bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Wide and Deep Neural Network for Hyperspectral Image Classification
Authors: Xi Jiangbo , Cong Ming , Ersoy Okan K. , Zou Weibao , Zhao Chaoying , Li Zhenhong , Gu Junkai , Wu Tianjun
Published: July 2021

Recently, deep learning has been successfully and widely used in hyperspectral image (HSI) classification. Considering the difficulty of acquiring HSIs, there are usually a small number of pixels used as the training instances. Therefore, it is hard to fully use the advantages of deep learning networks; for example, the very deep layers with a large number of parameters lead to overfitting. This paper proposed a dynamic wide and deep neural network (DWDNN) for HSI classification, which includes multiple efficient wide sliding window and subsampling (EWSWS) networks and can grow dynamically according to the complexity of the problems. The EWSWS network in the DWDNN was designed both in the wide and deep direction with transform kernels as hidden units. These multiple layers of kernels can extract features from the low to high level, and because they are extended in the wide direction, they can learn features more steadily and smoothly. The sliding windows with the stride and subsampling were designed to reduce the dimension of the features for each layer; therefore, the computational load was reduced. Finally, all the weights were only from the fully connected layer, and the iterative least squares method was used to compute them easily. The proposed DWDNN was tested with several HSI data including the Botswana, Pavia University, and Salinas remote sensing datasets with different numbers of instances (from small to big). The experimental results showed that the proposed method had the highest test accuracies compared to both the typical machine learning methods such as support vector machine (SVM), multilayer perceptron (MLP), radial basis function (RBF), and the recently proposed deep learning methods including the 2D convolutional neural network (CNN) and the 3D CNN designed for HSI classification.
Ecofeminism and Natural Resource Management: Justice Delayed, Justice Denied
Authors: Liu Yang , Anser Muhammad Khalid , Zaman Khalid
Published: July 2021

Women have a right to excel in all spheres of activity. However, their roles are mainly confined in the resource extraction industry due to masculinity bias. African women are considered exemplary cases where women have low access to finance and economic opportunities to progress in the natural resource industry. This study examines the role of women’s autonomy in mineral resource extraction by controlling ecological footprints, financial development, environmental degradation, economic growth, and changes in the general price level in the Democratic Republic of the Congo data from 1975–2019. The autoregressive distributed lag estimates show that in the short-run, women’s autonomy decreases mineral resource rents; however, this result disappears in the long-run and the positive role of women’s autonomy in increasing resource capital is confirmed. Ecological footprints are in jeopardy from saving mineral resources both in the short- and long-term. Financial development negatively impacts mineral resource rents, while women’s access to finance supports the mineral resource agenda. The positive role of women in environmental protection has led to increased mineral resource rents in the short- and long-term. Women’s social and economic autonomy increases mineral resource rents in the short-term, while it has evaporated in the long-term. The Granger causality has confirmed the unidirectional linkages running from women’s green ecological footprints, access to finance, and women participating in environmental protection to mineral resource rents in a country. The variance decomposition analysis has shown that women’s economic autonomy and access to finance will exert more significant variance shocks to mineral resource rents over the next ten years’ period. The results conclude the positive role of women’s freedom in the mineral resource sustainability agenda. Thus, there is a high need to authorize women through access to finance and economic decisions to restore natural resource capital nationwide.
Cloud Manufacturing, Internet of Things-Assisted Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technology: Reliable Tools for Sustainable Construction
Authors: Singh Rajesh , Gehlot Anita , Akram Shaik Vaseem , Gupta Lovi Raj , Jena Manoj Kumar , Prakash Chander , Singh Sunpreet , Kumar Raman
Published: July 2021

The United Nations (UN) 2030 agenda on sustainable development goals (SDGs) encourages us to implement sustainable infrastructure and services for confronting challenges such as large energy consumption, solid waste generation, depletion of water resources and emission of greenhouse gases in the construction industry. Therefore, to overcome challenges and establishing sustainable construction, there is a requirement to integrate information technology with innovative manufacturing processes and materials science. Moreover, the wide implementation of three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology in constructing monuments, artistic objects, and residential buildings has gained attention. The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud manufacturing (CM), and 3DP allows us to digitalize the construction for providing reliable and digitalized features to the users. In this review article, we discuss the opportunities and challenges of implementing the IoT, CM, and 3D printing (3DP) technologies in building constructions for achieving sustainability. The recent convergence research of cloud development and 3D printing (3DP) are being explored in the article by categorizing them into multiple sections including 3D printing resource access technology, 3D printing cloud platform (3D–PCP) service architectures, 3D printing service optimized configuration technology, 3D printing service evaluation technology, and 3D service control and monitoring technology. This paper also examines and analyzes the limitations of existing research and, moreover, the article provides key recommendations such as automation with robotics, predictive analytics in 3DP, eco-friendly 3DP, and 5G technology-based IoT-based CM for future enhancements.
The Prevalence of Risky Driving Habits in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Wathinani Ahmed M. , Schwebel David C. , Al-Nasser Abrar H. , Alrugaib Afnan K. , Al-Suwaidan Hessah I. , Al-Rowais Shahad S. , AlZahrani Arwa N. , Abushryei Rawan H. , Mobrad Abdulmajeed M. , Alhazmi Riyadh A. , Althunayyan Saqer M. , Goniewicz Krzysztof
Published: July 2021

