bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correction: Beans, J.A.; et al. Community Protections in American Indian and Alaska Native Participatory Research–A Scoping Review. Soc. Sci. 2019, 8(4), 127
Authors: Beans Julie , Saunkeah Bobby , Woodbury R. , Ketchum Terry , Spicer Paul , Hiratsuka Vanessa
Published: August 2019

The authors wish to make the following change to their paper (Beans et al [...]
Legal Regulations Concerning Access to Public Waters—A Comparative Study
Authors: Klimach Anna , Bagan-Kurluta Katarzyna , Pietkiewicz Michał , Źróbek Ryszard
Published: August 2019

This article analyzes legal regulations concerning access to public waters. Public waters are surrounded by property belonging to various owners. The legal title to property is exercised throughout that property, but certain limitations apply to properties situated in the proximity of public waters. These limitations include the right to cross the property, and public access to water. The article discusses various legal restrictions that permit third parties to use land. The presence of legal limitations in the national information system was verified. Information on restrictions in land use considerably affect the owner’s right to property, which is why owners should be able to determine whether their property is encumbered by an easement. National information systems are currently being upgraded in Poland, and the availability of information on land use restrictions was analyzed in the existing databases.
Sustainability Transitions in the Municipal Solid Waste Management Systems of Bolivian Cities: Evidence from La Paz and Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Authors: Lozano Lazo Denise P. , Gasparatos Alexandros
Published: August 2019

Municipal solid waste management (MWSM) systems have been evolving across most of the developing world. However, despite decades of refinement, they are still underperforming in many cities, leading to negative sustainability impacts in rapidly urbanizing cities of the global South. Despite similarities in the observed transitions between developed and developing countries, there are important differences in their characteristics and underlying drivers. This study aims to unravel the sustainability transitions of the MSWM systems in the two major cities of Bolivia, La Paz and Santa Cruz de la Sierra, illustrating the role of various actors, and specifically local governments. This is achieved through the analysis of secondary data and expert interviews with stakeholders involved in different aspects of the MSWM system at the national and local level. We identify three partially overlapping sustainability transitions in the two cities, namely “Collection and centralized disposal”, “Environmentally controlled disposal”, and “Integrated solid waste management”. However, timelines, speed and elements of these transitions are somewhat different between cities, largely due to their inherent characteristics, institutions and stakeholder dynamics. Many technological, socioeconomic, and institutional factors converge to facilitate and hinder these transitions, including interactions of government and private sector actors, and the country’s broader political context.
Examining the Moderating Effects of Work–Life Balance between Human Resource Practices and Intention to Stay
Authors: Chang Hsiao-Ping , Hsieh Chi-Ming , Lan Meei-Ying , Chen Han-Shen
Published: August 2019

Offering services to clients by staff is a major feature of the hotel industry. Therefore, maintaining high-quality and stable services is critical for hotels to stay competitive. As for hotel human resource management, how to effectively increase employee retention is crucial because it not only enhances organizational performance but also reduces personnel cost. In this study, the researchers used structural equation modeling to explore the relationship between job embeddedness, organizational commitment, and intention to stay in tourist hotel interns. Furthermore, work–life balance was used as the moderating variable between organizational commitment and intention to stay. The study subjects were interns who had completed between half and one year of an internship at a tourist hotel and were going to graduate from the school upon completing the internship. The results indicated that job embeddedness has a significant and positive effect on organizational commitment and intention to stay whereas organizational commitment mediates the relationships between job embeddedness and intention to stay. In addition, work–life balance moderates interns’ intention to stay. This study provides the hotel industry with useful management guidelines for retaining employees and improving competitiveness.
Employee Satisfaction and Loyalty as a Part of Sustainable Human Resource Management in Postal Sector
Authors: Strenitzerová Mariana , Achimský Karol
Published: August 2019

The labor market situation in the postal and logistics sector has led to sustainable human resource management becoming increasingly important at the strategic level of each postal operator. This study proposes a new perspective of employee satisfaction assessment that not only quantifies total satisfaction but identifies job attributes and socio-demographic characteristics affecting employee satisfaction and loyalty as a key concern for sustainable human resource management. Findings of 1775 survey questionnaires of employees in Slovak Postal enterprise revealed that employee satisfaction is on average. The greatest dissatisfaction was related to the financial reward of employees and the employer’s lack of interest in the views and attitudes of employees. The use of regression and correlation analysis pointed to the fact that not only their satisfaction, but also the situation on the labor market in the region, the age of the employee, the job position and the length of employment have a strong influence on employee loyalty.
The Effects of External Financial Support on the Capacities of Educational Nonprofit Organizations
Authors: Potluka Oto , Svecova Lenka
Published: August 2019

