bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing and Advancing Safety Management in Aviation
Authors: Stroeve Sybert , Smeltink Job , Kirwan Barry
Published: March 2022

A safety management system (SMS) is the overall set of procedures, documentation, and knowledge systems as well as the processes using them, which are employed within an organisation to control and improve its safety performance. Safety management systems are often observed as being bureaucratic, distinct from actual operations, and being too much focused on the prevention of deviations from procedures rather than on the effective support of safety in the real operational context. The soft parts of advancing safety in organisations, such as the multitude of interrelations and the informal aspects in an organisation that influence safety, are often only considered to a limited extent. As a way forward, this paper presents two coupled approaches. Firstly, a generic tool for assessing the maturity of safety management of aviation organisations is presented, which accounts for recent insights in effectively incorporating human factors. This assessment tool provides insight into the strong and weak topics of an organisation’s SMS. Secondly, an overview is given of a range of approaches that aim to improve the safety of aviation organisations by strengthening relevant organisational processes and structures, with a focus on human factors. The relations of these approaches with SMS are discussed, and the links with topics of the SMS maturity assessment tool are highlighted.
Physiological Responses and Stroke Variables during Arm Stroke Swimming Using Critical Stroke Rate in Competitive Swimmers
Authors: Funai Yuki , Matsunami Masaru , Taba Shoichiro , Takahashi Shigehiro
Published: March 2022

The current study examined the physiological responses and stroke variables at critical stroke rate (CSR), 105% CSR, and 110% CSR in order to utilize CSR for prescription arm stroke swimming. Nine male national-level collegiate swimmers performed an all-out 200 m and 400 m for determining the CSR. Participants performed three sets of 6 × 100 m (with 10 s of rest between each bout), the stroke rate for each set was enforced at CSR, 105% CSR, and 110% CSR. Mean swimming velocity, heart rate, and rate of perceived exertion were found to increase with each set (p < 0.05). Blood lactate concentration did not differ between the CSR and the 105% CSR (3.3 ± 1.4 vs. 3.5 ± 1.5 mmol/L) but was higher in 110% CSR (5.1 ± 1.6 mmol/L) than in the other two sets (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the stroke rate between all bouts in each set, and the stroke length did not change from the second to sixth bout in each set. This study suggested that training intensity for CSR and 105% CSR correspond to threshold level, and 110% CSR corresponds to high-intensity training level. It was also suggested that training in the CSR–110% CSR range could be performed without regard to SL reduction.
Roots to Grow and Wings to Fly: An Ethnography of Psychosocial Development in Adolescent Performance Sport
Authors: Lara-Bercial Sergio , McKenna Jim
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to explore the potential for sport to support psychosocial development in young people in a youth performance setting using a novel realistic evaluation approach. Part 1 of this two-paper series published in this Special Issue identified the programme theories—how the programme is supposed to work. A wide and deep network of context, generative mechanisms and outcomes responsible for psychosocial development in this youth performance basketball club emerged. The first paper also concluded that the outcomes and the experience are highly contextual and individualised. In this second part, the stakeholder’s programme theories were tested during a full-season ethnography of the same club. Immersion in the day-to-day environment generated a fine-grain analysis of the processes involved, including: (i) sustained attentional focus; (ii) structured and unstructured skill-building activities; (iii) deliberate and incidental support; and (iv) feelings indicating personal growth. Personal development in and through sport is thus shown to be conditional, multi-faceted, time-sensitive and idiosyncratic. The findings of this two-part study are considered to propose a model of psychosocial development in and through sport. This heuristic tool is presented to support sport psychologists, coaches, club administrators and parents to deliberately create and optimise developmental environments.
A Bootstrap Variance Estimation Method for Multistage Sampling and Two-Phase Sampling When Poisson Sampling Is Used at the Second Phase
Authors: Beaumont Jean-François , Émond Nelson
Published: March 2022

The bootstrap method is often used for variance estimation in sample surveys with a stratified multistage sampling design. It is typically implemented by producing a set of bootstrap weights that is made available to users and that accounts for the complexity of the sampling design. The Rao–Wu–Yue method is often used to produce the required bootstrap weights. It is valid under stratified with-replacement sampling at the first stage or fixed-size without-replacement sampling provided the first-stage sampling fractions are negligible. Some surveys use designs that do not satisfy these conditions. We propose a simple and unified bootstrap method that addresses this limitation of the Rao–Wu–Yue bootstrap weights. This method is applicable to any multistage sampling design as long as valid bootstrap weights can be produced for each distinct stage of sampling. Our method is also applicable to two-phase sampling designs provided that Poisson sampling is used at the second phase. We use this design to model survey nonresponse and derive bootstrap weights that account for nonresponse weighting. The properties of our bootstrap method are evaluated in three limited simulation studies.
Research on the Input–Output Model of the Rural Agricultural Eco-Economic System Based on Emergy Theory
Authors: Zhu Yulin , Li Mingjie , Lu Shiwei , Wang Huimin , Wang Jinjin , Wang Wei
Published: March 2022

