bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Is Cultural Intelligence Related to Human Behavior?
Authors: Alifuddin Moh. , Widodo Widodo
Published: January 2022

Cultural intelligence is an individual’s ability to recognize, understand, and adapt to cross-cultural contexts in order to change his or her self-capacity. Hence, this study explores the relationship between cultural intelligence and interpersonal communication, psychological capital (PsyCap), and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) among teachers in Indonesia and investigates the possibility of finding relevant new models. A Likert questionnaire was used to collect research data. The research participants included 450 Indonesian junior high school teachers selected by accidental sampling. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used for data analysis, supported by descriptive statistics and correlational matrices. The results indicate that cultural intelligence is significantly related to teachers’ interpersonal communication, PsyCap, and OCB. Additionally, this study also produces a new model regarding the relationship between cultural intelligence and a teacher’s OCB, mediated by interpersonal communication and PsyCap. Therefore, researchers and practitioners can discuss and adopt a new empirical model to increase cultural intelligence.
Numerical Investigation on Air Film Fusion of Pressure-Equalizing Exhaust around Shoulder Ventilation of Submarine-Launched Vehicle
Authors: Shi Yao , Ren Jinyi , Gao Shan , Pan Guang
Published: January 2022

In order to study the influence of pressure-equalizing exhaust at the shoulder of a submarine-launched vehicle on the surface hydrodynamic characteristics, this paper establishes a numerical calculation method based on the VOF multiphase flow model, the standard RNG turbulence model and the overset mesh technology; the method compares the fusion characteristics of the air film at the shoulder of the underwater vehicle, as well as the distribution of surface pressure along the vehicle’s axial direction. The results show that the approximate isobaric zone derived from air film fusion can greatly improve the hydrodynamic characteristics of the vehicle, and the number of venting holes determines the circumferential fusion time of the air film. The greater the number of venting holes, the sooner circumferential fusion starts.
Comparative Analysis of Lipids and Fatty Acids in Beaked Redfish Sebastes mentella Travin, 1951 Collected in Wild and in Commercial Products
Authors: Murzina Svetlana A. , Voronin Viktor P. , Ruokolainen Tatjana R. , Artemenkov Dmitrii V. , Orlov Alexei M.
Published: January 2022

The lipid and fatty acid profile of muscles in beaked redfish, caught and fixed in the wild versus specimens from food supermarkets (“commercial”), were evaluated, as well as the health implications of this popular food for its consumers based on the calculation of nutritional quality indexes. The contents of the total lipids (TLs), total phospholipids (PLs), monoacylglycerols (MAGs), diacylglycerols (DAGs), triacylglycerols (TAGs), cholesterol (Chol), Chol esters, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), and wax esters were determined by HPTLC; the phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylcholine (PC), and lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC) were determined by HPLC; and fatty acids of total lipids were determined using GC. The TL content was higher in commercial products due to DA and NEFAs, among PL fractions the content of LysoPC was also higher. The results indicated multidirectional processes of slight degradation of lipids in commercial products in comparison to wild. The flesh lipid quality index was lower due to EPA and DHA in commercial specimens while the index of thrombogenicity was significantly higher. The differences in the quantities of lipid classes between muscle biopsy regions in fish apparently corroborate the morphology and physiology of deep-water fish.
Numerical Analysis of Single-Particle Motion Using CFD-DEM in Varying-Curvature Elbows
Authors: Ning Chao , Li Yalin , Huang Ping , Shi Hongbo , Sun Haichao
Published: January 2022

Centrifugal pumps are the critical components in deep-sea mining. In order to investigate the particle motion in the curved channel of the impeller, three different types of curvature conform to blade profile to simplify the impeller design of pumps. A numerical study is conducted to investigate the flow field in a varying-curvature channel for solid-liquid two-phase flow. The flow of particles within the varying curvature channel is studied by combining the discrete element method (DEM) with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and a comparison with Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) test results. The results show that a polyhedral mesh with a small mesh number yields very accurate results, which makes it very suitable for CFD-DEM. Based on this method, the movement of a single particle is compared and analyzed, and the particle-motion law is obtained. The effects of the curvature ratio Cr and area ratio Ar on the motion law for a single particle are studied, and the simulation results are analyzed statistically. The results show that the effect of Cr on both the particle slip velocity and the turbulent kinetic energy only changes its strength, while the distribution law does not change significantly. Compared with the curvature ratio Cr, the area ratio Ar has a greater impact on the particles, and its distribution law becomes clearly different. As the area ratio Ar increases, the arc radius and length of the corresponding particle trajectory decrease.
Study on the Optimal Design for Cavitation Reduction in the Vortex Suction Cup for Underwater Climbing Robot
Authors: Zhao Yibing , Yang Canjun , Chen Yanhu , Li Jia , Liu Siyue , Ye Guoyun
Published: January 2022

