenarios by varying different design parameters, such as mix design, concrete strength, span length and applied loads and verifying both Ultimate and Serviceability Limit States. Whereas LWC of density equal or below 1600 kg/m3 does not seem to be feasible when trying adequately control cement content, the study shows that LWC with densities of 1800 and 2000 kg/m3 would not have a negative impact on the carbon dioxide emissions and would adequately comply with the various design restrictions.
Methane Emission Estimation of Oil and Gas Sector: A Review of Measurement Technologies, Data Analysis Methods and Uncertainty Estimation
Authors: Sun Shuo , Ma Linwei , Li Zheng
Published: December 2021

The emission estimation of the oil and gas sector, which involves field test measurements, data analysis, and uncertainty estimation, precedes effective emission mitigation actions. A systematic comparison and summary of these technologies and methods are necessary to instruct the technology selection and for uncertainty improvement, which is not found in existing literature. In this paper, we present a review of existing measuring technologies, matching data analysis methods, and newly developed probabilistic tools for uncertainty estimation and try to depict the process for emission estimation. Through a review, we find that objectives have a determinative effect on the selection of measurement technologies, matching data analysis methods, and uncertainty estimation methods. And from a systematic perspective, optical instruments may have greatly improved measurement accuracy and range, yet data analysis methods might be the main contributor of estimation uncertainty. We suggest that future studies on oil and gas methane emissions should focus on the analysis methods to narrow the uncertainty bond, and more research on uncertainty generation might also be required.
Biological Activity of Phytochemicals from Agricultural Wastes and Weeds on Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Jiménez-Durán Analleli , Barrera-Cortés Josefina , Lina-García Laura Patricia , Santillan Rosa , Soto-Hernández Ramón Marcos , Ramos-Valdivia Ana C. , Ponce-Noyola Teresa , Ríos-Leal Elvira
Published: December 2021

Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a polyphagous insect pest native to America. Due to its capacity for adaptation and migration, it is currently located in Africa, Asia, and Oceania, where it threatens agricultural crops. The ability of S. frugiperda to develop resistance to insecticides is one of the reasons for the continuous search for more effective, low-cost, and environmentally friendly control products. In the present work, the insecticidal activity of ethanolic and hexane extracts obtained from fresh and dehydrated leaves of Piper auritum Kunth (Piperales: Piperaceae), Piper umbellatum L. (Piperales: Piperaceae), and Cedrela odorata L. (Sapindales: Meliaceae) was studied against first instar larvae of S. frugiperda. The ethanolic extracts of the dehydrated leaves of C. odorata and P. auritum presented insecticidal activity as high (100% mortality at a concentration of 92 mg/cm2) as that obtained with the positive control, Melia azedarach L. (Sapindales: Meliaceae). The GC-MS analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of phytochemicals classified mainly into the groups of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, phenylpropanoids, alcohols, and fatty acids. P. auritum grows and propagates rapidly. In addition, due to its low toxicity in mammals and non-target insects, it is a plant with the potential to be used as a botanical insecticide. The exposure of S. frugiperda larvae to low concentrations of ethanolic extract of P. auritum allowed us to observe their biological activity in the development of this insect. The LC50 was 22.1 mg/cm2. At sublethal concentrations (LC21 and LC35) the low fertility of the emerging adults was noticeable.
Latitudinal Variation in the Toxicity and Sexual Compatibility of Alexandrium catenella Strains from Southern Chile
Authors: Rodríguez-Villegas Camilo , Díaz Patricio A. , Riobó Pilar , Rossignoli Araceli E. , Rodríguez Francisco , Loures Patricia , Baldrich Ángela M. , Varela Daniel , Sandoval-Sanhueza Alondra , Figueroa Rosa I.
Published: December 2021