Official development assistance provides an immense flow of financial funding to educational nonprofit organizations (NPOs). This source of funding faces criticism because of the unintended indirect effects it has in lowering the relative level of local NPOs’ capacities. Our contribution addresses NPOs’ financial capacities in an OECD country that receives a vast inflow of EU funding; namely the Czech Republic. To answer the research question on what impact the external financial assistance has on capacities in NPOs, we applied propensity score matching to a sample consisting of 633 educational NPOs covering the years 2006–2013. EU-funded NPOs report higher levels of real revenues, but not real assets, than non-funded NPOs. The EU funding helps in the short-term to improve NPOs’ budgets, but not to increase assets.
Evaluating Citizen Satisfaction and Prioritizing Their Needs Based on Citizens’ Complaint Data
Authors: Ghodousi Mostafa , Alesheikh Ali Asghar , Saeidian Bahram , Pradhan Biswajeet , Lee Chang-Wook
Published: August 2019

Citizen Relationship Management (CiRM) is one of the important matters in citizen-centric e-government. In fact, the most important purpose of e-government is to satisfy citizens. The ‘137 system’ is one of the most important ones based on the citizen-centric that is a municipality phone based request/response system. The aim of this research is a data-mining of a ‘137 system’ (citizens’ complaint system) of the first district of Bojnourd municipality in Iran, to prioritize the urban needs and to estimate citizens’ satisfaction. To reach this, the K-means and Bees Algorithms (BA) were used. Each of these two algorithms was executed using two different methods. In the first method, prioritization and estimation of satisfaction were done separately, whereas in the second method, prioritization and estimation of satisfaction were done simultaneously. To compare the clustering results in the two methods, an index was presented quantitatively. The results showed the superiority of the second method. The index of the second method for the first needs in K-means was 0.299 more than the first method and it was the same in two methods in BA. Also, the results of the BA clustering were better at it because of the S (silhouette) and CH (Calinski-Harabasz) indexes. Considering the final prioritization done by the two algorithms in two methods, the primary needs included asphalt, so specific schemes should be considered.
Analysis of the Consciousness of University Undergraduates for Sustainable Consumption
Authors: Pena-Cerezo Miguel Angel , Artaraz-Minon Miren , Tejedor-Nunez Jorge
Published: August 2019

This research seeks to measure the degree of consciousness for sustainable consumption in a wide sample of university students. The interest of this study is to analyze if students’ choice of degree, as well as their progress in university education, influences the development of the dimensions that construct the consciousness for sustainable consumption. The study is completed by means of a questionnaire survey aimed at first and final year students of seven university degrees across four different faculties. A factorial analysis of principal components is performed to analyze the dimensions of sustainability and robust contrasts of mean differences are conducted to observe the differences by degrees and years. The results indicate that the measurement scale of the variable consciousness for sustainable consumption maintains its original structure when applied to a sample of Spanish university students. Although there are significant differences by degree in the development of awareness about sustainable consumption, the authors cannot conclude that the training received at the degree level helps to improve the level of awareness of students in their decisions for responsible behavior in consumption.
Using Kolb’s Learning Cycle to Improve Student Sustainability Knowledge
Authors: Watson Mary Katherine , Pelkey Joshua , Noyes Caroline , Rodgers Michael O.
Published: August 2019

Engineers are increasingly called upon to develop and implement innovative solutions that serve a growing population, while simultaneously exploiting fewer resources and minimizing environmental impacts. As such, improvements in undergraduate curricula are needed to train students to operate under a sustainable development paradigm. A learning-cycle-based sustainability module was adapted and implemented in a cornerstone design course within a civil engineering program at a large, research-intensive institution in the United States. One cornerstone cohort participated in a peer-lecture version of the module, while the second cohort participated in a peer-discussion version. Concept maps, scored using three different methods, were used to measure changes in students’ sustainability knowledge. A self-report survey was used to measure changes in students’ perceptions of their sustainability knowledge and skills. Students in both the peer-lecture and peer-discussion cohorts demonstrated improved sustainability knowledge networks and confidences after participation in the module. However, peer-lecture students showed greater improvements in knowledge connectedness (a feature of expert-like knowledge) than peer-discussion students. Regardless of cohort, cornerstone students demonstrated greater gains in knowledge and confidence than did a cohort of capstone students who participated in an earlier implementation of the module. Future implementations may be most impactful if the peer-discussion format is integrated into early design courses.
Quali—A Quantitative Environmental Assessment Method According to Italian CAM, for the Sustainable Design of Urban Neighbourhoods in Mediterranean Climatic Regions
Authors: Sicignano Enrico , Di Ruocco Giacomo , Stabile Anna
Published: August 2019