Road traffic crashes represent a substantial global public health issue. In Saudi Arabia, which is the focus area of this research, road traffic crashes kill over 130,000 people annually, accounting for almost 5% of deaths in that country. A cross-sectional study with 316 participants holding a valid Saudi driver’s license was conducted via the internet from December 2019 to March 2020 to collect information about the prevalence of risky driving habits among Saudi drivers. The sample was predominantly men and aged between 20 and 39, which is representative of the population of drivers in Saudi Arabia. Drivers generally reported engaging in safe behaviors, although they did state that they drove above the legal speed limit, drove aggressively around slow drivers, and became distracted while driving with some frequency. Multivariate analyses suggested men took more risks than women and younger drivers took more risks than older ones. We conclude that the behavior among drivers in Saudi Arabia generally matches those in other cultures and countries, with men and young adults taking the most risks while driving. Preventative strategies should be developed and implemented in Saudi Arabia.
Traffic Noise and Inhabitant Health—A Comparison of Road and Rail Noise
Authors: Wrótny Marcin , Bohatkiewicz Janusz
Published: July 2021

The negative effect of traffic noise on human health is indisputable. The article illustrates the magnitude of this problem in selected European capitals using data made available by the European Environment Agency, collected as a part of strategic noise mapping under Directive 2002/49/EC. The purpose of the described studies is to determine the number of people suffering from noise-induced health problems, and to compare the effect of the road noise on human health with the effect of noise from rail vehicles. Studies concern noise annoyance, induced sleep disturbance, and Disability-Adjusted Life Years, or DALY index. Analyses clearly show that environmental pollution from road noise often exceeds environmental pollution from railway noise by a factor of 10. In addition, studies show that in many cities, more than half of the population is exposed to road noise exceeding the acceptable values. The worst of all selected agglomerations with regard to people exposed to road and rail noise is Paris, the capital of France. It should be noted, however, that it has the highest population density of all the analyzed cities and a very well developed transport network. Further studies are needed to characterize the effect of traffic noise on inhabitant health more accurately, using specific indicators allowing to do so.
Climate Change Adaptation Influences and Barriers Impacting the Asian Agricultural Industry
Authors: Nguyen Thu-Huong , Sahin Oz , Howes Michael
Published: July 2021

There has been an increasing interest among scholars regarding the impacts of climate change on agriculture and possible adaptation strategies for farmers. Little attention has been paid, however, to reviewing adaptation initiatives amongst farmers in Asia. This article fills this knowledge gap by examining the current literature on Asian farmers’ perception of climate change, their adaptation strategies, key factors influencing their choices, and the barriers to change. A systematic quantitative literature review is undertaken of 48 papers taken from a range of sources. The review indicates that farmers’ perceptions of climate change have been consistent with the scientific data. It further identifies farmers’ adaptation strategies with regards to soil conservation, water management and land use changes. The review shows numerous factors influencing, and barriers impacting, farmers’ ability to adapt. Influencing factors were analysed and categorised into five groups: cognitive, demographic, social-economic, resources, and institutional. Barriers hampering their adaptive capacity were identified as: a lack of access to information, a lack of access to extension services, limited awareness and knowledge, and limited financial options. The review finishes with some recommendations for future research.
The Benefits of YouTube in Learning English as a Second Language: A Qualitative Investigation of Korean Freshman Students’ Experiences and Perspectives in the U.S.
Authors: Kim Sumi , Kim Hyeon-Cheol
Published: July 2021

YouTube has the potential to significantly impact Korean millennials’ daily lives. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether the value of YouTube can be explained by Korean students’ learning needs and practice. This qualitative study attempts to add a new dimension to possible ways of using YouTube for educational purposes. Focusing on narratives of first-year Korean international students studying in the U.S., this study examines the ways in which using YouTube contributes to students’ linguistic and cultural diversity. Findings reveal that YouTube helps expand students’ perspectives on cross-cultural understanding. The educational use of YouTube also leads students to academic pursuits and engagement during studying abroad by developing content knowledge and skills in English. It further enables students to enhance their knowledge of English as a global language by taking ownership. Ultimately, YouTube plays an indispensable role in supporting Korean international students’ academic and social progress in the transitional phase from their home to host countries. From these findings, and in response to the post-COVID era, the implications for the new normal in education using social networking sites, YouTube in particular, are discussed for effective multilingual and multicultural education in South Korea.
GHG Emission Reduction Opportunities for Road Projects in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi: A Scenario Approach
Authors: Maraqa Munjed A. , Albuquerque Francisco D. B. , Alzard Mohammed H. , Chowdhury Rezaul , Kamareddine Lina A. , El Zarif Jamal
Published: July 2021

