bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between Land Use and the Transformation of Rural Housing Model in the Coastal Region of Syria
Authors: Khadour Nebras , Basha Nawarah Al , Sárospataki Máté , Fekete Albert
Published: April 2021

The phenomenon of urban sprawl has caused radical changes in the spatial structure of cities and rural areas all around the world. Syria is among the developing countries that have experienced this phenomenon. Some of the resulted processes of urban sprawl like urbanization and counter-urbanization have had a clear impact on the land use and lifestyle in both cities and the countryside of different regions in Syria. This research focuses on the coastal region and the spatial changes that affected the nature of social life, such as the rapid growth of the population, the expansion of cities, and the new developments, which in turn have led to considerable changes in the relationship and scale of the house, garden, and landscape. The research studies the development of the rural housing model in the coastal region and its relation to the surrounding landscape. It tracks three phases of the housing unit’s development and conducts a comparative study on four villages using a questionnaire to evaluate the performance of those units. The results of this research show significant change in the relationship between rural and urban areas resulting from the new residential developments, as well as the relationship of land use and the historic plot structure and that of the garden and the house into the overall character of the landscape.
Impact of Enhanced Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) on Firm Performance through Green Supply Chain Management
Authors: Tarigan Zeplin Jiwa Husada , Siagian Hotlan , Jie Ferry
Published: April 2021

This study investigates the impact of enhanced enterprise resource planning (ERP) on firm performance through green supply chain management, supplier integration, and internal integration. The population is the manufacturer domiciled in East Java, Indonesia, which has implemented ERP and been certified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in the environmental management system. Data collection used a questionnaire designed with the five-point Likert scale. Of 243 manufacturers, 150 questionnaires were distributed, and 135 questionnaires are considered valid for analysis. Data analysis used smart PLS software. The result indicated that all eight predetermined hypotheses were supported. Enhanced ERP affects supplier integration, internal integration, and green supply chain management. Internal integration affects green supply chain management and firm performance. Supplier integration affects green supply chain management and firm performance. Green supply chain management affects firm performance. An interesting finding is that green supply chain management, internal integration, and supplier integration mediate the effect of enhanced ERP on firm performance. This study’s novelty lies in the research model that analyzes the relationship between the four constructs simultaneously with the green supply chain management, internal integration, and supplier integration as a mediating variable. The research provides an insight for the manager on how to improve the firm performance in supply chain management. This study could also contribute to the current research in supply chain management.
An Institutional Analysis and Reconfiguration Framework for Sustainability Research on Post-Transition Forestry—A Focus on Ukraine
Authors: Nijnik Maria , Kluvánková Tatiana , Melnykovych Mariana , Nijnik Albert , Kopiy Serhiy , Brnkaľáková Stanislava , Sarkki Simo , Kopiy Leonid , Fizyk Igor , Barlagne Carla , Miller David
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we elaborate an Institutional Analysis and Reconfiguration Framework centered around the ‘action arena’ theoretical approach. We develop this framework to analyze institutional reconfiguration to enhance sustainability, and operationalize it using research methods which focus on documentation of the institutional contexts through an extensive literature review and interviews of experts in forest policy. We apply the Institutional Analysis and Reconfiguration Framework to examine forestry institutions, address forest governance, and investigate their effect on socio-economic and environmental performances in forestry of Ukraine. The paper draws on the state of affairs in post-transition forestry, its difficulties, and new prospects for economic and institutional reforms. We examine challenges and opportunities in forestry and suggest key remedies and prospective ways forward. Results show that a combination of path dependency with the rigidity of institutions and a slow pace of economic and political reforms is the major obstacle to implementing decisions regarding sustainable forest policy. A reconfiguration of social practices is required, as well as the development of capabilities and awareness raising amongst relevant stakeholders, to realize the problems, envision alternative futures, challenge existing institutions, shift power relations and create new norms, rules, and decision-making arrangements. The way towards sustainability in forestry largely goes through changing institutions, and a human dimension of institutional changes reflected in the uptake of social innovation.
Linking Entrepreneurial Orientation with Innovation Performance in SMEs; the Role of Organizational Commitment and Transformational Leadership Using Smart PLS-SEM
Authors: Iqbal Shuja , Moleiro Martins José , Nuno Mata Mário , Naz Shumaila , Akhtar Shamim , Abreu António
Published: April 2021

