bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traffic Congestion Analysis Based on a Web-GIS and Data Mining of Traffic Events from Twitter
Authors: Salazar-Carrillo Juan , Torres-Ruiz Miguel , Davis Clodoveu A. , Quintero Rolando , Moreno-Ibarra Marco , Guzmán Giovanni
Published: April 2021

Smart cities are characterized by the use of massive information and digital communication technologies as well as sensor networks where the Internet and smart data are the core. This paper proposes a methodology to geocode traffic-related events that are collected from Twitter and how to use geocoded information to gather a training dataset, apply a Support Vector Machine method, and build a prediction model. This model produces spatiotemporal information regarding traffic congestions with a spatiotemporal analysis. Furthermore, a spatial distribution represented by heat maps is proposed to describe the traffic behavior of specific and sensed areas of Mexico City in a Web-GIS application. This work demonstrates that social media are a good alternative that can be leveraged to gather collaboratively Volunteered Geographic Information for sensing the dynamic of a city in which citizens act as sensors.
Adaptive Floor Cleaning Strategy by Human Density Surveillance Mapping with a Reconfigurable Multi-Purpose Service Robot
Authors: Sivanantham Vinu , Le Anh Vu , Shi Yuyao , Elara Mohan Rajesh , Sheu Bing J.
Published: April 2021

Professional cleaning and safe social distance monitoring are often considered as demanding, time-consuming, repetitive, and labor-intensive tasks with the risk of getting exposed to the virus. Safe social distance monitoring and cleaning are emerging problems solved through robotics solutions. This research aims to develop a safe social distance surveillance system on an intra-reconfigurable robot with a multi-robot cleaning system for large population environments, like office buildings, hospitals, or shopping malls. We propose an adaptive multi-robot cleaning strategy based on zig-zag-based coverage path planning that works in synergy with the human interaction heat map generated by safe social distance monitoring systems. We further validate the proposed adaptive velocity model’s efficiency for the multi-robot cleaning systems regarding time consumption and energy saved. The proposed method using sigmoid-based non-linear function has shown superior performance with 14.1 percent faster and energy consumption of 11.8 percent less than conventional cleaning methods.
Detection and Classification of Malicious Flows in Software-Defined Networks Using Data Mining Techniques
Authors: Amanowicz Marek , Jankowski Damian
Published: April 2021

The increasing availability of mobile devices and applications, the progress in virtualisation technologies, and advances in the development of cloud-based distributed data centres have significantly stimulated the growing interest in the use of software-defined networks (SDNs) for both wired and wireless applications. Standards-based software abstraction between the network control plane and the underlying data forwarding plane, including both physical and virtual devices, provides an opportunity to significantly increase network security. In this paper, to secure SDNs against intruders’ actions, we propose a comprehensive system that exploits the advantages of SDNs’ native features and implements data mining to detect and classify malicious flows in the SDN data plane. The architecture of the system and its mechanisms are described, with an emphasis on flow rule generation and flow classification. The concept was verified in the SDN testbed environment that reflects typical SDN flows. The experiments confirmed that the system can be successfully implemented in SDNs to mitigate threats caused by different malicious activities of intruders. The results show that our combination of data mining techniques provides better detection and classification of malicious flows than other solutions.
FASDQ: Fault-Tolerant Adaptive Scheduling with Dynamic QoS-Awareness in Edge Containers for Delay-Sensitive Tasks
Authors: Wang Ruifeng , Chen Ningjiang , Yao Xuyi , Hu Liangqing
Published: April 2021

As the requirement for real-time data analysis increases, edge computing is being implemented to leverage the resources of edge devices to reduce system response times and decrease the latency. However, due to the resource constraints of edge clouds, edge servers are more prone to failures than other systems. Therefore, guaranteeing the reliability of services in edge clouds is critical. In this paper, we propose a fault-tolerant adaptive scheduling mechanism with dynamic quality of service (QoS) awareness (FASDQ), which extends the primary/backup (PB) model by applying QoS on demand to task copies. The aim of the method is to reduce the latency and achieve reliable service for tasks by changing the execution time of task copies. This paper also proposes a container resource-adaptive adjustment mechanism, which adjusts the timing of resources when the available resources cannot meet the task copy requirements. Finally, this paper reports the results of simulation experiments on the EdgeCloudSim platform to evaluate the difference in performance between FASDQ and other methods. The results show that the mechanism effectively reduces the execution time of task copies and outperforms other methods in terms of reliability and general resource utilization.
Benefits of Circular Agriculture for Cropping Systems and Soil Fertility in Oases
Authors: El Janati Mustapha , Akkal-Corfini Nouraya , Bouaziz Ahmed , Oukarroum Abdallah , Robin Paul , Sabri Ahmed , Chikhaoui Mohamed , Thomas Zahra
Published: April 2021