In order to adhere to the wall stably in an underwater environment, a vortex suction cup that injects high-pressure water inside via two axisymmetrically side-distributed inlets to create a negative pressure area in the center is the necessary component for the underwater climbing robot (UCR). However, the suction force of this vortex suction cup is reduced and periodically unstable due to unstable cavitation. The aim of this paper is to propose a cavitation reduction optimization method for vortex suction cups and to verify the effectiveness of the optimization. Analyses of this vortex flow, including streamlines, pressure, and cavitation number fluctuations, were carried out by the introduced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulating methods based on the multiphase RNG k−ε model to study the periodic fluctuations of the suction force of the original suction cup and the optimized ones. Force measurement and vortex observation experiments were conducted to compare the suction force of the original vortex suction cup and the optimized suction cup, as well as the cavitation and pressure fluctuation phenomenon. Results of simulation and experiments prove the existence of the effect of vortex cavitation on the suction performance and verify the rationality of optimization as well.
A Low Cost Oscillating Membrane for Underwater Applications at Low Reynolds Numbers
Authors: Arredondo-Galeana Abel , Kiprakis Aristides , Viola Ignazio Maria
Published: January 2022

Active surface morphing is a nonintrusive flow control technique that can delay separation in laminar and turbulent boundary layers. Most of the experimental studies of such control strategy have been carried out in wind tunnels at low Reynolds numbers with costly actuators. In contrast, the implementation of such a control strategy at low cost for an underwater environment remains vastly unexplored. This paper explores active surface morphing at low cost and at low Reynolds for underwater applications. We do this with a 3D printed foil submerged in a water tunnel. The suction surface of the foil is covered with a magnetoelastic membrane. The membrane is actuated via two electromagnets that are positioned inside of the foil. Three actuation frequencies (slow, intermediate, fast) are tested and the deformation of the membrane is measured with an optosensor. We show that lift increases by 1%, whilst drag decreases by 6% at a Strouhal number of 0.3, i.e., at the fast actuation case. We demonstrate that surface actuation is applicable to the marine environment through an off the shelf approach, and that this method is more economical than existing active surface morphing technologies. Since the actuation mechanism is not energy intensive, it is envisioned that it could be applied to marine energy devices, boat appendages, and autonomous underwater vehicles.
Assessment of the Influence of Added Resistance on Ship Pollutant Emissions and Freight Throughput Using High-Fidelity Numerical Tools
Authors: Gutiérrez-Romero José Enrique , Esteve-Pérez Jerónimo
Published: January 2022

The reduction of ship pollutants is a key issue in the international agenda. Emissions estimation is usually based on standard calculations that consider the different scenarios of ships. This work presents research on the influence of added resistance on ship emissions and freight throughput. First, a methodology to assess the added resistance influence is shown. The procedure is applied to a roll on-roll off ship under two load conditions. Analyses are computed to value wind- and wave-added resistances for different seasons. An investigation on ship pollutant emissions for a whole route is performed. Moreover, the influence of added resistance on the ship freight throughput is analyzed. Finally, some relevant information is concluded. For instance, a difference of up to 53% in pollutant emission estimation is observed if added resistance is considered. Additionally, the navigation in added resistance conditions could lead to a freight loss of 18% per operational year.
Hydrodynamic Modelling of Wave Overtopping over a Block-Covered Flood Defence
Authors: Barendse Luuk , van Bergeijk Vera M. , Chen Weiqiu , Warmink Jord J. , Mughal Aroen , Hill Dorian , Hulscher Suzanne J. M. H.
Published: January 2022

Wave overtopping can cause erosion on the landward slope due to high flow velocities and turbulence that cause high stresses on the cover. Innovative block revetments such as Grassblocks protect the subsoil of the dike against erosion. The blocks are permeable, which reduces the flow velocity and the pressures along the landward slope. The performance of these blocks is assessed in physical tests, which provides insights into the stability of the blocks. However, such experiments are expensive and accurate measurements are difficult due to highly turbulent conditions. Therefore, the goal of this study is to determine the hydrodynamic conditions at the dike cover caused by the wave run-up on the seaward slope and by the overtopping flow over the crest and landward slope. The geometry and wave conditions from the physical test at the Deltares Delta flume are implemented in an OpenFOAM® numerical model. Using the porousWaveFoam solver, a porous layer on the crest and landward slope is implemented, where the flow resistance of this porous layer largely depends on the resistance coefficients α [-] and β [-]. The numerical model is calibrated based on resistance coefficients as introduced earlier in the literature, which showed that the resistance coefficients of α=500 and β=2.0 performed best for the peak flow velocities and the peak pressures. The numerical model is evaluated by using these resistance coefficients in other time series of the physical tests. The evaluated model is then used to determine the hydrodynamic conditions on the landward slope, which showed that the pressure was the most influential hydrodynamic condition at the time of failure. Finally, the model showed that a porosity of n=0.6 and the porous layer thickness η=36 mm reduced the peak pressure the most.
Pneumocystis spp. in Pigs: A Longitudinal Quantitative Study and Co-Infection Assessment in Austrian Farms
Authors: Blasi Barbara , Sipos Wolfgang , Knecht Christian , Dürlinger Sophie , Ma Liang , Cissé Ousmane H. , Nedorost Nora , Matt Julia , Weissenböck Herbert , Weissenbacher-Lang Christiane
Published: January 2022

