bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Individualized Functional Electrical Stimulation-Induced Acute Changes during Walking: A Case Series in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Zahradka Nicole , Behboodi Ahad , Sansare Ashwini , Lee Samuel C. K.
Published: June 2021

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) walking interventions have demonstrated improvements to gait parameters; however, studies were often confined to stimulation of one or two muscle groups. Increased options such as number of muscle groups targeted, timing of stimulation delivery, and level of stimulation are needed to address subject-specific gait deviations. We aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of using a FES system with increased stimulation options during walking in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Three physical therapists designed individualized stimulation programs for six children with CP to target participant-specific gait deviations. Stimulation settings (pulse duration and current) were tuned to each participant. Participants donned our custom FES system that utilized gait phase detection to control stimulation to lower extremity muscle groups and walked on a treadmill at a self-selected speed. Motion capture data were collected during walking with and without the individualized stimulation program. Eight gait metrics and associated timing were compared between walking conditions. The prescribed participant-specific stimulation programs induced significant change towards typical gait in at least one metric for each participant with one iteration of FES-walking. FES systems with increased stimulation options have the potential to allow the physical therapist to better target the individual’s gait deviations than a one size fits all device.
Bridging GNSS Outages with IMU and Odometry: A Case Study for Agricultural Vehicles
Authors: Reitbauer Eva , Schmied Christoph
Published: June 2021

Nowadays, many precision farming applications rely on the use of GNSS-RTK. However, when it comes to autonomous agricultural vehicles, GNSS cannot be used as a stand-alone system for positioning. To ensure high availability and robustness of the positioning solution, GNSS-RTK must be fused with additional sensors. This paper presents a novel sensor fusion algorithm tailored to tracked agricultural vehicles. GNSS-RTK, an IMU and wheel speed sensors are fused in an error-state Kalman filter to estimate position and attitude of the vehicle. An odometry model for tracked vehicles is introduced which is used to propagate the filter state. By using both IMU and wheel speed sensors, specific motion characteristics of tracked vehicles such as slippage can be included in the dynamic model. The presented sensor fusion algorithm is tested at a composting site using a tracked compost turner. The sensor measurements are recorded using the Robot Operating System (ROS). To analyze the achievable accuracies for position and attitude of the vehicle, a precise reference trajectory is measured using two robotic total stations. The resulting trajectory of the error-state filter is then compared to the reference trajectory. To analyze how well the proposed error-state filter is suited to bridge GNSS outages, GNSS outages of 30 s are simulated in post-processing. During these outages, the vehicle’s state is propagated using the wheel speed sensors, IMU, and the dynamic model for tracked vehicles. The results show that after 30 s of GNSS outage, the estimated horizontal position of the vehicle still has a sub-decimetre accuracy.
Optical Glucose Sensor Using Pressure Sensitive Paint
Authors: Park Jongwon
Published: June 2021

A glucose sensor is used as an essential tool for diagnosing and treating diabetic patients and controlling processes during cell culture. Since the development of an electrochemical-based glucose sensor, an optical glucose sensor has been devised to overcome its shortcomings, but this also poses a problem because it requires a complicated manufacturing process. This study aimed to develop an optical glucose sensor film that could be fabricated with a simple process using commercial pressure sensitive paints. The sensor manufacturing technology developed in this work could simplify the complex production process of the existing electrochemical or optical glucose sensors. In addition, a photometric method for glucose concentration analysis was developed using the color image of the sensor. By developing this sensor and analysis technology, the basis for glucose measurement was established that enables two-dimensional, online, and continuous measurement. The proposed sensor showed good linearity at 0–4 mM glucose in an aqueous sample solution, its limit of detection was 0.37 mM, and the response time was 2 min.
The Effects of Temperature on the Growth of a Lead-Free Perovskite-Like (CH3NH3)3Sb2Br9 Single Crystal for An MSM Photodetector Application
Authors: Hun Chien-Min , Tien Ching-Ho , Lee Kuan-Lin , Lai Hong-Ye , Chen Lung-Chien
Published: June 2021

We have fabricated a photodetector based on (CH3NH3)3Sb2Br9 (MA3Sb2Br9) lead-free perovskite-like single crystal, which plays an important role in the optoelectronic characteristics of the photodetector as a perovskite-like photosensitive layer. Here, MA3Sb2Br9 single crystals were synthesized by an inverse temperature crystallization process with a precursor solution at three different growth temperatures, 60 °C, 80 °C, and 100 °C. As a result, a MA3Sb2Br9 single crystal with an optimum growth temperature of 60 °C presented a low trap density of 2.63 × 1011 cm−3, a high charge carrier mobility of 0.75 cm2 V−1 s−1, and excellent crystal structure and optical absorption properties. This MA3Sb2Br9 perovskite-like photodetector displayed a low dark current of 8.09 × 10−9 A, high responsivity of 0.113 A W−1, and high detectivity of 4.32 × 1011 Jones.
Publisher’s Note to Launch Solar
Authors: Lin Yu , Stefenelli Giulia , Auwerter Liliane
Published: June 2021

