bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunotherapy and Gene Therapy for Oncoviruses Infections: A Review
Authors: de Almeida Nathália Alves Araújo , Ribeiro Camilla Rodrigues de Almeida , Raposo Jéssica Vasques , de Paula Vanessa Salete
Published: May 2021

Immunotherapy has been shown to be highly effective in some types of cancer caused by viruses. Gene therapy involves insertion or modification of a therapeutic gene, to correct for inappropriate gene products that cause/may cause diseases. Both these types of therapy have been used as alternative ways to avoid cancers caused by oncoviruses. In this review, we summarize recent studies on immunotherapy and gene therapy including the topics of oncolytic immunotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, gene replacement, antisense oligonucleotides, RNA interference, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-based gene editing, transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and custom treatment for Epstein–Barr virus, human T-lymphotropic virus 1, hepatitis B virus, human papillomavirus, hepatitis C virus, herpesvirus associated with Kaposi’s sarcoma, Merkel cell polyomavirus, and cytomegalovirus.
Complement Proteins as Soluble Pattern Recognition Receptors for Pathogenic Viruses
Authors: Murugaiah Valarmathy , Varghese Praveen M. , Beirag Nazar , De Cordova Syreeta , Sim Robert B. , Kishore Uday
Published: May 2021

The complement system represents a crucial part of innate immunity. It contains a diverse range of soluble activators, membrane-bound receptors, and regulators. Its principal function is to eliminate pathogens via activation of three distinct pathways: classical, alternative, and lectin. In the case of viruses, the complement activation results in effector functions such as virion opsonisation by complement components, phagocytosis induction, virolysis by the membrane attack complex, and promotion of immune responses through anaphylatoxins and chemotactic factors. Recent studies have shown that the addition of individual complement components can neutralise viruses without requiring the activation of the complement cascade. While the complement-mediated effector functions can neutralise a diverse range of viruses, numerous viruses have evolved mechanisms to subvert complement recognition/activation by encoding several proteins that inhibit the complement system, contributing to viral survival and pathogenesis. This review focuses on these complement-dependent and -independent interactions of complement components (especially C1q, C4b-binding protein, properdin, factor H, Mannose-binding lectin, and Ficolins) with several viruses and their consequences.
Isolation and Characterization of Streptococcus mutans Phage as a Possible Treatment Agent for Caries
Authors: Ben-Zaken Hadar , Kraitman Reut , Coppenhagen-Glazer Shunit , Khalifa Leron , Alkalay-Oren Sivan , Gelman Daniel , Ben-Gal Gilad , Beyth Nurit , Hazan Ronen
Published: May 2021

Streptococcus mutans is a key bacterium in dental caries, one of the most prevalent chronic infectious diseases. Conventional treatment fails to specifically target the pathogenic bacteria, while tending to eradicate commensal bacteria. Thus, caries remains one of the most common and challenging diseases. Phage therapy, which involves the use of bacterial viruses as anti-bacterial agents, has been gaining interest worldwide. Nevertheless, to date, only a few phages have been isolated against S. mutans. In this study, we describe the isolation and characterization of a new S. mutans phage, termed SMHBZ8, from hundreds of human saliva samples that were collected, filtered, and screened. The SMHBZ8 genome was sequenced and analyzed, visualized by TEM, and its antibacterial properties were evaluated in various states. In addition, we tested the lytic efficacy of SMHBZ8 against S. mutans in a human cariogenic dentin model. The isolation and characterization of SMHBZ8 may be the first step towards developing a potential phage therapy for dental caries.
Scutellaria barbata D. Don Inhibits the Main Proteases (Mpro and TMPRSS2) of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Infection
Authors: Huang Sheng-Teng , Chen Yeh , Chang Wei-Chao , Chen Hsiao-Fan , Lai Hsiang-Chun , Lin Yu-Chun , Wang Wei-Jan , Wang Yu-Chuan , Yang Chia-Shin , Wang Shao-Chun , Hung Mien-Chie
Published: May 2021

In late 2019, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic emerged to severely impact the global population, creating an unprecedented need for effective treatments. This study aims to investigate the potential of Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SB) as a treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection through the inhibition of the proteases playing important functions in the infection by SARS-CoV-2. FRET assay was applied to investigate the inhibitory effects of SB on the two proteases involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection, Mpro and TMPRSS2. Additionally, to measure the potential effectiveness of SB treatment on infection inhibition, cellular models based on the Calu3 and VeroE6 cells and their TMPRSS2- expressing derivatives were assessed by viral pseudoparticles (Vpp) infection assays. The experimental approaches were conjugated with LC/MS analyses of the aqueous extracts of SB to identify the major constituent compounds, followed by a literature review to determine the potential active components of the inhibitory effects on protease activities. Our results showed that SB extracts inhibited the enzyme activities of Mpro and TMPRSS2. Furthermore, SB extracts effectively inhibited SARS-CoV-2 Vpp infection through a TMPRSS2-dependent mechanism. The aqueous extract analysis identified six major constituent compounds present in SB. Some of them have been known associated with inhibitory activities of TMPRSS2 or Mpro. Thus, SB may effectively prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication through inhibiting Mpro and TMPRSS2 protease activities.
IL-13Rα2 Regulates the IL-13/IFN-γ Balance during Innate Lymphoid Cell and Dendritic Cell Responses to Pox Viral Vector-Based Vaccination
Authors: Li Zheyi , Roy Sreeja , Ranasinghe Charani
Published: May 2021

