bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Directed Gaze Trajectories for Biometric Presentation Attack Detection
Authors: Ali Asad , Hoque Sanaul , Deravi Farzin
Published: February 2021

Presentation attack artefacts can be used to subvert the operation of biometric systems by being presented to the sensors of such systems. In this work, we propose the use of visual stimuli with randomised trajectories to stimulate eye movements for the detection of such spoofing attacks. The presentation of a moving visual challenge is used to ensure that some pupillary motion is stimulated and then captured with a camera. Various types of challenge trajectories are explored on different planar geometries representing prospective devices where the challenge could be presented to users. To evaluate the system, photo, 2D mask and 3D mask attack artefacts were used and pupillary movement data were captured from 80 volunteers performing genuine and spoofing attempts. The results support the potential of the proposed features for the detection of biometric presentation attacks.
A Framework for the Automatic Integration and Diagnosis of Building Energy Consumption Data
Authors: Yuan Shuang , Hu Zhen-Zhong , Lin Jia-Rui , Zhang Yun-Yi
Published: February 2021

Buildings account for a majority of the primary energy consumption of the human society, therefore, analyses of building energy consumption monitoring data are of significance to the discovery of anomalous energy usage patterns, saving of building utility expenditures, and contribution to the greater environmental protection effort. This paper presents a unified framework for the automatic extraction and integration of building energy consumption data from heterogeneous building management systems, along with building static data from building information models to serve analysis applications. This paper also proposes a diagnosis framework based on density-based clustering and artificial neural network regression using the integrated data to identify anomalous energy usages. The framework and the methods have been implemented and validated from data collected from a multitude of large-scale public buildings across China.
Manufacturing and Testing of Radio Frequency MEMS Switches Using the Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Process
Authors: Tsai Zung-You , Shih Po-Jen , Tsai Yao-Chuan , Dai Ching-Liang
Published: February 2021

A radio frequency microelectromechanical system switch (MSS) manufactured by the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process is presented. The MSS is a capacitive shunt type. Structure for the MSS consists of coplanar waveguide (CPW) lines, a membrane, and springs. The membrane locates over the CPW lines. The surface of signal line for the CPW has a silicon dioxide dielectric layer. The fabrication of the MSS contains a CMOS process and a post-process. The MSS has a sacrificial oxide layer after the CMOS process. In the post-processing, a wet etching of buffer oxide etch (BOE) etchant is employed to etch the sacrificial oxide layer, so that the membrane is released. Actuation voltage for the MSS is simulated using the CoventorWare software. The springs have a low stiffness, so that the actuation voltage reduces. The measured results reveal that actuation voltage for the MSS is 10 V. Insertion loss for the MSS is 0.9 dB at 41 GHz and isolation for the MSS is 30 dB at 41 GHz.
MiniCERNBot Educational Platform: Antimatter Factory Mock-up Missions for Problem-Solving STEM Learning
Authors: Marín Garcés Josep , Veiga Almagro Carlos , Lunghi Giacomo , Di Castro Mario , Buonocore Luca Rosario , Marín Prades Raúl , Masi Alessandro
Published: February 2021

Mechatronics and robotics appeared particularly effective in students’ education, allowing them to create non-traditional solutions in STEM disciplines, which have a direct impact and interaction with the world surrounding them. This paper presents the current state of the MiniCERNBot Educational Robotic platform for high-school and university students. The robot provides a comprehensive educative system with tutorials and tasks tuned for different ages on 3D design, mechanical assembly, control, programming, planning, and operation. The system is inspired to existing robotic systems and typical robotic interventions performed at CERN, and includes an education mock-up that follows the example of a previous real operation performed in CERN’s Antimatter Factory. The paper describes the learning paths where the MiniCERNBot platform can be used by students, at different ages and disciplines. In addition, it describes the software and hardware architecture, presenting results on modularity and network performance during education exercises. In summary, the objective of the study is improving the way STEM educational and dissemination activities at CERN Robotics Lab are performed, as well as their possible synergies with other education institutions, such as High-Schools and Universities, improving the learning collaborative process and inspiring students interested in technical studies. To this end, a new educational robotic platform has been designed, inspired on real scientific operations, which allows the students practice multidisciplinary STEM skills in a collaborative problem-solving way, while increasing their motivation and comprehension of the research activities.
On the Design of Efficient Hierarchic Architecture for Software Defined Vehicular Networks
Authors: Adnan Muhammad , Iqbal Jawaid , Waheed Abdul , Amin Noor Ul , Zareei Mahdi , Goudarzi Shidrokh , Umer Asif
Published: February 2021

