bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1921–2021: A Century of Renewable Ammonia Synthesis
Authors: Rouwenhorst Kevin H. R. , Travis Anthony S. , Lefferts Leon
Published: April 2022

Synthetic ammonia, manufactured by the Haber–Bosch process and its variants, is the key to securing global food security. Hydrogen is the most important feedstock for all synthetic ammonia processes. Renewable ammonia production relies on hydrogen generated by water electrolysis using electricity generated from hydropower. This was used commercially as early as 1921. In the present work, we discuss how renewable ammonia production subsequently emerged in those countries endowed with abundant hydropower, and in particular in regions with limited or no oil, gas, and coal deposits. Thus, renewable ammonia played an important role in national food security for countries without fossil fuel resources until after the mid-20th century. For economic reasons, renewable ammonia production declined from the 1960s onward in favor of fossil-based ammonia production. However, renewable ammonia has recently gained traction again as an energy vector. It is an important component of the rapidly emerging hydrogen economy. Renewable ammonia will probably play a significant role in maintaining national and global energy and food security during the 21st century.
Study of the Process of Packet Arrival at a Multiservice Node
Authors: Shingissov Daniyar , Seilov Shakhmaran , Goikhman Vadim , Sokolov Nikolai , Akhmetova Zhanar , Uskenbayeva Gulzhan , Rzayeva Leila
Published: April 2022

The paper considers the main ways of describing the process that characterizes the arrival of packets to a multiservice node of a telecommunications network. The features of the process under consideration are best represented by the cumulative distribution function A(t). It determines the distribution of the interval size between the moments of arrival of neighboring packets to the multiservice node. These intervals are random values. If it is not possible to perform measurements that allow the choosing of the A(t) function, then the distribution law of random variables is selected based on reasonable assumptions. For telephone switching nodes, the Poisson flow hypothesis was used, which is often similar to the symmetric distribution of the number of calls at time interval t. The results of traffic measurements for multiservice switching nodes showed that the studied distribution is inherently asymmetric. This paper mainly considers the possibility of choosing the A(t) function based on the measurement results presented in a form of the histogram a(t), which contains a series of values. This histogram allows us to obtain the desired distribution as a stepwise function by integration of the a(t). Practical interest is associated with the possibility of reducing the number of readings used to assess the A(t) function. The methods used by some authors are based on the application of arbitrarily chosen functions A(t) with so-called heavy tails. The proposed approach is based on real distributions defined at a finite time interval. As a result of this research, a methodology has been developed to accurately describe the process of packet arrival at the input of the multiservice node. The proposed methodology is based on analytical methods. It guarantees error minimization when investigating the probabilistic characteristics of a switching node in a multiservice network.
ieHDDP: An Integrated Solution for Topology Discovery and Automatic In-Band Control Channel Establishment for Hybrid SDN Environments
Authors: Alvarez-Horcajo Joaquin , Martinez-Yelmo Isaias , Rojas Elisa , Carral Juan Antonio , Carrascal David
Published: April 2022

In-Band enhanced Hybrid Domain Discovery Protocol (ieHDDP) is a novel integral approach for hybrid Software-Defined Networking (SDN) environments that simultaneously provides a topology discovery service and an autonomous control channel configuration in the band. This contribution is particularly relevant since, to the best of our knowledge, it is the first all-in-one proposal for SDN capable of collecting the entire topology information (type of devices, links, etc.) and establishing in-band control channels at once in hybrid SDN environments (composed by SDN/no-SDN, wired/wireless devices), even with isolated SDN devices. ieHDDP facilitates the integration of heterogeneous networks, for example, in 5G/6G scenarios, and the deployment of SDN devices by using a simple exploration mechanism to gather all the required topological information and learn the necessary routes between the control and data planes at the same time. ieHDDP has been implemented in a well-known SDN software switch and evaluated in a comprehensive set of randomized topologies, acknowledging that ieHDDP is scalable in representative scenarios.
Application of Einstein Function on Bi-Univalent Functions Defined on the Unit Disc
Authors: El-Qadeem Alaa H. , Mamon Mohamed A. , Elshazly Ibrahim S.
Published: April 2022

Motivated by q-calculus, we define a new family of Σ, which is the family of bi-univalent analytic functions in the open unit disc U that is related to the Einstein function E(z). We establish estimates for the first two Taylor–Maclaurin coefficients |a2|, |a3|, and the Fekete–Szegö inequality a3−μa22 for the functions that belong to these families.
The Regulation of an Electric Oven and an Inverted Pendulum
Authors: Balcazar Ricardo , Rubio José de Jesús , Orozco Eduardo , Andres Cordova Daniel , Ochoa Genaro , Garcia Enrique , Pacheco Jaime , Gutierrez Guadalupe Juliana , Mujica-Vargas Dante , Aguilar-Ibañez Carlos
Published: April 2022