The transportation sector is considered one of the driving forces behind the increased release of greenhouse gases (GHGs), with road transport being this sector’s main emissions contributor. In turn, efforts should be devoted to reducing emitted GHGs from this sector, and many such opportunities lie in the road transport life cycle. This paper investigated fourteen emission reduction scenarios based on the green initiatives issued by the Abu Dhabi Government. The explored measures are either related to road works and road municipal services or to traffic movement. The proposed measures were evaluated with reference to a baseline study previously reported by the authors for three different road projects in Abu Dhabi city. Findings reveal that normalized GHG emission reduction could be significantly reduced by (i) replacing 30% of internal combustion engine passenger cars with battery electric vehicles where the power demand is covered almost equally from nuclear and liquified natural gas (LNG) sources, (ii) reducing the number of passenger cars by 10%, and (iii) having one-fifth of passenger cars powered by LNG. A lesser significant reduction could be achieved by replacing conventional lamps with light-emitting diode (LED) lamps or by having one-fourth of lighting powered by solar energy. Even lesser reduction could be achieved by (i) replacing a portion of Portland cement with ground granulated blast furnace slag in concrete structures, (ii) fully utilizing treated sewage effluent for roadside-plant irrigation, (iii) reducing desalinated water used for roadside-plant irrigation by 20%, and (iv) increasing the number of higher efficiency passenger cars by 10%. Replacing hot-mix asphalt with warm-mix asphalt and using asphalt with a high stiffness modulus in the base layer results in low emission reduction. The use of 15% recycled asphalt or the use of 50% recycled aggregate in road construction has the least impact on emission reduction. When all explored scenarios were combined, an overall normalized GHG emissions reduction of 9–17% during the road project life cycle could be achieved.
Circularity Study on PET Bottle-To-Bottle Recycling
Authors: Pinter Elisabeth , Welle Frank , Mayrhofer Elisa , Pechhacker Andreas , Motloch Lukas , Lahme Vera , Grant Andy , Tacker Manfred
Published: July 2021

With the European Green Deal, the importance of recycled products and materials has increased. Specifically, for PET bottles, a high content of recycled material (rPET) is demanded by the industry and consumers. This study was carried out in a lab environment replicating real-life industrial processes, to investigate the possible impacts on rPET quality over eleven recycling loops, aiming to use high amounts of rPET repetitively. A cycle included extrusion, solid state polycondensation (SSP), a second extrusion to simulate bottle production, hot wash and a drying step. 75% rPET and 25% virgin PET were extruded in eleven cycles to simulate a recycling and production process. Samples underwent chemical, physical and biological analysis. The quality of the rPET material was not adversely affected. Parameters such as coloring, intrinsic viscosity, concentration of critical chemicals and presence of mutagenic contaminants could be positively assessed. The quality of the produced material was likely influenced by the input material’s high standard. A closed loop PET bottle recycling process using an rPET content of up to 75% was possible when following the proposed process, indicating that this level of recycled content can be maintained indefinitely without compromising quality.
Sustainability Analysis of Fish Feed Derived from Aquatic Plant and Insect
Authors: Goyal Shashank , Ott Denise , Liebscher Jens , Höfling Dennis , Müller Ariane , Dautz Jens , Gutzeit Herwig O. , Schmidt Dirk , Reuss Rosmarie
Published: July 2021

Fish and meat production and processing will grow drastically in the coming decades. In aquacultural systems, insects are gaining interest as feed to provide a sustainable alternative to the fishmeal paradox, whose production leads to high consumption of resources and negative environmental impacts. Within the scope of this study, the production of fish feed from Hermetia illucens larvae and Lemna minor in an inline recirculating aquaponics model for urban sites was developed and optimized, which efficiently combines waste and environmental service concepts in one production system. At the same time, the value chain produces high-quality, market-accessible raw materials for the fish feed industry. All investigations were accompanied by a comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to measure and compare ecological effects to finally result in sustainable alternatives. The results achieved in this research show that fish feed based on Hermetia illucens and Lemna minor can have the potential to be ecologically competitive or more sustainable than standard feed. It should be noted that the comparison here represents the results of the project on a pilot scale. Various optimization potentials were shown, which are essential for the large-scale implementation of the breeding of both species as well as their processing up to the fish feed pellets.
Integrated GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Analysis for Groundwater Potential Mapping in the Euphrates’s Sub-Basin, Harran Basin, Turkey
Authors: Aslan Veysel , Çelik Recep
Published: July 2021