Modern vehicles are equipped with various sensors, onboard units, and devices such as Application Unit (AU) that support routing and communication. In VANETs, traffic management and Quality of Service (QoS) are the main research dimensions to be considered while designing VANETs architectures. To cope with the issues of QoS faced by the VANETs, we design an efficient SDN-based architecture where we focus on the QoS of VANETs. In this paper, QoS is achieved by a priority-based scheduling algorithm in which we prioritize traffic flow messages in the safety queue and non-safety queue. In the safety queue, the messages are prioritized based on deadline and size using the New Deadline and Size of data method (NDS) with constrained location and deadline. In contrast, the non-safety queue is prioritized based on First Come First Serve (FCFS) method. For the simulation of our proposed scheduling algorithm, we use a well-known cloud computing framework CloudSim toolkit. The simulation results of safety messages show better performance than non-safety messages in terms of execution time.
The Long-Lasting Story of One Sensor Development: From Novel Ionophore Design toward the Sensor Selectivity Modeling and Lifetime Improvement
Authors: Lvova Larisa , Monti Donato , Natale Corrado Di , Paolesse Roberto
Published: February 2021

The metalloporphyrin ligand bearing incorporated anion-exchanger fragment, 5-[4-(3-trimethylammonium)propyloxyphenyl]-10,15,20-triphenylporphyrinate of Co(II) chloride, CoTPP-N, has been tested as anion-selective ionophore in PVC-based solvent polymeric membrane sensors. A plausible sensor working mechanism includes the axial coordination of the target anion on ionophore metal center followed by the formed complex aggregation with the second ionophore molecule through positively charged anion-exchanger fragment. The UV-visible spectroscopic studies in solution have revealed that the analyte concentration increase induces the J-type porphyrin aggregation. Polymeric membranes doped with CoTPP-N showed close to the theoretical Nernstian response toward nitrite ion, preferably coordinated by the ionophore, and were dependent on the presence of additional membrane-active components (lipophilic ionic sites and ionophore) in the membrane phase. The resulting selectivity was a subject of specific interaction and/or steric factors. Moreover, it was demonstrated theoretically and confirmed experimentally that the selection of a proper ratio of ionophore and anionic additive can optimize the sensor selectivity and lifetime.
Prediction of Crop Yield Using Phenological Information Extracted from Remote Sensing Vegetation Index
Authors: Ji Zhonglin , Pan Yaozhong , Zhu Xiufang , Wang Jinyun , Li Qiannan
Published: February 2021

Phenology is an indicator of crop growth conditions, and is correlated with crop yields. In this study, a phenological approach based on a remote sensing vegetation index was explored to predict the yield in 314 counties within the US Corn Belt, divided into semi-arid and non-semi-arid regions. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data product MOD09Q1 was used to calculate the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) time series. According to the NDVI time series, we divided the corn growing season into four growth phases, calculated phenological information metrics (duration and rate) for each growth phase, and obtained the maximum correlation NDVI (Max-R2). Duration and rate represent crop growth days and rate, respectively. Max-R2 is the NDVI value with the most significant correlation with corn yield in the NDVI time series. We built three groups of yield regression models, including univariate models using phenological metrics and Max-R2, and multivariate models using phenological metrics, and multivariate models using phenological metrics combined with Max-R2 in the whole, semi-arid, and non-semi-arid regions, respectively, and compared the performance of these models. The results show that most phenological metrics had a statistically significant (p < 0.05) relationship with corn yield (maximum R2 = 0.44). Models established with phenological metrics realized yield prediction before harvest in the three regions with R2 = 0.64, 0.67, and 0.72. Compared with the univariate Max-R2 models, the accuracy of models built with Max-R2 and phenology metrics improved. Thus, the phenology metrics obtained from MODIS-NDVI accurately reflect the corn characteristics and can be used for large-scale yield prediction. Overall, this study showed that phenology metrics derived from remote sensing vegetation indexes could be used as crop yield prediction variables and provide a reference for data organization and yield prediction with physical crop significance.
A Tone Analysis of the Non-Financial Disclosure in the Automotive Industry
Authors: Beretta Valentina , Demartini Maria Chiara , Lico Laura , Trucco Sara
Published: February 2021

This study’s purpose is twofold. On the one hand, it analyzes the relationship between the profitability of firms and the tone of nonfinancial disclosures; on the other hand, it tests the relationship between the environmental, social, and governing (ESG) performance of firms and the tone of nonfinancial disclosures on the automotive sector under two different and competing approaches, which are incremental information and impression management. The sample is composed of 68 nonfinancial reports issued by 17 automotive organizations between the years 2016 and 2020. Data analysis proceeded in two stages. First, a content analysis was performed to assess the linguistic attributes of the nonfinancial disclosure. Second, an inferential regression analysis was performed to test the hypothesized associations between firms’ performance and tone of their disclosures. The results of this study are aimed at providing evidence of the determinants of the verbal tone in the corporate nonfinancial reporting in a specific industry.
On Strengthening the Interest of Architecture Students in Bio-informed Solutions: A Systematic Approach for Learning from Nature
Authors: Selçuk Semra Arslan , Mutlu Avinç Güneş
Published: February 2021