The bloom-forming toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella was first detected in southern Chile (39.5–55° S) 50 years ago and is responsible for most of the area’s cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). Given the complex life history of A. catenella, which includes benthic sexual cysts, in this study, we examined the potential link between latitude, toxicity, and sexual compatibility. Nine clones isolated from Chilean Patagonia were used in self- and out-crosses in all possible combinations (n = 45). The effect of latitude on toxicity, reproductive success indexes, and cyst production was also determined. Using the toxin profiles for all strains, consisting of C1, C2, GTX4, GTX1, GTX3, and NeoSTX, a latitudinal gradient was determined for their proportions (%) and content per cell (pg cell−1), with the more toxic strains occurring in the north (−40.6° S). Reproductive success also showed a latitudinal tendency and was lower in the north. None of the self-crosses yielded resting cysts. Rather, the production of resting cysts was highest in pairings of clones separated by distances of 1000–1650 km. Our results contribute to a better understanding of PSP outbreaks in the region and demonstrate the importance of resting cysts in fueling new toxic events. They also provide additional evidence that the introduction of strains from neighboring regions is a cause for concern.
Decreased Fetal Movements: A Sign of Placental SARS-CoV-2 Infection with Perinatal Brain Injury
Authors: Favre Guillaume , Mazzetti Sara , Gengler Carole , Bertelli Claire , Schneider Juliane , Laubscher Bernard , Capoccia Romina , Pakniyat Fatemeh , Ben Jazia Inès , Eggel-Hort Béatrice , de Leval Laurence , Pomar Léo , Greub Gilbert , Baud David , Giannoni Eric
Published: December 2021

Neonatal COVID-19 is rare and mainly results from postnatal transmission. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), however, can infect the placenta and compromise its function. We present two cases of decreased fetal movements and abnormal fetal heart rhythm 5 days after mild maternal COVID-19, requiring emergency caesarean section at 29 + 3 and 32 + 1 weeks of gestation, and leading to brain injury. Placental examination revealed extensive and multifocal chronic intervillositis, with intense cytoplasmic positivity for SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody and SARS-CoV-2 detection by RT-qPCR. Vertical transmission was confirmed in one case, and both neonates developed extensive cystic peri-ventricular leukomalacia.
Undetectable Anti-HBs Antibodies: Need of a Booster Dose for HIV-1-Infected Individuals
Authors: Bekele Yonas , Berzofsky Jay A. , Chiodi Francesca
Published: December 2021

HBV vaccination effectively prevents HBV transmission and the development of liver cancer. Disease progression and liver-related complications are more common in HIV-1/HBV co-infected than HBV mono-infected individuals. A considerable body of literature, which will be reviewed here, indicates that response to HBV vaccine is suboptimal in HIV-1-infected individuals and that the poor maintenance of protective immunity to HBV vaccines in these individuals is an important medical issue. Several factors affect HBV vaccine response during HIV-1 infection including CD4+ T cell counts, B cell response, vaccine formulation, schedules, and timing of antiretroviral therapy (ART). The initial response to HBV vaccination also plays a critical role in the sustainability of antibody responses in both HIV-1-infected and uninfected vaccinees. Thus, regular follow-up for antibody titer and a booster dose is warranted to prevent HBV transmission in HIV-1 infected people.
Has Clinical and Epidemiological Varicella Burden Changed over Time in Children? Overview on Hospitalizations, Comorbidities and Costs from 2010 to 2017 in Italy
Authors: Piazza Maria Francesca , Amicizia Daniela , Paganino Chiara , Marchini Francesca , Astengo Matteo , Grammatico Federico , Trucchi Cecilia , Romairone Paolo , Simonetti Simona , Sticchi Camilla , Ansaldi Filippo
Published: December 2021