Circular agriculture is an effective approach for the management of soil organic inputs that improves soil fertility and cropping system sustainability. We developed a cropping system typology and assessed effects of crop rotation, organic fertilization, and crop residue management on soil fertility properties. Farmers in Drâa-Tafilalet oases in Morocco were surveyed, and soil was sampled and analyzed. In the most common cropping systems (Type I), date palms were associated with cereals, forages, and perennial crops. Type II cropping systems referred to a monocropped date palm of only one cultivar. In Type III, date palm was associated with other crops on part of the utilized agricultural area and monocropped on the other part. In all cropping systems, mean soil organic matter (SOM) content was less than 1.5% and the SOM:clay ratio was less than 12%, which increased the soil degradation risk. Livestock was combined with crops in Type I and III cropping systems and produced 19.4 and 24.2 t of manure per farm per year, respectively. Type I and II cropping systems produced annually 0.98 and 2.1 t.ha−1 of dry palms, respectively. Recycling these organic waste products remains a promising option that could produce organic inputs and offset the current lack of manure.
Multi-Actor Governance for a Circular Economy in the Agri-Food Sector: Bio-Districts
Authors: Poponi Stefano , Arcese Gabriella , Mosconi Enrico Maria , Pacchera Francesco , Martucci Olimpia , Elmo Grazia Chiara
Published: April 2021

The transition of the European agri-food sector towards a sustainable production and consumption model is a key element of the Green Deal. The new European “Farm to Fork” strategy aims to make the food system fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly. The consolidation and development of the organic model are two of the main objectives. In Italy, this development can be achieved through the Bio-District model. This model, which was born in the last ten years in Italy, is characterized by innovative multi-actor governance. From an explorative perspective, this study analyses the background literature on Bio-Districts and the context of the development of the Etruscan Roman Bio-District to understand the potential and the factors that allow the application of the principles of the Circular Economy. It focuses on multiple comparative analyses by using a qualitative–quantitative approach. The analysis of the context highlights the potential for expansion linked to an integrated short supply chain through three scenarios.
A Methodological Workflow for Deriving the Association of Tourist Destinations Based on Online Travel Reviews: A Case Study of Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Liu Tao , Zhang Ying , Zhang Huan , Yang Xiping
Published: April 2021

Insights into the association rules of destinations can help to understand the possibility of tourists visiting a destination after having traveled from another. These insights are crucial for tourism industries to exploit strategies and travel products and offer improved services. Recently, tourism-related, user-generated content (UGC) big data have provided a great opportunity to investigate the travel behavior of tourists on an unparalleled scale. However, existing analyses of the association of destinations or attractions mainly depend on geo-tagged UGC, and only a few have utilized unstructured textual UGC (e.g., online travel reviews) to understand tourist movement patterns. In this study, we derive the association of destinations from online textual travel reviews. A workflow, which includes collecting data from travel service websites, extracting destination sequences from travel reviews, and identifying the frequent association of destinations, is developed to achieve the goal. A case study of Yunnan Province, China is implemented to verify the proposed workflow. The results show that the popular destinations and association of destinations could be identified in Yunnan, demonstrating that unstructured textual online travel reviews can be used to investigate the frequent movement patterns of tourists. Tourism managers can use the findings to optimize travel products and promote destination management.
Using Simulation-Based Modeling to Evaluate Light Trespass in the Design Stage of Sports Facilities
Authors: Kim Kwang-Hoon , Kim Gon
Published: April 2021

Artificial light is a pollutant with broad implications for society. Consequently, laws and regulations aimed at curbing the improper use of artificial lighting (i.e., light pollution) are becoming common. For such laws to become effective, light pollution must first be evaluated and quantified. Current methods for evaluating lit environments in sports facilities are only applicable after the facilities have been built, making it challenging to prevent light pollution preemptively. Here, a technique to predict light pollution during the planning stage is proposed. To analyze the upward light generated by the large lights found in sports facilities using a computer simulation, a method of defining a virtual horizontal board above the stadium is proposed. To analyze how light trespasses out of the stadium, a method of dividing and analyzing the space outside the stadium by zone is also presented. In addition, a method to predict the formation of high luminance surfaces under outdoor lighting is presented. The proposed methods are validated on two large sports facilities currently being constructed in Korea. As a consequence, horizontal and vertical illuminances are reduced by 74.5% and 72.2%, respectively. The methods are useful to lighting designers with interest in reducing light pollution.
Direct-Hydrocarbon Proton-Conducting Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Liu Fan , Duan Chuancheng
Published: April 2021

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are promising and rugged solid-state power sources that can directly and electrochemically convert the chemical energy into electric power. Direct-hydrocarbon SOFCs eliminate the external reformers; thus, the system is significantly simplified and the capital cost is reduced. SOFCs comprise the cathode, electrolyte, and anode, of which the anode is of paramount importance as its catalytic activity and chemical stability are key to direct-hydrocarbon SOFCs. The conventional SOFC anode is composed of a Ni-based metallic phase that conducts electrons, and an oxygen-ion conducting oxide, such as yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), which exhibits an ionic conductivity of 10−3–10−2 S cm−1 at 700 °C. Although YSZ-based SOFCs are being commercialized, YSZ-Ni anodes are still suffering from carbon deposition (coking) and sulfur poisoning, ensuing performance degradation. Furthermore, the high operating temperatures (>700 °C) also pose challenges to the system compatibility, leading to poor long-term durability. To reduce operating temperatures of SOFCs, intermediate-temperature proton-conducting SOFCs (P-SOFCs) are being developed as alternatives, which give rise to superior power densities, coking and sulfur tolerance, and durability. Due to these advances, there are growing efforts to implement proton-conducting oxides to improve durability of direct-hydrocarbon SOFCs. However, so far, there is no review article that focuses on direct-hydrocarbon P-SOFCs. This concise review aims to first introduce the fundamentals of direct-hydrocarbon P-SOFCs and unique surface properties of proton-conducting oxides, then summarize the most up-to-date achievements as well as current challenges of P-SOFCs. Finally, strategies to overcome those challenges are suggested to advance the development of direct-hydrocarbon SOFCs.
Different Strategies for Resilience to Wildfires: The Experience of Collective Land Ownership in Galicia (Northwest Spain)
Authors: Marey-Perez Manuel , Loureiro Xurxo , Corbelle-Rico Eduardo José , Fernández-Filgueira Cristina
Published: April 2021

