bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Marine Ecological Carrying Capacity of Ningbo City in China Based on System Dynamics
Authors: Ying Haier , Chen Suya , Mao Yuqin
Published: April 2022

In order to quantitatively analyze the comprehensive impact of population growth, economic development, and environmental pollution on marine ecology, a system dynamics (SD) model was constructed to evaluate and predict the marine ecological carrying capacity (MECC) of Ningbo city, China. Population, gross domestic product, chemical oxygen demand, and marine economic development were selected as the influencing factors of Ningbo MECC. Using the established SD model, the current situation and development forecast of Ningbo MECC from 2012 to 2023 were simulated and analyzed. A consistency test showed that the difference between the simulated value and historical data was within 5%, and the data were consistent in reflecting the evolution of the actual system with high credibility and effective simulation. The results indicated that the model could objectively reflect the relationship between marine ecology, economic development, and population growth. According to the prediction by the SD model, the MECC index would slightly rise year by year under the current development mode, while it would be still below 1.0 by 2023. By reducing the economic growth rate and increasing the pollutant treatment rate, the goal of improving MECC could be effectively achieved.
Presumption of Green Electronic Appliances Purchase Intention: The Mediating Role of Personal Moral Norms
Authors: Zhang Jianwen , Cherian Jacob , Abbas Sandhu Yawar , Abbas Jawad , Cismas Laura Mariana , Negrut Constantin Viorel , Negrut Lucia
Published: April 2022

This study focused on social and cognitive psychological factors that drive personal norms and consequent buying intentions towards green electric appliances. The study differentiates itself from other similar studies by examining the mediating role of consumer personal moral norms from the developing nation perspective. Following a cross-sectional study design, data were collected from 360 consumers in shopping malls using the purposive sampling technique and analyzed through partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis. It was found that personal moral norms are a significant positive predictor of consumer buying intentions. Moreover, injunctive norms, consideration of future consequences, and self-efficacy influenced directly and predicted personal consumer norms. We identified that these factors triggered the moral sentiments and individuals. Furthermore, these results support the mediating role of personal moral norms between injunctive social norms, consideration of future consequences, self-efficacy, and buying intentions, validating the concept that instigation of moral feeling among consumers supports the actualization of intentions to buy green electric products. This study’s results offer insights for green electric appliance researchers, marketers, and policymakers. Marketers can guide effective marketing strategies by focusing on moral, social, future consequences-oriented, and self-efficacy-related marketing communications.
Engaging Users in Resource Ecosystem Building for Local Heritage-Led Knowledge
Authors: Tamborrino Rosa , Dinler Mesut , Patti Edoardo , Aliberti Alessandro , Orlando Matteo , De Luca Claudia , Tondelli Simona , Amirzada Zahra , Pavlova Irina
Published: April 2022

The aim of this paper is to form an analytical and critical framework to consider the uses of digital platforms in heritage field and practices and to provide methodologies for user profiling based on the identification of local stakeholders and their needs. Within the context of the EU H2020 research project RURITAGE, a resource ecosystem (RRE) of various integrated tools was created for shaping and addressing heritage-led knowledge and bottom-up strategies of local regeneration. More specifically, the RRE was conceived to provide local stakeholders with new methodologies and user-friendly tools based on bottom-up processes for identifying and actioning heritage and territorial features and turning these cultural natural values—as well as the gaps—into opportunities. This paper undertakes a comparative analysis of the integration of tools in other digital platforms for heritage practices and/or regeneration processes to explore the holistic approach to heritage knowledge and the effectiveness in engaging local stakeholders. In addition, it frames methodologies for local stakeholder and related needs identification. Through this comparative analysis among digital heritage platforms and through user profiling to target the needs of users by using the RRE as a case study, the paper explores the challenge of helping communities to shape a local heritage-led collaborative knowledge supported by integrated and user-friendly digital tools and to activate them in preserving and exploiting their territories and building shared and plural cultural heritage understandings, considering cultural heritage as a social need.
The Impact of Knowledge Management Capabilities on Innovation Performance from Dynamic Capabilities Perspective: Moderating the Role of Environmental Dynamism
Authors: Feng Lijie , Zhao Zhenzhen , Wang Jinfeng , Zhang Ke
Published: April 2022

