bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustaining Business: A Psychological Perspective of Donation Behavior
Authors: Madurapperuma Madurapperuma Arachchige Yasantha Daminda , Kim Kyung-min
Published: November 2020

The modern-day corporate sector implements various forms of socially responsible programs, perhaps with different motives. Nevertheless, harnessing potential support towards such initiatives from stakeholders is vital. In this regard, researchers previously uncovered that the processes of psychological reaction to the request of time and money donations are different, yet the influence of psychological distance on time and money donation behavior has not been explicitly explored. Hence, this research investigates how temporal distance and value accessibility lead to different types and sizes of donation. The findings reveal that when individuals jointly evaluate donation options, temporal distance evokes dissimilar mental processes, subsequently leading them to provide time donations (near future) or money donations (distance future). With respect to the size of the donation, temporal distance has an impact on donating money, but not on time. Notably, the self-construal level interacted with temporal distance more so than that of personality traits to bring about strong donation behavior. This interaction is more pronounced and visible in relation to money donation than to time donation. In addition, implications of this research are also considered and discussed.
Investor Attention from Internet Search Volume and Underreaction to Earnings Announcements in Korea
Authors: Chae Joon , Kim Ryumi , Han Jaehee
Published: November 2020

Recent studies have used internet search volume as a measure of investor attention. In addition, literature argues that limited investor attention contributes to market underreaction to public information such as earnings announcements. We show that firms with more investor attention captured by abnormal internet search frequency have stronger announcement-day reactions and weaker post-earnings-announcement drift. The effect of abnormal search frequency is stronger for medium and small-sized firms, which usually receive insufficient attention. Our evidence indicates that firms with higher search intensity are traded more, especially by individual investors. Moreover, we imply that it is a sustainable development for investors to be able to use public information through the internet for investment in stock markets.
The Influences of Livelihood and Land Use on the Variation of Forest Transition in a Typical Mountainous Area of China
Authors: Lu Longhui , Huang An , Xu Yueqing , Marcos-Martinez Raymundo , Duan Yaming , Ji Zhengxin
Published: November 2020

As one of the countries which has been experiencing a forest transition, China provides important insights into and theoretical and empirical knowledge of forest transition. In this study, through the framework of Sustainable Livelihood Analysis (SLA) and questionnaire surveys, we examined forest transition, farmers’ land-use activities and livelihood changes in Chicheng county, a typical mountainous area in Northern China, during 1975–2018. Most villages of Chicheng county experienced forest transition during the period of 2003–2005, but some villages experienced forest transition in 2010–2015. Forest transition variation over time was influenced by land use and livelihood changes. Livelihood resources, policy and institutional constraints and livelihood strategies had significant influences on land use and then caused variation in forest transition characteristics. The process of “livelihood–land use–forest transition” was the key to achieving and maintaining forest transition, and the interaction between livelihood and land use was a negative feedback relationship between society and ecology. The dominant path of forest transition in Chicheng county was the “economic development path”. Moreover, the “intensive agriculture path of small-scale farmers” enhanced the “economic development path”, and the “forest scarcity path” promoted both of the above two paths. This implies that the feedback and interactions between society and ecology should be taken into account so as to achieve a sustainable human and environmental system.
A TAM Framework to Evaluate the Effect of Smartphone Application on Tourism Information Search Behavior of Foreign Independent Travelers
Authors: Lin Shin-Yi , Juan Pin-Ju , Lin Sheng-Wei
Published: November 2020

Mobile devices are more present in our everyday lives and have become an important factor in travel behavior. This study amends the technology acceptance model (TAM) and employs it to discuss the relationship between overseas independent travelers using a smartphone travel application (APP) and perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, usage attitude, usage intentions, and information search behavior. As such, the results reveal that foreign independent travelers (FIT) have a positive usage attitude toward the APP and this produces positive usage intention. The findings herein show that one can apply the new TAM to the tourism industry, as the results not only offer research and development avenues for production ideas, but also present references for formulating new APP policies and strategies.
The Impact of Monetary Policies on the Sustainable Economic and Financial Development in the Euro Area Countries
Authors: Kiseľáková Dana , Filip Paulina , Onuferová Erika , Valentiny Tomáš
Published: November 2020