Entrepreneurial orientation has become an enormously significant construct in the innovation studies literature. Predominantly for SMEs, its role has been widely recognized in almost all regional contexts across the globe. The present study is aimed at investigating the effects of entrepreneurial orientation, transformational leadership and organizational commitment on innovation performance. The data for the present study were collected from 1095 employees working at various levels in SMEs. The present study used partial least square structural equation modeling to examine the constructed hypotheses. The findings suggested the significantly positive direct relationships among entrepreneurial orientations, organizational commitment and innovation performance. Besides, organizational commitment positively mediated the relationships between entrepreneurial orientation and innovation performance. Additionally, this study also found the significant moderation of transformational leadership among entrepreneurship orientation and organizational commitment. Leaders of small and medium-sized enterprises should practice entrepreneurial orientation (innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk-taking) and transformation leadership (articulating a compelling vision, focus on goal achievement, and creative problem solving) to enhance the innovation performance of their firms. Moreover, this study provides a robust mechanism for leaders at SMEs to develop strategies for enhancing the willingness of the firms to bring innovation and offer new products and services. The policymakers should enhance the emotional attachment of employees with their firms, sense of moral obligation to remain with the firm which will, in turn, increase the organizational commitment of employees for innovation performance. The study provides empirical evidence to the resource-based view in the context of SMEs. The study delivers solid theoretical and practical implications to experts, leaders and policymakers.
Implementing Horizontal Cooperation in Public Transport and Parcel Deliveries: The Cooperative Share-A-Ride Problem
Authors: Cavagnini Rossana , Morandi Valentina
Published: April 2021

The static share-a-ride problem (SARP) consists of handling people and parcels in an integrated way through the same vehicle, which provides a shared trip between an origin and a destination, in response to requests received in advance. When multiple providers compete on the same market (for instance, within the same city or region), horizontal cooperation can be an efficient strategy to consolidate all requests and to optimize the total payoff. This situation gives rise to the cooperative SARP (coop-SARP). In this problem, multiple depots and heterogeneous vehicles must be considered and different cooperation levels may be agreed upon by service providers. In this paper, we propose a new mathematical programming formulation for cooperative SARP along with theoretical bounds. Moreover, through numerical experiments and ad hoc statistics, we analyze the benefits of different levels of horizontal cooperation between service providers. The results show that cooperation leads to reduced travel times and to improved vehicle occupancy rates, service levels, and profits, which make such a cooperative system even more appealing for service providers.
Collective Responsibility in the Cooperative Governance of Climate Change
Authors: Piazza Alessandro
Published: April 2021

This paper sets out a proposal for framing collective responsibility as a central element within the cooperative governance of climate change. It begins by reconstructing the analysis of climate change as a Tragedy of the Commons in the economic literature and as a Problem of Many Hands in the ethical literature. Both formalizations are shown to represent dilemmatic situations where an individual has no rational incentive to prevent the climate crisis and no moral requirement to be held responsible for contributing to it. Traditionally both dilemmas have been thought to be solvable only through a vertical structure of decision-making. Where contemporary research in political economy has undergone a “governance revolution”, showing how horizontal networks of public, private, and civil society actors can play an important role in the management of the climate crisis, little research has been carried out in the ethical field on how to secure accountability and responsibility within such a cooperative structure of social agency. Therefore, this paper contributes by individuating some conditions for designing responsible and accountable governance processes in the management of climate change. It concludes by claiming that climate change is addressable only insofar as we transition from a morality based on individual responsibility to a new conception of morality based on our co-responsibility for preventing the climate crisis.
Investigating Possibilities of Developing Self-Directed Learning in Architecture Students Using Design Thinking
Authors: Avsec Stanislav , Jagiełło-Kowalczyk Magdalena
Published: April 2021

Education systems are struggling to effectively integrate in their study programs the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which define the challenges we need to overcome as a society in the 21st century. This study revealed the special agency that architecture and built environment have in shaping our social, economic, and natural environment using system and design thinking. Despite the several studies on the metacognitive design process, several cognitive traps still exist when developing design thinking in architecture education. This study investigated design thinking and self-directed learning in undergraduate architecture students. Responses collected from a sample of 117 undergraduates were subjected to bootstrapping in structural equation modelling to find significant relationships of reversed action when design thinking is used for developing self-directed learning. The findings suggest that design thinking is strongly connected with self-directed learning, and as shown in the resulting model, all components of self-directed learning are strongly explained by design thinking variables. This can provide insights for curriculum designers and educators on how to shape effective design thinking processes in architecture education to overcome existing shortcomings while improving interpersonal skills, creativity and digital skills, make pedagogical changes, and enhance redesign of learning outcomes towards sustainable architecture.
Sustainability of Energy-Induced Growth Nexus in Brazil: Do Carbon Emissions and Urbanization Matter?
Authors: Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday , Awosusi Abraham Ayobamiji , Odugbesan Jamiu Adetola , Akinsola Gbenga Daniel , Wong Wing-Keung , Rjoub Husam
Published: April 2021