Resilience is not a particularly novel concept, but it has recently become frequently used as a measurement indicator of adaptation capacity under different approaches depending on the field of study. Ideally, for example, forest ecosystems would be resilient to wildfires, one of the most serious types of perturbation they are subjected to. In areas such as the northwest of Spain, a region with one of the most severe records of wildfire occurrence in western Europe, resilience indicators should be related with changes in land planning aimed to minimize the effects of forest fires. This article aimed to analyze the fire resilience strategies of a selected group of forest communities in northwest Spain. More specifically, the perceived risk of wildfires was compared with the actual record of fire events in these communities and the presence or absence of adaptive changes in management practices to reduce risk and improve recovery capacity. A mixed quantitative–qualitative approach was used to gather information about good practices, innovative solutions, and major obstacles for forest fire resilience in Galician common lands. The results suggest that while there is no single form of successful management, a key characteristic of resilient communities is the integration of fire as a management tool.
Sustainable Development and Consumer Behavior in Rural Tourism—The Importance of Image and Loyalty for Host Communities
Authors: López-Sanz José María , Penelas-Leguía Azucena , Gutiérrez-Rodríguez Pablo , Cuesta-Valiño Pedro
Published: April 2021

In recent years, rural tourism has experienced a major boom; it was once a secondary type of tourism but has now become a significant alternative option within the Spanish economy. This type of tourism facilitates the sustainable development of the host communities and their surrounding areas, becoming an extra source of income in some cases, and the principal business in others. It is therefore important to ascertain which variables influence the behavior of rural tourists. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the influence on rural tourist behavior of destination image, both initial and final, as well as tourist satisfaction and loyalty to the area. Loyalty, which translates into repeat visits to the area and recommendations to third parties, promotes the sustainable development of rural areas. After an exhaustive review of the literature on the relevant variables, an empirical study was carried out using a questionnaire designed for tourists over 18 years old who visited the province of Soria (Spain) and stayed in a rural tourism establishment. This resulted in a total of 1658 valid completed questionnaires. A structural equation model was then drawn up to discover the relationships between all the variables. The results demonstrated the importance of destination image in the formation of the new image, and also showed that tourist satisfaction is the variable that most strongly influences loyalty to the tourist area. This study is a novel contribution to the study of sustainable development in rural areas since it focuses on tourist loyalty and its resulting benefits.
Planning for Railway Station Network Sustainability Based on Node–Place Analysis of Local Stations
Authors: Kim Joon-Seok , Shin Nina
Published: April 2021

We principally focus on evaluating the local and entire network performance of railway stations for sustainable logistics management in South Korea. Specifically, we aim to address the issue of dealing with vulnerability in logistics dependent on the degree of connectivity. To resolve this issue, we investigate (i) the current level of local railway station sustainability performance from the perspectives of the value of the station (node) and the geographical location (place), and (ii) how railway station network management can prepare for imminent internal and external risks. Integrating node–place analysis and social network analysis approaches, we demonstrate a means of assessing (i) local railway station performance by comparing how one station’s value differs from that of other stations, and (ii) overall railway network performance by measuring the degree of connectivity based on the centrality characteristics. Consequently, we recommend improvement in planning orders considering the degree of local performance and network vulnerability for railway station network sustainability.
Cyclic Weighted k-means Method with Application to Time-of-Day Interval Partition
Authors: Wang Gaizhen , Qin Wei , Wang Yunhao
Published: April 2021

Time-of-day interval partition (TIP) at a signalized intersection is of great importance in traffic control. There are two shortcomings of the traditional clustering algorithms based on traditional distance definitions (such as Euclidean distance) of traffic flows. First, some continuous time intervals are usually divided into small segments. Second, 0 o’clock (24 o’clock) is usually selected as the breakpoint. It follows that the relationship between TIP and traffic signal control is neglected. To this end, a novel cyclic distance of traffic flows is defined, which can make the end of the last cycle (24 o’clock of the last day) and the beginning of the current cycle (0 o’clock of the current day) cluster into one group. Next, a cyclic weighted k-means method is proposed, with centroid initialization, cluster number selection, and breakpoint adjustment. Lastly, the proposed method is applied to a real intersection to evaluate the benefits of traffic signal control. The conclusion of the empirical study confirms the feasibility and effectiveness of the method.
Understanding Motivations and Segmentation in Ecotourism Destinations. Application to Natural Parks in Spanish Mediterranean Area
Authors: Carrascosa-López Conrado , Carvache-Franco Mauricio , Mondéjar-Jiménez José , Carvache-Franco Wilmer
Published: April 2021