One of the responses of the monetary policies of central banks to the sustainable development on financial markets, which also affected other markets and economic growth, is the role of non-standard monetary policies, referred to as quantitative easing in the form of Asset Purchase Programme. In this paper, the following main research problem was addressed: How can the Asset Purchase Programme help the European Central Bank fulfill its mandate of supervising the financial stability and financial development? Based on this, we formulated the main objective: to identify the impact of monetary policies on the dynamics of financial markets development, labor markets, and the markets for goods and services. As part of the applied methodology, the impact of the quantitative easing on the government bond yields curve was based on an indirect assessment using the seemingly unrelated regression model, considering the use of parameters from the functional benchmark form. Through the vector error correction model, another additional impact of the application of the monetary policy mechanisms on selected indicators of the considered markets was identified. The relationship between financial markets and economic growth was determined on the basis of the two-stage least square model using endogeneity control instruments. Applying the changes identified by the above models allowed us to determine the expected change in the rate of growth of the aggregate output of the euro area countries. Based on our results, we found out that Asset Purchase Programme had an impact on the growth of government bond yields issued by euro area countries, on lowering the risk rate on corporate bond markets, and increasing the nominal value of shares. In addition, growth in inflation and a decline in interest rates were affected. Finally, the European Central Bank (ECB)’s non-standard monetary policies have positively affected and stimulated the labor market and development in goods and services markets, referred to the sustainable financial development.
Diverse Perceptions on Eco-Certification for Shrimp Aquaculture in Indonesia
Authors: Azizah Fahma Fiqhiyyah Nur , Ishihara Hiroe , Zabala Aiora , Sakai Yutaro , Suantika Gede , Yagi Nobuyuki
Published: November 2020

Shrimp is a major aquaculture species in Indonesia. Despite the Indonesian government’s effort to reinforce sustainability practices using a national eco-certification scheme, the uptake of stakeholders has been slow so far. This study analyzed diverse perceptions of the national eco-certification of shrimp aquaculture among stakeholders across the value chain in Indonesia. Using Q-methodology, 49 statements were selected, and they covered seven themes: conceptual understanding, priorities, motivation for eco-certification, market access, impacts of eco-certification, obstacles in Indonesia, and stakeholder involvement. Thirty respondents across the supply chain of whiteleg shrimp sorted these statements according to their level of agreement. Based on their support or opposition to eco-certification, responses were categorized into five perspectives: (1) supporter for the certification by principle, (2) market-oriented supporter, (3) collaborative supporter, (4) ambivalent self-sufficient, and (5) antagonistic business-oriented. Several reasons for stakeholder’s slow acceptance were identified. These include a limited understanding of sustainability concepts in eco-certification, uncertainty for the potential positive effects of eco-certification in terms of market access, the recognition of other priorities such as improving farm-infrastructures, and a lack of stakeholders’ participation in communication forums. The findings of this study can facilitate the process of consensus-building on eco-certification among farmers, scientists, the government, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to support a viable pathway for policy development to achieve sustainable shrimp aquaculture. Ultimately, this study provides new insights on how a country in the Global South perceives eco-certification differently from the Global North.
Development and Deployment of a Framework to Prioritize Environmental Contamination Issues
Authors: Kim Nicholas D. , Taylor Matthew D. , Caldwell Jonathan , Rumsby Andrew , Champeau Olivier , Tremblay Louis A.
Published: November 2020

Management and regulatory agencies face a wide range of environmental issues globally. The challenge is to identify and select the issues to assist the allocation of research and policy resources to achieve maximum environmental gain. A framework was developed to prioritize environmental contamination issues in a sustainable management policy context using a nine-factor ranking model to rank the significance of diffuse sources of stressors. It focuses on contamination issues that involve large geographic scales (e.g., all pastoral soils), significant population exposures (e.g., urban air quality), and multiple outputs from same source on receiving environmental compartments comprising air, surface water, groundwater, and sediment. Factor scores are allocated using a scoring scale and weighted following defined rules. Results are ranked enabling the rational comparison of dissimilar and complex issues. Advantages of this model include flexibility, transparency, ability to prioritize new issues as they arise, and ability to identify which issues are comparatively trivial and which present a more serious challenge to sustainability policy goals. This model integrates well as a planning tool and has been used to inform regional policy development.
Economic Consequences of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) on Fisheries in the Eastern Mediterranean (Cyprus)
Authors: Giannakis Elias , Hadjioannou Louis , Jimenez Carlos , Papageorgiou Marios , Karonias Anastasis , Petrou Antonis
Published: November 2020

Fisheries are among the sectors hardest-hit by the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) crisis due to the sudden decrease in the demand for seafood. This study employs demand-driven and supply-driven input-output models to conduct an economy-wide assessment of the contraction of the fisheries activities in Cyprus, as well as a questionnaire survey to reveal fishermen’s perceptions of COVID-19 crisis impacts. The results at the macroeconomic level reveal that the contraction in the economic output of the fisheries sector does not have any significant impact on the wider economy due to the small size of the sector. However, the COVID-19 crisis has major negative effects on fishermen’s income and the livelihoods of fishers’ households. The average gross margin of the interviewed fishermen for March 2020, i.e., the month where a national quarantine and lockdown was imposed, was four times less the average monthly gross margin for the winter period (December 2019–February 2020) and 2.5 times less compared to the average monthly gross margin of 2019. The recessionary impacts of the COVID-19 crisis in conjunction with the chronic challenges that fisheries are currently facing in Cyprus, negatively affect the viability of the sector.
Abiotic Soil Health Indicators that Respond to Sustainable Management Practices in Sugarcane Cultivation
Authors: Farhate Camila Viana Vieira , Souza Zigomar Menezes de , Cherubin Maurício Roberto , Lovera Lenon Herique , Oliveira Ingrid Nehmi de , Carneiro Marina Pedroso , La Scala Jr. Newton
Published: November 2020

