bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Dropout Prediction Model: A Case Study of University Leveling Course Students
Authors: Sandoval-Palis Iván , Naranjo David , Vidal Jack , Gilar-Corbi Raquel
Published: November 2020

The school-dropout problem is a serious issue that affects both a country’s education system and its economy, given the substantial investment in education made by national governments. One strategy for counteracting the problem at an early stage is to identify students at risk of dropping out. The present study introduces a model to predict student dropout rates in the Escuela Politécnica Nacional leveling course. Data related to 2097 higher education students were analyzed; a logistic regression model and an artificial neural network model were trained using four variables, which incorporated student academic and socio-economic information. After comparing the two models, the neural network, with an experimentally defined architecture of 4–7–1 architecture and a logistic activation function, was selected as the model that should be applied to early predict dropout in the leveling course. The study findings show that students with the highest risk of dropping out are those in vulnerable situations, with low application grades, from the Costa regime, who are enrolled in the leveling course for technical degrees. This model can be used by the university authorities to identify possible dropout cases, as well as to establish policies to reduce university dropout and failure rates.
Identification of the Relationship between Rainfall and the CN Parameter in Western Carpathian Mountain Catchments in Poland
Authors: Młyński Dariusz , Wałęga Andrzej
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to identify the form of the dependence describing the relationship between rainfall (P) and the curve number (CN) parameter using the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS-CN) method in the mountain catchments of the Western Carpathians. The study was carried out in 28 catchments areas in the Western Carpathians in the Upper Vistula Basin, Poland. The study was conducted in the following stages: determination of the volume of the direct runoff using the NRCS-CN method, determination of the P–CN relationship using asymptotic functions, kinetic equation and complementary error function; determination of the volume of the direct runoff from the catchment area, accounting for the correction of the decline; determination of the value of the efficiency coefficient of the analysed models. On the basis of the conducted study, a strong relationship was found between the direct runoff and the rainfall that caused it. The study showed that the empirical values of the CN parameter differed from the values determined on the basis of the volume of rainfall and runoff. The vast majority of study catchments were characterised by a standard P–CN relationship. The kinetic model was found to be the best model to describe the P–CN relationship. The asymptotic model showed the greatest stability for high rainfall episodes. It was shown that the application of the catchment slope correction improved the quality of the NRCS-CN model.
Organisational Welfare in Italian SMEs: The Process of Valorising Human Resources
Authors: D’Angelo Chiara , Gazzaroli Diletta , Gozzoli Caterina
Published: November 2020

Organisational welfare is a complex private system that offers advantages to a company and its employees. However, when occupational welfare is largely implemented as an “economic” strategy, there is a high probability that it would not necessarily be capable of guaranteeing a profit. The risks and possibilities associated with the implementation of a welfare programme incur further challenges if applied to the context of SMEs. Thus, SMEs are organisational realities characterised by specific emotional and relational dynamics. As such, welfare in these realities takes on deep value and significance and so it potentially impacts processes of valorising human resources. With our study, we analysed welfare practices and representations within specific organisational realities (SMEs) in order to understand how welfare could impact organisational processes of valorising human resources. Based on our results, we realised that welfare can be seen as a sort of magnifying glass that allowed for the detection of the themes that led the organisations to reflect on their rooted values and identities. We suggest that SMEs should think about welfare as a process rather than a product, strengthening their awareness of factors, dynamics and processes that define the complexity of the quality of life in organisations.
Toward Sustainable ICT-Supported Neighborhood Development—A Maturity Model
Authors: Renyi Madeleine , Hegedüs Anna , Maier Edith , Teuteberg Frank , Kunze Christophe
Published: November 2020

Scientists promote the fostering of caring communities as a means of sustainably coping with demographic changes. They consider community-based technologies to have a high potential for supporting the establishment of caring communities. However, implementing community-based technologies is a complex endeavor, making sustainable adoption difficult. We have developed a maturity model aimed at standardizing the monitoring and evaluation of neighborhood projects. Based on a maturity model for integrated care, we conducted a Delphi study, to develop a maturity model for information and communication technology (ICT)-supported neighborhood development. In eight case studies, the model was validated and subsequently adapted to the specific needs and requirements of neighborhood projects. These studies emphasized the importance of at least 12 decisive dimensions and showed that the maturity model could be applied at different stages of a project. The current form of the maturity model can be used to help orient, as well as monitor and evaluate, neighborhood development projects. Future work will be necessary to further develop accompanying materials and services and to foster the exchange of best practices and experience between projects.
Green Building in the Arctic Region: State-of-the-Art and Future Research Opportunities
Authors: Ravasio Lucrezia , Sveen Svein-Erik , Riise Raymond
Published: November 2020

