bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Business Model Blueprints for the Shared Mobility Hub Network
Authors: Coenegrachts Elnert , Beckers Joris , Vanelslander Thierry , Verhetsel Ann
Published: June 2021

Shared (electric) mobility is still facing challenges in terms of reaching its potential as a sustainable mobility solution. Low physical and digital integration with public transport, a lack of charging infrastructure, the regulatory barriers, and the public nuisance are hindering the uptake and organization of shared mobility services. This study examines the case of the shared mobility hub, a location where shared mobility is concentrated, as a solution to overcome these challenges. To find ideas informing how a network of shared mobility hubs can contribute to sustainable urban mobility and to overcome the aforementioned challenges, a business model innovation approach was adopted. Focus groups, consisting of public and private stakeholders, collaboratively designed five business model (BM) blueprints, reaching a consensus about the value creation, delivery, and capture mechanisms of the network. The blueprints, defined as first-/last-mile, clustered, point-of-interest (POI), hybrid, and closed mobility hub networks, provide alternative solutions to integrate sustainable transportation modes into a coherent network, enabling multi- and intermodal travel behaviour, and supporting interoperability, sustainable land use, and ensured access to shared (electric) travel modes. However, which kind of network the local key stakeholders need to commit to depends on the local policy goals and regulatory context.
The Influence of Seasonality on the Multi-Spectral Image Segmentation for Identification of Abandoned Land
Authors: Tumelienė Eglė , Visockienė Jūratė Sužiedelytė , Malienė Vida
Published: June 2021

Areas of agricultural land in Lithuania have decreased from 2005 to 2021 by up to 2.4%. Agricultural lands that are no longer used for their main purpose are very likely to become abandoned and the emergence of such lands can cause a variety of social, economic, and environmental problems. Therefore, it is very important to constantly monitor changes of abandoned agricultural lands. The purpose of the research is to analyse the influence of seasonality on image segmentation for the identification of abandoned land areas. Multi-spectral Sentinel-2 images from different periods (April, July, and September) and three supervised image segmentation methods (Spectral Angle Mapping (SAM), Maximum_Likelihood (ML), and Minimum distance (MD)) were used with the same parameters in this research. Studies had found that the most appropriate time to segment abandoned lands was in September, according to the SAM and ML algorithms. During this period, the intensity of the green colour was the highest and the colour brightness of abandoned lands differed from the colour intensity of other lands.
A Regenerative Business Model with Flexible, Modular and Scalable Processes in A Post-Covid Era: The Case of The Spinning Mesh Disc Reactor (SMDR)
Authors: Emanuelsson Emma Anna Carolina , Charles Aurelie , Shivaprasad Parimala
Published: June 2021

With stringent environmental regulations and a new drive for sustainable manufacturing, there is an unprecedented opportunity to incorporate novel manufacturing techniques. Recent political and pandemic events have shown the vulnerability to supply chains, highlighting the need for localised manufacturing capabilities to better respond flexibly to national demand. In this paper, we have used the spinning mesh disc reactor (SMDR) as a case study to demonstrate the path forward for manufacturing in the post-Covid world. The SMDR uses centrifugal force to allow the spread of thin film across the spinning disc which has a cloth with immobilised catalyst. The modularity of the design combined with the flexibility to perform a range of chemical reactions in a single equipment is an opportunity towards sustainable manufacturing. A global approach to market research allowed us to identify sectors within the chemical industry interested in novel reactor designs. The drivers for implementing change were identified as low capital cost, flexible operation and consistent product quality. Barriers include cost of change (regulatory and capital costs), limited technical awareness, safety concerns and lack of motivation towards change. Finally, applying the key features of a Sustainable Business Model (SBM) to SMDR, we show the strengths and opportunities for SMDR to align with an SBM allowing for a low-cost, sustainable and regenerative system of chemical manufacturing.
An Analysis of Factors Affecting the Severity of Cycling Crashes Using Binary Regression Model
Authors: Jaber Ahmed , Juhász János , Csonka Bálint
Published: June 2021

The increasing use of bicycles rises the interest in investigating the safety aspects of daily commuting. In this investigation, more than 14,000 cyclists’ injuries were analyzed to determine the relationship between severity, road infrastructure characteristics, and surface conditions using binary regression. Minor and major severity categories were distinguished. A binary equation consists of 28 factors is extracted. It has been found that each factor related to roadway characteristics has its negative and positive impacts on cyclist severity such as traffic control, location type, topography, and roadway divisions. Regarding the road surface components, good, paved, and marked roads are associated with a higher probability of major injuries due to the expected greater frequencies of cyclists on roads with good conditions. In conclusion, probabilities of major injuries are higher in urban areas, higher speed limits, signalized intersections, inclined topographies, one-way roads, and during the daytime which require more attention and better considerations.
Emotional Cognitive Regulation in University Students during Lockdown: A Comparative Analysis of Students from Spanish Universities
Authors: Cuevas López Mercedes , Ávalos Ruiz Inmaculada , Lizarte Simón Emilio Jesús
Published: June 2021