The Harran Basin is an important region where agricultural activities have been conducted for millennia. The agricultural water needs of the basin are largely met with surface irrigation through the GAP (South-Eastern Anatolian Project), while groundwater is used in some regions as potable water, tap water, and irrigation water. In this study, the groundwater potential of the Harran Basin was determined through the “GIS-based Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM)” Method. Ten criteria were considered: Land Use, Soil, Geomorphology, Geology, Aquifer, Drainage Density, Rainfall, Slope, Lineament Density, and Terrain Class. The weights of these criteria were determined through the AHP method, and the operations were performed in the ArcGIS environment. As the results of this study, the Groundwater Potential Index (GWPI) values were obtained, and five regions were determined based on their Groundwater Potential Zone (GWPZ) classifications: very poor GWPI: 0.10% (5.14 km2); poor GWPI: 29.20%; moderate GWPI: 38.20%; good GWPI: 30.90%; and very good GWPI: 1.50%). We determined that the region is a plain with a low slope and geologically consists of limestone. Notably, areas with poor water potential are mountainous and hilly, and the slopes over these areas are high.
Local Wisdom of Miang Lifestyle and Community for Sustainable Development in Northern Thailand
Authors: Chinwong Dujrudee , Charaj Panchana , Panitsupakamol Piyatida , Chankaew Tamonwan , Chinwong Surarong , Saenjum Chalermpong
Published: July 2021

Miang or fermented tea leaf has been a part of the Mae Kampong community, one of northern Thailand’s famous tourist attractions, for a long time. Although the demand and popularity of Miang are decreasing, Miang is still important to the community lifestyle in various ways. Thus, this study aimed to investigate Miang consumption behavior, lifestyle, and wisdom in the Mae Kampong community, which would lead to sustainable development. The study involved a cross-sectional survey and a qualitative study. The research was done in Mae Kampong Village, Mae On District, Chiang Mai, Thailand. A total of 335 participants participated; 60.9% were female with an average age of 61.3 ± 12.2 years old. In all, 93.7% of the participants consumed Miang daily, mostly as a snack (86.5%). Consuming Miang as a staple food and beverage were less common. Furthermore, only 2.5% of the participants considered Miang as medicine. Miang is also the primary source of income and a tourist attraction. Additionally, Miang is an item in religious and local rituals. The Miang culture and the local lifestyle are bonded deeply as a sustainable economy, society, and environment. The wisdom in Miang culture encourages a better quality of life for the Mae Kampong community.
Quantifying Fenestration Effect on Thermal Comfort in Naturally Ventilated Classrooms
Authors: Reda Ibrahim , AbdelMessih Raouf N. , Steit Mohamed , Mina Ehab M.
Published: July 2021

This study seeks to evaluate thermal comfort in naturally ventilated classrooms to draw sustainable solutions that reduce the dramatic energy consumed in mechanically ventilated spaces. Passive ventilation scenarios are generated using alternations of openings on the windward and leeward sides to evaluate their effects on thermal comfort. Twenty-eight experiments were carried in Bahrain during winter inside an exposed classroom, the experiments were grouped into five scenarios namely: “single-inlet single-outlet” SISO, “single-inlet double-outlet” SIDO, “double-inlet single-outlet” DISO, “double-inlet double-outlet” DIDO and “single-side ventilation” SSV. The findings indicate that single-side ventilation did not offer comfort except at high airspeed, while comfort is attained by using cross-ventilation at ambient temperature between 21.8–26.8 °C. The temperature difference between monitored locations and the inlet is inversely proportional to the number of air changes per hour. The DISO scenario accomplishes the lowest temperature difference. Using cross-ventilation instead of single-side ventilation reduces the temperature differences between 0.5–2.5 °C and increases airspeed up to three folds. According to the measured findings, the DISO cross-ventilation scenario is a valid sustainable solution adaptable to climatic variation locally and beyond with zero-energy consumption and zero emissions.
The Gameover in Universities Education Management during the Pandemic COVID-19: Challenges to Sustainable Development in a Digitalized Environment
Authors: Denisov Igor , Petrenko Yelena , Koretskaya Irina , Benčič Stanislav
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in February 2020, has radically changed the processes related to higher education. The main purpose of our study is to help scholar communities distinguish between educational approaches that seek to sustain the “unsustainable” and to identify the problems of lecturer–student interaction in the midst of the mass transition to distance learning and to find ways to solve them. The results of our research show that the transition to distance education during the pandemic took place; however, it highlighted a whole complex of problems connected with deterioration of emotional state and reduction of incentives to study. That might challenge the existing status quo, a revision of the principles of “Humboldt universities” and the birth of new forms of education. The study consists of three parts that allow analyzing the lecturer–student relations, as well as the management of the learning process. The first part analyzes the characteristics and attitudes towards distance education in different countries. The second part presents the results of students’ emotional state in two countries with different population restriction regimes. The third part is devoted to the study of students’ time planning in the distance-learning environment. We used the following methods to achieve the goals of the study: a questionnaire survey of students and lecturers, HADS (The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and self-timing method. The thesis about the “gameover” in universities education management is open for discussion by the scientific community.
One-Size Does Not Fit All—A Networked Approach to Community-Based Monitoring in Large River Basins
Authors: Parlee Brenda , Huntington Henry , Berkes Fikret , Lantz Trevor , Andrew Leon , Tsannie Joseph , Reece Cleo , Porter Corinne , Nicholson Vera , Peter Sharon , Simmons Deb , Michell Herman , Lepine Melody , Maclean Bruce , Ahkimnachie Kevin , King Lauren J. , Napoleon Art , Hogan Joella , Lam Jen , Hynes Kristin , Storr J.D. , Lord Sarah , Low Mike , Lockhart Jeanette , Giroux Diane , Tollis Mike , Lowe Lana , Maloney Elaine , Howlett Tracy
Published: July 2021