We have shown that manipulation of IL-13 and STAT6 signaling at the vaccination site can lead to different innate lymphoid cell (ILC)/dendritic cell (DC) recruitment, resulting in high avidity/poly-functional T cells and effective antibody differentiation. Here we show that permanent versus transient blockage of IL-13 and STAT6 at the vaccination site can lead to unique ILC-derived IL-13 and IFN-γ profiles, and differential IL-13Rα2, type I and II IL-4 receptor regulation on ILC. Specifically, STAT6−/− BALB/c mice given fowl pox virus (FPV) expressing HIV antigens induced elevated ST2/IL-33R+ ILC2-derived IL-13 and reduced NKp46+/− ILC1/ILC3-derived IFN-γ expression, whilst the opposite (reduced IL-13 and elevated IFN-γ expression) was observed during transient inhibition of STAT6 signaling in wild type BALB/c mice given FPV-HIV-IL-4R antagonist vaccination. Interestingly, disruption/inhibition of STAT6 signaling considerably impacted IL-13Rα2 expression by ST2/IL-33R+ ILC2 and NKp46− ILC1/ILC3, unlike direct IL-13 inhibition. Consistently with our previous findings, this further indicated that inhibition of STAT6 most likely promoted IL-13 regulation via IL-13Rα2. Moreover, the elevated ST2/IL-33R+ IL-13Rα2+ lung ILC2, 24 h post FPV-HIV-IL-4R antagonist vaccination was also suggestive of an autocrine regulation of ILC2-derived IL-13 and IL-13Rα2, under certain conditions. Knowing that IL-13 can modulate IFN-γ expression, the elevated expression of IFN-γR on lung ST2/IL-33R+ ILC2 provoked the notion that there could also be inter-regulation of lung ILC2-derived IL-13 and NKp46− ILC1/ILC3-derived IFN-γ via their respective receptors (IFN-γR and IL-13Rα2) at the lung mucosae early stages of vaccination. Intriguingly, under different IL-13 conditions differential regulation of IL-13/IL-13Rα2 on lung DC was also observed. Collectively these findings further substantiated that IL-13 is the master regulator of, not only DC, but also different ILC subsets at early stages of viral vector vaccination, and responsible for shaping the downstream adaptive immune outcomes. Thus, thoughtful selection of vaccine strategies/adjuvants that can manipulate IL-13Rα2, and STAT6 signaling at the ILC/DC level may prove useful in designing more efficacious vaccines against different/chronic pathogens.
Differential Antibody Response against Conformational and Linear Epitopes of the L1 Proteins from Human Papillomavirus Types 16/18 Is Observed in Vaccinated Women or with Uterine Cervical Lesions
Authors: Pedroza-Saavedra Adolfo , Rodriguez-Ocampo Angelica Nallelhy , Salazar-Piña Azucena , Perez-Morales Aislinn Citlali , Chihu-Amparan Lilia , Maldonado-Gama Minerva , Cruz-Valdez Aurelio , Esquivel-Guadarrama Fernando , Gutierrez-Xicotencatl Lourdes
Published: May 2021

Antibodies against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) L1 protein are associated with past infections and related to the evolution of the disease, whereas antibodies against L1 Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) are used to follow the neutralizing antibody response in vaccinated women. In this study, serum antibodies against conformational (VLPs) and linear epitopes of HPV16/18 L1 protein were assessed to distinguish HPV-vaccinated women from those naturally infected or those with uterine cervical lesions. The VLPs-16/18 were generated in baculovirus, and L1 proteins were obtained from denatured VLPs. Serum antibodies against VLPs and L1 proteins were evaluated by ELISA. The ELISA-VLPs and ELISA-L1 16/18 assays were validated with a vaccinated women group by ROC analysis and the regression analysis to distinguish the different populations of female patients. The anti-VLPs-16/18 and anti-L1-16/18 antibodies effectively detect vaccinated women (AUC = 1.0/0.79, and 0.94/0.84, respectively). The regression analysis showed that anti-VLPs-16/18 and anti-L1-16/18 antibodies were associated with the vaccinated group (OR = 2.11 × 108/16.50 and 536.0/49.2, respectively). However, only the anti-L1-16 antibodies were associated with the high-grade lesions and cervical cancer (CIN3/CC) group (OR = 12.18). In conclusion, our results suggest that anti-VLPs-16/18 antibodies are effective and type-specific to detect HPV-vaccinated women, but anti-L1-16 antibodies better differentiate the CIN3/CC group. However, a larger population study is needed to validate these results.
Shooting from the ‘Scrip: Scope of Practice Laws and Access to Immunizations in the Pharmacy Setting
Authors: Stoecker Charles
Published: May 2021

In the past two decades, most states in the United States have added authorization for pharmacists to administer some vaccinations. Expansions of this authority have also come with prescription requirements or other regulatory burdens. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of these expansions on influenza immunization rates in adults age 65 and over. A panel data, differences-in-differences regression framework to control for state-level unobserved confounders and shocks at the national level was used on a combination of a dataset of state-level statute and regulatory changes and influenza immunization data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Giving pharmacists permission to vaccinate had a positive impact on adult influenza immunization rates of 1.4 percentage points for adults age 65 and over. This effect was diminished by the presence of laws requiring pharmacists to obtain patient-specific prescriptions. There was no evidence that allowing pharmacists to administer vaccinations led patients to have fewer annual check-ups with physicians or not have a usual source of health care. Expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice laws to include administering the influenza vaccine had a positive impact on influenza shot uptake. This may have implications for relaxing restrictions on other forms of care that could be provided by pharmacists.
Hesitancy of Arab Healthcare Workers towards COVID-19 Vaccination: A Large-Scale Multinational Study
Authors: Qunaibi Eyad , Basheti Iman , Soudy Mohamed , Sultan Iyad
Published: May 2021

