bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen-Rich Gas Produced by the Chemical Neutralization of Reactive By-Products from the Screening Processes of the Secondary Aluminum Industry
Authors: Ercoli Roberto , Orlando Andrea , Borrini Daniele , Tassi Franco , Bicocchi Gabriele , Renzulli Alberto
Published: November 2021

In the framework of the industry of secondary aluminum, the chemical neutralization of highly reactive materials that come from the pre-treatment screening processes of scraps (beverage cans and domestic appliances) was investigated through experiments in aqueous alkaline solutions. Metallic aluminum-rich by-products are classified, according to EU law, as dangerous waste, as they can potentially develop flammable gases capable of forming explosive mixtures with air. In this way they cannot be disposed of in landfills for non-hazardous wastes if chemical neutralization is not planned and performed beforehand. In this way, these experiments were mainly aimed at unraveling the oxidation rate and at quantifying the production of hydrogen-rich gases from the reactions of the metallic aluminum-rich by-products in a water-rich alkaline (liquid or vapor) environment. Reactions were carried out in a stainless-steel batch mini-reactor with metering and sampling valves, with the resulting gases analyzed by gas-chromatography (GC). The experimental setup was planned to avoid the following issues: (i) the corrosion of the reactor by the alkaline solution and (ii) the permeability of the system to hydrogen (i.e., possible leaks of H2), related to the fast kinetics and short duration of the reactions (which may hinder a pile-up-effect) between the solid by-products and the liquid. The procedure was defined by a controlled interaction process between metals and liquid, using NaOH to increase reaction rates. The experimental runs performed in the mini-reactor proved to be effective for eliminating the reactive metallic aluminum, reaching a maximum hydrogen production of 96% of the total gases produced in the experiments. The relations between gas generation (up to 55 bar of H2 in the experiments, which lasted for four days) and each specific parameter variation are discussed. All the obtained results can be transferred and applied to (i) the possible industrialization of the method for the chemical neutralization of these dangerous by-products, increasing sustainability and workplace safety, (ii) the use of the resulting hydrogen as a source of energy for the furnaces of the secondary aluminum industry itself, and (iii) new technological materials (e.g., “foamed geopolymers”), by using hydrogen as a foaming agent, coupled with aluminosilicate materials, during geopolymeric reactions.
Forecast Research on Multidimensional Influencing Factors of Global Offshore Wind Power Investment Based on Random Forest and Elastic Net
Authors: Li Mingyu , Niu Dongxiao , Ji Zhengsen , Cui Xiwen , Sun Lijie
Published: November 2021

Recently, countries around the world have begun to develop low-carbon energy sources to alleviate energy shortage and cope with climate change. The offshore wind power has become a new direction for clean energy exploration. However, the accuracy of offshore wind power investment is still an urgent problem due to its complexity. Therefore, this paper investigates offshore wind power investment to improve the investment forecasting accuracy. In this study, the random forest (RF) algorithm was used to screen out the key factors influencing multi-dimensional global offshore wind power investment, and the elastic net (EN) was optimized using the ADMM algorithm and used in the global offshore wind power investment forecast model. The results show that the adoption of the random forest algorithm can effectively screen out the key influencing factors of global offshore wind power investment. Water depth, offshore distance and sweeping area have the most influence on the investment. Moreover, compared with other models, the elastic net optimized by ADMM can better reflect the changing trend of global offshore wind power investment, with smaller errors and a higher regression accuracy. The application of the RF–EN combined model can screen out effective factors from complex multi-dimensional influencing factors, and perform high-precision regression analysis, which is conducive to improving the global offshore wind power investment forecast. The conclusion obtained can set a more reasonable plan for the future construction and investment of global offshore wind power projects.
Building a Natural Hazard Insurance System (NHIS): The Long-lasting Italian Case
Authors: Gizzi Fabrizio Terenzio , Porrini Donatella , De Masi Francesco
Published: November 2021

The worrying growth of extreme natural events and their socioeconomic impact over time is increasingly fuelling the debate on how to manage disasters in view of developing resilient and sustainable societies. One possible financial tool may be represented by insurance against natural hazards, such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides. From this perspective, the current article considers legislative attempts to build a Natural Hazard Insurance System (NHIS) in Italy. The (never promulgated) bills proposed over a time span of about 30 years were analysed by: (a) A text-mining technique, considering the extraction of relevant data for the research; (b) the careful reading of the texts and their cross-correlated critical analysis. Approximately forty bills have been proposed since the 1980s and they mainly concern the proposal of an NHIS based on a certain degree of compulsoriness (the voluntary system is contemplated only on a subordinate basis). Two possible main hurdles to the promulgation of such laws were inferred: the insurance scheme to be adopted and the issue of illegal buildings. Furthermore, the item of natural hazard risk perception was a factor not adequately considered by the bills. Based on the critical scrutiny of the bills and taking advantage of international experiences, the establishment of a voluntary national scheme managed by a public authority with specific competences on NHIS is proposed.
Life Cycle Environmental and Economic Comparison of Water Droplet Machining and Traditional Abrasive Waterjet Cutting
Authors: Guglielmi Giovanni , Mitchell Benjamin , Song Cuihong , Kinsey Brad L. , Mo Weiwei
Published: November 2021