According to WHO estimates, varicella disease is responsible of a worldwide significant burden in terms of hospitalizations, complications, and deaths, with more than 90% of cases under 12 years old. This study aims at evaluating the clinical, epidemiological, and economic burden of varicella in Ligurian children, about comorbidities, organizational variables, and vaccination coverages from 2010 to 2017, in terms of Emergency Department accesses and hospitalizations. The overall hospitalization rate was 179.76 (per 100,000 inhab.), with a gradual but significant decline since 2015, when universal varicella vaccination was introduced in Liguria (p < 0.0001). The risk of being hospitalized for complicated varicella in subjects with at least one comorbidity was significantly higher than in subjects without comorbidities (p = 0.0016). The economic analysis showed higher costs in subjects with complicated varicella who were 0–3 years old. This age group showed higher costs also considering extra-hospital costs for both outpatient procedures and pharmaceutical costs (p < 0.0001). The results confirm the relevant burden of varicella, especially in the 0–3 age group and in children with comorbidities. Thus, vaccination with the achievement of adequate vaccination coverages is confirmed to be a necessary control strategy to reduce hospitalizations and associated complications with important economic benefits.
Metodología cualitativa para evaluar la relación entre la gestión administrativa y la gestión académica en instituciones de educación superior
Authors: Bazurto Macías Yuly Viviana , Lucio Pinargote Wilma Piedad , Flores Urbáez Matilde , Bravo Giler María Amelia
Published: December 2021

Se establece una propuesta metodológica cualitativa para evaluar la relación entre la gestión administrativa y la gestión académica en instituciones de educación superior. La metodología se aplicó en la Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Ecuador. Se utilizó la entrevista en profundidad para recabar la información y el programa Atlas.ti, para procesarla y codificarla. Se usó el análisis FODA (Fortalezas, Oportunidades, Debilidades y Amenazas) para organizar la información y así elaborar recomendaciones para mejorarla relación gestión administrativa - gestión académica. Los resultados indican que la metodología es adaptable a la realidad de cada institución de educación superior donde se aplique y proporciona información clave para mejorar el proceso de toma de decisiones y la coordinación de las acciones que se requieran en la institución evaluada. Se concluye que la metodología es apropiada para evaluar de forma cualitativa la relación entre la gestión administrativa y la gestión académica, así como la incidencia de una sobre otra.
Producción local de perfiles de aluminio y su impacto en la construcción de viviendas
Authors: Armijos Naula Johanna Michelle , Bosquez López Mariuxi Katherine , Zapata Barros Ángel Enrique
Published: December 2021

Dentro de los acabados de viviendas, los materiales más empleados son los perfiles de aluminio que en la localidad se dedica a la comercialización de este insumo que en general son importados. Por ello, la presente investigación tiene como objetivo analizar el impacto que tendría la sustitución de las importaciones por producción local de perfiles de aluminio en los costos y el desempeño en general de la industria de la construcción en la provincia. Para ello se empleó la metodología de evaluación de impacto de la Unión Europea 2006 compuesta por ocho pasos, además se utilizó un enfoque cuantitativo de carácter no experimental, que permitió evaluar el efecto económico de forma objetiva mediante la aplicación de técnicas como encuestas y entrevistas, las mismas que al ser analizadas permitieron sostener la hipótesis siguiente: la producción local de perfiles de aluminio reduce significativamente los costos de construcción de una vivienda.

 

Palabras clave: Productividad; extrusión; importaciones; inversión; efecto económico.

 

ABSTRACT

 

Within the finishes of housing, the most used material are the aluminium profiles themselves that in the locality is dedicated to the commercialization of this input that are usually imported. Therefore, this investigation aims to analyze the impact of replacing imports with local production of aluminium profiles on the costs and overall performance of the construction industry in the province. To this end, the European Union’s eight-step impact assessment methodology was used, and a non-experimental quantitative approach was also used, since it allowed the economic effect to be assessed objectively through the application of techniques such as surveys and interviews themselves that when analyzed made it possible to sustain the hypothesis following: local production of aluminium profiles significantly reduces the costs of building a home.