In recent decades, the international scientific debate has focused on maximizing the energy performance of the building organization during the operational phase. However, the energy performance is only partially in line with the strategic environmental objectives defined by the European Commission which, with Communication 2003/302, also defined the guidelines for the drafting of the National Action Plans on Green Public Procurement (NAP GPP). Law no. 296 of 27 December 2006 provided for “... the implementation and monitoring of an Action Plan for the environmental sustainability of public administration consumption”, drawn up by the Ministry of the Environment and the Protection of Land and Sea. This work moves in the direction of identifying design strategies, relating to construction and urban restructuring, compatible with the criteria of energy and environmental sustainability provided for in the New Code of Public Procurement (Legislative Decree 50/2016), in accordance with the directives of the European Community. The parameters that define the methodological articulation (choice of case studies, scope of reference of stakeholders, etc.) orient the use of the results towards similar cases, i.e. design of urban districts located in regions with a Mediterranean climate.
Exploring the Determinants of Online Health Information-Seeking Behavior Using a Meta-Analytic Approach
Authors: Wang Jian , Xiu Guoyi , Shahzad Fakhar
Published: August 2019

Although key factors of online health information-seeking behavior (OHISB), such as self-efficacy, Internet experience, and perceived ease of use, are analyzed in many studies, the research results are controversial. The purpose of this meta-analysis, based on 27 related empirical studies, is to explore the determinants of OHISB. The determinants of OHISB are classified into four categories: demographic characteristic factors, cognitive factors, internal factors, and external factors. According to the results of the analysis using Stata13.0, our study found a weak effect of perceived cost and health anxiety on the OHISB, while subjective norm, perceived usefulness, and attitude have a strong positive effect on the OHISB. Understanding the determinants of OHISB is beneficial in order to know why users utilize online health applications. The findings of the study can contribute to developing and extending the existing theoretical concepts.
Networking for Educational Innovations: A Bibliometric Survey of International Publication Patterns
Authors: Tang Kai-Yu , Hsiao Chun-Hua , Su Yu-Sheng
Published: August 2019

The emergence of networking has been viewed as a critical educational innovation. To highlight some innovations in educational networking (EN) research, this paper provides a bibliometric overview of international EN research from 2000 to 2018. Based on a keyword search, a total of 1005 journal articles with 13,803 citations were obtained. Through careful bibliometric analyses, three main results were concluded. (1) The growth of EN articles and authors was up by 1.5 times from the first decade (2000–2009) to the current one (2010–2018). (2) The most influential journals (over 300 citations) were identified. The research scope covers education technology, higher education, education policy, and even AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) education. (3) Based on some popular bibliometric indicators, the changes of research trends can be seen from the comparison of the main streams, which are identified from the most influential articles. Classification of the main research streams was presented, providing a typological understanding of the EN literature. In the first decade of research, the two articles which ranked first in terms of overall citations and average citations are Horvat et al. (2003) (232 times) and Coburn and Russell (2008) (17.6 times), respectively. In the last decade, the article by Roblyer et al. (2010) received both the highest number of citations (407) and average citations (45.2). Finally, the main ideas of highly-cited articles were categorized into three research streams. While the EN research of the earlier decade focused on interpersonal relationships, that of the recent decade emphasized on some innovative networking approaches, such as social media for learning, and network-based methodologies. Further discussions are provided.
Interpreting Daly’s Sustainability Criteria for Assessing the Sustainability of Marine Protected Areas: A System Dynamics Approach
Authors: Nugroho Supradianto , Uehara Takuro , Herwangi Yori
Published: August 2019

Sustainability assessments of marine protected areas (MPAs) are essential for improving the effectiveness of management efforts. Since sustainability is closely related to the concept of intergenerational well-being, measuring and tracking it through time is crucial. Therefore, this study will use the system dynamics approach applied at Pieh marine park as the study site. A system dynamics model was built comprising four sub-models: fish population dynamics, coral reef coverage, tourism, and pollution. The goodness-of-fit test of the model indicated low and unsystematic model error. The sustainability assessment was conducted using the three principles of sustainability proposed by Herman Daly, which define sustainability for resource management based on the change in the amount of renewable resources, non-renewable resources, and pollution. The sustainability assessment determined that Pieh marine park cannot sustain economic activities in its area, indicated by decreasing renewable resource indicators in the form of fish population dynamics, coral reef coverage, and increasing pollution levels. Several management interventions can be applied to improve sustainability, including lowering the total allowable catch, coral transplantation, and improved waste management.
Investigating the Effect of Experience in an Airport on Pleasure, Satisfaction, and Airport Image: A Case Study on Incheon International Airport
Authors: Ryu Young Kyung , Park Jin-Woo
Published: August 2019

This study aimed to empirically explore the effects of the experience economy of Incheon International Airport (IIA) on pleasure, satisfaction, and airport image. A survey was conducted with a total of 416 airport users at IIA, and the collected data were analyzed using a structural equation model. Among the four realms of experience, esthetic experience and escapist experience had positive effects on pleasure. In addition, pleasure had a positive effect on satisfaction and airport image, and that satisfaction had a significant effect on airport image. It is expected that the results of this study can serve as fundamental data to enhancing the satisfaction level of airport users and increasing the sustainable development of IIA.
Does FDI Promote or Inhibit the High-Quality Development of Agriculture in China? An Agricultural GTFP Perspective
Authors: Wang Yafei , Xie Li , Zhang Yi , Wang Chunyun , Yu Ke
Published: August 2019

