bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of the Social Security Index in the Context of the Economic Crisis in Romania
Authors: Antohi Valentin Marian , Ionescu Romeo Victor , Dinca Marius Sorin , Zlati Monica Laura , Fortea Costinela
Published: February 2023

In conditions of uncertainty, social protection issues are of paramount importance, and supporting measures are needed for the vulnerable population with an impact on social costs. Those costs have to be included in the state budget, and they generate budgetary imbalances that need to be counterbalanced by relevant budgetary policy measures. This paper proposes to develop, on the basis of state budgets and of demographic indicators, a social security index, whose dynamics will reflect the impact of the necessary measures in a period of economic and financial uncertainties. The key indicators used for calculating the social security index are composite financial risk, which is quantified using the budget’s dynamic expenditures, composite labour risk using employment stock, and unemployment and composite social risk using equilibrium between labour and retired labour. The paper studies the evolution of this index to identify inflection points that impact social security policy. We have dynamically identified the evolution clusters that differentiate the variability of the social security index over time, translated into the social security matrix proposed by the study for each composite index. The used methods in the study are empirical and analytical in nature, consisting of an econometric definition of the index structure and a dynamic analysis of the results obtained over the period 2010–2020. The results of the study will identify the financial risk diagram, which, based on the forecasted clusters of financial, social, and labour market risks, will create a useful picture for social policy makers that will highlight the current vulnerabilities of the three clusters from a social perspective. Last but not least, the presentation of the social security index is a valuable result for practitioners in their efforts to optimise social policies and increase socio-economic welfare. The results of this research will allow decision-makers to adjust their social policies on an informed basis in relation to the elements of vulnerability during periods of uncertainty, in comparison with the elements of stability identified during periods of economic growth.
Effect of Verbal Encouragement on Physical Fitness, Technical Skill and Physiological Response during Small-Sided Soccer Games
Authors: Hammami Mohamed Ali , Guerchi Maher , Selmi Okba , Sehli Faten , Ghouili Hatem , Stângaciu Oana Ancuța , Marinău Marius Alin , Galeru Ovidiu , Alexe Dan Iulian
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to determine the impact of teacher verbal encouragement on physical fitness performance, technical skill, and physiological responses during small-sided soccer games (SSGs) of adolescent female students’ during a physical education session. Fifty-two adolescent female students were divided into a verbal encouragement group (VEG, 15.57 ± 0.50 years) and a contrast group (CG, 15.50 ± 0.51 years). Anthropometric measurements, soccer-specific cardiorespiratory endurance (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1; YYIRT1), muscle power (countermovement jump (CMJ); 5-jump-test (5JT), agility (t-test), sprint speed (30 m)), technical skill, and heart rate (HR) responses during SSG were measured. Additionally, heart rate (HR) was recorded throughout the SSG, and video analysis was used to quantify technical actions. The independent samples Student’s t-test was used to compare the difference between the verbal encouragement group and the CG. There was no difference between the verbal encouragement group and the CG in anthropometric characteristics and 30 m speed (p > 0.05). The total distance measured with YO-YOIRT level 1, t-test performance, CMJ, and 5JT performance results of the verbal encouragement group were considerably higher than the CG (p = 0.001, ES = 1.8, large; p = 0.001, ES = 1.09, large; and p = 0.001, ES = 1.15, large, respectively). Furthermore, the ball contacts, successful balls, and average heart rate were higher in the verbal encouragement group compared with the CG (p = 0.001, ES = 3.69, large; p = 0.001, ES = 5.25, large; and p = 0.001, ES = 5.14, large, respectively). These results could inform teachers of the usefulness of verbal encouragement in the teaching-learning process in the school setting during small-sided soccer games.
Recycling of Nonwoven Waste Resulting from the Manufacturing Process of Hemp Fiber-Reinforced Recycled Polypropylene Composites for Upholstered Furniture Products
Authors: Ichim Mariana , Filip Ioan , Stelea Lucia , Lisa Gabriela , Muresan Emil Ioan
Published: February 2023

Waste recycling is a solution that reduces the environmental impact of waste landfilling or incineration. The aim of this paper is to investigate both the effect of incorporating recycled fibers obtained by defibrating 50/50 hemp/rPP nonwoven waste and the effect of the compatibilizer on the properties of composite materials. Composites incorporating 50% and 100% recycled fibers were treated with 2.5% and 5% maleated polypropylene (MAPP), respectively, and compared to both the untreated composites and the composite obtained by thermoforming from the nonwovens that generated the waste. The incorporation of 50% and 100% recycled fibers into composites decreased the tensile strength by 17.1–22.6%, the elongation at break by 12.4–20.1%, the flexural strength by 6.6–9%, and flexural modulus by 10.3–37%. The addition of 5% MAPP showed the greatest improvements in mechanical properties of composites containing 100% recycled fibers, as follows: 19.2% increase in tensile strength, 3.8% increase in flexural strength, and 14.8% increase in flexural modulus. Thermal analysis established that at temperatures ranging between 20 °C and 120 °C, the composites were thermally stable. SEM analysis revealed good coverage of the reinforcing fibers, and EDX analysis confirmed the presence of the compatibilizing agent in the structure of the composite material.
The Robustness of Battery Electric Bus Transit Networks under Charging Infrastructure Disruptions
Authors: Abdelaty Hatem , Foda Ahmed , Mohamed Moataz
Published: February 2023