In this research, a proportional integral derivative regulator, a first-order sliding-mode regulator, and a second-order sliding-mode regulator are compared, for the regulation of two different types of mathematical model. A first-order sliding-mode regulator is a method where a sign-mapping checks that the error decays to zero after a convergence time; it has the problem of chattering in the output. A second-order sliding-mode regulator is a smooth method to counteract the chattering effect where the integral of the sign-mapping is used. A second-order sliding-mode regulator is presented as a new class of algorithm where the trajectory is asymptotic and stable; it is shown to greatly improve the convergence time in comparison with other regulators considered. Simulation and experimental results are described in which an electric oven is considered as a stable linear mathematical model, and an inverted pendulum is considered as an asymmetrical unstable non-linear mathematical model.
The Role of the Second Law of Thermodynamics in Continuum Physics: A Muschik and Ehrentraut Theorem Revisited
Authors: Cimmelli Vito Antonio , Rogolino Patrizia
Published: April 2022

In continuum physics, constitutive equations model the material properties of physical systems. In those equations, material symmetry is taken into account by applying suitable representation theorems for symmetric and/or isotropic functions. Such mathematical representations must be in accordance with the second law of thermodynamics, which imposes that, in any thermodynamic process, the entropy production must be nonnegative. This requirement is fulfilled by assigning the constitutive equations in a form that guaranties that second law of thermodynamics is satisfied along arbitrary processes. Such an approach, in practice regards the second law of thermodynamics as a restriction on the constitutive equations, which must guarantee that any solution of the balance laws also satisfy the entropy inequality. This is a useful operative assumption, but not a consequence of general physical laws. Indeed, a different point of view, which regards the second law of thermodynamics as a restriction on the thermodynamic processes, i.e., on the solutions of the system of balance laws, is possible. This is tantamount to assuming that there are solutions of the balance laws that satisfy the entropy inequality, and solutions that do not satisfy it. In order to decide what is the correct approach, Muschik and Ehrentraut in 1996, postulated an amendment to the second law, which makes explicit the evident (but rather hidden) assumption that, in any point of the body, the entropy production is zero if, and only if, this point is a thermodynamic equilibrium. Then they proved that, given the amendment, the second law of thermodynamics is necessarily a restriction on the constitutive equations and not on the thermodynamic processes. In the present paper, we revisit their proof, lighting up some geometric aspects that were hidden in therein. Moreover, we propose an alternative formulation of the second law of thermodynamics, which incorporates the amendment. In this way we make this important result more intuitive and easily accessible to a wider audience.
The Determinants of Passengers’ Consumption Motivation at High-Speed Rail Stations
Authors: Lin Sheng-Hau , Ho Chin-Yu , Lu Song-Ying , Hsieh Jing-Chi
Published: April 2022

Exploring passengers’ consumption motivation can provide the basis for arranging commercial activities in high-speed rail (HSR) stations to generate more revenue for operations. This study uses a mixed multiple-attribute decision-making model for exploring the consumption motivation at HSR stations and complex influential relationships from the passengers’ perspective. The passenger traffic at five major HSR stations in Taiwan were evaluated. Based on the results of decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and DEMATEL-based on the analytical network process methods, it is shown that station attributes and consumption environment attributes are key factors that impact product attributes. Moreover, store location, commercial activities offered, product diversity, time pressure, and service convenience have a “cause” characteristic and, therefore, should be focused on when deploying commercial services at HSR stations. The findings from the modified VlseKriterjumska Optimizacija I Kom-promisno Resenje method reveal that time pressure has the largest gap to aspiration level at almost all the stations. Finally, corresponding management implications to HSR stations are proposed.
Integrating Point of Care Ultrasound Education into Clinical Practice at the Emergency Department
Authors: Ienghong Kamonwon , Cheung Lap Woon , Tiamkao Somsak , Bhudhisawasdi Vajarabhongsa , Apiratwarakul Korakot
Published: April 2022

Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) competency is now required learning for emergency medicine trainees. However, there is a wide range of areas that need to be assessed when determining competence. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate competence levels of POCUS skill acquisition including the areas of image acquisition, image interpretation and clinical integration of the emergency medicine residents while on shift in real clinical practice situations. This was a retrospective descriptive study. This study was conducted at Srinagarind Hospital, Thailand from January 2021 through December 2021. The data were collected and reviewed from electronic medical records, ultrasound images and video clips. All POCUS competency skills were assessed by researcher staff. Our results demonstrated that our learners had overall satisfactory competence of image acquisition, satisfactory image interpretation skills, and good clinical integration skills. However, obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) ultrasound scores were poor and cardiac ultrasound had the most varied score of image quality. This study clearly showed the measurable benefits of a POCUS course being integrated into real clinical practice.
Citrinin-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice Is Regulated by the Ca2+/Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wu Dongyi , Yang Chenglin , Yang Mengran , Wu You , Mao Yan , Zhou Xinyan , Wang Ji , Yuan Zhihang , Wu Jing
Published: April 2022

