bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voluntary Disclosure of GRI and CSR Environmental Criteria in Colombian Companies
Authors: Ordóñez-Castaño Iván Andrés , Herrera-Rodríguez Edila Eudemia , Franco Ricaurte Angélica María , Perdomo Mejía Luis Enrique
Published: May 2021

The study analysed the asymmetry in the disclosure of environmental criteria of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standard based on financial and non-financial information in 37 companies in 19 sub-sectors of the Colombian economy that were assessed by MERCO (Business Monitor of Corporate Reputation) in 2017 and 2018 in terms of corporate reputation, responsibility, and corporate governance. It is based on the theories of agency, stakeholders, and legitimacy, whereby six hypotheses were postulated. The indicators of environmental criteria were retrieved from the website and sustainability reports of each company, using a dichotomous approach for collecting information on environmental activities. The hypotheses were contrasted with a binary choice and panel data models. The results showed that increasing quality and transparency in voluntarily disclosed information decreases its asymmetry, thereby meeting the information needs of stakeholders, providing confidence, and strengthening corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. In addition, the most indebted and largest companies disclose less information on environmental activities, in contrast to companies with higher solvency. Overall, the study contributed with the calculation of an asymmetry ratio with the MERCO indicators and the use of the insolvency risk variable as an explanatory variable for disclosure. Additionally, it contributed to the field of study of CSR from the Latin American context.
Innovative Artificial Intelligence Approach for Hearing-Loss Symptoms Identification Model Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Abd Ghani Mohd Khanapi , Noma Nasir G. , Mohammed Mazin Abed , Abdulkareem Karrar Hameed , Garcia-Zapirain Begonya , Maashi Mashael S. , Mostafa Salama A.
Published: May 2021

Physicians depend on their insight and experience and on a fundamentally indicative or symptomatic approach to decide on the possible ailment of a patient. However, numerous phases of problem identification and longer strategies can prompt a longer time for consulting and can subsequently cause other patients that require attention to wait for longer. This can bring about pressure and tension concerning those patients. In this study, we focus on developing a decision-support system for diagnosing the symptoms as a result of hearing loss. The model is implemented by utilizing machine learning techniques. The Frequent Pattern Growth (FP-Growth) algorithm is used as a feature transformation method and the multivariate Bernoulli naïve Bayes classification model as the classifier. To find the correlation that exists between the hearing thresholds and symptoms of hearing loss, the FP-Growth and association rule algorithms were first used to experiment with small sample and large sample datasets. The result of these two experiments showed the existence of this relationship, and that the performance of the hybrid of the FP-Growth and naïve Bayes algorithms in identifying hearing-loss symptoms was found to be efficient, with a very small error rate. The average accuracy rate and average error rate for the multivariate Bernoulli model with FP-Growth feature transformation, using five training sets, are 98.25% and 1.73%, respectively.
Does Trade Related Sectoral Infrastructure Make Chinese Exports More Sophisticated and Diversified?
Authors: Ur Rehman Faheem , Ahmad Ejaz , Khan Muhammad Asif , Popp József , Oláh Judit
Published: May 2021

Whether better infrastructure influences Chinese export sophistication (ES) and diversification (ED) is an important question, which surprisingly remains unaddressed. The current study contributes to the ES and ED literature by capturing the symmetric and asymmetric effect of infrastructure on ES and ED. We employ a robust dynamically simulated autoregressive distributed lag (DYS-ARDL) dynamic method, which is an extended version of NARDL and ARDL. The major aim of this new DYS-ARDL dynamic approach was to abolish the issue in orthodox ARDL model approach while examining the long-run and short-run. The new dynamic DYS-ARDL model is accomplished in estimating, stimulating, and robotically plotting predictions of counterfactual alterations in one explanatory variable and its impact on the dependent variable while holding the remaining regressors constant. Furthermore, this new method of DYS-ARDL model can estimate, stimulate, and plot to forecast graphs of positive and negative variations in the variables robotically as well as their short and long-run associations. Interestingly, the results of this study witness the presence of long-run relationship between infrastructure and ES and ED in China. The present study shows that better infrastructure will be more beneficial for Chinese ED and ES.
Inspiriting Innovation: The Effects of Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) on Innovative Behavior as Mediated by Mindfulness and Work Engagement
Authors: Mulligan Rowan , Ramos José , Martín Pilar , Zornoza Ana
Published: May 2021

Continuous innovation has become a key to gaining a sustainable competitive advantage for organizations in the 21st century. By focusing on the underlying mechanisms (i.e., mindfulness and work engagement) by which it works, this study addresses the quality of leader–member relationships and their relevance for innovation in the workplace. Using a sample of 210 employees from 17 Spanish companies, a two-wave longitudinal design evaluated the mediational roles of mindfulness and engagement between leader–member exchange (LMX) quality and innovative work behavior (IWB) in an organizational context. Over the course of a year, two questionnaires were administered to measure LMX quality, mindfulness, engagement, and IWB. Results from structural equation modeling provided support for the hypothesized double-mediation model with a significant full double mediation. Findings suggested that mindfulness and engagement could be characteristic mechanisms of high-quality LMX that helps to facilitate innovation. Practical implications include its creative value in gaining a competitive edge over market competitors and helping organizations to find a sustainable source for their consistent growth through their human capital and innovative potential.
Is the Green Wave Really Green? The Risks of Rebound Effects When Implementing “Green” Policies
Authors: Bloder Elisabeth , Jäger Georg
Published: May 2021