Solar energy is the basis for life on earth [...]
A New Rural-Urban Fish Food System Was Established in Kenya–Learning from Best Practices
Authors: Soma Katrine , Obwanga Benson , Kanyuguto Charles Mbauni
Published: June 2021

Kibera, the largest slum in Nairobi, Kenya, is increasing in size and complexity due to migration from rural areas. Reaching the objectives of zero hunger and sustainable cities and communities (SDGs2 and 11) are urgent and complex challenges to future development. In this survey a new fish value-chain has been set up between a rural area called Nyeri district and the inhabitants of Kibera, to supply small-sized affordable and accessible fish. The main aim of this article is to investigate this best practice example to assist future initiatives to overcome the complex challenges and discuss reasons why it was successful. The methods applied to obtain information to conduct this survey include a literature review, two workshops, and five preparatory interviews of Kibera inhabitants. The contributions by two community leaders, one in Kibera and one in Nyeri, are central to understand why this project was successful. The community leaders were trusted in their local networks. To ensure a resilient rural-urban food system in the future, it is critically important to understand context-specific institutional mechanisms, which in Kenya are based in communities run by strong community leads with capacities to motivate and influence other actors in the network to improve and make changes.
Unconventional Entrepreneurship: Women Handicraft Entrepreneurs in a Market-Driven Economy
Authors: Wut Tai-Ming , Chan Wai-Tung , Lee Stephanie W.
Published: June 2021

The objective of this paper is to investigate a unique type of entrepreneurship in women handicraft entrepreneurs. Data were collected from six women handicraft entrepreneurs by using in-depth interviews. Born after the 1980s, they strive for survival in a highly competitive marketplace. They are all passion-driven entrepreneurs. They have to engage in other activities (ranging from teaching handicraft classes to working in another full-time job) to financially support and sustain their handicraft work. It was found that challenges include high rental rates in the city, long product development processes, small market sizes, and insufficient knowledge in digital marketing. Almost all of them are skillful, innovative, and passionate on the artistic side, but reactive and passive on the business side. Measures were suggested to empower such women entrepreneurs in view of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
From Conflict to Socio-Emotional Well-Being. Application of the GIAM Model through Traditional Sporting Games
Authors: Rillo-Albert Aaron , Sáez de Ocáriz Unai , Costes Antoni , Lavega-Burgués Pere
Published: June 2021

The education of pleasant interpersonal relationships is one of the great challenges of modern physical education. Learning to live together sustainably is also learning to transform conflicts and the negative emotions elicited by them. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the GIAM pedagogical model (of the Motor Action Research Group) through cooperation-opposition traditional sporting games with competition in the presence of motor conflicts (conflict transformation; relational well-being) and on emotional regulation (management of negative emotions; emotional well-being). Empirical research was carried out using an associative strategy (explanatory study) involving 222 secondary school students (Mage = 14.86; SD = 0.65). A seven-session pedagogical intervention was carried out based on a championship using the Marro (Prisoner’s Bar) game. The students answered two validated questionnaires of socio-emotional well-being, the Games and Emotions Scale (GES-II) and the Motor Conflict Questionnaire (MCQ), at three phases during the experience (beginning, middle, and end). The findings showed that, through the GIAM model, motor conflicts and the intensity of negative emotions were reduced. It was found that conflicts and negative emotions are part of the same phenomenon and that through an appropriate pedagogical program it is possible to turn them into experiences of socio-emotional well-being.
The Impact of the Digital Economy on CO2 Emissions: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Liu Jia , Ni Peijie
Published: June 2021

Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have led to the emission of a lot of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, sharply increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and resulting in serious global warming. With the rapid development of computer technology, the digital economy is gradually becoming the engine of economic growth. As a new economic mode, how the digital economy affects the environment is worth studying. In this paper, we introduced the digital economy into the Solow growth model as technological progress and conducted fixed-effects regressions based on the global panel data of 190 countries from 2005 to 2016. We found an inverted U-shaped, non-linear relationship between CO2 emissions and the digital economy, which supports the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis. We suggest that governments need to not only adopt hedging policies to reduce CO2 emissions caused by the digital economy in the early stage but also promote the development of the digital economy to achieve the goal of global collaborative environmental protection.
Strengthening Universal Jurisdiction for Maritime Piracy Trials to Enhance a Sustainable Anti-Piracy Legal System for Community Interests
Authors: Jin Jing , Techera Erika
Published: June 2021