Citrinin (CTN) is a mycotoxin found in crops and agricultural products and poses a serious threat to human and animal health. The aim of this study is to investigate the hepatotoxicity of CTN in mice and analyze its mechanisms from Ca2+-dependent endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress perspective. We showed that CTN induced histopathological damage, caused ultrastructural changes in liver cells, and induced abnormal values of biochemical laboratory tests of some liver functions in mice. Treatment with CTN could induce nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in mice, accompanied with losses of activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), levels of glutathione (GSH), and capacities of total antioxidant (T-AOC), resulting in oxidative stress in mice. Furthermore, CTN treatment significantly increased Ca2+ accumulation, upregulated protein expressions of ER stress-mediated apoptosis signal protein (glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78/BIP), C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP), Caspase-12, and Caspase-3), and induced hepatocyte apoptosis. These adverse effects were counteracted by 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA), an ER stress inhibitor. In summary, our results showed a possible underlying molecular mechanism for CTN that induced hepatocyte apoptosis in mice by the regulation of the Ca2+/ER stress signaling pathway.
Cytotoxicity and Antiviral Properties of Alkaloids Isolated from Pancratium maritimum
Authors: Masi Marco , Di Lecce Roberta , Mérindol Natacha , Girard Marie-Pierre , Berthoux Lionel , Desgagné-Penix Isabel , Calabrò Viola , Evidente Antonio
Published: April 2022

Ten Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (AAs) were isolated for the first time from Pancratium maritimum collected in Calabria region, Italy. They belong to different subgroups of this family and were identified as lycorine, which is the main alkaloid, 9-O-demethyllycorine, haemanthidine, haemanthamine, 11-hydroxyvittatine, homolycorine, pancracine, obliquine, tazettine and vittatine. Haemanthidine was isolated as a scalar mixture of two 6-epimers, as already known also for other 6-hydroxycrinine alkaloids, but for the first time they were separated as 6,11-O,O′-di-p-bromobenzoyl esters. The evaluation of the cytotoxic and antiviral potentials of all isolated compounds was undertaken. Lycorine and haemanthidine showed cytotoxic activity on Hacat cells and A431 and AGS cancer cells while, pancracine exhibited selective cytotoxicity against A431 cells. We uncovered that in addition to lycorine and haemanthidine, haemanthamine and pancracine also possess antiretroviral abilities, inhibiting pseudotyped human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)−1 with EC50 of 25.3 µM and 18.5 µM respectively. Strikingly, all the AAs isolated from P. maritimum were able to impede dengue virus (DENV) replication (EC50 ranged from 0.34–73.59 µM) at low to non-cytotoxic concentrations (CC50 ranged from 6.25 µM to >100 µM). Haemanthamine (EC50 = 337 nM), pancracine (EC50 = 357 nM) and haemanthidine (EC50 = 476 nM) were the most potent anti-DENV inhibitors. Thus, this study uncovered new antiviral properties of P. maritimum isolated alkaloids, a significant finding that could lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies to fight viral infectious diseases.
Cross Strain Protection against Cytomegalovirus Reduces DISC Vaccine Efficacy against CMV in the Guinea Pig Model
Authors: Choi K. Yeon , El-Hamdi Nadia S. , McGregor Alistair
Published: April 2022

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a leading cause of disease in newborns and a vaccine is a high priority. The guinea pig is the only small animal model for congenital CMV but requires guinea pig cytomegalovirus (GPCMV). Previously, a disabled infectious single cycle (DISC) vaccine strategy demonstrated complete protection against congenital GPCMV (22122 strain) and required neutralizing antibodies to various viral glycoprotein complexes. This included gB, essential for all cell types, and the pentamer complex (PC) for infection of non-fibroblast cells. All GPCMV research has utilized prototype strain 22122 limiting the translational impact, as numerous human CMV strains exist allowing re-infection and congenital CMV despite convalescent immunity. A novel GPCMV strain isolate (designated TAMYC) enabled vaccine cross strain protection studies. A GPCMV DISC (PC+) vaccine (22122 strain) induced a comprehensive immune response in animals, but vaccinated animals challenged with the TAMYC strain virus resulted in sustained viremia and the virus spread to target organs (liver, lung and spleen) with a significant viral load in the salivary glands. Protection was better than natural convalescent immunity, but the results fell short of previous DISC vaccine sterilizing immunity against the homologous 22122 virus challenge, despite a similarity in viral glycoprotein sequences between strains. The outcome suggests a limitation of the current DISC vaccine design against heterologous infection.
Activation of the Ca2+/NFAT Pathway by Assembly of Hepatitis C Virus Core Protein into Nucleocapsid-like Particles
Authors: Devi Priya , Punga Tanel , Bergqvist Anders
Published: April 2022

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the primary pathogen responsible for liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The main virion component, the core (C) protein, has been linked to several aspects of HCV pathology, including oncogenesis, immune evasion and stress responses. We and others have previously shown that C expression in various cell lines activates Ca2+ signaling and alters Ca2+ homeostasis. In this study, we identified two distinct C protein regions that are required for the activation of Ca2+/NFAT signaling. In the basic N-terminal domain, which has been implicated in self-association of C, amino acids 1–68 were critical for NFAT activation. Sedimentation analysis of four mutants in this domain revealed that association of the C protein into nucleocapsid-like particles correlated with NFAT-activated transcription. The internal, lipid droplet-targeting domain was not required for NFAT-activated transcription. Finally, the C-terminal ER-targeting domain was required in extenso for the C protein to function. Our results indicate that targeting of HCV C to the ER is necessary but not sufficient for inducing Ca2+/NFAT signaling. Taken together, our data are consistent with a model whereby proteolytic intermediates of C with an intact transmembrane ER-anchor assemble into pore-like structures in the ER membrane.
Spatial and Temporal Pattern of Norovirus Dispersal in an Oyster Growing Region in the Northeast Pacific
Authors: Green Timothy J. , Yin Walker Chen , Leduc Sarah , Michalchuk Trevor , McAllister Joe , Roth Myron , Janes Jasmine K. , Krogh Erik T.
Published: April 2022