Traffic and transportation are main contributors to the global CO2 emissions and resulting climate change. Especially in urban areas, traffic flow is not optimal and thus offers possibilities to reduce emissions. The concept of a Green Wave, i.e., the coordinated switching of traffic lights in order to favor a single direction and reduce congestion, is often discussed as a simple mechanism to avoid breaking and accelerating, thereby reducing fuel consumption. On the other hand, making car use more attractive might also increase emissions. In this study, we use an agent-based model to investigate the benefit of a Green Wave in order to find out whether it can outweigh the effects of increased car use. We find that although the Green Wave has the potential to reduce emissions, there is also a high risk of heaving a net increase in emissions, depending on the specifics of the traffic system.
(Re-)Defining Permaculture: Perspectives of Permaculture Teachers and Practitioners across the United States
Authors: Spangler Kaitlyn , McCann Roslynn Brain , Ferguson Rafter Sass
Published: May 2021

The solutions-based design framework of permaculture exhibits transformative potential, working to holistically integrate natural and human systems toward a more just society. The term can be defined and applied in a breadth of ways, contributing to both strengths and weaknesses for its capacity toward change. To explore the tension of breadth as strength and weakness, we interviewed 25 prominent permaculture teachers and practitioners across the United States (US) regarding how they define permaculture as a concept and perceive the term’s utility. We find that permaculture casts a wide net that participants grapple with in their own work. They engaged in a negotiation process of how they associate or disassociate themselves with the term, recognizing that it can be both unifying and polarizing. Further, there was noted concern of permaculture’s failure to cite and acknowledge its rootedness in Indigenous knowledge, as well as distinguish itself from Indigenous alternatives. We contextualize these findings within the resounding call for a decolonization of modern ways of living and the science of sustainability, of which permaculture can be critically part of. We conclude with recommended best practices for how to continuously (re-)define permaculture in an embodied and dynamic way to work toward these goals.
Phosphorus Fractions and Release Factors in Surface Sediments of a Tailwater River in Xinmi City, a Case Study
Authors: Huang Shanheng , Xu Hongbin , Shang Dan , Liu Junzhao , Tang Qiuju , Liu Ruxue
Published: May 2021

The Shuangji River in Xinmi City is a tailwater-type river. Its main water sources are the effluent from the domestic sewage plant, the effluent from the paper industry sewage plant and the coal well. The construction of wastewater treatment facilities in Xinmi city has significantly reduced the amount of total phosphorus (TP) discharged into Shuangji River. However, phosphorus control in rivers where the overlying waters are predominantly tailwaters is still a challenge, especially as the sediment–water interface’s phosphorus exchange mechanism needs to be investigated in detail. In this study, the content and proportion of each phosphorus fraction in the sediment of a tailwater-type river, the Shuangji River, were determined. It was found that the organic phosphorus (OP) and iron-bound phosphorus (Fe-P) content and proportion were high, and the risk of release was relatively high in the section of the river where the overlying water was the tailwater of a sewage plant. Temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and hydraulic disturbance were also found to control phosphorus forms’ transformation and release in the sediment. Elevated temperatures mainly stimulated the release of OP and Fe-P from the sediments. The dissolution of calcium-bound phosphorus (Ca-P) is the main pathway for phosphorus release under acidic conditions, whereas, under alkaline conditions, phosphorus release is mainly controlled by ion exchange between OH− and Fe-P and metal oxide-bound phosphorus (Al-P). Aerobic versus anaerobic conditions cause changes in Fe-P content in the sediment mainly by changing Fe ions’ chemical valence. Hydrodynamic disturbance accelerates labile-P release, but once the hydrodynamic disturbance stops, the overlying water dissolved total phosphorus (DTP) concentration rapidly decreases to a similar concentration as before.
Sustaining Trade during COVID-19 Pandemic: Establishing a Conceptual Model Including COVID-19 Impact
Authors: Saif Nashwan M. A. , Ruan Jianping , Obrenovic Bojan
Published: May 2021

The conceptual research aims to identify antecedents conducive to bilateral trade during the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the relevance of bilateral trade for foreign policy and economy studies, there is a need for a renewed framework in times of extreme economic instability. As international commerce is essential for improving the country’s economy, we have examined how economic distance, population, trade percentage of GDP, exchange rate, and political changes interconnect and relate to COVID-19, influencing trade flows. This conceptual paper illustrates the likely impact of COVID-19 on international trade by exploring pandemics’ effects on standard trading parameters such as GDP, distance, policy stability, and population. We model the resulting shock as a multifaceted variable reflected in capital underutilization, manufacturing output decline, international trade costs inflation, production costs inflation, decrease in demand for certain services and shift from everyday needs towards activities that exclude the proximity between people, e.g., proclivity towards virtual market products. The sudden decrease in GDP and bilateral trade, as well as FDI, is amplified by further development of pandemics’ long-term consequences. We take COVID-19 to be a technological, financial, and policy shock significantly influencing international trade and economic development and argue that it will have a varying impact on diverse sectors and economies. The paper offers preliminary insight into the pandemic-related economics that are unfolding and deduce recommendations on positive changes in trading policy to fully leverage on arising trading opportunities and point to potential research directions.
Consumers’ Willingness to Purchase Imported Cherries towards Sustainable Market: Evidence from the Republic of Korea
Authors: Shin Seongmin , Ji Seongtae
Published: May 2021