This study assesses the relationship between economic performance and environmental sustainability by taking into account the role of energy consumption, urbanization, and trade openness in Brazil by using data spanning from 1965 to 2019. The study is distinct from previously documented studies in literature in terms of scope for Brazil, where few entries have been recorded. The major objectives are to address the questions: (a) Is there a long-run connection between the variables under consideration? (b) Can CO2 emissions, trade openness, and energy consumption predict economic performance of Brazil? (c) What is the connection between economic growth and the independent variables at different frequencies and time-period? Furthermore, the study utilized dynamic ordinary least square (DOLS), fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS), Maki Cointegration, and autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) to capture the long-run association between the variables of interest. Also, we used the Wavelet coherence and Gradual-shift causality tests to capture the causal linkage between economic growth and the regressors. The advantage of the wavelet coherence test is that it can capture causal linkage between series at different frequencies and periods. The outcome of both Maki cointegration and ARDL bounds testing to cointegration affirms the presence of long-run interaction among the parameters of interest. Furthermore, the outcomes of the DOLS and FMOLS revealed that energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and urbanization exert positive impacts on economic growth in Brazil while there is no significant connection between trade openness and economic growth. Moreover, Gradual shift causality test outcomes disclosed that urbanization, trade openness, CO2 emissions and energy usage can predict the economic performance of Brazil. The outcomes of the wavelet coherence test give credence to the FMOLS, DOLS, and Gradual shift causality tests.
Using Molecular Dynamics Simulation to Analyze the Feasibility of Using Waste Cooking Oil as an Alternative Rejuvenator for Aged Asphalt
Authors: Li Lin , Xin Cheng , Guan Mingyang , Guo Meng
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the regeneration effect of waste cooking oil (WCO) on aged asphalt with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, comparing it with a rejuvenator. Firstly, the molecular models of virgin and aged asphalt were established by blending the four components of asphalt (saturate, aromatic, resin, and asphaltenes). Then, different dosages of the rejuvenator and WCO (6, 9, and 12%) were included in the aged asphalt model for its regeneration. After that, MD simulations were utilized for researching the mechanical and cohesive properties of the recycled asphalt, including its density, viscosity, cohesive energy density (CED), shear modulus (G), bulk modulus (K), and elastic modulus (E). The results show that the density values of the asphalt models were relatively lower than the existing experimental results in the literature, which is mostly attributed to the fact that the heteroatoms of the asphalt molecules were not considered in the simulation. On the other hand, the WCO addition decreased the viscosity, the shear modulus (G), the bulk modulus (K), and the elastic modulus (E) of the aged asphalt, improving its CED. Moreover, the nature of the aged asphalt was gradually restored with increasing rejuvenator or WCO contents. Compared with the rejuvenator, the viscosity of the aged asphalt was more effectively restored through adding WCO, while the effect of the CED and the mechanical properties recovery of the aged asphalt was relatively low. This implies that WCO could restore partial mechanical properties of aging asphalt, which proves the possibility of using WCO as an asphalt rejuvenator. Additionally, the MD simulation played an important role in understanding the molecular interactions among the four components of asphalt and the rejuvenator, which will serve as a guideline to better design a WCO rejuvenator and optimize its content.
Performance Analysis of a Facade-Integrated Photovoltaic Powered Cooling System
Authors: Bröthaler Thomas , Rennhofer Marcus , Brandl Daniel , Mach Thomas , Heinz Andreas , Újvári Gusztáv , Lichtenegger Helga C. , Rennhofer Harald
Published: April 2021

Due to recent changing climate conditions and glazing of building facades, a rapid increase in the requirement of cooling systems can be observed. Still the main energy source for cooling are fossil fuels. In this article we report on a fully integrated approach of running a heat pump for actively cooling a test room by electric energy, generated by facade integrated photovoltaic modules, the “COOLSKIN” system. Photovoltaic facades are emission free in the operation phase, efficiently utilize otherwise unused surfaces, and portray a favorable method in terms of construction physics and the architectural design of buildings. Compared to existing systems, COOLSKIN is an entirely autonomous system where every component is located inside the facade structure which introduces a high level of plug and play character. In this article the analysis of the electric performance of the COOLSKIN system with respect to its operation under different environmental conditions is presented. The over all system efficiency was determined with 73.9%, compared to a simulated efficiency (PV*SOL) of 68.8%, and to the theoretically expected value of 85%. The system behavior is evaluated depending on photovoltaic output and the cooling demand. The analysis shows that a considerable amount of cooling demand could be decentrally fulfilled with photovoltaic energy, but environmental conditions as well as system layout have a considerable impact on system performance.
Systematic Review of Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Cost Analysis for Pavement and a Case Study
Authors: Alaloul Wesam Salah , Altaf Muhammad , Musarat Muhammad Ali , Faisal Javed Muhammad , Mosavi Amir
Published: April 2021

Development of the pavement network systems, which is inevitable due to the rapid economic growth, has increasingly become a topic of significant concern because of the severe environmental impacts of road expansion. For achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs), the policies and actions towards the pavements’ life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) must be carefully assessed. Consequently, the purpose of this review is to present an overview of LCA and LCCA used in pavement engineering and management. Through the quality control of PRISMA, fifty-five most relevant documents were extracted for a thorough investigation. The state of the art review reveals that a limited number of the papers considered environmental impacts of the pavements. Consequently, to assess the environmental impact cost, a conceptual framework was developed to better consider the LCA and LCCA on various aspects of the pavement projects including the sustainability aspects. Besides, a case study was given to validate the literature review towards proposing a novel framework for the incorporation of environmental impact cost.
Material Flow Analysis to Evaluate Supply Chain Evolution and Management: An Example Focused on Maritime Pine in the Landes de Gascogne Forest, France
Authors: Layton Rory J. , Horta Arduin Rachel , Yazdeen Haji , Pommier Regis , Sonnemann Guido
Published: April 2021