Contamination of Pacific oysters, Crassostrea gigas, by human norovirus (HuNoV) is a major constraint to sustainable shellfish farming in coastal waters of the Northeast Pacific. HuNoV is not a marine virus and must originate from a human source. A barrier to effective management is a paucity of data regarding HuNoV dispersal in the marine environment. The main objective of this study was to identify the spatial distribution and persistence of HuNoV in an active shellfish farming region in the Northeast Pacific. Market-size C. gigas were sequentially deployed for two-week intervals at 12 sites during the 2020 winter risk period from January to April. Detection of HuNoV quantification was performed by reverse transcription real-time PCR (RTqPCR) according to method ISO 15216-1:2017, with modifications. RTqPCR did not detect GI HuNoV. The estimated prevalence of GII HuNoV in oyster digestive tissue was 0.8 ± 0.2%. Spatiotemporal analysis revealed that contamination of oysters with GII HuNoV changed through time and space during the surveillance period. A single cluster of oysters contaminated with GII.2 HuNoV was detected in a small craft harbor on 23 April. There was no significant increase in the proportion of positive pools in the next nearest sampling station, indicating that HuNoV is likely to disperse less than 7 km from this non-point source of contamination. Results from this study indicate that HuNoV contamination of coastal waters from non-point sources, such as small craft harbors and urban settings, can pose a significant localised risk to shellfish farming operations in the region.
Antiviral Efficacy of Molnupiravir for COVID-19 Treatment
Authors: Bai Yuan , Shen Mingwang , Zhang Lei
Published: April 2022

The ongoing global pandemic of COVID-19 poses unprecedented public health risks for governments and societies around the world, which have been exacerbated by the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Pharmaceutical interventions with high antiviral efficacy are expected to delay and contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Molnupiravir, as an oral antiviral prodrug, is active against SARS-CoV-2 and is now (23 February 2022) one of the seven widely-used coronavirus treatments. To estimate its antiviral efficacy of Molnupiravir, we built a granular mathematical within-host model. We find that the antiviral efficacy of Molnupiravir to stop the growth of the virus is 0.56 (95% CI: 0.49, 0.64), which could inhibit 56% of the replication of infected cells per day. There has been good progress in developing high-efficacy antiviral drugs that rapidly reduce viral load and may also reduce the infectiousness of treated cases if administered as early as possible.
Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Acute Dengue Virus Infections Detected through Acute Febrile Illness Surveillance, Belize 2020
Authors: Ly Anh N. , Manzanero Russell , Maliga Adrianna , Gunter Sarah M. , Ronca Shannon E. , Zielinski-Gutierrez Emily , Morey Francis , Bautista Kim , Espinosa-Bode Andres , López Beatriz , Cadena Loren , Fuentes Rafael C. , Erickson Timothy A. , Munoz Flor M. , Mackey Joy , Morazán Gerhaldine , Murray Kristy O.
Published: April 2022

The Acute Febrile Illness (AFI) Surveillance Network in Belize is a country-wide active surveillance program aimed at diagnosing vector-borne, respiratory, and enteric pathogens among patients presenting to 11 participating hospitals and clinics with new onset fever. This study describes the epidemiology of dengue virus (DENV) infections in Belize diagnosed through AFI surveillance in 2020. Of the 894 patients enrolled and PCR-tested for DENV in this period, 44 DENV-positive cases (5%) were identified. All four DENV serotypes were detected, with two cases testing positive for DENV serotype 4, which is the first report of this serotype in Belize since 2004. The majority of DENV cases (66%) were diagnosed in the Belize District, which contains the largest urban center in the country (Belize City). Positive cases were detected between January 2020 and September 2020, with the majority (89%) diagnosed during the dry season between January and April, unlike years prior when cases were more often diagnosed during the wet season. Clinical signs and symptoms varied slightly between DENV serotypes. Active surveillance of DENV among AFI cases provides insight into the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of DENV in Belize. This information is important for informing public health interventions to mitigate DENV transmission.
Diagnosis and Prognosis of Canine Melanocytic Neoplasms
Authors: Smedley Rebecca C. , Sebastian Kimberley , Kiupel Matti
Published: April 2022