Studies focusing on strategies for the cognitive regulation of emotions are gaining importance due to the development and perpetuation of psychopathologies. The obligatory home confinement imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to new virtual learning methodologies. Objective: Our objective aimed to analyze and compare the cognitive emotional regulation of students from universities on the Spanish mainland with that of students attending the Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Methods: An online Emotional Regulation Questionnaire was applied, together with a survey covering the students’ beliefs about the pandemic, including information about their housing conditions and beliefs about online learning. The study included a sample of 1030 university students. Results: On the mainland and at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the students most frequently used adaptive strategies. Three of the strategies were used in both groups but to different extents (Acceptance, Positive reappraisal, Putting into perspective), while the other strategies were used in both groups to the same extent (Refocusing on planning, Positive refocusing, Rumination, Blaming others, Catastrophizing, Self-blame). Meanwhile, the results were quite similar regarding the students’ housing conditions and beliefs about the pandemic and online learning.
Rethinking Tourism Industry in Pandemic COVID-19 Period
Authors: Vărzaru Anca Antoaneta , Bocean Claudiu George , Cazacu Marian
Published: June 2021

The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) has significantly affected the tourism industry. Tourist destinations have adopted emergency measures and restrictions that have affected the mobility of individuals around the world. Beaches and resorts were empty, cities were deserted, people’s movements were stopped, and travel among different territories was strictly controlled. COVID-19-caused quarantine around the world has harmed people’s livelihoods and the world economy. This study aims to analyze the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry and overall economic performance. Based on the research results and exploratory research of the literature, we listed in a synthesizing manner several measures to ensure the resilience of the tourism sector during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
Recent Advances in Carbon Dioxide Conversion: A Circular Bioeconomy Perspective
Authors: Wang TsingHai , Dong Cheng-Di , Lin Jui-Yen , Chen Chiu-Wen , Chang Jo-Shu , Kim Hyunook , Huang Chin-Pao , Hung Chang-Mao
Published: June 2021

Managing the concentration of atmospheric CO2 requires a multifaceted engineering strategy, which remains a highly challenging task. Reducing atmospheric CO2 (CO2R) by converting it to value-added chemicals in a carbon neutral footprint manner must be the ultimate goal. The latest progress in CO2R through either abiotic (artificial catalysts) or biotic (natural enzymes) processes is reviewed herein. Abiotic CO2R can be conducted in the aqueous phase that usually leads to the formation of a mixture of CO, formic acid, and hydrogen. By contrast, a wide spectrum of hydrocarbon species is often observed by abiotic CO2R in the gaseous phase. On the other hand, biotic CO2R is often conducted in the aqueous phase and a wide spectrum of value-added chemicals are obtained. Key to the success of the abiotic process is understanding the surface chemistry of catalysts, which significantly governs the reactivity and selectivity of CO2R. However, in biotic CO2R, operation conditions and reactor design are crucial to reaching a neutral carbon footprint. Future research needs to look toward neutral or even negative carbon footprint CO2R processes. Having a deep insight into the scientific and technological aspect of both abiotic and biotic CO2R would advance in designing efficient catalysts and microalgae farming systems. Integrating the abiotic and biotic CO2R such as microbial fuel cells further diversifies the spectrum of CO2R.
Economic Value of Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts at Incheon Airport, South Korea
Authors: Kim In-Gyum , Kim Hye-Min , Lee Dae-Geun , Lim Byunghwan , Lee Hee-Choon
Published: June 2021

Meteorological information at an arrival airport is one of the primary variables used to determine refueling of discretionary fuel. This study evaluated the economic value of terminal aerodrome forecasts (TAF), which has not been previously quantitatively analyzed in Korea. The analysis data included 374,716 international flights that arrived at Incheon airport during 2017–2019. A cost–loss model was used for the analysis, which is a methodology to evaluate forecast value by considering the cost and loss that users can expect, considering the decision-making result based on forecast utilization. The value was divided in terms of improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions. The results of the analysis indicate that the annual average TAF value for Incheon Airport was approximately 2.2 M–20.1 M USD under two hypothetical rules of refueling of discretionary fuel. This value is up to 26.2% higher than the total budget of 16.3 M USD set for the production of aviation meteorological forecasts by the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). Further, it is up to 10 times greater than the 2 M USD spent on aviation meteorological information fees collected by the KMA in 2018.
The Effect of Message Framing on Consumers’ Intentions to Purchase Recycling-Aiding Products in China
Authors: Li Yang , Yang Dandan , Liu Yingying
Published: June 2021

Recycling can benefit our community and the environment to a considerable degree through the link between collection and processing. Governments and companies make substantive efforts to develop effective communication strategies that encourage people to conduct recycling behaviors by using recycling-aiding products. Across three lab experiments, this research finds that negative frames are more effective in convincing consumers to purchase recycling-aiding products than positive frames. The results can be explained through perceived value and pro-environmental personal norms. Furthermore, negative frames are more effective for consumers with lower environmental involvement. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to examine the framing effect as it applies to communicating messages about recycling-aiding products. Finally, our conclusions provide solid theoretical support and suggestions for policymakers and marketers, such as designing specific advertisements tailored to different demographics.
A Critical Review on Mathematical Descriptions to Study Flux Processes and Environmental-Related Interactions of Mangroves
Authors: Brooks Jefferson , Chen Austin Miguel , Mora Dafni , Tejedor-Flores Nathalia
Published: June 2021