The optimization of battery electric buses (BEBs) systems in transit is receiving considerable scholarly and practical attention. The practice is to minimize the total system cost to inform the optimal resource allocation. However, a minimization approach is insensitive to assessing and accommodating the robustness of BEB transit systems under disruption. This study evaluates the robustness of the BEB transit system under charging infrastructure disruption using complex network theory. The results of a mid-size multi-hub network indicate that the BEB system is robust against disruption if the disruption is resolved in a timely manner (within one hour). Furthermore, multi-charger charging stations have severe impacts on the system’s robustness. Overall, the BEB system robustness is more sensitive to the hourly number of buses charging at each station and the duration of the charging events.
Do Technology Alliance Network Characteristics Promote Ambidextrous Green Innovation? A Perspective from Internal and External Pressures of Firms in China
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Sun Hui , Ding Chenxin , Xin Long , Xia Xuechao , Gong Yuanyuan
Published: February 2023

Corporate alliances have become an important way for firms to share the resources and costs of innovation. However, whether corporate technology alliances can effectively enhance the ambidextrous green innovation (AGI) capabilities of firms is a question that still needs to be answered. Building networks of corporate technology alliances based on joint patent application data from the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) for the period of 2015–2019, this study investigated the impact of network centrality and structural hole characteristics on exploitative green innovation (IGI) and exploratory green innovation (RGI) from the perspective of internal and external pressures. The empirical results showed that (1) network centrality and structural holes could promote AGI and that the impact on IGI was greater than that on RGI. However, an examination based on lagged effects found a greater impact on RGI. (2) The impact of alliance networks on AGI was positively moderated by internal and external pressures. (3) There were complementary effects between the internal and external pressures. Our study emphasized that it was important to balance AGI to win short-term and long-term competition.
Proximity Approach to Bluetooth Low Energy-Based Localization in Tunnels
Authors: Brož Jiří , Tichý Tomáš , Prokeš Radovan , Štencek Adam , Šmerda Tomáš
Published: February 2023

Smart cities and smart mobility necessitate the development of newly adapted approaches and applications that ensure data connection among their particular parts; thus, the complex systems of smart technologies can be applied. Especially in the field of transport, mobility, and smart solutions, many of these applications require precise localization. Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) localization is used mainly because of its availability, reliability, and sufficient precision. However, there are also blind spots in smart cities where the GNSS is not available, e.g., in tunnels. This article presents an approach to fixing the issue of localization in road tunnels based on telecommunications with Bluetooth low energy (BLE) based infrastructure equipment. This approach enables us to ensure sufficient data resources for localization, and thus, smart applications can also be applied in the tunnels. At the same time, this approach also allows the fulfillment of individual needs according to the specifications of each tunnel or smart application. The outputs from testing and measurements are presented and discussed.
Reversible Data Hiding in Encrypted Images Based on an Adaptive Recognition Strategy for Blocks
Authors: Pang Zhi , Li Han , Xiao Zhaolin , Sui Liansheng
Published: February 2023

As the rapid development of third-party storage and homomorphic encryption have profoundly stimulated the desire for secure communication, reversible data hiding in encrypted images has received widespread attention, since it allows lossless data conveying and perfect image recovery. In order to obtain secure reversible data hiding with high embedding capacity, a novel block embedding method is proposed, based on an adaptive recognition strategy for combined blocks in the binary image, with which the adjacent identical blocks can be integrated into a combination to reserve more spare bits for data accommodation. Furthermore, a fully reversible data hiding method for grayscale images in the encryption domain is designed. The secret data is hidden into lower bit-planes of the image while the original bits of those embedded lower pixels are recorded into the vacated space of higher bit-planes. The original image can be reconstructed flawlessly as well as the secret data being extracted without errors. To reinforce security, the original image and the secret data are encrypted and scrambled based on sequences generated with the high-dimension chaotic system. Due to its high sensitivity of initial values, the performance such as security and robustness is guaranteed. By comparing the PSNR value of the marked decrypted image and evaluating the quality of the extracted secret image, experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can obtain higher embedding capacity, achieving 0.2700–0.3924 bpp increment over the state-of-the-art methods, and recover the marked decrypted image with high visual symmetry/quality, and efficiently resist against potential attacks, such as the histogram analysis, differential, brute-force, JPEG attacks, and so on.
Wastewater Treatment Using Photosynthetic Microorganisms
Authors: Sepúlveda-Muñoz Cristian A. , de Godos Ignacio , Muñoz Raúl
Published: February 2023

Wastewaters are mainly classified as domestic, industrial and agro-industrial based on their production source. Piggery wastewater (PWW) is a livestock wastewater characterized by its high concentrations of organic matter and ammonium, and by its odour nuisance. Traditionally, PWW has been treated in open anaerobic lagoons, anaerobic digesters and activated sludge systems, which exhibit high greenhouse gas emissions, a limited nutrients removal and a high energy consumption, respectively. Photosynthetic microorganisms can support a sustainable wastewater treatment in engineered photobioreactors at low operating costs and with an efficient recovery of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous. These microorganisms are capable of absorbing solar irradiation through the photosynthesis process to obtain energy, which is used for their growth and associated carbon and nutrients assimilation. Purple phototrophic bacteria (PPB) represent the photosynthetic microorganisms with the most versatile metabolism in nature, whereas microalgae are the most-studied photosynthetic microorganisms in recent years. This review describes the fundamentals, symmetry and asymmetry of wastewater treatment using photosynthetic microorganisms such as PPB and microalgae. The main photobioreactor configurations along with the potential of PPB and microalgae biomass valorisation strategies are also discussed.
Fractional Order Operator for Symmetric Analysis of Cancer Model on Stem Cells with Chemotherapy
Authors: Azeem Muhammad , Farman Muhammad , Akgül Ali , De la Sen Manuel
Published: February 2023