Globalization has led diverse stakeholders to join the market and has resulted in corporate and product diversification; however, some markets remain monopolized by a few countries owing to “shadow trade barriers” influencing willingness to purchase. The Korean cherry market has grown rapidly since 2000 but is monopolized by U.S. cherries, which makes the market unsustainable; however, Uzbekistan cherries are 1.75-times less expensive than U.S. cherries. We examined the potential of Uzbekistan cherries to replace U.S. cherries as cherries are imported only from these countries during the spring–summer season. After collecting data through a web survey, we conducted logistic regression analyses to investigate what specific factors affect Korean consumers’ willingness to purchase Uzbekistan cherries over U.S. cherries: price perception, brand familiarity, perceived risk, and country of origin. Results showed that the more price awareness (price perception), experience (brand familiarity), and higher confidence of safety (perceived risk) that consumers had, the more they were willing to purchase Uzbekistan cherries. Consumers who checked the country of origin were less likely to purchase Uzbekistan cherries. The results provide useful information for exporters, importers, researchers, decision-makers, and policymakers concerning the utilization of products for sustainability in a monopolized market.
A Cellular Automata Agent-Based Hybrid Simulation Tool to Analyze the Deployment of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Authors: García-Suárez Amaro , Guisado-Lizar José-Luis , Diaz-del-Rio Fernando , Jiménez-Morales Francisco
Published: May 2021

We present a hybrid model combining cellular automata (CA) and agent-based modeling (ABM) to analyze the deployment of electric vehicle charging stations through microscopic traffic simulations. This model is implemented in a simulation tool called SIMTRAVEL, which allows combining electric vehicles (EVs) and internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) that navigate in a city composed of streets, avenues, intersections, roundabouts, and including charging stations (CSs). Each EV is modeled as an agent that incorporates complex behaviors, such as decisions about the route to destination or CS, when to drive to a CS, or which CS to choose. We studied three different CS arrangements for a synthetic city: a single large central CS, four medium sized distributed CSs or multiple small distributed CSs, with diverse amounts of traffic and proportions of EVs. The simulator output is found to be robust and meaningful and allows one to extract a first useful conclusion: traffic conditions that create bottlenecks around the CSs play a crucial role, leading to a deadlock in the city when the traffic density is above a certain critical level. Our results show that the best disposition is a distributed network, but it is fundamental to introduce smart routing measures to balance the distribution of EVs among CSs.
Post-Emergence Herbicides for Effective Weed Management, Enhanced Wheat Productivity, Profitability and Quality in North-Western Himalayas: A ‘Participatory-Mode’ Technology Development and Dissemination
Authors: Choudhary Anil K. , Yadav D.S. , Sood Pankaj , Rahi Shakuntla , Arya Kalpana , Thakur S.K. , Lal Ramesh , Kumar Subhash , Sharma Jagdev , Dass Anchal , Babu Subhash , Bana R.S. , Rana D.S. , Kumar Adarsh , Rajpoot Sudhir K. , Gupta Gaurendra , Kumar Anil , M.N. Harish , Noorzai A.U. , Rajanna G.A. , Khan Mohammad Halim , Dua V.K. , Singh Raj
Published: May 2021

‘Participatory-mode’ adaptive research was conducted in wheat in north-western Himalayas (NWH) during 2008–2014 to develop an improved chemical weed management (ICWM) technology. First of all, two years ‘on-farm experimentation’ was performed in a randomized block design at 10 locations in NWH using seven treatments (Clodinafop @ 60 g a.i./ha (Clod); Clod followed by 2,4-D (Na-salt) @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha (Clod-fb-D); Isoproturon 75 WP @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha (Iso); Iso + D; Sulfosulfuron 75% WG @ 25 g a.i./ha + Metsulfuron 5% WG @ 2 g a.i./ha (Sulf + Met); weed-free-check; and un-weeded-check). In this study, the post-emergence application of Sulf + Met reported the lowest weed-index and NPK depletion by weeds with higher weed control efficiency (86.4%), weed control index (81.1%) and herbicide efficiency index (2.62) over other herbicides. Sulf + Met exhibited significantly higher wheat productivity (3.57 t/ha), protein yield, net-returns and water-productivity, which was followed by Iso + D and Clod-fb-D, all of which remained statistically at par with each other. An impact assessment of intensive technology-transfer programme (2008–2014) revealed a higher technology adoption rate (71–98%) of ICWM leading to higher wheat productivity (~22%) and net income gains (2.8–26.4%) in NWH. Overall, Sulf + Met proved highly effective against mixed weed flora in wheat to boost wheat productivity, profitability, quality and water productivity in addition to a higher technology adoption rate and NIGs to transform rural livelihoods in NWH.
Insight into the Composition of the Stabilized Residual from a Full-Scale Mechanical-Biological Treatment (MBT) Plant in Terms of the Potential Recycling and Recovery of Its Contaminants
Authors: Bernat Katarzyna , Wojnowska-Baryła Irena , Zaborowska Magdalena , Samul Izabela
Published: May 2021