While Pneumocystis has been recognized as both a ubiquitous commensal fungus in immunocompetent mammalian hosts and a major opportunistic pathogen in humans responsible for severe pneumonias in immunocompromised patients, in pigs its epidemiology and association with pulmonary diseases have been rarely reported. Nevertheless, the fungus can be quite abundant in porcine populations with up to 51% of prevalence reported so far. The current study was undertaken to longitudinally quantify Pneumocystis carinii f. sp. suis and other pulmonary pathogens in a cohort of 50 pigs from five Austrian farms (i.e., 10 pigs per farm) with a history of respiratory disease at five time points between the first week and the fourth month of life. The fungus was present as early as the suckling period (16% and 26% of the animals in the first and the third week, respectively), yet not in a high amount. Over time, both the organism load (highest 4.4 × 105 copies/mL) and prevalence (up to 88% of positive animals in the third month) increased in each farm. The relative prevalence of various coinfection patterns was significantly different over time. The current study unravelled a complex co-infection history involving Pneumocystis and other pulmonary pathogens in pigs, suggesting a relevant role of the fungus in the respiratory disease scenario of this host.
Geographical Distribution and Genetic Diversity of the Banana Fusarium Wilt Fungus in Laos and Vietnam
Authors: Chittarath Khonesavanh , Nguyen Chung Huy , Bailey Wendy C. , Zheng Si-Jun , Mostert Diane , Viljoen Altus , Tazuba Anthony Fredrick , Ocimati Walter , Kearsley Elizabeth , Chi Trần Yến , Tho Nguyen Thi , Hung Nguyen Tien , Dita Miguel , Shah Trushar , Karanja Margaret , Mahuku George , Blomme Guy
Published: January 2022

Fusarium wilt, caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), poses a major threat to global banana production. The tropical race 4 (TR4) variant of Foc is a highly virulent form with a large host range, and severely affects Cavendish bananas. Foc TR4 was recently observed within the Greater Mekong Subregion, after Chinese private companies expanded Cavendish production to the region. In this study, extensive surveys conducted across Laos and Vietnam show that Foc TR4 is still mainly constricted to the northern regions of these countries and is limited to Cavendish cultivation settings. In Laos, Foc TR4 is associated with large-scale Cavendish plantations owned by or involved with Chinese companies through which infected planting material could have been imported. In Vietnam, mostly small-holder Cavendish farmers and backyard gardens were affected by Foc TR4. In Vietnam, no direct link is found with Chinese growers, and it is expected the pathogen mainly spreads through local and regional movement of infected planting materials. Foc TR4 was not recorded on banana cultivars other than Cavendish. The extensively cultivated ‘Pisang Awak’ cultivar was solely infected by VCGs belonging to Foc race 1 and 2, with a high occurrence of VCG 0123 across Laos, and of VCG 0124/5 in Vietnam. Substantial diversity of Foc VCGs was recorded (VCGs 0123, 0124/5, 01218 and 01221) from northern to southern regions in both countries, suggesting that Fusarium wilt is well established in the region. Interviews with farmers indicated that the local knowledge of Fusarium wilt epidemiology and options for disease management was limited. Clear communication efforts on disease epidemiology and management with emphasis on biosecurity practices need to be improved in order to prevent further spread of Foc TR4 to mixed variety smallholder settings.
Growth of Aspergillus fumigatus in Biofilms in Comparison to Candida albicans
Authors: Subroto Eefje , van Neer Jacq , Valdes Ivan , de Cock Hans
Published: January 2022

Biofilm formation during infections with the opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus can be very problematic in clinical settings, since it provides the fungal cells with a protective environment. Resistance against drug treatments, immune recognition as well as adaptation to the host environment allows fungal survival in the host. The exact molecular mechanisms behind most processes in the formation of biofilms are unclear. In general, the formation of biofilms can be categorized roughly in a few stages; adhesion, conidial germination and development of hyphae, biofilm maturation and cell dispersion. Fungi in biofilms can adapt to the in-host environment. These adaptations can occur on a level of phenotypic plasticity via gene regulation. However, also more substantial genetic changes of the genome can result in increased resistance and adaptation in the host, enhancing the survival chances of fungi in biofilms. Most research has focused on the development of biofilms. However, to tackle developing microbial resistance and adaptation in biofilms, more insight in mechanisms behind genetic adaptations is required to predict which defense mechanisms can be expected. This can be helpful in the development of novel and more targeted antifungal treatments to combat fungal infections.
Untargeted and Targeted LC-MS/MS Based Metabolomics Study on In Vitro Culture of Phaeoacremonium Species
Authors: Reveglia Pierluigi , Raimondo Maria Luisa , Masi Marco , Cimmino Alessio , Nuzzo Genoveffa , Corso Gaetano , Fontana Angelo , Carlucci Antonia , Evidente Antonio
Published: January 2022