Cancer is dangerous and one of the major diseases affecting normal human life. In this paper, a fractional-order cancer model with stem cells and chemotherapy is analyzed to check the effects of infection in individuals. The model is investigated by the Sumudu transform and a very effective numerical method. The positivity of solutions with the ABC operator of the proposed technique is verified. Fixed point theory is used to derive the existence and uniqueness of the solutions for the fractional order cancer system. Our derived solutions analyze the actual behavior and effect of cancer disease in the human body using different fractional values. Modern mathematical control with the fractional operator has many applications including the complex and crucial study of systems with symmetry. Symmetry analysis is a powerful tool that enables the user to construct numerical solutions of a given fractional differential equation in a fairly systematic way. Such an analysis will provide a better understanding to control the of cancer disease in the human body.
Differential Cell Metabolic Pathways in Gills and Liver of Fish (White Seabream Diplodus sargus) Coping with Dietary Methylmercury Exposure
Authors: De Marco Giuseppe , Billè Barbara , Brandão Fátima , Galati Mariachiara , Pereira Patrícia , Cappello Tiziana , Pacheco Mário
Published: February 2023

Mercury (Hg) is a dangerous and persistent trace element. Its organic and highly toxic form, methylmercury (MeHg), easily crosses biological membranes and accumulates in biota. Nevertheless, understanding the mechanisms of dietary MeHg toxicity in fish remains a challenge. A time-course experiment was conducted with juvenile white seabreams, Diplodus sargus (Linnaeus, 1758), exposed to realistic levels of MeHg in feed (8.7 μg g−1, dry weight), comprising exposure (E; 7 and 14 days) and post-exposure (PE; 28 days) periods. Total Hg levels increased with time in gills and liver during E and decreased significantly in PE (though levels of control fish were reached only for gills), with liver exhibiting higher levels (2.7 times) than gills. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics revealed multiple and often differential metabolic changes between fish organs. Gills exhibited protein catabolism, disturbances in cholinergic neurotransmission, and changes in osmoregulation and lipid and energy metabolism. However, dietary MeHg exposure provoked altered protein metabolism in the liver with decreased amino acids, likely for activation of defensive strategies. PE allowed for the partial recovery of both organs, even if with occurrence of oxidative stress and changes of energy metabolism. Overall, these findings support organ-specific responses according to their sensitivity to Hg exposure, pointing out that indications obtained in biomonitoring studies may depend also on the selected organ.
Smartphone App Usage Patterns for Trip Planning Purposes and Stated Impacts in the City of Bhopal, India
Authors: Sinha Kushagra , Gupta Sanjay
Published: February 2023

With the considerable growth in the information and communication technology (ICT), several smartphone-based mobility platforms have already sprung up and they have the potential of transforming the mobility ecosystem completely. However, there is close to no knowledge available about how ICT-based smartphone apps meant for day-to-day trip planning tasks are being used across various user groups and how they influence travel outcomes, especially in Indian cities. Therefore, this study is an effort to close this gap by gathering data from the city of Bhopal and carrying out an exploratory statistical analysis on the usage of smartphone apps for different types of trip planning purposes, as well as their influence on travel outcomes. The study provides empirical evidence of relationships between smartphone app usage for trip planning (such as departure time, destination selection, mode selection, route selection, communicating and coordinating trips, and performing tasks online rather than visiting) and the resulting travel outcomes, such as kilometres travelled by vehicle (for purposes, such as work/education, shopping, and recreation), social gatherings, new destinations, and group trips. The chi-square test has been used to test and interpret several socioeconomic variables that could influence this relationship, such as gender, age, income, etc. The study’s findings provide important behavioural insights that may be useful in policy discussions.
Experimental Infection of Domestic Pigs (Sus scrofa) with Rift Valley Fever Virus
Authors: Lubisi Baratang Alison , Mutowembwa Paidamwoyo Barry , Ndouvhada Phumudzo Nomicia , Odendaal Lieza , Bastos Armanda D. S. , Penrith Mary-Louise
Published: February 2023