Canine melanocytic neoplasms have a highly variable biological behavior ranging from benign cutaneous melanocytomas to malignant oral melanomas that readily metastasize to lymph nodes and internal organs. This review focuses on the diagnosis and prognosis of canine melanocytic neoplasms. While pigmented melanocytic neoplasms can be diagnosed with fine-needle aspirates, an accurate prognosis requires surgical biopsy. However, differentiating amelanotic spindloid melanomas from soft tissue sarcomas is challenging and often requires immunohistochemical labeling with a diagnostic cocktail that contains antibodies against Melan-A, PNL-2, TRP-1, and TRP-2 as the current gold standard. For questionable cases, RNA expression analysis for TYR, CD34, and CALD can further differentiate these two entities. The diagnosis of amelanotic melanomas will be aided by submitting overlying and/or lateral flanking epithelium to identify junctional activity. Wide excision of lateral flanking epithelium is essential, as lentiginous spread is common for malignant mucosal melanomas. Combining histologic features (nuclear atypia, mitotic count, degree of pigmentation, level of infiltration, vascular invasion; tumor thickness and ulceration) with the Ki67 index provides the most detailed prognostic assessment. Sentinel lymph nodes should be evaluated in cases of suspected malignant melanomas using serial sectioning of the node combined with immunohistochemical labeling for Melan-A and PNL-2.
Impacts of Fishing Vessels on the Heavy Metal Contamination in Sediments: A Case Study of Qianzhen Fishing Port in Southern Taiwan
Authors: Lim Yee-Cheng , Chen Chih-Feng , Tsai Mei-Ling , Wu Chung-Hsin , Lin Yi-Li , Wang Ming-Huang , Albarico Frank Paolo Jay B. , Chen Chiu-Wen , Dong Cheng-Di
Published: April 2022

Routine maintenance of fishing vessels and wastewater discharges are primary sources of heavy metals in fishing ports. Sediment pollution assessment is necessary in fishing port management, including sediment dredging and disposal, sewage treatment facility construction, and pollution source control. In this study, sediment heavy metal contents in Qianzhen Fishing Port, the largest pelagic fishery port in Taiwan, were investigated to assess the contamination levels and related potential ecological risks using multiple sediment pollution indices. Normalization methods were applied to identify the potential sources of heavy metals in fishing port sediments. Results showed that Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr contents in the sediments of the inner fishing port (averages of 276, 742, 113, and 221 mg/kg, respectively) were 3–5 times greater compared to those along the port entrance and outside, indicating the strong impacts of anthropogenic pollution (EFCu: 5.6–12.5; EFZn: 2.8–4.3; EFPb: 2.4–5.4; EFCr: 1.1–3.2). Copper pollution was more severe, with high maxima contamination factor (CFCu: 15.1–24.8), probably contributed by copper-based antifouling paints used in fishing vessels. The sediments in the inner fishing port are categorized as having considerable ecological risk and toxicity (mERMq: 0.61–0.91; ΣTU: 7.5–11.7) that can potentially cause adverse effects on benthic organisms. Qianzhen Fishing Port sediments can be characterized as high Cu/Fe and Pb/Fe, moderate Zn/Fe, and high total grease content, indicating that the potential sources of heavy metals are primarily antifouling paints and oil spills from the fishing vessels. This study provides valuable data for pollution control, remediation, and environmental management of fishing ports.
Flood Exposure and Social Vulnerability Analysis in Rural Areas of Developing Countries: An Empirical Study of Charsadda District, Pakistan
Authors: Hamidi Abdur Rahim , Jing Li , Shahab Muhammad , Azam Kamran , Atiq Ur Rehman Tariq Muhammad , Ng Anne W. M.
Published: April 2022

In recent years, social vulnerability has gained much importance in academic studies. However, social indices are rarely combined and validated with exposure and resilience components. This study provides an integrated analysis of the flood exposure and social vulnerability of rural households in a case area of Charsadda District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A conceptual framework was designed (based on the MOVE framework) as a guideline and key indicators were identified. For the exposure component, parameters such as elevation, flooded locations, and distance from the river were endorsed to understand flood mechanisms. For populating socioeconomic variables, questionnaire-based interviews were conducted with 210 households. The results were presented through ArcGIS-generated maps. The most significant indicators interplaying with high vulnerability were exposure-related indicators. The findings showed that the southern areas, including Agra, Daulat Pura, and Hisar Yasinzai were highly vulnerable due to having the highest number of flood locations, lowest elevations, and shortest distances from rivers, as well as larger household sizes, more elderly, children and women, illiteracy rates, and weak financial capacity. Understanding such dominant indicators and areas where high social vulnerability and high exposure converge can inform the authorities in mitigating both social and physical flood vulnerability.
Synthetic and Natural Surfactants for Potential Application in Mobilization of Organic Contaminants: Characterization and Batch Study
Authors: Amanat Neda , Barbati Berardino , Rossi Marta M. , Bellagamba Marco , Buccolini Marco , Galantini Luciano , Petrangeli Papini Marco
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we investigated the abilities of five sugar-based synthetic surfactants and biosurfactants from three different families (i.e., alkyl polyglycoside (APG), sophorolipid (SL), and rhamnolipid (RL)) to dissolve and mobilize non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) components, i.e., toluene and perchloroethylene (PCE), adsorbed on porous matrices. The objective of this study was to establish a benchmark for the selection of suitable surfactants for the flushing aquifer remediation technique. The study involved a physicochemical characterization of the surfactants to determine the critical micelle concentration (CMCs) and interfacial properties. Subsequently, a batch study, through the construction of adsorption isotherms, made it possible to evaluate the surfactants’ capacities in contaminant mobilization via the reduction of their adsorptions onto a reference adsorbent material, a pine wood biochar (PWB). The results indicate that a synthetic surfactant from the APG family with a long fatty acid chain and a di-rhamnolipid biosurfactant with a shorter hydrophobic group offered the highest efficiency values; they reduced water surface tension by up to 54.7% and 52%, respectively. These two surfactants had very low critical micelle concentrations (CMCs), 0.0071 wt% and 0.0173 wt%, respectively; this is critical from an economical point of view. The batch experiments showed that these two surfactants, at concentrations just five times their CMCs, were able to reduce the adsorption of toluene on PWB by up to 74% and 65%, and of PCE with APG and RL by up to 65% and 86%, respectively. In general, these results clearly suggest the possibility of using these two surfactants in surfactant-enhanced aquifer remediation technology.
Social Learning Resulting from Three Consecutive Flood Events in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Salman Alida , Hurlbert Margot
Published: April 2022