The bio-informed concept, which means “designing by learning from nature’s best ideas” as an approach, method, tool, discipline or strategy, is one of the most important research areas of today. It does not only shape designs, but also is based on collaborative/interactive/creative methods in education and can be integrated with contemporary educational approaches. This paper questions how to translate the bio-knowledge, which can be an effective and useful method for developing designers’ skills such as system-thinking, innovative thinking and problem-based learning, to design education in an easy and understandable way. In this context, the method of determining and applying biological phenomena/systems into architectural design process through the “natural language approach” is investigated. With this research, it is aimed to open the way to reach more innovative and sustainable solutions by establishing a bridge between architectural and biological terminology while creating architectural structures. It has been shown how to increase the biodiversity utilized for bio-informed solutions in the architectural field by proposing a systematic approach to search for biological systems. From this point of view, this study emphasizes the importance of promoting the bio-informed design approach, increasing interdisciplinary relationships and orienting individuals to nature for creativity and sustainability.
Sustainability in Building and Construction within the Framework of Circular Cities and European New Green Deal. The Contribution of Concrete Recycling
Authors: Bonoli Alessandra , Zanni Sara , Serrano-Bernardo Francisco
Published: February 2021

Climate change and ecological crisis are a huge threat to Europe and the world. To overcome these challenges, Europe adopted the New Green Deal as a strategy transforming the Union into a competitive resource-efficient economy without greenhouse gas emissions and become carbon neutral in a few decades. The European Green Deal includes the new circular economy action plan, highlighting the importance of a products’ “green design”, saving raw materials, and waste prevention oriented along the entire life cycle of products. Construction and buildings represent one of the key topics for the green transition. In the European Union, buildings are responsible for 40% of our energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions, which are mainly caused by construction, usage, renovation, and demolition. Improving environmental efficiency can play a key role in reaching the carbon neutrality of Europe that is expected to be achieved by 2050. In this research, it was explored how Eco-design, as an innovative approach in buildings and construction, Life Cycle Thinking and Life Cycle Assessment, as fundamental supporting tools in sustainability, and finally appropriate and effective Construction and Demolition Waste recycling processes, particularly oriented to concrete recycling according to the case studies analyzed, can promote a circular economy in buildings and construction.
Variations of Structural and Functional Traits of Azolla pinnata R. Br. in Response to Crude Oil Pollution in Arid Regions
Authors: Mostafa Aya A. , Hafez Rehab M. , Hegazy Ahmad K. , Fattah Azza M. Abd-El , Mohamed Nermen H. , Mustafa Yasser M. , Gobouri Adil A. , Azab Ehab
Published: February 2021

In oil-producing countries, water pollution by crude petroleum oil frequently occurs and causes many environmental problems. This study aims to investigate the effect of crude petroleum oil on the growth and functional trails of the economically important freshwater plant Azolla pinnata R. Br. and to report on the plant’s resistance to this abiotic stress. Plants were raised in an open greenhouse experiment under different levels of crude oil pollution ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 g/L. Plant functional traits were monitored over a three-week period. Plant cover of A. pinnata was decreased with the increased levels of oil pollution. The total chlorophyll content decreased from 0.76 mg/g fresh weight under 2 g/L oil treatment after 21 days of growth. The chlorophyll a/b ratio exceeded the unity at crude oil treatments above 1 g/L, with values reaching 2.78 after seven days, while after 21 days, the ratio ranged from 1.14 to 1.31. The carotenoid content ranged from 0.17 mg/g in the control to 0.11 mg/g in the 2 g/L oil treatment. The carotenoid content varied over time in relation to DNA% damage, which increased from 3.63% in the control to 11.36% in the highest oil treatment level of 2 g/L. The crude oil stress caused severe damage in the frond tissues and chloroplast structure of A. pinnata, including a less compacted palisade, the malformation of the epidermis, the disintegration of parenchyma tissue, and the lysis and malformation of the chloroplasts. Since A. pinnata cannot withstand high concentrations of crude oil pollution, it is for use in the remediation of slightly polluted freshwaters up to 0.5 g/L.
Self-Categorising and Othering in Migrant Integration: The Case of Entrepreneurs in Berlin
Authors: Rashid Lubna , Cepeda-García Silvia
Published: February 2021

The economic integration of migrants has become increasingly prioritised by European governments. However, Europe’s colonial past and orientalist narratives have contributed to the inevitable othering of migrants, even in the minds of those with the best of intentions. Guided by the self-categorisation theory, we postulate that those involved in supporting migrants to integrate in European societies implicitly categorise them as an out-group, potentially leading to suboptimal integration outcomes and the (inadvertent) exclusion of the very migrants they attempt to integrate. A case study of migrant entrepreneurship support initiatives in Berlin is illustrated as a qualitative, empirical example, providing some evidence for those arguments. The paper concludes with recommendations for practitioners and suggestions for further research.
Evaluate on the Decoupling of Tourism Economic Development and Ecological-Environmental Stress in China
Authors: Qin Xiaohua , Li Xingming
Published: February 2021