Rift valley fever (RVF), caused by the RVF virus (RVFV), is a vector-borne zoonotic disease that primarily affects domestic ruminants. Abortion storms and neonatal deaths characterise the disease in animals. Humans develop flu-like symptoms, which can progress to severe disease. The susceptibility of domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) to RVFV remains unresolved due to conflicting experimental infection results. To address this, we infected two groups of pregnant sows, neonates and weaners, each with a different RVFV isolate, and a third group of weaners with a mixture of the two viruses. Serum, blood and oral, nasal and rectal swabs were collected periodically, and two neonates and a weaner from group 1 and 2 euthanised from 2 days post infection (DPI), with necropsy and histopathology specimens collected. Sera and organ pools, blood and oronasorectal swabs were tested for RVFV antibodies and RNA. Results confirmed that pigs can be experimentally infected with RVFV, although subclinically, and that pregnant sows can abort following infection. Presence of viral RNA in oronasorectal swab pools on 28 DPI suggest that pigs may shed RVFV for at least one month. It is concluded that precautions should be applied when handling pig body fluids and carcasses during RVF outbreaks.
Prevalence of HIV-1 Natural Polymorphisms and Integrase-Resistance-Associated Mutations in African Children
Authors: Fofana Djeneba B. , Diarra Houdou , Guindo Ibrahima , Savadogo Mahamadou K. , d’Almeida Marceline , Diallo Fatoumata I. , Baldé Aliou , Soulié Cathia , Kone Amadou , Marcelin Anne-Geneviève , Maiga Almoustapha I. , Lambert-Niclot Sidonie , Maiga Mamoudou , McFall Sally , Hawkins Claudia A. , Murphy Robert L. , Sylla Mariam , Katlama Christine , Holl Jane L. , Calvez Vincent , Morand-Joubert Laurence
Published: February 2023

Integrase inhibitors (INIs) are a potent option for HIV treatment. Limited data exist on INI resistance in West Africa, particularly in children living with HIV/AIDS. We determined the prevalence of integrase gene polymorphisms and the frequency of naturally occurring amino acid (aa) substitutions at positions associated with INI resistance. Dried blood spot (DBS) samples were obtained from one hundred and seven (107) HIV-1-infected children aged less than 15 years old in two West African countries, Benin and Mali. All children were naïve to INI treatment, 56 were naïve to anti-retroviral therapy (ART), and 51 had received ART. Genetic sequencing of HIV integrase was successful in 75 samples. The aa changes at integrase positions associated with INI resistance were examined according to the Stanford HIV Genotypic Resistance database. The median ages were 2.6 and 10 years for ART-naïve and -treated children, respectively. The most common subtypes observed were CRF02_AG (74.7%) followed by CRF06_cpx (20%). No major INI-resistance mutations at positions 66, 92, 121, 143, 147, 148, 155, and 263 were detected. The most prevalent INI accessory resistance mutations were: L74I/M (14/75, 18.6%) followed by E157Q (8/75, 10.6%), G163E/N/T/Q (5/75, 6.6%), Q95A/H/P (2/75, 2.6%), and T97A (4/75, 5.3%). Other substitutions observed were M50I/L/P, H51E/P/S/Q, I72V, T112V, V201I, and T206S. Polymorphisms at positions which may influence the genetic barrier and/or drive the selection of specific INI-resistance pathways were detected. However, no transmitted drug resistance (TDR) to INI was detected among samples of INI-naïve patients. These findings support the use of this treatment class for children with HIV-1, particularly in West Africa.
Factors Influencing Antibody Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination
Authors: Kodde Cathrin , Tafelski Sascha , Balamitsa Efthimia , Nachtigall Irit , Bonsignore Marzia
Published: February 2023

Vaccination plays a key role in tackling the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic but data regarding the individual’s protective antibody level are still pending. Our aim is to identify factors that influence antibody response following vaccination in healthcare workers. This single-center study was conducted at Evangelische Kliniken Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Healthcare workers were invited to answer a questionnaire about their vaccinations and adverse reactions. Subsequently, the level of anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) IgG antibody against SARS-CoV-2′s spike protein through blood samples was measured. For statistics, we used a defined correlation of protection (CoP) and examined risk factors associated with being below the given CoP. A total of 645 employees were included and most were female (n = 481, 77.2%). A total of 94.2% participants had received two doses of vaccines (n = 587) and 12.4% (n = 720) had been infected at least once. Most common prime-boost regimen was BNT162b2 + BNT162b2 (57.9%, n = 361). Age (p < 0.001), days since vaccination (p = 0.007), and the homologous vaccination regimen with ChAdOx + ChAdOx (p = 0.004) were risk factors for the antibody level being below the CoP, whereas any previous COVID-19 infection (p < 0.001), the number of vaccines (p = 0.016), and physical complaints after vaccination (p = 0.01) were associated with an antibody level above the CoP. Thus, age, vaccination regimen, days since vaccination, and previous infection influence the antibody level. These risk factors should be considered for booster and vaccinations guidelines.
Efficacy, Safety and Immunogenicity of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in Patients with Cirrhosis: A Narrative Review
Authors: Toutoudaki Konstantina , Dimakakou Melitini , Androutsakos Theodoros
Published: February 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has led to a pandemic with more than 6.5 million deaths worldwide. Patients with liver cirrhosis (PWLC) are regarded as prone to severe COVID-19. Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 has been proven to be the most effective measure against COVID-19 and a variety of different vaccines have been approved for use; namely mRNA and vector-based, inactivated, whole virion, and protein subunit vaccines. Unfortunately, only a small number of PWLC were included in phase I–III vaccine trials, raising concerns regarding their efficacy and safety in this population. The authors, in this review, present available data regarding safety and efficacy of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in PWLC and discuss post-vaccination antibody responses. Overall, all vaccines seem to be extremely safe, with only a few and insignificant adverse events, and efficient, leading to lower rates of hospitalization and COVID-19-related mortality. T- and B-cell responses, on the other hand, remain an enigma, especially in patients with decompensated disease, since these patients show lower titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in some studies, with a more rapid waning. However, this finding is not consistent, and its clinical impact is still undetermined.
Immunogenicity of Different Types of Adjuvants and Nano-Adjuvants in Veterinary Vaccines: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Nooraei Soren , Sarkar Lotfabadi Alireza , Akbarzadehmoallemkolaei Milad , Rezaei Nima
Published: February 2023