Soil quality (SQ) assessments are fundamental to design more sustainable land uses and management practices. However, SQ is a complex concept and there is not a universal approach to evaluate SQ across different conditions of climate, soil, and cropping system. Large-scale sugarcane production in Brazil is predominantly based on conventional tillage and high mechanization intensity, leading to SQ degradation. Thus through this study, we aim to assess the impact of sustainable management practices, including cover crops and less intensive tillage systems, in relation to the conventional system, using a soil quality index composed of abiotic indicators. Additionally, we developed a decision tree model to predict SQ using a minimum set of variables. The study was conducted in the municipality of Ibitinga, São Paulo, Brazil. The experimental design used was in strips, with four cover crops and three tillage systems. We evaluated three sugarcane cultivation cycles (2015/16, 2016/17, and 2017/18 crops). To calculate the SQ index, we selected five abiotic indicators: macroporosity, potassium content, calcium content, bulk density, and mean weight-diameter of soil aggregates. Based on our SQ index, our findings indicated that the soil quality was driven by the production cycle of sugarcane. Although a reduction of soil quality occurs between the plant cane and first ratoon cane cycles, from the second ratoon cane there is a trend of the gradual restoration of soil quality due to the recovery of both the soil’s physical and chemical attributes. Our study also demonstrated that the cultivation of sunn hemp and millet as cover crops, during the implementation of sugarcane plantation, enhanced soil quality. Due to the advantages provided by the use of these two cover crops, we encourage more detailed and long-term studies, aiming to test the efficiency of intercropping involving sunn hemp and millet during the re-planting of sugarcane.
An In-Depth Environmental Sustainability Analysis of Conventional and Advanced Bio-Based Diesels in Thailand
Authors: Permpool Napapat , Ghani Hafiz Usman , Gheewala Shabbir H.
Published: November 2020

Thailand has been implementing its Alternative Energy Development Plan aiming to replace 20–25% of fossil fuels with locally produced biofuels by 2036. The partial substitution of fossil diesel with fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) derived from palm oil is one of the major options but blending beyond 20% of FAME is a concern for use in conventional diesel engines. This problem has led to the consideration of other bio-based diesels also derived from palm oil; namely, partially hydrogenated fatty acid methyl ester (H-FAME) and bio-hydrogenated diesel (BHD). This study performed a comparative life cycle assessment of various bio-based diesels using the ReCiPe life cycle impact assessment method. The results showed that in comparison to fossil diesel, bio-based diesels have superior performance for global warming and fossil resource scarcity, but an inferior performance for eutrophication, terrestrial acidification, human toxicity, and land use. Considering the collective environmental damages, BHD performed the worst for human health, and all the bio-based diesels showed poor performance for ecosystem quality, while diesel showed poor performance for resource availability. Among the bio-based diesel products, BHD has higher environmental burdens than FAME and H-FAME. Improvements have been suggested to enhance the environmental performance of the bio-based diesels.
Optimum Design and Control of Heat Pumps for Integration into Thermohydraulic Networks
Authors: Sporleder Maximilian , Burkhardt Max , Kohne Thomas , Moog Daniel , Weigold Matthias
Published: November 2020

Germany has become one of the leading players in the transformation of the electricity sector, now having up to 42% of electricity coming from renewable sources. However, the transformation of the heating sector is still in its infancy, and especially the provision of industrial process heating is highly dependent on unsustainable fuels. One of the most promising heating technologies for renewable energies is power-to-heat, especially heat pump technology, as it can use renewable electricity to generate heat efficiently. This research explores the economic and technical boundary conditions regarding the integration of heat pumps into existing industrial thermohydraulic heating and cooling networks. To calculate the optimum design and control of heat pumps, a mixed-integer linear programming model (MILP) is developed. The model seeks the most cost-efficient configuration of heat pumps and stratified thermal storage tanks. Additionally, it optimizes the operation of all energy converters and stratified thermal storage tanks to meet a specified heating and cooling demand over one year. The objective function is modeled after the net present value (NPV) method and considers capital expenditures (costs for heat pumps and stratified thermal storage tanks) and operational expenditures (electricity costs and costs for conventional heating and cooling). The comparison of the results via a simulation model reveals an accuracy of more than 90%.
Realizing a Circular Concrete Industry in Denmark through an Integrated Product, Service and System Perspective
Authors: Ramsheva Yana K. , Moalem Rikke M. , Milios Leonidas
Published: November 2020