There is a lack of knowledge about the composition and particle size distribution of the <80 mm fraction mechanically separated from residual municipal solid waste (rMSW) and the stabilized residual (SR) after aerobic stabilization in a full-scale MBT plant. Therefore, the composition of the particle size fractions (>60 mm, 60–40 mm, 40–10 mm) of the <80 mm fraction and SR, collected in all seasons (summer (S), autumn (A), winter (W), spring (Sp)), was determined. Biodegradable waste (vegetable waste, other organic waste, paper, cardboard) constituted from 44.1% (A) to 54.3% (Sp) of the <80 mm fraction and it decreased to 8.5% (W) to 17.1% (S) in the SR, after effective biodegradation. In SR, the smaller particle size fractions (up to 40 mm) predominated. The main contaminants in SR were plastic, glass, metal, and other waste. Hierarchical clustering indicated that the composition of the particle size fractions of SR was more similar across four seasons than that of the <80 mm fraction. After stabilization and separation, the share of contaminants increased in the SR size fractions, which means that their recovery before landfilling may be profitable. This suggests a new direction in waste management that would be consistent with the principles of a circular economy, in which a waste product, like SR, which previously could only be landfilled, becomes a source of secondary materials.
Analyzing the Patterns, Trends and Dynamics of the Land-Use Changes in Azores Region: From 1990 to 2018
Authors: Castanho Rui Alexandre , Naranjo Gómez José Manuel , Couto Gualter , Pimentel Pedro , Sousa Áurea , Batista Maria da Graça
Published: May 2021

The remarkable richness and singularity of the Azorean Region (located 38° North) and its landscapes require a sharp, well-defined, and comprehensive planning policy. Bearing in mind the significance of this issue in the enlightenment of sustainability, planning strategies should be based and supported by different studies and thematic domains to understand the problem thoroughly. Using GIS (Geographic Information Systems), the present article enables us to identify the dynamics and patterns of the evolution of the Land-Use Changes in the Azores Region from 1990 to 2018. In aggregate, the Azores islands showed growth in artificial surfaces and forest and seminatural land-uses by essentially decreasing agricultural areas—most resulting from the economic and social development strategy pursued by several Azorean governments. Moreover, this study permits us to reinforce that the Azores Archipelago’s land-uses has undergone multiple changes—marked by increasing and decreasing periods. In fact, some of these reducing dynamics are disturbing. They require closer monitorization by regional government actors to give protection, preservation, and conservation to these incomparable ultra-peripheral landscapes, environments, ecosystems, and the region as a whole.
Macrolides: From Toxins to Therapeutics
Authors: Lenz Kiersten D. , Klosterman Katja E. , Mukundan Harshini , Kubicek-Sutherland Jessica Z.
Published: May 2021

Macrolides are a diverse class of hydrophobic compounds characterized by a macrocyclic lactone ring and distinguished by variable side chains/groups. Some of the most well characterized macrolides are toxins produced by marine bacteria, sea sponges, and other species. Many marine macrolide toxins act as biomimetic molecules to natural actin-binding proteins, affecting actin polymerization, while other toxins act on different cytoskeletal components. The disruption of natural cytoskeletal processes affects cell motility and cytokinesis, and can result in cellular death. While many macrolides are toxic in nature, others have been shown to display therapeutic properties. Indeed, some of the most well known antibiotic compounds, including erythromycin, are macrolides. In addition to antibiotic properties, macrolides have been shown to display antiviral, antiparasitic, antifungal, and immunosuppressive actions. Here, we review each functional class of macrolides for their common structures, mechanisms of action, pharmacology, and human cellular targets.
Performance of Self-Collected Saliva Testing Compared with Nasopharyngeal Swab Testing for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Carrouel Florence , Valette Martine , Perrier Hervé , Bouscambert-Duchamp Maude , Dussart Claude , Tramini Paul , Bourgeois Denis
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to determine whether self-collected pure saliva (SCPS) is comparable to nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs in the quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR in asymptomatic, mild patients with confirmed COVID-19. Thirty-one patients aged from 18 to 85 years were included between 9 June and 11 December 2020. A SCPS sample and a NP sample were taken for each patient. Quantitative PCR was performed to detect SARS-CoV-2 viral load. Results of SCPS vs. NP samples testing were compared. Statistical analyses were performed. Viral load was significantly correlated (r = 0.72). The concordance probability was estimated at 73.3%. In symptomatic adults, SCPS performance was similar to that of NP swabs (Percent Agreement = 74.1%; p = 0.11). Thus, the salivary test based on pure oral saliva samples easily obtained by noninvasive techniques has a fair agreement with the nasopharyngeal one in asymptomatic, mild patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19.
Akt Kinase Intervenes in Flavivirus Replication by Interacting with Viral Protein NS5
Authors: Albentosa-González Laura , Jimenez de Oya Nereida , Arias Armando , Clemente-Casares Pilar , Martin-Acebes Miguel Ángel , Saiz Juan Carlos , Sabariegos Rosario , Mas Antonio
Published: May 2021