Based on the Wassily W. Leontief input–output model, this paper constructs an emergy input–output model of an agricultural eco-economic system based on emergy theory. This model overcomes three limitations of the traditional input–output model. First, the conversion rate of ecological energy is used to solve the problem posed by the fact that the material input–output table cannot be directly combined due to the different measurement units of different substances. Second, it transforms the research object from a pure economic system to an eco-economic system by adding resources and environmental factors. Third, this paper solves the problem posed by the fact that the value input–output model is greatly affected by inflation, and uses the model to analyze the input–output of Zoumajie town in Shuangfeng City, Hunan Province, China, by unifying dimension (solar energy value).
Rural School Leader’s View of the Local School and Higher Education: A Case of Rural China
Authors: Liu Liming , Yang Dongliang , Yin Kexin
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this research is to examine how the local community views the local school and higher education from the viewpoint of school leaders. Learning ‘using’ technologies has become a global phenomenon. The Internet is often seen as a value-neutral tool that potentially allows individuals to overcome the constraints of traditional elitist spaces and gain unhindered access to learning. Additionally, the study looks at the peculiarities of rural regions that are sparsely inhabited. The data came from a survey of 1270 Chinese school administrators. According to school leaders, local schools and higher education often score best in major cities and lowest in sparsely populated rural towns, revealing considerable disparities across the four categories of international urban regions. The articles also disclose certain information about sparsely populated rural places, such as a different sort of expectation of the local school, but also its worth, and establish a positive relationship between the school and the community. School staff have likewise expressed low expectations for the local school. These findings relate to continuing conversations in Asian nations about school leadership and education. The national governments and nongovernmental agencies who fund educational endeavors in developing countries have advocated the use of new technologies to reduce the cost of reaching and educating large numbers of children and adults who are currently missing out on education. This paper presents an overview of the educational developments in open, distance, and technology-facilitated learning that aim to reach the educationally deprived populations of the world. It reveals the challenges encountered by children and adults in developing countries as they attempt to access available educational opportunities.
Facilitating Smart City Development through Adaption of the Learnings from Enterprise Systems Integration
Authors: Javidroozi Vahid , Shah Hanifa , Feldman Gerald
Published: March 2022

Cross-sectoral city systems integration is a necessity for Smart City Development (SCD) to provide real-time services to citizens. However, there is scant knowledge about integrating city systems, while the existing literature is replete with learnings on systems integration from private enterprises. Hence, the wisdom of Enterprise Systems Integration (ESI) can be utilised to integrate systems for SCD. Yet, there is limited knowledge on the association between these two contexts. This research aims to develop an innovative model, referred to as ‘AdaptModel’, that enables the adaption of the ESI learnings for SCD based on the differences and similarities between city and enterprise through qualitative research utilising literature analysis, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis. The findings show that the difference between cities and private enterprises from a systems integration viewpoint is in degree rather than in kind. Hence, using ESI learnings for the SCD context is valuable and informative, but it would be more complex, bureaucratic, time-consuming, and expensive. The research offers guidance in addressing the systems integration challenges associated with SCD based on interrelations between SCD and ESI; this is carried out by applying a novel approach of contextualising and modifying the ESI learnings to support cross-sectoral city systems integration.
Socio-Ecological Futures: Embedded Solutions for Stakeholder-Driven Alternative Futures
Authors: Cronan Daniel , Trammell E. Jamie , Kliskey Andrew (Anaru) , Williams Paula , Alessa Lilian
Published: March 2022

Scenarios of landscape change have the capacity to address spatial and temporal issues, current and future trends, and solutions that increase capacity and/or resilience in social-ecological systems and their networks. In this study, we present a resilience framework for food–energy–water systems and demonstrate it with a case study in Magic Valley, Idaho. We formulated scenarios of change based on stakeholder input (qualitative data), researcher-developed models (quantitative data), and validation of plausibility through impact and indicator evaluation. The stakeholder engagement process identified key issues, critical uncertainties, and plausible and viable solutions to future challenges. Specifically, we analyzed cross-scenario futures and their solutions to address water quality issues in the face of climate change, land-use change conflicts, and population shifts in the region. The process activates stakeholder and research-based models to create geospatial alternative futures and their associated timesteps, with embedded solutions, which broadens and improves conventional scenario-based research. The process intends to provide policy-makers, researchers, and scenario facilitators with a strategic framework to activate solutions temporally with a stakeholder-defined suite of scenarios.
Environmental Performance Evaluation of New Type Thermal Power Enterprises Considering Carbon Peak and Neutrality
Authors: Li Tao , Guo Yunfen , Yi Liqi , Gao Tian
Published: March 2022