 

Keywords: Productivity; extrusion; imports; investment; economic effect.
Desenvolvimento de espécies florestais nativas em mata ciliar no Riacho Grilo, Sergipe
Authors: Gama Dráuzio Correia , Ferreira Robério Anastácio , Jesus Janisson Batista de
Published: December 2021

O desmatamento das matas ciliares resulta em áreas degradadas que prejudicam a estabilidade dos ecossistemas associados a estes ambientes hídricos, necessitando, portanto, de estudos que indiquem espécies aptas para o uso em programas de recuperação das florestas ripárias. O estudo foi conduzido em um trecho de área perturbada de mata ciliar no Riacho Grilo, município de Salgado-SE, com o objetivo de testar espécies florestais nativas para recuperação de mata ciliar por meio de plantio de mudas. Utilizou-se de cinco espécies florestais: Anadenanthera macrocarpa (Benth), Ceiba especiosa (A.St.-Hill), Hymenae astigononocarpa (Mart), Psidium guajava L. e Tabebuia aurea ((Manso) Benth & Hook), conduzidos por Delineamento em Blocos Casualizados (DBC) com quatro repetições e avaliadas em dois momentos: julho/2012 a setembro/2013 como Avaliação I (AI) e setembro/2014 a maio/2015 como Avaliação II (AII). Computou-se mortalidade por contagem direta e avaliou-se a altura e diâmetro ao nível do solo (DNS), analisados por Scott-Knott ao nível de 5% de significância. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 35,6% em AI e 11,2% em AII. C. especiosa e T. aurea apresentaram melhores médias em DNS nas duas avaliações (AI e AII). A. macrocarpa e C. especiosa seguida de T. aurea como melhores médias em altura em AI e C. especiosa e A. macrocarpa em AII. Recomenda-se as espécies C. especiosa, A. macrocarpae T. aurea para plantios de recuperação ambiental e/ou restauração florestal por meio do plantio de mudas na referida unidade de planejamento.
Survey and Use of Lava Tunnels during Future Lunar Missions (Part 1).
Authors: Kryuchkov B.I. , Kulikov I.N. , Burdin B.V.
Published: December 2021

The paper presents approaches to the survey and use of such unique natural formations as lunar lava tunnels. The most important applied technology pro-posed for use at the stages of design, construction and operation of lunar bases is laser scanning. The capabilities of existing lidar systems allow obtaining spa-tial data on objects and formations on the surface of other planets with high accuracy and efficiency. The issues of practical application of mobile and sta-tionary scanning laser studies of lunar lava tunnels are considered.
СОЦІАЛЬНО-ПЕДАГОГІЧНЕ ПАРТНЕРСТВО В ОСВІТІ - СУТНІСТЬ, ОСНОВНІ ІДЕЇ
Authors: Апрєлєва І. В.
Published: December 2021

У статті висвітлено особливості соціально-педагогічного партнерства в освіті, його основні орієнтири. Зроблено акцент на тому, що у вітчизняній педагогіці соціально-педагогічне партнерство необхідно розглядати як діалогічне відношення соціальних суб’єктів, що забезпечує єдність, гармонізацію соціальних структур та вироблення освітньої стратегії єдиних дій. Це зумовлює інтеграцію інтересів різних соціальних груп у єдиному освітньому та інформаційному полі. Зазначено види (за формою: договірне, організаційне; за етапами: підготовчий, організаційний, функціональний; за рівнем: макро, мезо, мікро-рівень; за типом взаємодії: благодійність, спонсорство, співробітництво та інвестиції), форми (партнерство в галузі дошкільної освіти; партнерства ЗДО з представниками інших сфер (макросередовища), а саме: послуг охорони здоров’я, культури, фізичної культури, громадських організацій, фондів, органів управління освітою на рівні району, міста, області, служб соціального забезпечення сім’ї та дітей, а також соціальні послуги взаємодії з їх батьками (законними представниками); партнерство зі спонсорами, благодійними організаціями), принципи (добровільності, рівноправності сторін, поваги інтересів один одного, дотримання законів та нормативних актів) соціальнопедагогічного партнерства. Виокремлено основні аспекти процесу реалізації соціально-педагогічного партнерства: розвиток освітнього потенціалу дошкільного закладу; реалізація та розвиток виховного потенціалу сім’ї, партнерство дошкільного закладу та сім’ї; взаємодія соціальних інститутів і дошкільного закладу; включення дошкільнят у суспільно значущу діяльність. Визначено проблеми, що ускладнюють організацію соціально-педагогічного партнерства та запропоновано напрями його подальшого розвитку (підвищення рівня комунікативної компетенції педагогів з взаємодії з батьками для формування сімейних традицій; підвищення рівня психолого-педагогічних знань батьків; розвиток у педагогів та батьків здатності до позитивного діалогу; використання нових нетрадиційних форми та методів роботи з сім’єю, як чинник підвищення освіти дітей; педагогічна та психологічна освіта сім’ї через інформаційні технології).
ЕФЕКТИВНЕ НАВЧАННЯ – ПЕДАГОГІЧНІ ІННОВАЦІЇ І ТРАДИЦІЇ
Authors: Ворожбіт-Горбатюк В. В.
Published: December 2021