Vaccination is the best way to prevent and reduce the damage caused by infectious diseases in animals and humans. So, several vaccines are used for prophylactic purposes before the pathogen infects, while therapeutic vaccines strengthen the immune system after infection with the pathogen. Adjuvants are molecules, compounds, or macromolecules that enhance non-specific immunity and, in collaboration with antigen(s), can improve the body’s immune responses and change the type of immune response. The potential and toxicity of adjuvants must be balanced to provide the safest stimulation with the fewest side effects. In order to overcome the limitations of adjuvants and the effective and controlled delivery of antigens, attention has been drawn to nano-carriers that can be a promising platform for better presenting and stimulating the immune system. Some studies show that nanoparticles have a more remarkable ability to act as adjuvants than microparticles. Because nano-adjuvants inactively target antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and change their chemical surface, nanoparticles also perform better in targeted antigen delivery because they cross biological barriers more easily. We collected and reviewed various types of nano-adjuvants with their specific roles in immunogenicity as a prominent strategy used in veterinary vaccines in this paper.
Immunogenicity and Safety of a Combined Intramuscular/Intranasal Recombinant Spike Protein COVID-19 Vaccine (RCP) in Healthy Adults Aged 18 to 55 Years Old: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase I Trial
Authors: Dodaran Masoud Solaymani , Banihashemi Seyed Reza , Es-haghi Ali , Mehrabadi Mohammad Hossein Fallah , Nofeli Mojtaba , Mokarram Ali Rezaei , Mokhberalsafa Ladan , Sadeghi Fariba , Ranjbar Alireza , Ansarifar Akram , Mohazzab Arash , Setarehdan Seyed Amin , Bagheri Amiri Fahimeh , Mohseni Vahideh , Hajimoradi Monireh , Ghahremanzadeh Neda , Razzaz Seyed Hossein , Masoomi Safdar , Taghdiri Maryam , Bagheri Mohsen , Lofti Mohsen , Khorasani Akbar , Ghader Masoud , Safari Shiva , Shahsavn Masumeh , Kalantari Saeed
Published: February 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the safety and immunogenicity of a combined intramuscular/intranasal recombinant spike protein COVID-19 vaccine (RCP). Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase I trial. Three vaccine strengths were compared with an adjuvant-only preparation. It included two intramuscular and a third intranasal dose. Eligible participants were followed for adverse reactions. Specific IgG, secretory IgA, neutralizing antibodies, and cell-mediated immunity were assessed. Results: A total of 153 participants were enrolled (13 sentinels, 120 randomized, 20 non-randomized open-labeled for IgA assessment). No related serious adverse event was observed. The geometric mean ratios (GMRs) and 95% CI for serum neutralizing antibodies compared with placebo two weeks after the second injection were 5.82 (1.46–23.13), 11.12 (2.74–45.09), and 20.70 (5.05–84.76) in 5, 10, and 20 µg vaccine groups, respectively. The GMR for anti-RBD IgA in mucosal fluid two weeks after the intranasal dose was 23.27 (21.27–25.45) in the 10 µg vaccine group. The humoral responses were sustained for up to five months. All vaccine strengths indicated a strong T-helper 1 response. Conclusion: RCP is safe and creates strong and durable humoral and cellular immunity and good mucosal immune response in its 10 µg /200 µL vaccine strengths. Trial registration: IRCT20201214049709N1.
Platelet Activation and Cytokine Release of Interleukin-8 and Interferon-Gamma-Induced Protein 10 after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Coronavirus Vaccine Injection
Authors: Shen Chih-Lung , Wang Tso-Fu , Liu Chao-Zong , Wu Yi-Feng
Published: February 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are associated with serious thromboembolic or thrombocytopenic events including vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis and immune thrombocytopenia, particularly AZD1222/ChAdOx1. According to the proposed mechanism, COVID-19 vaccines stimulate inflammation and platelet activation. In this study, we analyzed the role of AZD1222/ChAdOx1 vaccines in the activation of platelets and the release of anti-PF4 antibodies and inflammatory cytokines in a cohort of healthy donors without vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). Forty-eight healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were collected from peripheral blood at three time points: before vaccination and 1 and 7 days after vaccination. Compared with the prevaccination data, a decrease in the leukocyte and platelet counts was observed 1 day after vaccination, which recovered 7 days after injection. The percentage of activated GPIIb/IIIa complex (PAC-1) under high ADP or thrombin receptor-activating peptide stimulation increased 1 day after vaccination. Furthermore, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interferon-gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10) increased significantly. Additionally, platelet activation and inflammation, with the release of cytokines, were observed; however, none of the individuals developed VITT. Mild thrombocytopenia with platelet activation and inflammation with an elevation of IL-8 and IP-10 were observed after AZ vaccination.
Using Social Marketing to Promote COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake: A Case Study from the “AUBe Vaccinated” Campaign
Authors: Bardus Marco , Assaf Sara , Sakr Carine
Published: February 2023