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) can be affected by many different biotic agents, including tracheomycotic fungi such as Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium minimum, which are the main causal agent of Esca and Petri diseases. Both fungi produce phytotoxic naphthalenone polyketides, namely scytalone and isosclerone, that are related to symptom development. The main objective of this study was to investigate the secondary metabolites produced by three Phaeoacremonium species and to assess their phytotoxicity by in vitro bioassay. To this aim, untargeted and targeted LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics were performed. High resolution mass spectrometer UHPLC-Orbitrap was used for the untargeted profiling and dereplication of secondary metabolites. A sensitive multi reaction monitoring (MRM) method for the absolute quantification of scytalone and isosclerone was developed on a UPLC-QTrap. Different isolates of P. italicum, P. alvesii and P. rubrigenum were grown in vitro and the culture filtrates and organic extracts were assayed for phytotoxicity. The toxic effects varied within and among fungal isolates. Isosclerone and scytalone were dereplicated by matching retention times and HRMS and MS/MS data with pure standards. The amount of scytalone and isosclerone differed within and among fungal species. To our best knowledge, this is the first study that applies an approach of LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics to investigate differences in the metabolic composition of organic extracts of Phaeoacremonium species culture filtrates.
The Combination of Iron and Copper Increases Pathogenicity and Induces Proteins Related to the Main Virulence Factors in Clinical Isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii
Authors: Vélez Nórida , Monteoliva Lucía , Sánchez-Quitian Zilpa-Adriana , Amador-García Ahinara , García-Rodas Rocío , Ceballos-Garzón Andrés , Gil Concha , Escandón Patricia , Zaragoza Óscar , Parra-Giraldo Claudia-Marcela
Published: January 2022

In fungi, metals are associated with the expression of virulence factors. However, it is unclear whether the uptake of metals affects their pathogenicity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of iron/copper in modulating pathogenicity and proteomic response in two clinical isolates of C. neoformans with high and low pathogenicity. Methods: In both isolates, the effect of 50 µM iron and 500 µM copper on pathogenicity, capsule induction, and melanin production was evaluated. We then performed a quantitative proteomic analysis of cytoplasmic extracts exposed to that combination. Finally, the effect on pathogenicity by iron and copper was evaluated in eight additional isolates. Results: In both isolates, the combination of iron and copper increased pathogenicity, capsule size, and melanin production. Regarding proteomic data, proteins with increased levels after iron and copper exposure were related to biological processes such as cell stress, vesicular traffic (Ap1, Vps35), cell wall structure (Och1, Ccr4, Gsk3), melanin biosynthesis (Hem15, Mln2), DNA repair (Chk1), protein transport (Mms2), SUMOylation (Uba2), and mitochondrial transport (Atm1). Increased pathogenicity by exposure to metal combination was also confirmed in 90% of the eight isolates. Conclusions: The combination of these metals enhances pathogenicity and increases the abundance of proteins related to the main virulence factors.
Characterization of the Candida glabrata Transcription Factor CgMar1: Role in Azole Susceptibility
Authors: Pais Pedro , Galocha Mónica , Califórnia Raquel , Viana Romeu , Ola Mihaela , Okamoto Michiyo , Chibana Hiroji , Butler Geraldine , Teixeira Miguel C.
Published: January 2022

The prevalence of antifungal resistance in Candida glabrata, especially against azole drugs, results in difficult-to-treat and potentially life-threatening infections. Understanding the molecular basis of azole resistance in C. glabrata is crucial to designing more suitable therapeutic strategies. In this study, the role of the transcription factor encoded by ORF CAGL0B03421g, here denominated as CgMar1 (Multiple Azole Resistance 1), in azole susceptibility was explored. Using RNA-sequencing, CgMar1 was found to regulate 337 genes under fluconazole stress, including several related to lipid biosynthesis pathways. In this context, CgMar1 and its target CgRSB1, encoding a predicted sphingoid long-chain base efflux transporter, were found to contribute to plasma membrane sphingolipid incorporation and membrane permeability, decreasing fluconazole accumulation. CgMar1 was found to associate with the promoter of CgRSB1, which contains two instances of the CCCCTCC consensus, found to be required for CgRSB1 activation during fluconazole stress. Altogether, a regulatory pathway modulating azole susceptibility in C. glabrata is proposed, resulting from what appears to be a neofunctionalization of a Hap1-like transcription factor.
Recent Advances in Sorbicillinoids from Fungi and Their Bioactivities (Covering 2016–2021)
Authors: Hou Xuwen , Zhang Xuping , Xue Mengyao , Zhao Zhitong , Zhang Huizhen , Xu Dan , Lai Daowan , Zhou Ligang
Published: January 2022

Sorbicillinoids are a family of hexaketide metabolites with a characteristic sorbyl side chain residue. Sixty-nine sorbicillinoids from fungi, newly identified from 2016 to 2021, are summarized in this review, including their structures and bioactivities. They are classified into monomeric, dimeric, trimeric, and hybrid sorbicillinoids according to their basic structural features, with the main groups comprising both monomeric and dimeric sorbicillinoids. Some of the identified sorbicillinoids have special structures such as ustilobisorbicillinol A, and sorbicillasins A and B. The majority of sorbicillinoids have been reported from fungi genera such as Acremonium, Penicillium, Trichoderma, and Ustilaginoidea, with some sorbicillinoids exhibiting cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, phytotoxic, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. In recent years, marine-derived, extremophilic, plant endophytic, and phytopathogenic fungi have emerged as important resources for diverse sorbicillinoids with unique skeletons. The recently revealed biological activities of sorbicillinoids discovered before 2016 are also described in this review.
Effects of Trichoderma asperellum 6S-2 on Apple Tree Growth and Replanted Soil Microbial Environment
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Zhang Rong , Mao Yunfei , Jiang Weitao , Chen Xuesen , Shen Xiang , Yin Chengmiao , Mao Zhiquan
Published: January 2022