The concept of Green Building refers to environmentally friendly constructions with the target of minimizing the impact on the natural environment through sustainable and efficient use of resources over their life cycle. Since modern buildings are large contributors to global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, policies and international strategies intended to reduce the carbon footprint of conventional buildings are highlighting the role of this recently introduced building concept. This study provides a systematic literature review of existing research related to Green Buildings in the Arctic. Despite numerous studies and projects developed during the last decades, a study describing the current research status for this region is still missing. The review first examines the role that national and international policies developed by the arctic countries have on the development process of Green Buildings. Second, it provides an overview of the most commonly used and promoted Green Building rating systems used by the same countries in the region. The analysis highlights benefits and critical issues of Green Buildings located in the Arctic in comparison with conventional buildings, focusing on environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Finally, future research opportunities are presented and discussed.
Air Filter and Selected Vehicle Characteristics
Authors: Synák František , Kalašová Alica , Synák Ján
Published: November 2020

While a vehicle is driving, the air filter is gradually being clogged. Thus, there is a condition for air mass delivered into the engine’s cylinders to be reduced. It can further degrade the vehicle’s ability to accelerate and, therefore, have an impact on road driving safety, or it can eventually make a vehicle performance worse or cause a change in the exhaust gas composition. The article pays attention to the impact of clogged air filter on selected vehicle characteristics including a vehicle’s dynamic features, fuel consumption and composition of the exhaust gases. The measurements have been performed under laboratory conditions. For higher result objectivity, the measurements have been done under some extreme conditions as well, with both the air filter fully clogged and forced air induction. The importance of the article lies in quantification of the impact of clogged air filter on selected vehicle features. The results from this article show a relatively low impact of air filter on the features studied. The biggest differences were measured under extreme conditions when the air filter had been almost fully clogged, or the air had been delivered into the engine under pressure.
Closed-Loop Supply Chain Coordination under a Reward–Penalty and a Manufacturer’s Subsidy Policy
Authors: Kim Sungki , Shin Nina , Park Sangwook
Published: November 2020

Government legislation significantly impacts closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) operations. This study examines the collection rate of and decisions on the product greening improvement level in a three-level CLSC with the government’s reward–penalty and a manufacturer’s subsidy policy. Four game-theoretic models are analyzed in order to evaluate the ways in which the policy and revenue-sharing contracts (RSCs) between the manufacturer and retailer affect the CLSC members’ optimal decisions and profits. We found that a reward–penalty and subsidy policy raise the collection rate, as well as the product greening improvement level. A manufacturer’s financial conflict of interest can be mitigated using RSCs. The RSCs between the manufacturer and the retailer also increase the profit of a recycling company that successfully coordinates the CLSC. An interesting result is that, when the RSCs are used under the subsidy policy, the collection rate is higher than it is in a centralized model. We also found that the subsidy level needs to be adjusted according to the price of the recycling resources, and that increasing the value of the recyclable resources and lowering the recycling costs in the early stages of the supply chain collaboration could lead to higher environmental sustainability. These results illustrate that using an RSC can effectively coordinate the CLSC, and can thus help policy implementation by governments.
Renewable Energy-Aware Sustainable Cellular Networks with Load Balancing and Energy-Sharing Technique
Authors: Hossain Md. Sanwar , Ziaul Islam Khondoker , Jahid Abu , Rahman Khondokar Mizanur , Ahmed Sarwar , Alsharif Mohammed H.
Published: November 2020

With the proliferation of cellular networks, the ubiquitous availability of new-generation multimedia devices, and their wide-ranging data applications, telecom network operators are increasingly deploying the number of cellular base stations (BSs) to deal with unprecedented service demand. The rapid and radical deployment of the cellular network significantly exerts energy consumption and carbon footprints to the atmosphere. The ultimate objective of this work is to develop a sustainable and environmentally-friendly cellular infrastructure through compelling utilization of the locally available renewable energy sources (RES) namely solar photovoltaic (PV), wind turbine (WT), and biomass generator (BG). This article addresses the key challenges of envisioning the hybrid solar PV/WT/BG powered macro BSs in Bangladesh considering the dynamic profile of the RES and traffic intensity in the tempo-spatial domain. The optimal system architecture and technical criteria of the proposed system are critically evaluated with the help of HOMER optimization software for both on-grid and off-grid conditions to downsize the electricity generation cost and waste outflows while ensuring the desired quality of experience (QoE) over 20 years duration. Besides, the green energy-sharing mechanism under the off-grid condition and the grid-tied condition has been critically analyzed for optimal use of green energy. Moreover, the heuristic algorithm of the load balancing technique among collocated BSs has been incorporated for elevating the throughput and energy efficiency (EE) as well. The spectral efficiency (SE), energy efficiency, and outage probability performance of the contemplated wireless network are substantially examined using Matlab based Monte–Carlo simulation under a wide range of network configurations. Simulation results reveal that the proper load balancing technique pledges zero outage probability with expected system performance whereas energy cooperation policy offers an attractive solution for developing green mobile communications employing better utilization of renewable energy under the proposed hybrid solar PV/WT/BG scheme.
Designing and Integrating a Digital Thread System for Customized Additive Manufacturing in Multi-Partner Kayak Production
Authors: Bonham Euan , McMaster Kerr , Thomson Emma , Panarotto Massimo , Müller Jakob Ramon , Isaksson Ola , Johansson Emil
Published: November 2020