Abrasive waterjet (AWJ) cutting is a manufacturing technique, which uses a high-speed waterjet as the transport medium for abrasive particles to erode and cut through metal workpieces. The use of abrasives has significant environmental impacts and leads to the high operating costs of AWJ cutting. Therefore, it is important to investigate whether other metal cutting approaches can perform the same tasks with reduced environmental and economic impacts. One such manufacturing innovation is water droplet machining (WDM). In this process, the waterjet, which is immersed in a sub-atmospheric pressure environment, is discretized into a train of high velocity water droplets, which are able to erode and cut through the metal workpiece without abrasives. However, the cutting velocity of WDM is two orders of magnitude slower than AWJ. In this paper, a comparative life cycle and life cycle cost assessments were performed to determine which waterjet cutting technology is more beneficial to the environment and cost-efficient, considering their impacts from cradle to grave. The results show lower environmental and economic impacts for AWJ compared to WDM due to the AWJ’s ability to cut more metal over the service life than the WDM. Further sensitivity analyses give insight into how the change in abrasive rate is the most sensitive input for the AWJ, whereas the machine lifetime and electricity usage are the most sensitive inputs for the WDM. These results provide a valuable comparison between these alternative waterjet cutting technologies.
The Standardization Process as a Chance for Conceptual Refinement of a Disaster Risk Management Framework: The ARCH Project
Authors: Lindner René , Lückerath Daniel , Milde Katharina , Ullrich Oliver , Maresch Saskia , Peinhardt Katherine , Latinos Vasileios , Hernantes Josune , Jaca Carmen
Published: November 2021

Risks related to climate change and natural hazards increasingly affect urban areas such as historic towns, old urban quarters, villages, and hamlets. These, as well as historic landscapes, make up a significant part of an urban area’s identity and cannot just be rebuilt or significantly changed without taking into account the historic value, cultural background, and prescribed regulations. Systematic resilience building for historic areas is becoming essential, and research supporting it will be in the spotlight. However, questions still exist concerning how to best transfer research results into practice at the community level. Standardization of resilience-enhancing methods and tools deriving from research projects is one option, chosen, e.g., for the EU-Horizon 2020 project ARCH. Within the project, a disaster risk management (DRM) framework has been composed and then transferred into a standard, supported by a co-creation approach involving relevant stakeholders. This article outlines the project’s different standardization steps and its impact on the development of the ARCH DRM Framework. It highlights the systematic inclusion of project-external stakeholders who actively contribute to the validation and enhancement of the ARCH DRM framework to guarantee maximum applicability in historic areas, supporting them in their fight against the impacts of climate change and natural hazards.
Co-Design and Evaluation of the Feasibility and the Efficacy of a Multiple-Targeted Adapted Physical Activity Intervention to Promote Quality of Life, Well-Being and Physical Activity Levels in Pregnant Women: The “WELL-DONE!” Study Protocol
Authors: Marini Sofia , Parma Dila , Masini Alice , Bertini Virginia , Leccese Vincenza , Caravita Isotta , Gori Davide , Messina Rossella , Dallolio Laura
Published: November 2021

Background: Regular physical activity (PA) practice during pregnancy offers health and fitness benefits for both mother and baby. Therefore, healthy pregnant women with no contraindications to exercise should be encouraged to perform PA. Nevertheless, their levels of PA are generally low. The aim of the WELL-DONE! Study is to co-design an adapted physical activity intervention (APAI) for pregnant women to include in childbirth preparation classes (CPCs) evaluating its feasibility and efficacy on quality of life (QoL), PA levels and other outcomes. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was divided in two progressive stages. First, APAI was developed in collaboration with pregnant women and midwives using focus groups; second, APAI’s efficacy was evaluated comparing two groups: the experimental group engaged in the CPCs integrated with 1 h/week of the APAI administered by midwives and the control group participating in the standard CPCs. Pre-post evaluation was carried out in three stages through questionnaires and tests. Data analysis involved the combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Discussion: Findings from the WELL-DONE! Study will help to assess the feasibility, sustainability, and efficacy of incorporating APAI inside CPCs as a new public health strategy oriented to QoL, well-being, and PA level improvements.
Spatially Enabled Web Application for Urban Cultural Heritage Monitoring and Metrics Reporting for the SDGs
Authors: Chalkidou Sevasti , Arvanitis Apostolos , Patias Petros , Georgiadis Charalampos
Published: November 2021