Trichoderma asperellum strain 6S-2 with biocontrol effects and potential growth-promoting properties was made into a fungal fertilizer for the prevention of apple replant disease (ARD). 6S-2 fertilizer not only promoted the growth of Malus hupehensis Rehd seedlings in greenhouse and pot experiments, but also increased the branch elongation growth of young apple trees. The soil microbial community structure changed significantly after the application of 6S-2 fertilizer: the relative abundance of Trichoderma increased significantly, the relative abundance of Fusarium (especially the gene copy numbers of four Fusarium species) and Cryptococcus decreased, and the relative abundance of Bacillus and Streptomyces increased. The bacteria/fungi and soil enzyme activities increased significantly after the application of 6S-2 fertilizer. The relative contents of alkenes, ethyl ethers, and citrullines increased in root exudates of M. hupehensis Rehd treated with 6S-2 fertilizer and were positively correlated with the abundance of Trichoderma. The relative contents of aldehydes, nitriles, and naphthalenes decreased, and they were positively correlated with the relative abundance of Fusarium. In addition, levels of ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N), nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), organic matter (SOM), and pH in rhizosphere soil were also significantly related to changes in the microbial community structure. In summary, the application of 6S-2 fertilizer was effective in alleviating some aspects of ARD by promoting plant growth and optimizing the soil microbial community structure.
Characterization and Evaluation of Metarhizium spp. (Metsch.) Sorokin Isolates for Their Temperature Tolerance
Authors: Velavan Viswakethu , Dhanapal Rajendran , Ramkumar Govindaraju , Karthi Sengodan , Senthil-Nathan Sengottayan , Ndomba Osmund A. , Kweka Eliningaya J.
Published: January 2022

A field survey was done in teak (Tectona grandis F.) forests in South India to explore the entomopathogenic effect of Metarhizium anisopliae (Ascomycota: Sordariomycetes) against teak defoliator, Hyblaea puera (Lepidoptera: Hyblaeidae). About 300 soils and infected insect samples were collected during the survey and thirty-six fungal isolates were isolated from soil and insect samples and characterized. The fungi were cultured on PDAY with dodine and antibiotics. Generally, the EPF culture was incubated at 27 °C in darkness for 15 days. Virulence of the Entomopathogenic Fungi (EPF) ability to germinate under cold and heat temperatures was assessed in a culture impregnated with conidia. In the experiment, it was found that for the first time Metarhizium quizhouense, Metarhizium robertsii, and Metarhizium majus species caused significantly higher mortality to hosts. These isolates of M. anisopliae, M. robertsii, M. majus, and M. quizhouense were all considered to be effective virulent and environmentally adaptive. The Metarhizium isolates were recommended as effective bio-control agents through the field investigation of teak defoliator Hyblaea puera from South India forest. This study paves the way to utilize the indigenous isolates of EPF for the control of teak defoliator and to combat the pests thatare resistant to insecticide.
Treatment of Human Sporotrichosis Caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis
Authors: Poester Vanice Rodrigues , Basso Rossana Patricia , Stevens David A. , Munhoz Lívia Silveira , de Souza Rabello Vanessa Brito , Almeida-Paes Rodrigo , Zancopé-Oliveira Rosely Maria , Zanchi Mariza , Benelli Jéssica Louise , Xavier Melissa Orzechowski
Published: January 2022

We describe the successful treatment of a series of 30 zoonotic sporotrichosis cases from southern Brazil. Sporothrix brasiliensis was the species genotypically identified in all 25 confirmed cases. Five other cases were classified as probable, without laboratory confirmation, but with clinical and epidemiological data of cat-transmitted sporotrichosis. Two isolates were sequenced by translation elongation factor-1 alpha (EF1α) loci in order to compare their sequences, and both of them showed distinct genotypes from S. brasiliensis strains from other Brazilian states. Itraconazole (ITZ) or potassium iodide (KI) were the first choice treatment in 28 and 2 cases, respectively. Microdilution assay showed a wild-type profile of S. brasiliensis isolates to ITZ. However, a lack of clinical response occurred in 42% of cases, especially those treated with ITZ 100 mg/day, and treatment needed modifications, by either increased doses or antifungal combinations. Clinical cure required a mean of 187 days of treatment, which was dependent on the clinical form of the disease and age of patients. Therapy, including dosages and durations, for cutaneous forms of sporotrichosis requires re-evaluation, since cases caused by S. brasiliensis may influence treatment efficacy.
Extending Uppsala Model with Springboard Perspective in Emerging Multinational’s Sequential Internationalisation—Evidence from a Construction Company’s Expansion in Africa
Authors: Gao Ruosu , Gao Qiuling , Zhuang Xiaolin , Sun Kaiyang
Published: January 2022