As an important path to enhance the innovation performance of enterprises, knowledge management has received much attention in recent years. However, most of the existing literature on knowledge management and innovation performance is based on a static perspective, and ignores the influence of dynamic changes in the environment. This study intends to explore the relationship between dynamic knowledge management capability and innovation performance as well as examine the moderating effect of environmental dynamism. The questionnaire survey approach is used in this study and the data is collected from 253 sample enterprises in China. To estimate the proposed relationships in the theoretical model, this study adopts hierarchical Multiple Regression (MR) and Moderated Multiple Regression (MMR) methods. The results show that all dimensions of dynamic knowledge management capability have different degrees of positive influence on innovation performance. Moreover, it was also confirmed that there are different moderating effects of environmental dynamism on the relationship between the dimensions of knowledge management capability and innovation performance. This study can contribute to enriching the theoretical research of dynamic knowledge management capability and innovation performance, and offer scientific guidance for decision making to efficiently enhance the enterprise’s knowledge management level and innovation performance. Moreover, the findings can also provide valuable insights for enterprises to make use of KM capabilities to enhance innovation performance in practice.
Exploring Patterns of Transportation-Related CO2 Emissions Using Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Li Xiaodong , Ren Ai , Li Qi
Published: April 2022

While the transportation sector is one of largest economic growth drivers for many countries, the adverse impacts of transportation on air quality are also well-noted, especially in developing countries. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are one of the direct results of a transportation sector powered by burning fossil-based fuels. Detailed knowledge of CO2 emissions produced by the transportation sectors in various countries is essential for these countries to revise their future energy investments and policies. In this framework, three machine learning algorithms, ordinary least squares regression (OLS), support vector machine (SVM), and gradient boosting regression (GBR), are used to forecast transportation-based CO2 emissions. Both socioeconomic factors and transportation factors are also included as features in the study. We study the top 30 CO2 emissions-producing countries, including the Tier 1 group (the top five countries, accounting for 61% of global CO2 emissions production) and the Tier 2 group (the next 25 countries, accounting for 35% of total CO2 emissions production). We evaluate our model using four-fold cross-validation and report four frequently used statistical metrics (R2, MAE, rRMSE, and MAPE). Of the three machine learning algorithms, the GBR model with features combining socioeconomic and transportation factors (GBR_ALL) has the best performance, with an R2 value of 0.9943, rRMSE of 0.1165, and MAPE of 0.1408. We also find that both transportation features and socioeconomic features are important for transportation-based CO2 emission prediction. Transportation features are more important in modeling for 30 countries, while socioeconomic features (especially GDP and population) are more important when modeling for Tier 1 and Tier 2 countries.
Can Digital Technologies Increase Consumer Acceptance of Circular Business Models? The Case of Second Hand Fashion
Authors: Charnley Fiona , Knecht Fabienne , Muenkel Helge , Pletosu Diana , Rickard Victoria , Sambonet Chiara , Schneider Martina , Zhang Chunli
Published: April 2022

Experimentation with, and the implementation of, circular business models (CBMs) has gained rapid traction within the textiles and fashion industry over the last five years. Substitution of virgin materials with bioderived alternatives, extending the lifecycle of garments through resale, and rental services and the recycling or upcycling of garments are some of the strategies being used to reduce the 1.2 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and 92 million tonnes of waste associated with the sector in 2017. However, whilst CBMs demonstrate environmental and economic benefits, low consumer acceptance is considered by business professionals and policymakers to be one of the main barriers to the transition towards a circular economy. Digitisation is widely acknowledged as a catalyst for innovation in many sectors and digital technologies are driving new ways to exchange and share goods and services, enabling companies to match the supply, and demand for, otherwise underused assets and products. Online platforms, in particular, have played a crucial role in driving the growth of used goods and resale in other consumer goods markets, such as consumer technology. A mixed methods approach, including a review of 40 organisations operating second hand fashion models, a consumer survey of over 1200 respondents and in-depth interviews with 10 organisations operating second hand fashion models, is adopted to reveal (a) the barriers to consumer acceptance of reuse models in the fashion industry, and (b) how digital technologies can overcome these barriers. Findings highlight the significant progress that organisations have made in using digitalisation, including data analytics, algorithms, digital platforms, advanced product imagery and data informed customer communications, to address barriers associated with convenience, hygiene, trust and security. Furthermore, the study identifies opportunities for the development of more sophisticated digital technologies to support increased transparency and address concerns associated with the quality, authenticity and sourcing of materials. Positioned at the interface of digitisation and consumer acceptance of circular business models, this study makes an important contribution to understanding consumer barriers and how to address them and concludes with a set of recommendations for practitioners.
Towards the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger: What Role Do Institutions Play?
Authors: Galabada Jalini Kaushalya
Published: April 2022