This paper innovatively brings the undesirable output of agricultural carbon emission into the agricultural Total Factor Productivity (TFP) accounting framework as a measure of Green Total Factor Productivity (GTFP) and uses the Slack-based Measure and Malmquist-Luenberger (SBM-ML) index method to measure the agricultural GTFP of 24 provinces in China from 2004 to 2016. Further, the two-step system generalized moment method (GMM) is adopted to reveal the effect of agricultural (Foreign Direct Investment) FDI on the growth of agricultural GTFP and various subitems. We find that the average annual growth rate of agricultural GTFP is 3.1%, and its contribution rate to agricultural growth is 52%; the growth of agricultural GTFP shows that the progress of agricultural technology is accompanied by the deterioration of agricultural technical efficiency; the agricultural GTFP in the Eastern region, the Central region and the Western region increases in a stepped-up form, with an annual growth rate of 3.1%, 3.3% and 3.4%, respectively. Agricultural FDI has a significant promoting effect on agricultural GTFP and subitems, however, it has an inverted U-shaped feature in the long term.
Modeling of the Relationship Between Speed Limit and Characteristic Speed of Expressway Traffic Flow
Authors: Yang Jie , Xu Jinliang , Gao Chao , Bai Guohua , Xie Linfang , Li Menghui
Published: August 2019

Understanding the relationship between speed limit and characteristic speed of expressway traffic flow is of great significance for formulating a reasonable speed limit scheme and improving highway safety and transportation efficiency. In this study, the speed data of the same traffic flow passing through speed limits of 80, 100, and 120 km/h were continuously collected through a field test. The 85th, 15th, and 50th percentile speeds were considered the characteristic speed parameters of the traffic flow. A regression analysis was performed to establish a relationship between the characteristic speed parameters of the traffic flow and the speed limit. Under a free-flow state, the characteristic speed exhibited a strong linear relationship with the speed limit, where the variation ranges of the 85th and 50th percentile speeds were approximately consistent with that of the speed limit. However, a slight inconsistency was found for the 15th percentile speed, which was approximately half the speed limit increase; under a non-free-flow state, the correlation between the speed limit and the vehicle speed was no longer significant.
Employees’ Perceptions of Training and Sustainability of Human Resource
Authors: Lee Chia-Wen , Wu Weidong , Yang Cheng-Fu
Published: August 2019

Employees’ perceptions of training are one of the keys to sustainability in human resources. Based on data from a survey conducted in Shanghai and nine other large cities, this study explores employees’ perceptions of training and tries to identify what factors influence their perceptions. The results show that employees do not attach enough value to vocational training. Urban registration, higher education, and management positions correspond with higher valuation of training, but length of service has a negative effect on their valuation. The differences between urban households and rural households, the social distinction between basic education and vocational education paths, and the increases of frequency, time, and importance of the interactions between personal and work places may play an important role in these phenomena and have impacts on the sustainable development of human resources in China.
Long-Term Cointegration Relationship between China’s Wind Power Development and Carbon Emissions
Authors: Zhao Wenhui , Zou Ruican , Yuan Guanghui , Wang Hui , Tan Zhongfu
Published: August 2019

Faced with the deterioration of the environment and resource shortages, countries have turned their attention to renewable energy and have actively researched and applied renewable energy. At present, a large number of studies have shown that renewable energy can effectively improve the environment and control the reduction of resources. However, there are few studies on how renewable energy improves the environment through its influencing factors. Therefore, this paper mainly analyses the relationship between wind energy and carbon emissions in renewable energy and uses Chinese data as an example for the case analysis. Based on the model and test methods, this paper uses the 1990–2018 data from the China Energy Statistical Yearbook to study and analyse the correlation between wind energy and carbon emissions and finally gives suggestions for wind energy development based on environmental improvements.
Better Earlier than Longer: First-Mover Advantage in Social Commerce Product Information Competition
Authors: Li Hui , Zhao Narisa
Published: August 2019

Social commerce (SC) is a rapidly emerging branch of e-commerce. Effective information spread is the critical element in increasing the sales volume in this industry. However, few studies have explored the underlying mechanism and corresponding winning strategies from the perspective of information spread. This research fills the gap by using a simulation method. Combined with the Engel–Kollat–Blackwell (EKB) theory, we improved the Susceptible–Infected–Recovered (SIR) epidemic dissemination dynamic model to simulate the competitive information spread process on social commerce networks. Datasets collected from two of the biggest SC websites in China, Sina Weibo and Taobao, verified the accuracy of the proposed model. Parameter sensitivity analysis results indicated that releasing the product message earlier is more effective than increasing the spread duration for improving the performance of information diffusion so as to boost the sales volume. It was also shown that high discard probability destroys the sales volume caused by high purchase probability. Low discard probability can lead to a good sales volume eventually, even when the purchase probability is low. The results provide evidence for the First-Mover Advantage theory from the information spreading point of view. We come up with practical strategies for SC marketers based on the simulation results.
Constructivism-Based Methodology for Teaching Artificial Intelligence Topics Focused on Sustainable Development
Authors: Mota-Valtierra Georgina , Rodríguez-Reséndiz Juvenal , Herrera-Ruiz Gilberto
Published: August 2019