Background: Health care workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of acquiring and transmitting COVID-19 infection. Moreover, they present role models for communities with regards to attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination. Hence, hesitancy of HCWs towards vaccination can crucially affect the efforts aiming to contain the pandemic. Previously published studies paid little attention to HCWs in Arab countries, which have a population of over 440 million. Objectives: To assess the rates of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Arabic-speaking HCWs residing in and outside Arab countries, and their perceived barriers towards vaccination. Methods: A cross-sectional study based on an online survey was conducted from 14–29 January 2021, targeting Arabic-speaking HCWs from all around the world. Results: The survey recruited 5708 eligible participants (55.6% males, 44.4% females, age 30.6 ± 10 years) from 21 Arab countries (87.5%) and 54 other countries (12.5%). Our analysis showed a significant rate of vaccine hesitancy among Arabic-speaking HCWs residing in and outside of Arab countries (25.8% and 32.8%, respectively). The highest rates of hesitancy were among participants from the western regions of the Arab world (Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria). The most cited reasons for hesitancy were concerns about side effects and distrust of the expedited vaccine production and healthcare policies. Factors associated with higher hesitancy included age of 30–59, previous or current suspected or confirmed COVID-19, female gender, not knowing the vaccine type authorized in the participant’s country, and not regularly receiving the influenza vaccine. Conclusion: This is the first large-scale multinational post-vaccine-availability study on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among HCWs. It reveals high rates of hesitancy among Arab-speaking HCWs. Unless addressed properly, this hesitancy can impede the efforts for achieving widespread vaccination and collective immunity.
Characterization of PVDF/Graphene Nanocomposite Membranes for Water Desalination with Enhanced Antifungal Activity
Authors: Gontarek-Castro Emilia , Rybarczyk Maria Krystyna , Castro-Muñoz Roberto , Morales-Jiménez Monica , Barragán-Huerta Blanca , Lieder Marek
Published: May 2021

Seawater desalination is a worldwide concern for the sustainable production of drinking water. In this regard, membrane distillation (MD) has shown the potential for effective brine treatment. However, the lack of appropriate MD membranes limits its industrial expansion since they experience fouling and wetting issues. Therefore, hydrophobic membranes are promising candidates to successfully deal with such phenomena that are typical for commercially available membranes. Here, several graphene/polyvinylidene (PVDF_G) membranes with different graphene loading (0–10 wt%) were prepared through a phase inversion method. After full characterization of the resulting membranes, the surface revealed that the well-dispersed graphene in the polymer matrix (0.33 and 0.5 wt% graphene loading) led to excellent water repellence together with a rough structure, and a large effective surface area. Importantly, antifungal activity tests of films indicated an increase in the inhibition percentage for PVDF_G membranes against the Curvularia sp. fungal strain. However, the antifungal surface properties were found to be the synergistic result of graphene toxicity and surface topography.
Evaluation of Porous Carbon Adsorbents Made from Rice Husks for Virus Removal in Water
Authors: Canh Vu , Tabata Seiichiro , Yamanoi Shun , Onaka Yoichi , Yokoi Toshiyuki , Furumai Hiroaki , Katayama Hiroyuki
Published: May 2021

Porous carbons are well-known efficient adsorbents for a variety of organic and inorganic pollutants; however, they have difficulty in virus removal. In this study, novel porous carbons (NPCs) (NPC-A, NPC-B, and NPC-C) derived from rice husks were compared with commercially available activated carbons (ACs) for their ability to remove MS2 bacteriophages (MS2) in a batch experiment. NPC-A was produced by the silica removal process. NPC-B was prepared with an additional steam activation applied to NPC-A. NPC-C was obtained with an additional acid rinse applied to NPC-B. The NPCs (particularly NPC-C) exhibited effective removal of up to 5.3 log10 of MS2, which was greater than that of less than 2.7 log10 obtained by other ACs under 10 g/L during the same contact time (60 min). The pore size distribution of the porous carbon adsorbents was found to influence their virus removal performance. The adsorbents with a larger proportion of pores ranging from 200–4500 nm in diameter were able to achieve higher virus removal rates. Thus, NPCs (particularly NPC-C), which had a larger volume of pores ranging from 200–4500 nm in size, demonstrated the potential for use as efficient adsorbents for removing viruses during water purification.
Applying Optimization to Support Adaptive Water Management of Rivers
Authors: Derepasko Diana , Peñas Francisco J. , Barquín José , Volk Martin
Published: May 2021

Adaptive water management is a promising management paradigm for rivers that addresses the uncertainty of decision consequences. However, its implementation into current practice is still a challenge. An optimization assessment can be framed within the adaptive management cycle allowing the definition of environmental flows (e-flows) in a suitable format for decision making. In this study, we demonstrate its suitability to mediate the incorporation of e-flows into diversion management planning, fostering the realization of an adaptive management approach. We used the case study of the Pas River, Northern Spain, as the setting for the optimization of surface water diversion. We considered e-flow requirements for three key river biological groups to reflect conditions that promote ecological conservation. By drawing from hydrological scenarios (i.e., dry, normal, and wet), our assessment showed that the overall target water demand can be met, whereas the daily volume of water available for diversion was not constant throughout the year. These results suggest that current the decision making needs to consider the seasonal time frame as the reference temporal scale for objectives adjustment and monitoring. The approach can be transferred to other study areas and can inform decision makers that aim to engage with all the stages of the adaptive water management cycle.
Unraveling the Water-Energy-Food-Environment Nexus for Climate Change Adaptation in Iran: Urmia Lake Basin Case-Study
Authors: Nasrollahi Hossein , Shirazizadeh Rasool , Shirmohammadi Reza , Pourali Omid , Amidpour Majid
Published: May 2021