Tourism economic development is increasingly dependent on resources and environment. Exploring the relationship between tourism economic development and ecological-environmental (eco-environmental) stress is of great significance to promote the high-quality growth of tourism and the sustainable and coordinated development of ecological environment. By constructing a tourism economic development index and an eco-environmental stress index, this study analyzes the temporal and spatial evolution of tourism economic development and eco-environmental stress from 2009 to 2018 in China. It uses a decoupling model to evaluate the relationship between tourism economic development and ecological-environmental stress, and analyzes the reasons for the changes of decoupling relationship. The results show that: (1) During the study period, the development of tourism economy and the eco-environmental stress present a certain time-space effect characteristics. The stress index of China’s tourism economic development and ecological environment showed a fluctuating trend of first decreasing and then increasing, with obvious spatial hierarchical differences and weak agglomeration characteristics, and prominent regional imbalances. The tourism economic development level in the eastern region was higher than that in the central and western regions, while the ecological environment stress in the central region was greater than that in the eastern and western regions. (2) The relationship between tourism economic development and ecological environmental stress of China’s provinces has experienced eight states: Expansive negative decoupling, strong negative decoupling, weak negative decoupling, recessive coupling, expansive coupling, strong decoupling, weak decoupling, and recessive decoupling. During the study period, the state of optimal strong decoupling tends to weaken. Under the constraints of local policy orientation and regional economic development level, the overall decoupling optimization could not be achieved spatially. The decoupling state was always in an unsustainable non-optimal stage. (3) The reasons for the differential changes in the decoupling index between tourism economic development and ecological environmental stress in Chinese provinces come from investment-driven, resource-driven, innovation-driven, and environmental compliance push. This study can provide practical reference for promoting the high-quality development of tourism and the sustainable development of ecological environment.
Isolation and Characterization of Phosphate Solubilizing Microbes from Rock Phosphate Mines and Their Potential Effect for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Qarni Awais , Billah Motsim , Hussain Khadim , Shah Sabir Hussain , Ahmed Waqas , Alam Sadia , Sheikh Aftab Ahmad , Jafri Laila , Munir Asia , Malik Kouser Majeed , Khan Naeem
Published: February 2021

Continuous application of phosphate (P) mineral to soil renders apatite addition during each crop growing season which is of great concern from a sustainable agriculture viewpoint. Use of efficient phosphate solubilizing microbes (PSB) is one of the most effective ways to solubilize this apatite mineral in the soil. The current study targeted hydroxyapatite mines to explore, isolate and characterize efficient P solubilizers to solubilize apatite in the soil. Efficiency of isolated microbes to solubilize rock phosphate (hydroxyapatite) and tri-calcium phosphate (TCP) as well as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase (ACC) activity were tested. Identification and phylogenetic analysis of bacterial and fungal isolates were carried out by 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA sequence analyses, respectively. The isolated bacterial strains were identified as Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus firmus, Bacillus safensis, and Bacillus licheniformis whereas fungal isolates were identified as Penicillium sp. and Penicillium oxalicum. Results showed that the impact of identified strains in combination with three phosphate fertilizers sources (compost, rock phosphate and diammonium phosphate (DAP)) was conspicuous on maize crop grown in pot. Both bacterial and fungal strains increased the P uptake by plants as well as recorded with higher available P in post-harvested soil. Penicillium sp. in combination with compost resulted in maximum P-uptake by plants and post-harvest soil P contents, compared to other combinations of P sources and bio-inoculants. Screening and application of efficient P solubilizers can be a better option to utilize the indigenous phosphate reserves of soil as well as organic amendments for sustainable agriculture.
Sustainable Knowledge Transfer from Business Simulations to Working Environments: Correlational vs. Configurational Approach
Authors: Lovin Daniel , Raducan Monica , Capatina Alexandru , Cristache Nicoleta
Published: February 2021

Employing both a correlational and a configurational framework, this study proposes that engagement in business simulations, working environment culture, and acquired knowledge on business simulations are forerunners of sustainable knowledge transfer from business schools to organizations through business simulations training. Using a sample of 120 graduates from a Romanian business school, the results from configurational framework (based on regression analyses) reveal that knowledge transfer is explained by engagement in business simulations and working environment culture. However, findings highlight no correlation between acquired knowledge through business simulations and knowledge transfer. We have also employed fsQCA (fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis), which reveals that engagement in business simulations, working environment culture, and acquired knowledge on business simulations are adequate conditions for knowledge transfer. This study sheds light on a new research avenue of knowledge transfer from business schools to industry, less investigated by prior research.
Sustainable Fault Diagnosis of Imbalanced Text Mining for CTCS-3 Data Preprocessing
Authors: Shi Lijuan , Li Ang , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2021