UNESCO and the United Nations have recently identified cultural heritage (CH) as a key enabler of sustainability by incorporating it into several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Accurate and efficient reporting on CH is considered fundamental despite known limitations due to the lack of sufficient and harmonized data. This paper presents a spatially enabled web application for urban CH monitoring for the city of Thessaloniki in Northern Greece. The objective was to integrate the information provided by several independent public registries on CH into a common 2D mapping and reporting platform and to enrich it with additional data provided by other built environment agencies. An estimation of the expected cost for the structural evaluation by experts of the city’s CH assets was also implemented for SDG’s Indicator 11.4.1. The methodology involved stakeholder identification, data collection and pre-processing, field verification and documentation, calculation of Indicator 11.4.1, and the actual coding process. The application can be found online, providing useful insights and statistical information on the city’s heritage in a dashboard format. The key challenges included the lack of updated data, the existence of several individual registries, and the need for regular field inspection due to the rapidly changing urban fabric.
A Practical Methodology for Forecasting the Impact of Changes in Influent Loads and Discharge Consents on Average Energy Consumption and Sludge Production by Activated Sludge Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Silva Catarina , Rosa Maria João
Published: November 2021

This paper proposes a simple and easy-to-use methodology for forecasting the impact of changes in influent chemical oxygen demand (COD) and in the emission limit values (ELVs) of COD and total nitrogen on average energy requirements for aeration and sludge production by activated sludge wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The methodology is based on mass balances of sludge production and oxygen requirements for carbonaceous material biodegradation and/or nitrification, oxygen transfer and aeration equipment efficiency. Using average values of historical data of regular monitoring (water quality and operating conditions) WWTP-specific equations of oxygen requirements, energy consumption and sludge production are derived as a function of influent COD and influent N-total, which may be used to quantify the impact of influent and ELV changes. The methodology was tested in five extended aeration WWTPs for three scenarios established by the utility. The results show that increasing influent COD, from 900 to 1300 mg/L, for example, significantly increases the energy consumption by 49% and sludge production by 53%. For influent 54–68 mg/L N-total, imposing 15 mgN/L ELV results in a 9–26% increase in energy consumption. The COD ELV change studied (season-specific, from 150 mg/L 12 months/year to 125 mg/L 8 months/year to 100 mg/L 4 months/year) increases the energy consumption by 1.8–2.6% and the sludge production by 4.3–5.4%.
Symmetry and Symmetry Breaking in Physics: From Geometry to Topology
Authors: Boi Luciano
Published: November 2021

Symmetry (and group theory) is a fundamental principle of theoretical physics. Finite symmetries, continuous symmetries of compact groups, and infinite-dimensional representations of noncompact Lie groups are at the core of solid physics, particle physics, and quantum physics, respectively. The latter groups now play an important role in many branches of mathematics. In more recent years, we have been faced with the impact of topological quantum field theory (TQFT). Topology and symmetry have deep connections, but topology is inherently broader and more complex. While the presence of symmetry in physical phenomena imposes strong constraints, topology seems to be related to low-energy states and is very likely to provide information about the different dynamical trajectories and patterns that particles can follow. For example, regarding the relationship of topology to low-energy states, Hodge’s theory of harmonic forms shows that the zero-energy states (for differential forms) correspond to the cohomology. Regarding the relationship of topology to particle trajectories, a topological knot can be seen as an orbit with complex properties in spacetime. The various deformations or embeddings of the knot, performed in low or high dimensions, allow defining different equivalence classes or topological types, and interestingly, it is possible from these types to study the symmetries associated with the deformations and their changes. More specifically, in the present work, we address two issues: first, that quantum geometry deforms classical geometry, and that this topological deformation may produce physical effects that are specific to the quantum physics scale; and second, that mirror symmetry and the phenomenon of topological change are closely related. This paper was aimed at understanding the conceptual and physical significance of this connection.
Modeling RL Electrical Circuit by Multifactor Uncertain Differential Equation
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhou Lujun
Published: November 2021

The symmetry principle of circuit system shows that we can equate a complex structure in the circuit network to a simple circuit. Hence, this paper only considers a simple series RL circuit and first presents an uncertain RL circuit model based on multifactor uncertain differential equation by considering the external noise and internal noise in an actual electrical circuit system. Then, the solution of uncertain RL circuit equation and the inverse uncertainty distribution of solution are derived. Some applications of solution for uncertain RL circuit equation are also investigated. Finally, the method of moments is used to estimate the unknown parameters in uncertain RL circuit equation.
Global Bounds for the Generalized Jensen Functional with Applications
Authors: Simić Slavko , Bin-Mohsin Bandar
Published: November 2021

In this article we give sharp global bounds for the generalized Jensen functional Jn(g,h;p,x). In particular, exact bounds are determined for the generalized power mean in terms from the class of Stolarsky means. As a consequence, we obtain the best possible global converses of quotients and differences of the generalized arithmetic, geometric and harmonic means.
Singularity-Free and Cosmologically Viable Born-Infeld Gravity with Scalar Matter
Authors: Benisty David , Olmo Gonzalo J. , Rubiera-Garcia Diego
Published: November 2021

The early cosmology, driven by a single scalar field, both massless and massive, in the context of Eddington-inspired Born-Infeld gravity, is explored. We show the existence of nonsingular solutions of bouncing and loitering type (depending on the sign of the gravitational theory’s parameter, ϵ) replacing the Big Bang singularity, and discuss their properties. In addition, in the massive case, we find some new features of the cosmological evolution depending on the value of the mass parameter, including asymmetries in the expansion/contraction phases, or a continuous transition between a contracting phase to an expanding one via an intermediate loitering phase. We also provide a combined analysis of cosmic chronometers, standard candles, BAO, and CMB data to constrain the model, finding that for roughly |ϵ|≲5·10−8m2 the model is compatible with the latest observations while successfully removing the Big Bang singularity. This bound is several orders of magnitude stronger than the most stringent constraints currently available in the literature.
Irrationality of Attitudes toward Safety under Complexity and Uncertainty Leading to Asymmetry of Information
Authors: Murata Atsuo , Yoshida Syusuke , Doi Toshihisa , Karwowski Waldemar
Published: November 2021