Additive manufacturing (AM) opens the vision of decentralised and individualised manufacturing, as a tailored product can be manufactured in proximity to the customers with minimal physical infrastructure required. Consequently, the digital infrastructure and systems solution becomes substantially more complex. There is always a need to design the entire digital system so that different partners (or stakeholders) access correct and relevant information and even support design iterations despite the heterogenous digital environments involved. This paper describes how the design and integration of a digital thread for AM can be approached. A system supporting a digital thread for AM kayak production has been designed and integrated in collaboration with a kayak manufacturer and a professional collaborative product lifecycle management (PLM) software and service provider. From the demonstrated system functionality, three key lessons learnt are clarified: (1) The need for developing a process model of the physical and digital flow in the early stages, (2) the separation between the data to be shared and the processing of data to perform each parties’ task, and (3) the development of an ad-hoc digital application for the involvement of new stakeholders in the AM digital flow, such as final users. The application of the digital thread system was demonstrated through a test of the overall concept by manufacturing a functional and individually customised kayak, printed remotely using AM (composed of a biocomposite containing 20% wood-based fibre).
Variation of the Main Alkaloid Content in Equisetum palustre L. in the Light of Its Ontogeny
Authors: Müller Jürgen , Puttich Philipp Mario , Beuerle Till
Published: November 2020

Marsh horsetail (Equisetum palustre L.) is one of the most poisonous plants of wet grasslands in the northern hemisphere, which poses a major health threat to livestock. Available data on the levels of its main alkaloids are currently contradictory due to the inadequate analytical methods and the wide variation in toxicity levels reported. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the ontogenetic stage of plant development may explain a significant part of the variations in the main Equisetum-type alkaloids. Two populations of marsh horsetail were sampled over two growing seasons. The plant material was classified according to their developmental stages and subsequently the main alkaloids were determined by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) analysis. ANOVA revealed significant effects of the ontogenetic stage but not the site on the main Equisetum-type alkaloids (sum of palustrine and palustridiene) ranging from 213 to 994 mg/kg dry matter (DM). The highest alkaloid content was found in the stages of early development. Not the season itself, but the growth temperature co-influenced the alkaloid content. Our results help to resolve the seemingly contradictory information provided by previous studies on the toxicity of E. palustre and are of practical relevance for the prevention of contamination risks in wet grassland use.
2018 Zika Health Brigade: Delivering Critical Health Screening in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Authors: Godfred-Cato Shana , Fehrenbach S. Nicole , Reynolds Megan R. , Galang Romeo R. , Schoelles Dan , Brown-Shuler Lessely , Hillman Braeanna , DeWilde Leah , Prosper Andra , Hudson Amy , Moore Cynthia A. , Ellis Esther M.
Published: November 2020

In 2017, Hurricanes Irma and Maria caused significant damage to the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), heightening the challenges many residents faced in accessing adequate healthcare and receiving recommended Zika virus screening services. To address this challenge, the USVI Department of Health (DOH) requested technical assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to organize a health brigade to bring needed medical care to an underserved population. It also established the development of important partnerships between federal and private partners as well as between clinical providers and public health entities such as the Epidemiology & Disease Reporting, Maternal Child Health (MCH), and Infant and Toddlers Programs within the DOH, and local clinicians. This health brigade model could be replicated to ensure recommended evaluations are delivered to populations that may have unmet medical needs due to the complexity of the conditions and/or rural location.
Post-COVID-19 Action: Guarding Africa’s Crops against Viral Epidemics Requires Research Capacity Building That Unifies a Trio of Transdisciplinary Interventions
Authors: Wamonje Francis O.
Published: November 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that understanding the genomics of a virus, diagnostics and breaking virus transmission is essential in managing viral pandemics. The same lessons can apply for plant viruses. There are plant viruses that have severely disrupted crop production in multiple countries, as recently seen with maize lethal necrosis disease in eastern and southern Africa. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) is needed to detect new viral threats. Equally important is building local capacity to develop the tools required for rapid diagnosis of plant viruses. Most plant viruses are insect-vectored, hence, biological insights on virus transmission are vital in modelling disease spread. Research in Africa in these three areas is in its infancy and disjointed. Despite intense interest, uptake of HTS by African researchers is hampered by infrastructural gaps. The use of whole-genome information to develop field-deployable diagnostics on the continent is virtually inexistent. There is fledgling research into plant-virus-vector interactions to inform modelling of viral transmission. The gains so far have been modest but encouraging, and therefore must be consolidated. For this, I propose the creation of a new Research Centre for Africa. This bold investment is needed to secure the future of Africa’s crops from insect-vectored viral diseases.
CD4 and CD8 Lymphocyte Counts as Surrogate Early Markers for Progression in SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia: A Prospective Study
Authors: Calvet Joan , Gratacós Jordi , Amengual María José , Llop Maria , Navarro Marta , Moreno Amàlia , Berenguer-Llergo Antoni , Serrano Alejandra , Orellana Cristóbal , Cervantes Manel
Published: November 2020