A holistic approach to the management of water, energy, food, and the environment is required to both meet the socioeconomic demands of the future as well as sustainable development of these limited resources. The Urmia Lake Basin has faced environmental, social, and economic challenges in recent years, and this situation is likely to worsen under the impacts of climate change. For this study, an adaptability analysis of this region is proposed for the 2040 horizon year. Two models, the water evaluation and planning (WEAP (Stockholm Environmental Institute, Stockholm, Sweden)) and the low emissions analysis platform (LEAP (Stockholm Environmental Institute, Boston, MA, USA)), are integrated to simulate changes in water, energy, food, and the environment over these 20 years. Two climate scenarios and nine policy scenarios are combined to assess sustainable development using a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) approach. Results show that, through pursuing challenging goals in agricultural, potable water, energy, and industrial sectors, sustainable development will be achieved. In this scenario, the Lake Urmia water level will reach its ecological water level in 2040. However, social, technical, and political challenges are considered obstacles to implementing the goals of this scenario. In addition, industry growth and industry structure adjustment have the most impact on sustainable development achievement.
Worldwide Research on Socio-Hydrology: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Herrera-Franco Gricelda , Montalván-Burbano Néstor , Carrión-Mero Paúl , Bravo-Montero Lady
Published: May 2021

The technical and scientific analysis regarding studies of the water surface or groundwater has increasingly taken on a great social impact, which has led to the creation of the term socio-hydrology. Since decision making has a greater weight, considering the social perspective, its study has become more important in the past 20 years. This article aims to carry out a bibliometric analysis related to socio-hydrology using the Scopus database and the application of VOSviewer software for the evaluation of the intellectual structure of socio-hydrology, its conceptual evolution, and its tendencies. The methodology considers (i) search criteria of the research field, (ii) search and document selection, (iii) software and data extraction, and (iv) analysis of results and trends. The results show us the term socio-hydrology as a new scientific discipline that has traces in the Scopus database in the past two decades. However, its application stems from recognising ancestral knowledge alongside other forms of knowledge. Socio-hydrology practice requires participatory models, where the community has a great influence, and for the most part, it guarantees results for the common good. The trend of this topic is growing and open to the criteria of sustainability.
Effect of Water Supply on Physiological Response and Phytonutrient Composition of Chili Peppers
Authors: Agyemang Duah Stella , Silva e Souza Clarice , Nagy Zsuzsa , Pék Zoltán , Neményi András , Daood Hussein G. , Vinogradov Szergej , Helyes Lajos
Published: May 2021

Water supply is a primary contributor to the growth and phytonutrient composition in chili peppers. Several physiological stress factors can influence phytonutrients in chili peppers, resulting in their differential synthesis. Maintaining the right and exact amount of water through a drip system can promote an effective fruit set and crop quality. Four pepper cultivars (‘Hetényi Parázs’; HET, ‘Unikal’; UNIK, ‘Unijol’; UNIJ and ‘Habanero’; HAB) were investigated under different water supply treatments: RF or rain-fed, DI or deficit irrigation, and OWS or optimum water supply. The two-year experiment was carried out in May 2018 and 2019 under open field conditions. Physiological parameters (relative chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence, and canopy temperature) were measured during the growth stage and phytonutrients (vitamin C, capsaicinoids and carotenoids) analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) at harvest in September. The study revealed that, due to higher precipitation and rainfall interruption, increased water supply affected physiological response and phytonutrients in the cultivars. HAB under OWS had a lower response during the growth period when compared to HET, UNIK, and UNIJ. As water supply increased, measured individual carotenoid concentration increased in some cultivars. On the other hand, as water supply decreased, vitamin C and capsaicinoids concentration increased. Even though cultivars responded to the water supply treatments differently, HET exhibited a more uniform and stable composition in all treatments.
A Thermal Effect Model for the Impact of Vertical Groundwater Migration on Temperature Distribution of Layered Rock Mass and Its Application
Authors: Lu Haifeng , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Guifang , Zhang Manman
Published: May 2021

On the basis of the one-dimensional heat conduction–convection equation, a thermal effect model for vertical groundwater migration in the stratified rock mass was established, the equations for temperature distribution in layered strata were deduced, and the impacts of the vertical seepage velocity of groundwater and the thermal conductivity of surrounding rocks on the temperature field distribution in layered strata were analyzed. The proposed model was employed to identify the thermal convection and conduction regions at two temperature-measuring boreholes in coal mines, and the vertical migration velocity of groundwater was obtained through reverse calculation. The results show that the vertical temperature distribution of the layered rock mass is subject to the migration of the geothermal water; the temperature curve of the layered formation is convex when the geothermal water travels upward, but concave when the water moves downward. The temperature distribution in the stratified rock mass is also subject to the thermal conductivity of the rock mass; greater thermal conductivity of the rock mass leads to a larger temperature difference among regions of the rock mass, while weaker thermal conductivity results in a smaller temperature difference. A greater velocity of the vertical migration of geothermal water within the surrounding rock leads to a larger curvature of the temperature curve. The model was applied to a study case, which showed that the model could appropriately describe the variation pattern of the ground temperature in the stratified rock mass, and a comparison between the modeling result and the measured ground temperature distribution revealed a high goodness of fit of the model with the actual situation.
Green Development Efficiency Measurement and Influencing Factors of the Paper Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt
Authors: Xiang Yunbo , Wang Shengyun , Zhang Yong , Dai Zhijun
Published: May 2021