This study investigated how complexity and uncertainty, the probability of accidents, and the probability of financial trouble affected individuals’ recognition of validity of irrational risk-seeking decisions. As a result of conducting a multiple regression analysis on the validation score for irrational risk-seeking alternative obtained by a questionnaire survey, we found that the validity score for an irrational risk-seeking alternative was higher when both complexity and uncertainty were high than when both complexity and uncertainty were low, which means that high complexity and high uncertainty in the situation of decision making more readily leads to an irrational risk-seeking behavior that might trigger a major accident. Beyond complexity and uncertainty, the damage of major accident α, the decrease of the probability of major accidents and the increase of the probability of financial trouble (economic factor) were also found to promote the choice of irrational risk-seeking alternatives. Some implications for safety management under high complexity and uncertainty are discussed.
Assessing the Water Pollution of the Brahmaputra River Using Water Quality Indexes
Authors: Barbulescu Alina , Barbes Lucica , Dumitriu Cristian Stefan
Published: November 2021

Water quality is continuously affected by anthropogenic and environmental conditions. A significant issue of the Indian rivers is the massive water pollution, leading to the spreading of different diseases due to its daily use. Therefore, this study investigates three aspects. The first one is testing the hypothesis of the existence of a monotonic trend of the series of eight water parameters of the Brahmaputra River recorded for 17 years at ten hydrological stations. When this hypothesis was rejected, a loess trend was fitted. The second aspect is to assess the water quality using three indicators (WQI)–CCME WQI, British Colombia, and a weighted index. The third aspect is to group the years and the stations in clusters used to determine the regional (spatial) and temporal trend of the WQI series, utilizing a new algorithm. A statistical analysis does not reject the hypothesis of a monotonic trend presence for the spatially distributed data but not for the temporal ones. Hierarchical clustering based on the computed WQIs detected two clusters for the spatially distributed data and two for the temporal-distributed data. The procedure proposed for determining the WQI temporal and regional evolution provided good results in terms of mean absolute error, root mean squared error (RMSE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE).
The Gasotransmitter Hydrogen Sulfide and the Neuropeptide Oxytocin as Potential Mediators of Beneficial Cardiovascular Effects through Meditation after Traumatic Events
Authors: McCook Oscar , Denoix Nicole , Merz Tamara
Published: November 2021

Trauma and its related psychological and somatic consequences are associated with higher cardiovascular morbidity. The regulation of both the gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) have been reported to be affected during physical and psychological trauma. Both mediators are likely molecular correlates of trauma-induced cardiovascular complications, because they share parallel roles and signaling pathways in the cardiovascular system, both locally as well as on the level of central regulation and the vagus nerve. Meditation can alter the structure of specific brain regions and can have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. This perspective article summarizes the evidence pointing toward the significance of H2S and OT signaling in meditation-mediated cardio-protection.
Weyl Curvature Hypothesis in Light of Quantum Backreaction at Cosmological Singularities or Bounces
Authors: Hu Bei-Lok
Published: November 2021

The Weyl curvature constitutes the radiative sector of the Riemann curvature tensor and gives a measure of the anisotropy and inhomogeneities of spacetime. Penrose’s 1979 Weyl curvature hypothesis (WCH) assumes that the universe began at a very low gravitational entropy state, corresponding to zero Weyl curvature, namely, the Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) universe. This is a simple assumption with far-reaching implications. In classical general relativity, Belinsky, Khalatnikov and Lifshitz (BKL) showed in the 70s that the most general cosmological solutions of the Einstein equation are that of the inhomogeneous Kasner types, with intermittent alteration of the one direction of contraction (in the cosmological expansion phase), according to the mixmaster dynamics of Misner (M). How could WCH and BKL-M co-exist? An answer was provided in the 80s with the consideration of quantum field processes such as vacuum particle creation, which was copious at the Planck time (10−43 s), and their backreaction effects were shown to be so powerful as to rapidly damp away the irregularities in the geometry. It was proposed that the vaccum viscosity due to particle creation can act as an efficient transducer of gravitational entropy (large for BKL-M) to matter entropy, keeping the universe at that very early time in a state commensurate with the WCH. In this essay I expand the scope of that inquiry to a broader range, asking how the WCH would fare with various cosmological theories, from classical to semiclassical to quantum, focusing on their predictions near the cosmological singularities (past and future) or avoidance thereof, allowing the Universe to encounter different scenarios, such as undergoing a phase transition or a bounce. WCH is of special importance to cyclic cosmologies, because any slight irregularity toward the end of one cycle will generate greater anisotropy and inhomogeneities in the next cycle. We point out that regardless of what other processes may be present near the beginning and the end states of the universe, the backreaction effects of quantum field processes probably serve as the best guarantor of WCH because these vacuum processes are ubiquitous, powerful and efficient in dissipating the irregularities to effectively nudge the Universe to a near-zero Weyl curvature condition.
Disassembling the Nature of Capsid: Biochemical, Genetic, and Imaging Approaches to Assess HIV-1 Capsid Functions
Authors: Ingram Zachary , Fischer Douglas K. , Ambrose Zandrea
Published: November 2021