The availability of and access to COVID-19 vaccines has been challenging in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), coupled with mistrust in public health organizations instigated by misinformation and disinformation diffused by traditional and social media. In the Spring of 2021, the American University of Beirut (AUB) in Lebanon spearheaded a nationwide vaccination drive with the ambitious goal of vaccinating its entire community by the beginning of the academic year 2021–2022, as the campus was due to be opened only to vaccinated individuals. This case study outlines the development, implementation, and evaluation of a social marketing campaign to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations among members of the AUB community, comprising students, faculty, staff, and dependents. Following French and Evans’ 2020 guidelines, we implemented an evidence-based and co-designed strategy to maximize the availability and facilitate vaccine access. The campaign used a mix of methods to convince the segments of the population to receive their shots before accessing campus, resulting in a 98% uptake among the community segments within three months (July–September 2021). In this case study, we reflect on the experience and share suggestions for future research and applications that other higher education institutions could use to address similar problems.
Promoting Sponge City Construction through Rainwater Trading: An Evolutionary Game Theory-Based Analysis
Authors: Shi Chunyan , Miao Xinyue , Xu Tongyu , Gao Weijun , Liu Gen , Li Siwen , Lin Yingzi , Wei Xindong , Liu Hui
Published: February 2023

Sponge city construction strategies (SCCSs) have gradually attracted increased attention because of the strong shocks to society and economies caused by extreme weather and global climate change. The development of sponge cities is consistent with the national goal, and China must support environmental sustainability. Rainwater trading (RWT) plays a key role in promoting the efficient allocation and use of rainwater resources in sponge cities. In this study, we built an evolutionary game model on the basis of 13 parameters influencing the strategy selection of game players of environmental protection enterprises (EPEs) and municipal enterprises (MEs)’ in promoting sponge city construction. Next, we discussed the interaction effect of the two players’ behaviors in the 16 cases. Finally, we used the first RWT project in an empirical simulation to analyze the critical parameters influencing the game; we provide regulation policy suggestions to achieve the final goal. The results show that sufficient financial subsidies, the reduction in additional sales, the increase in taxes, and the participation of more EPEs can accelerate the realization of the evolutionary stable strategy (ESS) between EPEs and MEs. Incentive measures should focus not only on economic measures but also on reputation incentives and industry regulations. The proposed model can be used as a tool to promote the development and application of sponge cities, thus enriching the literature on promoting the communication of SCCSs. Moreover, our findings are valuable for the promotion of the use of rainwater resources, the marketization of the ecological value of rainwater resources, and the further construction of sponge cities.
Trajectory Tracking Model Predictive Controller Design for Autonomous Vehicles with Updating Constrains of Tire Characteristics
Authors: Liu Yingjie , Yuan Tengfei , Zhao Rongchen
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we address the problem of trajectory tracking control of autonomous vehicles by considering the nonlinear characteristics of tires. By considering the influence of the tires’ dynamics on steering stability, the proposed predictive controller can track the desired trajectory and desired velocity in the presence of road curvature while minimizing the lateral tracking deviation. First of all, a hierarchical control structure is adopted, in which the upper-level controller is used to calculate the desired acceleration and the desired front-wheel angle to maintain the control target, and the lower-level controller realized the command through the corresponding component devices. Moreover, a force estimator is designed based on the radial basis function (RBF) neural network to estimate the lateral force of the tires, which is incorporated into the boundary conditions of the vehicle envelope constraint to improve the adaptability of the controller to the vehicle performance. Finally, the proposed controller is tested by co-simulation of CarSim (a simulation software specifically for vehicle dynamics)/Simulink (a modular diagram environment for multidomain simulation as well as model-based design) and hardware-in-loop simulation system. The co-simulation and experimental results demonstrate the controller safely driving at the vehicle’s handling limits and effectively reduce the slip phenomenon of the vehicle.
Seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii in Occupational Settings: A Meta-Analysis of Italian Studies
Authors: Riccò Matteo , Baldassarre Antonio , Corrado Silvia , Marchesi Federico
Published: February 2023

Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) can cause a serious human disease known as Q Fever (QF). Our study summarized seroprevalence data from occupational settings in Italy, a country characterized by low notification rates of QF (17 cases between 2015 and 2021). Through systematic research on 3 databases (PubMed, EMBASE, MedRxiv), all studies including seroprevalence rates of C. burnetii in Italy were retrieved, and their results summarized and compared. We identified a total of 7 articles for a total of 1178 workers, mostly from agricultural settings. A pooled seroprevalence of 44.0% (95% Confidence Interval [95%CI] 27.6 to 61.8) was calculated. Subgroup estimates ranged from 2.8% (95%CI 0.9–6.3) in forestry rangers to 49.2% (95%CI 26.8–72.0) in livestock farmers, and peaked at 73.7% (95%CI 56.9–86.6) and 75.9% (95%CI 13.4–98.5) in abattoir workers and veterinary professionals, respectively. Seroprevalence rates for C. burnetii largely exceeded the official notification rates, suggesting its substantial underreporting in Italy.
Naturaleza y feminidad en el activismo por el parto respetado
Authors: Díaz Lía Camila
Published: February 2023