The paper industry is a traditional industry with extensive consumption of resources and energy and more pollutant discharge. This industry is closely related to production and life activities. Under the general requirement of “to step up conservation of the Yangtze River and stop its over development”, the paper industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt should urgently undergo green transformation and development. Based on the undesirable slack-based measure model, spatial gravity center, Kernel density function, Theil index, and panel model, this study examines the green development efficiency and its influencing factors of the paper industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2001 to 2016. Results showed the following: (1) from 2001 to 2016, the green development efficiency of the paper industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt had been steadily improved, but the overall efficiency value is not high, which has a great potential for improvement. The green development efficiency of the paper industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt presents the regional differentiation law of gradient increasing in the upper, middle, and lower reaches. (2) According to the gravity center trajectory, the efficiency center of the green development of the paper industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt is located in the middle reaches of Hunan Province and Hubei Province and moves to the southwest. This case indicates that the green development efficiency of the paper industry in provinces and cities in the southwest has been improved. (3) The regional differences in the green development efficiency of the paper industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt show the characteristics of narrowing fluctuations. The regional differences are the primary sources of the difference in the green development efficiency of the paper industry. (4) The enterprise scale, science and technology investment, and industrial structure have significant positive effects on the green development efficiency of the paper industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt. On the contrary, environmental regulation and foreign investment intensity have significant negative effects. However, the above factors have different effects on the green development efficiency of the paper industry in the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Economic Belt.
Sensitivity Analysis of Adjustable River Surf Waves in the Absence of Channel Drop
Authors: Asiaban Puria , Rennie Colin D. , Egsgard Neil
Published: May 2021

Most artificial river wave technologies require a drop in the riverbed to generate recreational surf waves; herein a new technology is introduced that can be used on a flat bed. The mechanism includes an adjustable ramp, transition and kicker, which can be independently manipulated to generate a surf wave. A 3-D numerical model of the described mechanism is developed based on a prototype Kananaskis River wave in Alberta, Canada, and is calibrated by means of physical model data. Numerical experiments are conducted to demonstrate sensitivity of the wave to geometric features of each element of the structure in different hydraulic conditions such as flowrate and tailwater depth. Results are presented in dimensionless form to be generalizable and describe the wave behavior. It is shown that the ramp slope, the heaviest and most expensive element of the structure, has a minimal effect on the wave profile, while the tailwater depth, kicker geometry and kicker position can significantly augment and accelerate the wave.
What Increases Consumers’ Purchase Intention of Battery Electric Vehicles from Chinese Electric Vehicle Start-Ups? Taking NIO as an Example
Authors: Jiang Qianling , Wei Wei , Guan Xin , Yang Dexin
Published: May 2021

As environmental and energy issues are becoming more and more serious, China has seen the birth of a number of electric vehicle start-ups (EVSUs). Although there has been a dozen or so studies about consumers’ purchase intention of battery electric vehicles, few of them were about electric vehicle start-ups. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the factors that influence consumers’ purchase intention of electric vehicles from Chinese electric vehicle start-ups (CEVSUs). This study establishes a theoretical model of the factors that influence consumers’ purchase intentions of electric vehicles from CEVSUs through brand identity, brand image, brand awareness, and perceived risk. The analysis results of 332 valid questionnaires show that the factors that affect consumers’ purchase intention of electric vehicles from CEVSUs include brand identity, brand image, and perceived risk. Brand image will be affected by brand recognition, brand awareness, and perceived risk. The perceived risk will be affected by brand awareness and brand identity. Brand awareness will be affected by brand identity, but brand awareness will not directly affect purchase decisions. The conclusions of this study can be used as a reference for the government, consumers, or practitioners in the electric vehicle industry to promote the sales of electric vehicles to achieve low-carbon transportation, and also to help Chinese start up brands to take a larger share of the domestic market.
Evaluating China’s Passenger Vehicle Market under the Vehicle Policies of 2021–2023
Authors: Ou Shiqi , Yu Rujie , Lin Zhenhong , He Xin , Bouchard Jessey , Przesmitzki Steve
Published: May 2021

China is well known for its determination on large-scale vehicle electrification, which currently is mainly driven by fuel economy and electric vehicle policies mixed with the extensive charging infrastructure support and monetary incentives from the government. This study adopted the New Energy and Oil Consumption Credits (NEOCC) model 2020 version, a vehicle policy analysis tool developed by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in order to systematically quantify the potential impacts of the “Passenger Cars Corporate Average Fuel Consumption and New Energy Vehicle Credit Regulation”, which is a revised version released in June 2020 for the timeframe 2021–2023, the so-called dual credit policy (2021–2023). It was found that, under the dual credit policy (2021–2023), the sales of hybrid electric vehicles could reach 0.91 million by the end of 2023, which would increase much faster than they did in 2018–2020. The annual sales share of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) could reach 11.7%, and the PEV stocks could achieve 11.70 million by the end of 2023 if it keeps the expansion to the level of how it was in 2017. In addition, the BEVs with long electric range (such as 400 km) and the plug-in hybrid electric SUVs could be the most popular PEV types.
Agent-Based Modeling Framework for Electric Vehicle Adoption Transition in Indonesia
Authors: Novizayanti Dita , Prasetio Eko Agus , Siallagan Manahan , Santosa Sigit Puji
Published: May 2021