Concrete is the most commonly used material worldwide, often associated with an irreversible production process and waste generation at the end-of-life. As such, the concrete industry holds large untapped potentials for moving towards more circular economy (CE) practices. Product service system (PSS) offerings incentivize CE through extending product use, improving product performance and developing responsible end-of-life and take-back strategies. A broader definition of the concept of PSS is suggested, and a conceptual framework for realizing CE at the ‘product’, ‘service’ and ‘system’ dimensions is provided. The framework is applied to the case of concrete industry in Denmark. The aim was to cast new light on how the concrete industry can realize CE through a broader ‘product’, as well as ‘service’ and ‘system’ perspective. The selected case is analyzed through nine semi-structured interviews, additional secondary data, and follow-up dialogue with selected stakeholders. Results indicate a ‘product’ perspective may lead to savings on input material cost, improved efficiency of resource use, and reduced concrete waste quantities. A ‘service’ perspective can bring new market opportunities for concrete producers to adapt solutions to users’ needs. A ‘system’ focus calls for new forms of organization and collaboration, as well as the expansion of networks within and across different stakeholder groups.
Context-Based Neighborhood Sustainability Assessment in Birmingham, Alabama
Authors: Hilley Jimmy , Sim Sunhui
Published: November 2020

Sustainability assessment is widely used to monitor public policy toward sustainable development (SD). However, such tools have been less developed at the local level. This research examined sustainability indicators (SIs) applied at the neighborhood scale. The indicators were developed by examination of previously developed sustainability rating systems and issues specific to the City of Birmingham, Alabama, USA. The indicators of Neighborhood Sustainability Assessment (NSA) systems addressed the three major dimensions of sustainability: economic, environmental, and social. The rating system was applied to all neighborhoods, and geographical patterns were analyzed. The ability to analyze the sustainability of all neighborhoods within the city provides information on which areas are performing well and which areas need more attention to become more sustainable.
Harnessing Remote Sensing Derived Sea Level Rise Models to Assess Cultural Heritage Vulnerability: A Case Study from the Northwest Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Howey Meghan C. L.
Published: November 2020

Climate change threatens cultural heritage across the globe. Of its varied impacts, sea level rise is critically pressing because of the long relationship between humans and the ocean. Numerous cultural heritage sites lie on the world’s fragile coasts. Identifying cultural heritage sites at risk is an urgent need, but archaeological research programs do not always have the resources available to conduct large-scale cultural heritage vulnerability assessments. Given sea level rise poses myriad pressing issues, entities around the globe are developing sea level rise models for various management purposes (ecology, hydrology, real estate, etc.). These remote sensing-derived sea level rise models can be harnessed by archaeologists to assess cultural heritage site vulnerability. Here, such an analysis is realized for a northwest Atlantic Ocean coastal area experiencing relative sea level rise and with robust cultural heritage, including economically significant maritime heritage tourism. Combining archaeological and historic geospatial databases with LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)-derived relative sea level rise models illuminates coastal New Hampshire’s cultural heritage vulnerability. This is informative for risk monitoring, mitigation, and preservation planning, especially for cultural heritage tourism. The analysis also raises the need for discussions around what kind and whose heritage gets priority in planning for future sea level rise impacts.
Exploring Odor Minimization in Post-Consumer Plastic Packaging Waste through the Use of Probiotic Bacteria
Authors: Lok Bianca , Buettner Andrea , Denk Philipp , Ortner Eva , Fell Tanja
Published: November 2020

Plastic packaging represents a large proportion of the plastic consumption throughout the world. The negative environmental impact associated with plastic packaging waste can be in part abated by recycling plastics, and increasing numbers of regulatory frameworks are being adopted towards this goal. Despite recent advances in modern recycling technologies, the production of high-quality polyolefin recyclates remains a challenge. Among other functional requirements, odor plays a crucial role in the acceptance of recycled packaging. This presents a challenge, as odor contamination in plastic packaging waste can stem from diverse sources, such as spoilage processes, and strongly depends on the quality of the post-consumer input material. The present study addressed this issue by exploring potential odor abatement of malodors in packaging waste through the use of probiotic bacteria. Specifically, probiotics were added to a mixed post-consumer plastic packaging waste fraction, which was subsequently evaluated using human sensory and gas chromatography–olfactometric analyses. A comparison of treated with untreated plastic waste fractions revealed significant sensory differences. Further structural elucidation of the causative odorants confirmed a reduction in malodorous microbial metabolites, although complete odor removal was not achieved. However, this environmentally friendly approach may represent an essential step towards overcoming the odor burden in post-consumer plastic packaging recyclates.
Dynamic Evaluation of Traffic Noise through Standard and Multifractal Models
Authors: Petrovici Alina , Cueto Jose Luis , Nedeff Valentin , Nava Enrique , Nedeff Florin , Hernandez Ricardo , Bujoreanu Carmen , Irimiciuc Stefan Andrei , Agop Maricel
Published: November 2020

Traffic microsimulation models use the movement of individual driver-vehicle-units (DVUs) and their interactions, which allows a detailed estimation of the traffic noise using Common Noise Assessment Methods (CNOSSOS). The Dynamic Traffic Noise Assessment (DTNA) methodology is applied to real traffic situations, then compared to on-field noise levels from measurement campaigns. This makes it possible to determine the influence of certain local traffic factors on the evaluation of noise. The pattern of distribution of vehicles along the avenue is related to the logic of traffic light control. The analysis of the inter-cycles noise variability during the simulation and measurement time shows no influence from local factors on the prediction of the dynamic traffic noise assessment tool based on CNOSSOS. A multifractal approach of acoustic waves propagation and the source behaviors in the traffic area are implemented. The novelty of the approach also comes from the multifractal model’s freedom which allows the simulation, through the fractality degree, of various behaviors of the acoustic waves. The mathematical backbone of the model is developed on Cayley–Klein-type absolute geometries, implying harmonic mappings between the usual space and the Lobacevsky plane in a Poincaré metric. The isomorphism of two groups of SL(2R) type showcases joint invariant functions that allow associations of pulsations–velocities manifolds type.
Establishing the Foundations to Measure Organizational Agility for Military Organizations
Authors: Geiger Jeremy , Elshaw John , Jacques David
Published: November 2020