Entre los años 2016 y 2018 realicé trabajo de campo con agrupaciones de la ciudad de San Carlos de Bariloche que reivindican el derecho al parto respetado y que denuncian la denominada violencia obstétrica. En el transcurso de la investigación, comencé a recuperar en mi análisis, además de los discursos y prácticas, las imágenes y referencias visuales que circulan en y desde los espacios activistas: flyers, cartelería, imágenes de fanzines y de libros, etc. El objetivo de este artículo es retomar dichas imágenes y su contenido para ponerlas en diálogo con los discursos activistas y, posteriormente, reflexionar acerca de las construcciones de feminidad y de naturaleza en el caso particular de dichas organizaciones locales.
Procesos de construcción de ciudadanías situadas
Authors: Garibotti María Belén , Sander Joanna
Published: February 2023

Este artículo se propone un ejercicio de (re) definición de la Antropología de la ciudadanía a partir de nuestras propias investigaciones etnográficas sobre dos colectivos organizados en torno de procesos de disputa por acceso a derechos en el contexto de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires: un conjunto de habitantes de un asentamiento precario y una organización de migrantes nucleada por la ampliación de los derechos políticos. Se identificarán tres ejes problemáticos para el análisis: la multiescalaridad de los territorios en la lucha por el acceso a derechos, los lenguajes desplegados en contextos situados frente a oficinas gubernamentales y los procesos subjetivación política experimentados en ese recorrido. Interesa recuperar la potencialidad de la antropología para el análisis de la manera en que los sujetos construyen ciudadanía en el marco de la vida cotidiana, disputando membresías a una comunidad política y forjando redes de relaciones que cohesionan a los individuos de un grupo.
Relato de caso: Sequestro pulmonar com fístula gástrica em uma mulher de 20 anos
Authors: Arouca Julianna Storace de Carvalho , Molinari Jessica Vicentini , Hasegawa Rodrigo Katsutoshi , Ventura Gustavo Reis , Bergonse Neto Nelson , Rabelo Lêda Maria , Pecharki Cassio Henrique Schueda , Almeida Lucas Neimann
Published: February 2023

O sequestro broncopulmonar (SBP) é uma condição rara caracterizada pela presença de tecido pulmonar sem função e sem conexão com as vias respiratórias, podendo se apresentar de duas formas: intralobar ou extralobar.1 Mais raramente, o SBP pode se apresentar associado a uma fistula gastrointestinal. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente de 20 anos com histórico de pneumonias de repetição e dor torácica ventilatória dependente que, após exames de tomografia computadorizada de tórax contrastada e endoscopia digestiva alta, foi diagnosticada com sequestro pulmonar de segmento basal medial e presença de fístula gástrica na região da cárdia. O tratamento foi realizado através de uma lobectomia esquerda, com sucesso.
Avaliação da qualidade de cápsulas de Atenolol 25 mg produzidas em farmácias magistrais em Mineiros-GO
Authors: Peixoto Márcia Silva , De Miranda Camila Vicente , Batista Tatiana , Silva Vinicius Carlos Costa , Da Silva Jucemara Alexandra , Peixoto Valéria Silva , Linhares Euvani Oliveira Sobrinho , Silva Jonathan Primo Pereira
Published: February 2023

Este artigo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade do atenolol manipulado nas farmácias magistrais do município de Mineiros – GO, posto que são essenciais para o tratamento da hipertensão arterial (HÁ), doença cardiovascular que acomete muitos brasileiros. O controle de qualidade é primordial para a manipulação de fármacos, pois determina a segurança e a qualidade dos medicamentos e, por consequência, do tratamento. A pesquisa foi orientada pela problemática relacionada à falta de observância de critérios de controle de qualidade, que causa menor eficácia e, desta forma, deve ser alvo de estudos e controle. Foi realizada uma pesquisa em quatro farmácias, neste estudo nomeadas por “A”, “B”, “C” e “D”, por meio da análise de uniformidade de doses unitárias; a determinação se baseou em dois métodos: variação de peso e uniformidade do conteúdo. Inicialmente, fora feito um ensaio de amostragem nas dependências da Faculdade Morgana Potrich (FAMP) e, em seguida, realizada comparação em relação às farmácias escolhidas para o estudo. Foi possível constatar, por meio de espectrofotometria-UV, que as amostras colhidas possuíam dosagem correta; de mesma forma, houve aprovação em relação à análise unitária de peso, dentro do limite estabelecido. Por fim, concluiu-se que as farmácias de Mineiros apresentam controle de qualidade eficiente em relação à manipulação de Atenolol.
A Cannabis e os seus dilemas na psiquiatria
Authors: Facco Vinicius Broilo , Rodrigues Fernando Gabriel , Castel Giulia Maria Dal , Campos Larissa Ferreira , Da Cas Matina Estacia , Dariz Pedro Henrique Sarmento , Escobar Jefferson José Rodrigues
Published: February 2023

Na década de 1960, foi isolado as duas principais estruturas químicas na planta Cannabis: delta-9-tetraidrocanabinol (Δ9 -THC), componente psicotrópico da planta, e o canabidiol (CBD), substância não psicotrópica e com potencial terapêutico. O possível uso como medicamento se justifica pela ampla distribuição de receptores canabinóides no organismo. Ainda não há um consenso sobre o uso do CBD no tratamento de quadros psiquiátricos, pois a implementação dessa nova terapêutica apresentou controvérsias. A Associação Brasileira de Psiquiatria (ABP) se posicionou irremediavelmente contra o uso, apesar de alguns estudos relatando benefícios.
Hepatocarcinoma e tomografia computadorizada
Authors: Maria Leonardo Ferreira , Bibiano Douglas Matheus , Farje Luis Alberto Domingo Francia , Francia Camila Contin Diniz de Almeida , Bueno Kelvin Luan
Published: February 2023