Ecotourism is one of the tourism variants with more annual growth. Motivation has become a fundamental criterion for travel behavior. Segmentation is used to identify the market niches of different tourism products and services. This study collects these three elements and is designed to examine demand segmentation and motivations in ecotourism. The analysis was carried out in the Albufera and Serranía de Cuenca Natural Parks, both located in the Mediterranean area in Spain. The analysis sample consists in 349 surveys obtained in situ. For the data analysis, a factor analysis and nonhierarchical K-media segmentation were performed. The results show eight motivational dimensions: “Interpersonal relationships”, “Self-development”, “Escape”, “Building personal relationships”, “Nature”, “Ego-defensive function”, “Rewards”, and “Fun”. According to tourists’ motivations, three ecotourist segments are obtained: “Nature”, “Multiple motives”, and “Reward and Escape”. This research can assist companies and institutions to improve tourism service offers and perform efficient marketing planning.
Discovery of the Smallest Lace Bug from Mid-Cretaceous of Northern Myanmar Supports the Hypothesis of a Miniaturization Phenomenon of Insects in Kachin Amber (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae)
Authors: Souma Jun , Yamamoto Shûhei , Takahashi Yui
Published: April 2021

A total of 14 species in seven tingid genera have been described from the mid-Cretaceous Burmese (Kachin) amber from northern Myanmar, with very distinct paleofauna. Here, a new species of a new genus, Burmavianaida anomalocapitata gen. et sp. nov., is described from Kachin amber. This new species can be readily distinguished from the other described tingid taxa by the apparently smaller body and the structures of the pronotum and hemelytron. Burmavianaida gen. nov. shares the diagnostic characters with two clades composed of three extant subfamilies (Cantacaderinae + Tinginae) and Vianaidinae and may represent an extinct clade distinct from them. To the best of our knowledge, B. anomalocapitata sp. nov. is the smallest species of Tingidae among over 2600 described species. Our new finding supports the hypothesis of the miniaturization phenomenon of insects in Kachin amber, as suggested by previous studies.
Respiration Measurement in a Simulated Setting Incorporating the Internet of Things
Authors: Abdulqader Tareq , Saatchi Reza , Elphick Heather
Published: April 2021

The Internet of Things (IoT) in healthcare has gained significant attention in recent years. This study demonstrates an adaptation of IoT in healthcare by illustrating a method of respiration rate measurement from a platform that simulates breathing. Respiration rate is a crucial physiological measure in monitoring critically ill patients. The devised approach, with further development, may be suitable for integration into neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to measure infants’ respiration rate. A potential advantage of this method is that it monitors respiration using a wireless non-contact method and could add benefits such as preservation of skin integrity. The paper aimed to assess the accuracy of an IoT-integrated ultrasound (US)-based method for measuring respiration rate. Chest movement due to respiration was simulated by a platform with a controllable moving surface. The magnitude and frequency of the movements were accurately controlled by a signal generator. The surface movements were tracked using US as a reliable and cost-effective technology. ESP8266 NodeMCU was used to wirelessly record the US signal and ThingSpeak and Matlab© were used to analyze and visualize the data in the cloud. A close relationship between the measured rate of the simulated respiration and the actual frequency was observed. The study demonstrated a possible adaption of IoT for respiration rate measurement, however further work will be needed to ensure security and reliability of data handling before use of the system in medical environments.
Total and Metabolically Active Microbial Community of Aerobic Granular Sludge Systems Operated in Sequential Batch Reactors: Effect of Pharmaceutical Compounds
Authors: Muñoz-Palazon Barbara , Rosa-Masegosa Aurora , Hurtado-Martinez Miguel , Rodriguez-Sanchez Alejandro , Link Alexander , Vilchez-Vargas Ramiro , Gonzalez-Martinez Alejandro , Lopez Jesus Gonzalez
Published: April 2021

Two aerobic granular sludge (AGS) sequential batch reactors were operated at a mild (15 °C) temperature for 180 days. One of those bioreactors was exposed to a mixture of diclofenac, naproxen, trimethoprim, and carbamazepine. The AGS system, operating under pressure from emerging contaminants, showed a decrease in COD, BOD5, and TN removal capacity, mainly observed during the first 100 days, in comparison with the removal ratios detected in the control bioreactor. After an acclimatisation period, the removal reached high-quality effluent for COD and TN, close to 95% and 90%, respectively. In the steady-state period, trimethoprim and diclofenac were successfully removed with values around 50%, while carbamazepine and naproxen were more recalcitrant. The dominant bacterial OTUs were affected by the presence of a mixture of pharmaceutical compounds, under which the dominant phylotypes changed to OTUs classified among the Pseudomonas, Gemmobacter, and Comamonadaceae. The RT-qPCR and qPCR results showed the deep effects of pharmaceutical compounds on the number of copies of target genes. Statistical analyses allowed for linking the total and active microbial communities with the physico-chemical performance, describing the effects of pharmaceutical compounds in pollution degradation, as well as the successful adaptation of the system to treat wastewater in the presence of toxic compounds.
Anticoagulant Activity of Naja nigricollis Venom Is Mediated by Phospholipase A2 Toxins and Inhibited by Varespladib
Authors: Kazandjian Taline D. , Arrahman Arif , Still Kristina B. M. , Somsen Govert W. , Vonk Freek J. , Casewell Nicholas R. , Wilkinson Mark C. , Kool Jeroen
Published: April 2021