Background: COVID-19 pathophysiology and the predictive factors involved are not fully understood, but lymphocytes dysregulation appears to play a role. This paper aims to evaluate lymphocyte subsets in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and as predictive factors for severe disease. Patient and methods: A prospective cohort study of patients with SARS-CoV-2 bilateral pneumonia recruited at hospital admission. Demographics, medical history, and data regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection were recorded. Patients systematically underwent complete laboratory tests, including parameters related to COVID-19 as well as lymphocyte subsets study at the time of admission. Severe disease criteria were established at admission, and patients were classified on remote follow-up according to disease evolution. Linear regression models were used to assess associations with disease evolution, and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) and the corresponding Area Under the Curve (AUC) were used to evaluate predictive values. Results: Patients with critical COVID-19 showed a decrease in CD3+CD4+ T cells count compared to non-critical (278 (485 IQR) vs. 545 (322 IQR)), a decrease in median CD4+/CD8+ ratio (1.7, (1.7 IQR) vs. 3.1 (2.4 IQR)), and a decrease in median CD4+MFI (21,820 (4491 IQR) vs. 26,259 (3256 IQR)), which persisted after adjustment. CD3+CD8+ T cells count had a high correlation with time to hospital discharge (PC = −0.700 (−0.931, −0.066)). ROC curves for predictive value showed lymphocyte subsets achieving the best performances, specifically CD3+CD4+ T cells (AUC = 0.756), CD4+/CD8+ ratio (AUC = 0.767), and CD4+MFI (AUC = 0.848). Conclusions: A predictive value and treatment considerations for lymphocyte subsets are suggested, especially for CD3CD4+ T cells. Lymphocyte subsets determination at hospital admission is recommended.
Experimental Systems for Measuring HIV Latency and Reactivation
Authors: Fujinaga Koh , Cary Daniele C.
Published: November 2020

The final obstacle to achieving a cure to HIV/AIDS is the presence of latent HIV reservoirs scattered throughout the body. Although antiretroviral therapy maintains plasma viral loads below the levels of detection, upon cessation of therapy, the latent reservoir immediately produces infectious progeny viruses. This results in elevated plasma viremia, which leads to clinical progression to AIDS. Thus, if a HIV cure is ever to become a reality, it will be necessary to target and eliminate the latent reservoir. To this end, tremendous effort has been dedicated to locate the viral reservoir, understand the mechanisms contributing to latency, find optimal methods to reactivate HIV, and specifically kill latently infected cells. Although we have not yet identified a therapeutic approach to completely eliminate HIV from patients, these efforts have provided many technological breakthroughs in understanding the underlying mechanisms that regulate HIV latency and reactivation in vitro. In this review, we summarize and compare experimental systems which are frequently used to study HIV latency. While none of these models are a perfect proxy for the complex systems at work in HIV+ patients, each aim to replicate HIV latency in vitro.
HIV-1 Gag Forms Ribonucleoprotein Complexes with Unspliced Viral RNA at Transcription Sites
Authors: Tuffy Kevin M. , Maldonado Rebecca J. Kaddis , Chang Jordan , Rosenfeld Paul , Cochrane Alan , Parent Leslie J.
Published: November 2020

The ability of the retroviral Gag protein of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) to transiently traffic through the nucleus is well-established and has been implicated in genomic RNA (gRNA) packaging Although other retroviral Gag proteins (human immunodeficiency virus type 1, HIV-1; feline immunodeficiency virus, FIV; Mason-Pfizer monkey virus, MPMV; mouse mammary tumor virus, MMTV; murine leukemia virus, MLV; and prototype foamy virus, PFV) have also been observed in the nucleus, little is known about what, if any, role nuclear trafficking plays in those viruses. In the case of HIV-1, the Gag protein interacts in nucleoli with the regulatory protein Rev, which facilitates nuclear export of gRNA. Based on the knowledge that RSV Gag forms viral ribonucleoprotein (RNPs) complexes with unspliced viral RNA (USvRNA) in the nucleus, we hypothesized that the interaction of HIV-1 Gag with Rev could be mediated through vRNA to form HIV-1 RNPs. Using inducible HIV-1 proviral constructs, we visualized HIV-1 Gag and USvRNA in discrete foci in the nuclei of HeLa cells by confocal microscopy. Two-dimensional co-localization and RNA-immunoprecipitation of fractionated cells revealed that interaction of nuclear HIV-1 Gag with USvRNA was specific. Interestingly, treatment of cells with transcription inhibitors reduced the number of HIV-1 Gag and USvRNA nuclear foci, yet resulted in an increase in the degree of Gag co-localization with USvRNA, suggesting that Gag accumulates on newly synthesized viral transcripts. Three-dimensional imaging analysis revealed that HIV-1 Gag localized to the perichromatin space and associated with USvRNA and Rev in a tripartite RNP complex. To examine a more biologically relevant cell, latently infected CD4+ T cells were treated with prostratin to stimulate NF-κB mediated transcription, demonstrating striking localization of full-length Gag at HIV-1 transcriptional burst site, which was labelled with USvRNA-specific riboprobes. In addition, smaller HIV-1 RNPs were observed in the nuclei of these cells. These data suggest that HIV-1 Gag binds to unspliced viral transcripts produced at the proviral integration site, forming vRNPs in the nucleus.
Development and Assessment of a Pooled Serum as Candidate Standard to Measure Influenza A Virus Group 1 Hemagglutinin Stalk-Reactive Antibodies
Authors: Carreño Juan Manuel , McDonald Jacqueline U. , Hurst Tara , Rigsby Peter , Atkinson Eleanor , Charles Lethia , Nachbagauer Raffael , Behzadi Mohammad Amin , Strohmeier Shirin , Coughlan Lynda , Aydillo Teresa , Brandenburg Boerries , García-Sastre Adolfo , Kaszas Krisztian , Levine Min Z. , Manenti Alessandro , McDermott Adrian B. , Montomoli Emanuele , Muchene Leacky , Narpala Sandeep R. , Perera Ranawaka A. P. M. , Salisch Nadine C. , Valkenburg Sophie A. , Zhou Fan , Engelhardt Othmar G. , Krammer Florian
Published: November 2020