This article proposes the creation of a course based on a series of practical sessions, where the students have to develop their practical knowledge about artificial intelligence techniques, specifically multilayer perceptron. The novelty of this paper is based on the constructivism methodology regarding artificial intelligence and sustainable development. Moreover, it can be implemented in different majors because of the flexibility in certain aspects. It is oriented to evaluate skills in the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context. The proposal helps the students to turn theoretical concepts into more tangible objects where they can build their knowledge by programming their implementations in software. Then, programming codes for practicing the neural networks theory, finite impulse response, empirical mode decomposition and discrete wavelet transform are achieved to compare percentage classification between different techniques. Also, it measures the interaction between the student and the theoretical mathematics of artificial intelligence. The continuous evaluations at the end of the practical sessions corroborate the increase in the knowledge of the students. A study based on rubrics illustrates an increase in the average grade obtained by the students in the elaboration of each practice. Finally, a senior project is carried out by taking into account sustainable development issues and the usage of tools of artificial intelligence.
Modeling the Nonlinearity of Sea Level Oscillations in the Malaysian Coastal Areas Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Lai Vivien , Ahmed Ali Najah , Malek M.A. , Abdulmohsin Afan Haitham , Ibrahim Rusul Khaleel , El-Shafie Ahmed , El-Shafie Amr
Published: August 2019

The estimation of an increase in sea level with sufficient warning time is important in low-lying regions, especially in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia (ECPM). This study primarily aims to investigate the validity and effectiveness of the support vector machine (SVM) and genetic programming (GP) models for predicting the monthly mean sea level variations and comparing their prediction accuracies in terms of the model performances. The input dataset was obtained from Kerteh, Tioman Island, and Tanjung Sedili in Malaysia from January 2007 to December 2017 to predict the sea levels for five different time periods (1, 5, 10, 20, and 40 years). Further, the SVM and GP models are subjected to preprocessing to obtain optimal performance. The tuning parameters are generalized for the optimal input designs (SVM2 and GP2), and the results denote that SVM2 outperforms GP with R of 0.81 and 0.86 during the training and testing periods, respectively, at the study locations. However, GP can provide values of 0.71 and 0.79 for training and testing, respectively, at the study locations. The results show precise predictions of the monthly mean sea level, denoting the promising potential of the used models for performing sea level data analysis.
What Factors Drive Air Pollutants in China? An Analysis from the Perspective of Regional Difference Using a Combined Method of Production Decomposition Analysis and Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index
Authors: Xu Shichun , Miao Yongmei , Li Yiwen , Zhou Yifeng , Ma Xiaoxue , He Zhengxia , Zhao Bin , Wang Shuxiao
Published: August 2019

Air pollution in China attracts the world’s attention, so it is important to study its driving factors for air pollutants. The combined Production Decomposition Analysis and Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (PDA–LMDI) model is applied to construct a regional contribution index in this study to explore the regional differences in factors affecting sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter with diameter not greater than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) from 2005 to 2015 in China. The regional emission coefficient had a great inhibitory effect, which reduced SO2, NOx, and PM2.5 by 25,364.9, 10,449.3, and 11,295.3 kilotons (kt) from 2005 to 2015, respectively. For this inhibitory effect, the degree to emission reduction was great for North and East China, followed by South and Central China, and small for Southwest. Northwest. and Northeast China. The regional technical efficiency, technology improvement, capital-energy substitution and labor-energy substitution effects each reduced SO2, NOx, and PM2.5 by about 3500, 3100, and 1500 kt from 2005 to 2015, respectively. For the regional technical efficiency and technology improvement effects, the degree to emission reduction was great in East and Central China, and small in South Northwest and Northeast China. For the regional capital- and labor-energy substitution effects, the degree of emission reduction was great for North East and Central China, and small for Northwest and South China. The regional output proportion effect increased SO2, NOx, and PM2.5 by 1211.2, 320.1, and 277.8 kt from 2005 to 2015, respectively. The national economic growth had a relatively great promoting effect and increased SO2, NOx, and PM2.5 by 26,445.5, 23,827.5, and 11,925.5 kt from 2005 to 2015, respectively. Each region should formulate relevant policies and measures for emission reduction according to local conditions.
A New Type of Single Valued Neutrosophic Covering Rough Set Model
Authors: Wang Jingqian , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: August 2019