Arthropod-borne flaviviruses, such as Zika virus (ZIKV), Usutu virus (USUV), and West Nile virus (WNV), are a growing cause of human illness and death around the world. Presently, no licensed antivirals to control them are available and, therefore, search for broad-spectrum antivirals, including host-directed compounds, is essential. The PI3K/Akt pathway controls essential cellular functions involved in cell metabolism and proliferation. Moreover, Akt has been found to participate in modulating replication in different viruses including the flaviviruses. In this work we studied the interaction of flavivirus NS5 polymerases with the cellular kinase Akt. In vitro NS5 phosphorylation experiments with Akt showed that flavivirus NS5 polymerases are phosphorylated and co-immunoprecipitate by Akt. Polymerase activity assays of Ala- and Glu-generated mutants for the Akt-phosphorylated residues also indicate that Glu mutants of ZIKV and USUV NS5s present a reduced primer-extension activity that was not observed in WNV mutants. Furthermore, treatment with Akt inhibitors (MK-2206, honokiol and ipatasertib) reduced USUV and ZIKV titers in cell culture but, except for honokiol, not WNV. All these findings suggest an important role for Akt in flavivirus replication although with specific differences among viruses and encourage further investigations to examine the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway as an antiviral potential target.
Cascading from SARS-CoV-2 to Parkinson’s Disease through Protein-Protein Interactions
Authors: Estrada Ernesto
Published: May 2021

Extensive extrapulmonary damages in a dozen of organs/systems, including the central nervous system (CNS), are reported in patients of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Three cases of Parkinson’s disease (PD) have been reported as a direct consequence of COVID-19. In spite of the scarce data for establishing a definitive link between COVID-19 and PD, some hypotheses have been proposed to explain the cases reported. They, however, do not fit well with the clinical findings reported for COVID-19 patients, in general, and for the PD cases reported, in particular. Given the importance of this potential connection, we present here a molecular-level mechanistic hypothesis that explains well these findings and will serve to explore the potential CNS damage in COVID-19 patients. The model explaining the cascade effects from COVID-19 to CNS is developed by using bioinformatic tools. It includes the post-translational modification of host proteins in the lungs by viral proteins, the transport of modified host proteins via exosomes out the lungs, and the disruption of protein-protein interaction in the CNS by these modified host proteins. Our hypothesis is supported by finding 44 proteins significantly expressed in the CNS which are associated with PD and whose interactions can be perturbed by 24 host proteins significantly expressed in the lungs. These 24 perturbators are found to interact with viral proteins and to form part of the cargoes of exosomes in human tissues. The joint set of perturbators and PD-vulnerable proteins form a tightly connected network with significantly more connections than expected by selecting a random cluster of proteins of similar size from the human proteome. The molecular-level mechanistic hypothesis presented here provides several routes for the cascading of effects from the lungs of COVID-19 patients to PD. In particular, the disruption of autophagy/ubiquitination processes appears as an important mechanism that triggers the generation of large amounts of exosomes containing perturbators in their cargo, which would insult several PD-vulnerable proteins, potentially triggering Parkinsonism in COVID-19 patients.
Influence of SARS-CoV-2 Variant B.1.1.7, Vaccination, and Public Health Measures on the Spread of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Dimeglio Chloé , Milhes Marine , Loubes Jean-Michel , Ranger Noémie , Mansuy Jean-Michel , Trémeaux Pauline , Jeanne Nicolas , Latour Justine , Nicot Florence , Donnadieu Cécile , Izopet Jacques
Published: May 2021

The spread of SARS-CoV-2 and the resulting disease COVID-19 has killed over 2.6 million people as of 18 March 2021. We have used a modified susceptible, infected, recovered (SIR) epidemiological model to predict how the spread of the virus in regions of France will vary depending on the proportions of variants and on the public health strategies adopted, including anti-COVID-19 vaccination. The proportion of SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7, which was not detected in early January, increased to become 60% of the forms of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in the Toulouse urban area at the beginning of February 2021, but there was no increase in positive nucleic acid tests. Our prediction model indicates that maintaining public health measures and accelerating vaccination are efficient strategies for the sustained control of SARS-CoV-2.
Maternal Immunity and Vaccination Influence Disease Severity in Progeny in a Novel Mast Cell-Deficient Mouse Model of Severe Dengue
Authors: Mantri Chinmay Kumar , Soundarajan Gayathri , Saron Wilfried A. A. , Rathore Abhay P. S. , Alonso Sylvie , St. John Ashley L.
Published: May 2021