Although universal jurisdiction over piracy has long existed in customary international law and international conventions, such as the Convention on the High Seas (HSC) and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the piracy situation has been changing. The subsidence of Somali piracy provides an opportunity for rethinking how to strengthen universal jurisdiction for maritime piracy trials to enhance a sustainable anti-piracy legal system. The incidents of Somali piracy have resulted in some new developments in exercising universal jurisdiction: the separation of seizing, prosecuting, and imprisoning States; the consideration of creative piracy prosecution mechanisms; the increased focus on land-based facilitation of piracy; enhanced international cooperation; and expanded universal jurisdiction. This leads to several main challenges in existing legal frameworks, including weaknesses in UNCLOS, the disharmony among international instruments, and defects in domestic piracy legislation. In order to sustain and improve the anti-piracy legal system, universal jurisdiction over piracy should be incrementally strengthened to support the prosecution of pirates by States. To address the trends and challenges, this article explores how the legal system can be enhanced in two respects: adjusting the basic provisions of universal jurisdiction over piracy and refining the relevant measures in exercising that jurisdiction to prosecute pirates.
Design, Materials, and Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing in Circular Economy Contexts: From Waste to New Products
Authors: Romani Alessia , Rognoli Valentina , Levi Marinella
Published: June 2021

The transition toward circular economy models has been progressively promoted in the last few years. Different disciplines and strategies may significantly support this change. Although the specific contribution derived from design, material science, and additive manufacturing is well-established, their interdisciplinary relationship in circular economy contexts is relatively unexplored. This paper aims to review the main case studies related to new circular economy models for waste valorization through extrusion-based additive manufacturing, circular materials, and new design strategies. The general patterns were investigated through a comprehensive analysis of 74 case studies from academic research and design practice in the last six-year period (2015–2021), focusing on the application fields, the 3D printing technologies, and the materials. Further considerations and future trends were then included by looking at the relevant funded projects and case studies of 2021. A broader number of applications, circular materials, and technologies were explored by the academic context, concerning the practice-based scenario linked to more consolidated fields. Thanks to the development of new strategies and experiential tools, academic research and practice can be linked to foster new opportunities to implement circular economy models.
An Evaluation of Interventions for Improving Pro-Environmental Waste Behaviour in Social Housing
Authors: Woodard Ryan , Rossouw Anthea
Published: June 2021

Recycling levels have been stagnating for a decade in England. Over the last 2 years, 39% of local authorities have seen a reduction in their recycling rates. Social housing has historically been neglected in waste service provision and literature. Housing associations own 2.5 million dwellings, representing 10% of all housing stock in England. Improvements to waste services and increased resident engagement in social housing could address stalling recycling levels and contribute to the aim of the national waste strategy of moving towards a circular economy. This paper presents the results of engagement with housing association residents across 24 sites in England. Following community engagement workshops, a range of resident-led interventions were implemented, including improvements to recycling services and installation of onsite food waste composters. An inclusive resident engagement programme bespoke to each site was pioneered, including regular feedback on waste reduction and recycling performance. The impact of the project was evaluated using mixed methods, including monitoring of recycling levels and resident and stakeholder surveys. The interventions stimulated behaviour changes, leading to increased recycling rates (+10.4% per site compared to baseline), waste reduction (0.4 kg per flat per week compared to baseline), increased recycling quality, and social cohesion. The research outcomes provide a model for improving waste management in social housing globally.
Assessment of the Impacts of Spatial Water Resource Variability on Energy Planning in the Ganges River Basin under Climate Change Scenarios
Authors: Mitra Bijon Kumer , Sharma Devesh , Zhou Xin , Dasgupta Rajarshi
Published: June 2021

Availability of water in the Ganges River basin has been recognized as a critical regional issue with a significant impact on drinking water supply, irrigation, as well as on industrial development, and ecosystem services in vast areas of South Asia. In addition, water availability is also strongly linked to energy security in the region. Hence, quantification of spatial availability of water resources is necessary to bolster reliable evaluation of the sustainability of future thermal power plants in the Ganges River basin. This study focuses on the risks facing existing and planned power plants regarding water availability, applying climate change scenarios at the sub-basin and district level up to 2050. For this purpose, this study develops an integrated assessment approach to quantify the water-energy nexus in four selected sub-basins of the Ganges, namely, Chambal, Damodar, Gandak, and Yamuna. The results of simulations using Soil and Water Assessment Tools (SWAT) showed that future water availability will increase significantly in the Chambal, Damodar, and Gandak sub-basins during the wet season, and will negligibly increase in the dry season, except for the Yamuna sub-basin, which is likely to experience a decrease in available water in both wet and dry seasons under the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 scenario. Changes in the water supply-demand ratio, due to climate change, indicated that water-related risks for future power plants would reduce in the Chambal and Damodar sub-basins, as there would be sufficient water in the future. For 19 out of 23 districts in the Chambal sub-basin, climate change will have a moderate-positive to high-positive impact on reducing the water risk for power plants by 2050. In contrast, existing and future power plants in the Yamuna and Gandak sub-basins will face increasing water risks. The proposed new thermal power installations, particularly in the Gandak sub-basin, are likely to face serious water shortages, which will adversely affect the stability of their operations. These results will stimulate and guide future research work to optimize the water-energy nexus, and will inform development and planning organizations, energy planning organizations, as well as investors, concerning the spatial distribution of water risks for future power plants so that more accurate decisions can be made on the location of future power plants.
Social Vulnerability across the Great Lakes Basin: A County-Level Comparative and Spatial Analysis
Authors: Fergen Joshua T. , Bergstrom Ryan D.
Published: June 2021