Recently, various types of single valued neutrosophic (SVN) rough set models were presented based on the same inclusion relation. However, there is another SVN inclusion relation in SVN sets. In this paper, we propose a new type of SVN covering rough set model based on the new inclusion relation. Furthermore, the graph and matrix representations of the new SVN covering approximation operators are presented. Firstly, the notion of SVN β 2 -covering approximation space is proposed, which is decided by the new inclusion relation. Then, a type of SVN covering rough set model under the SVN β 2 -covering approximation space is presented. Moreover, there is a corresponding SVN relation rough set model based on a SVN relation induced by the SVN β 2 -covering, and two conditions under which the SVN β 2 -covering can induce a symmetric SVN relation are presented. Thirdly, the graph and matrix representations of the new SVN covering rough set model are investigated. Finally, we propose a novel method for decision making (DM) problems in paper defect diagnosis under the new SVN covering rough set model.
Health Impact Assessment of Sulfolane on Embryonic Development of Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Shah Soham M. , Wahba Michael , Yu Linlong , Achari Gopal , Habibi Hamid R.
Published: August 2019

Sulfolane is a widely used polar, aprotic solvent that has been detected by chemical analysis in groundwater and creeks around the world including Alberta, Canada (800 µg/mL), Louisiana, USA (2900 µg/mL) and Brisbane, Australia (4344 µg/mL). Previous research provided information on adverse effects of sulfolane on mammals, but relatively little information is available on aquatic organisms. This study tested the effects of sulfolane (0–5000 µg/mL) on early development of zebrafish larvae, using various morphometric (survival, hatching, yolk sac and pericardial oedema, haemorrhaging, spinal malformations, swim bladder inflation), growth (larval length, eye volume, yolk sac utilisation), behavioural (touch response, locomotor activity and transcript abundance parameters (ahr1a, cyp1a, thraa, dio1, dio2, dio3, 11βhsd2, gr, aqp3a, cyp19a1b, ddc, gria2b and hsp70) for 120 h. Embryos were chronically exposed to sulfolane throughout the experimental period. For locomotor activity, however, we also investigated acute response to 2-h sulfolane treatment. Sulfolane sensitivity causing significant impairment in the observed parameters were different depending on parameters measured, including survival (concentrations greater than 800 µg/mL), morphometric and growth (800–1000 µg/mL), behaviour (500–800 µg/mL) and transcript abundance (10 µg/mL). The overall results provide novel information on the adverse health impacts of sulfolane on an aquatic vertebrate species, and an insight into developmental impairments following exposure to environmental levels of sulfolane in fish embryos.
TMA, A Forgotten Uremic Toxin, but Not TMAO, Is Involved in Cardiovascular Pathology
Authors: Jaworska Kinga , Hering Dagmara , Mosieniak Grażyna , Bielak-Zmijewska Anna , Pilz Marta , Konwerski Michał , Gasecka Aleksandra , Kapłon-Cieślicka Agnieszka , Filipiak Krzysztof , Sikora Ewa , Hołyst Robert , Ufnal Marcin
Published: August 2019

Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) has been suggested as a marker and mediator of cardiovascular diseases. However, data are contradictory, and the mechanisms are obscure. Strikingly, the role of the TMAO precursor trimethylamine (TMA) has not drawn attention in cardiovascular studies even though toxic effects of TMA were proposed several decades ago. We assessed plasma TMA and TMAO levels in healthy humans (HH) and cardiovascular patients qualified for aortic valve replacement (CP). The cytotoxicity of TMA and TMAO in rat cardiomyocytes was evaluated using an MTT test. The effects of TMA and TMAO on albumin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were assessed using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. In comparison to HH, CP had a two-fold higher plasma TMA (p < 0.001) and a trend towards higher plasma TMAO (p = 0.07). In CP plasma, TMA was inversely correlated with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, p = 0.002). TMA but not TMAO reduced cardiomyocytes viability. Incubation with TMA but not TMAO resulted in the degradation of the protein structure of LDH and albumin. In conclusion, CP show increased plasma TMA, which is inversely correlated with eGFR. TMA but not TMAO exerts negative effects on cardiomyocytes, likely due to its disturbing effect on proteins. Therefore, TMA but not TMAO may be a toxin and a marker of cardiovascular risk.
Immunogenicity Associated with Botulinum Toxin Treatment
Authors: Bellows Steven , Jankovic Joseph
Published: August 2019

Botulinum toxin (BoNT) has been used for the treatment of a variety of neurologic, medical and cosmetic conditions. Two serotypes, type A (BoNT-A) and type B (BoNT-B), are currently in clinical use. While considered safe and effective, their use has been rarely complicated by the development of antibodies that reduce or negate their therapeutic effect. The presence of antibodies has been attributed to shorter dosing intervals (and booster injections), higher doses per injection cycle, and higher amounts of antigenic protein. Other factors contributing to the immunogenicity of BoNT include properties of each serotype, such as formulation, manufacturing, and storage of the toxin. Some newer formulations with purified core neurotoxin devoid of accessory proteins may have lower overall immunogenicity. Several assays are available for the detection of antibodies, including both structural assays such as ELISA and mouse-based bioassays, but there is no consistent correlation between these antibodies and clinical response. Prevention and treatment of antibody-associated non-responsiveness is challenging and primarily involves the use of less immunogenic formulations of BoNT, waiting for the spontaneous disappearance of the neutralizing antibody, and switching to an immunologically alternate type of BoNT.
Environmental Surveillance of Polioviruses in Armenia, Colombia before Trivalent Oral Polio Vaccine Cessation
Authors: González María Mercedes , Fonseca Magile C. , Rodríguez Carlos Andrés , Giraldo Alejandra María , Vila José Joaquín , Castaño Jhon Carlos , Padilla Leonardo , Sarmiento Luis
Published: August 2019