At present, the method for fault diagnosis and maintenance of the CTCS-3 (Chinese Train Control System Level 3) electronic equipment relies too heavily on expert knowledge. Moreover, the use of historical fault data is not valued. This paper proposes a sustainable fault diagnosis model based on imbalanced text mining. First, to process fault data from the field recorded in natural language, natural language processing technology is used to extract fault feature words. Then, a term frequency-inverse document frequency model is used to transform the fault feature words extracted from the database into vectors. It is worth noting that imbalance in the fault samples affects the accuracy of this sustainable fault diagnosis model. To solve this problem, we use the borderline-synthetic minority over-sampling technique in the step of predicting train fault components, we also use the backpropagation neural network we proposed and the naive Bayesian model which is commonly used as a classification model, to compare the prediction accuracy of these two algorithms. The experimental results perform well, which proves that the fault diagnosis method using the backpropagation neural network can further assist engineers to complete timely repair and maintenance work. The research in this paper has played a very important role in technical support for intelligent train dispatching and command, and will also play a positive role in technical support for the automatic operation of urban rail transit under the prevention and control of the new coronavirus.
Managerial Controls in Private Family Firms: The Influence of a Family’s Decision Premises
Authors: Mucci Daniel Magalhães , Jorissen Ann , Frezatti Fabio , Bido Diógenes de Souza
Published: February 2021

In most studies, the affiliation of the manager (family-affiliated or non-family affiliated) and supposedly related behavior (agent or steward) is considered the sole antecedent to explain a family business’ (non) professionalization of managerial controls. This paper, based on Luhmann’s new system theory, examines whether a family’s decision premises influence the design of managerial controls in family firms in addition to a manager’s family affiliation status. Using survey data of 135 large and medium-sized Brazilian family firms and testing the hypotheses with SEM, this study provides evidence that a family’s decision premises significantly influence the design of managerial controls in family firms. This study provides evidence that when a family’s intention to transfer the firm to next generation (TGO) is high, more formal controls, as well as controls of a more participative nature are adopted in a family firm. Moreover, the results do not indicate that the level of family involvement in management affects the design of controls in firms with high TGO. The results only showed a significant relationship between a family’s intention to control and influence (FCI) the firm and the absence of participative controls. In addition, these findings also illustrate that each single family-induced decision premise has the potential to explain family firm behavior, since each of the two premises considered in our study is related to a different design of the controls adopted by the family firm.
Social Sustainability in Fashion Supply Chains—Understanding Social Standard Implementation Failures in Vietnam and Indonesia Using Agency Theory
Authors: Köksal Deniz , Strähle Jochen
Published: February 2021

This paper explores why and how dominant international social standards used in the fashion industry are prone to implementation failures. A qualitative multiple-case study method was conducted, using purposive sampling to select 13 apparel supply chain actors. Data were collected through on-site semi-structured face-to-face interviews. The findings of the study are interpreted by using core tenets of agency theory. The case study findings clearly highlight why and how multi-tier apparel supply chains fail to implement social standards effectively. As a consequence of substantial goal conflicts and information asymmetries, sourcing agents and suppliers are driven to perform opportunistic behaviors in form of hidden characteristics, hidden intentions, and hidden actions, which significantly harm social standards. Fashion retailers need to empower their corporate social responsibility (CSR) departments by awarding an integrative role to sourcing decisions. Moreover, accurate calculation of orders, risk sharing, cost sharing, price premiums, and especially guaranteed order continuity for social compliance are critical to reduce opportunistic behaviors upstream of the supply chain. The development of social standards is highly suggested, e.g., by including novel metrics such as the assessment of buying practices or the evaluation of capacity planning at factories and the strict inclusion of subcontractors’ social performances. This paper presents evidence from multiple Vietnamese and Indonesian cases involving sourcing agents as well as Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers on a highly sensitive topic. With the development of the conceptual framework and the formulation of seven related novel propositions, this paper unveils the ineffectiveness of social standards, offers guidance for practitioners, and contributes to the neglected social dimension in sustainable supply chain management research and accountability literature.
Cryptanalysis of a Group Key Establishment Protocol
Authors: Carracedo Jorge Martínez , Corona Adriana Suárez
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we analyze the security of a group key establishment scheme proposed by López-Ramos et al. This proposal aims at allowing a group of users to agree on a common key. We present several attacks against the security of the proposed protocol. In particular, an active attack is presented, and it is also proved that the protocol does not provide forward secrecy.
Unique Cytokine Response in West Nile Virus Patients Who Developed Chronic Kidney Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hansen Michael , Nolan Melissa S. , Gorchakov Rodion , Hasbun Rodrigo , Murray Kristy O. , Ronca Shannon E.
Published: February 2021

West Nile virus (WNV) is a widespread and devastating disease, especially in those who develop neuroinvasive disease. A growing body of evidence describes sequelae years after infection, including neurological complications and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Eighty-nine out of 373 WNV-positive cases were followed for approximately two years and compared to 127 WNV-negative controls with and without CKD. Adjusted risk ratios (aRRs) were calculated via a log binomial regression to determine the impact of WNV exposure and other possible confounders on the likelihood of developing CKD. Cytokine profiles of WNV patients and controls were evaluated to characterize differences and describe potential underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. The associated risk for developing CKD was significantly associated with history of WNV infection (aRR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.13–3.25). Additionally, five distinct cytokines were found to be significantly associated with WNV infection (eotaxin, IL-8, IL-12p70, IP-10, and TNFα) after the p-value was adjusted to <0.0019 due to the Bonferroni correction. These data support that WNV infection is an independent risk factor for CKD, even after accounting for confounding comorbidities. WNV participants who developed CKD had high activity of proinflammatory markers, indicating underlying inflammatory disease. This study provides new insights into CKD resultant of WNV infection.
A GMMA-CPS-Based Vaccine for Non-Typhoidal Salmonella
Authors: Sokaribo Akosiererem S. , Perera Sumudu R. , Sereggela Zoe , Krochak Ryan , Balezantis Lindsay R. , Xing Xiaohui , Lam Shirley , Deck William , Attah-Poku Sam , Abbott Dennis Wade , Tamuly Shantanu , White Aaron P.
Published: February 2021