This paper explores the social learning, and its drivers and outcomes, in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada, following flooding events that occurred in 2010, 2014, and 2016. The data for this study came from 15 semi-structured interviews and 110 newspaper articles concerning the flood events and infrastructure upgrades. Research demonstrates that the flood experience and the interactions and communications between the City, Council, and the public have produced social learning. However, this learning has been single- and double-loop learning. While the data revealed no explicit barriers to social learning, the perception that the public cannot contribute to stormwater management issues may have inhibited the degree of social learning that was achieved. As a result of social learning, Yorkton is now more prepared to deal with future flood events, both in terms of prevention and emergency response. However, social learning is diminishing as a result of the passage of time and the false sense of safety that the infrastructure upgrades create. Diminishing social learning has policy implications for Yorkton as the city has not yet implemented all the proposed flood upgrades.
Integrating Virus Monitoring Strategies for Safe Non-Potable Water Reuse
Authors: Jiang Sunny C. , Bischel Heather N. , Goel Ramesh , Rosso Diego , Sherchan Samendra P. , Whiteson Katrine L. , Yan Tao , Solo-Gabriele Helena M.
Published: April 2022

Wastewater reclamation and reuse have the potential to supplement water supplies, offering resiliency in times of drought and helping to meet increased water demands associated with population growth. Non-potable water reuse represents the largest potential reuse market. Yet, economic constraints for new water reuse infrastructure and safety concerns due to microbial water quality, especially viral pathogen exposure, limit the widespread implementation of water reuse. Cost-effective, real-time methods to measure or indicate the viral quality of recycled water would do much to instill greater confidence in the practice. This manuscript discusses advancements in monitoring and modeling viral health risks in the context of water reuse. First, we describe current wastewater reclamation processes and treatment technologies with an emphasis on virus removal. Second, we review technologies for the measurement of viruses, both culture- and molecular-based, along with their advantages and disadvantages. We outline promising viral surrogates and specific pathogenic viruses that can serve as indicators of viral risk for water reuse. We suggest metagenomic analyses for viral screening and flow cytometry for quantification of virus-like particles as new approaches to complement more traditional methods. Third, we describe modeling to assess health risks through quantitative microbial risk assessments (QMRAs), the most common strategy to couple data on virus concentrations with human exposure scenarios. We then explore the potential of artificial neural networks (ANNs) to incorporate suites of data from wastewater treatment processes, water quality parameters, and viral surrogates. We recommend ANNs as a means to utilize existing water quality data, alongside new complementary measures of viral quality, to achieve cost-effective strategies to assess risks associated with infectious human viruses in recycled water. Given the review, we conclude that technologies will be ready to identify and implement viral surrogates for health risk reduction in the next decade. Incorporating modeling with monitoring data would likely result in a more robust assessment of water reuse risk.
Social Innovation: The Promise and the Reality in Marginalised Rural Areas in Europe
Authors: Slee Bill , Lukesch Robert , Ravazzoli Elisa
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we explore the idea of social innovation as both a conceptual and practical means of delivering positive social, economic and environmental outcomes in marginal rural areas. Definitions are critically appraised, and the dual contemporary origins of the term social innovation (in management sciences and critical social science) are explored. There has been much conceptual confusion, in particular about the extent to which civil society agency is central or desirable in social innovation. Social innovation can be seen to be closely connected to a range of theories that inform both innovation and rural development, but it lacks a singular theoretical “home”. Social innovation can also have a dark side, which merits scrutiny. Three case studies illustrate social innovation processes and outcomes in different parts of Europe. Where committed actors, local enabling agency and overarching policies align, the outcomes of social innovations can be considerable. If rarely transformational, social innovation has shown itself capable of delivering positive socioeconomic and environmental outcomes in more bounded spatial settings. It seems questionable whether social innovation will survive as an organising and capacity-building concept alongside more established principles, such as community-led local development, which, although not exactly social innovation, is very similar and already firmly embedded in policy guidance or whether it will be replaced by new equally fuzzy ideas, such as the smart village approach.
KEBIJAKAN INDONESIA MENOLAK MENGGUNAKAN MEKANISME AATHP JOINT EMERGENCY RESPONSE DALAM MENGATASI KEBAKARAN HUTAN DAN LAHAN 2015
Authors: Luerdi Luerdi , Wulandari Melly
Published: April 2022