Social vulnerability refers to how social positions affect the ability to access resources during a disaster or disturbance, but there is limited empirical examination of its spatial patterns in the Great Lakes Basin (GLB) region of North America. In this study, we map four themes of social vulnerability for the GLB by using the Center for Disease Control’s Social Vulnerability Index (CDC SVI) for every county in the basin and compare mean scores for each sub-basin to assess inter-basin differences. Additionally, we map LISA results to identify clusters of high and low social vulnerability along with the outliers across the region. Results show the spatial patterns depend on the social vulnerability theme selected, with some overlapping clusters of high vulnerability existing in Northern and Central Michigan, and clusters of low vulnerability in Eastern Wisconsin along with outliers across the basins. Differences in these patterns also indicate the existence of an urban–rural dimension to the variance in social vulnerabilities measured in this study. Understanding regional patterns of social vulnerability help identify the most vulnerable people, and this paper presents a framework for policymakers and researchers to address the unique social vulnerabilities across heterogeneous regions.
Does Stakeholder Pressure Matters in Adopting Sustainable Supply Chain Initiatives? Insights from Agro-Based Processing Industry
Authors: Azam Tamoor , Wang Songjiang , Mohsin Muhammad , Nazam Muhammad , Hashim Muhammad , Baig Sajjad Ahmad , Zia-ur-Rehman Muhammad
Published: June 2021

Over the past few years, sustainable supply chain initiatives (SSCIs) have grabbed attention in the domestic, as well as global, marketplace of the food sector. Nowadays, the success of the entire food supply chain depends on the prosperity of farms, local communities, trader processors, and agro-based industries. Despite its importance, food processing industries (FPIs) are encountering various hurdles in achieving sustainable business goals due to the sheer number of potential barriers. Due to this reason, stakeholders are continuously pressuring the management of FPIs to embrace sustainable food processing activities. In light of this, the present study aims to apply a hybrid fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (F-AHP) framework, based on fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal solution (F-TOPSIS), for analyzing the barriers and prioritizing the possible pathways in adopting the SSCIs for the development of FPIs. Based on the extensive review of literature and panel consultation with experienced experts, a total of seven main barriers, forty-two sub barriers, and five possible pathways as strategic tools were finalized and ranked. An empirical case investigation of a Pakistani-based food processing company has been taken to check the practical application of the proposed framework along with sensitivity analysis. The findings of this study reveal that the lack of sustainable outsourcing factors were found as the top-ranked barrier in implementing SSCIs, and the possible pathway to overcome this barrier is the appropriate management of the procurement cycle. The major contribution of this study is to establish a barriers prioritization framework and suggest possible pathways to overcome these barriers for the successful implementation of SSCIs. Finally, the theoretical, managerial, and policy implications are provided as a way forward for the concerned stakeholders and policymakers.
Differences in Oral Health Status in Elite Athletes According to Sport Modalities
Authors: de la Parte Alejandro , Monticelli Francesca , Toro-Román Víctor , Pradas Francisco
Published: June 2021

Oral health status may affect physical and sports performance. The purpose of this study was to assess the oral health status and oral health habits of elite athletes according to the performed sports type. A sample of 186 elite athletes divided into individual sports (n = 74; 53 men and 21 women; 24.9 ± 9.3 years) and team sports (n = 112; 97 men and 15 women; 24.5 ± 4.8 years) participated in the study. The decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (DMFT), the oral health impact profile (OHIP), and the diet assessment of caries risk (DACR) were evaluated to assess their oral health status. Athletes in individual modalities had a lower number in total teeth, healthy teeth, and restoration index (p < 0.05). Furthermore, this group showed a greater number of missing (p < 0.001) and decayed teeth (p < 0.05) and a greater DMFT index (p < 0.001). A relationship between sports modality and prevalence of malocclusions (p < 0.01), periodontal plaque (p < 0.05), and the habit of consuming energy drinks (p < 0.05) was also highlighted. Elite athletes who compete in individual sports presented a worse oral situation.
The Effects of European Recommendations on the Validation of Lifelong Learning: A Quality Assurance Model for VET in Spain
Authors: Redondo Alfonso , Castillo Salvador , Carro Luis , Martín Paulino
Published: June 2021

Validation is an effective procedure for recognising the skills and knowledge acquired by individuals. However, the validation mechanisms in each country are not always easy to understand, especially due to a lack of information/data. The aim of this paper is to design a management system based on processes for the accreditation of professional competences acquired by work experience in Spain, considering European regulations. This is carried out through a contextualization of both regulatory frameworks through a bibliographic review, as well as the analysis of the quantitative and qualitative outcomes of the surveys that groups of experts involved in these tasks/procedures completed in Spain. All this has made it possible to design a model for the validation of learning acquired through professional experience as well as non-formal and informal channels in Europe and Spain, which facilitates the process of accreditation of competences.
Membrane Filtration as Post-Treatment of Rotating Biological Contactor for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Waqas Sharjeel , Bilad Muhammad Roil , Huda Nurul , Harun Noorfidza Yub , Md Nordin Nik Abdul Hadi , Shamsuddin Norazanita , Wibisono Yusuf , Khan Asim Laeeq , Roslan Jumardi
Published: June 2021