O grande avanço tecnológico em termos de aquisição e análise de imagens possibilitou que essas novas tecnologias se tornassem aliadas na medicina convencional. Dentre os exames que utilizam métodos de imagem não invasivos, destaca-se a tomografia computadorizada (TC). Esse exame possibilita a visualização dos órgãos internos e detalhes anatômicos utilizando contraste iodado endovenoso permitindo identificar tumores em sua fase inicial, como por exemplo, o hepatocarcinoma. Sua ocorrência está relacionada com fatores como hepatites C e B e o consumo excessivo de álcool, apresentando estreita relação com a cirrose hepática. Uma vez que esse tipo tumoral é identificado precocemente pode ser tratado de forma efetiva melhorando o prognóstico destes pacientes. Visto que a realização do exame de TC para auxiliar na identificação de hepatocarcinomas iniciais tem se mostrado eficaz, este trabalho teve como objetivo, a partir de uma revisão bibliográfica foi realizada uma pesquisa pelos sites, Google acadêmico, Scielo, a partir de livros e artigos bibliográficos, mostrando –se importância da TC na precisão de aquisição de imagens e o impacto desse exame no diagnóstico deste tipo tumoral comparando com protocolos de tomografia computadorizada das grandes potências em pesquisa, assim obtendo quatro protocolos que mostra uma diferencia de dez a cinco segundos nas fase arterial, portal e na fase equilíbrio de um a dois segundos. Destacando- se que Hospital de Amor Fundação Pio XII segue como referência Li-Rads (2018) e Colégio Brasileiro de Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem, mostrando corretamente o tempo correto para aquisição de imagens.
Atenção farmacêutica no uso de inibidores do apetite
Authors: Da Mata Ana Maria Oliveira Ferreira
Published: February 2023

Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática sobre o uso de inibidores de apetite e suas consequências à saúde, bem como, explanação do papel do farmacêutico clínico no tratamento com tais fármacos. Foram selecionados artigos científicos disponíveis nas bases de dados PUBMED/ MEDLINE, Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), com os seguintes descritores: atenção farmacêutica, inibidores do apetite e reações adversas, associadas e isoladas em português, utilizando o recorte temporal dos últimos 07 anos de publicações (de 2015 a 2022). Foram selecionados 10 artigos científicos: 1 (um) artigo nos anos de 2015; 2017; 2019 e 2020; e 2 (dois) artigos nos anos de 2016; 2018 e 2021. Dentre os quais as drogas utilizadas foram o rimonabanto, lorcaserina, naltrexona/bupropiona, fentermina/topiramato, liraglutida, anfepramona e sibutramina. Também foram descritos efeitos adversos como depressão, fadiga, delírios, náuseas, dor de cabeça, diarreia mudança de humor e até mesmo surtos psicóticos. O presente estudo conclui que o uso de inibidores de apetite para o tratamento de obesidade é eficaz desde que prescrito e acompanhado por uma equipe multiprofissional de saúde, na qual, se inclui o farmacêutico, responsável por orientar e acompanhar a população no uso correto, interações medicamentosas e reações adversas.
Influência do Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 sobre desfechos clínicos de pacientes internados por COVID-19 em uma unidade de terapia intensiva em Manaus, Amazonas
Authors: Feitoza Larissa de Castro Carioca , Rodriguez Juan Eduardo Rios , Benacon Gabriel Sarkis , Leite Gabriela Silva , Viana Kaline de Souza , De Souza Valéria Priscila Neves , da Rosa Rosane Dias , Jezini Deborah Laredo
Published: February 2023

Introdução: Estudos evidenciaram o impacto do Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) sobre a gravidade da COVID-19. Manaus foi epicentro da pandemia no Brasil e este estudo avaliou a influência do DM2 sobre desfechos clínicos de pacientes internados por COVID-19 em uma unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) de um hospital da cidade, respectivamente: tempo de internação na UTI, tempo em Ventilação Mecânica Invasiva (VMI), necessidade de hemodiálise e mortalidade na UTI. Métodos: Estudo observacional, retrospectivo, descritivo e analítico através da revisão de 89 prontuários eletrônicos de pacientes internados na UTI do Hospital Universitário Getúlio Vargas (HUGV) entre abril-maio de 2020 e janeiro-fevereiro de 2021, após aplicação dos critérios de seleção. Foram feitas análises entre os dois momentos da pandemia citados e entre pacientes com e sem DM2. Resultados: Pacientes diabéticos apresentaram mais comorbidades (p=0,048), sobretudo hipertensão (p=0,02) e doença cardiovascular (p=0,001). Em média, entre os diabéticos, o tempo de internação na UTI foi 13 dias (p=0,510), o tempo em VMI foi 12 dias (p=0,610), 38,5% realizaram hemodiálise e 96,2% evoluíram para óbito na UTI.  Conclusão: A mortalidade na UTI foi superior no segundo momento da pandemia (89,9%, p=0,026), porém o DM2 não influenciou de forma significativa os desfechos clínicos de interesse.