Empirical research has aimed to substantiate the institution–food security nexus. However, institutional literature has largely overlooked the relationship between institutions and the sustainable development goal of zero hunger (SDG2). SDG2 is a multidimensional goal that extends beyond food security and requires comprehensive investigation. Therefore, this study explored the role of institutions in promoting SDG2 achievement using a panel dataset spanning 108 countries from 2000 to 2019. The institutional impact was evaluated using worldwide governance indicators, and the International Country Risk Guide (ICRG)’s political risk ratings. Simultaneous equation modeling was used as the estimation technique. According to the results, institutions showed a positive and highly significant association with SDG2 performance. All the dimensions of good governance promoted SDG2 performance. Except for maintaining law and order, all other dimensions of political risk indicators were found to improve SDG2 performance. This study also discovered significant evidence that voice and accountability, as well as the settlement and the prevention of conflicts, had the most substantial influences on SDG2 achievement. In developing countries, improving both the quality of governance and political stability had a comparatively higher impact on SDG2 performance than in developed countries. Furthermore, institutions showed a significant mediating impact on SDG2 performance via agricultural productivity and economic growth. Based on these findings, this study concluded that the pursuit of good governance and inclusive institutions could be instrumental in achieving SDG2.
Offsite Sustainability—Disentangling the Rhetoric through Informed Mindset Change
Authors: Ezcan Volkan , Goulding Jack Steven
Published: April 2022

The construction sector and concomitant supply chain has been acknowledged in the literature as a major contributor to environmental “stress”, from the design, sourcing and extraction of raw materials through to transportation, design, construction and demolition. Clear indicators/solutions have been showcased as vehicles for reducing this stress, ranging from lifecycle costing through to waste reduction strategies, carbon assessment and “green” environmental assessment tools to name but a few. However, this paper argues that whilst some of these (intervention strategies) may have had some positive effects, the main challenge rests with people—inter alia, the key decision-makers and leadership structures with the “position power” to effect change. Acknowledging this as a supposition, this paper uses three discreet construction organisations engaging in offsite construction as a micro-study (cf. cross-case study) to evaluate sustainability perceptions. In doing so, it focuses specifically on sustainability practices and business processes underpinning technology (adoption, absorption and diffusion), including the perceptions of different stakeholders involved in each of these three companies. In total, 30 respondents from three organisations (cases) participated in this study, representing three tiers of management (top, middle and first line). Priority areas are highlighted, along with the reasons supporting these perspectives. Findings from this work present a new technology diffusion sustainability model for offsite construction. This model identifies sustainability causal links, super catalysts, actuators, barriers, forces and facilitators. More importantly perhaps, this work presents a clear case for “conjoined thinking” in order to instill a collective mindset change and common purpose for those wishing to evidence offsite sustainability.
Economic Resilience in the Early Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Across-Economy Comparison
Authors: Lee Chang-Tai , Hu Jin-Li , Kung Ming-Hsin
Published: April 2022

This paper evaluates the economic resilience of 52 economies based on 16 indicators in three dimensions (including the government, enterprises, and the public) and calculates their disaggregate output scores using the data envelopment analysis (DEA) method to measure and compare their economic resilience in the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. The evaluation results show that 23 of these economies had no room for further improvement in the overall economic resilience performance at that time. Germany’s economic resilience performance, ranking 24th, is second only to these 23 economies, whereas Australia and Belgium are just behind Germany. These are the better performers among the 52 economies. Meanwhile, this paper also validates the notion that the construction of an economic resilience index is more suitable than the IMD World Competitiveness Index and the WEF Global Competitiveness Index in assessing the economic resilience of those economies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it is more suitable for the sample countries to refer to the efficiency of each indicator in this article to formulate policy directions and goals, in order to strengthen their economic resilience under the epidemic. However, under the limitations of the COVID-19 epidemic at the time of writing this paper, the economic resilience scores measured in this paper still belong to resistance measures rather than recovery measures.
Identifying the Causal Relationship between Travel and Activity Times: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Koo Jahun , Kim Jiyoon , Choi Sungtaek , Choo Sangho
Published: April 2022

This study aims to identify the causal relationship between travel and activity times using the dataset collected from the 2019 Time Use Survey in Korea. As a statistical solution, a structural equation model (SEM) was developed. A total number of 31,177 and 20,817 cases were used in estimating the weekday and weekend models, respectively. Three types of activities (subsistence, maintenance, and leisure), 13 socio-demographic variables, and a newly proposed latent variable (vitality) were incorporated in the final model. Results showed that (1) the magnitude of indirect effects were mostly greater than that of direct effects, (2) all types of activities affected travel time regardless of what the travel purpose was, (3) travel can be treated as both a utility and disutility, and (4) personal status could affect the travel time ratio. It indicates the significance of indirect effects on travel time, thereby suggesting a broad perspective of activities when establishing a transportation policy in practical areas. It also implies that unobserved latent elements could play a meaningful role in identifying travel time-related characteristics. Lastly, we believe that this study contributes to literature by clarifying a new perspective on the lively debated issue discussing whether travel time is wasted or productive.
Bearing Properties and Stability Analysis of the Slope Protection Framework Using Recycled Railway Sleepers
Authors: Xing Wenqiang , Cheng Zhihe , Ling Xianzhang , Tang Liang , Cong Shengyi , Wei Shaowei , Geng Lin
Published: April 2022