Bites from elapid snakes typically result in neurotoxic symptoms in snakebite victims. Neurotoxins are, therefore, often the focus of research relating to understanding the pathogenesis of elapid bites. However, recent evidence suggests that some elapid snake venoms contain anticoagulant toxins which may help neurotoxic components spread more rapidly. This study examines the effects of venom from the West African black-necked spitting cobra (Naja nigricollis) on blood coagulation and identifies potential coagulopathic toxins. An integrated RPLC-MS methodology, coupled with nanofractionation, was first used to separate venom components, followed by MS, proteomics and coagulopathic bioassays. Coagulation assays were performed on both crude and nanofractionated N. nigricollis venom toxins as well as PLA2s and 3FTx purified from the venom. Assays were then repeated with the addition of either the phospholipase A2 inhibitor varespladib or the snake venom metalloproteinase inhibitor marimastat to assess whether either toxin inhibitor is capable of neutralizing coagulopathic venom activity. Subsequent proteomic analysis was performed on nanofractionated bioactive venom toxins using tryptic digestion followed by nanoLC-MS/MS measurements, which were then identified using Swiss-Prot and species-specific database searches. Varespladib, but not marimastat, was found to significantly reduce the anticoagulant activity of N. nigricollis venom and MS and proteomics analyses confirmed that the anticoagulant venom components mostly consisted of PLA2 proteins. We, therefore, conclude that PLA2s are the most likely candidates responsible for anticoagulant effects stimulated by N. nigricollis venom.
Occurrence of Alternaria and Other Toxins in Cereal Grains Intended for Animal Feeding Collected in Slovenia: A Three-Year Study
Authors: Babič Janja , Tavčar-Kalcher Gabrijela , Celar Franci Aco , Kos Katarina , Knific Tanja , Jakovac-Strajn Breda
Published: April 2021

In recent years, the less-studied Alternaria mycotoxins have attracted increasing interest due to the lack of survey data and their ability to cause toxic effects in animals and humans. To fill the gap, the aim of this three-year survey was to investigate the presence and co-occurrence of Alternaria and other mycotoxins in a total of 433 cereal grain samples from Slovenian farms and agricultural cooperatives from 2014 to 2016. Using the multi-mycotoxin method, 14 mycotoxins were determined. In 53% of 433 analysed samples, contamination with at least one mycotoxin was found. Deoxynivalenol (DON) and tenuazonic acid (TeA) were present in 32% and 26% of cereal grain samples, respectively, whereas alternariol (AOH), tentoxin (TEN), alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), 3- and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3- and 15-AcDON), and zearalenone (ZEN) were present in fewer than 15% of the samples. Ochratoxin A (OTA) was found in one rye sample, while diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS), HT-2 and T-2 toxin, and fumonisins B1 and B2 (FB1 and FB2) were not detected. The highest maximum and median concentrations of Alternaria toxins were determined in spelt in 2016 (TeA, 2277 µg/kg and 203 µg/kg, respectively), and those of Fusarium toxins in wheat in 2015 (DON, 4082 µg/kg and 387 µg/kg, respectively). The co-occurrence of two or more mycotoxins was found in 43% of the positive samples. The correlations between Alternaria toxins were very weak but statistically significant (r: 0.15–0.17, p: 0.0042–0.0165). A well-known correlation between Fusarium toxins DON and ZEN was weak and highly significant (r = 0.28, p < 0.0001).
High Resistance of Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. in Blood and Stool Cultures from the Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal, 2015−2019
Authors: Bastola Anup , Pyakurel Prajjwal , Rayamajhi Rajan Bikram , Shrestha Saugat , Thekkur Pruthu , Pandey Basudev , Bhandari Parmananda , Maharjan Anu , Edwards Jeffrey K.
Published: April 2021

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing global concern, particularly in Southeast Asian countries like Nepal. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. among culture-positive bacterial isolates in blood and stool samples from 2015 to 2019 and their AMR pattern. Routinely collected data were abstracted from medical records and laboratory electronic databases of the Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital (STIDH), Kathmandu, Nepal. All culture-positive bacterial isolates from blood and stool samples were included in the study. Among 390 blood cultures positive for bacterial isolates, Salmonella spp. were isolated in 44%, with S. Typhi being the most frequent (34%). Antibiotic resistance was demonstrated among Salmonella spp. to ciprofloxacin (68%), ofloxacin (16%), amoxicillin (13%) and cotrimoxazole (5%). Of the 357 stool cultures positive for bacterial isolates, the proportion of Shigella spp. isolated was 31%. Antibiotic resistance among Shigella spp. was demonstrated to cotrimoxazole (59%), tetracycline (40%), amoxicillin (38%) and ciprofloxacin (25%). Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. were the most predominant organisms among all the bacterial isolates in blood and stool cultures, respectively. Nalidixic acid was the antibiotic to which both Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. were most resistant.
Why Did ZIKV Perinatal Outcomes Differ in Distinct Regions of Brazil? An Exploratory Study of Two Cohorts
Authors: Damasceno Luana , Terzian Ana Carolina B. , Fuller Trevon , Estofolete Cassia F. , Andrade Adriana , Kroon Erna G. , Zin Andrea A. , Vasconcelos Zilton , Pereira Jose P. , Castilho Márcia C. , Piaulino Isa Cristina R. , Vasilakis Nikos , Moreira Maria E. , Nielsen-Saines Karin , Espinosa Flor E. Martinez , Nogueira Maurício L. , Brasil Patricia
Published: April 2021

The Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic in Brazil occurred in regions where dengue viruses (DENV) are historically endemic. We investigated the differences in adverse pregnancy/infant outcomes in two cohorts comprising 114 pregnant women with PCR-confirmed ZIKV infection in Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil (n = 50) and Manaus, in the north region of the country (n = 64). Prior exposure to DENV was evaluated through plaque reduction neutralizing antibody assays (PRNT 80) and DENV IgG serologies. Potential associations between pregnancy outcomes and Zika attack rates in the two cities were explored. Overall, 31 women (27%) had adverse pregnancy/infant outcomes, 27 in Rio (54%) and 4 in Manaus (6%), p < 0.001. This included 4 pregnancy losses (13%) and 27 infants with abnormalities at birth (24%). A total of 93 women (82%) had evidence of prior DENV exposure, 45 in Rio (90%) and 48 in Manaus (75%). Zika attack rates differed; the rate in Rio was 10.28 cases/10,000 and in Manaus, 0.6 cases/10,000, p < 0.001. Only Zika attack rates (Odds Ratio: 17.6, 95% Confidence Interval 5.6–55.9, p < 0.001) and infection in the first trimester of pregnancy (OR: 4.26, 95% CI 1.4–12.9, p = 0.011) were associated with adverse pregnancy and infant outcomes. Pre-existing immunity to DENV was not associated with outcomes (normal or abnormal) in patients with ZIKV infection during pregnancy.
Off-Label Use of COVID-19 Vaccines from Ethical Issues to Medico-Legal Aspects: An Italian Perspective
Authors: Ferorelli Davide , Spagnolo Lorenzo , Marrone Maricla , Corradi Serena , Silvestre Maria , Misceo Federica , Bianchi Francesco Paolo , Stefanizzi Pasquale , Solarino Biagio , Dell’Erba Alessandro , Tafuri Silvio
Published: April 2021

During the COVID-19 outbreak, the lack of official recommendations on the treatment has led healthcare workers to use multiple drugs not specifically tested and approved for the new insidious disease. After the availability of the first COVID-19 vaccines (Comirnaty Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID19 vaccine), an authorization was issued by national and international Drug Regulatory Agencies in order to speed up their introduction on the market and their administration on a large scale. Despite the authorization, the off-label use of these vaccines may still be possible especially to answer specific concerns as the lack of vaccine doses, the delay in the delivery of planned doses or the pressure from public opinion and political influence also in relation to the evolution of the pandemic. This paper aims to assess the possible off-label use of COVID-19 vaccines and the ethical and medico-legal implications of this eventuality. The scope of this paper is to point out the possible consequences of off-label use of COVID-19 vaccines and possible mitigation and preventive measures to be taken by healthcare workers involved in vaccination procedures.
Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination among Front-Line Health Care Workers: A Nationwide Survey of Emergency Medical Services Personnel from Germany
Authors: Nohl André , Afflerbach Christian , Lurz Christian , Brune Bastian , Ohmann Tobias , Weichert Veronika , Zeiger Sascha , Dudda Marcel
Published: April 2021

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the COVID-19 vaccination acceptance of emergency medical services (EMS) personnel as front-line health care workers (HCW) in Germany. Several studies have shown low willingness for vaccination (e.g., seasonal influenza) among HCWs and EMS personnel. Methods: We created a web-based survey. The questions were closed and standardized. Demographic data were collected (age, sex, federal state, profession). Experience with own COVID-19 infection, or infection in personal environment (family, friends) as well as willingness to vaccinate was queried. Results: The sample includes n = 1296 participants. A willingness to be vaccinated exists in 57%, 27.6% participants were undecided. Our results show a higher propensity to vaccinate among the following groups: male gender, higher medical education level, older age, own burden caused by the pandemic (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Due to the low overall acceptance of vaccination by HCWs, we recommend that the groups with vaccination hesitancy, in particular, be recruited for vaccination through interventions such as continuing education and awareness campaigns.
Passive Immunity and Antibody Response Induced by Toxoplasma gondii VLP Immunization
Authors: Kang Hae-Ji , Kim Min-Ju , Chu Ki-Back , Lee Su-Hwa , Moon Eun-Kyung , Quan Fu-Shi
Published: April 2021