The Landes de Gascogne forest, located in southwestern France, spans nearly 10,000 km2 and consists largely of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster). This forest in unique to Europe because it is almost entirely created and managed by man for specific industries. On the basis of a material flow analysis, we assessed the upstream supply chain of maritime pine from 2013 to 2019, using a cradle-to-gate approach. The assessment is based on data provided by Alliance Forêts Bois, an important stakeholder of the region and leader in the production of forest resources in France. For various reasons, the harvest totals decreased 10% in the last years. We identified a clear orientation to specific industries—in 2019, 45% was used as pulpwood. This is due to the overall design of the current territory, species of tree, and market values of the pulp and paper industry. The current design provides a limited supply of old growth trees, which produce high-quality logs for construction-based products, and are also more resistant to climate variability. A future shift or balance in raw material flows could be a crucial step in protecting the long-term economic viability of the region. This article aims to contribute to new attempts in providing comprehensive views of stocks and flows in the French forest-wood supply chain.
New Hermite–Hadamard Inequalities in Fuzzy-Interval Fractional Calculus and Related Inequalities
Authors: Khan Muhammad Bilal , Mohammed Pshtiwan Othman , Noor Muhammad Aslam , Hamed Y. S.
Published: April 2021

It is a familiar fact that inequalities have become a very popular method using fractional integrals, and that this method has been the driving force behind many studies in recent years. Many forms of inequality have been studied, resulting in the introduction of new trend in inequality theory. The aim of this paper is to use a fuzzy order relation to introduce various types of inequalities. On the fuzzy interval space, this fuzzy order relation is defined level by level. With the help of this relation, firstly, we derive some discrete Jensen and Schur inequalities for convex fuzzy interval-valued functions (convex fuzzy-IVF), and then, we present Hermite–Hadamard inequalities (HH-inequalities) for convex fuzzy-IVF via fuzzy interval Riemann–Liouville fractional integrals. These outcomes are a generalization of a number of previously known results, and many new outcomes can be deduced as a result of appropriate parameter “γ” and real valued function “Ω” selections. We hope that our fuzzy order relations results can be used to evaluate a number of mathematical problems related to real-world applications.
Output Tracking Control for High-Order Nonlinear Systems with Time Delay via Output Feedback Design
Authors: Alimhan Keylan , Mamyrbayev Orken J. , Abdenova Gaukhar A. , Akmetkalyeva Almira
Published: April 2021

Design approach of an output feedback tracking controller is proposed for a class of high-order nonlinear systems with time delay. To deal with the time delays, an appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii the tracking analysis is ingeniously constructed, and an output feedback tracking controller is designed by using a homogeneous domination method. It is shown that the proposed output controller independent of time delay can make the tracking error be adjusted to be sufficiently small and render all the trajectory of the closed-loop system as bounded. An example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Active Suppression of Piezoelectric Ringing in Pockels Cells for Laser Cavity Application
Authors: Sinkevicius Giedrius , Baskys Algirdas , Tamošauskas Gintaras
Published: April 2021

Pockels cells used as electro-optical modulators in high-power high-repetition lasers suffer from piezoelectric ringing phenomenon due to piezoelectric properties of the crystals. A new method for active suppression of the piezoelectric ringing in Pockels cells is proposed in this work. It is based on symmetric control of Pockels cell using burst of short positive and negative voltage pulses with the same amplitude instead of a single long pulse for light polarization modulation. Rising and falling edges of pulses of the burst induce symmetrical acoustic waves of the opposite phase and cancel the piezoelectric ringing of the crystal. A new high voltage driver capable of generating positive and negative pulses of tens of nanoseconds of 3 kV magnitude was developed for this purpose. The amplitude of laser beam intensity pulsations caused by the piezoelectric ringing can be reduced up to five times when active suppression method is used for the deuterated potassium dihydrogen phosphate (DKDP) Pockels cell. Such crystals like DKDP, LiNbO3, and LiTaO3 may benefit from the proposed method and find new use in lasers of high repetition rate where piezoelectric ringing is a major limiting factor.
A Self-Organizing Area Coverage Method for Swarm Robots Based on Gradient and Grouping
Authors: Wang Qiuzhen , Zhang Hai
Published: April 2021