У статті автором порушено актуальну для сучасного вчителя проблему
ефективності навчання. Поняття ефективного навчання автор трактує як
цілеспрямований процес послідовного опанування учасником освітнього процесу
дидактичного матеріалу відносно завершеними частинами на рівні осмислення,
розуміння, розвитку на цій основі певних особистісних якостей, здатності
використовувати засвоєний матеріал в новій ситуації.
На підставі логіко-системного аналізу зроблено висновок про те, що
ефективність у навчанні передбачає синтез навчальних цілей і особистісного
прогресу. Тому автором запропоновано алгоритм формування змісту освітньої
компоненти: 1. Чітке визначення навчальних цілей. 2. Чітка візуалізація
очікуваного результату як синтезу навчальної продуктивності і особистісного
розвитку. 3. Формування навчального контенту (які знання і навички потрібні
для досягнення поставленої мети, які форми методи навчання використати).
Для забезпечення ефективного навчання важливими є умови: вивчення
рівня академічних досягнень аудиторії, в якій перебуває учень; дослідження
дитини (рівень довільної уваги, інших мисленевих процесів, мотивації);
поєднання навчання і праці, створення академічно цінного інформаційного
простору, реалізація принципу складності і доступності, підтримка бажання
учня бути помічником учителя, експертом, критиком, систематиком тощо.
У статті схарактеризовано принципові моменти ефективного навчання:
цілеспрямованості, конструювання змісту навчання в частини-модулі,
позитивної мотивації, системності, колаборації з академічною спільнотою,
громадськими просвітницькими організаціями, інтелектуальними заходами.
У статті охарактеризовано інструменти ефективного навчання: шлях
героя, прийом помилки, вивчення реальних феноменів, елементи екосистеми
навчання, метод В. Діснея, ментальні карти, технологія трьох «П» (процеспроблема-програма), взаємне і самооцінювання.
Зазначено, що перспективним напрямом розроблення проблеми
ефективного навчання є використання практик Дж. Гордона з використання
методів синектики у створенні освітньої продукції.
РОЛЬ МЕНТОРСТВА У ПРОФЕСІЙНІЙ ПІДГОТОВЦІ МАЙБУТНІХ УЧИТЕЛІВ ПОЧАТКОВОЇ ШКОЛИ
Authors: Довженко Т. О. , Небитова І. А. , Шишенко В. О.
Published: December 2021