A rotating biological contactor (RBC) offers a low energy footprint but suffers from performance instability, making it less popular for domestic wastewater treatment. This paper presents a study on an RBC integrated with membrane technology in which membrane filtration was used as a post-treatment step (RBC–ME) to achieve enhanced biological performance. The RBC and RBC–ME systems were operated under different hydraulic retention times (HRTs) of 12, 18, 24, and 48 h, and the effects of HRT on biological performance and effluent filterability were assessed. The results show that RBC–ME demonstrates superior biological performance than the standalone RBC. The RBC–ME bioreactor achieved 87.9 ± 3.2% of chemical oxygen demand (COD), 98.9 ± 1.1% ammonium, 45.2 ± 0.7% total nitrogen (TN), and 97.9 ± 0.1% turbidity removals. A comparison of the HRTs showed that COD and TN removal efficiency was the highest at 48 h, with 92.4 ± 2.4% and 48.6 ± 1.3% removal efficiencies, respectively. The longer HRTs also lead to better RBC effluent filterability. The steady-state permeability increased respectively by 2.4%, 9.5%, and 19.1% at HRTs of 18, 24, and 48 h, compared to 12 h. Our analysis of membrane fouling shows that fouling resistance decreased at higher HRTs. Overall, RBC–ME offered a promising alternative for traditional suspended growth processes with higher microbial activity and enhanced biological performance, which is in line with the requirements of sustainable development and environment-friendly treatment.
Enterprises’ R&D Investment, Venture Capital Syndication and IPO Underpricing
Authors: Guo Xuemeng , Li Kai , Yu Siyi , Wei Bolu
Published: June 2021

Based on the data of companies that got ChiNext listed from 2009 to 2018, this paper empirically studies the relationship among R&D investment, venture capital (VC) syndication and IPO underpricing. It is found that there is a significant positive correlation between R&D investment and IPO underpricing, indicating that the higher the R&D investment is, the higher the IPO underpricing degree is; the intervention of VC syndication plays a role of “adverse selection” instead of giving play to its advantages of sharing information, which intensifies the positive correlation between R&D investment and IPO underpricing. Further analysis shows that the reputation of the leading VC in syndication can play a negative regulating role; the higher the reputation of the leading VC is, the more it can play the “certification effect”, reduce the information asymmetry caused by R&D investment, therefore alleviating the IPO underpricing caused by R&D investment.
Organizational Change Management for Sustainability in Higher Education Institutions: A Systematic Quantitative Literature Review
Authors: Rieg Nicola Andreij , Gatersleben Birgitta , Christie Ian
Published: June 2021

Higher education institutions (HEIs) have been urged to integrate sustainability across all their structural and organizational dimensions. A promising area of research and practice that can help to deliver this is organizational change management for sustainability. While this field has received increasing attention over the past decade, a comprehensive assessment is still lacking. Therefore, a systematic quantitative review was carried out to summarize and synthesize the academic literature on organizational change management approaches that aim to holistically embed sustainability in HEIs. Furthermore, this review aims to illustrate what change factors have been observed and how they have been analyzed, and from this highlight implications for practice and pathways for future research. The literature reviewed puts strong emphasis on change processes and human factors, as well as elements of the institutional framework, such as vision and strategy. The findings highlight the value of strategic and reflective actions, the importance of understanding and actively shaping change processes, and that change towards sustainability requires broad stakeholder input and commitment. This review serves as an important reference point for future research and practice.
Relation between Quantum Walks with Tails and Quantum Walks with Sinks on Finite Graphs
Authors: Konno Norio , Segawa Etsuo , Štefaňák Martin
Published: June 2021

We connect the Grover walk with sinks to the Grover walk with tails. The survival probability of the Grover walk with sinks in the long time limit is characterized by the centered generalized eigenspace of the Grover walk with tails. The centered eigenspace of the Grover walk is the attractor eigenspace of the Grover walk with sinks. It is described by the persistent eigenspace of the underlying random walk whose support has no overlap to the boundaries of the graph and combinatorial flow in graph theory.
Bayesian Inference for the Parameters of Kumaraswamy Distribution via Ranked Set Sampling
Authors: Jiang Huanmin , Gui Wenhao
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we address the estimation of the parameters for a two-parameter Kumaraswamy distribution by using the maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods based on simple random sampling, ranked set sampling, and maximum ranked set sampling with unequal samples. The Bayes loss functions used are symmetric and asymmetric. The Metropolis-Hastings-within-Gibbs algorithm was employed to calculate the Bayes point estimates and credible intervals. We illustrate a simulation experiment to compare the implications of the proposed point estimators in sense of bias, estimated risk, and relative efficiency as well as evaluate the interval estimators in terms of average confidence interval length and coverage percentage. Finally, a real-life example and remarks are presented.
Clues about the Nature of Multiquark States
Authors: Garcilazo Humberto , Valcarce Alfredo
Published: June 2021