Sub-neutralizing concentrations of antibodies in dengue infected patients is a major risk factor for the development of dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. Here, we describe a mouse model with a deficiency in mast cells (MCs) in addition to a deficiency in Type-I and II IFN receptors for studying dengue virus (DENV) infection. We used this model to understand the influence of MCs in a maternal antibody-dependent model of severe dengue, where offspring born to DENV-immune mothers are challenged with a heterologous DENV serotype. Mice lacking both MCs and IFN receptors were found susceptible to primary DENV infection and showed morbidity and mortality. When these mice were immunized, pups born to DENV-immune mothers were found to be protected for a longer duration from a heterologous DENV challenge. In the absence of MCs and type-I interferon signaling, IFN-γ was found to protect pups born to naïve mothers but had the opposite effect on pups born to DENV-immune mothers. Our results highlight the complex interactions between MCs and IFN-signaling in influencing the role of maternal antibodies in DENV-induced disease severity.
Cross-Sectional Study of Varicella Zoster Virus Immunity in Healthy Korean Children Assessed by Glycoprotein Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and Fluorescent Antibody to Membrane Antigen Test
Authors: Kim Yunhwa , Hwang Ji-Young , Lee Kyung-Min , Lee Eunsil , Park Hosun
Published: May 2021

The prevalence of varicella is especially high among children in the age group of 4–6 years in South Korea, regardless of vaccination. We investigated the immune status of healthy children enrolled in day-care centers and compared pre- and post-vaccination immunity. Antibody titers were measured using a glycoprotein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (gpEIA) kit, and the seroconversion rate was assessed using a fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen (FAMA) test. Among 541 vaccinated children, 109 (20.1%) had breakthrough varicella. However, 13 (72.2%) of the 18 unvaccinated children had a history of varicella. The gpEIA geometric mean titers (GMTs) of pre- and 5 weeks post-vaccination in 1-year-old children were 14.7 and 72 mIU/mL, respectively, and the FAMA seroconversion rate was 91.1%. The gpEIA GMTs of 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old children were 104.1, 133.8, 223.5, 364.1, and 353.0 mIU/mL, respectively. Even though the gpEIA GMT increased with age, the pattern of gpEIA titer distribution in 4- to 6-year-old vaccinees without varicella history represented both waning immunity and natural boosting immunity. These results suggest that some vaccinees are vulnerable to varicella infection. Therefore, it is necessary to consider a two-dose varicella vaccine regimen in South Korea.
Stakeholders’ Understandings of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Rapid Qualitative Systematic Review
Authors: Deignan Caroline , Swartz Alison , Cooper Sara , Colvin Christopher J.
Published: May 2021

Cervical cancer rates in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are amongst the highest worldwide. All three of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines (9-valent, quadrivalent and bivalent HPV vaccine) provide primary protection against the most common cancer-causing strains of HPV (types 16 and 18) that are known to cause 70% of cervical cancers. Over the last five years, there has been an increase in Sub-Saharan African countries that have introduced the HPV vaccine. The majority of research has been conducted on supply-side barriers and facilitators to HPV vaccination uptake in SSA, yet little research has been conducted on demand-side or end-user perspectives of, and decisions around, HPV vaccination. In order to complement existing research, and inform current and future HPV vaccination implementation approaches, this qualitative systematic review explored Stakeholders’ understandings of HPV vaccination in SSA. This review searched the following databases: Embase (via Scopus), Scopus, MEDLINE (via PubMed), PubMed, EBSCOhost, Academic Search Premier, Africa-Wide Information, CINAHL, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, SocINDEX, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL) and found a total of 259 articles. Thirty-one studies were found eligible for inclusion and were analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s methods for conducting a thematic analysis. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. Three major themes emerged from this analysis; knowledge of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer is intertwined with misinformation; fear has shaped contradictory perceptions about HPV vaccination and gender dynamics are relevant in how stakeholders understand HPV vaccination in SSA.
Post-COVID Syndrome: An Insight on Its Pathogenesis
Authors: Maltezou Helena C. , Pavli Androula , Tsakris Athanasios
Published: May 2021

Post-COVID syndrome is increasingly recognized as a new clinical entity in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Symptoms persisting for more than three weeks after the diagnosis of COVID-19 characterize the post-COVID syndrome. Its incidence ranges from 10% to 35%, however, rates as high as 85% have been reported among patients with a history of hospitalization. Currently, there is no consensus on the classification of post-COVID syndrome. We reviewed the published information on post-COVID syndrome, putting emphasis on its pathogenesis. The pathogenesis of post-COVID syndrome is multi-factorial and more than one mechanism may be implicated in several clinical manifestations. Prolonged inflammation has a key role in its pathogenesis and may account for some neurological complications, cognitive dysfunction, and several other symptoms. A multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) of all ages has been also described recently, similarly to multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). The post-infectious inflammatory pathogenetic mechanism of MIS-A is supported by the fact that its diagnosis is established through serology in up to one third of cases. Other pathogenetic mechanisms that are implicated in post-COVID syndrome include immune-mediated vascular dysfunction, thromboembolism, and nervous system dysfunction. Although the current data are indicating that the overwhelming majority of patients with post-COVID syndrome have a good prognosis, registries to actively follow them are needed in order to define the full clinical spectrum and its long-term outcome. A consensus-based classification of post-COVID syndrome is essential to guide clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic management. Further research is also imperative to elucidate the pathogenesis of post-COVID syndrome.
Cell-Penetrating Peptides-Based Liposomal Delivery System Enhanced Immunogenicity of Peptide-Based Vaccine against Group A Streptococcus
Authors: Yang Jieru , Firdaus Farrhana , Azuar Armira , Khalil Zeinab G. , Marasini Nirmal , Capon Robert J. , Hussein Waleed M. , Toth Istvan , Skwarczynski Mariusz
Published: May 2021