Passive immunity can provide immediate protection against infectious pathogens. To date, only a few studies have investigated the effect of passive immunization against Toxoplasma gondii, and the use of immune sera acquired from VLP-vaccinated mice for passive immunity assessment remains unreported. In this study, immune sera were produced by a single immunization with virus-like particles (VLPs) expressing the inner membrane complex (IMC), rhoptry protein 18 (ROP18), and microneme protein 8 (MIC8) of Toxoplasma gondii, with or without a CpG-ODN adjuvant. The passive immunization of immune sera conferred protection in mice, as indicated by their potent parasite-specific antibody response, lessened brain cyst counts, lower bodyweight loss, and enhanced survival. In order to confirm that the immune sera of the VLP-immunized mice were truly protective, the antibody responses and other immunological parameters were measured in the VLP-immunized mice. We found that VLP immunization induced higher levels of parasite-specific IgG, IgG subclass, and IgM antibody responses in the sera and intestines than in the controls. Enhanced Th1 and Th2-associated cytokines in the spleen, diminished brain cyst counts, and lessened body weight loss were found following T. gondii ME49 challenge infection. These results suggest that passive immunization with the immune sera acquired from VLP-vaccinated mice can confer adequate protection against T. gondii infection.
Balanced Cellular and Humoral Immune Responses Targeting Multiple Antigens in Adults Receiving a Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine
Authors: Yu Esther Dawen , Grifoni Alba , Sutherland Aaron , Voic Hannah , Wang Eric , Frazier April , Jimenez-Truque Natalia , Yoder Sandra , Welsh Sabrina , Wooden Stacey , Koff Wayne , Creech Buddy , Sette Alessandro , da Silva Antunes Ricardo
Published: April 2021

The role of T cell immunity has been acknowledged in recent vaccine development and evaluation. We tested the humoral and cellular immune responses to Flucelvax®, a quadrivalent inactivated seasonal influenza vaccine containing two influenza A (H1N1 Singapore/GP1908/2015 IVR-180 and H3N2 North Carolina/04/2016) and two influenza B (Iowa/06/2017 and Singapore/INFTT-16-0610/2016) virus strains, using peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated by pools of peptides overlapping all the individual influenza viral protein components. Baseline reactivity was detected against all four strains both at the level of CD4 and CD8 responses and targeting different proteins. CD4 T cell reactivity was mostly directed to HA/NA proteins in influenza B strains, and NP/M1/M2/NS1/NEP proteins in the case of the Influenza A strains. CD8 responses to both influenza A and B viruses preferentially targeted the more conserved core viral proteins. Following vaccination, both CD4 and CD8 responses against the various influenza antigens were increased in day 15 to day 91 post vaccination period, and maintained a Th1 polarized profile. Importantly, no vaccine interference was detected, with the increased responses balanced across all four included viral strains for both CD4 and CD8 T cells, and targeting HA and multiple additional viral antigens.
Nursing Home and Vaccination Consent: The Italian Perspective
Authors: Cannovo Nunzia , Scendoni Roberto , Fede Marzia Maria , Siotto Federico , Fedeli Piergiorgio , Cingolani Mariano
Published: April 2021

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, many countries have begun vaccination campaigns, with different methods and timelines, with the goal of vaccinating over 75% of the population and thus achieving herd immunity. Initially it was necessary to identity the categories of citizens who should be the first to receive the vaccines, on the basis of scientific evidence. On the basis of this information, elderly residents in nursing homes and the staff who care for them should be the highest priority subjects for vaccination. In this context, obtaining informed consent to Covid-19 vaccination presents a considerable challenge, as the advanced age and frequent comorbidities of a significant number of the residents may mean that they are incapable of expressing consent themselves. The legislation of various Western nations substantially agrees on the general principle that those capable of judgement must be asked for their consent for healthcare services, and that even those with psychological weaknesses that limit their full ability to decide must be involved in these decision-making processes. The article can help systematize the processes to be implemented to protect the health of individuals as members of a close and fragile community.
Impact of the Intermittency Movement of Center Pivots on Irrigation Uniformity
Authors: Mohamed Abdelmoneim Z. , Peters R. Troy , Sarwar Abid , Molaei Behnaz , McMoran Don
Published: April 2021

A computer model was developed to simulate the varying depths of water applied to the ground due to the intermittent movements of a typical center pivot. The stop–go model inputs include the sprinkler application depth, the sprinkler pattern, that pattern’s wetted radius, the center pivot’s % timer setting, the move cycle time, and the end tower maximum travel speed. The model outputs were the depth of application in the pivot’s movement direction, the distribution uniformity (DU), and the coefficient of uniformity (CU). The results revealed that the pivot circular application uniformity is mostly a function of the move distance as a percent of the sprinklers’ wetted radius. This, in turn, is a function of the percent timer setting, the cycle time, and the end tower travel speed. Due to this, the high-speed center pivots had corresponding lower application uniformities compared to low-speed machines, and sprinklers with larger wetted radii resulted in better uniformity. Shortening the cycle time also resulted in higher uniformity coefficients. Based on these results, it is recommended that the run time be set based on the pivot end-tower’s travel speed and sprinkler wetted radius, such that the end tower move distance is equivalent to the sprinkler wetted radius. This will reduce wear to the tower motors due to the on–off cycling, especially for slow travel settings and for sprinklers with larger wetted radii. The ponding depths at different percent of the move distance, for the potential runoff, were estimated, which were set to be equivalent to the wetted radius.
Spatiotemporal Evolution of Lakes under Rapid Urbanization: A Case Study in Wuhan, China
Authors: Wen Chao , Zhan Qingming , Zhan De , Zhao Huang , Yang Chen
Published: April 2021