This paper aims to explain Indonesiaâ€™s rejection to resolve its 2015 forest and land fire disaster under the mechanism of Joint Emergency Response provided in the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution. The haze caused by forest and land fires in Indonesia raised threats to not only itself but also states in the region of Southeast Asia. As it was declared as a regional problem, ASEAN then responded by creating a common framework called the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution in 2002 and Indonesia was the last ratifying the agreement in 2014; more than a decade after its inception. Indonesia, however, refused to pick the AATHP Joint Emergency Response to tackle the 2015 disaster within its territorry despite its most serious recurring disaster since 1997. This research applied the qualitative method with a causal correlation analysis. The research applied Charles O. Lerche and Abdul A. Saidâ€™s national interest theory. The research found that Indonesiaâ€™s rejection was driven by its national interests such as image, economy and politics which were much more important than others. Instead, Indonesia preferred the domestic efforts and bilateral cooperation to respond to it. The paper argues that the Southeast Asian regional institution is not able to offer incentives overtaking statesâ€™ domestic-oriented national interests.
Keywords: Forest and land fire, haze, Joint Emergency Response, national interest.
Makna Interaksi Live Streaming bagi Host UpLive
Authors: Indriyani Tesi -
Published: April 2022

This research is motivated by the live streaming phenomenon which is currently widely used by social media users. The live streaming application that is now popular in Indonesia is Uplive. Uplive is one of the best applications that can easily broadcast live events or content as well as the opportunity to earn income by becoming a host or broadcaster on the application. During the live streaming, a host can interact with viewers via live chat in the Uplive application. The purpose of this study is that researchers want to know the meaning of live streaming interactions for hosts in the Uplive application. The method used in this research is using qualitative research methods. This research data is in the form of data from interviews with the hosts of the Uplive application and the audience. The results of the study show that the interactions carried out when the host is broadcasting live are not only limited to commenting via live chat, but the audience can also give virtual gifts such as diamonds which can then be exchanged for money. Live streaming interaction for hosts on Uplive is very important because an interaction that exists between the host and viewer can increase user engagement with the host itself. In increasing user engagement, a host must have good communication skills and present good and quality impressions.
LITERATURE REVIEW: OUTSOURCING AND OFFSHORING DEVELOPMENT TO ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Harto Budi , Pramuditha Panji
Published: April 2022

This research is based on the existence of a new trend in business activists, namely offshoring, where the system that is expected to use this new method is able to provide maximum business benefits by reducing costs to a minimum. Outsourcing cannot be separated from business activities as a third party in service, it is hoped that outsourcing can have a full impact on the company in order to minimize losses from less skilled employees. The Indonesian economy during the COVID-19 pandemic has become a new challenge for business activists recently. The method used in this research is (Systematic Literature Review) where the author makes a study in the results of journal articles that have been published domestically and internationally. The results of this review, produce a new reference, namely that outsourcing and offshoring in the economy in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic has a big impact, but it can be overcome by identifying problems, using low costs, as well as implementing effective, efficient and flexible.
DAMPAK KECERDASAN INTELEKTUAL DAN KECERDASAN EMOSIONAL TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN
Authors: Setiawan Heru , Baihaqi Muhammad Iqbal , Bebena Ismiralda
Published: April 2022

ABSTRAK

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui berapa besar pengaruh kecerdasan intelektual dan kecerdasan emosional terhadap kinerja karyawan. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode kuantitatif. Metode analisis data yang digunakan yaitu analisis deskriptif dan analisis verifikatif. Sampel penelitian adalah karyawan di PT. Pos Indonesia Cabang Bandung. Instrumen penelitian yang digunakan yaitu kuesioner melalui uji instrumen berupa uji validitas dan reliabilitas. Hasil penelitian menunjukan Kecerdasan intelektual dan kecerdasan emosional berpengaruh terhadap kinerja karyawan baik secara simultan maupun secara parsial.
PENGARUH BRAND PERSONALITY TERHADAP PURCHASE DECISION SMARTPHONE DIMEDIASI BRAND TRUST
Authors: Halim Sherliana , Maulana Nugraha , Hidayanti Ayuk , Batu Reminta Lumban
Published: April 2022