Trees are resources that provide multiple benefits, such as the conservation of fauna, both terrestrial and marine, a source of food and raw material, and offering protection in storms, which makes it practical to understand their behavior against different phenomena. Such understanding may be possible through process modeling. Studies confirm that mangrove forests can store more carbon than other forests, influencing the fight against global warming. Thus, a critical and systematic review was carried out regarding studies focusing on mangroves to collect information on the models that have been applied and the most influential variables highlighted by other authors. Applying a systematic search for the most relevant topics related to mangroves (basic as well as recent information), it is possible to group models and methods carried out by other authors to respond to certain behaviors presented by mangroves. Moreover, possible structuring of a mathematical model applied to a species of interest thanks to the analyzed references could provide justified information to the authorities on the importance of these forests and the benefits of their preservation and regeneration-recovery.
University Students’ Emotions When Using E-Portfolios in Virtual Education Environments
Authors: Crisol Moya Emilio , Gámiz Sánchez Vanesa , Romero López María Asunción
Published: June 2021

This paper is based on a study that aims to understand the emotions students feel when they use the e-portfolio to manage their learning and assessment. The sample was composed of 358 students, and the instrument used was an ad hoc questionnaire. The students were asked to indicate the degree to which they experienced a set of emotions when using the e-portfolio. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that positive emotions are foremost and above average, ranked as follows from strongest to weakest: freedom, motivation, curiosity, and inquiry. The students evaluated negative emotions (disorientation and waste of time) as experienced less strongly. The results point out that younger students feel more comfortable with the use of technologies and specifically with the e-portfolio. In addition, men experienced the emotion “freedom” more than women. On the other hand, students in the third year of their respective degree programs experienced “freedom”, “curiosity”, and “inquiry” when using the e-portfolio to manage their learning. A clear relationship thus exists between emotions, motivation, and e-portfolio use, which appears to confirm that work in virtual contexts with this strategy stimulates student motivation.
Expandable Houses: An Explorative Life Cycle Cost Analysis
Authors: Cambier Charlotte , Galle Waldo , De Temmerman Niels
Published: June 2021

In addition to the environmental burden of its construction and demolition activities, the Flemish housing market faces a structural affordability challenge. As one possible answer, this research explores the potential of so-called expandable houses, being built increasingly often. Through specific design choices that enable the disassembly and future reuse of individual components and so align with the idea of a circular economy, expandable houses promise to provide ever-changing homes with a smaller impact on the environment and at a lower cost for clients. In this paper, an expandable house suitable for various housing needs is conceived through a scenario-based research-by-design approach and compared to a reference house for Flanders. Subsequently, for both houses the life cycle costs are calculated and compared. The results of this exploration support the proposition that designing expandable houses can be a catalyst for sustainable, circular housing development and that households could benefit from its social, economic and ecological qualities. It requires, however, a dynamic perspective on evaluating their life-cycle impact.
Dynamic Asymmetries Do Not Match Spatiotemporal Step Asymmetries during Split-Belt Walking
Authors: Scarano Stefano , Tesio Luigi , Rota Viviana , Cerina Valeria , Catino Luigi , Malloggi Chiara
Published: June 2021

While walking on split-belt treadmills (two belts running at different speeds), the slower limb shows longer anterior steps than the limb dragged by the faster belt. After returning to basal conditions, the step length asymmetry is transiently reversed (after-effect). The lower limb joint dynamics, however, were not thoroughly investigated. In this study, 12 healthy adults walked on a force-sensorised split-belt treadmill for 15 min. Belts rotated at 0.4 m s−1 on both sides, or 0.4 and 1.2 m s−1 under the non-dominant and dominant legs, respectively. Spatiotemporal step parameters, ankle power and work, and the actual mean velocity of the body’s centre of mass (CoM) were computed. On the faster side, ankle power and work increased, while step length and stance time decreased. The mean velocity of the CoM slightly decreased. As an after-effect, modest converse asymmetries developed, fading within 2–5 min. These results may help to decide which belt should be assigned to the paretic and the unaffected lower limb when split-belt walking is applied for rehabilitation research in hemiparesis.
Non-Trivial Solutions of Non-Autonomous Nabla Fractional Difference Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Cabada Alberto , Dimitrov Nikolay D. , Jonnalagadda Jagan Mohan
Published: June 2021