The openness of the environment brings great challenges to the swarm robotic system to cover the task area quickly and effectively. In this paper, a coverage method based on gradient and grouping (GGC) is proposed. What is novel about our proposed solution is that it is suitable for extremely simple robots that lack computing or storage power. Through the change of the robot gradient, the swarm robot system with very simple functions can effectively self-organize to cover the unknown task area. By grouping the swarm robots, each group can cover the task area in parallel, which greatly improves the coverage speed. We verified our proposed method through experimental simulation and found that the gradient and grouping-based method in this paper was superior to other methods in terms of coverage, coverage completion time, and other aspects. Simultaneously, the robustness of the proposed method is analyzed and admirable experimental results are obtained. Because the applicable robot is very simple, the method in this paper can be applied to the submillimeter swarm robot system, which will lay the foundation for micro medicine.
A New Quantile Regression for Modeling Bounded Data under a Unit Birnbaum–Saunders Distribution with Applications in Medicine and Politics
Authors: Mazucheli Josmar , Leiva Víctor , Alves Bruna , Menezes André F. B.
Published: April 2021

Quantile regression provides a framework for modeling the relationship between a response variable and covariates using the quantile function. This work proposes a regression model for continuous variables bounded to the unit interval based on the unit Birnbaum–Saunders distribution as an alternative to the existing quantile regression models. By parameterizing the unit Birnbaum–Saunders distribution in terms of its quantile function allows us to model the effect of covariates across the entire response distribution, rather than only at the mean. Our proposal, especially useful for modeling quantiles using covariates, in general outperforms the other competing models available in the literature. These findings are supported by Monte Carlo simulations and applications using two real data sets. An R package, including parameter estimation, model checking as well as density, cumulative distribution, quantile and random number generating functions of the unit Birnbaum–Saunders distribution was developed and can be readily used to assess the suitability of our proposal.
Intravenous Vipera berus Venom-Specific Fab Fragments and Intramuscular Vipera ammodytes Venom-Specific F(ab’)2 Fragments in Vipera ammodytes-Envenomed Patients
Authors: Kurtović Tihana , Karabuva Svjetlana , Grenc Damjan , Dobaja Borak Mojca , Križaj Igor , Lukšić Boris , Halassy Beata , Brvar Miran
Published: April 2021

Vipera ammodytes (V. ammodytes) is the most venomous European viper. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy and pharmacokinetic values of intravenous Vipera berus venom-specific (paraspecific) Fab fragments (ViperaTAb) and intramuscular V. ammodytes venom-specific F(ab’)2 fragments (European viper venom antiserum, also called “Zagreb” antivenom) in V.ammodytes-envenomed patients. This was a prospective study of V.ammodytes-envenomed patients that were treated intravenously with ViperaTAb or intramuscularly with European viper venom antiserum that was feasible only due to the unique situation of an antivenom shortage. The highest venom concentration, survival, length of hospital stay and adverse reactions did not differ between the groups. Patients treated with intravenous Fab fragments were sicker, with significantly more rhabdomyolysis and neurotoxicity. The kinetics of Fab fragments after one or more intravenous applications matched better with the venom concentration in the early phase of envenomation compared to F(ab’)2 fragments that were given intramuscularly only on admission. F(ab’)2 fragments given intramuscularly had 25-fold longer apparent total body clearance and 14-fold longer elimination half-time compared to Fab fragments given intravenously (2 weeks vs. 24 h, respectively). In V.ammodytes-envenomed patients, the intramuscular use of specific F(ab’)2 fragments resulted in a slow rise of antivenom serum concentration that demanded their early administration but without the need for additional doses for complete resolution of all clinical signs of envenomation. Intravenous use of paraspecific Fab fragments resulted in the immediate rise of antivenom serum concentration that enabled their use according to the clinical progress, but multiple doses might be needed for efficient therapy of thrombocytopenia due to venom recurrence, while the progression of rhabdomyolysis and neurotoxic effects of the venom could not be prevented.
Characterization of a Novel Group of Listeria Phages That Target Serotype 4b Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Song Yaxiong , Peters Tracey L. , Bryan Daniel W. , Hudson Lauren K. , Denes Thomas G.
Published: April 2021

Listeria monocytogenes serotype 4b strains are the most prevalent clinical isolates and are widely found in food processing environments. Bacteriophages are natural viral predators of bacteria and are a promising biocontrol agent for L. monocytogenes. The aims of this study were to characterize phages that specifically infect serotype 4b strains and to assess their ability to inhibit the growth of serotype 4b strains. Out of 120 wild Listeria phages, nine phages were selected based on their strong lytic activity against the model serotype 4b strain F2365. These nine phages can be divided into two groups based on their morphological characteristics and host range. Comparison to previously characterized phage genomes revealed one of these groups qualifies to be defined as a novel species. Phages LP-020, LP-027, and LP-094 were selected as representatives of these two groups of phages for further characterization through one-step growth curve and inhibition of serotype 4b L. monocytogenes experiments. Listeria phages that target serotype 4b showed an inhibitory effect on the growth of F2365 and other serotype 4 strains and may be useful for biocontrol of L.monocytogenes in food processing environments.
Egyptian Fruit Bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) Were Resistant to Experimental Inoculation with Avian-Origin Influenza A Virus of Subtype H9N2, But Are Susceptible to Experimental Infection with Bat-Borne H9N2 Virus
Authors: Halwe Nico Joel , Gorka Marco , Hoffmann Bernd , Rissmann Melanie , Breithaupt Angele , Schwemmle Martin , Beer Martin , Kandeil Ahmed , Ali Mohamed A. , Kayali Ghazi , Hoffmann Donata , Balkema-Buschmann Anne
Published: April 2021