Starting from the definition of traditional thermal power generation enterprises, this paper defines thermal power enterprises that are committed to achieving the carbon peak and neutrality by developing new energy sources as new type thermal power enterprises. Considering that China’s current environmental management and environmental performance evaluation mainly focus on the treatment of pollutants in terms of prevention and control, an indicator system that comprehensively considers the whole process of environmental management of power generation enterprises has been constructed, and the factors affecting the environmental performance of enterprises have been effectively identified. The factor analysis method comprehensively evaluates the environmental performance of China’s new type thermal power enterprises, realizes the comparability of environmental performance among power generation enterprises, and enables stakeholders such as the government and the public to conduct supervision in a timely, accurate, and comprehensive manner. In addition, it is the first time to combine the environmental performance evaluation with the carbon peak and neutrality and introduce the carbon reduction capability evaluation indicator into the indicator system, which enriches the practical significance of the environmental performance of power generation enterprises.
Syngas Production and Combined Heat and Power from Scottish Agricultural Waste Gasification—A Computational Study
Authors: Salem Ahmed M. , Dhami Harnek S. , Paul Manosh C.
Published: March 2022

This paper explores the possibility of utilizing Scottish agricultural waste for sustainable energy, including combined heat and power (CHP). Challenges of using unconventional agricultural feedstocks for gasification are addressed, and the study is focused on the fundamental understanding of gasification processes as well as the design constraints of a commonly used downdraft gasifier. An integrated kinetic and CHP model is presented to address these, and the results demonstrate the optimal working parameters that maximize the production of high-quality syngas and power from the CHP engine. Based on the robust sensitivity analysis, an equivalence ratio (Φ) of 0.3–0.35 with moisture content (MC) less than 10% yields higher production of syngas, thus resulting in higher gasification efficiency. Moreover, an increase in Φ also favors the gasification temperature, which promotes tar cracking and results in lower tar content. Additionally, the gasification efficiency, design limitations, and challenges are addressed to optimize the gasifier design so that it can handle diverse feedstocks with high performance. Therefore, the findings are significant in the field of bioenergy and, in particular, help to expand the route of converting agricultural waste to energy.
Adolescents’ Emotions in Spanish Education: Development and Validation of the Social and Emotional Learning Scale
Authors: Fernández-Martín Francisco D. , Moreno-Guerrero Antonio-José , Marín-Marín José-Antonio , Romero-Rodríguez José-María
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a scale for measuring the different areas of competence of the social and emotional learning model in students in compulsory secondary education. For this purpose, following the recommendations and quality standards established by the specialised literature, the Social and Emotional Learning Scale was constructed and administered to a convenience sample of 1385 students in compulsory secondary education. The results reveal adequate reliability of the instrument and fairly satisfactory fit indices for the structural model proposed. In addition, external evidence is provided for the validity of the instrument with the variables life satisfaction and school performance. The Social and Emotional Learning Scale is of satisfactory metric quality and provides a detailed and consolidated picture of adolescents’ level of self-awareness, social awareness, self-control, interpersonal skills and responsible decision making, which provides students with an instrument that can help to understand their interpersonal and intrapersonal skills and to establish mechanisms for their improvement.
Radius of k-Parabolic Starlikeness for Some Entire Functions
Authors: Mondal Saiful R.
Published: March 2022

This article considers three types of analytic functions based on their infinite product representation. The radius of the k-parabolic starlikeness of the functions of these classes is studied. The optimal parameter values for k-parabolic starlike functions are determined in the unit disk. Several examples are provided that include special functions such as Bessel, Struve, Lommel, and q-Bessel functions.
Micro-Attention Branch, a Flexible Plug-In That Enhances Existing 3D ConvNets
Authors: Li Yongsheng , Tu Tengfei , Wang Huawei , Yin Wei
Published: March 2022

In the field of video motion recognition, with the increase in network depth, there is an asymmetry in the amount of parameters and their accuracy. We propose the structure of micro-attention branches and a method of integrating attention branches in multi-branches 3D convolution networks. Our proposed attention branches can improve this asymmetry problem. Attention branches can be flexibly added to 3D convolution network in the form of plug-in, without changing the overall structure of the original network. Through this structure, the newly constructed network can fuse the attention features extracted by attention branches in real time in the process of feature extraction. By adding attention branches, the model can focus on the action subject more accurately, so as to improve the accuracy of the model. Moreover, in the case that there are multiple sub-branches in the construction module of the existing network, 3D micro-attention branches can well adapt to this scenario. In the kinetics dataset, we use our proposed micro-attention branch structure to construct a deep network, which is compared with the original network. The experimental results show that the recognition accuracy of the network with micro-attention branches is improved by 3.6% compared with the original network, while the amount of parameters to be trained is only increased by 0.6%.
Uncovering Disturbance Observer and Ultra-Local Plant Models in Series PI Controllers
Authors: Huba Mikulas , Gao Zhiqiang
Published: March 2022