The slope protection framework developed using recycled railway sleepers offers a novel sustainable solution for slope protection. However, this has been inadequately reported, and its force and deformation, its protective effect, and the bonding characteristics between sleepers are still unclear. The slope protection framework project of a recycled railway sleeper embankment slope on the Beijing–Tongliao railway was numerically analyzed using three typical recycled railway sleeper slope protection structures. The bearing properties and the slope stability of rectangular, rhombic, and herringbone framework structures were determined. The results show that the stress state, stress level, and failure mode of the three types of slope protection structures are similar on average. The slope protection skeleton’s stress concentration position and failure area are all concentrated at the sleeper connection node at the slope base. The rectangular and rhombic framework structures have better stability than the herringbone framework. This study proposes applying a slope protection framework constructed entirely using recycled railway sleepers. Furthermore, it allows for proper disposal of recycled railway sleepers and a reduction in stone mining.
Consequences of COVID-19 on Health, Economy, and Tourism in Asia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Saengtabtim Kumpol , Leelawat Natt , Tang Jing , Suppasri Anawat , Imamura Fumihiko
Published: April 2022

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 situation, academic and disaster-related organizations have focused on the severity of COVID-19 and how to prevent the infection. The side effects of COVID-19 also created serious impacts on human lives from multiple perspectives. This study primarily aims to conduct a systematic review on the COVID-19 impacts from the aspects of health, economy, and tourism, focusing on Asia. We use the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses as the main tool in conducting the systematic review analysis. The keywords related to the focused aspect are searched based on the two prominent academic journal databases: Web of Science and PubMed. In each aforementioned aspect, the consequences and the main stakeholders who were directly and indirectly affected are explained. Moreover, the connection between the three aspects based on the impact of COVID-19, which still continues to intensify, and strategies to prepare for future pandemic situation are also presented.
A Complex Network-Based Airspace Association Network Model and Its Characteristic Analysis
Authors: Cai Ming , Wan Lujun , Zhong Yun , Gao Zhizhou , Xu Xinyu
Published: April 2022

As airspace congestion becomes more and more serious, it not only affects the efficiency and quality of aviation activities, but also poses a greater safety hazard. For in-depth exploration of the airspace network, a new airspace association network that differs from the traditional aviation approach of organizing the airspace into a network of sectors based on aircraft traffic flow is proposed. By judging the relationship between the size and location of the airspace and other properties, the establishment of an association network provides new ideas for airspace conflict detection and other aerial tasks. The three key factors of airspace use conflict were extracted and quantified, then the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to assign weights to basic symmetric operators corresponding to three factors to calculate the final airspace correction degree, which reveals the magnitude of correlation degree between the airspace caused by the combined action of the above three factors. Finally, an airspace association network model was established according to the association degree, using basic symmetric operators to explore the general symmetry and network characteristics in real-world airspace association networks, and the feature indices, such as degree, strength, average correlation, clustering coefficient, and structure information entropy of the network, are proposed. The results show that the nodes with higher node degree and node association strength are often key nodes in the network, and the areas with higher average association degree and clustering coefficient are often more prone to airspace conflicts. At the same time, it was also verified that the safety distance between airspace has the greatest impact on the characteristics of the airspace association network.
Hardy–Leindler, Yang and Hwang Inequalities for Functions of Several Variables via Time Scale Calculus
Authors: Nosheen Ammara , Akbar Huma , Sultan Maroof Ahmad , Chung Jae Dong , Shah Nehad Ali
Published: April 2022

In this paper, Hardy–Leindler, Hardy–Yang and Hwang type inequalities are extended on time scales calculus. These extensions are depending upon use of symmetric multiple delta integrals. The target is achieved by utilizing some inequalities in literature along with mathematical induction principle and Fubini’s theorem on time scales. The obtained inequalities are discussed in discrete, continuous and quantum calculus in search of applications. Particular cases of proved results include Hardy, Copson, Hardy–Littlewood, Levinson and Bennett-type inequalities for symmetric sums.
Recent Advances in Minimizing Cadmium Accumulation in Wheat
Authors: Zhou Min , Li Zhengguo
Published: April 2022

Cadmium (Cd), a toxic heavy metal, affects the yield and quality of crops. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) can accumulate high Cd content in the grain, which poses a major worldwide hazard to human health. Advances in our understanding of Cd toxicity for plants and humans, different parameters influencing Cd uptake and accumulation, as well as phytoremediation technologies to relieve Cd pollution in wheat have been made very recently. In particular, the molecular mechanisms of wheat under Cd stress have been increasingly recognized. In this review, we focus on the recently described omics and functional genes uncovering Cd stress, as well as different mitigation strategies to reduce Cd toxicity in wheat.
Engineering and Structural Insights of a Novel BBI-like Protease Inhibitor Livisin from the Frog Skin Secretion
Authors: Yang Jie , Tong Chengliang , Qi Junmei , Liao Xiaoying , Li Xiaokun , Zhang Xu , Zhou Mei , Wang Lei , Ma Chengbang , Xi Xinping , Chen Tianbao , Gao Yitian , Wu Di
Published: April 2022