Currently, the adoption of electric vehicles (EV) draws much attention, as the environmental issue of reducing carbon emission is increasing worldwide. However, different countries face different challenges during this transition, particularly developing countries. This research aims to create a framework for the transition to EV in Indonesia through Agent-Based Modeling (ABM). The framework is used as the conceptual design for ABM to investigate the effect of agents’ decision-making processes at the microlevel into the number of adopted EV at the macrolevel. The cluster analysis is equipped to determine the agents’ characteristics based on the categories of the innovation adopters. There are 11 significant variables and four respondents’ clusters: innovators, early majority, late majority, and the uncategorized one. Moreover, Twitter data analytics are utilized to investigate the information engagement coefficient based on the agents’ location. The agents’ characteristics which emerged from this analysis framework will be used as the fundamental for investigating the effect of agents’ specific characteristics and their interaction through ABM for further research. It is expected that this framework will enable the discovery of which incentive scheme or critical technical features effectively increase the uptake of EV according to the agents’ specific characteristics.
Arquivo Televisivo: Imaginário, Memória e Laço Social Revisitado
Authors: Bressan Junior Mario Abel , Juncklaus Preis Moraes Heloisa
Published: May 2021

Este estudo objetiva expor reflexões sobre a reformulação do Laço Social constituído com a televisão, através das recordações evocadas nos telespectadores, com a atuação de uma memória teleafetiva e com os novos formatos de consumo audiovisual. Analisa os comentários do público que assistiu ao remake do programa Cassino do Chacrinha, exibido em 2017, na Rede Globo de Televisão e no Canal Viva, em comemoração ao centenário de Abelardo Barbosa, importante comunicador brasileiro entre as décadas de 1970 e 1980. Como procedimentos metodológicos, aplica-se a análise de conteúdo de Laurence Bardin (2011) nos textos postados no Twitter com a expressão “Cassino do Chacrinha” nos dias 28 de agosto de 2017 (programa exibido no Canal Viva) e 6 de setembro de 2017 (Rede Globo). O embasamento teórico é fundamentado nos conceitos de memória coletiva (HALBWACHS, 2003), Memória Teleafetiva (BRESSAN JÚNIOR, 2019), Laço Social (WOLTON, 1996) e Imaginário (DURAND, 2002); (MORAES, 2019); (SILVA, 2017).  A pesquisa discute as relações entre imaginário, memória e laço social, a partir de um arquivo televisivo, apresentando marcas da memória teleafetiva por imagens pregnantes e compartilhadas nos comentários analisados.
La desobediencia al derecho y el principio lex iniusta non est lex en la interpretación voluntarista constitucional La experiencia boliviana en las elecciones generales de 2019 y la Sentencia Constitucional Plurinacional N° 0084/2017
Authors: Concha Flores Luis Fernando
Published: May 2021

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo identificar aproximaciones de posibles relaciones entre la interpretación voluntarista reconocida en el artículo 196.II de la Constitución Política del Estado con la desobediencia al derecho y el principio lex iniusta non est lex en la experiencia boliviana reciente para las elecciones generales del año 2019, considerando los fundamentos que nos brinda el iusnaturalismo clásico
Lex Arbitri en materia de inversiones extranjeras: La deficiencia normativa ante el posible ingreso de Bolivia al MERCOSUR
Authors: Vasquez Criales Luis Antonio
Published: May 2021

Se analizó si, ante el posible ingreso de Bolivia al MERCOSUR, es razonable la adopción del Protocolo de Colonia, como Lex Arbitri en materia de inversiones extranjeras. Los resultados de la investigación determinaron que la medida es razonable, sin embargo, la normativa boliviana vulnera el principio de voluntariedad de las partes al cohibir a las mismas a someter el arbitraje de inversiones a la jurisdicción, leyes y autoridades bolivianas. Asimismo, este análisis también conlleva la necesidad de recalcar que el Protocolo de Colonia no posee una determinación del modo de ejecutar y reconocer el laudo arbitral, lo que implica que los laudos estén sujetos a las mismas reservas que posee la sede del arbitraje respecto al reconocimiento y ejecución de los laudos de carácter comercial internacional sujetos a la Convención de Nueva York. Por ende, la búsqueda de un sistema de arbitraje de inversiones internacional satisfactorio para Bolivia no solamente involucra la necesidad de adecuar previamente la normativa boliviana en concordancia con el referido proceso de integración, sino que también es necesaria la delimitación de casos determinados en los cuales los Estados puedan acudir a un mecanismo de impugnación provisto por el MERCOSUR.
Deficiencias normativas sobre el libre tránsito comercial por la Hidrovía Paraguay-Paraná
Authors: Muñoz Miranda Mijael Vladimir
Published: May 2021

La Hidrovía Paraguay-Paraná es un corredor fluvial que atraviesa el territorio de Brasil, Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay y Uruguay, el cual debido a su ubicación estratégica se constituye en una vía beneficiosa en relación costo/contaminación que la terrestre y aérea; lo que despertó el interés de estos cinco países por aprovechar dicha vía; para lo cual se elaboraron una serie de acuerdos internacionales con el fin de regular su aprovechamiento. A día de hoy, ya pasaron cerca de 30 años desde el primer acuerdo elaborado para el efectivo aprovechamiento de esta vía; pero esta sigue sin ser explotada completamente; es por eso que el presente artículo tratará de explicar este motivo desde el punto de vista normativo.
Modelo de prevención de delitos en Chile. Una medida de educación en la Universidad para combatir la corrupción
Authors: Santander Gidi José Antonio
Published: May 2021