The paper settles two major liabilities and asymmetries of the theory of automatic control to the design of simple system controllers. It shows the most frequently used series proportional integral (PI) controllers as disturbance reconstruction and compensation-based structures and solves their designs using two types of linear system models. Beginning with the example of a simple integrator controlled by a P controller, it shows that constant input disturbances can be reconstructed by evaluating steady state values of the controller output. Thereby, the nearly steady state controller output can be simply achieved by using a low-pass filter with a time constant significantly longer than the time constant of stabilized processes. This disturbance observer (DOB) functionality can be demonstrated as being kept by series PI controllers designed by the pole assignment method. The DOB design can also be extended to first-order systems with internal feedback. However, there, the reconstructed disturbances depend both on the controller and the plant output steady state values. Because this feature is missing in industrial PI controllers, it indicates their connections with simpler, ultra-local (integral) linear system models. The interpretation of PI controllers as DOB-based structures allows a systematic consistent classification of all existing disturbance compensation structures and simplifies their comparisons with other modern and postmodern DOB-based alternatives. Given the breadth of use, improved understanding of PI control functionality also represents an important step to their optimal implementation and to research of innovative modifications, as illustrated by facilitating the flexible use of the new functional capabilities offered by embedded controls. By enhancing “the birth” of new solutions, it is then possible to better satisfy the permanently growing requirements of practice.
The Behavior and Structures of Solution of Fifth-Order Rational Recursive Sequence
Authors: Elsayed Elsayed M. , Aloufi Badriah S. , Moaaz Osama
Published: March 2022

In this work, we aim to study some qualitative properties of higher order nonlinear difference equations. Specifically, we investigate local as well as global stability and boundedness of solutions of this equation. In addition, we will provide solutions to a number of special cases of the studied equation. Also, we present many numerical examples that support the results obtained. The importance of the results lies in completing the results in the literature, which aims to develop the theoretical side of the qualitative theory of difference equations.
Semantically Valid Integration of Development Processes and Toolchains
Authors: Schramm Joachim , Andelfinger Urs , Fischer Helge , Rausch Andreas
Published: March 2022

As an indispensable component of today’s world economy and an increasing success factor in production and other processes, as well as products, software needs to handle a growing number of specific requirements and influencing factors that are driven by globalization. Two common success factors in the domain of Software Systems Engineering are standardized software development processes and process-supported toolchains. Development processes should be formally integrated with toolchains. The sequence and the results of toolchains must also be validated with the specifications of the development process on several levels. The outcome of a conceptual deductive analysis is that there is neither a formal general mapping nor a generally accepted validation mechanism for the challenges that such an integrated concept faces. To close this research gap, this paper focuses on the core issue of the integration of development processes and toolchains in order to create benefits for modeling and automatization in the domain of systems engineering. Therefore, it describes a self-developed integration approach related to the recently introduced prototypical technical implementation TOPWATER. A unified metamodel specifies how processes and toolchains are linked by a general mapping mechanism that considers test options for the structural, content, and semantic levels.
Negotiating Learning Goals with Your Future Learning-Self
Authors: Tsiakas Konstantinos , Cnossen Deborah , Muyrers Timothy H. C. , Stappers Danique R. C. , Toebosch Romain H. A. , Barakova Emilia I.
Published: March 2022

This paper discusses the challenges towards designing an educational avatar which visualizes the future learning-self of a student in order to promote their self-regulated learning skills. More specifically, the avatar follows a negotiation-based interaction with the student during the goal-setting process of self-regulated learning. The goal of the avatar is to help the student get insights of their possible future learning-self based on their daily goals. Our approach utilizes a Recurrent Neural Network as the underlying prediction model for expected learning outcomes and goal feasibility. In this paper, we present our ongoing work and design process towards an explainable and personalized educational avatar, focusing both on the avatar design and the human-algorithm interactions.
Post-Processing Bias Field Inhomogeneity Correction for Assessing Background Parenchymal Enhancement on Breast MRI as a Quantitative Marker of Treatment Response
Authors: Nguyen Alex Anh-Tu , Onishi Natsuko , Carmona-Bozo Julia , Li Wen , Kornak John , Newitt David C. , Hylton Nola M.
Published: March 2022