The Bowman–Birk protease inhibitor (BBI) family is a prototype group found mainly in plants, particularly grasses and legumes, which have been subjected to decades of study. Recently, the discovery of attenuated peptides containing the canonical Bowman–Birk protease inhibitory motif has been detected in the skin secretions of amphibians, mainly from Ranidae family members. The roles of these peptides in amphibian defense have been proposed to work cooperatively with antimicrobial peptides and reduce peptide degradation. A novel trypsin inhibitory peptide, named livisin, was found in the skin secretion of the green cascade frog, Odorrana livida. The cDNA encoding the precursor of livisin was cloned, and the predicted mature peptide was characterized. The mature peptide was found to act as a potent inhibitor against several serine proteases. A comparative activity study among the native peptide and its engineered analogs was performed, and the influence of the P1 and P2′ positions, as well as the C-terminal amidation on the structure–activity relationship for livisin, was illustrated. The findings demonstrated that livisin might serve as a potential drug discovery/development tool.
Protective Effects of Ferulic Acid on Deoxynivalenol-Induced Toxicity in IPEC-J2 Cells
Authors: Meng Xiangyi , Yu Wenyan , Duan Nuo , Wang Zhouping , Shen Yingbin , Wu Shijia
Published: April 2022

Deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin that contaminates crops such as wheat and corn, can cause severe acute or chronic injury when ingested by animals or humans. This study investigated the protective effect of ferulic acid (FA), a polyphenolic substance, on alleviating the toxicity induced by DON (40 μM) in IPEC-J2 cells. The experiments results showed that FA not only alleviated the decrease in cell viability caused by DON (p < 0.05), but increased the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p < 0.01), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), (catalase) CAT and glutathione (GSH) (p < 0.05) through the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-epoxy chloropropane Kelch sample related protein-1 (keap1) pathway, and then decreased the levels of intracellular oxidative stress. Additionally, FA could alleviate DON-induced inflammation through mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathways, down-regulated the secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) (p < 0.0001), interleukin-8 (IL-8) (p < 0.05), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and further attenuated the DON-induced intracellular apoptosis (10.7% to 6.84%) by regulating the expression of Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax) (p < 0.0001), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) (p < 0.0001), and caspase-3 (p < 0.0001). All these results indicate that FA exhibits a significantly protective effect against DON-induced toxicity.
CP Violation for the Heavens and the Earth
Authors: Hou George Wei-Shu
Published: April 2022

Electroweak baryogenesis can be driven by the top quark in a general two Higgs doublet model with extra Yukawa couplings. Higgs quartics provide the first order phase transition, while extra top Yukawa coupling ρtt can fuel the cosmic baryon asymmetry through the λtImρtt product, with flavor-changing ρtc coupling as backup. The impressive ACME 2018 bound on the electron electric dipole moment calls for an extra electron coupling ρee for exquisite cancellation among dangerous diagrams, broadening the baryogenesis solution space. The mechanism suggests that extra Yukawa couplings echo the hierarchical structure of standard Yukawa couplings. Phenomenological consequences in the Higgs search and flavor physics are discussed, with μ and τ EDM touched upon.
Complete Genome Characterization of Reticuloendotheliosis Virus Detected in Chickens with Multiple Viral Coinfections
Authors: Chacón Ruy D. , Sedano-Herrera Benjy , Alfaro-Espinoza Elizabeth Regina , Quispe Wilma Ursula , Liñan-Torres Arturo , De la Torre David , de Oliveira Anderson , Astolfi-Ferreira Claudete S. , Ferreira Antonio J. Piantino
Published: April 2022

Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) is a retroviral pathogen capable of infecting several avian hosts and is associated with immunosuppression, anemia, proventriculitis, neoplasia, and runting–stunting syndrome. Its genome contains the three major genes, gag, pol, and env, and two flanking long terminal repeat (LTR) regions. Complete genome sequences of REV are limited in terms of geographical origin. The aim of this study was to characterize the complete genome of REV detected in Brazilian chickens with multiple viral coinfections and analyze the polymorphisms in the deduced amino acids sequences corresponding to its encoded proteins. We tested the presence and completeness of REV as well as other viral pathogens in samples from Brazilian poultry farms by qPCR. The complete genomes of two REV strains were sequenced by overlapping fragments through the dideoxy method. Phylogenetic analysis, pairwise identity matrix, polymorphism identification and protein modeling were performed along the entire genome. We detected REV in 65% (26/40) of the tested samples. Concomitant viral infections were detected in 82.5% (33/40) of the samples and in 90% (9/10) of the farms. Multiple infections included up to seven viruses. Phylogenetic analysis classified both Brazilian strains into REV subtype 3, and the pairwise comparison indicated that strains from the USA and fowlpox virus (FWPV)-related strains were the most identical. The subdomain p18 in gag, the reverse transcriptase/ribonuclease H in pol, and the surface (SU) in the env protein were the most polymorphic in genomic comparisons. The relevant motifs for each protein were highly conserved, with fewer polymorphisms in the fusion peptide, immunosuppression domain, and disulfide bonds on the surface (SU) and transmembrane (TM) of env. This is the first study to include complete genomes of REV in Brazil and South America detected in farms with multiple viral coinfections. Our findings suggest an involvement of REV as an immunosuppressor and active agent in the emergence and progression of multiple infectious diseases. We also found a possible etiological relationship between Brazilian strains and the USA and FWPV recombinant strains. This information highlights the need for epidemiological vigilance regarding REV in association with another pathogens.
Risk Analysis by Age on the Burden of Meningococcal Disease in Spain
Authors: Rivero-Calle Irene , Raguindin Peter Francis , Pardo-Seco Jacobo , Martinon-Torres Federico
Published: April 2022