In this article, we present a two-point boundary value problem with separated boundary conditions for a finite nabla fractional difference equation. First, we construct an associated Green’s function as a series of functions with the help of spectral theory, and obtain some of its properties. Under suitable conditions on the nonlinear part of the nabla fractional difference equation, we deduce two existence results of the considered nonlinear problem by means of two Leray–Schauder fixed point theorems. We provide a couple of examples to illustrate the applicability of the established results.
Enzymatic Degradation of Multiple Major Mycotoxins by Dye-Decolorizing Peroxidase from Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Qin Xing , Su Xiaoyun , Tu Tao , Zhang Jie , Wang Xiaolu , Wang Yaru , Wang Yuan , Bai Yingguo , Yao Bin , Luo Huiying , Huang Huoqing
Published: June 2021

The co-occurrence of multiple mycotoxins, including aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEN) and deoxynivalenol (DON), widely exists in cereal-based animal feed and food. At present, most reported mycotoxins degrading enzymes target only a certain type of mycotoxins. Therefore, it is of great significance for mining enzymes involved in the simultaneous degradation of different types of mycotoxins. In this study, a dye-decolorizing peroxidase-encoding gene BsDyP from Bacillus subtilis SCK6 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21/pG-Tf2. The purified recombinant BsDyP was capable of oxidizing various substrates, including lignin phenolic model compounds 2,6-dimethylphenol and guaiacol, the substrate 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), anthraquinone dye reactive blue 19 and azo dye reactive black 5, as well as Mn2+. In addition, BsDyP could efficiently degrade different types of mycotoxins, including AFB1, ZEN and DON, in presence of Mn2+. More important, the toxicities of their corresponding enzymatic degradation products AFB1-diol, 15-OH-ZEN and C15H18O8 were significantly lower than AFB1, ZEN and DON. In summary, these results proved that BsDyP was a promising candidate for the simultaneous degradation of multiple mycotoxins in animal feed and food.
Novel Antivirals in Clinical Development for Chronic Hepatitis B Infection
Authors: Mak Lung-Yi , Seto Wai-Kay , Yuen Man-Fung
Published: June 2021

Globally, chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection is one of the leading causes of liver failure, decompensated cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Existing antiviral therapy can suppress viral replication but not fully eradicate the virus nor the risk of liver-related complications. Novel treatments targeting alternative steps of the viral cycle or to intensify/restore the host’s immunity are being developed. We discuss novel drugs that have already entered clinical phases of development. Agents that interfere with specific steps of HBV replication include RNA interference, core protein allosteric modulation, and inhibition of viral entry or viral protein excretion (NAPs and STOPS). Agents that target the host’s immunity include toll-like receptor agonists, therapeutic vaccines, immune checkpoint modulators, soluble T-cell receptors, and monoclonal antibodies. Most have demonstrated favorable results in suppression of viral proteins and genomic materials (i.e., HBV DNA and/or pre-genomic RNA), and/or evidence on host-immunity restoration including cytokine responses and T-cell activation. Given the abundant clinical experience and real-world safety data with the currently existing therapy, any novel agent for CHB should be accompanied by convincing safety data. Combination therapy of nucleos(t)ide analogue, a novel virus-directing agent, and/or an immunomodulatory agent will be the likely approach to optimize the chance of a functional cure in CHB.
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines and Monoclonal Antibodies Facing Viral Variants
Authors: Chaqroun Ahlam , Hartard Cédric , Schvoerer Evelyne
Published: June 2021

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is genetically variable, allowing it to adapt to various hosts including humans. Indeed, SARS-CoV-2 has accumulated around two mutations per genome each month. The first relevant event in this context was the occurrence of the mutant D614G in the Spike gene. Moreover, several variants have emerged, including the well-characterized 20I/501Y.V1, 20H/501Y.V2, and 20J/501Y.V3 strains, in addition to those that have been detected within clusters, such as 19B/501Y or 20C/655Y in France. Mutants have also emerged in animals, including a variant transmitted to humans, namely, the Mink variant detected in Denmark. The emergence of these variants has affected the transmissibility of the virus (for example, 20I/501Y.V1, which was up to 82% more transmissible than other preexisting variants), its severity, and its ability to escape natural, adaptive, vaccine, and therapeutic immunity. In this respect, we review the literature on variants that have currently emerged, and their effect on vaccines and therapies, and, in particular, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants must be examined to allow effective preventive and curative control strategies to be developed.
Comprehensive Evolutionary Analysis of Complete Epstein–Barr Virus Genomes from Argentina and Other Geographies
Authors: Blazquez Ana Catalina , Berenstein Ariel José , Torres Carolina , Izquierdo Agustín , Lezama Carol , Moscatelli Guillermo , De Matteo Elena Noemí , Lorenzetti Mario Alejandro , Preciado María Victoria
Published: June 2021