Background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) of breast fibroglandular tissue (FGT) in dynamic contrast-enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has shown an association with response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with breast cancer. Fully automated segmentation of FGT for BPE calculation is a challenge when image artifacts are present. Low spatial frequency intensity nonuniformity due to coil sensitivity variations is known as bias or inhomogeneity and can affect FGT segmentation and subsequent BPE measurement. In this study, we utilized the N4ITK algorithm for bias correction over a restricted bilateral breast volume and compared the contralateral FGT segmentations based on uncorrected and bias-corrected images in three MRI examinations at pre-treatment, early treatment and inter-regimen timepoints during NAC. A retrospective analysis of 2 cohorts was performed: one with 735 patients enrolled in the multi-center I-SPY 2 TRIAL and the sub-cohort of 340 patients meeting a high-quality benchmark for segmentation. Bias correction substantially increased the FGT segmentation quality for 6.3–8.0% of examinations, while it substantially decreased the quality for no examination. Our results showed improvement in segmentation quality and a small but statistically significant increase in the resulting BPE measurement after bias correction at all timepoints in both cohorts. Continuing studies are examining the effects on pCR prediction.
Searching for Novel Air Pollutants Inducers of Toxicity in the Respiratory and Immune Systems
Authors: Camacho Irene
Published: March 2022

Many contaminants may pollute the indoor or outdoor environment in a variety of ways [...]
Cytotoxicity of Thiopurine Drugs in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Zakerska-Banaszak Oliwia , Łykowska-Szuber Liliana , Walczak Michał , Żuraszek Joanna , Zielińska Aleksandra , Skrzypczak-Zielińska Marzena
Published: March 2022

The effectiveness of thiopurine drugs in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was confirmed more than a half-century ago. It was proven that these can be essential immunomodulatory medications. Since then, they have been used routinely to maintain remission of Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The cytotoxic properties of thiopurines and the numerous adverse effects of the treatment are controversial. However, the research subject of their pharmacology, therapy monitoring, and the search for predictive markers are still very relevant. In this article, we provide an overview of the current knowledge and findings in the field of thiopurines in IBD, focusing on the aspect of their cytotoxicity. Due to thiopurines’ benefits in IBD therapy, it is expected that they will still constitute an essential part of the CD and UC treatment algorithm. More studies are still required on the modulation of the action of thiopurines in combination therapy and their interaction with the gut microbiota.
Profiling the Murine Acute Phase and Inflammatory Responses to African Snake Venom: An Approach to Inform Acute Snakebite Pathology
Authors: Alsolaiss Jaffer , Evans Chloe A. , Oluoch George O. , Casewell Nicholas R. , Harrison Robert A.
Published: March 2022

Snake envenoming causes rapid systemic and local effects that often result in fatal or long-term disability outcomes. It seems likely that acute phase and inflammatory responses contribute to these haemorrhagic, coagulopathic, neurotoxic, nephrotoxic and local tissue destructive pathologies. However, the contributory role of acute phase/inflammatory responses to envenoming is under-researched and poorly understood—particularly for envenoming by sub-Saharan African venomous snakes. To provide data to help guide future studies of human patients, and to explore the rationale for adjunct anti-inflammatory medication, here we used an in vivo murine model to systematically assess acute phase and inflammatory responses of mice to ten African snake venoms. In addition to investigating snake species-specific effects of venom on the cardiovascular system and other key organs and tissues, we examined the response to intravascular envenoming by acute phase reactants, including serum amyloid A, P-selectin and haptoglobin, and several cytokines. Venoms of the spitting (Naja nigricollis) and forest (N. melanoleuca) cobras resulted in higher acute phase and inflammatory responses than venoms from the other cobras, mambas and vipers tested. Naja nigricollis venom also stimulated a 100-fold increase in systemic interleukin 6. Thin blood films from venom-treated mice revealed species-specific changes in red blood cell morphology, indicative of membrane abnormalities and functional damage, lymphopenia and neutrophil leukocytosis. Our ex vivo assays with healthy human blood treated with these venoms identified that N. nigricollis venom induced marked levels of haemolysis and platelet aggregation. We conclude that African snake venoms stimulate very diverse responses in this mouse model of acute systemic envenoming, and that venoms of the African cobras N. nigricollis and N. melanoleuca, in particular, cause marked inflammatory and non-specific acute phase responses. We also report that several African snake venoms cause haemolytic changes. These findings emphasise the importance of understanding acute responses to envenoming, and that further research in this area may facilitate new diagnostic and treatment approaches, which in turn may lead to better clinical outcomes for snakebite patients.
Search for Muon-to-Electron Conversion with the COMET Experiment
Authors: Moritsu Manabu
Published: March 2022

Charged Lepton Flavor Violation is expected to be one of the most powerful tools to reveal physics beyond the Standard Model. The COMET experiment aims to search for the neutrinoless coherent transition of a muon into an electron in the field of a nucleus. Muon-to-electron conversion has never been observed, and can be, and would be, clear evidence of new physics if discovered. The experimental sensitivity of this process, defined as the ratio of the muon-to-electron conversion rate to the total muon capture rate, is expected to be significantly improved by a factor of 100 to 10,000 in the coming decade. The COMET experiment will take place at J-PARC with single event sensitivities of the orders of 10−15 and 10−17 in Phase-I and Phase-II, respectively. The ambitious goal of the COMET experiment is achieved by realizing a high-quality pulsed beam and an unprecedentedly powerful muon source together with an excellent detector apparatus that can tolerate a severe radiation environment. The construction of a new beam line, superconducting magnets, detectors and electronics is in progress towards the forthcoming Phase-I experiment. We present the experimental methods, sensitivity and backgrounds along with recent status and prospects.
HBsAg Loss as a Treatment Endpoint for Chronic HBV Infection: HBV Cure
Authors: Moini Maryam , Fung Scott
Published: March 2022