We conducted an age-based risk analysis of meningococcal disease in Spain to provide prospects on a rational vaccine schedule in pediatrics. We used the National Hospital Registry to estimate meningococcal hospitalization rate. Population census for each year was used as the denominator in computing the hospitalization rate. We computed the odds ratio of each age using <1 year old as a reference group. From 1998 to 2017, 13,554 hospitalized cases were diagnosed, with a declining trend across the years. Infants (<1 year, n = 2425) and children (1–14 years, n = 6053) comprised the majority of all hospitalized meningococcal disease in Spain (62.5% or 8474/13,554). The incidence of hospitalization decreased dramatically with age from 56.2/100,000 in <1-year-old children to 1.3/100,000 in >5-year-old children. There was a dramatic decline in risk in 1 year (OR 0.58) to 4 years of age (OR 0.21). The risk continued to decline until 13 years old. Afterward, it had a minimal upward trajectory observed at 14–17 years old (OR 0.08). Infants and adolescents are at continued risk of invasive meningococcal disease in Spain. The highest risk occurs in infants. Surveillance data, together with evidence on long-term immunogenicity and capacity for herd effect, should be considered for a more relevant immunization schedule.
Safety of Global SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines, a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Linyi , Cai Xianming , Zhao Tianshuo , Han Bingfeng , Xie Mingzhu , Cui Jiahao , Zhang Jiayu , Wang Chao , Liu Bei , Lu Qingbin , Cui Fuqiang
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines were developed in only a short amount of time and were widely distributed. We conducted this meta-analysis to understand the safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. (2) Methods: We searched the corresponding literature published from 1 January 2020 to 20 October 2021. Information of adverse events (AEs) of each selected work was collected. The quality and bias of studies was evaluated, and meta-analysis was carried out by using Stata 17.0. (3) Results: Totally, 11,451 articles were retrieved, and 53 of them were included for analysis. The incidence rate of AEs was 20.05–94.48%. The incidence rate of vascular events increased after viral vector vaccination, while the incidence rate of vascular events decreased after mRNA vaccination. Viral vector vaccine had a higher AE rate compared to mRNA vaccines and inactivated vaccines. In most circumstances, the incidence of AEs was higher in older people, female and after the second dose. The sensitivity of meta-analysis was acceptable; however, the literature was subject to a certain publication bias. (4) Conclusions: The safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines was acceptable. The incidence of allergic symptoms and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular symptoms was low. Viral vector vaccine had a higher risk of leading to thrombosis events. The understanding of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine AEs should be enhanced, so as to promote the vaccination.
Making Room for Our Forthcoming Rivers
Authors: Nardini Andrea
Published: April 2022

This paper provides a schematic, conceptual trip across a set of paradigms that can be adopted to design flood control actions and the associated river setting, including the space allocated to the river. By building on such paradigms, it eventually delineates an integrated approach to identify a socially desirable river setting, under a climate changing reality. The key point addressed is that when residual Risk and Operation, Management and Replacement costs are considered to their full extent, even a basic economic analysis may suggest alternative river settings that can be more attractive, particularly if accompanied by suitable economic-administrative management measures. Emphasis is put on the deep uncertainty characterizing the whole decision problem and on the need for a drastic change of paradigm. The approach proposed can greatly improve current Flood Risk Management Plans responding to the European Flood Directive (Directive 2007/60/EC). It can also help to develop constructive dialogues with stakeholders, while enhancing the understanding of the problem. Although mainly intended to address a conceptual level, it also aims at providing an applicable method.
Multi-Objective-Based Tuning of Economic Model Predictive Control of Drinking Water Transport Networks
Authors: Ocampo-Martinez Carlos , Toro Rodrigo , Puig Vicenç , Van Impe Jan , Logist Filip
Published: April 2022