Non-typhoidal Salmonella are a major cause of gastroenteritis worldwide, as well as causing bloodstream infections in sub-Saharan Africa with a high fatality rate. No vaccine is currently available for human use. Current vaccine development strategies are focused on capsular polysaccharides (CPS) present on the surface of non-typhoidal Salmonella. This study aimed to boost the amount of CPS purified from S. Typhimurium for immunization trials. Random mutagenesis with Tn10 transposon increased the production of CPS colanic acid, by 10-fold compared to wildtype. Immunization with colanic acid or colanic acid conjugated to truncated glycoprotein D or inactivated diphtheria toxin did not induce a protective immune response in mice. However, immunization with Generalized Modules for Membrane Antigens (GMMAs) isolated from colanic acid overproducing isolates reduced Salmonella colonization in mice. Our results support the development of a GMMA-CPS-based vaccine against non-typhoidal Salmonella.
Porvac® Subunit Vaccine E2-CD154 Induces Remarkable Rapid Protection against Classical Swine Fever Virus
Authors: Sordo-Puga Yusmel , Suárez-Pedroso Marisela , Naranjo-Valdéz Paula , Pérez-Pérez Danny , Santana-Rodríguez Elaine , Sardinas-Gonzalez Talia , Mendez-Orta Mary Karla , Duarte-Cano Carlos A. , Estrada-Garcia Mario Pablo , Rodríguez-Moltó María Pilar
Published: February 2021

Live attenuated C-strain classical swine fever vaccines provide early onset protection. These vaccines confer effective protection against the disease at 5–7 days post-vaccination. It was previously reported that intramuscular administration of the Porvac® vaccine protects against highly virulent classical swine fever virus (CSFV) “Margarita” strain as early as seven days post-vaccination. In order to identify how rapidly protection against CSFV is conferred after a single dose of the Porvac® subunit vaccine E2-CD154, 15 swine, vaccinated with a single dose of Porvac®, were challenged intranasally at five, three, and one day post-vaccination with 2 × 103 LD50 of the highly pathogenic Cuban “Margarita” strain of the classical swine fever virus. Another five animals were the negative control of the experiment. The results provided clinical and virological data confirming protection at five days post-vaccination. Classical swine fever (CSF)-specific IFNγ T cell responses were detected in vaccinated animals but not detected in unvaccinated control animals. These results provided the first data that a subunit protein vaccine demonstrates clinical and viral protection at five days post-vaccination, as modified live vaccines.
Vaccination Status of Mothers and Children from the ‘Mamma & Bambino’ Cohort
Authors: Barchitta Martina , Maugeri Andrea , Magnano San Lio Roberta , La Rosa Maria , La Mastra Claudia , Favara Giuliana , Giunta Giuliana , Cianci Antonio , Agodi Antonella
Published: February 2021

According to the evidence demonstrating vaccines’ safety and effectiveness in anticipation of and during pregnancy, several countries have established immunization programs during the periconceptional period. Here, we evaluated vaccination status among 220 mother–child pairs, using data from the ‘Mamma & Bambino’ cohort. The self-reported data were evaluated at delivery, and with planned follow-ups at 1–2 years after delivery. In general, we noted that the vaccination status among the women was heterogeneous, ranging from 8.3% (vaccine against Human Papillomavirus, HPV) to 65.6% (vaccine against Diphtheria Tetanus and Pertussis, DTaP). Excluding the women who contracted the diseases in the past, the main ground for refusal was the lack of information. We also demonstrated that increasing age was associated with higher odds of not being vaccinated against Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR; OR = 1.12; 95% CI = 1.04–1.21; p = 0.004), HPV (OR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.08–1.33; p = 0.001) and DTaP (OR =1.09; 95% CI = 1.01–1.18; p = 0.040). As expected, we showed that the proportion of newborns vaccinated with the Hexavalent and Pneumococcal vaccines was high (99.5% and 98.6%, respectively), while the vaccination coverage against MMRV did not reach the auspicated threshold (84.1%). Overall, these results underlined the need for the improvement of women’s knowledge about the recommendations for vaccination, especially during pregnancy.
Understanding the Influence of Individual and Systemic Factors on Vaccination Take-Up in European Citizens Aged 55 or Older
Authors: Anastasiou Olympia E. , Heger Dörte
Published: February 2021