There is an ongoing demand for organizations to become more agile in order to prosper amongst their competitors. Many military organizations have declared a renewed focus towards organizational agility. The goal of this research is to isolate the variables needed to measure organizational agility (OA) in military organizations, allowing for the future development of a suitable method to measure OA without the need to interact with outside organizations. This article begins by providing a suitable and formal definition of organizational agility by exploring and analyzing relevant scholarly literature on the subject. Related terms, such as organizational resiliency, flexibility, robustness, versatility, and adaptability are also explored to examine their definition boundaries and any overlapping areas. Existing methods to measure organizational agility are examined and summarized, and the current limitations to their application are highlighted. Previous studies to find characteristics associated with organizational agility were also examined, and an initial set of 88 organizational agility characteristics was built. Since these included possible redundant or overlapping characteristics, the Q-sort method was employed to discover, analyze, and eliminate redundant items from the dataset, ultimately resulting in 64 unique characteristics. The result is a suitable definition for organization agility applicable to military organizations and a list of potential associated characteristics that summarizes related research to date. This groundwork establishes the foundation to conduct a multi-organization study to further refine the characteristic list and ultimately develop a method to measure organizational agility.
Design of Product–Service Systems: Toward An Updated Discourse
Authors: Lugnet Johan , Ericson Åsa , Larsson Tobias
Published: November 2020

The engineering rationale, composed of established logic for the design and development of products, has been confronted by a shift to a circular economy. Digitalization (e.g., Industry 4.0) enables transformation, but it also increases relational complexities in scope and number. In Product–Service Systems (PSSs), the combination of manufactured goods and services should be delivered in new business models based on value-adding digital assistance. From a systems science view, such combinations cannot be managed by the same approach as if they were one uniform system; rather, it is an interdependent mix of technical, social, and digital designs. This paper initializes an updated conceptual discourse on PSSs and provides a reflection on the expected challenges in the transformation from linear to circular models. For example, the role of systems thinking to guide early design stages is discussed and the importance of processes for creating shared visions at different systems levels is suggested to be addressed in future research. The intention is to formulate thoughts about radical cognitive changes in order to realize the PSS paradigm.
Evolutionary Selection of the Nuclear Localization Signal in the Viral Nucleoprotein Leads to Host Adaptation of the Genus Orthobornavirus
Authors: Komorizono Ryo , Sassa Yukiko , Horie Masayuki , Makino Akiko , Tomonaga Keizo
Published: November 2020

Adaptation of the viral life cycle to host cells is necessary for efficient viral infection and replication. This evolutionary process has contributed to the mechanism for determining the host range of viruses. Orthobornaviruses, members of the family Bornaviridae, are non-segmented, negative-strand RNA viruses, and several genotypes have been isolated from different vertebrate species. Previous studies revealed that some genotypes isolated from avian species can replicate in mammalian cell lines, suggesting the zoonotic potential of avian orthobornaviruses. However, the mechanism by which the host specificity of orthobornaviruses is determined has not yet been identified. In this study, we found that the infectivity of orthobornaviruses is not determined at the viral entry step, mediated by the viral glycoprotein and matrix protein. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the nuclear localization signal (NLS) sequence in the viral nucleoprotein (N) has evolved under natural selection and determines the host-specific viral polymerase activity. A chimeric mammalian orthobornavirus, which has the NLS sequence of avian orthobornavirus N, exhibited a reduced propagation efficiency in mammalian cells. Our findings indicated that nuclear transport of the viral N is a determinant of the host range of orthobornaviruses, providing insights into the evolution and host adaptation of orthobornaviruses.
Single Amino Acid Mutations Affect Zika Virus Replication In Vitro and Virulence In Vivo
Authors: Collette Nicole M. , Lao Victoria H. I. , Weilhammer Dina R. , Zingg Barbara , Cohen Shoshana D. , Hwang Mona , Coffey Lark L. , Grady Sarah L. , Zemla Adam T. , Borucki Monica K.
Published: November 2020