Monitoring methods based on Indigenous knowledge have the potential to contribute to our understanding of large watersheds. Research in large, complex, and dynamic ecosystems suggests a participatory approach to monitoring—that builds on the diverse knowledges, practices, and beliefs of local people—can yield more meaningful outcomes than a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Here we share the results of 12 community-based, participatory monitoring projects led by Indigenous governments and organizations in the Mackenzie River Basin (2015–2018). Specifically, we present and compare the indicators and monitoring methods developed by each of these community-based cases to demonstrate the specificity of place, culture, and context. A scalar analysis of these results suggests that the combination of core (common) indicators used across the basin, coupled with others that are meaningful at local level, create a methodological bricolage—a mix of tools, methods, and rules-in-use that are fit together. Our findings, along with those of sister projects in two other major watersheds (Amazon, Mekong), confront assumptions that Indigenous-led community-based monitoring efforts are too local to offer insights about large-scale systems. In summary, a networked approach to community-based monitoring that can simultaneously engage with local- and watershed-level questions of social and ecological change can address gaps in knowledge. Such an approach can create both practices and outcomes that are useful to local peoples as well as to those engaged in basin-wide governance.
Towards a Measurement Theory for Off-Shell Quantum Fields
Authors: Okamura Kazuya
Published: July 2021

In this study, we develop quantum measurement theory for quantum systems described by C∗-algebras. This is the first step to establish measurement theory for interacting quantum fields with off-shell momenta. Unlike quantum mechanics (i.e., quantum systems with finite degrees of freedom), measurement theory for quantum fields is still in development because of the difficulty of quantum fields that are typical quantum systems with infinite degrees of freedom. Furthermore, the mathematical theory of quantum measurement is formulated in the von Neumann algebraic setting in previous studies. In the paper, we aim to extend the applicable area of quantum measurement theory to quantum systems described by C∗-algebras from a mathematical viewpoint, referring to the sector theory that is related to symmetry and based on the theory of integral decomposition of states. In particular, we define central subspaces of the dual space of a C∗-algebra and use them to define instruments. This attempt makes the connection between measurement theory and sector theory explicit and enables us to understand the macroscopic nature and the physical meaning of measurement.
Multilingual Conversational Systems to Drive the Collection of Patient-Reported Outcomes and Integration into Clinical Workflows
Authors: Mlakar Izidor , Šafran Valentino , Hari Daniel , Rojc Matej , Alankuş Gazihan , Pérez Luna Rafael , Ariöz Umut
Published: July 2021

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and their use in the clinical workflow can improve cancer survivors’ outcomes and quality of life. However, there are several challenges regarding efficient collection of the patient-reported outcomes and their integration into the clinical workflow. Patient adherence and interoperability are recognized as main barriers. This work implements a cancer-related study which interconnects artificial intelligence (spoken language algorithms, conversational intelligence) and natural sciences (embodied conversational agents) to create an omni-comprehensive system enabling symmetric computer-mediated interaction. Its goal is to collect patient information and integrate it into clinical routine as digital patient resources (the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources). To further increase convenience and simplicity of the data collection, a multimodal sensing network is delivered. In this paper, we introduce the main components of the system, including the mHealth application, the Open Health Connect platform, and algorithms to deliver speech enabled 3D embodied conversational agent to interact with the cancer survivors in five different languages. The system integrates cancer patients’ reported information as patient gathered health data into their digital clinical record. The value and impact of the integration will be further evaluated in the clinical study.
Frequency–Amplitude Relationship of a Nonlinear Symmetric Panel Absorber Mounted on a Flexible Wall
Authors: Lee Yiu-Yin
Published: July 2021

This study addresses the frequency–amplitude relationship of a nonlinear symmetric panel absorber mounted on a flexible wall. In many structural–acoustic works, only one flexible panel is considered in their models with symmetric configuration. There are very limited research investigations that focus on two flexible panels coupled with a cavity, particularly for nonlinear structural–acoustic problems. In practice, panel absorbers with symmetric configurations are common and usually mounted on a flexible wall. Thus, it should not be assumed that the wall is rigid. This study is the first work employing the weighted residual elliptic integral method for solving this problem, which involves the nonlinear multi-mode governing equations of two flexible panels coupled with a cavity. The reason for adopting the proposed solution method is that fewer nonlinear algebraic equations are generated. The results obtained from the proposed method and finite element method agree reasonably well with each other. The effects of some parameters such as vibration amplitude, cavity depth and thickness ratio, etc. are also investigated.
Bothrops moojeni Venom and Its Components Strongly Affect Osteoclasts’ Maturation and Protein Patterns
Authors: D’Amélio Fernanda , Vigerelli Hugo , Prieto-da-Silva Álvaro Rossan de Brandão , Osório Frare Eduardo , Batista Isabel de Fátima Correia , Pimenta Daniel Carvalho , Kerkis Irina
Published: July 2021