The stalk domain of the hemagglutinin has been identified as a target for induction of protective antibody responses due to its high degree of conservation among numerous influenza subtypes and strains. However, current assays to measure stalk-based immunity are not standardized. Hence, harmonization of assay readouts would help to compare experiments conducted in different laboratories and increase confidence in results. Here, serum samples from healthy individuals (n = 110) were screened using a chimeric cH6/1 hemagglutinin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that measures stalk-reactive antibodies. We identified samples with moderate to high IgG anti-stalk antibody levels. Likewise, screening of the samples using the mini-hemagglutinin (HA) headless construct #4900 and analysis of the correlation between the two assays confirmed the presence and specificity of anti-stalk antibodies. Additionally, samples were characterized by a cH6/1N5 virus-based neutralization assay, an antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) assay, and competition ELISAs, using the stalk-reactive monoclonal antibodies KB2 (mouse) and CR9114 (human). A “pooled serum” (PS) consisting of a mixture of selected serum samples was generated. The PS exhibited high levels of stalk-reactive antibodies, had a cH6/1N5-based neutralization titer of 320, and contained high levels of stalk-specific antibodies with ADCC activity. The PS, along with blinded samples of varying anti-stalk antibody titers, was distributed to multiple collaborators worldwide in a pilot collaborative study. The samples were subjected to different assays available in the different laboratories, to measure either binding or functional properties of the stalk-reactive antibodies contained in the serum. Results from binding and neutralization assays were analyzed to determine whether use of the PS as a standard could lead to better agreement between laboratories. The work presented here points the way towards the development of a serum standard for antibodies to the HA stalk domain of phylogenetic group 1.
Missed Opportunities of Flu Vaccination in Italian Target Categories: Insights from the Online EPICOVID 19 Survey
Authors: Giacomelli Andrea , Galli Massimo , Maggi Stefania , Pagani Gabriele , Antonelli Incalzi Raffaele , Pedone Claudio , Di Bari Mauro , Noale Marianna , Trevisan Caterina , Bianchi Fabrizio , Tavio Marcello , Andreoni Massimo , Mastroianni Claudio , Sojic Aleksandra , Prinelli Federica , Adorni Fulvio
Published: November 2020

We aimed to assess the reported rate of flu vaccination in the 2019/2020 season for respondents to the Italian nationwide online EPICOVID 19 survey. A national convenience sample of volunteers aged 18 or older was assessed between 13 April and 2 June 2020. Flu vaccine rates were calculated for all classes of age. The association between the independent variables and the flu vaccine was assessed by applying a multivariable binary logistic regression model. Of the 198,822 respondents, 41,818 (21.0%) reported having received a flu vaccination shot during the last influenza season. In particular, 15,009 (53.4%) subjects aged 65 years or older received a flu vaccination shot. Being 65 years aged or older (Adjusted Odds Ratios (aOR) 3.06, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 2.92–3.20) and having a high education level (aOR 1.34. 95%CI 1.28–1.41) were independently associated to flu vaccination. Heart and lung diseases were the morbidities associated with the higher odds of being vaccinated (aOR 1.97 (95%CI 1.86–2.09) and aOR 1.92 (95%CI 1.84–2.01), respectively). Nursing home residents aged ≥ 65 years showed lower odds of being vaccinated (aOR 0.39 (95%CI 0.28–0.54)). Our data indicate the need for an urgent public heath effort to fill the gap of missed vaccination opportunities reported in the past flu seasons.
Macrophage Activation Assays to Evaluate the Immunostimulatory Capacity of Avibacterium paragallinarum in A Multivalent Poultry Vaccine
Authors: van den Biggelaar Robin H. G. A. , van Eden Willem , Rutten Victor P. M. G. , Jansen Christine A.
Published: November 2020