The Uppsala model explains the traditional internationalisation process of multinational enterprises (MNEs), which gradually begin to internationalise from countries with smaller psychic distances. However, in the turbulent global economy, an increasing number of MNEs from emerging markets (EMNEs) adopts a more radical and aggressive approach, strategically using international expansion as a springboard to enter an overseas market and radiate surrounding countries and regions. By combining the springboard perspective and the Uppsala model, we analyse a series of processes from EMNE’s first entry into an overseas market to the successful localisation and expansion of international business. This radical model of international expansion has not been thoroughly studied. This empirical study aims to address this research gap by using a qualitative method and an in-depth case study. This paper conducted a semi-structured interview with 16 expatriates, executives, and middle-level managers from the case company in 2016. As one of the few single case studies that systematically studies the internationalisation process of EMNEs and provides first-hand empirical evidence, it contributes to practice and provides a contextual reference for EMNEs.
The Impact of Digital Transformation on Performance: Evidence from Vietnamese Commercial Banks
Authors: Do Trang Doan , Pham Ha An Thi , Thalassinos Eleftherios I. , Le Hoang Anh
Published: January 2022

The role of digital transformation in creating value for commercial banks has been interesting to researchers for a long time. While many commercial banks have significantly investigated digital transformation, researchers and managers have still met many difficulties examining the distribution of digital transformation to business performance. This paper aims to evaluate the impact of digital transformation on Vietnamese commercial banks’ performance by different sizes, from there proposing policy implications of digital transformation to improve the banking performance. To achieve this goal, we used a quantitative research method. Specifically, we applied the GMM system (SGMM) of Blundell and Bond for the data of 13 joint-stock commercial banks in Vietnam in the period from 2011 to 2019. Then Bayesian analysis is performed to test the robustness of the models estimated by the SGMM method. The result shows that the digital transformation has a positive impact on the performance of Vietnamese commercial banks. Besides, we also find that the larger the banks, the greater the positive impact of digital transformation on bank performance. Therefore, the efficiency of digital transformation depends on a bank scale.
Evidence of Economic Policy Uncertainty and COVID-19 Pandemic on Global Stock Returns
Authors: Chiang Thomas Chinan
Published: January 2022

This paper examines the impact of changes in economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and COVID-19 shock on stock returns. Tests of 16 global stock market indices, using monthly data from January 1990 to August 2021, suggest a negative relation between the stock return and a country’s EPU. Evidence suggests that a rise in the U.S. EPU causes not only a decline in a country’s stock return, but also a negative spillover effect on the global market; however, we cannot find a comparable negative effect from global EPU to U.S. stocks. Evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact that significantly affects stock return worldwide. This study also finds an indirect COVID-19 impact that runs through a change in domestic EPU and, in turn, affects stock return. Evidence shows significant COVID-19 effects that change relative stock returns between the U.S. and global markets, creating a decoupling phenomenon.
Rapid Response Indicators for Predicting Changes in Soil Properties Due to Solarization or Biosolarization on an Intensive Horticultural Crop in Semiarid Regions
Authors: Sánchez-Navarro Antonio , Jiménez-Ballesta Raimundo , Girona-Ruiz Aldara , Alarcón-Vera Iris , Delgado-Iniesta María José
Published: January 2022

Agriculture practices developed since the middle of the last century have led to the degradation of different resources and made it necessary to promote agricultural models that are less aggressive towards nature. Sustainable agricultural growth requires a more efficient use of land. An experimental model was designed with four treatments in the Campo de Cartagena area (SE Spain): biosolarization with manure (BSM), biosolarization with brassicas (BB), solarization (S), and a pilot test (PT). The general objective was to determine by means of rapid response indicators the changes occurring in soil properties as a consequence of the implementation of these solarization or biosolarization practices and their influence on the quality and yield of a lettuce crop. The results show that there was no significant response in the physical and biological properties of the soil. Physicochemical properties such as pHw, and electrical conductivity (ECe), as well as chemicals such as total nitrogen (TN) and the content of some macro and micronutrients, can be considered as rapid response indicators. The highest yields (Yc) and highest commercial quality (Mc) of lettuce were obtained in the BB and BSM treatments (Yc > 23,000 kg ha−1; Mc > 413 g). These treatments resulted in biological NO3− sequestration and, in the case of BB, salt immobilization (ECe: 6 dS m−1). According to these results, BSM and BB can be recommended for sustainable agriculture and even as valid methods for the recovery of soils affected by salts and NO3−. Our results should increase the feasibility of these techniques in semiarid areas.
The Impacts of Urbanization to Improve Agriculture Water Use Efficiency—An Empirical Analysis Based on Spatial Perspective of Panel Data of 30 Provinces of China
Authors: Lu Weinan , Sarkar Apurbo , Hou Mengyang , Liu Wenxin , Guo Xinyi , Zhao Kai , Zhao Minjuan
Published: January 2022