Osteoclasts (OCs) are important for bone maintenance, calcium balance, and tissue regeneration regulation and are involved in different inflammatory diseases. Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of Bothrops moojeni’s venom and its low and high molecular mass (HMM and LMM) fractions on human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-derived OCs’ in vitro differentiation. Bothrops moojeni, a Brazilian lanced-head viper, presents a rich but not well-explored, venom composition. This venom is a potent inducer of inflammation, which can be used as a tool to investigate the inflammatory process. Human PBMCs were isolated and induced to OC differentiation following routine protocol. On the fourth day of differentiation, the venom was added at different concentrations (5, 0.5, and 0.05 µg/mL). We observed a significant reduction of TRAP+ (tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase) OCs at the concentration of 5 µg/mL. We evaluated the F-actin-rich OCs structure’s integrity; disruption of its integrity reflects bone adsorption capacity. F-actin rings phalloidin staining demonstrated that venom provoked their disruption in treated OCs. HMM, fraction reduces TRAP+ OCs at a concentration of 5 µg/mL and LMM fraction at 1 µg/mL, respectively. Our results indicate morphological changes that the venom induced cause in OCs. We analyzed the pattern of soluble proteins found in the conditioned cell culture medium OCs treated with venom and its fractions using mass spectrometry (LC-MS/IT-Tof). The proteomic analyses indicate the possible pathways and molecular mechanisms involved in OC reduction after the treatment.
Phylogeny and Mycotoxin Profile of Pathogenic Fusarium Species Isolated from Sudden Decline Syndrome and Leaf Wilt Symptoms on Date Palms (Phoenix dactylifera) in Tunisia
Authors: Rabaaoui Amal , Dall’Asta Chiara , Righetti Laura , Susca Antonia , Logrieco Antonio Francesco , Namsi Ahmed , Gdoura Radhouane , Werbrouck Stefaan P. O. , Moretti Antonio , Masiello Mario
Published: July 2021

In 2017–2018, extensive symptoms of sudden decline and fruit rot were observed on date palms in southern Tunisia. Samples of diseased plants were randomly collected in six localities. Based on morphological identification, Fusarium was the most frequent fungal genus detected. A sequencing of translation elongation factor, calmodulin, and second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II genes was used to identify 63 representative Fusarium strains at species level and investigate their phylogenetic relationships. The main species detected was Fusarium proliferatum, and at a much lesser extent, Fusarium brachygibbosum, Fusarium caatingaense, Fusarium clavum, Fusarium incarnatum, and Fusarium solani. Pathogenicity on the Deglet Nour variety plantlets and the capability to produce mycotoxins were also assessed. All Fusarium species were pathogenic complying Koch’s postulates. Fusarium proliferatum strains produced mainly fumonisins (FBs), beauvericin (BEA), and, to a lesser extent, enniatins (ENNs) and moniliformin (MON). All F. brachygibbosum strains produced low levels of BEA, diacetoxyscirpenol, and neosolaniol; two strains produced also T-2 toxin, and a single strain produced HT-2 toxin. Fusarium caatingaense, F. clavum, F. incarnatum produced only BEA. Fusarium solani strains produced MON, BEA, and ENNs. This work reports for the first time a comprehensive multidisciplinary study of Fusarium species on date palms, concerning both phytopathological and food safety issues.
Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Cohort of Pregnant Women with Comorbid Disorders
Authors: Teixeira Maria de Lourdes Benamor , Costa Ferreira Júnior Orlando da , João Esaú , Fuller Trevon , Silva Esteves Juliana , Mendes-Silva Wallace , Carvalho Mocarzel Carolina , Araújo Maia Richard , Theodoro Boullosa Lídia , Gonçalves Cássia Cristina Alves , Frankel Patrícia Pontes , Fragoso da Silveira Gouvêa Maria Isabel
Published: July 2021

There are some reports and case series addressing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections during pregnancy in upper income countries, but there are few data on pregnant women with comorbid conditions in low and middle income Countries. This study evaluated the proportion and the maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection among pregnant women with comorbidities. Participants were recruited consecutively in order of admission to a maternity for pregnant women with comorbidities. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data were prospectively collected during hospitalization. Pregnant women were screened at entry: nasopharyngeal swabs were tested by RT-PCR; serum samples were tested for IgG antibodies against spike protein by ELISA. From April to June 2020, 115 eligible women were included in the study. The proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 28.7%. The rate of obesity was 60.9%, vascular hypertension 40.0%, and HIV 21.7%. The most common clinical presentations were ageusia (21.2%), anosmia (18.2%), and fever (18.2%). Prematurity was higher among mothers who had a SARS-CoV-2 infection based on RT-PCR. There were two cases of fetal demise. We found a high proportion of COVID-19 among pregnant women with comorbidities. This underscores the importance of antenatal care during the pandemic to implement universal SARS-CoV-2 screening, precautionary measures, and the rollout of vaccination programs for pregnant women.
A New Master Donor Virus for the Development of Live-Attenuated Influenza B Virus Vaccines
Authors: White Chantelle L. , Chiem Kevin , Perez Daniel R. , Santos Jefferson , Cardenas Garcia Stivalis , Nogales Aitor , Martínez-Sobrido Luis
Published: July 2021