Evitar la corrupción, implica un trabajo, que debe ser tratado de un modo plurifocal. Esto involucra no sólo combatirlo con la persecución de éste, sino que también con la educación, y mediante la delación del mismo. Por otro lado, se hace necesario, no sólo castigar a los que cometen el delito, sino hacer responsable a las personas jurídicas que se ven beneficiadas con un acto de corrupción. En este último sentido, Chile, y a instancia de la Organización para la Cooperación y Desarrollo Económico (OCDE), dicta la ley No. 20.393 que busca sancionar penalmente a las personas jurídicas por la comisión de figuras penales. Sin embargo, la novedad de esta ley es la creación de un modelo preventivo como forma de aminorar la responsabilidad. Este modelo contempla la educación y obligación de denunciar el conocimiento de la comisión de los delitos. Las Universidades, como personas jurídicas y en especial como instituciones de educación de los futuros profesionales del país, deben estar preparadas, por una parte para no ser utilizadas como instrumentos por terceros para la comisión de delitos de lavado de activos, financiamiento de terrorismo, asociación ilícita, cohecho, receptación, entre otros, cuyo denominador común es la corrupción, y por otra, este modelo permite que los estudiantes sean partícipes, desde su vida en formación, de los mecanismos tendientes a evitar que los delitos de corrupción no queden impunes.
La autonomía progresiva, el principio del interés superior del niño y su derecho a ser oído a partir de su reconocimiento como sujeto de derecho
Authors: Olmos Vedia Fabiana Helen
Published: May 2021

La Convención sobre los Derechos del Niño es el instrumento de derechos humanos con el mayor número de ratificaciones en la historia y que ha marcado un hito importante en el desarrollo de los derechos de la niñez y adolescencia. Tiene gran importancia porque hace prevalecer la doctrina de protección integral reconociendo a los niños y adolescentes como sujetos de derecho, dando paso de un sistema tutelar represivo a uno de defensa y reconocimiento de derechos. En la presente investigación se realizará un análisis doctrinario, normativo, jurisprudencial y de derecho comparado de la legislación argentina sobre el nuevo paradigma de los niños y adolescentes que surge a partir de la Convención sobre los Derechos del Niño, haciendo énfasis en el principio de autonomía progresiva, el principio del interés superior del niño y su derecho a ser oído. Asimismo, se hará referencia a la figura del abogado del niño que ha sido incorporada en el Código Civil y Comercial de la Nación Argentina y, en virtud a su capacidad progresiva, al derecho de los niños y adolescentes a decidir sobre los cuidados de su propio cuerpo.
PENGARUH PANDEMIC COVID 19 TERHADAP NPL BANK PERKREDITAN RAKYAT DI INDONESIA
Authors: Tiwu Maria I. H.
Published: May 2021

ABSTRAK

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh pandemic covid 19 terhadap NPL Bank Perkreditan Rakyat di Indonesia yang terdaftar di Otoritas Jasa Keuangan selama periode penelitian dari bulan Januari 2017 sampai dengan bulan Juli 2020. Metode analisis yang digunakan adalah regresi berganda dengan pandemic covid 19 sebagai variabel dummy sebelum dan selama pandemic covid 19. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa pandemic covid 19 mempunyai pengaruh signifikan dan hubungan positif terhadap NPL Bank Perkreditan Rakyat di Indonesia. Pandemic covid 19 merupakan kejadian luar biasa yang menyebabkan perekonomian di seluruh dunia termasuk Indonesia mengalami penurunan yang tajam. Akibatnya para pengusaha, tenaga kerja serta sektor ekonomi lainnya kehilangan pendapatan dan keuntungan, hal tersebut menimbulkan ketidakmampuan para peminjam yang terdiri dari pengusaha untuk mengembalikan dana kepada BPR di Indonesia. Kata kunci : NPL, Pandemic Covid 19, BPR
REAKSI PASAR TERHADAP PERISTIWA AKSI DEMO TANGGAL 22 MEI 2019 DI BURSA EFEK INDONESIA (BEI)
Authors: Muga Maria P. L.
Published: May 2021

ABSTRAK

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meneliti reaksi pasar di Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI) selama lima hari sebelum dan lima hari sesudah peristiwa aksi demo tanggal 22 Mei 2019. Reaksi pasar diukur dengan average abnormal return sebelum dan sesudah terjadinya peristiwa aksi demo tanggal 22 Mei 2019. Sampel penelitian ini adalah perusahaan listing di Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI) yang sahamnya tergolong saham LQ-45. Jumlah sampel yang digunakan sebanyak 34 perusahaan. Hipotesis dalam penelitian ini diuji dengan menggunakan analisis Paired Samples Test. Hasil pengujian ini menunjukkan bahwa ada pengaruh positif signifikan dan perbedaan signifikan sebelum dan sesudah peristiwa aksi demo tanggal 22Mei 2019.Kata kunci : reaksi pasar, abnormal return, peristiwa aksi demo
PERSEPSI MAHASISWA AKUNTANSI DAN KARYAWAN DI BIDANG AKUNTANSI TENTANG FRAUD
Authors: Missa Putriyani Fransiska , Rafael Sarinah Joyce M.
Published: May 2021