China has witnessed accelerated urbanization since the reforms and open policies which began in 1978. This eventually resulted in increased residential water requirements and worsening water shortages, particularly in the current century. In the context of resource and environmental constraints, improving agricultural water use efficiency (AWUE) is a crucial issue to ensure food security, improve the ecological environment, and meet the needs of sustainable agricultural development. Based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 1999 to 2018, the article uses the Super-SBM model to measure the AWUE. Moreover, the study uses the entropy method to establish the urbanization evaluation index system from the dimensions of population, land, economy, measures the comprehensive level of urbanization development, and further constructs a dynamic spatial econometric model. We use the unconditional maximum likelihood estimation method to evaluate the impact of urbanization development on AWUE and its heterogeneity. The findings reveal that the AWUE considering undesired outcomes has generally shown a steady improvement, but there is ample space for resource conservation and environmental protection, and there are noticeable differences among regions. The decomposition of spatial effects shows that urbanization development in each region has a short-term positive effect on AWUE in the region and neighboring regions, and a long-term effect exists only in the western region. The impact of urbanization in different dimensions has been found that both land urbanization and economic urbanization contribute to the improvement of AWUE, while population urbanization helps to improve AWUE by improving the awareness level of the farmers.
Flood Assessment and Identification of Emergency Evacuation Routes in Seti River Basin, Nepal
Authors: Thapa Bhabana , Watanabe Teiji , Regmi Dhananjay
Published: January 2022

Sudden floods frequently occur in the Himalayas under changing climates. Rapid glacial melt has resulted in the formation of glacial lakes and associated hazards. This research aimed to (1) identify flood-prone houses, (2) determine pedestrian emergency evacuation routes, and (3) analyze their relationships to socioeconomic status in the Seti River Basin. Detailed hazard maps were created using field survey results from unmanned aerial vehicle photogrammetry and the Hydrologic Engineering Center River Analysis System. Questionnaire, focus-group, and key-informant surveys helped identify the socioeconomic situation. Inundation maps revealed that most residents are exposed to future flooding hazards without proper evacuation routes. Highly impoverished and immigrant households were at the highest risk in terms of income inequality and migration rate (p < 0.001) and were located on the riverside. The locations of 455 laborers’ houses were significantly correlated with inundation hazards (p < 0.001). Governmental and associated agencies must develop adequate plans to relocate low-income households. Group discussions revealed the need for stronger adaptive capacity-building strategies for future risk management. Pokhara requires better systematic and scientific land-use planning strategies to address this issue efficiently. A similar approach that combines flood modeling, proper evacuation route access, and socioeconomic survey is suggested for this river basin.
Measuring Multi-Faceted Land Use Efficiency of Large-Scale Urban Agglomerations under Multi-Scale Drivers: Evidence from China
Authors: Ma Jinfeng , Li Weifeng , Wang Zhao , He Liang , Han Lijian
Published: January 2022

Although urban agglomerations are vital sites for national economic development, comprehensive multidimensional investigations of their performance are lacking. Accordingly, we examined land use efficiency from multiple perspectives in two of the earliest developed and most advanced urban agglomerations in China, the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region and the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), using different metrics, including trans-regional drivers of the spatial allocation of construction land. We found that: (1) The land use efficiency of urban agglomerations was context dependent. Whereas it was higher in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region for population density per unit area of construction land than in the Yangtze River Delta region, the opposite was true for gross domestic production. Thus, a single aspect did not fully reflect the land use efficiency of urban agglomerations. (2) The land use efficiency of the two urban agglomerations was also scale dependent, and in the Yangtze River Delta region, the use of multiple metrics induced variations between aggregate and local measures. Median values for the land use efficiency of cities within an urban agglomeration were the most representative for comparative purposes. (3) The drivers of the spatial allocation of construction land were trans-regional. At the regional scale, most topographical factors were restrictive. Major regional transport networks significantly influenced the occurrence of construction land near them. Dominant cities and urban areas within each city exerted remote effects on non-dominant cities and rural areas. In principle, the median value can be considered a promising metric for assessing an urban agglomeration’s performance. We suggest that stringent management of land use in areas located along regional rail tracks/roadways may promote sustainable land use.
Investigating Ecosystem Service Trade-Offs/Synergies and Their Influencing Factors in the Yangtze River Delta Region, China
Authors: Zhao Jie , Li Cheng
Published: January 2022

A comprehensive understanding of the ecosystem services (ESs) trade-off/synergy relationships has become increasingly important for ecological management and sustainable development. This study employed the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region in China as the study area and investigated the spatiotemporal changes in three ESs, namely, carbon storage (CS), water purification (WP), and habitat quality (HQ). A trade-off/synergy degree (TSD) indicator was developed that allowed for the quantification of the trade-off/synergy intensity, and the spatial pattern of the TSD between ESs in the YRD region to be analyzed. Furthermore, a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model was used to analyze the relationship between the influencing factors and trade-offs/synergies. The results revealed that CS, WP, and HQ decreased by 0.28%, 2.49%, and 3.38%, respectively, from 2005 to 2015. The TSD indicator showed that the trade-off/synergy relationships and their magnitudes were spatially heterogeneous throughout the YRD region. The coefficients of the natural and socioeconomic factors obtained from the GWR indicated that their impacts on the trade-offs/synergies vary spatiotemporally. The impact factors had both positive and negative effects on the trade-offs/synergies. The findings of this study could improve the understanding of the spatiotemporal dynamics of trade-offs/synergies and their spatially heterogeneous correlations with related factors.
A Computational Model of Similarity Analysis in Quality of Life Research: An Example of Studies in Poland
Authors: Bielińska Agnieszka , Wa̧ż Piotr , Bielińska-Wa̧ż Dorota
Published: January 2022