The sequence variability of the Epstein–Barr virus has been extensively studied throughout previous years in isolates from various geographic regions and consequent variations at both genetic and genomic levels have been described. However, isolates from South America were underrepresented in these studies. Here, we sequenced 15 complete EBV genomes that we analyzed together with publicly available raw NGS data for 199 EBV isolates from other parts of the globe by means of a custom-built bioinformatic pipeline. The phylogenetic relations of the genomes, the geographic structure and variability of the data set, and the evolution rates for the whole genome and each gene were assessed. The present work contributes to overcoming the scarcity of complete EBV genomes from South America and is the most comprehensive geography-related variability study, which involved determining the actual contribution of each EBV gene to the geographic segregation of the entire genome. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, we established for the first time the evolution rate for the entire EBV genome based on a host–virus codivergence-independent assumption and assessed their evolution rates on a gene-by-gene basis, which were related to the encoded protein function. Considering the evolution of dsDNA viruses with a codivergence-independent approach may lay the basis for future research on EBV evolution. The exhaustive bioinformatic analysis performed on this new dataset allowed us to draw a novel set of conclusions regarding the genome evolution of EBV.
Improving Phage-Biofilm In Vitro Experimentation
Authors: Abedon Stephen T. , Danis-Wlodarczyk Katarzyna M. , Wozniak Daniel J. , Sullivan Matthew B.
Published: June 2021

Bacteriophages or phages, the viruses of bacteria, are abundant components of most ecosystems, including those where bacteria predominantly occupy biofilm niches. Understanding the phage impact on bacterial biofilms therefore can be crucial toward understanding both phage and bacterial ecology. Here, we take a critical look at the study of bacteriophage interactions with bacterial biofilms as carried out in vitro, since these studies serve as bases of our ecological and therapeutic understanding of phage impacts on biofilms. We suggest that phage-biofilm in vitro experiments often may be improved in terms of both design and interpretation. Specific issues discussed include (a) not distinguishing control of new biofilm growth from removal of existing biofilm, (b) inadequate descriptions of phage titers, (c) artificially small overlying fluid volumes, (d) limited explorations of treatment dosing and duration, (e) only end-point rather than kinetic analyses, (f) importance of distinguishing phage enzymatic from phage bacteriolytic anti-biofilm activities, (g) limitations of biofilm biomass determinations, (h) free-phage interference with viable-count determinations, and (i) importance of experimental conditions. Toward bettering understanding of the ecology of bacteriophage-biofilm interactions, and of phage-mediated biofilm disruption, we discuss here these various issues as well as provide tips toward improving experiments and their reporting.
The Clinical Presentation of Puumala Hantavirus Induced Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome Is Related to Plasma Glucose Concentration
Authors: Tietäväinen Johanna , Mäkelä Satu , Huhtala Heini , Pörsti Ilkka H. , Strandin Tomas , Vaheri Antti , Mustonen Jukka
Published: June 2021

Puumala hantavirus (PUUV) causes a hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome characterized by thrombocytopenia, increased capillary leakage, and acute kidney injury (AKI). As glucosuria at hospital admission predicts the severity of PUUV infection, we explored how plasma glucose concentration associates with disease severity. Plasma glucose values were measured during hospital care in 185 patients with PUUV infection. They were divided into two groups according to maximum plasma glucose concentration: P-Gluc < 7.8 mmol/L (n = 134) and P-Gluc ≥ 7.8 mmol/L (n = 51). The determinants of disease severity were analyzed across groups. Patients with P-Gluc ≥7.8 mmol/L had higher hematocrit (0.46 vs. 0.43; p < 0.001) and lower plasma albumin concentration (24 vs. 29 g/L; p < 0.001) than patients with P-Gluc < 7.8 mmol/L. They presented with higher prevalence of pulmonary infiltrations and pleural effusion in chest radiograph, higher prevalence of shock and greater weight change during hospitalization. Patients with P-Gluc ≥ 7.8 mmol/L were characterized by lower platelet count (50 vs. 66 × 109/L; p = 0.001), more severe AKI (plasma creatinine 272 vs. 151 µmol/L; p = 0.001), and longer hospital treatment (8 vs. 6 days; p < 0.001) than patients with P-Gluc < 7.8 mmol/L. Plasma glucose level is associated with the severity of capillary leakage, thrombocytopenia, inflammation, and AKI in patients with acute PUUV infection.
BNT162b2 mRNA SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Elicits High Avidity and Neutralizing Antibodies in Healthcare Workers
Authors: Pratesi Federico , Caruso Teresita , Testa Davide , Tarpanelli Tiziano , Gentili Alessandra , Gioè Davide , Migliorini Paola
Published: June 2021

The BNT162b2 vaccine, containing lipid nanoparticles-formulated mRNA encoding the full-length spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, has been employed to immunize health care workers in Italy, administered in two doses 21 days apart. In this study, we characterized the antibody response induced by the BNT162b2 vaccine in a group of health care workers, tested at baseline, after the first dose and after the booster. Thirty-nine subjects without previous exposure to SARS-CoV-2 were vaccinated with the BNT162b2 vaccine. IgM, IgG, and IgA anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) were tested by ELISA. Neutralizing antibodies were evaluated testing the inhibition of RBD binding to ACE2. Antibody avidity was measured by urea avidity ELISA. IgM anti-RBD are produced after the first dose of vaccine and persist after the booster. IgG and IgA anti-RBD antibodies are detected in high amounts in all the subjects after the first dose and further increase after the booster. A few subjects, already after the first dose, produce antibodies inhibiting RBD interaction with ACE2. After the booster, high levels of inhibitory antibodies are detected in all the subjects. Affinity maturation takes place with boosting and IgG anti-RBD avidity increases with the number of immunizations. A less pronounced increase is observed with IgA. These data indicate that the BNT162b2 vaccine can induce high levels of protective antibodies of high avidity in vaccinated subjects; both IgG and IgA anti-RBD antibodies are produced. Further studies are needed to evaluate antibody persistence over time.
Safety of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Vaccine: Independent Evidence from Two EU States
Authors: Riad Abanoub , Pokorná Andrea , Mekhemar Mohamed , Conrad Jonas , Klugarová Jitka , Koščík Michal , Klugar Miloslav , Attia Sameh
Published: June 2021