The 2014–2016 Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic in the Americas resulted in large deposits of next-generation sequencing data from clinical samples. This resource was mined to identify emerging mutations and trends in mutations as the outbreak progressed over time. Information on transmission dynamics, prevalence, and persistence of intra-host mutants, and the position of a mutation on a protein were then used to prioritize 544 reported mutations based on their ability to impact ZIKV phenotype. Using this criteria, six mutants (representing naturally occurring mutations) were generated as synthetic infectious clones using a 2015 Puerto Rican epidemic strain PRVABC59 as the parental backbone. The phenotypes of these naturally occurring variants were examined using both cell culture and murine model systems. Mutants had distinct phenotypes, including changes in replication rate, embryo death, and decreased head size. In particular, a NS2B mutant previously detected during in vivo studies in rhesus macaques was found to cause lethal infections in adult mice, abortions in pregnant females, and increased viral genome copies in both brain tissue and blood of female mice. Additionally, mutants with changes in the region of NS3 that interfaces with NS5 during replication displayed reduced replication in the blood of adult mice. This analytical pathway, integrating both bioinformatic and wet lab experiments, provides a foundation for understanding how naturally occurring single mutations affect disease outcome and can be used to predict the of severity of future ZIKV outbreaks. To determine if naturally occurring individual mutations in the Zika virus epidemic genotype affect viral virulence or replication rate in vitro or in vivo, we generated an infectious clone representing the epidemic genotype of stain Puerto Rico, 2015. Using this clone, six mutants were created by changing nucleotides in the genome to cause one to two amino acid substitutions in the encoded proteins. The six mutants we generated represent mutations that differentiated the early epidemic genotype from genotypes that were either ancestral or that occurred later in the epidemic. We assayed each mutant for changes in growth rate, and for virulence in adult mice and pregnant mice. Three of the mutants caused catastrophic embryo effects including increased embryonic death or significant decrease in head diameter. Three other mutants that had mutations in a genome region associated with replication resulted in changes in in vitro and in vivo replication rates. These results illustrate the potential impact of individual mutations in viral phenotype.
SARS-CoV-2 Proteins Induce IFNG in Th1 Lymphocytes Generated from CD4+ Cells from Healthy, Unexposed Polish Donors
Authors: Sałkowska Anna , Karwaciak Iwona , Karaś Kaja , Dastych Jarosław , Ratajewski Marcin
Published: November 2020

The outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in December 2019 has caused the deaths of several hundred thousand people worldwide. Currently, the pathogenesis of COVID-19 is poorly understood. During the course of COVID-19 infection, many patients experience deterioration, which might be associated with systemic inflammation and cytokine storm syndrome; however, other patients have mild symptoms or are asymptomatic. There are some suggestions that impaired cellular immunity through a reduction in Th1 response and IFNG (interferon gamma) expression, as well as cross-reactivity with common cold coronaviruses, might be involved in the differential COVID-19 course. Here, we show that CD4+ cells isolated from unexposed healthy donors that were differentiated towards the Th1 lineage in the presence of SARS-CoV-2 proteins exhibited induction of IFNG. Interestingly, the same cells induced to differentiate towards a Th17 lineage did not exhibit changes in IFNG expression or Th17-related cytokines. This suggests the cellular response to SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins is primarily associated with Th1 lymphocytes and may be dependent on past infections with common cold coronaviruses or vaccinations that induce unspecific cellular responses, e.g., BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin). Thus, our results might explain the high variability in the course of COVID-19 among populations of different countries.
The Impact of Serotype Cross-Protection on Vaccine Trials: DENVax as a Case Study
Authors: Aguiar Maíra , Stollenwerk Nico
Published: November 2020

There is a growing public health need for effective preventive interventions against dengue, and a safe, effective and affordable dengue vaccine against the four serotypes would be a significant achievement for disease prevention and control. Two tetravalent dengue vaccines, Dengvaxia (CYD-TDV—Sanofi Pasteur) and DENVax (TAK 003—Takeda Pharmaceutical Company), have now completed phase 3 clinical trials. Although Dengvaxia resulted in serious adverse events and had to be restricted to individuals with prior dengue infections, DENVax has shown, at first glance, some encouraging results. Using the available data for the TAK 003 trial, we estimate, via the Bayesian approach, vaccine efficacy (VE) of the post-vaccination surveillance periods of 12 and 18 months. Although better measurement over a long time was expected for the second part of the post-vaccination surveillance, variation in serotype-specific efficacy needs careful consideration. Besides observing that individual serostatus prior to vaccination is determinant of DENVax vaccine efficacy, such as for Dengvaxia, we also noted, after comparing the VE estimations for 12- and 18-month periods, that vaccine efficacy is decreasing over time. The comparison of efficacies over time is informative and very important, and brings up the discussion of the role of temporary cross-immunity in dengue vaccine trials and the impact of serostatus prior to vaccination in the context of dengue fever epidemiology.
Systemic Inequity in Urban Flood Exposure and Damage Compensation
Authors: Mobini Shifteh , Becker Per , Larsson Rolf , Berndtsson Ronny
Published: November 2020