Influenza B viruses (IBV) circulate annually, with young children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals being at high risk. Yearly vaccinations are recommended to protect against seasonally influenza viruses, including IBV. Live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV) provide the unique opportunity for direct exposure to the antigenically variable surface glycoproteins as well as the more conserved internal components. Ideally, LAIV Master Donor Viruses (MDV) should accurately reflect seasonal influenza strains. Unfortunately, the continuous evolution of IBV have led to significant changes in conserved epitopes compared to the IBV MDV based on B/Ann Arbor/1/1966 strain. Here, we propose a recent influenza B/Brisbane/60/2008 as an efficacious MDV alternative, as its internal viral proteins more accurately reflect those of circulating IBV strains. We introduced the mutations responsible for the temperature sensitive (ts), cold adapted (ca) and attenuated (att) phenotype of B/Ann Arbor/1/1966 MDV LAIV into B/Brisbane/60/2008 to generate a new MDV LAIV. In vitro and in vivo analysis demonstrated that the mutations responsible of the ts, ca, and att phenotype of B/Ann Arbor/1/1966 MDV LAIV were able to infer the same phenotype to B/Brisbane/60/2008, demonstrating its potential as a new MDV for the development of LAIV to protect against contemporary IBV strains.
Signatures of the Venezuelan Humanitarian Crisis in the First Wave of COVID-19: Fuel Shortages and Border Migration
Authors: Lampo Margarita , Hernández-Villena Juan V. , Cascante Jaime , Vincenti-González María F. , Forero-Peña David A. , Segovia Maikell J. , Hampson Katie , Castro Julio , Grillet Maria Eugenia
Published: July 2021

Testing and isolation have been crucial for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. Venezuela has one of the weakest testing infrastructures in Latin America and the low number of reported cases in the country has been attributed to substantial underreporting. However, the Venezuelan epidemic seems to have lagged behind other countries in the region, with most cases occurring within the capital region and four border states. Here, we describe the spatial epidemiology of COVID-19 in Venezuela and its relation to the population mobility, migration patterns, non-pharmaceutical interventions and fuel availability that impact population movement. Using a metapopulation model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics, we explore how movement patterns could have driven the observed distribution of cases. Low within-country connectivity most likely delayed the onset of the epidemic in most states, except for those bordering Colombia and Brazil, where high immigration seeded outbreaks. NPIs slowed early epidemic growth and subsequent fuel shortages appeared to be responsible for limiting the spread of COVID-19 across the country.
A National Survey to Assess the COVID-19 Vaccine-Related Conspiracy Beliefs, Acceptability, Preference, and Willingness to Pay among the General Population of Pakistan
Authors: Arshad Muhammad Subhan , Hussain Iltaf , Mahmood Tahir , Hayat Khezar , Majeed Abdul , Imran Imran , Saeed Hamid , Iqbal Muhammad Omer , Uzair Muhammad , Rehman Anees ur , Ashraf Waseem , Usman Areeba , Syed Shahzada Khurram , Akbar Muqarrab , Chaudhry Muhammad Omer , Ramzan Basit , Islam Muhammad , Saleem Muhammad Usman , Shakeel Waleed , Iqbal Iram , Hashmi Furqan , Rasool Muhammad Fawad
Published: July 2021

The current study aims to assess the beliefs of the general public in Pakistan towards conspiracy theories, acceptance, willingness to pay, and preference for the COVID-19 vaccine. A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online self-administered questionnaire during January 2021. The Chi-square test or Fisher exact test was utilized for statistical data analysis. A total of 2158 respondents completed the questionnaire, among them 1192 (55.2%) were male with 23.87 (SD: ±6.23) years as mean age. The conspiracy beliefs circulating regarding the COVID-19 vaccine were believed by 9.3% to 28.4% of the study participants. Among them, 1040 (48.2%) agreed to vaccinate on its availability while 934 (43.3%) reported the Chinese vaccine as their preference. The conspiracy beliefs of the participants were significantly associated with acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine. The existence of conspiracy beliefs and low vaccine acceptance among the general population is a serious threat to successful COVID-19 vaccination.
Gas Pressure Dynamics in Small and Mid-Size Lakes
Authors: Boehrer Bertram , Jordan Sylvia , Leng Peifang , Waldemer Carolin , Schwenk Cornelis , Hupfer Michael , Schultze Martin
Published: July 2021