Recent reports of thrombosis following AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in young females (<55 years-old) led to temporary suspension and urgent investigation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) that concluded that vaccine benefits still outweigh its side effects (SEs). Therefore, this study aims to provide early independent evidence on the vaccine SEs’ prevalence and their potential risk factors; a cross-sectional survey-based study was carried out between February and March 2021 in Germany and Czech Republic among healthcare workers who recently received the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The study used a validated self-administered questionnaire composed of twenty-eight multiple-choice items covering demographic variables, medical anamneses, and local, systemic, oral, and skin related SEs of the vaccine. Out of the ninety-two included participants, 77.2% were females and 79.3% were from Germany. Their mean age was 35.37 ± 12.62 (19–64) years-old, 15.2% had chronic illnesses and 22.8% were receiving medical treatments. Overall, 94.6% of the participants reported at least one SE. The most common local SE was injection site pain (72.8%), and the most common systemic SEs were fatigue (73.9%), muscle pain (55.4%), chills (48.9%), feeling unwell (46.7%), nausea (45.7%), and headache (29.3%). The vast majority (91.9%) resolved within 1–3 days, and the below 35 years-old group was the least affected age group. The SEs’ frequency was insignificantly higher in females and previously infected participants; the vaccine safety for the elderly was supported by the early findings of this study. Chronic illnesses and medical treatments were not associated with an increased risk of SE incidence and frequency. No blood disorder SEs were reported in our sample. Further independent studies are highly required to evaluate the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine and to explore whether gender or previous infection could be associated with the vaccine SEs.
Influenza Illness and Partial Vaccination in the First Two Years of Life
Authors: Wagner Abram L. , Gresh Lionel , Sanchez Nery , Kuan Guillermina , Kubale John , Lopez Roger , Ojeda Sergio , Azziz-Baumgartner Eduardo , Balmaseda Angel , Gordon Aubree
Published: June 2021

More information about influenza in low- and middle-income countries could guide the establishment of pediatric influenza vaccine programs. This study (1) characterizes the burden of influenza in infants, and (2) compares signs and symptoms by prior influenza vaccination or influenza illness. Newborns from Managua, Nicaragua, were followed for two years. Data came from primary medical appointments, PCR testing, and parents’ daily symptom diaries. Logistic regression models estimated associations between preceding vaccination or illness and influenza incidence. Linear models compared duration of illness by prior vaccination or influenza illness. Among 833 infants, 31% had PCR-positive influenza, and 28% were vaccinated against influenza. Four (<0.5%) were fully vaccinated. Overall, influenza incidence was 21.0 (95% confidence interval (CI): 18.8, 23.2) per 100 person-years. Incidence was lower among those with prior influenza compared with those without preceding illness or vaccination (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.94). Partially vaccinated children had 1 day less fever than those without prior illness or vaccination (p = 0.049). A large proportion of children <2 years in Nicaragua contract influenza. Illness was attenuated for those partially vaccinated. Since few children were fully vaccinated, future studies will need to consider the effectiveness of a two-dose vaccination schedule.
Evaluating Functional Immunity Following Encapsulated Bacterial Infection and Vaccination
Authors: Toh Zheng Quan , Higgins Rachel A. , Mazarakis Nadia , Abbott Elysia , Nathanielsz Jordan , Balloch Anne , Mulholland Kim , Licciardi Paul V.
Published: June 2021

Encapsulated bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b and Neisseria meningitidis cause significant morbidity and mortality in young children despite the availability of vaccines. Highly specific antibodies are the primary mechanism of protection against invasive disease. Robust and standardised assays that measure functional antibodies are also necessary for vaccine evaluation and allow for the accurate comparison of data between clinical studies. This mini review describes the current state of functional antibody assays and their importance in measuring protective immunity.
The Story of a Steep River: Causes and Effects of the Flash Flood on 24 July 2017 in Western Norway
Authors: Moraru Adina , Pavlíček Michal , Bruland Oddbjørn , Rüther Nils
Published: June 2021