Urban flooding is a growing concern in Northern Europe. While all countries in this region invest substantial resources into urban flood risk management, all property owners have unequal opportunity to have their flood risk managed. This paper presents the notion of equity in the urban flood risk management, focusing on urban flood exposure and compensation after sewage surcharge on the 31 August 2014 cloudburst over Malmö in Sweden. All damage claims and the procedures assessing them were analysed based on the type of sewer system (combined or separated) that affected the properties. The results demonstrated considerable systemic inequity in both flood exposure and damage compensation. The owners of properties connected to combined systems were four times more likely to make a damage claim, while having their damage claims approved just over half as often, compared with owners of properties connected to separated sewage systems. Considering the multifaceted nature of both inequities and their possible resolution, current praxis is not sufficient for the management of future urban drainage systems; not only concerning changing climatic conditions but also concerning social conditions.
Usages et mésusages des analyses factorielles exploratoires : un exemple à partir de la version courte-française du Questionnaire for Teacher Interaction (QTI)
Authors: BEN ALAYA İbtissem , DUMAS David , GRENON Vincent , DESBİENS Jean-françois , BALİ Naila
Published: November 2020

Les démarches de validation factorielle des questionnaires psychométriques traduits en français sont entachées par la présence de plusieurs faiblesses méthodologiques et statistiques. L’analyse factorielle exploratoire (AFE) est considérée parmi les méthodes d’extraction les plus utilisées pour vérifier la validité des construits des questionnaires en sciences humaines et sociales (Osborne et Costello, 2009). Néanmoins, la plupart des études basées sur les AFE sont marquées par des usages non appropriés ou des interprétations litigieuses de ce type d’analyses. Dans cet article, le Questionnaire on Teacher Interaction (QTI) a été utilisé comme exemple des questionnaires psychométriques traduits en français. Très récemment, ses démarches de validation factorielle ont fait l’objet d’une critique approfondie (Ben Alaya, Grenon, Desbiens et Bali, 2018). Pour avancer les recherches dans ce sens, nous avons comparé les résultats de deux démarches d’AFE : la première est inspirée des études antérieures ayant validé le QTI alors que la deuxième suit les étapes et les recommandations des spécialistes en AFE. En comparant les deux résultats, nous avons montré à quel point les décisions opérées et l’usage non approprié des AFE peuvent influencer le résultat et la solution factorielle trouvée.
Hypomagnesemia in the Cancer Patient
Authors: Workeneh Biruh T. , Uppal Nupur N. , Jhaveri Kenar D. , Rondon-Berrios Helbert
Published: November 2020

Hypomagnesemia is a common medical problem that contributes to the morbidity and mortality of patients with cancer. This review summarizes magnesium physiology and highlights the mechanisms underlying magnesium disturbances due to cancer and cancer treatment. The causes of hypomagnesemia can be categorized according to the pathophysiologic mechanism: decreased intake, transcellular shift, gastrointestinal losses, and kidney losses. Patients with cancer are at risk for opportunistic infections, frequently experience cardiovascular complications, and often receive classes of medications that cause or exacerbate hypomagnesemia. Also, cancer-specific therapies are responsible for hypomagnesemia, including platinum-based chemotherapy, anti-EGF receptor mAbs, human EGF receptor-2 target inhibitors (HER2), and calcineurin inhibitors. Urinary indices, such as the fractional excretion of magnesium, can provide useful information about the etiology. The management of hypomagnesemia depends on the magnitude of hypomagnesemia and the underlying cause. We recommended checking serum magnesium at the beginning of treatment and as part of routine monitoring throughout cancer treatment. Opportunities exist for potential research and practice improvement, including further characterization of hypomagnesemia regarding the clinical effect on cancer outcomes, preventing hypomagnesemia in patients receiving high-risk anticancer agents, and developing effective therapeutic strategies.
Living Bacterial Microneedles for Fungal Infection Treatment
Authors: Wang Fengyuan , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Chen Guopu , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: November 2020

Fungal infections are everlasting health challenges all over the world, bringing about great financial and medical burdens. Here, inspired by the natural competition law of beneficial bacteria against other microbes, we present novel living microneedles (LMNs) with functionalized bacteria encapsulation for efficient fungal infection treatment. The chosen beneficial bacterial components,Bacillus subtilis(B. subtilis), which are naturally found on the human skin and widely used for food processing, can get nutrients from the skin and escape from the immune system with the help of microneedles. Besides, the encapsulatedB. subtiliscan continuously produce and secrete various potential antifungal agents which can directly bind to fungal cell surface-associated proteins and destruct the cell membranes, thus avoiding drug resistance. After immobilization in the LMNs, the bacteria can stay within the LMNs without invasion and the encapsulated bacteria together with microneedles can be removed after application. Thus, the side effects, especially the risk for subsequent bacterial infections, are controlled to a minimum to ensure security. In addition, strong penetrability of the microneedles enhances penetration of antifungal agents, and their heights can be adjusted according to the infected depth to acquire better therapeutic effects. These features make the LMNs potentially valuable for clinical applications.
ON THE NEED TO COLLECT, PRESERVE AND STUDY DISAPPEARED NAMES OF SETTLEMENTS
Authors: Popov S.A.
Published: November 2020