Peptide-based vaccine development represents a highly promising strategy for preventing Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection. However, these vaccines need to be administered with the help of a delivery system and/or immune adjuvant. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been used as a powerful tool for delivering various therapeutic agents, including peptides, as they can overcome the permeability barrier of cell membranes. Here, we used CPPs to deliver our lead lipopeptide-based vaccine (LCP-1). CPPs were anchored through a spacer to LCP-1-bearing multilamellar and unilamellar liposomes and administered to Swiss outbred mice. Tat47–57 conjugated to two palmitic acids via a (Gly)6 spacer (to form a liposome-anchoring moiety) was the most efficient system for triggering immune responses when combined with multilamellar liposomes bearing LCP-1. The immunostimulatory potential of a variety of other CPPs was examined following intranasal administration in mice. Among them, LCP-1/liposomes/Tat47–57 and LCP-1/liposomes/KALA induced the highest antibody titers. The antibodies produced showed high opsonic activity against clinically isolated GAS strains D3840 and GC2 203. The use of the CPP-liposome delivery system is a promising strategy for liposome-based GAS vaccine development.
Intention to Be Vaccinated for COVID-19 among Italian Nurses during the Pandemic
Authors: Trabucco Aurilio Marco , Mennini Francesco Saverio , Gazzillo Simone , Massini Laura , Bolcato Matteo , Feola Alessandro , Ferrari Cristiana , Coppeta Luca
Published: May 2021

Background: While the COVID-19 pandemic has spread globally, health systems are overwhelmed by both direct and indirect mortality from other treatable conditions. COVID-19 vaccination was crucial to preventing and eliminating the disease, so vaccine development for COVID-19 was fast-tracked worldwide. Despite the fact that vaccination is commonly recognized as the most effective approach, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccine hesitancy is a global health issue. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of nurses in four different regions in Italy between 20 and 28 December 2020 to obtain data on the acceptance of the upcoming COVID-19 vaccination in order to plan specific interventions to increase the rate of vaccine coverage. Results: A total of 531 out of the 5000 nurses invited completed the online questionnaire. Most of the nurses enrolled in the study (73.4%) were female. Among the nurses, 91.5% intended to accept vaccination, whereas 2.3% were opposed and 6.2% were undecided. Female sex and confidence in vaccine efficacy represent the main predictors of vaccine intention among the study population using a logistic regression model, while other factors including vaccine safety concerns (side effects) were non-significant. Conclusions: Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, intention to be vaccinated was suboptimal among nurses in our sample. We also found a significant number of people undecided as to whether to accept the vaccine. Contrary to expectations, concerns about the safety of the vaccine were not found to affect the acceptance rate; nurses’ perception of vaccine efficacy and female sex were the main influencing factors on attitudes toward vaccination in our sample. Since the success of the COVID-19 immunization plan depends on the uptake rate, these findings are of great interest for public health policies. Interventions aimed at increasing employee awareness of vaccination efficacy should be promoted among nurses in order to increase the number of vaccinated people.
Sediment Distribution, Retention and Morphodynamic Analysis of a River-Dominated Deltaic System
Authors: Meselhe Ehab , Sadid Kazi , Khadka Ashok
Published: May 2021

River deltas have received considerable attention due to coastal land loss issues caused by subsidence, storms, and sea level rise. Improved understanding of deltaic processes and dynamics is vital to coastal restoration efforts. This paper describes the application of process-based morphodynamic models to a prograding river delta. The analysis focuses on the flow and sediment dynamics amongst the interconnected channel network of the delta. The models were validated against observations of velocity and sediment concentrations for the Wax Lake Delta (WLD) of the Atchafalaya River system in Louisiana, USA. The WLD provides an opportunity as a natural laboratory for studying the processes associated with river dominated deltaic growth. It includes a network of bifurcated channels that self-organize and dynamically adjust, as the delta grows seaward to the Gulf of Mexico. The model results for a flood event show that 47% of the flow exits the system as channelized flow and the remaining 53% exits as overbank flow. The fine sediment (silt and clay) distribution was proportional with water fluxes throughout the channel network, whereas sand distribution was influenced by geometric attributes (size, invert elevation, and alignment) of the distributary channels. The long-term deltaic growth predicted by the model compares well with the observations for the period 1998–2012. This paper provides insights on how the distribution of flow and sediment amongst the interconnected delta channels influences the morphodynamics of the delta to reach a dynamic equilibrium within this relatively young deltaic system.
Double Trouble: Synergy between Habitat Loss and the Spread of the Alien Species Caulerpa cylindracea (Sonder) in Three Mediterranean Habitats
Authors: Casoli Edoardo , Mancini Gianluca , Ventura Daniele , Belluscio Andrea , Ardizzone Giandomenico
Published: May 2021