We present a comprehensive study of the decay width of multiquark states containing different color singlet components in a coupled-channel approach. We show how the decay width can provide in-depth information about the nature of a coupled-channel resonance. An unexpected behavior of the decay width of a multiquark state could be pointing to a relevant role of the coupled-channel dynamics, aiming at the channel responsible for the formation of the resonance. The symmetrical situation between meson- and baryon-like multiquarks is highlighted. Our study accounts for the existence of narrow resonances with large phase spaces. In the case of resonances far from their detection channel, it is the mass difference with the formation channel that determines their decay width. The larger the binding, the larger the decay width, even though the phase space to the detection channel gets reduced. The trends noticed cast doubts on the molecular assignment of some multiquark candidates. Finally, we wonder about the existence and properties of multiquark partners in other flavor sectors.
Radiological Reporting of Urgencies Related to Medical Devices: Commentary on a Possible Systematic Approach
Authors: Contegiacomo Andrea , Conti Marco , Muciaccia Massimo , Trombatore Pietro , Dezio Michele , Lozupone Emilio , Meduri Agostino , Marano Riccardo , Natale Luigi , Manfredi Riccardo
Published: June 2021

Most medical devices are routinely recognized on radiological images and described as normal findings in the radiological report, but sometimes they can cause patient access to the emergency department. Multiple possible complications have been described and most of them require prompt recognition by radiologists for proper clinical management. This commentary proposes a systematic approach to radiological reporting of the most common emergent complications related to medical devices with the intent to avoid the omission of important findings in the final radiological report.
Analysis of High Molecular Mass Compounds from the Spider Pamphobeteus verdolaga Venom Gland. A Transcriptomic and MS ID Approach
Authors: Estrada-Gómez Sebastian , Vargas-Muñoz Leidy Johana , Segura Latorre Cesar , Saldarriaga-Cordoba Monica Maria , Arenas-Gómez Claudia Marcela
Published: June 2021

Nowadays, spider venom research focuses on the neurotoxic activity of small peptides. In this study, we investigated high-molecular-mass compounds that have either enzymatic activity or housekeeping functions present in either the venom gland or venom of Pamphobeteus verdolaga. We used proteomic and transcriptomic-assisted approaches to recognize the proteins sequences related to high-molecular-mass compounds present in either venom gland or venom. We report the amino acid sequences (partial or complete) of 45 high-molecular-mass compounds detected by transcriptomics showing similarity to other proteins with either enzymatic activity (i.e., phospholipases A2, kunitz-type, hyaluronidases, and sphingomyelinase D) or housekeeping functions involved in the signaling process, glucanotransferase function, and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity. MS/MS analysis showed fragments exhibiting a resemblance similarity with different sequences detected by transcriptomics corresponding to sphingomyelinase D, hyaluronidase, lycotoxins, cysteine-rich secretory proteins, and kunitz-type serine protease inhibitors, among others. Additionally, we report a probably new protein sequence corresponding to the lycotoxin family detected by transcriptomics. The phylogeny analysis suggested that P. verdolaga includes a basal protein that underwent a duplication event that gave origin to the lycotoxin proteins reported for Lycosa sp. This approach allows proposing an evolutionary relationship of high-molecular-mass proteins among P. verdolaga and other spider species.
Paralytic and Amnesic Shellfish Toxins Impacts on Seabirds, Analyses and Management
Authors: Ben-Gigirey Begoña , Soliño Lucía , Bravo Isabel , Rodríguez Francisco , Casero María V. M.
Published: June 2021

Marine biotoxins have been frequently implicated in morbidity and mortality events in numerous species of birds worldwide. Nevertheless, their effects on seabirds have often been overlooked and the associated ecological impact has not been extensively studied. On top of that, the number of published studies confirming by analyses the presence of marine biotoxins from harmful algal blooms (HABs) in seabirds, although having increased in recent years, is still quite low. This review compiles information on studies evidencing the impact of HAB toxins on marine birds, with a special focus on the effects of paralytic and amnesic shellfish toxins (PSTs and ASTs). It is mainly centered on studies in which the presence of PSTs and/or ASTs in seabird samples was demonstrated through analyses. The analytical techniques commonly employed, the tissues selected and the adjustments done in protocols for processing seabird matrixes are summarized. Other topics covered include the role of different vectors in the seabird intoxications, information on clinical signs in birds affected by PSTs and ASTs, and multifactorial causes which could aggravate the syndromes. Close collaboration between seabird experts and marine biotoxins researchers is needed to identify and report the potential involvement of HABs and their toxins in the mortality events. Future studies on the PSTs and ASTs pharmacodynamics, together with the establishment of lethal doses in various seabird species, are also necessary. These studies would aid in the selection of the target organs for toxins analyses and in the postmortem intoxication diagnoses.
Comparison of Hepatitis E Virus Sequences from Humans and Swine, The Netherlands, 1998–2015
Authors: Hogema Boris M. , Hakze-van der Honing Renate W. , Molier Michel , Zaaijer Hans L. , van der Poel Wim H. M.
Published: June 2021