Although acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance is the “gold standard” for detecting cases of polio, environmental surveillance can provide supplementary information in the absence of paralytic poliomyelitis cases. This study aimed to detect the introduction and/or circulation of wild poliovirus or vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDPV) in wastewater, covering a significant population of Armenia, Colombia, before trivalent oral polio vaccine (OPV) cessation. Between March and September 2015, 24 wastewater samples were collected from eight study sites in eight communes of Armenia, Colombia. Virus detection and characterization were performed using both cell culture (i.e., RD or L20B cells) and RT-PCR. Polioviruses were isolated in 11 (45.8%) of 24 wastewater samples. All isolates were identified as Sabin strains (type 1 = 9, type 3 = 2) by intratypic differentiation. Type 2 poliovirus was not detected in any of the samples. No wild poliovirus or VDPV was detected among the isolates. Non-polio enterovirus was identified in 8.3% (2/24) of the samples. This study revealed the excretion of Sabin poliovirus from OPV-immunized individuals, as well as the absence of VDPV and wild poliovirus in wastewaters of Armenia, Colombia. This confirms that environmental surveillance is an effective method, as an additional support to AFP surveillance, to monitor poliovirus during the OPV-to-IPV (inactivated polio vaccine) transition period.
Chikungunya Virus and (Re-) Emerging Alphaviruses
Authors: Wang Penghua , Zhang Rong
Published: August 2019

Alphaviruses belong to a family of positive sense, single-stranded RNA viruses that are transmitted mainly by mosquitoes through a blood meal and cause arthritis and/or encephalitis in humans and animals [...]
New Markers in Monitoring the Reactivation of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Immunocompromised Hosts
Authors: Svicher Valentina , Salpini Romina , Malagnino Vincenzo , Piermatteo Lorenzo , Alkhatib Mohammad , Cerva Carlotta , Sarmati Loredana
Published: August 2019

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) persistence is at the basis of HBV reactivation as a consequence of chemotherapy and immunosuppressive treatments. The identification of early viral replication indicators and markers of effective HBV immunological control would be useful in monitoring patients who are at risk of potential viral reactivation during the course of immunosuppressive treatment. Currently, international guidelines have shared some criteria to identify patients with a low, medium or high risk of HBV reactivation; however, permanently placing a patient in a definitive category is not always easy. More often, patients move from one category to another during the course of their immunosuppressive treatment; therefore, in many cases, there are no precise indicators or tools for monitoring possible reactivation and establishing the duration and suspension of antiviral prophylaxis. Historically, the sequence of HBV antigens and antibodies and HBV DNA levels has been used to evaluate the different stages of the acute and chronic phases of an HBV infection. In the last few years, new biomarkers, such as anti-HBs and anti-HBc titres, HBV core-related antigen (HBcrAg), ultra-sensitive HBsAg evaluation and HBV RNA, have been used in patients with an HBV infection to evaluate their diagnostic and prognostic potential. The aim of this review is to evaluate the published results on the use of new infection markers in the diagnosis and monitoring of HBV reactivation over the course of immunosuppressive treatments. Moreover, the importance of viral genotypic studies was emphasized, given the diagnostic and therapeutic implications of the mutational profiles of HBsAg during the HBV reactivation phase.
Immunogenicity and Protection Efficacy of a Naked Self-Replicating mRNA-Based Zika Virus Vaccine
Authors: Zhong Zifu , Portela Catani João Paulo , Mc Cafferty Séan , Couck Liesbeth , Van Den Broeck Wim , Gorlé Nina , Vandenbroucke Roosmarijn E. , Devriendt Bert , Ulbert Sebastian , Cnops Lieselotte , Michels Johan , Ariën Kevin K. , Sanders Niek N.
Published: August 2019