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) capsid and its disassembly, or capsid uncoating, has remained an active area of study over the past several decades. Our understanding of the HIV-1 capsid as solely a protective shell has since shifted with discoveries linking it to other complex replication events. The interplay of the HIV-1 capsid with reverse transcription, nuclear import, and integration has led to an expansion of knowledge of capsid functionality. Coincident with advances in microscopy, cell, and biochemistry assays, several models of capsid disassembly have been proposed, in which it occurs in either the cytoplasmic, nuclear envelope, or nuclear regions of the cell. Here, we discuss how the understanding of the HIV-1 capsid has evolved and the key methods that made these discoveries possible.
Assessment of an LSDV-Vectored Vaccine for Heterologous Prime-Boost Immunizations against HIV
Authors: Chapman Ros , van Diepen Michiel , Douglass Nicola , Galant Shireen , Jaffer Mohamed , Margolin Emmanuel , Ximba Phindile , Hermanus Tandile , Moore Penny L. , Williamson Anna-Lise
Published: November 2021

The modest protective effects of the RV144 HIV-1 vaccine trial have prompted the further exploration of improved poxvirus vector systems that can yield better immune responses and protection. In this study, a recombinant lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) expressing HIV-1 CAP256.SU gp150 (Env) and a subtype C mosaic Gag was constructed (LSDVGC5) and compared to the equivalent recombinant modified vaccinia Ankara (MVAGC5). In vitro characterization confirmed that cells infected with recombinant LSDV produced Gag virus-like particles containing Env, and that Env expressed on the surface of the cells infected with LSDV was in a native-like conformation. This candidate HIV-1 vaccine (L) was tested in a rabbit model using different heterologous vaccination regimens, in combination with DNA (D) and MVA (M) vectors expressing the equivalent HIV-1 antigens. The four different vaccination regimens (DDMMLL, DDMLML, DDLMLM, and DDLLMM) all elicited high titers of binding and Tier 1A neutralizing antibodies (NAbs), and some regimens induced Tier 1B NAbs. Furthermore, two rabbits in the DDLMLM group developed low levels of autologous Tier 2 NAbs. The humoral immune responses elicited against HIV-1 Env by the recombinant LSDVGC5 were comparable to those induced by MVAGC5.
Prevalence of Pneumococcal Carriage among Jordanian Infants in the First 6 Months of Age, 2008–2016
Authors: Al-Lahham Adnan
Published: November 2021

Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae is an opportunistic human-adapted pathogen driven by nasopharyngeal carriage. Aims: To find the pneumococcal carriage rate, resistance, serotypes, and coverage of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) among infants in the first six months of age in the period from March 2008 to April 2016. Methods: Nasopharyngeal swabs (NP) were taken from healthy infants from the northern part of Jordan. Swabs were processed for cultivation, identification, resistance testing and serotyping according to standard methods. Results: During the surveillance period, 484 infants of this age group were tested, with a total carriage rate of 56.2%. 96.2% of infants one to two months of age got one PCV7 injection and were 58% carriers at the time of the first injection. At age three to four months, 84.9% had received two injections, with a carriage rate of 54.9% at the time of the second injection. At ages five to six months, 12.5% had received one to three injections, with a carriage rate of 43.8%. Predominant serotypes in all age groups were 19F (12.5%), 6A (11.4%), 11A (8.4%), 19A (7.0%), 6B (6.6%), 23F (5.9%), 15B (5.1%), 15A and 23A (4.0% each). Coverage of PCV7, PCV13 and the future PCV20 among all cases were 30.5%, 50.7% and 70.6%, respectively. The highest coverage rate of 78.6% was noticed in the age group at five to six months with the future PCV20. Antibiotic resistance was the highest in the first age group. Conclusions: Pneumococcal carriage starts from the first month of the infant’s life. The highest coverage was noticed for PCV20, which implies the necessity for inoculation with future vaccines.
COVID-19 and Historic Influenza Vaccinations in the United States: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Mirpuri Pranav , Rovin Richard A.
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 vaccination effort is a monumental global challenge. Recognizing and addressing the causes of vaccine hesitancy will improve vaccine uptake. The primary objective of this study was to compare the COVID-19 vaccination rates in US counties to historical vaccination rates for influenza in persons aged 65 and older. The secondary objective was to identify county-level demographic, socioeconomic, and political factors that influence vaccination rates. County level data were obtained from publicly available databases for comparison and to create predictive models. Overall, in US counties the COVID-19 vaccination rate exceeded influenza vaccination rates amongst those aged 65 or older (69.4.0% vs. 44%, p < 0.0001). 2690 (83.4%) of 3224 counties had vaccinated 50% or more of their 65 and older residents in the first seven months of the COVID-19 vaccination roll out. There were 467 (14.5%) of 3223 counties in which the influenza vaccination rate exceeded the COVID-19 vaccination rate. Most of these counties were in the Southern region, were considered politically “red” and had a significantly higher non-Hispanic Black resident population (14.4% vs. 8.2%, p < 0.0001). Interventions intended to improve uptake should account for nuances in vaccine access, confidence, and consider factual social media messaging, especially in vulnerable counties.
Willingness to Receive the Booster COVID-19 Vaccine Dose in Poland
Authors: Rzymski Piotr , Poniedziałek Barbara , Fal Andrzej
Published: November 2021