Flash floods can cause great geomorphological changes in ephemeral fluvial systems and result in particularly severe damages for the unprepared population exposed to it. The flash flood in the Storelva river in Utvik (western Norway) on 24 July 2017 was witnessed and documented. This study assessed the causes and effects of the 2017 flood and provides valuable information for the calibration and validation of future modelling studies. The flooded area at peak discharge, maximum wetted and dry areas during the entire event, critical points and main flow paths were reconstructed using on-site and post-event (i) visual documentation, such as photographs and videos, and (ii) aerial surveying, such as orthophotographs and laser scanning, of the lowermost reach. The steep longitudinal slope together with the loose material forming the valley and riverbed contributed to a large amount of sediment transport during this extreme event. Steep rivers such as the Storelva river have very short response times to extreme hydrologic conditions, which calls for exhaustive monitoring and data collection in case of future events, as well as modelling tools that can emulate the hydro-morphodynamics observed during events such as the 2017 flash flood.
Uncertainty Estimation in Hydrogeological Forecasting with Neural Networks: Impact of Spatial Distribution of Rainfalls and Random Initialization of the Model
Authors: Akil Nicolas , Artigue Guillaume , Savary Michaël , Johannet Anne , Vinches Marc
Published: June 2021

Neural networks are used to forecast hydrogeological risks, such as droughts and floods. However, uncertainties generated by these models are difficult to assess, possibly leading to a low use of these solutions by water managers. These uncertainties are the result of three sources: input data, model architecture and parameters and their initialization. The aim of the study is, first, to calibrate a model to predict Champagne chalk groundwater level at Vailly (Grand-Est, France), and, second, to estimate related uncertainties, linked both to the spatial distribution of rainfalls and to the parameter initialization. The parameter uncertainties are assessed following a previous methodology, using nine mixed probability density functions (pdf), thus creating models of correctness. Spatial distribution of rainfall uncertainty is generated by swapping three rainfall inputs and then observing dispersion of 27 model outputs. This uncertainty is incorporated into models of correctness. We show that, in this case study, an ensemble model of 40 different initializations is sufficient to estimate parameter uncertainty while preserving quality. Logistic, Gumbel and Raised Cosine laws fit the distribution of increasing and decreasing groundwater levels well, which then allows the establishment of models of correctness. These models of correctness provide a confidence interval associated with the forecasts, with an arbitrary degree of confidence chosen by the user. These methodologies have proved to have significant advantages: the rigorous design of the neural network model has allowed the realisation of models able to generalize outside of the range of the data used for training. Furthermore, it is possible to flexibly choose the confidence index according to the hydrological configuration (e.g., recession or rising water table).
Variations in Benthic Macroinvertebrate Communities and Biological Quality in the Aguarico and Coca River Basins in the Ecuadorian Amazon
Authors: Cabrera Santiago , Eurie Forio Marie Anne , Lock Koen , Vandenbroucke Marte , Oña Tania , Gualoto Miguel , Goethals Peter L. M. , Van der heyden Christine
Published: June 2021

Adequate environmental management in tropical aquatic ecosystems is imperative. Given the lack of knowledge about functional diversity and bioassessment programs, management is missing the needed evidence on pollution and its effect on biodiversity and functional ecology. Therefore, we investigated the composition and distribution of the macroinvertebrate community along two rivers. Specifically, 15 locations were sampled in the Coca and Aguarico Rivers (Ecuadorian Amazon) and the macroinvertebrates were used to indicate water quality (WQ), expressed as the Biological Monitoring Working Party Colombia (BMWP-Col) classes. Results indicate that elevation, pH, temperature, width, and water depth played an important role in the taxa and functional feeding groups (FFG) composition. The results show that diversity of taxa and FFG were generally scarce but were more abundant in good quality sites. Collector-gathers (CG) were, in general, dominant and were particularly abundant at low WQ and downstream sites. Scrapers (SC) were the second most abundant group, dominating mostly at good WQ and upstream sites. Predators (PR) were homogeneously distributed among the sites, without clear dominance, and their abundance was slightly higher in sites with medium-low WQ and downstream sites. Lastly, both shredders (SH) and collector-filterers (CF) were almost absent and were more abundant in good quality sites. The findings of this research can be used as baseline information in the studied region since a dam was constructed two years after the sampling campaign, which has been operating since. Furthermore, the results can be used to fill the knowledge gaps related to the bioassessments of other similar systems, particularly for a tropical rainforest.
An In-Depth Analysis of Physical Blue and Green Water Scarcity in Agriculture in Terms of Causes and Events and Perceived Amenability to Economic Interpretation
Authors: Zisopoulou Kalomoira , Panagoulia Dionysia
Published: June 2021

An analytical review of physical blue and green water scarcity in terms of agricultural use, and its amenability to economic interpretation, is presented, employing more than 600 references. The main definitions and classifications involved and information about reserves and resources are critically analyzed, blue and green water scarcity are examined along with their interchange, while their causal connection with climate in general is analyzed along with the particular instances of Europe, Africa, Asia and the WANA region. The role of teleconnections and evaporation/moisture import-export is examined as forms of action at a distance. The human intervention scarcity driver is examined extensively in terms of land use land cover change (LULCC), as well as population increase. The discussion deals with following critical problems: green and blue water availability, inadequate accessibility, blue water loss, unevenly distributed precipitation, climate uncertainty and country level over global level precedence. The conclusion singles out, among others, problems emerging from the inter-relationship of physical variables and the difficulty to translate them into economic instrumental variables, as well as the lack of imbedding uncertainty in the underlying physical theory due to the fact that country level measurements are not methodically assumed to be the basic building block of regional and global water scarcity.
A Numerical Study on Impacts of Sediment Erosion/Deposition on Debris Flow Propagation
Authors: Adebiyi Abiola Abraham , Hu Peng
Published: June 2021