У статті розкрито роль менторства у професійній підготовці майбутніх учителів початкової школи. Метою дослiдження є теоретичне обґрунтування ролі менторства у професійній підготовці майбутніх учителів початкової школи. Використано загальнонаукові (аналіз, узагальнення), порівняльно-зіставний і прогностичний методи наукового пізнання. На основі аналізу психолого-педагогічної літератури визначено суть понять: «наставництво», «менторство», «ментор», «менти», «коуч», «тьютор», «фасилітатор». Зазначено ступені наставництва: I ступінь – педагог-ментор; II ступінь – педагог-тьютор; III ступінь – педагог-коуч; IV ступінь – педагог-фасилітатор. Проаналізовано закордонний досвід впровадження менторства в систему освіти. Визначено переваги менторства для педагога-ментора у ЗВО а саме: менторство допомагає досвідченому викладачеві побачити й окреслити нові перспективи в сфері власної педагогічної діяльності; при успішному здійсненні цих функцій ментор відчуває свій внесок у систему професійної адаптації менти, отримує задоволення від спілкування; справжній педагог завжди має прагнути до самовдосконалення; виконання функцій ментора може допомогти в розвитку професійної кар’єри педагога, підвищення його кваліфікації, сприяє зростанню довіри до нього в педагогічному колективі ЗВО. Охарактеризовано найбільш оптимальні моделі взаємодії, до яких повинен прагнути ментор у професійній підготовці майбутніх учителів початкової школи: спілкування-корекція (спрямоване на виконання діагностичної функції ментором); спілкування-підтримка (доречне у ситуаціях, коли необхідно допомогти підопічним у вирішенні складних ситуацій); спілкування – зняття психологічних бар’єрів (передбачає володіння ментором технологією спілкування на досить високому рівні). Визначено роль менторства у професійній підготовці майбутніх учителів початкової школи під час педагогічної практики. Окреслено переваги і недоліки застосування методу менторства у ЗВО. Доведено, що менторство позитивно впливає як на освітній процес, так і на професійну підготовку майбутніх педагогів. Дружні стосунки, психолого-педагогічна підтримка, стимул до професійного розвитку і самовдосконалення є запорукою успішних менторських взаємин.
МОНІТОРИНГ ЯКОСТІ ОСВІТИ В СУЧАСНИХ ЗВО
Authors: Попова О. В. , Денисенко А. О. , Васильєва С. О.
Published: December 2021

У статті доведено актуальність проблеми здійснення моніторингу якості освіти (далі ‒ МЯО) у закладах вищої освіти (далі ‒ ЗВО). Освітній (педагогічний) моніторинг розглянуто в трьох площинах: як процес (циклічний процес порівняння, зіставлення, оцінювання існуючого стану освітнього процесу у ЗВО із запланованим його еталоном); як технологію (сукупність певних етапів та відповідних засобів (розробка еталону освітнього процесу, критеріїв та показників оцінювання його стану, зіставлення еталонного освітнього процесу з реально існуючим, обґрунтування моделі освітнього процесу, вивчення перебігу його розвитку, підсумковий контроль його стану та корекція розробленої моделі); як інформаційну систему, яка постійно оновлюється і поповнюється на основі безперервного відстеження за станом і динамікою розвитку основних складових якості освіти за сукупністю визначених критеріїв із метою вироблення управлінських рішень із коригування небажаних диспропорцій на основі аналізу зібраної інформації і прогнозування подальшого розвитку досліджуваних процесів. Визначено засадничі принципи МЯО у ЗВО (системність і комплексність; студентоцентрованість; оперативність; ефективність; оцінювання для навчання; відкритість; взаємодія і взаємовідповідальність; інтегрованість; перспективність; інноваційність). Сформульовано педагогічні умови забезпечення МЯО у освітньому закладі (створення спеціальних педагогічних умов організації МЯО освітнього процесу ЗВО, які передбачають: підготовку педагогічного колективу до здійснення освітнього моніторингу; забезпечення взаємодії всіх учасників МЯО; розроблення необхідного науково-методичного інструментарію). Запропоновано критеріальну базу МЯО у ЗВО, до якої віднесено комплекс критеріїв (психологічну готовність учасників освітнього процесу до моніторингової діяльності (позитивні мотиви, професійна спрямованість), моніторингову компетентність суб’єктів педагогічного процесу ЗВО (спеціальні знання і вміння, особистісні якості), якість моніторингових даних (обсяг інформації, її валідність та дієвість тощо). Презентовано окремі засоби забезпечення МЯО у освітньому заклад («моніторинговий кейс», веб-опитування, тестінг, веб-форуми, вебометричний рейтинг).