COVID-19 vaccinations are essential to mitigate the pandemic and prevent severe SARS-CoV-2 infections. However, the serum antibody levels in vaccinated individuals gradually decrease over time, while SARS-CoV-2 is undergoing an evolution toward more transmissible variants, such as B.1.617.2, ultimately increasing the risk of breakthrough infections and further virus spread. This cross-sectional online study of adult Poles (n = 2427) was conducted in September 2021 (before a general recommendation to administer a booster COVID-19 vaccine dose in Poland was issued) to assess the attitude of individuals who completed the current vaccination regime toward a potential booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and identify potential factors that may influence it. Overall, 71% of participants declared willingness to receive a booster COVID-19 dose, with a low median level of fear of receiving it of 1.0 (measured by the 10-point Likert-type scale), which was increased particularly in those having a worse experience (in terms of severity of side effects and associated fear) with past COVID-19 vaccination. The lowest frequency of willingness to receive a booster dose (26.7%) was seen in the group previously vaccinated with Ad26.COV2.S. The majority of individuals vaccinated previously with mRNA vaccines wished to receive the same vaccine, while in the case of AZD1222, such accordance was observed only in 9.1%. The main reasons against accepting a booster COVID-19 dose included the side effects experienced after previous doses, the opinion that further vaccination is unnecessary, and safety uncertainties. Women, older individuals (≥50 years), subjects with obesity, chronic diseases, and pre-vaccination and post-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 infections, and those with a history of vaccination against influenza were significantly more frequently willing to receive a booster COVID-19 dose. Moreover, the majority of immunosuppressed individuals (88%) were willing to receive an additional dose. The results emphasize some hesitancy toward potential further COVID-19 vaccination in the studied group of Poles and indicate the main groups to be targeted with effective science communication regarding the booster doses.
Prophylactic and Therapeutic EBV Vaccines: Major Scientific Obstacles, Historical Progress, and Future Direction
Authors: Cai Jing , Zhang Bodou , Li Yuqi , Zhu Wanfang , Akihisa Toshihiro , Li Wei , Kikuchi Takashi , Liu Wenyuan , Feng Feng , Zhang Jie
Published: November 2021

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects more than 95% of adults worldwide and is associated with various malignant tumors and immune diseases, imparting a huge disease burden on the human population. Available EBV vaccines are imminent. Prophylactic vaccines can effectively prevent the spread of infection, whereas therapeutic vaccines mainly stimulate cell-mediated immunity and kill infected cells, thus curbing the development of malignant tumors. Nevertheless, there are still no approved EBV vaccines after decades of effort. The complexity of the EBV life cycle, the lack of appropriate animal models, and the limited reports on adjuvant selection and immune responses are gravely impeding progress in EBV vaccines. The soluble gp350 vaccine could reduce the incidence of infectious mononucleosis (IM), which seemed to offer hope, but could not prevent EBV infection. Continuous research and vaccine trials provide deep insights into the structural biology of viruses, the designs for immunogenicity, and the evolving vaccine platforms. Moreover, the new vaccine candidates are expected to achieve further success via combined immunization to elicit both a dual protection of B cells and epithelial cells, and sustainable immunization against infected cells at several phases of infection.
Factors Influencing Vaccine Hesitancy in China: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Wang Jianli , Ji Qianqian , Dong Shuheng , Zhao Shuangyu , Li Xinchen , Zhu Qiuqi , Long Sigui , Zhang Jingjing , Jin Hui
Published: November 2021

Vaccine hesitancy has become a significant issue. We aimed to elucidate the factors influencing vaccine hesitation in Chinese residents and to analyze and recommend promotional strategies and measures. In total, 92 Chinese residents from 10 provinces were interviewed using semi-structured face-to-face interviews following a predetermined survey framework in this qualitative study. We found trust in vaccine safety, access to professional advice, and vaccine price and effectiveness to be the main factors influencing vaccine hesitation. Additionally, residents in areas with a higher per capita GDP tend to receive more social support, believe that vaccination is beneficial and can prevent diseases, pay more attention to whether the vaccine is safe and has undergone various clinical trials, and are more likely to seek advice from individuals with vaccination experience as opposed to their counterparts in areas with a lower per capita GDP. Notably, as per capita GDP rises, individuals become more concerned about the price of vaccines. Measures such as clarifying vaccine safety and effectiveness, reducing self-funded vaccine prices, offering free vaccination for special groups, strengthening the publicity role of medical staff, and taking advantage of network platforms are essential to reduce vaccine hesitancy among Chinese residents.
First Detection and Genetic Characterization of New Equine Parvovirus Species Circulating among Horses in Korea
Authors: Yoon Jungho , Park Taemook , Kim Ahram , Song Heeeun , Park Byung-Joo , Ahn Hee-Seop , Go Hyeon-Jeong , Kim Dong-Hwi , Lee Joong-Bok , Park Seung-Yong , Song Chang-Seon , Lee Sang-Won , Choi In-Soo
Published: November 2021