To combat emerging infectious diseases like Zika virus (ZIKV), synthetic messenger RNAs (mRNAs) encoding viral antigens are very attractive as they allow a rapid, generic, and flexible production of vaccines. In this work, we engineered a self-replicating mRNA (sr-mRNA) vaccine encoding the pre-membrane and envelope (prM-E) glycoproteins of ZIKV. Intradermal electroporation of as few as 1 µg of this mRNA-based ZIKV vaccine induced potent humoral and cellular immune responses in BALB/c and especially IFNAR1-/- C57BL/6 mice, resulting in a complete protection of the latter mice against ZIKV infection. In wild-type C57BL/6 mice, the vaccine resulted in very low seroconversion rates and antibody titers. The potency of the vaccine was inversely related to the dose of mRNA used in wild-type BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice, as robust type I interferon (IFN) response was determined in a reporter mice model (IFN-β+/Δβ-luc). We further investigated the inability of the sr-prM-E-mRNA ZIKV vaccine to raise antibodies in wild-type C57BL/6 mice and found indications that type I IFNs elicited by this naked sr-mRNA vaccine might directly impede the induction of a robust humoral response. Therefore, we assume that the efficacy of sr-mRNA vaccines after intradermal electroporation might be increased by strategies that temper their inherent innate immunogenicity.
Procurement of Category 2 Vaccines in China
Authors: Zhuang Jian-Lin , Wagner Abram L. , Laffoon Megan , Lu Yi-Han , Jiang Qing-Wu
Published: August 2019

Internationally, vaccine pricing is relatively opaque, although many low- or lower-middle-income countries belong to international consortiums that jointly procure vaccines. China procures vaccines domestically, and vaccines that require payment from the public (“category 2 vaccines”), have undergone several regulatory changes over the past 15 years. This study aims to describe the vaccine procurement method changes in China since 2005 and to analyze how the procurement method impacted vaccine price. This review of vaccine procurement reforms found that a shift to provincial-level Group Purchasing Organizations after 2016 was accompanied by an increase in most prices. There was more variability in vaccine prices across provinces for vaccines with only one supplier, and these vaccines have a higher price than what is found in United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)-supported countries. China’s current procurement system for non-mandatory vaccines leaves these vaccines costing several-fold more than in other countries, and in particular those supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Exploring a variety of methods to reduce vaccine purchase prices will not only directly benefit the general population, but also the government, as they aim to implement more programs to benefit public health in a cost-effective manner.
Anti-Tat Immunity in HIV-1 Infection: Effects of Naturally Occurring and Vaccine-Induced Antibodies Against Tat on the Course of the Disease
Authors: Cafaro Aurelio , Tripiciano Antonella , Picconi Orietta , Sgadari Cecilia , Moretti Sonia , Buttò Stefano , Monini Paolo , Ensoli Barbara
Published: August 2019

HIV-1 Tat is an essential protein in the virus life cycle, which is required for virus gene expression and replication. Most Tat that is produced during infection is released extracellularly and it plays a key role in HIV pathogenesis, including residual disease upon combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Here, we review epidemiological and experimental evidence showing that antibodies against HIV-1 Tat, infrequently occurring in natural infection, play a protective role against disease progression, and that vaccine targeting Tat can intensify cART. In fact, Tat vaccination of subjects on suppressive cART in Italy and South Africa promoted immune restoration, including CD4+ T-cell increase in low immunological responders, and a reduction of proviral DNA even after six years of cART, when both CD4+ T-cell gain and DNA decay have reached a plateau. Of note, DNA decay was predicted by the neutralization of Tat-mediated entry of Env into dendritic cells by anti-Tat antibodies, which were cross-clade binding and neutralizing. Anti-Tat cellular immunity also contributed to the DNA decay. Based on these data, we propose the Tat therapeutic vaccine as a pathogenesis-driven intervention that effectively intensifies cART and it may lead to a functional cure, providing new perspectives and opportunities also for prevention and virus eradication strategies.
Virtual Water Flow and Water Footprint Assessment of an Arid Region: A Case Study of South Khorasan Province, Iran
Authors: Qasemipour Ehsan , Abbasi Ali
Published: August 2019

Water challenges—especially in developing countries—are set to be strained by population explosion, growing technology, climate change and a shift in consumption pattern toward more water-intensive products. In these situations, water transfer in virtual form can play an important role in alleviating the pressure exerted on the limited water resources—especially in arid and semi-arid regions. This study aims to quantify the 10-year average of virtual water trade and the water footprint within South Khorasan—the third largest province in Iran—for both crops and livestock products. The virtual water content of 37 crops and five livestock is first estimated and the water footprint of each county is consequently measured using a top-down approach. The sustainability of the current agricultural productions is then assessed using the water scarcity (WS) indicator. Results of the study show that in spite of the aridity of the study area, eight out of 11 counties are net virtual water exporters. Birjand—the most populous county—is a net virtual water importer. The 10-year average water footprint of the region is measured as 2.341 Gm3 per year, which accounts for 2.28% of national water footprint. The region’s average per capita water footprint however, with 3486 m3, is 115% higher than the national ones. Crop production and livestock production are responsible for 82.16% and 17.84% of the total water footprint. The current intensive agricultural practices in such an arid region have resulted in a water scarcity of 206%—which is far beyond the sustainability criteria. This study gives the water authorities and decision-makers of the region a picture of how and where local water resources are used through the food trade network. The generated information can be applied by the regional policymakers to establish effective and applicable approaches to alleviate water scarcity, guarantee sustainable use of water supplies, and provide food security