ABSTRAK

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui persepsi mahasiswa akuntansi dan karyawan di bidang akuntansi tentang fraud, serta melihat kesenjangan antara persepsi mahasiswa akuntansi dan persepsi karyawan di bidang akuntansi tentang fraud. Jenis penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif dengan menggunakan metode analisis statistik deskriptif dan uji mann whitney u-test. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah mahasiswa akuntansi dan karyawan di bidang akuntansi di Kota Kupang. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan teknik quota sampling dan data yang diolah sebanyak 123 sampel, yaitu mahasiswa akuntansi sebanyak 74 orang dan karyawan di bidang akuntansi sebanyak 49 orang. Pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini dilakukan dengan membagikan kuesioner kepada responden. Hasil penelitian ini membuktikan bahwa tidak ada perbedaan persepsi mahasiswa akuntansi dan persepsi karyawan di bidang akuntansi yang signifikan pada indikator fraud dan fraud triangle (tekanan, kesempatan, dan rasionalisasi). Namun pada ilustrasi perilaku kecurangan, terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan antara persepsi mahasiswa akuntansi dan karyawan di bidang akuntansi. Walaupun terdapat perbedaan di antara kedua kelompok tersebut, secara keseluruhan mahasiswa akuntansi dan karyawan di bidang akuntansi telah mempersepsikan fraud dengan baik.

Kata kunci: Persepsi Mahasiswa Akuntansi, Persepsi Karyawan Di Bidang Akuntansi, Fraud, Fraud Triangle.
PENGARUH PENGGUNAAN TEKNOLOGI INFORMASI, KEMAMPUAN BERKOMUNIKASI INTERPERSONAL, DAN GAYA KEPEMIMPINAN TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN (STUDI EMPIRIS PADA BANK SYARIAH DI KOTA AMBON)
Authors: Zakaria Ilham Habibi , Leiwakabessy Theophilia Fina F.
Published: May 2021

ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh penggunaan teknologi informasi, kemampuan berkomunikasi interpersonal, dan gaya kepemimpinan terhadap kinerja karyawan pada Bank Syariah di Kota Ambon. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh karyawan pada tiga Bank Syariah yang terdapat di Kota Ambon. Pengambilan sampel menggunakan purposive sampling yaitu dengan jumlah sampel sebanyak 65 responden. Tenik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah teknik survei dengan mengunakan kuisioner. Analisis data menggunakan regresi linear berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa variabel penggunaan teknologi informasi berpengaruh terhadap kinerja karyawan. Sedangkan variabel kemampuan berkomunikasi interpersonal dan gaya kepemimpinan tidak berpengaruh terhadap kinerja karyawan.Kata Kunci: Teknologi Informasi, Kemampuan Berkomunikasi Interpersonal, Gaya Kepemimpinan, dan Kinerja Karyawan
PENGARUH RASIO KEUANGAN TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN LABA PADA PERUSAHAAN MAKANAN DAN MINUMAN DI BEI
Authors: Dianitha Kharisma Aulia , Masitoh Endang , Siddi Purnama
Published: May 2021

ABSTRAK

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh rasio keuangan terhadap pertumbuhan laba di perusahaan manufaktur sub-sektor makanan dan minuman. Variabel dalam penelitian ini adalah Quick ratio (QR), Debt to Equity Ratio (DER), Net Profit Margin (NPM), dan Return On Investment (ROI). Pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik purposive sampling dengan kriteria tertentu. Yang menghasilkan sampel 12 perusahaan makanan dan minuman yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia pada 2015-2018. Analisis dalam penelitian ini menggunakan analisis regresi linier berganda dengan menunjukkan hasil bahwa Quick Ratio, Debt to Equity Ratio, Net Profit Margin tidakberpengaruh terhadap pertumbuhan laba, sedangkan Return On Investment memiliki pengaruh terhadap pertumbuhan laba.

Kata kunci : QR, DER, NPM, ROI, Pertumbuhan Laba
PENGARUH PERTUMBUHAN EKONOMI, BELANJA MODAL, KESEJAHTERAAN MASYARAKAT TERHADAP KETIMPANGAN PENDAPATAN ANTAR DAERAH DI PROVINSI NUSA TENGGARA TIMUR
Authors: Kiak Novi Theresia
Published: May 2021

ABSTRAK

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana pengaruh pertumbuhan ekonomi, belanja modal dan kesejahteraan masyarakat berpengaruh terhadap Ketimpangan distribusi pendapatan antar Kabupaten/Kota di Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur . Penelitian ini dilakukan di Kabupaten/Kota Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur Tahun 2014- 2017. Penelitian ini menggunakan panel data dan diolah menggunakan software eviews. Penelitian ini diharapkan dapat memberikan masukan kepada pemerintah Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa diantara tiga variabel pertumbuhan ekonomi, belanja Modal, dan Kesejahteraan Masyarakat, variabel pertumbuhan ekonomi saja yang berpengaruh positif dan signifikan. Berdasarkan temuan tersebut saran yang diberikan adalah Pemerintah daerah kabupaten dan Kota diseluruh propvinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur Pemerintah daerah dinilai perlu mengambil kebijakan strategis yang berorientasi pada peningkatan pertumbuhan ekonomi di daerah, dengan cara memperluas lapangan kerja, penyediaan infrastruktur ekonomi yang lebih baik dan sejalan dengan upaya pemerataan distribusi pendapatan di masyarakat, sehingga ketimpangan pendapatan antar daerah dapat diperkecil. Kata kunci : Pertumbuhan Ekonomi, Belanja Modal, Kesejahteraan Masyarakat, KetimpanganPendapatan Antar Daerah