Equine parvovirus-cerebrospinal fluid (EqPV-CSF) and eqcopivirus (EqCoPV) are new parvovirus species (EqPVs) identified from various tissues (CSF, blood, and respiratory swabs) in horses with neurologic and respiratory diseases. In this study, we described the prevalence rate of EqPV-CSF and EqCoPV in 133 and 77 serum and fecal samples, respectively, using polymerase chain reaction. Further, we analyzed the potential risk factors for infection. We calculated the nucleotide and amino acid similarity and constructed phylogenetic trees. There was a moderate-to-high prevalence rate (EqPV-CSF: 3.8%; EqCoPV 9.8%) of each virus in serum; moreover, age, country of foaling, and clinical colic signs were significantly associated with the EqPVs infection. The newly identified EqPV-CSF/EqCoPV genomes had high nucleotide and amino acid identities with previously isolated strains in the USA. In phylogenetic analysis, they clustered and formed a new subgroup in the genus Copiparvovirus. To our knowledge, this is the first field epidemiologic study on EqPV-CSF and EqCoPV using both serum and fecal samples. Our findings demonstrate the risk factors for infection and could facilitate the development of disease prevention strategies.
Pengembangan Ekowisata Curug Duwur Bumisari Kecamatan Bojongsari Kabupaten Purbalingga
Authors: Eka Karma Iswasta , Suwarno Suwarno , Irawan Dedy
Published: November 2021

Duwur Waterfall at Bumisari is a village located in the district Bojongsari Purbalingga. Bumisari Village has a natural tourist destination that is Curug Duwur managed by Badan Usaha Milik Desa (BUMDES). This tourism object is still in the development stage. The development that has been done is still limited to infrastructure, and one of the things that have not been touched is the promotional media. Methods in the activities used to develop further, especially in attracting visitors are interviews, discussions, observations, and pre-design maps. The writing team also prepared the development through the construction of entrance gates, the improvement of facilities, and the creation of 3D location maps. The results of the development carried out in addition to the form of physical facilities in the form of entrance gates, coloring ladder to waterfalls, also made promotional media through the internet by creating a website with a url http://curugduwurbumisari.blogspot.com, the addition of addresses on google maps and the addition of 3D location maps that have obtained HAKI with the Number EC00202126412. The results of the development increased the number of visitors which originally averaged 350 people per month to 750 people in one month of development. These results show that the addition of gates, improvements in facilities and the creation of maps and internet promotional media affect increasing the number of visitors).
Kinerja perawat di ruangan rawat inap Rumah Sakit Bhayangkara Tingkat II Medan ditinjau dari kompetensi, motivasi dan beban kerja
Authors: Halawa Danar Michael , Nadapdap Thomson Parluhutan , Silaen Mangatas
Published: November 2021

Profesi perawat memiliki peranan penting dalam memberikan kualitas pelayanan kesehatan di rumah sakit, karena jenis pelayanan yang diberikannya dengan pendekatan biologis, psikologis, sosial, spiritual dan dilakukan dengan berkelanjutan. Kinerja tenaga perawat dipengaruhi oleh karakteristik perawat, kompetensi, motivasi dan beban kerja. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui analisis pengaruh kompetensi, motivasi dan beban kerja perawat pelaksana dengan kinerja perawat di ruang rawat inap RS Bhayangkara Tk II Medan. Penelitian menggunakan rancangan cross sectional dengan survey analytic. Sampel berjumlah 45 perawat pelaksana di ruang rawat inap yang diambil dengan menggunakan teknik total sampling. Data dikumpulkan dengan kuesioner dan lembar observasi, lalu dianalisis bivariat dengan uji chi-square dan multivariat dengan uji regresi logistik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan ada hubungan bermakna antara kompetensi (0,023), motivasi (0,009) dan pendidikan (0,043) dengan kinerja perawat. Sedangkan beban kerja (0,136) tidak memiliki hubungan bermakna dengan kinerja perawat pelaksana di ruang rawat inap. Analisis multivariat menunjukkan aspek kompetensi merupakan variabel mempengaruhi kinerja dengan nilai Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 12,953 dan bermakna secara statistik (p=0,041). Nilai Adjusted Odds Ratio pada status pendidikan sebesar 3,663 dan bermakna secara statistik (p=0,027). Aspek motivasi merupakan variabel paling dominan mempengaruhi kinerja dengan nilai Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 36,943 dan bermakna secara statistik (p=0,008). Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa kinerja perawat sangat berhubungan dengan kompetensi dan motivasi kerja perawat, sehingga aspek-aspek yang dapat meningkatkan kompetensi dan motivasi kerja perlu dikelola dengan baik untuk mendapatkan hasil kinerja perawat yang baik.
Analisis tingkat kepuasan pasien rawat inap pengguna Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional di Rumah Sakit Bhayangkara Tingkat II Medan
Authors: Halawa Firman Yanus , Nadapdap Thomson Parluhutan , Silaen Mangatas
Published: November 2021