Influenza A viruses (IAV) of subtype H9N2, endemic in world-wide poultry holdings, are reported to cause spill-over infections to pigs and humans and have also contributed substantially to recent reassortment-derived pre-pandemic zoonotic viruses of concern, such as the Asian H7N9 viruses. Recently, a H9N2 bat influenza A virus was found in Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus), raising the question of whether this bat species is a suitable host for IAV. Here, we studied the susceptibility, pathogenesis and transmission of avian and bat-related H9N2 viruses in this new host. In a first experiment, we oronasally inoculated six Egyptian fruit bats with an avian-related H9N2 virus (A/layer chicken/Bangladesh/VP02-plaque/2016 (H9N2)). In a second experiment, six Egyptian fruit bats were inoculated with the newly discovered bat-related H9N2 virus (A/bat/Egypt/381OP/2017 (H9N2)). While R. aegyptiacus turned out to be refractory to an infection with H9N2 avian-type, inoculation with the bat H9N2 subtype established a productive infection in all inoculated animals with a detectable seroconversion at day 21 post-infection. In conclusion, Egyptian fruit bats are most likely not susceptible to the avian H9N2 subtype, but can be infected with fruit bat-derived H9N2. H9-specific sero-reactivities in fruit bats in the field are therefore more likely the result of contact with a bat-adapted H9N2 strain.
The Perception and Attitudes toward COVID-19 Vaccines: A Cross-Sectional Study in Poland
Authors: Rzymski Piotr , Zeyland Joanna , Poniedziałek Barbara , Małecka Ilona , Wysocki Jacek
Published: April 2021

Vaccine hesitancy is a major threat to the success of COVID-19 vaccination programs. The present cross-sectional online survey of adult Poles (n = 1020) expressing a willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine was conducted between February and March 2021 and aimed to assess (i) the general trust in different types of vaccines, (ii) the level of acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccines already in use in Poland (BNT162b2 by BioNTech/Pfizer, mRNA-1273 by Moderna and AZD1222 by Oxford/AstraZeneca) as well as eight vaccines approved outside European Union (EU) or in advanced stages of clinical trials, (iii) level of fear of vaccination against COVID-19, and (iv) main sources of information on COVID-19 vaccination. Among all major vaccine technology, the highest level of trust was observed for the mRNA platform, with a considerable number of surveyed (>20%) not aware of the existence of vaccines produced using the traditional approach (inactivated and live attenuated vaccines). The age of participants was the main factor differentiating the level of trust in a particular vaccine type. Both BNT162b and mRNA-1273 received a high level of acceptance, contrary to AZD1222. From eight vaccines unauthorized in the EU at the moment of study, the CVnCoV (mRNA; CureVac) was met with the highest level of trust, followed by Ad26.COV2.S (vector; Janssen/Johnson&Johnson) and NVX-CoV2373 (protein; Novavax). Sputnik V (vector; Gamaleya Research Institute) was decidedly the least trusted vaccine. The median level of fear (measured by the 10-point Likert-type scale) in the studied group was 4.0, mostly related to the risk of serious allergic reactions, other severe adverse events and unknown long-term effects of vaccination. Female, individuals with a lower level of education and those not seeking any information on the COVID-19 vaccines revealed a higher fear of vaccination. Experts’ materials were the major source of information on COVID-19 vaccines in the studied group. The study shows the level of trust in COVID-19 vaccines can vary much across the producers while the mRNA vaccines are received with a high level of acceptance. It also emphasizes the need for effective and continuous science communication when fighting the pandemic as it may be an ideal time to increase the general awareness of vaccines.
Etiology of Clinical Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Swedish Children Aged 1–59 Months with High Pneumococcal Vaccine Coverage—The TREND Study
Authors: Eklundh Annika , Rhedin Samuel , Ryd-Rinder Malin , Andersson Maria , Gantelius Jesper , Gaudenzi Giulia , Lindh Magnus , Peltola Ville , Waris Matti , Nauclér Pontus , Mårtensson Andreas , Alfvén Tobias
Published: April 2021