Background: High vaccination coverage provides extensive public health benefits. Hence, increasing vaccination rates is an important policy goal within the EU and worldwide. We aim to evaluate individual and systemic parameters associated with vaccination in European Union citizens aged 55 or older, using data from the Special Eurobarometer 488. Methods: Linear probability and probit models are estimated to analyze the determinants of vaccination take-up. Further, descriptive analyses are used to explore how the reasons for not having a vaccination differ by welfare regime. Results: High knowledge about the effectiveness and safety of vaccination increases the probability of receiving a vaccination during the past five years by 26 percentage points (pp), medium knowledge increases it by 15 pp. Focusing on the specific case of the flu, official recommendations increase this probability by, on average, 6 pp; while having to pay out-of-pocket for a recommended vaccination decreases it by, on average, 10 pp. Furthermore, the differences for no vaccination differ widely across welfare systems and television is the primary source for information about vaccination. Conclusions: Reported vaccination rates in Europe fall far below targets set by official recommendations. Increasing vaccination knowledge and offering vaccinations free of charge can help to increase vaccination rates. A specific focus should be put on reaching individuals with potential difficulties of access such as those living alone and unemployed.
Identification by MALDI-TOF MS and Antibiotic Resistance of Riemerella anatipestifer, Isolated from a Clinical Case in Commercial Broiler Chickens
Authors: Tzora Athina , Skoufos Stylianos , Bonos Eleftherios , Fotou Konstantina , Karamoutsios Achilleas , Nelli Aikaterini , Giannenas Ilias , Tsinas Anastasios , Skoufos Ioannis
Published: February 2021

The Gram-negative bacterium Riemerella anatipestifer (RA) is known to cause clinical disease with severe economic impacts primarily in ducks and less frequently in geese and turkeys. RA was isolated and identified in broiler chickens, from a clinical case in a commercial broiler farm located in the southwest mainland of Greece. The morbidity and the mortality in the broiler house were estimated at 10% and 5% respectively. The observed clinical signs appeared at the age of 30 to 42 days with respiratory distress (dyspnea), white fluid feces and stunting. Post-mortem examinations displayed serositis, pericarditis, perihepatitis and airsacculitis. Edematous swelling around the tibio-tarsal joints was observed in some birds. Tissue samples from lesions were streaked on selective media. Three bacterial isolates were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Moreover, an antibiogram analysis was performed for the three RA strains, using a pattern of 16 common antibiotics to advocate the most effective drugs for a proper treatment. All the RA isolates were sensitive to ceftiofur, sulphamethoxazole–trimethoprim and amoxicillin, whereas all were resistant to gentamicin, tylosin, tetracyclin, colistin sulphate, spectinomycin, lincomycin and oxytetracycline.
Phosphorus Removal from Wastewater: The Potential Use of Biochar and the Key Controlling Factors
Authors: Nobaharan Khatereh , Bagheri Novair Sepideh , Asgari Lajayer Behnam , van Hullebusch Eric
Published: February 2021

In recent years, a large volume of literature has been published regarding the removal of phosphorus (P) from wastewater. Various sorbing materials, such as metal oxides and hydroxides, carbonates and hydroxides of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), hydrotalcite, activated carbon, anion exchange resins, industrial solid wastes and organic solid wastes, have been suggested for P removal. Many of these sorbents are expensive and/or may cause some environmental problems. In contrast, biochar, as an economical and environmentally friendly sorbing material, has received much attention in recent years and has been used as a novel sorbent for the removal of different organic and inorganic pollutants. Biochar is a type of sustainable carbonaceous material that is produced from the thermal treatment of agricultural organic residues and other organic waste streams under oxygen free conditions. This paper reviews the potential use of biochar and the key controlling factors affecting P removal from wastewater. The ability of biochar to remove P from wastewater depends on its physical and chemical properties. Some of the most important physicochemical properties of biochar (structural characteristics, electrical conductivity (EC), mineral composition, pH, zeta potential, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and anion exchange capacity (AEC)) are affected by the feedstock type as well as temperature of pyrolysis and the P sorption capacity is highly dependent on these properties. The P removal is also affected by the water matrix chemistry, such as the presence of competing ions and bulk pH conditions. Finally, several recommendations for future research have been proposed to facilitate and enhance the environmental efficiency of biochar application.
Modelling Watershed and River Basin Processes in Cold Climate Regions: A Review
Authors: Wang Junye , Kumar Shrestha Narayan , Aghajani Delavar Mojtaba , Worku Meshesha Tesfa , Bhanja Soumendra
Published: February 2021