Smartphone saat ini telah menjadi sesuatu hal yang tidak bisa terlepas dalam kegiatan sehari â€“ hari bagi kehidupan banyak orang di seluruh dunia. Adanya perkembangan teknologi ini membuat industri smartphone terus berkembang dan mengalami persaingan yang begitu ketat. Perusahaan harus membangun dan mengelola merek melalui brand personality karena merek merupakan salah satu harta tidak berwujud bagi yang memiliki peranan penting sebagai dasar dari keunggulan kompetitif perusahaan. Kepercayaan konsumen terhadap suatu produk akan meningkat ketika perusahaan memiliki brand personality yang kuat. Adanya kepercayaan konsumen akan meningkatkan keputusan pembelian konsumen terhadap suatu produk. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui seberapa besar pengaruh Brand personality terhadap keputusan pembelian smartphone Samsung dimediasi oleh variabel brand trust. Sampel dalam penelitian ini yaitu berjumlah 110 responden dari pengguna smartphone Samsung. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu metode deskriptif dan verifikatif. Penelitian ini menggunakan teknik sampling simple random sampling menggunakan rumus Hair et al. Penelitian ini menggunakan dua jenis data yaitu data primer dan data sekunder. Pengolahan data menggunakan analisis jalur dengan software Statistik Versi 21 dan LISREL 9.30 for student. Hasil dari penelitian ini membuktikan bahwa terdapat pengaruh positif dan signifikan dari brand personality terhadap keputusan pembelian smartphone Samsung dengan dimediasi oleh brand trust.
PERANCANGAN KIOS IPTEK DALAM MANAJEMEN PERTANIAN BAGI PETANI
Authors: Asmy Yumma Yustika , Kamila Rizqia Awalu , Hasugian Leonardi Paris
Published: April 2022

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis permasalahan terhadap kapasitas dan kapabilitas ketersediaan inovasi baru yang didapati dalam pemanfaatan Teknologi Informasi dan Komunikasi. Penelitian ini merupakan analisis dalam mengkaji manajemen pertanian pada media Kios IpTek berbasis Perubahan Teknologi Informasi dan Komunikasi Pertanian. Metode dari penelitian ini dilakukan menggunakan metode penulisan deskriptif kualitatif dengan pengumpulan data melalui studi literatur dan menggunakan Model Analisis PEST dan SWOT. Hasil dari penelitian ini untuk mendapatkan kajian analisis terhadap manajemen pertanian pada media Kios IpTek berbasis perubahan Teknologi Informasi dan Komunikasi pertanian dan sejauh mana media Kios IpTek ideal atau tidak dalam memastikan perancangan dan pembangunan manajemen pertanian nantinya. Diharapkan dampak dalam kajian analisis manajemen pertanian dapat membantu para petani baik itu dari segi komoditas maupun pasaran usaha tani dengan mewadahi petani dalam pengimplementasian Teknologi Informasi dan Komunikasi. Oleh karena itu para petani dapat lebih aktif mencari informasi baru secara mandiri dan menekan angka kosmopolitan petani di Indonesia. sehingga nantinya dapat meningkatkan pengelolaan segmentasi pertanian dalam pencapaian Ketahanan Pangan Indonesia.
PERANAN ELECTRONIC WORD OF MOUTH DALAM KEPUTUSAN BERKUNJUNG
Authors: Sukirman Oman , Nurhidayat Wildan
Published: April 2022

Kabupaten Sumedang berbenah dalam mengoptimalkan sektor pariwisata. Beberapa strategi direncanakan untuk menjadikan Kabupaten Sumedang menjadi destinasi wisata baru. Salah satu destinasi wisata unggulan Kabupaten Sumedang adalah Kampung Karuhun. Kampung Karuhun menawarkan suasana pegunungan hijau yang masih asri dengan konsep eco green park sehingga wisatawan akan disuguhkan nuansa alam yang sangat kental. Tingkat kunjungan wisatawan yang fluktuatif menjadikan pengelola harus merancang strategi pemasaran untuk mempengaruhi keputusan calon wisatawan untuk berkunjung. Salah satunya dengan memanfaatkan teknologi infomasi berupa electronic word of mouth (e-wom). Penelitian  ini  bertujuan  untuk  mengetahui  pengaruh  electronic word  of  mouth terhadap keputusan berkunjung wisatawan ke kampung karuhun kabupaten Sumedang. Jenis  penelitian  yang  digunakan  adalah  penelitian kuantitatif  dengan  pendekatan  deskripstif  dan  verifikatif  menggunakan teknik analisis regresi berganda. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode survei. Sampel dalam  penelitian  ini  sebanyak  210  responden  dengan  teknik  penarikan yaitu  convenience sampling. Hasil  pengujian menunjukan  electronic  word  of  mouth  terhadap  keputusan berkunjung  berpengaruh  secara  simultan  dan  parsial. e-Wom positif memiliki pengaruh terhadap keputusan berkunjung ke Kampung Karuhun.
KUALITAS DAN MOTIVASI BERDAMPAK PADA PRODUKTIVITAS BANSOS PASCA ERA COVID-19
Authors: Fadly Rachmat , Wardhana Ananto Krisna , Utomo Kurniawan Prambudi , Lestiowati Riris , Kamal Fahmi
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this research is to find out how much influence each variable of quality and employee motivation has on the productivity of social assistance, using complete statistical tools and testing, while the research methodology uses quantitative research using quantitative research methods and conducting field research that conducted online and offline, using the self-administered questionnaires mode method, namely distributing questionnaires directly to respondents to social service employees and social assistants and Beneficiary Families (KPM) with 40 respondents, while the results of the study show the quality and motivation of employees in social assistance productivity. shows a significant positive relationship for each variable, and the productivity of employees of both the Social Service for more right on target.

Keywords: Quality, Motivation, Social, Assistance, Productivity