Pembangunan kesehatan sebagai salah satu upaya pembangunan nasional yang dilaksanakan oleh semua komponen bangsa Indonesia. Survey BPJS Kesehatan tahun 2014 menunjukkan kepuasan peserta BPJS Kesehatan yang datang ke RS pemerintah (80%) lebih rendah dari RS swasta (83%). Dimensi tangible serta responsiveness merupakan titik lemah dari RS pemerintah jika dibandingkan RS swasta yang pada akhirnya mempengaruhi tingkat kepuasan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis tingkat kepuasan pasien rawat inap pengguna Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional berdasarkan dimensi tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance dan empathy di RS Bhayangkara Tingkat II Medan. Jenis penelitian ini adalah kuantitatif survey analitik dengan pendekatan cross-sectional. Sampel berjumlah 100 orang pasien yang diambil dengan menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Data dikumpulkan melalui penyebaran kuesioner, lalu dianalisis menggunakan uji Chi-square dan uji regresi logistik. Hasil uji menunjukkan hubungan yang signifikan antara variabel tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance dan empathy dengan tingkat kepuasan pasien. Hasil analisis multivariat dengan logistic regression menunjukkan bahwa variabel reliability merupakan yang paling dominan dalam memengaruhi kepuasan pasien di ruang rawat inap Rumah Sakit Bhayangkara Tingkat II Medan (Exp (B)= 101.776). Dapat disimpulkan bahwa dimensi yang paling domi-nan memengaruhi tingkat kepuasan pasien di ruang rawat inap rumah sakit Bhayangkara Tingkat II Medan adalah reliability. Untuk menyusun strategi peningkatan pelayanan di Rumah Sakit Bhayangkara Tingkat II Medan perlu dipertimbangkan strategi yang difokuskan pada kepuasan pelanggan.
Konflik peran ganda pada guru wanita dan kaitannya dengan stres kerja
Authors: Panjaitan Nia Adinda Marselina , Siahaan Perry Boy Candra , Siagian Masryna , Sianipar Milka Rositi
Published: November 2021

Wanita yang mengambil peran sebagai istri dan ibu sekaligus pekerja cenderung membawa mereka pada konflik peran ganda. Studi ini bertujuan untuk melihat hubungan antara konflik peran ganda dengan stres kerja pada guru wanita. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif observasional dengan desain cross-sectional. Pengambilan sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah dengan menggunakan teknik total sampling di mana seluruh populasi dijadikan sampel yaitu sebanyak 30 orang guru. Pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan kuesioner. Data dianalisis dengan menggunakan uji korelasi Gamma dan Somers’d (α = 0,05). Hasil uji statistik menunjukkan bahwa terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara konflik peran ganda dengan stress kerja pada guru wanita menikah (p=0,01). Sebagian besar guru wanita tidak dapat menjalankan perannya sebagai orangtua yakni dalam hal mengurus anak saat jam kerja. Selain itu, di masa pandemi seperti ini anak diharuskan belajar secara daring tanpa dampingan orang tua. Hal ini yang memunculkan kekhawatiran pada guru wanita saat bekerja sehingga dapat mengakibatkan terjadinya stres pada guru wanita yang telah menikah.
Analisis kadar zat besi pada sari kedelai kemasan dengan metode spektrofotometri UV-VIS
Authors: Br Karo Reh Malem , Sinurat Jhon Patar , Fioni Fioni , Fibrini Dewi
Published: November 2021

Latar belakang: Kedelai adalah hasil pangan jenis kacang-kacangan yang sangat kaya akan nutrisi yang bermanfaat bagi kesehatan manusia. Tujuan: Untuk mengetahui keberadaan zat besi dan kadar zat besi dalam sari kedelai. Metode: Analisis kualitatif menggunakan pereaksi NaOH, K4[Fe(CN)6] dan K3[Fe(CN)6] dan analisis kuantitatif menggunakan spektrofotometer UV-Visibel pada panjang gelombang 248.3 nm. Hasil: Sari kedelai mengandung zat besi yang dibuktikan melalui analisis kualitatif menggunakan pereaksi NaOH, K4[Fe(CN)6] dan K3[Fe(CN)6] yang menghasilkan masing-masing endapan hijau, biru dan coklat yang artinya mengnadung zat besi. Persamaan regresi linear larutan standar besi adalah Y = 0.0154x  +  0.1555 dengan korelasi (R2) sebesar 0.9981. Kadar zat besi dalam sari kedelai adalah 56.48 mg/ml dan termasuk dalam kelompok produk yang memiliki kadar zat besi yang cukup tinggi. Kesimpulan: Sari kedelai mengandung zat zat besi dengan kadar sebesar 56.48mg/ml.