Watersheds in cold regions provide water, food, biodiversity and ecosystem service. However, the increasing demand for water resources and climate change challenge our ability to provide clean freshwater. Particularly, watersheds in cold regions are more sensitive to changing climate due to their glaciers’ retreat and permafrost. This review revisits watershed system and processes. We analyze principles of watershed modelling and characteristics of watersheds in cold regions. Then, we show observed evidence of their impacts of cold processes on hydrological and biogeochemical processes and ecosystems, and review the watershed modeling and their applications in cold regions. Finally, we identify the knowledge gaps in modeling river basins according to model structures and representations of processes and point out research priorities in future model development.
Stable Carbon and Sulfur Isotope Characteristics of Stream Water in a Typical Karst Small Catchment, Southwest China
Authors: Tang Yang , Han Ruiyin
Published: February 2021

Surface water samples from the Maolan National Natural Reserved Park (MNNRP) were analyzed from Sept. 2013 to June 2014, for major ion concentrations (K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl−, SO42−, HCO3−), δ13C-DIC and δ34S-SO42− to quantify the sources of solutes and chemical weathering. The results show that HCO3− and SO42− are the main anions in Banzhai watershed, which account for 86.2 and 10.4% of the total anion equivalent, respectively. While Ca2+ and Mg2+ account for 76.9 and 20.5%, respectively. Considerable Mg2+ in stream water indicates that it may be affected by dolomite weathering. stream water samples present the δ13C-DIC values in the range of −16.9‰~−10.8‰ (mean value was −13.9‰), which were lower than that of the groundwater. The δ34S-SO42− values ranged from −15.2‰ to 1.7‰ (mean value was −4.4‰). There was a negative correlation between HCO3− content and δ13C value, implying the result of the interaction of temperature and precipitation intensity in different seasons. The significant positive correlation between SO42− content and δ13C-DIC indicates that H2SO4 may be involved in the weathering process of carbonate rocks in small watershed scale. The content of SO42− in a school sample site was much higher than that of other sample sites for the interference from human sources. The δ34S values show that the average δ34S-SO42− in most sites is close to the δ34S isotopic values of Guizhou coal and rain, indicating that they may be affected by local coal.
Intensifying Electron Utilization by Surface-Anchored Rh Complex for Enhanced Nicotinamide Cofactor Regeneration and Photoenzymatic CO
2
Reduction
Authors: Cheng Yuqing , Shi Jiafu , Wu Yizhou , Wang Xueying , Sun Yiying , Cai Ziyi , Chen Yu , Jiang Zhongyi
Published: February 2021

Solar-driven photocatalytic regeneration of cofactors, including reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), and reduced flavin adenine dinucleotide (FADH
2
), could ensure the sustainable energy supply of enzymatic reactions catalyzed by oxidoreductases for the efficient synthesis of chemicals. However, the elevation of cofactor regeneration efficiency is severely hindered by the inefficient utilization of electrons transferred on the surface of photocatalysts. Inspired by the phenomenon of ferredoxin-NADP
+
reductase (FNR) anchoring on thylakoid membrane, herein, a homogeneous catalyst of rhodium (Rh) complex, [Cp

∗

Rh(bpy)H
2
O]
2+
, was anchored on polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) mediated by a tannic acid/polyethyleneimine (TA/PEI) adhesive layer, acquiring PCN@TA/PEI-Rh core@shell photocatalyst. Illuminated by visible light, electrons were excited from the PCN core, then transferred through the TA/PEI shell, and finally captured by the surface-anchored Rh for instant utilization during the regeneration of NADH. The TA/PEI-Rh shell could facilitate the electron transfer from the PCN core and, more importantly, achieved ~1.3-fold elevation of electron utilization efficiency compared with PCN. Accordingly, the PCN@TA/PEI-Rh afforded the NADH regeneration efficiency of 37.8% after 20 min reaction under LED light (405 nm) illumination, over 1.5 times higher than PCN with free Rh. Coupling of the NADH regeneration system with formate dehydrogenase achieved continuous production of formate from carbon dioxide (CO
2
). Our study may provide a generic and effective strategy to elevate the catalytic efficiency of a photocatalyst through intensifying the electron utilization.
Gestión del Recurso Humano en enfermería y la Calidad de Atención en Salud
Authors: Tumbaco-Quimis Katty Lorena , Martínez-Saltos Jacqueline Mariuxi , Parrales-García Karen Patricia , Muentes-Ayala Sandy Monserrate
Published: February 2021

Gestión del Recurso Humano en enfermería y la Calidad de Atención en Salud
Symmetry of Participation' A Prerequisite for Sustainable Development
Authors:   Cardiff University of Wales, Fowles Robert
Published: February 2021

The requirement for citizen participation in sustainable development through Agenda 2 1 demands a redefinition of the familiar hierarchic and oligarchic geography of power. However, for the past twenty five years or so, in some areas of architecture and planning, user participation has been acknowledged as essential to a socially just design and development process, and there are many architects well placed to play a significant role in this realignment of power by utilising their knowledge of participatory design procedures and their skill of holistic comprehension of complex systems. The paper illustrates, Erom the direct experience of the author in three action networks at the local, national and European levels, how architects are synthesising social and ecological criteria when engaging in sustainable development programs. Schools of architecture must also engage with this process so that architects of the future can continue the contributions already made by a few in the discipline and adjust to the changing local and global demands on the profession.