Despite the availability of effective vaccines and antiviral therapy over the past two to three decades, chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major global health threat as a leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Functional HBV cure defined as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss and undetectable serum HBV DNA is associated with improved clinical outcomes in patients with chronic HBV infection. However, spontaneous loss of HBsAg is rare and occurs in only 1% of all HBsAg-positive individuals annually. Furthermore, the rate of functional cure with currently available antiviral therapy is even lower, <1% patients on treatment per year. Nonetheless, HBsAg loss has become the new target or therapeutic endpoint for antiviral treatment. Recently, there has been much excitement surrounding the development of novel antiviral agents such as small interfering RNA (siRNA), core assembly modulators (CAMs), nucleic acid polymers (NAPs) among others, which may be used in combination with nucleos(t)ide analogs and possibly immunomodulatory therapies to achieve functional cure in a significant proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis B. Novel assays with improved sensitivity for detection of very low levels of HBsAg and to determine the source of HBsAg production will also be required to measure efficacy of newer antiviral treatments for HBV cure. In this narrative review, we will define HBV cure, discuss various sources of HBsAg production, evaluate rates of HBsAg loss with current and future antiviral agents, review clinical factors associated with spontaneous HBsAg loss, and explore clinical implications of functional cure.
The Side Effects and Adverse Clinical Cases Reported after COVID-19 Immunization
Authors: Rabail Roshina , Ahmed Waqar , Ilyas Madiha , Rajoka Muhammad Shahid Riaz , Hassoun Abdo , Khalid Abdur Rauf , Khan Moazzam Rafiq , Aadil Rana Muhammad
Published: March 2022

COVID-19 remains a deadly disease that poses a serious threat to humanity. COVID-19 vaccines protect the public and limit viral spread. However, public acceptance is significantly dependent on the efficacy and side effects (SEs) of the vaccinations being produced. Four important mechanisms have been examined for COVID-19 vaccines: DNA-based, mRNA-based, protein-based, and inactivated viruses. Vaccination safety research was formerly limited to manufacturer-sponsored studies, but numerous additional cross-sectional survey-based studies conducted globally have contributed to the generation of vaccine-related safety data reports. Twenty-seven studies and twenty-four case reports published-up till 2021 were overviewed for the presentation of SEs and their severity. Injection site pain remained the most dominant localized SE, while headache and fatigue were the most prevalent systemic SEs. Most studies reported that all vaccinations were safe, with very little or no adverse effects, but the nature of SEs was reported to be more persistent in DNA- and mRNA-based vaccines, while inactivated viral vaccines were associated with longer-duration SEs. Overall, SEs were found to be more dominant in women and youngsters. Case reports of adverse reactions have also been documented, but there is still a need to find out their pathological linkage with the COVID-19 vaccination.
Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Echinococcus granulosus Sensu Lato Eggs among Stray Dogs in Sulaimani Province—Kurdistan, Iraq
Authors: Aziz Hazhar M. , Hama Abdullah A. , Salih Mariwan A. Hama , Ditta Allah
Published: March 2022

The main goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus among stray dogs, as well as its potential impact on the environmental contamination in the Kurdistan-Iraq using microscopic examination and the Copro-PCR method. The presence of taeniid eggs was recorded in 400 dog faeces collected from the four different regions in the Sulaimani Governorate. The parasite eggs were recovered from fresh and aged faecal samples of the dogs using two isolation techniques, a flotation method (Sheather’s solution, modified; specific gravity: d = 1.27) and a sedimentation method (formal-ether) in which the sediments from dog faeces were collected. Both methods were used for Copro-PCR to detect the presence of Echinococcus species egg through DNA using common primers designed to amplify a partial gene of cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COX1). The results of the microscopic examination showed a higher prevalence rate, i.e., 97 (24.25%) of E. granulosus among stray dogs generally in Sulaimani Governorate. The prevalence of E. granulosus among stray dogs according to the district area was 40, 24, 23, and 20.8% in Rzgari, Kalar, Sulaimani, and Halabja, respectively. The positive samples (n = 50) were selected for molecular confirmation, the DNA was extracted from the sediment of the positive samples and 40 (80%) samples were successfully amplified by polymerase chain reaction. The sequences show that all samples belong to the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (G1–G3), with slight genetic variation. It was concluded that the sediment of dog faeces can be used for DNA extraction, which is a new method that increases the sensitivity of the test, and the amount of DNA yield would be higher than the routine method, which directly uses faeces of the dogs. In addition, the molecular diagnosis was more sensitive than the microscope examination for the presence of E. granulosus eggs. The prevalence of E. granulosus in both the final hosts and the intermediate hosts must be regularly monitored.
Investigation of Serotype Prevalence of Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Layer Poultry in Greece and Interactions with Other Infectious Agents
Authors: Koutsianos Dimitrios , Athanasiou Labrini , Mossialos Dimitris , Franzo Giovanni , Cecchinato Mattia , Koutoulis Konstantinos
Published: March 2022