Pigs are suspected to be a major source of zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in industrialized countries, but the transmission route(s) from pigs to humans are ill-defined. Sequence comparison of HEV isolates from pigs with those from blood donors and patients in 372 samples collected in The Netherlands in 1998 and 1999 and between 2008 and 2015 showed that all sequences were genotype 3 except for six patients (with travel history). Subgenotype 3c (gt3c) was the most common subtype. While the proportion of gt3c increased significantly between 1998 and 2008, it remained constant between 2008 and 2015. Among the few circulating HEV subtypes, there was no difference observed between the human and the pig isolates. Hepatitis E viruses in humans are very likely to originate from pigs, but it is unclear why HEV gt3c has become the predominant subtype in The Netherlands.
Identification of Receptor Binding Proteins in Flagellotropic Agrobacterium Phage 7-7-1
Authors: Gonzalez Floricel , Scharf Birgit E.
Published: June 2021

The rapid discovery of new and diverse bacteriophages has driven the innovation of approaches aimed at detailing interactions with their bacterial hosts. Previous studies on receptor binding proteins (RBPs) mainly relied on their identification in silico and are based on similarities to well-characterized systems. Thus, novel phage RBPs unlike those currently annotated in genomic and proteomic databases remain largely undiscovered. In this study, we employed a screen to identify RBPs in flagellotropic Agrobacterium phage 7-7-1. Flagellotropic phages utilize bacterial flagella as receptors. The screen identified three candidate RBPs, Gp4, Gp102, and Gp44. Homology modelling predicted that Gp4 is a trimeric, tail associated protein with a central β-barrel, while the structure and function of Gp102 and Gp44 are less obvious. Studies with purified Gp41-247 confirmed its ability to bind and interact with host cells, highlighting the robustness of the RBP screen. We also discovered that Gp41-247 inhibits the growth of host cells in a motility and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) dependent fashion. Hence, our results suggest interactions between Gp41-247, rotating flagellar filaments and host glycans to inhibit host cell growth, which presents an impactful and intriguing focus for future studies.
Modular Evolution of Coronavirus Genomes
Authors: Vakulenko Yulia , Deviatkin Andrei , Drexler Jan Felix , Lukashev Alexander
Published: June 2021

The viral family Coronaviridae comprises four genera, termed Alpha-, Beta-, Gamma-, and Deltacoronavirus. Recombination events have been described in many coronaviruses infecting humans and other animals. However, formal analysis of the recombination patterns, both in terms of the involved genome regions and the extent of genetic divergence between partners, are scarce. Common methods of recombination detection based on phylogenetic incongruences (e.g., a phylogenetic compatibility matrix) may fail in cases where too many events diminish the phylogenetic signal. Thus, an approach comparing genetic distances in distinct genome regions (pairwise distance deviation matrix) was set up. In alpha, beta, and delta-coronaviruses, a low incidence of recombination between closely related viruses was evident in all genome regions, but it was more extensive between the spike gene and other genome regions. In contrast, avian gammacoronaviruses recombined extensively and exist as a global cloud of genes with poorly corresponding genetic distances in different parts of the genome. Spike, but not other structural proteins, was most commonly exchanged between coronaviruses. Recombination patterns differed between coronavirus genera and corresponded to the modular structure of the spike: recombination traces were more pronounced between spike domains (N-terminal and C-terminal parts of S1 and S2) than within domains. The variability of possible recombination events and their uneven distribution over the genome suggest that compatibility of genes, rather than mechanistic or ecological limitations, shapes recombination patterns in coronaviruses.
Low Genetic Diversity of Hepatitis B Virus Surface Gene amongst Australian Blood Donors
Authors: Phan Ngoc Minh Hien , Faddy Helen M. , Flower Robert L. , Dimech Wayne J. , Spann Kirsten M. , Roulis Eileen V.
Published: June 2021

Variants in the small surface gene of hepatitis B virus (HBV), which codes for viral surface antigen (HBsAg), can affect the efficacy of HBsAg screening assays and can be associated with occult HBV infection (OBI). This study aimed to characterise the molecular diversity of the HBV small surface gene from HBV-reactive Australian blood donors. HBV isolates from 16 HBsAg-positive Australian blood donors’ plasma were sequenced and genotyped by phylogenies of viral coding genes and/or whole genomes. An analysis of the genetic diversity of eight HBV small surface genes from our 16 samples was conducted and compared with HBV sequences from NCBI of 164 international (non-Australian) blood donors. Genotypes A–D were identified in our samples. The region of HBV small surface gene that contained the sequence encoding the ‘a’ determinant had a greater genetic diversity than the remaining part of the gene. No escape mutants or OBI-related variants were observed in our samples. Variant call analysis revealed two samples with a nucleotide deletion leading to truncation of polymerase and/or large/middle surface amino acid sequences. Overall, we found that HBV small surface gene sequences from Australian donors demonstrated a lower level of genetic diversity than those from non-Australian donor population included in the study.
African Swine Fever and Its Epidemiological Course in Lithuanian Wild Boar
Authors: Schulz Katja , Masiulis Marius , Staubach Christoph , Malakauskas Alvydas , Pridotkas Gediminas , Conraths Franz J. , Sauter-Louis Carola
Published: June 2021