(1) Immunization with pneumococcal conjugate vaccines has decreased the burden of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children and likely led to a shift in CAP etiology. (2) The Trial of Respiratory infections in children for ENhanced Diagnostics (TREND) enrolled children 1-59 months with clinical CAP according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria at Sachs’ Children and Youth Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Children with rhonchi and indrawing underwent “bronchodilator challenge”. C-reactive protein and nasopharyngeal PCR detecting 20 respiratory pathogens, were collected from all children. Etiology was defined according to an a priori defined algorithm based on microbiological, biochemical, and radiological findings. (3) Of 327 enrolled children, 107 (32%) required hospitalization; 91 (28%) received antibiotic treatment; 77 (24%) had a chest X-ray performed; and 60 (18%) responded to bronchodilator challenge. 243 (74%) episodes were classified as viral, 11 (3%) as mixed viral-bacterial, five (2%) as bacterial, two (0.6%) as atypical bacterial and 66 (20%) as undetermined etiology. After exclusion of children responding to bronchodilator challenge, the proportion of bacterial and mixed viral-bacterial etiology was 1% and 4%, respectively. (4) The novel TREND etiology algorithm classified the majority of clinical CAP episodes as of viral etiology, whereas bacterial etiology was uncommon. Defining CAP in children <5 years is challenging, and the WHO definition of clinical CAP is not suitable for use in children immunized with pneumococcal conjugate vaccines.
Artificial Feeding of All Consecutive Life Stages of Ixodes ricinus
Authors: Militzer Nina , Bartel Alexander , Clausen Peter-Henning , Hoffmann-Köhler Peggy , Nijhof Ard M.
Published: April 2021

The hard tick Ixodes ricinus is an obligate hematophagous arthropod and the main vector for several zoonotic diseases. The life cycle of this three-host tick species was completed for the first time in vitro by feeding all consecutive life stages using an artificial tick feeding system (ATFS) on heparinized bovine blood supplemented with glucose, adenosine triphosphate, and gentamicin. Relevant physiological parameters were compared to ticks fed on cattle (in vivo). All in vitro feedings lasted significantly longer and the mean engorgement weight of F0 adults and F1 larvae and nymphs was significantly lower compared to ticks fed in vivo. The proportions of engorged ticks were significantly lower for in vitro fed adults and nymphs as well, but higher for in vitro fed larvae. F1-females fed on blood supplemented with vitamin B had a higher detachment proportion and engorgement weight compared to F1-females fed on blood without vitamin B, suggesting that vitamin B supplementation is essential in the artificial feeding of I. ricinus ticks previously exposed to gentamicin.
Characterizing Spatiotemporal Variations of Soil Salinization and Its Relationship with Eco-Hydrological Parameters at the Regional Scale in the Kashi Area of Xinjiang, China from 2000 to 2017
Authors: Wang Bo , Dong Xinguang , Wang Zhihui , Qin Guoqiang
Published: April 2021

Soil salinization is one of the most serious issues of land degradation, especially in inland drylands, such as the Kashgar region in the Xinjiang province, western China. The investigation of the spatiotemporal variations of soil salinization and its causes is critical for regional ecological restoration and social development. In this study, salinization severity was firstly interpreted in Kashgar region for the years 2000, 2010, and 2017 using multitemporal Landsat images, and the spatiotemporal variations of salinized soil area, salinization severity index, and important index of salinization change were then analyzed using transition matrix method. Finally, the relationship between salinization and eco-hydrological parameters at the regional scale was investigated using correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression. The results show that salinized soil is mainly concentrated in irrigated oasis areas. Although the decrease rate of total salinized soil area is decreasing, the decrease rate of average salinization severity is increasing gradually. There is an increasing trend for the improved area of salinized soil, whereas an opposite trend was observed for the deteriorated area of salinized soil. The conversion from extremely severe salinized soil to the severe ones was the dominant transforming type from 2000 to 2017; meanwhile, the transformation from non-salinized soil to salinized soil for the newly reclaimed farmland was observed, indicating that some necessary irrigation control measures must be taken to avoid further soil salinizing. A significant negative correlation between salinization severity and evapotranspiration, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was observed, implying that soil structure change induced by vegetation, associated with high evapotranspiration (ET) and low land surface temperature (LST), played a positive role in alleviating soil salinization in this region. It is concluded that the soil salinization had been alleviated from 2000 to 2017, mainly due to the combined effects of the farmland expansion and the reasonable irrigation system.
Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Simulations of Water Flow in a 90° Pipe Bend
Authors: Sigalotti Leonardo Di G. , Alvarado-Rodríguez Carlos E. , Klapp Jaime , Cela José M.
Published: April 2021

The flow through pipe bends and elbows occurs in a wide range of applications. While many experimental data are available for such flows in the literature, their numerical simulation is less abundant. Here, we present highly-resolved simulations of laminar and turbulent water flow in a 90° pipe bend using Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) methods coupled to a Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) model for turbulence. Direct comparison with available experimental data is provided in terms of streamwise velocity profiles, turbulence intensity profiles and cross-sectional velocity maps at different stations upstream, inside and downstream of the pipe bend. The numerical results are in good agreement with the experimental data. In particular, maximum root-mean-square deviations from the experimental velocity profiles are always less than ∼1.4%. Convergence to the experimental measurements of the turbulent fluctuations is achieved by quadrupling the resolution necessary to guarantee convergence of the velocity profiles. At such resolution, the deviations from the experimental data are ∼0.8%. In addition, the cross-sectional velocity maps inside and downstream of the bend shows that the experimentally observed details of the secondary flow are also very well predicted by the numerical simulations.
Pucuk Rebung Motif on Kain Tapis in Pepadun Community, Lampung, Indonesia
Authors: Justin Muhammad Redintan , Kasmana Kankan
Published: April 2021