Colibacillosis is the most common bacterial disease in poultry and it is caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), which is assigned to various O-serogroups. Previous studies have shown that APEC strains are more often related to certain O-serogroups such asO78, O2 and O1. E. coli has been reported to act either as a primary or secondary agent in complicating other infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of and characterize the O-serogroups of E. coli strains isolated from commercial layer and layer breeder flocks showing macroscopic lesions of colibacillosis and increased or normal mortality in Greece. Furthermore, we attempted to assess the interaction between infectious agents such as Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), Mycoplasma synoviae (MS), infectious bronchitis (IBV) and infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) with E. coli infections in layer flocks with increased mortality. Our study revealed that in addition to the common serogroups (O78, O2), many other, and less common serogroups were identified, including O111. The O78, O111 and O2 serogroups were frequently detected in flocks with lesions of colibacillosis and increased mortality whereas O2, O88 and O8 were reported more commonly in birds with colibacillosis lesions but normal mortality rates. These data provide important information for colibacillosis monitoring and define preventative measures, especially by using effective vaccination programs because E. coli vaccines are reported to mainly offer homologous protection. Finally, concerning the association of the four tested infectious agents with E. coli mortality, our study did not reveal a statistically significant effect of the above infectious agents tested with E. coli infection mortality.
Effects of DEM Depression Filling on River Drainage Patterns and Surface Runoff Generated by 2D Rain-on-Grid Scenarios
Authors: Costabile Pierfranco , Costanzo Carmelina , Gandolfi Claudio , Gangi Fabiola , Masseroni Daniele
Published: March 2022

Topographic depressions in Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) have been traditionally seen as a feature to be removed as no outward flow direction is available to route and accumulate flows. Therefore, to simplify hydrologic analysis for practical purposes, the common approach treated all depressions in DEMs as artefacts and completely removed them in DEMs’ data preprocessing prior to modelling. However, the effects of depression filling on both the geomorphic structure of the river network and surface runoff is still not clear. The use of two-dimensional (2D) hydrodynamic modeling to track inundation patterns has the potential to provide novel point of views on this issue. Specifically, there is no need to remove topographic depression from DEM, as performed in the use of traditional methods for the automatic extraction of river networks, so that their effects can be directly taken into account in simulated drainage patterns and in the associated hydrologic response. The novelty introduced in this work is the evaluation of the effects of DEM depression filling on both the structure of the net-points characterizing the simulated networks and the hydrologic response of the watersheds to simplified rainfall scenarios. The results highlight how important these effects might be in practical applications, providing new insights in the field of watershed-scale modeling.
Combined Anomaly Detection Framework for Digital Twins of Water Treatment Facilities
Authors: Wei Yuying , Law Adrian Wing-Keung , Yang Chun , Tang Di
Published: March 2022

Digital twins of cyber-physical systems with automated process control systems using programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are increasingly popular nowadays. At the same time, cyber-physical security is also a growing concern with system connectivity. This study develops a combined anomaly detection framework (CADF) against various types of security attacks on the digital twin of process control in water treatment facilities. CADF utilizes the PLC-based whitelist system to detect anomalies that target the actuators and the deep learning approach of natural gradient boosting (NGBoost) and probabilistic assessment to detect anomalies that target the sensors. The effectiveness of CADF is verified using a physical facility for water treatment with membrane processes called the Secure Water Treatment (SWaT) system in the Singapore University of Technology and Design. Various attack scenarios are tested in SWaT by falsifying the reported values of sensors and actuators in the digital twin process. These scenarios include both trivial attacks, which are commonly studied, as well as non-trivial (i.e., sophisticated) attacks, which are rarely reported. The results show that CADF performs very well with good detection accuracy in all scenarios, and particularly, it is able to detect all sophisticated attacks while ongoing before they can induce damage to the water treatment facility. CADF can be further extended to other cyber-physical systems in the future.
Meeting the Moment: Leveraging Temporal Inequality for Temporal Targeting to Achieve Water-Quality Load-Reduction Goals
Authors: Opalinski Nicole , Schultz Daniel , Veith Tamie L. , Royer Matt , Preisendanz Heather E.
Published: March 2022