The role of habitat degradation on the spread of the alien green alga Caulerpa cylindracea is reported here by comparing observations achieved through a multi-year assessment on three Mediterraneans habitats, namely Posidonia oceanica meadows, Phyllophora crispa turf, and coralligenous reefs. Due to the peculiarity of the study site, both natural-reference and impacted conditions were investigated. C. cylindracea occurred in all the studied habitats under impacted conditions. High susceptibility to the invasion characterized impacted P. oceanica, where Caulerpa cover reached 70.0% in summer months. C. cylindracea cover did not differ significantly among conditions in P. crispa turf, where values never exceeded 5.0%. Conversely, the invasive green algae was low in abundance and patchily distributed in coralligenous reefs. Our results confirmed that habitat loss enhances the spread of C. cylindracea, although with different magnitudes among habitats. Dead matte areas of P. oceanica represented the most vulnerable habitat among those analyzed, whereas coralligenous reefs were less susceptible to the invasion under both the studied conditions.
Energy Dissipation in Stilling Basins with Side Jets from Highly Convergent Chutes
Authors: Moran Rafael , Toledo Miguel Ángel , Peraita Javier , Pellegrino Raffaella
Published: May 2021

Spillways with Highly Converging Chutes (HCCs) are a non-conventional alternative that can be applied to achieve a higher outflow capacity when the weir length exceeds the width of the valley at the toe of gravity or arch dams. This kind of spillway has been used in the past, but no general studies have yet been published. This article summarizes experimental research work aiming to increase the knowledge of the effect of some design parameters of HCCs on the energy dissipation in the stilling basin at the toe of the dam. As a comparison reference, we use the Type I stilling basins, widely known by the technical dam engineering community. The obtained results show that spillways with HCCs are a promising alternative to traditional designs, combining the ability to increase the weir length with a high capacity to dissipate energy through the impingement effect of the frontal and the side jets inside the stilling basin.
que fracassaram
Authors: Rodrigues Lopes Luiz Fernando
Published: May 2021

O objetivo deste artigo é identificar os candidatos reprovados no Tribunal do Santo Ofício que viviam na sociedade mineira colonial e analisar as circunstâncias que marcaram a recusa destes pretendentes, bem como compreender em alguma medida o que este fracasso representou para tais personagens. Por meio do cruzamento dos processos indeferidos – Habilitações Incompletas do Tribunal do Santo Ofício – com requerimentos ao Conselho Ultramarino e fontes cartoriais dos arquivos mineiros, esta investigação busca analisar a mobilidade social pelo avesso, ou seja, pelo prisma do fracasso. O argumento central é de que o acesso a cargos de agentes da Inquisição, valioso emulador de prestígio no Império português, foi artifício importante para consolidar a autoridade e o poder de mando na sociedade mineira, mas quando não foi possível usufruir deste mecanismo, em razão da rejeição de suas candidaturas, estes homens contornaram o fracasso na carreira inquisitorial e reelaboraram o projeto de escalada social por meio de outras formas de distinção. Isso parece ter sido possível em razão da singularidade dos marcadores sociais do mundo colonial, menos obsessivo com a pureza de sangue, condição ainda mais acentuada na sociedade mineira, marcada por sua fluidez social.
agulhas e mãos
Authors: Palandri Sigolo Renata , Bernarde Junqueira Luis Fernando
Published: May 2021

Este artigo busca compreender as formas pelas quais a medicina chinesa foi retratada na imprensa brasileira no contexto transnacional da contracultura na década de 1970, procurando analisar quais representações sociais foram construídas e disseminadas sobre essa lógica médica, seus principais conceitos e suas noções de saúde, doença e cura. Focando em manuais, artigos e anúncios sobre acupuntura e massagens daoyin voltados ao grande público, pretendemos analisar o papel de outros atores importantes na formação da medicina chinesa no contexto brasileiro que ultrapassavam o círculo formado pela comunidade biomédica. Desta maneira, selecionamos obras publicadas sobre o assunto que tiveram igualmente repercussão na imprensa analisada, sendo escolhidos dois jornais de grande circulação no país: o Jornal do Brasil e o Diário de Pernambuco. Dentre as diferentes representações construídas, as noções de saúde, doença e cura ligadas às ideias de tradição e modernidade se destacam por trazerem em si um paradoxo importante presente na definição da medicina chinesa no Brasil.
Gamification as a basic tool in distance education
Authors: ESCAMILLA Regis Daisy , MARTÍNEZ Bahena Elizabeth
Published: May 2021

Currently there are various teaching-learning strategies, which are useful and can be implemented according to the objective that is had with the group of students, it is there, where gamification is implemented, whose main objective is to influence behavior of people, since it can be a motivator to continue experimenting with new learnings, which lead the student to solve problems through games, having an assignment of points or feedback, as a result of it, and with it taking gamification as a basic tool in distance education. Objectives, methodology. Through this research, it is sought to demonstrate that within distance education there are various strategies that can be implemented in the material that makes up each subject, but this time we wanted to focus on gamification as a tool that can be implemented in the designs of Each of the materials of the distance subjects, so that, with this, it can be seen as another motivational alternative, so that the student becomes even more integrated in the training process of their learning. Contribution. This research aims to demonstrate that gamification tools can be basic in the teaching-learning process of distance education, since this is where it is required that the student be motivated and generate a greater commitment in the process of their learning. The results of implementing gamification in distance education subjects bring us beneficial results in the implementation, thus having significant changes for the students, thus better professionals.