High-quality vaccines are crucial to prevent infectious disease outbreaks in the poultry industry. In vivo vaccination tests are routinely used to test poultry vaccines for their potency, i.e., their capacity to induce protection against the targeted diseases. A better understanding of how poultry vaccines activate immune cells will facilitate the replacement of in vivo potency tests for in vitro assays. Using the chicken macrophage-like HD11 cell line as a model to evaluate innate immune responses, the current explorative study addresses the immunostimulatory capacity of an inactivated multivalent vaccine for infectious bronchitis, Newcastle disease, egg-drop syndrome, and infectious coryza. The vaccine stimulated HD11 cells to produce nitric oxide and to express pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF, and IL-12p40, chemokines CXCLi1 and CXCLi2, and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, but only when inactivated Avibacterium paragallinarum, the causative agent of infectious coryza, was present. Lipopolysaccharides from Avibacterium paragallinarum were crucial for the production of nitric oxide and expression of IL-1β and CXCLi1. The described immune parameters demonstrate the capacity of this multivalent vaccine to activate innate immune cells and may in the future, combined with antigen quantification methods, contribute to vaccine quality testing in vitro, hence the replacement of current in vivo vaccination tests.
Innovative Multistage Constructed Wetland for Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse for Agriculture in Senegal
Authors: Torrens Antonina , de la Varga David , Ndiaye Abdou Khafor , Folch Montserrat , Coly Adrien
Published: November 2020

This paper reports on the performance of using a multistage constructed wetland (CW) to treat municipal raw wastewater and an analysis of its suitability for agricultural irrigation. The pilot plant consists of two stages of vertical flow CWs plus one stage of a horizontal CW built in 2018 with different local materials at the Gaston Berger University Campus, Saint Louis (Senegal). Each CW stage is composed of several filters with different type of media (silex, granite, or river gravel), filtering media depths, and macrophytes (Phragmites and Typha). The physicochemical and microbiological indicators were monitored over six months at each bed inlet and outlet to evaluate the efficiency and achievements of the Senegalese, European, and WHO regulations/recommendations for disposal or reuse in irrigation. This study demonstrates the viability of this new multistage CW design to treat raw municipal wastewater and produce an effluent of good quality suitable for reuse in agriculture. The removal of organic matter, suspended solids, and nutrients was very high (>95% for SS, BOD5 and N-NH4+, >90% for COD and P-PO43−), as was the reduction of microbiological indicators (fecal coliform reduction >5 log units and helminth egg removal of 100%). First, trends related to the influence of design (the type of gravel, filter depth, and type of macrophyte), operational modes, and the CW treatment efficiency were determined. The use of non-crushed gravel and Typha spp. seemed to provide better removal rates. On the contrary, no differences were found between the use of silex or granite gravel. For the studied Senegalese conditions under dry and hot climates, the preliminary results indicate that no resting periods are necessary for vertical flow CWs (VFCWs), thus resulting in a reduction in construction and operation costs. The main outcome of our study is evidence that multistage CWs can provide robust, cost-effective treatments, as well as allow for safe water reuse, which is imperative in areas with severe water scarcity and endemic microbiological waterborne diseases.
Dutch GPs’ experience of burden by euthanasia requests from people with dementia: a quantitative survey
Authors: Schuurmans Jaap , Crol Chantalle , Olde Rikkert Marcel , Engels Yvonne
Published: November 2020

Background

In the Netherlands during the past decade, a growing number of people with dementia requested euthanasia, and each year more of such requests were granted.

Aim

To obtain quantitative insights into the problems and needs of GPs when confronted with a euthanasia request by a person with dementia.

Design & setting

A concept survey was composed for GPs in the Netherlands. Expert validity of the survey was achieved through pilot testing.

Method

A postal survey was sent to a random sample of 900 Dutch GPs, regardless of their opinion on, or practical experience with, euthanasia. Collected data were analysed with descriptive statistics.

Results

Of 894 GPs, 423 (47.3%) completed the survey, of whom 176 (41.6%) had experience with euthanasia requests from people with dementia. Emotional burden was reported most frequently (n = 86; 52.8%), as well as feeling uncertain about the mental competence of the person with dementia (n = 77; 47.2%), pressure by relatives (n = 70; 42.9%) or the person with dementia (n = 56; 34.4%), and uncertainty about handling advance euthanasia directives (AEDs) (n = 43; 26.4%). GPs would appreciate more support from the following: a support and consultation in euthanasia in the Netherlands (SCEN) physician (an independent physician for support, information, and formal consultation around euthanasia) (n = 291; 68. 8%); a geriatric consultation team (n = 185; 43.7%); the end-of-life clinic (n = 184; 43.5%); or a palliative care consultation team (n = 179; 42.3%). Surprisingly the need for moral deliberation was hardly mentioned.

Conclusion

The reported burden and the rise in numbers and complexity of euthanasia requests from people with dementia warrants primary care support. There needs to be easier access to colleagues with expertise, and training on end-of-life care needs of patients with dementia and their caregivers.
Lipid levels and major adverse cardiovascular events in patients initiated on statins for primary prevention: an international population-based cohort study protocol
Authors: Blais Joseph E , Akyea Ralph Kwame , Coetzee Annelize , Chan Amy HY , Lau Wallis CY , Man Kenneth KC , Harrison Jeff , Chan Esther W , Beyene Kebede A , Wong Ian CK , Weng Stephen
Published: November 2020

Background

Clinical guidelines recommend specific targets for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Furthermore, individual variability in lipid response to statin therapy requires assessment of the association in diverse populations.