The impact of urbanization on lakes in the urban context has aroused continuous attention from the public. However, the long-term evolution of lakes in a certain megacity and the heterogeneity of the spatial relationship between related influencing factors and lake changes are rarely discussed. The evolution of 58 lakes in Wuhan, China from 1990 to 2019 was analyzed from three aspects of lake area, lake landscape, and lakefront ecology, respectively. The Multi-Scale Geographic Weighted Regression model (MGWR) was then used to analyze the impact of related influencing factors on lake area change. The investigation found that the total area of 58 lakes decreased by 15.3%. A worsening trend was found regarding lake landscape with the five landscape indexes of lakes dropping; in contrast, lakefront ecology saw a gradual recovery with variations in the remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) in the lakefront area. The MGWR regression results showed that, on the whole, the increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), RSEI in the lakefront area, precipitation, and humidity contributed to lake restoration. The growth of population and the proportion of impervious surface (IS) in the lakefront area had different effects on different lakes. Specifically, the increase in GDP and population in all downtown districts and two suburb districts promoted lake restoration (e.g., Wu Lake), while the increase in population in Jiangxia led to lake loss. The growth of RSEI in lakefront area promoted the restoration of most lakes. A higher proportion of IS in lakefront area normally resulted in more lake loss. However, in some cases, the growth of IS was caused by lake conservation, which contributed to lake restoration (e.g., Tangxun Lake). The study reveals the spatiotemporal evolution of multiple lakes in Wuhan and provides a useful reference for the government to formulate differentiated protection policies.
Tide Prediction in the Venice Lagoon Using Nonlinear Autoregressive Exogenous (NARX) Neural Network
Authors: Di Nunno Fabio , de Marinis Giovanni , Gargano Rudy , Granata Francesco
Published: April 2021

In the Venice Lagoon some of the highest tides in the Mediterranean occur, which have influenced the evolution of the city of Venice and the surrounding lagoon for centuries. The forecast of “high waters” in the lagoon has always been a matter of considerable practical interest. In this study, tide prediction models were developed for the entire lagoon based on Nonlinear Autoregressive Exogenous (NARX) neural networks. The NARX-based model development was performed in two different stages. The first stage was the training and testing of the NARX network, performed on data collected in a given time interval at the tide gauge of Punta della Salute, at the end of Canal Grande. The second stage consisted of a comprehensive validation of the model in the entire Venice Lagoon, with a detailed analysis of data from three measuring stations located in points of the lagoon with different characteristics. Good predictions were achieved regardless of whether the meteorological parameters were considered among input parameters, even with considerable time advance. Furthermore, the forecasting model based on NARX has proved capable of predicting even exceptional high tides. The proposed model could be a useful support tool for the management of the MOSE system, which will protect Venice from high waters.
Study of a Rock-Ramp Fish Pass with Staggered Emergent Square Obstacles
Authors: Miranda Flavia Cavalcanti , Cassan Ludovic , Laurens Pascale , Tran Tien Dung
Published: April 2021

A rock-ramp fish passage with square obstacles was experimentally and numerically studied in this work with the objective of investigating in detail the hydraulic behind such fishways and to evaluate the importance of the shape of the obstacles. The LES and VOF methods were used for the simulations, and for the measurements, shadowgraphy and ADV were applied. Two different validations were successfully performed. In the first one, the experimental and numerical results of a chosen case were compared in detail. In the second validation, the focus was given to the stage-discharge. Following the validation, a numerical study was carried out to point out the differences in the flow characteristics from a configuration with square and circular obstacles. The discharge was nearly the same for both configurations, which implies different water depths. The results showed a lower velocity field, lower turbulent kinetic energy, and lower lateral fluctuations for the configuration with square blocks, which indicated a better passability for this geometry. However, it also presented a higher water depth, which led to a less attractive discharge. The differences in the flow generated in the two configurations indicated that the shape is an important modifiable parameter to be considered in the design process.
Hybridization in Selected Species and Genera of Diaptomid Copepods in China
Authors: Li Hui-Ming , Liu Ping , Zhang Xiao-Li , Dumont Henri J. , Han Bo-Ping
Published: April 2021

To better understand the fauna of freshwater calanoid copepods of China, including the occurrence of intra- and intergeneric hybridization, we studied five species, distributed across the whole of China or in South China. We sequenced a mitochondrial (COI) and the nuclear ribosome 18S operon (ITS) to reconstruct the phylogenetic trees by using a Bayesian and maximum likelihood (ML) approach with 161 individuals. The phylogeny tree revealed five clades and two geographically separated subclades in both S. ferus and P. tunguidus. We found, for the first time, that the hybrid specimens occurred in Diaptomidae, but low hybridization suggested effective barriers to hybridization and introgression. One hypothesis, that hybridization is recent and was initiated by invasions via canals built between the Yangtze and Pearl rivers c. 2000 years ago, is not supported by K2P genetic distances of the order of 20%. Furthermore, COI analysis of different populations of S. ferus and P. tunguidus revealed two geographical clades in each species, with genetic distances commensurate with cryptic speciation. Both clades occupy subranges maintained without visible barriers to mixis.