Debris flows tend to erode sediment from or deposit sediment on the bed, which changes their volume and, thus, in turn, affects their rheological properties. However, previous modeling studies on debris flows mostly ignore sediment erosion/deposition. Here, three models are presented: a debris model without bed deformation, which is similar to traditional models in that it does not consider sediment erosion/deposition but uses the Herschel–Bulkley formulation to describe the non-Newtonian nature; a debris model with bed deformation, which is better improved than the traditional model in that it considers sediment erosion/deposition; and a turbidity current model, which is further simplified from the debris model with bed deformation by ignoring the non-Newtonian nature. These models, formulated in the same modeling framework, are solved by a shock-capturing finite volume method. These models were firstly validated against three laboratory experiments, which indicated that the debris models with and without bed deformation with reasonably well-specified parameters can give satisfactory agreements with the measurements, whereas the turbidity current model overestimated the experimental result due to its lack of yield stress and dynamic viscosity. Moreover, a hypothetical field application was used to explain the difference between a turbidity current and debris flows with and without bed deformation. It was shown that debris flows and turbidity currents are capable of impacting the bed significantly. However, turbidity currents have thinner tails, less shear stress, and form horizontal deposits on the bed, while debris flows have a thicker tail, high shear stress, and form vertical deposits on the bed. Finally, sensitivity analyses were carried out to study the impact of sediment size, bed slope, concentration, and porosity on the deformation of the bed after debris flow where they all showed a positive correlation.
Spatial–Temporal Variations of Total Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Poyang, Dongting and Taihu Lakes from Landsat-8 Data
Authors: Shang Wei , Jin Shuanggen , He Yang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Li Jian
Published: June 2021

Poyang Lake, Dongting Lake, and Taihu Lake are the largest freshwater lakes in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China. In recent years, the eutrophication level of lakes has increased with the development of the social economy and caused many environmental and social problems. The concentrations of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) are the key indicators of the degree of eutrophication, but the traditional ground monitoring methods are not capable of capturing such parameters in whole lakes with high spatial-temporal resolution. In this paper, empirical models are established and evaluated between the TN and TP and remote sensing spectral factors in the three lakes using Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) satellite data and in-situ data. The results show that the inversion accuracy is higher than 75%. The TN and TP concentrations in the three lakes are inversed based on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform from 2014 to 2020 and their spatial-temporal variations are analyzed. The results show that the concentrations of TN and TP in Poyang Lake were decreased by 5.99% and 7.13% over 7 years, respectively, and the TN in Dongting Lake was decreased by 5.25% while the TP remained stable. The temporal changes in TN and TP concentrations displayed seasonal variations. A low concentration was observed in summer and high concentrations were in spring and winter. The average concentrations of TN and TP in Taihu Lake were higher than that of the other two lakes. The TP concentration was increased by 17.3% over 7 years, while the TN concentration remained almost stable. The variation in TN in Taihu Lake was the same as the growth cycle of algae, with higher value in spring and winter and lower value in summer, while the concentration of TP was lower in spring and winter and higher in summer. The spatial distribution of TN and TP concentrations in the three major lakes was significantly affected by human activities, and the concentrations of TN and TP were higher in areas near cities and agricultural activities.
Hillslope Contribution to the Clark Instantaneous Unit Hydrograph: Application to the Seolmacheon Basin, Korea
Authors: Yoo Chulsang , Doan Huy Phuong , Jun Changhyun , Na Wooyoung
Published: June 2021

In this study, the time–area curve of an ellipse is analytically derived by considering flow velocities within both channel and hillslope. The Clark IUH is also derived analytically by solving the continuity equation with the input of the derived time–area curve to the linear reservoir. The derived Clark IUH is then evaluated by application to the Seolmacheon basin, a small mountainous basin in Korea. The findings in this study are summarized as follows. (1) The time–area curve of a basin can more realistically be derived by considering both the channel and hillslope velocities. The role of the hillslope velocity can also be easily confirmed by analyzing the derived time–area curve. (2) The analytically derived Clark IUH shows the relative roles of the hillslope velocity and the storage coefficient. Under the condition that the channel velocity remains unchanged, the hillslope velocity controls the runoff peak flow and the concentration time. On the other hand, the effect of the storage coefficient can be found in the runoff peak flow and peak time, as well as in the falling limb of the runoff hydrograph. These findings are also confirmed in the analysis of rainfall–runoff events of the Seolmacheon basin. (3) The effect of the hillslope velocity varies considerably depending on the rainfall events, which is also found to be mostly dependent upon the maximum rainfall intensity.