Aim

To assess whether lower concentrations of LDL-C and non-HDL-C are associated with a reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in primary prevention of CVD.

Design & setting

An international, new-user, cohort study will be undertaken. It will use data from three electronic health record databases from three global regions: Clinical Practice Research Datalink, UK; PREDICT-CVD, New Zealand (NZ); and the Clinical Data and Analysis Reporting System, Hong Kong (HK).

Method

New statin users without a history of atherosclerotic CVD, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease, with baseline and follow-up lipid levels will be eligible for inclusion. Patients will be classified according to LDL-C (<1.4, 1.4–1.7, 1.8–2.5, and ≥2.6 mmol/l) and non-HDL-C (<2.2, 2.2–2.5, 2.6–3.3, and ≥3.4 mmol/l) concentrations 24 months after initiating statin therapy. The primary outcome of interest is MACE, defined as the first occurrence of coronary heart disease, stroke, or cardiovascular death. Secondary outcomes include all-cause mortality and the individual components of MACE. Sensitivity analyses will be conducted using lipid levels at 3 and 12 months after starting statin therapy.

Conclusion

Results will inform clinicians about the benefits of achieving guideline recommended concentrations of LDL-C for primary prevention of CVD.
The Δ Anion Gap/Δ Bicarbonate Ratio in Early Lactic Acidosis: Time for Another Delta?
Authors: Rudkin Scott E. , Grogan Tristan R. , Treger Richard M.
Published: November 2020

Background

The ratio of Δ anion gap and Δ bicarbonate (ΔAG/ΔHCO3) is used to detect coexisting acid-base disorders in patients with high anion gap metabolic acidosis. Classic teaching holds that, in lactic acidosis, the ΔAG/ΔHCO3 is 1:1 within the first few hours of onset and subsequently rises to 1.8:1. However, this classic 1:1 stoichiometry in early lactic acidosis was derived primarily from animal models and only limited human data. The objective of this study was to examine the ΔAG/ΔHCO3 within the first hours of the development of lactic acidosis.

Methods

Data were obtained prospectively from a convenience sample of adult (age >18 years) trauma-designated patients at a single level-1 trauma center. Venous samples, including a chemistry panel and serum lactate, were drawn before initiation of intravenous fluid resuscitation.

Results

A total of 108 patients were included. Of these, 63 patients had normal serum lactate levels (≤2.1 mmol/L) with a mean AG of 7.1 mEq/L, the value used to calculate subsequent ΔAG values. ΔAG/ΔHCO3 was calculated for 45 patients who had elevated serum lactate levels (>2.1 mmol/L). The mean ΔAG/ΔHCO3 for all patients with elevated serum lactate levels was 1.86 (SD, 1.40).

Conclusions

The mean ΔAG/ΔHCO3 was 1.86 within the first hours of the development of lactic acidosis due to hypovolemic shock, confirming a small prior human study. This contradicts the traditional belief that, in lactic acidosis, the ΔAG/ΔHCO3 is 1:1 within the first several hours. The classic 1:1 stoichiometry was determined on the basis of animal models in which lactic acid is infused into the extracellular space, facilitating extracellular buffering of protons by bicarbonate. In contrast, our results demonstrate a higher initial ΔAG/ΔHCO3 ratio in early endogenous lactic acidosis in humans. Our analysis indicates this is likely due to unmeasured anions contributing to an elevation in AG.
Structure-Enhanced Mechanically Robust Graphite Foam with Ultrahigh MnO2Loading for Supercapacitors
Authors: Cao Qinghe , Du Junjie , Tang Xiaowan , Xu Xi , Huang Longsheng , Cai Dongming , Long Xu , Wang Xuewen , Ding Jun , Guan Cao , Huang Wei
Published: November 2020

With the fast bloom of flexible electronics and green vehicles, it is vitally important to rationally design and facilely construct customized functional materials with excellent mechanical properties as well as high electrochemical performance. Herein, by utilizing two modern industrial techniques, digital light processing (DLP) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD), a unique 3D hollow graphite foam (HGF) is demonstrated, which shows a periodic porous structure and robust mechanical properties. Finite element analysis (FEA) results confirm that the properly designed gyroidal porous structure provides a uniform stress area and mitigates potential structural failure caused by stress concentrations. A typical HGF can show a high Young’s modulus of 3.18 MPa at a low density of 48.2 mg cm-3. The porous HGF is further covered by active MnO2material with a high mass loading of 28.2 mg cm-2(141 mg cm-3), and the MnO2/HGF electrode still achieves a satisfactory specific capacitance of 260 F g-1, corresponding to a high areal capacitance of 7.35 F cm-2and a high volumetric capacitance of 36.75 F cm-3. Furthermore, the assembled quasi-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor also shows remarkable mechanical properties as well as electrochemical performance.
Selective Dealkenylative Functionalization of Styrenes via C-C Bond Cleavage
Authors: Liu Jianzhong , Pan Jun , Luo Xiao , Qiu Xu , Zhang Cheng , Jiao Ning
Published: November 2020