Dissolved gases produce a gas pressure. This gas pressure is the appropriate physical quantity for judging the possibility of bubble formation and hence it is central for understanding exchange of climate-relevant gases between (limnic) water and the atmosphere. The contribution of ebullition has widely been neglected in numerical simulations. We present measurements from six lacustrine waterbodies in Central Germany: including a natural lake, a drinking water reservoir, a mine pit lake, a sand excavation lake, a flooded quarry, and a small flooded lignite opencast, which has been heavily polluted. Seasonal changes of oxygen and temperature are complemented by numerical simulations of nitrogen and calculations of vapor pressure to quantify the contributions and their dynamics in lacustrine waters. In addition, accumulation of gases in monimolimnetic waters is demonstrated. We sum the partial pressures of the gases to yield a quantitative value for total gas pressure to reason which processes can force ebullition at which locations. In conclusion, only a small number of gases contribute decisively to gas pressure and hence can be crucial for bubble formation.
Flume Experiments Evaluating the Efficacy of a Large Wood Trap Featuring Horizontal Rods
Authors: Furukawa Mayuko , Tsutsumi Daizo , Muto Hironori , Uchida Taro , Suzuki Takuro , Horiguchi Toshiyuki
Published: July 2021

Large wood (LW) disasters, which often accompany sediment-related disasters, occur worldwide. To prevent and mitigate such disasters, we developed a unique LW trap featuring horizontal rods aligned with the flow. When LW enters the trap, it is scooped up by the rods and thus separated from water and sediment. We explored trapping efficacy using a flume of slope 0.087. Water circulated at a constant rate of 1.8 L/s, LW was added to the flow, and the trapping rates were measured. We focused on the relative wood length (Lw) with respect to the horizontal rod spacing (Sr), the number of LW units supplied, and the supply rate. A longer relative length (Lw/Sr) of LW was associated with a higher trapping rate. The trapping rate was also high when the LW number or supply rate was high. The critical Lw/Sr value was 1.5; below this value, LW was not trapped. This study yields the basic information needed to design traps featuring horizontal rods to mitigate LW-related disasters.
Epidemiological features of Epstein-Barr virus infection
Authors: Solomay T. V.
Published: July 2021

The most complete review of domestic and foreign literature on the epidemiological features of infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus is presented. The properties of the pathogen are described. The article describes the sources of infection, susceptible populations, mechanisms, ways and factors of transmission. Data on the dynamics of morbidity and territorial spread of diseases are analyzed. Information about the epidemiology of infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus can later be used to develop a set of preventive and anti-epidemic measures.
Increased severity of labor is the most important risk factor of occupational diseases at enterprises in the Arctic
Authors: Syurin S.A.
Published: July 2021

In Russia, in the structure of harmful production factors that cause the development of occupational pathology, the severity of labor takes the second place. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of increased labor severity on the occurrence, prevalence and structure of occupational diseases in workers at enterprises in the Arctic. The analysis included results of the monitoring study “Working conditions and occupational morbidity” of the population of the Arctic zone of Russia in 2008 – 2018. It was found that in 2008-2018 there was a significant increase in the etiological significance of increased labor severity in the development of occupational pathology: the share of the factor in the total structure of harmful occupational exposures increased from 7.4% to 8.9% (p <0.001), and that of occupational diseases caused by increased labor severity - from 18.6% to 46.9% (p <0.001). Two thirds of occupational diseases caused by the increased severity of labor occur in miners, and diseases of the musculoskeletal system dominate in their structure (80.1%). The risk of developing this group of occupational health disorders in 2018 was higher than in 2008: RR=3,95; CI 3,13-4,99; χ2 =155,9; р<0,001. In contrast to the Russian Federation as a whole, where the increased severity of labor ranks second among the occupational pathology causing factors (24.7%), in the Russian Arctic it came out on top in 2018 (46.9%), exceeding the cumulative effect of all physical factors (44.0%). When carrying out recreational activities and prevention of occupational pathology at enterprises in the Arctic, special attention should be paid to achieving permissible levels of labor severity among workers engaged in mining operations.
Fundamentals of health protection in school as a subject of hygiene training and the formation of new literacy of teachers
Authors: Denisov L. A. , Nekhorosheva E. V.
Published: July 2021

The analysis of the work of medical personnel in children's clinics in schools determines the relevance of training teaching staff on issues of hygiene education and child health protection. This will allow teachers to interact with the medical service that provides primary medical care to schoolchildren in the main sections of prevention of school diseases. The laboratory of personal development and health saving of the Moscow city pedagogical University has developed and implemented a program of additional professional education of teachers «Normative and legal bases of children's health protection in educational organizations». The purpose of this work is to evaluate the program of additional professional education by its students for further improvement of the system of prevention of school diseases. The assessment was conducted using a questionnaire method. A total of 36 teachers who were trained in the program participated in the survey. The results of the survey showed the relevance of this program, satisfaction with the expectations of students, and also identified areas for further work to improve additional education of teachers in this area.