Each ethnic group in Indonesia has its own traditional fabric. The fabric contains meaning and is functioned in accordance with customary rules. Lampung as a province in Indonesia has traditional fabrics found in the Sabitain (coastal) and Pepadun (inland) communitys. Kain Tapis is a traditional fabric from Pepadun community, has a variety of motifs and functions. The diversity of Kain Tapis motifs is very interesting to be researched especially on pucuk rebung motif as the dominant motif found in Kain Tapis. Data obtained from the literature and interview, the results of the analysis of literature obtained the motif of pucuk rebung have aload of meanings of basic strength and meaning related to its function, so that its use is regulated by custom, used only for women, and should not be used by sutan and penyimbang titles are also only used by the Abung clan.
Evidence for SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein in the Urine of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: George Santosh , Pal Anasuya Chattopadhyay , Gagnon Jacqueline , Timalsina Sushma , Singh Pallavi , Vydyam Pratap , Munshi Muhammad , Chiu Joy E. , Renard Isaline , Harden Christina A. , Ott Isabel M. , Watkins Anne E. , Vogels Chantal B.F. , Lu Peiwen , Tokuyama Maria , Venkataraman Arvind , Casanovas-Massana Arnau , Wyllie Anne L. , Rao Veena , Campbell Melissa , Farhadian Shelli F. , Grubaugh Nathan D. , Dela Cruz Charles S. , Ko Albert I. , Berna Perez Amalia Z. , Akaho Elikplim H. , Moledina Dennis G. , Testani Jeffrey , John Audrey R. , Ledizet Michel , Mamoun Choukri Ben ,   and the Yale IMPACT Team
Published: April 2021

Key Points

Using an antigen capture assay to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike S1 protein, we found that the protein is present in the urine of 25% of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Further, we found that 24% and 21% of adult patients with COVID-19 have high levels of urine albumin and cystatin C, respectively.

The presence of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in the urine suggests renal abnormalities resulting from COVID-19.

Background

SARS-CoV-2 infection has, as of April 2021, affected >133 million people worldwide, causing >2.5 million deaths. Because the large majority of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 are asymptomatic, major concerns have been raised about possible long-term consequences of the infection.

Methods

Wedeveloped an antigen capture assay to detect SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in urine samples from patients with COVID-19whose diagnosis was confirmed by positive PCR results from nasopharyngeal swabs (NP-PCR+) forSARS-CoV-2. We used a collection of 233 urine samples from 132 participants from Yale New Haven Hospital and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia that were obtained during the pandemic (106 NP-PCR+ and 26 NP-PCR−), and a collection of 20 urine samples from 20 individuals collected before the pandemic.

Results

Our analysis identified 23 out of 91 (25%) NP-PCR+ adult participants with SARS-CoV-2 spike S1 protein in urine (Ur-S+). Interestingly, although all NP-PCR+ children were Ur-S−, one child who was NP-PCR− was found to be positive for spike protein in their urine. Of the 23 adults who were Ur-S+, only one individual showed detectable viral RNA in urine. Our analysis further showed that 24% and 21% of adults who were NP-PCR+ had high levels of albumin and cystatin C, respectively, in their urine. Among individuals with albuminuria (>0.3 mg/mg of creatinine), statistical correlation could be found between albumin and spike protein in urine.

Conclusions

Together, our data showed that one of four individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 develop renal abnormalities, such as albuminuria. Awareness about the long-term effect of these findings is warranted.
Pakistan China relations in the Emerging Dynamics of Power in South Asia
Authors: Farzana Ashraf , Tanweer Khalid
Published: April 2021

This research paper highlights and review the strategic relationship amongst Pakistan and China as emerging economic states and power balanced countries in South Asia. The region has always been in the news since many decades, starting from “Khyber Pass” which was a route to conquer the “Golden Bird”, to the Union Jack, needs to trade for their economic resilience. The existence of Pakistan changes the dynamics of this region, as Pakistan is known as its strategic location which further helps the world in trade. The routes are key factual economic indicators for many countries, as sea routes for traders are enjoyed by the middle Eastern countries like United Arab Emirates, and Iran they mark accomplishments, not only in trade but in foreign relations also. Their strategic alliance and visionary leadership had made them the strongest country amongst all. Despite, they were dwelled in many tribal fights, which by the time made them learned to have their existence as United Republic of China. The main purpose of this research is to highlight and bring strategically importance geopolitical stance exercised by both the countries. We use qualitative research model to explore the reason of ties and through reviewed papers draft the conclusions to understand the value in this regard. The study found mutual benefit for both the countries and reveals the footprints of Sino-British relations amongst China and East India Company in midst of 1600 – 1640. Mao Zedong and Zhou En-Lai were the brains behind the revolution and strategic routes were devised to bring the economic stability for the Republic of China.