In this paper, the tuning of economic model predictive control (EMPC) applied to drinking water transport networks (DWTNs) is addressed using multi-objective optimization approaches. The tuning strategies are based on Pareto front calculations of the underlying multi-objective problem. This feature represents an improvement with respect to the standard EMPC approach for weight tuning based on trial and error. Different multi-objective optimization methods with corresponding normalization approaches of the controller objectives are first studied to explore the dynamic nature of the Pareto fronts. An automated decision-making strategy is proposed to select the preferred controller parameters as a function of different disturbance values. The tuning requires an offline training phase and an online application phase. During the offline phase, the controller parameters are selected for different disturbances using the decision-making strategy. During the online phase, two approaches are evaluated: (i) exploiting the controller parameters with the highest frequency in the resulting histogram or (ii) using a regression model between the controller parameters and the disturbances. The proposed tuning strategies are applied to a real-life simulation case study based on the Barcelona DWTN. The simulation results show that the proposed tuning strategies outperform the baseline results by exploiting the periodicity of the water demands profile.
Barriers to Water and Sanitation Safety Plans in Rural Areas of South Africa—A Case Study in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
Authors: Murei Arinao , Mogane Barbara , Mothiba Dikeledi Prudence , Mochware Opelo Tlotlo Wryl , Sekgobela Jeridah Matlhokha , Mudau Mulalo , Musumuvhi Ndamulelo , Khabo-Mmekoa Colette Mmapenya , Moropeng Resoketswe Charlotte , Momba Maggie Ndombo Benkete
Published: April 2022

The implementation of water and sanitation safety plans (WSSP) has the potential of greatly improving the challenge of resource-limited drinking-water supplies. However, the most effective tool to make WSSP successful is understanding of the factors that contribute to hindering the implementation of these plans, specifically in rural communities. This study therefore aimed at assessing the status of basic services and determining the factors that contribute to hampering the process of WSSP in rural communities. A survey was conducted between March 2020 and March 2021 in rural communities of the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The overall results indicate that poverty, unemployment, lack of access to purified water, and inadequate sanitation facilities have resulted in waterborne diseases reported within the communities and have a major impact in hindering WSSP. Other barriers observed are inequality regarding financial power, absent and degrading water and sanitation infrastructures, and lack of protection and maintenance of natural water sources. Therefore, there is a need for community members to be educated on proper behavior and perceptions towards sanitation, including working hand-in-hand with different stakeholders, men and women from communities, and different cultures and religions to overcome these barriers, so that human disease associated with water supply, wastewater reuse, and sanitation in rural communities can be alleviated.
Perfil de la desnutrición infantil en Manabí y el rol de las políticas públicas
Authors: Rivera Jairo
Published: April 2022

La desnutrición infantil es un fenómeno multidimensional que impacta negativamente al desarrollo. En Ecuador presenta prevalencias cercanas a la cuarta parte de la población menor de cinco años, con una limitada reducción a nivel nacional y tiene particularidades a nivel provincial. Esta investigación tiene el objetivo de caracterizar la desnutrición infantil en la provincia de Manabí y el rol de las políticas públicas. Para ello, desarrolla una metodología mixta; lo cuantitativo, usando datos de encuestas de condiciones de vida un análisis de regresión; lo cualitativo, realizando una revisión documental de los planes de desarrollo y ordenamiento territorial. Entre los principales resultados se encuentra que la desnutrición infantil tiene mayor prevalencia para determinados grupos de la población asociados con las causas inmediatas, subyacentes y básicas, donde las políticas públicas han sido limitadas.

 

Palabras clave: desnutrición infantil, análisis de regresión, políticas públicas.
Autopercepción de la salud laboral en docentes del Instituto Superior Tecnológico Sucre
Authors: Noroña Salcedo Darwin Raul
Published: April 2022

El objetivo del estudio fue cuantificar e interpretar los indicadores y significados de la autopercepción de salud de los docentes de un Instituto Superior Tecnológico. Estudio mixto. La fase cuantitativa conllevó la aplicación del cuestionario de salud general de Goldberg GHQ-30 a 106 docentes. A través del Chi cuadrado, V de crammer y la razón de momios, se determinó relación entre salud mental y variables sociodemográficas. La fase cualitativa se desarrolló a través de entrevista focal con muestreo propositivo, los ejes temáticos fueron las mismas dimensiones del cuestionario de Goldberg. Como principales resultados: 39 docentes presentaron perturbaciones en salud mental. Las dolencias obedecen a las condiciones de trabajo, cambio de modalidad, aprendizaje de entornos virtuales, precariedad y temor de ser despedidos. Se concluye que la ocurrencia de la pandemia Covid19, incrementó la exposición de factores de riesgo vinculados con las características de la tarea docente afectando la salud mental.