Inequality is an emergent property of complex systems. In catchments, variation in hydroclimatic conditions and biogeochemistry cause streamflow and constituent loads to exhibit strong temporal inequality, with most loads exported during “hot moments”. Achieving water-quality-restoration goals in a cost-effective manner requires targeted implementation of conservation practices in “hot spots” in the landscape and “hot moments” in time. While spatial targeting is commonly included in development of watershed management plans, the need for temporal targeting is often acknowledged, but no common way to address it has been established. Here, we implement a Lorenz Inequality decision-making framework that uses Lorenz Curves and Gini Coefficients to quantify the degree of temporal inequality exhibited by contaminant loads and demonstrate its utility for eight impaired catchments in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The framework requires a load-reduction goal be set and then links the degree of temporal inequality in annual nutrient loads to the periods of time during which those loads could be targeted. These results are critical in guiding development of site-specific, cost-effective tools that facilitate load-reduction and water-quality goal attainment for individual catchments. The framework provides valuable insight into site-specific potentials for meeting load-reduction goals.
Aosta Valley Mountain Springs: A Preliminary Analysis for Understanding Variations in Water Resource Availability under Climate Change
Authors: Gizzi Martina , Mondani Michele , Taddia Glenda , Suozzi Enrico , Lo Russo Stefano
Published: March 2022

The availability of freshwater resources in mountain areas has been affected by climate change impacts on groundwater storage mechanisms. As a web of complex interactions characterizes climate systems, understanding how water storage conditions have changed in response to climate-driven factors in different Italian contexts is becoming increasingly crucial. In order to comprehend the relationship between changes in weather conditions and water availability in the Aosta Valley region and how their trends have changed over the last decade, a 7-year discharge series of different Aosta Valley springs (Promise, Alpe Perrot, Promiod, Cheserod) and precipitation data are analysed. Precipitation and flow rate trends using the Mann–Kendall and Sen’s slope trend detection tests were also performed. Not all of the Aosta Valley mountain springs detected seem to respond to the climate variation with a decrease in their stored water resources. Unlike Promiod, Alpe Perrot, Cheserod, and Promise springs have experienced an increase in water discharged amount during the detected 7-year period. This behavior occurs despite the available precipitation data for the associated Sant Vincent, Aymaville-Viayes, La Thuile-Villaret, Champdepraz meteorological stations revealing an overall decreasing trend in annual rainfall (mm), with a slight increase in intensity (mm/day) as a result of the reduction in rainfall events (number of rainy days).
Adaptive Pre-Aim Control of Driverless Vehicle Path Tracking Based on a SSA-BP Neural Network
Authors: Huang Yinggang , Luo Wenguang , Lan Hongli
Published: March 2022

Aiming at the problem that the tracking accuracy of unmanned vehicle path tracking preview control is greatly affected by the preview time, a BP neural network adaptive preview control method is proposed. Considering that the prediction effect of the BP neural network is limited to the initial value setting, a preview time adjuster based on the SSA-BP neural network was established; by establishing the relationship between the front wheel steering angle and the preview time, a new direction control driver model was formed. The driver model and the preview time adjuster together constitute an adaptive steering controller. In order to solve the influence of the longitudinal speed change on the vehicle stability, a PID variable-speed controller was designed to realize the horizontal and vertical coordinated control of the path tracking of the unmanned vehicle. Compared with the fixed preview time and the BP preview time control method, the results show that the proposed method has strong tracking ability when driving at various speeds on three consecutive curves and Alt 3 test roads, and can be used when driving at a variable speed.
Features of forming a hotel product for country accommodation
Authors:   Department of Tourism, Petrozavodsk State University, Maksimova V. I. , Plotnikova V. S. ,   Department of Tourism, Petrozavodsk State University
Published: March 2022

The article is devoted to the description of the stages of designing a hotel product aimed at increasing the attractiveness of a country accommodation facility, including: identifying a problem that hinders the development of this accommodation facility; study of modern trends in the field of hospitality and, on their basis, the selection of ideas for a new hotel product; definition of the target audience; concept development; assessment of the market adequacy of the product. These stages made it possible to use them in the educational process of the university and to develop several options for a new hotel product for vacationers in a country accommodation facility, associated with health-improving methods, with immersion in the cultural and mythological features of the region and its gastronomic traditions. These cases are easily adapted for other suburban accommodation facilities. The main channels for promoting the hotel product are presented, allowing for continuous communication with potential customers and intermediaries.
Analysis of modern sales technologies in the hotel business
Authors:   V. I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Podorueva M. S.
Published: March 2022

The article is devoted to the study of current and modern sales technologies in the hotel business. The current dynamics of sales volumes in the hotel business is determined, the most effective sales technologies are considered based on domestic and international experience. Potential directions and tools for the development of sales technologies in the hospitality industry have been formed.