Due to the multidimensional structure of the results of similarity studies, their analysis is often difficult. Therefore, a compact and transparent presentation of these results is essential. The purpose of the present study is to propose a graphical representation of the results of similarity analysis in studies on the quality of life. The results are visualized on specific diagrams (maps), where a large amount of information is presented in a compact form. New similarity maps obtained using a computational method, correspondence analysis, are shown as a convenient tool for comparative studies on the quality of life of different groups of individuals. The usefulness of this approach to the description of changes of the quality of life after the retirement threshold in different domains is demonstrated. The World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF questionnaire was used to evaluate individuals in Poland. By analyzing clusters on the similarity maps, two groups (employees and retirees) were classified according to their quality of life in different domains. By comparing the structures of the classification maps containing the information about the whole system considered, it is clearly seen which factors are important in the comparative studies. For the considered problems, the uncertainty coefficients describing the effect size and preserving the information on the symmetry of the variables that were used for the creation of the contingency tables were evaluated.
Developing Knowledge of Supply Chain Resilience in Less-Developed Countries in the Pandemic Age
Authors: Lopes João M. , Gomes Sofia , Mané Lassana
Published: January 2022

Background: The constraints imposed by the pandemic COVID-19 increased the risks of the disruption of supply chains, bringing new challenges to companies. These effects were felt more intensely in less-developed countries, which are highly dependent on imports of products and raw materials. This study aims to assess the impact of supply chain resilience in a less-developed country (Guinea-Bissau) using complex adaptive system theory. Methods: We used a qualitative methodology through multiple case studies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four companies. The semi-structured script contains questions about supply chain disruptions, vulnerabilities and resilience. Results: The main results show that the companies in Guinea-Bissau, due to their dependence on the outside world and the absence of formal, larger and more diversified supply chains, suffered serious consequences with the disruption imposed by the pandemic. It was also concluded that the more resilient the supply chain, the fewer the impacts of crisis events and that the resilience of companies at this level depends on their obtaining competitive advantages over their competitors. Conclusions: The main practical implications of this study are the need to formalize the supply chain, diversify the supply of services and products of companies dependent on the exterior, adopt metrics that allow for the early detection of situations of supply chain disruption, effectively manage stocks and promote proactive crisis resolution strategies. Studies on the impact of resilience on supply chains in crises are scarce, especially on companies located in underdeveloped countries.
The Effect of Combined Processing on Residual Stresses in the Surface Layer of Power Plant Parts
Authors: Yakovleva Anna , Isaenkova Margarita , Minushkin Roman
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this research was to analyze the change in residual stresses in the surface layer of steel samples taking into account the technological heredity effect on the value and sign of residual stresses. An installation of combined processing was developed. Combined processing consists of sequentially performing electromechanical processing and diamond smoothing. All areas of the samples were studied—after machining (i.e., in the initial state), after electromechanical processing, and after diamond smoothing. The research shows that the sign and value of residual stresses are significantly affected by the combined processing modes. The main parameters of the surface layer are formed at the final stage of the combined processing–diamond smoothing. This paper gives recommendations on the use of combined processing for power plant parts.
Investigation of Acoustic Properties of Different Types of Low-Noise Road Surfacers under In Situ and Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Bohatkiewicz Janusz , Hałucha Maciej , Dębiński Marcin Kamil , Jukowski Michał , Tabor Zbigniew
Published: January 2022

Current literature on the performance characteristics of road surfaces is primarily focused on evenness, roughness and technical durability. However, other important surface properties require analysis, including noisiness, which is an important feature of the environmental impact of vehicular traffic around roads. This can be studied using various methods by which road noise phenomena are investigated. The method used to measure the noise performance of road surfaces herein is the Statistical Pass-By (SPB) method, as described in ISO 11819-1:1997. The impedance tube method was used for sound absorption testing, as described in ISO 13472-2:2010. These tests were performed under a variety of conditions: in situ and in laboratory. The existence of relationships between them can be helpful in selecting surfaces for noise reduction. Preliminary surface noise tests can be performed in the laboratory with samples consisting of various compounds. This is less expensive and faster than doing so on purpose-built surfaces. The paper presents study results for sound absorption coefficients of various types of low-noise surfaces in in situ conditions (on an experimental section and on operated road sections) and in the laboratory setting. The results of the tests performed on the operational sections were compared to the results of the surface impact on road noise using the SPB method. The correlations between the test results help confirm the feasibility of road surface pre-testing in the laboratory and the relation to tests performed using the SPB method under typical operating conditions.