 

Palabras clave: Salud, teleeducación, estrés, tensión, pandemia.
Investment Sino-Russian energy cooperation within the framework of the "dual circulation" strategy: State and prospects
Authors: Wang Jilu
Published: April 2022

The article discusses the state and prospects of investment cooperation between China and Russia in the energy sector within the framework of the “dual circulation” strategy adopted by China in 2020. The analysis of time series showing the share of Russia in China`s foreign investments in the energy sector in comparison with the countries of Central and South Asia, the Middle East and South America, the ratio of Russian and Chinese investments in the energy sector of the Russian Federation, the forms of investment cooperation and volumes of Chinese investments by main investment forms of participation, and the share of Russian energy resources in total imports energy resources in China are carrried out. The investment needs of the Russian energy sector until 2035 in order to determine the prospects for further cooperation are also decribed in the article.
Analisis Faktor-Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Pendapatan Pedagang Tradisional di Kabupaten Karo (Studi Kasus di Pasar Buah Berastagi)
Authors: Sembiring Jessi Charina
Published: April 2022

Tujuan umum penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis faktor faktor yang mempengaruhi pendapatan pedagang tradisional di pasar buah Berastagi. Kemudian tujuan khususnya yaitu untuk menganalisis pengaruh variabel-variabel seperti Modal Kerja, Lama Usaha, Jenis Barang Dagangan danWaktu Kerja terhadap pendapatan pedagang tradisional di pasar buah Berastagi. Sampel dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 161 pedagang dengan tehnik Simple Random Sampling dengan total populasi 270 pedagang.  Metode analisis yang digunakan adalah metode kuadrat linier terkecil (Ordinary Least Square) dengan persamaan regresi linier berganda dengan menggunakan aplikasi Eviews 7. Data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah dataprimer dan sumber data berasal dari wawancara dan kuesioner yang diberikan kepada pedagang tradisional pasar buah Berastagi.

            Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa Modal Kerja, Lama Usaha, Jenis Barang Dagangan dan Waktu Kerja secara bersama-sama (simultan) berpengaruh terhadap pendapatan pedagang tradisional di pasar buah Berastagi. Secara parsial, Modal Kerja, Lama Usaha, Jenis Barang Dagangan dan Waktu Kerja berpengaruh positif terhadap pendapatan pedagang tradisional di pasar buah Berastagi dan semua variabel bebas sesuai dengan hipotesis.
PENGARUH PENYALURAN KREDIT, TINGKAT SUKU BUNGA DAN KECUKUPAN MODAL TERHADAP PROFITABILITAS PADA PERUSAHAAN PERBANKAN YANG TERDAFTAR DI BURSA EFEK INDONESIA TAHUN 2012-2014
Authors: Simanjorang Jurisman
Published: April 2022

The main purpose of a company is to make profit. In calculating the benefits made by a banking company, it can use profitability ratios by using a measurement scale; that is, Return on Assets (ROA). Some of the ratios that affect the profitability of a bank include the Loan to Deposit Ratio, Interest Rates and Capital Adequecy Ratio. The research used the theories of financial accounting and banks and other financial institutions with regard to bank earnings and bank capital. The study used a quantitative approach, this type of research is descriptive, and the nature of research is explanotary. Data collection was performed by means of documentation, while data analysis was performed by multiple linear regression analysis. The populations of the study are all banks listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) in the period from 2012 to 2014 totaling 27 companies. The 81 samples of the study were drawn by using purposive technique. The results of this study showed that the value of Adjusted R Square was 15.6% and loan portfolio, interest rates and capital adequacy simultaneously have a significant positive effect on profitability with a significant value of 0.001. And partially, credit does not have any effect on profitability, as well as the interest rate has a significant negative effect on the profitability with the significant value of 0.01 and a capital adequacy has a significant effect on profitability with significant value of 0.01.

Keywords: Lending, Interest Rates, Capital Adequacy, Profitability
Pengaruh Earning Pershare (EPS), Opini Audit, Return On Equity (ROE), Dan Debt To Equity Ratio (DER) Terhadap Return Saham Pada Perusahaan Yang terdaftar dalam Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI).
Authors: Gunawan Fedry , Sugianto Yensy
Published: April 2022

The objective of the research was to examine and analyze the influence of Earning per Share, Audit Opinion, Return on Equity and Debt to Equity Ratio on stock return in the property and real estate sector companies listed in the Indonesia Stock Exchange period 2017-2019. The research used descriptive research methode. The population was 48 companies in the property and real estate sector listed in the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the period 2017 – 2019, and 24 of them were used as the samples, taken by using purposive sampling technique. The data were analyzed by using multiple linear regression using SPSS. The results of the research showed that the variables of Earning per Share, Audit Opinion, Return on Equity and Debt to Equity Ratio simultaneously had influence on Stock Return. Partially, Earning per Share and Debt to Equity Ratio had significant influence on Stock Return. For Audit Opinion and Return on Equity had no significant influence on Stock Return.