The article deals with the problem of collecting, preserving and researching the disappeared names of localities in the subjects of the Russian Federation, which for centuries have become an integral part of the historical and cultural heritage of the peoples of our country. The author believes that only a comprehensive analysis of the past oikonyms in nominational, lexical-semantic, historical-cultural, historical-ethnographic, local history aspects will restore the linguistic and cultural systems of different time periods in different microareals of the Russian Federation. The author comes to the conclusion that in order to preserve the historical memory of the disappeared names of geographical objects, local researchers need the support of regional state authorities and local self-government.
ANTHROPONYMS IN THE SPACE OF RUSSIAN PANEGYRIC POETRY OF THE XVIII CENTURY
Authors: Volkov S.S. , Kareva N.V. , Matveev E.M. , Smirnova A.S. , Sharikhina M.G.
Published: November 2020

The report discusses the problems of formation of the collection of Russian anthroponyms, mythonyms, and theonyms in Russian panegyric poetry of the 18th century. Such a collection may serve as the basis for the compiling of a new dictionary of proper names in 18th-century Russian poetry, the main task of which will be the reflection of the transformation and development of the semantics of the “literary” anthroponym, the process of mythological anthroponyms and the onyms adaptation in the Russian culture.
TRACES OF ANCIENT SEMANTICS PROTO SLAVIC *KVĚT IN PROPER AND COMMON NOUNS IN SLAVIC LANGUAGES. FROM THE WORKS IN THE XI VOLUME OF THE PROTO-SLAVIC DICTIONARY (SŁOWNIK PRASŁOWIAŃSKI)
Authors: Pogwizd Sz.
Published: November 2020

The article discusses history of the semantic development of the Proto-Slavic lexeme *květъ (ku̯oito). The text analyses the examples of the descendants of the word under research, whose basic meanings ‘flower'. Proto Slavic *květъ is nomen actionis (which than became nomenacti) made from verb *kvisti (*ku̯eit) which meant ‘shine'. The text analyses connecting with Proto Slavic word *světъ (k̑u̯oito) (Polish świat, Russian свет). The aim of the article is to give new arguments that will prove this connection. The semantic development of the descendants Proto Slavic *květъ is very diverse. Often they retain old semantic of root k̑u̯oito.
«DICTIONARY OF NICKNAMES OF THE VORONEZH REGION»: ON THE ISSUE OF LEXICOGRAPHIC DESCRIPTION OF PROPER NAMES
Authors: Syanova E.I.
Published: November 2020

The article provides separate principles for the construction of the “Dictionary of nicknames of the Voronezh region”. The dictionary is based on original onomastic material that functions in the live spoken speech of rural residents of the Voronezh region in the late XX - early XXI centuries.
SUBDIALECT ANTHROPONYMICON OF KOSTROMA VOLGA REGION (ON THE BASIS OF THE SKETCHES OF V.YA. SHISHKOV)
Authors: Gantsovskaya N.S.
Published: November 2020

The article analyzes the calendar names in dialects along the lower course of the Kostroma river based on the essays “Volga Region” of V.Ya. Shishkov. Based on the opinion of the narrator, their synchronous-diachronic status is determined against the background of other nominative and communicative speech means. The conclusion is made about the richness and diversity of the anthroponymic of the described ethnodialectic zone and its ability to be an areal marker.
THE SYSTEMATIC ORGANIZATION OF THE PSKOV ANONYMICE
Authors: Grigorieva N.E.
Published: November 2020

The article is devoted to the study of the Chinese ethnonym in the system of its semantic-derivational relations in Pskov dialects. The paper defines the concept of an ethnonymic field and describes its characteristics. It is concluded that the ethnonymic field of the Chinese lexeme in Pskov dialects has a systematic content, which involves ethnonymic units of Pskov dialect speech. The system of dialect nominations and their contextual environment reveal the features of historical and cultural ties and social processes that are important for the entire ethnic group.
VOLOST: HISTORY AND PERSONALITIES
Authors: Dyzhitova E.Ch. , Budaeva N.Ch.
Published: November 2020

The article, based on materials extracted from the fonds of the State Archive of the Zabaikal'sky krai, presents historical information about the Khori-Buryats of the Khoatsai volost. A linguistic analysis of proper names is carried out, revealing the presence of the names of the Tibet-Mongolian language anthroponymic system.
THE OPPOSITION OF “OWN - ALIEN” IN THE ETHNONYMY OF UPPER GERMAN DIALECTS
Authors: Kondratenko M.M.
Published: November 2020

The article examines the features of the denotative sphere of ethnonyms, using the example of the vocabulary and phraseology of East Franconian German dialects; the most frequently used ethnonyms are highlighted, as well as the semantic spheres to which they belong: foreigners, stubborn or noisy people, sinister creatures that frighten children.
ANTHROPONYMS-NICKNAMES IN OREL DIALECT: STRUCTURAL ASPECT
Authors: Merkulova L.I.
Published: November 2020

The article discusses the description of structure in unofficial names of a person - the nicknames spread in Orel region. One-word (simple) nicknames, attributive collocations with anthroponyms, compositions with a name-anthroponym as well as nicknames-phrases, nicknames-abbreviations and nicknames-formulas are analysed. The motivation for a nickname is given in some cases.