As a readily available feedstock, styrene with about 25 million tons of global annual production serves as an important building block and organic synthon for the synthesis of fine chemicals, polystyrene plastics, and elastomers. Thus, in the past decades, many direct transformations of this costless styrene feedstock were disclosed for the preparation of high-value chemicals, which to date, generally performed on the functionalization of styrenes through the allylic C-H bond, C(

sp
2

)-H bond, or the C=C double bond cleavage. However, the dealkenylative functionalization of styrenes via the direct C-C single bond cleavage is so far challenging and still unknown. Herein, we report the novel and efficient C-C amination and hydroxylation reactions of styrenes for the synthesis of valuable aryl amines and phenols via the site-selective C(Ar)-C(alkenyl) single bond cleavage. This chemistry unlocks the new transformation and application of the styrene feedstock and provides an efficient protocol for the late-stage modification of substituted styrenes with the site-directed dealkenylative amination and hydroxylation.
Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and e-Navigation to safely and efficiently connect Regions
Authors: Claresta Gianiti , Baldauf Michael
Published: November 2020

VVessel Traffic Services (VTS) are shore-based systems to ensure safe and efficient flow of shipping along coast lines and from and to ports. They are standardized and regulated by United Nation’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) with major contributing work from International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA). VTSs serve as an additional safety barrier by contributing to the avoidance of maritime accidents and incidents. In the era of digitalization and automation shore-based services are becoming increasingly popular and an important tool to protect the marine environment. The Straits of Sunda divides the region of Western Java and Sumatra island. The straits serving national and international shipping and are characterized by high traffic density in its coastal waters, including crossing passage of the national heaviest ferry traffic. Consequently, it is one of the major safety concerns in Indonesia. Four accidents of ships’ collision, grounding, and fire on board have been recorded in the area from 2011-2019 as officially reported by the national safety committee (KNKT). At the same time, VTS provides valuable services to mariners. The implementation of operational standards that comply with international rules and regulations, such as IMO Resolution A.857(20), and IALA Guideline 1111, should be further developed to benefit from the broader set of VTS function. A basic marine engineering study has been done to investigate the roles of Merak VTS implemented at Sunda Strait using German VTS operation as sample cases. In this respect, empirical studies were used to collect primary qualitative data and analysis of secondary data concerning the aspects of human element, the technical and administrative work. The research is to investigate how Merak VTS could potentially improve its contributions to traffic safety and in what way the new routeing and the mandatory ship reporting systems can be integrated to ensure positive effects. The outcome of first basic studies suggests that well adapted procedures, proper equipment, and especially well-trained VTS staff may provide a huge potential to further improve as well as optimize the operation of Merak VTS.
Implementation of Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Controller for Fuel Cell Based Electric Vehicles
Authors: REDDY Harshavardhana , SHARMA Sachin , K Shiva Rama Krishna
Published: November 2020

The global concern for clean energy generation paved the way for technological inventions and provided scope for researchers. More prominently, integration of heterogeneous renewable sources, storage systems, and electric vehicles became the pioneer solutions. In this article, a soft computing based ANFIS method has been proposed to execute the rapid speed response in electric vehicle. Here, Brushless DC motor was used as a propulsion system to drive the vehicle. Electric Vehicle is basically a time variant system, whose operating parameters and road conditions vary continuously. To address these uncertainties, a novel control strategy is proposed. The fuel cell battery is used as the auxiliary power supply for the electric vehicle. To demonstrate the performance of the controllers, a case study has been considered with parameter uncertainties for an ECE-15 test cycle. To evaluate the proficiency of the proposed soft computing control method, the speed response results are evaluated and compared with existing methods like conventional PI and fuzzy based tuned PID controllers. In addition, the performance of proposed technique is benchmarked with other controllers reported in the literature.
Modern Weather Surveillance Radars: Hygienic Aspects of Monitoring Electromagnetic Fields at Operators’ Workplaces and in the Environment
Authors: Nikitina VN , Lyashko GG , Kalinina NI , Dubrovskaya EN , Plekhanov VP
Published: November 2020

Summary. Introduction: Location of weather surveillance radars near settlements, in residential areas and on airport premises makes it important to ensure safe levels of electromagnetic fields (EMF) when operating these radio transmitters. EMF maximum permissible levels for weather radars developed in the 1980s are outdated. Our objective was to analyze modern weather surveillance radars to develop proposals for improvement of radar-generated radiofrequency field monitoring. Materials and methods: We studied trends in meteorological radiolocation and technical characteristics of modern weather radars for atmospheric sensing and weather alerts, analyzed regulations for EMF measurements and hygienic assessment, and measured radiofrequency fields produced by weather radar antennas in open areas and at workplaces of operators. Results: We established that modern types of weather radars used in upper-air sensing systems and storm warning networks differ significantly in terms of technical characteristics and operating modes from previous generations. Developed in the 1980s, current hygienic standards for human exposures to radiofrequency fields from weather radar antennas are obsolete. Conclusions: It is essential to develop an up-to-date regulatory and method document specifying estimation and instrumental monitoring of EMF levels generated by weather radars and measuring instruments for monitoring of pulse-modulated electromagnetic radiation.