African swine fever (ASF) has been present in Lithuania since 2014. It is mainly the wild boar population that is affected. Currently, little is known about the epidemiological course of ASF in Lithuania. In the present study, ASF surveillance data from 2016–2021 were analyzed. The numbers of samples taken from hunted wild boar and wild boar found dead per year and month were recorded and the prevalence was estimated for each study month and administrative unit. A Bayesian space–time model was used to calculate the temporal trend of the prevalence estimates. In addition, population data were analyzed on a yearly basis. Most samples were investigated in 2016 and 2017 and originated from hunted animals. Prevalence estimates of ASF virus-positive wild boar decreased from May 2019 onwards. Seroprevalence estimates showed a slight decrease at the same time, but they increased again at the end of the study period. A significant decrease in the population density was observed over time. The results of the study show that ASF is still present in the Lithuanian wild boar population. A joint interdisciplinary effort is needed to identify weaknesses in the control of ASF in Lithuania and to combat the disease more successfully.
Type 1 Diabetes Patients’ Practice, Knowledge and Attitudes towards Influenza Immunization
Authors: Dallagiacoma Giulia , Allora Agnese , Salvati Stefano , Cocciolo Giulia , Capraro Michele , Lamberti Anna , Senatore Sabrina , Gentile Leandro , Gianfredi Vincenza , Laurenzi Andrea , Molinari Chiara , Caretto Amelia , Faccini Marino , Signorelli Carlo , Scavini Marina , Odone Anna
Published: June 2021

Diabetic patients are at higher risk of developing infectious diseases and severe complications, compared to the general population. Almost no data is available in the literature on influenza immunization in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). As part of a broader project on immunization in diabetic patients, we conducted a cross-sectional study to: (i) report on seasonal influenza coverage rates in T1DM patients, (ii) explore knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) towards seasonal influenza in this population, and (iii) identify factors associated with vaccine uptake, including the role of family doctors and diabetologists. A survey was administered to 251 T1DM patients attending the Diabetes Clinic at San Raffaele Research Hospital in Milan, Italy and individual-level coverage data were retrieved from immunization registries. Self-reported seasonal influenza immunization coverage was 36%, which decreased to 21.7% when considering regional immunization registries, far below coverage target of 75%. More than a third (36.2%) of T1DM patients were classified as pro-vaccine, 30.7% as hesitant, 17.9% as uninformed, and 15.1% as anti-vaccine. Diabetologists resulted to be the most trusted source of information on vaccines’ benefits and risks (85.3%) and should be more actively involved in preventive interventions. Our study highlights the importance of developing tailored vaccination campaigns for people with diabetes, including hospital-based programs involving diabetes specialists.
Retrieving and Verifying Three-Dimensional Surface Motion Displacement of Mountain Glacier from Sentinel-1 Imagery Using Optimized Method
Authors: Wang Yanqiang , Zhao Jun , Li Zhongqin , Zhang Mingjun , Wang Yuchun , Liu Jialiang , Yang Jianxia , Yang Zhihui
Published: June 2021

The time series study of glacier movement is of special importance for rational management of freshwater resources, studying glacier evolution, understanding mechanism of glacier movement, and assessing disasters caused by glacier movement. In this paper, we put forward an optimization scheme for the shortcomings in the calculation method of using remote sensing to invert the three-dimensional (3D) surface motion displacement of glacier. The optimized method consists of Offset Tracking method, Optimizing the offset tracking results by means of iterative filtering, OT-SBAS technology and Conversion of 3D surface motion displacement of glacier. The Urumqi Glacier No. 1 was selected to test the optimized method. The 3D surface motion displacement of Urumqi Glacier No. 1 was retrieved by using the optimized method based on the ascending and descending Sentinel-1 datasets from 19 April to 29 August 2018. The distribution of 3D surface velocity of the Urumqi Glacier No. 1 was obtained in time series, and the accuracy of the inversion results was evaluated by using the field measurement data. The results show that the accuracies of the inverted displacements of east branch of Urumqi Glacier No. 1 (UG1E) were about 0.062, 0.063, and 0.152 m in the east, north and vertical directions, and these values for the west branch (UG1W) were 0.015, 0.020 and 0.026 m, respectively. It is indicated that using Sentinel-1 ascending and descending data and using the optimized method to retrieve the 3D surface motion displacement of glacier should satisfy the requirements of inversing the 3D surface motion displacement of high-latitude mountain glaciers in China.