bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Air–Sea Interaction in the Central Mediterranean Sea: Assessment of Reanalysis and Satellite Observations
Authors: Marullo Salvatore , Pitarch Jaime , Bellacicco Marco , Sarra Alcide Giorgio di , Meloni Daniela , Monteleone Francesco , Sferlazzo Damiano , Artale Vincenzo , Santoleri Rosalia
Published: June 2021

Air–sea heat fluxes are essential climate variables, required for understanding air–sea interactions, local, regional and global climate, the hydrological cycle and atmospheric and oceanic circulation. In situ measurements of fluxes over the ocean are sparse and model reanalysis and satellite data can provide estimates at different scales. The accuracy of such estimates is therefore essential to obtain a reliable description of the occurring phenomena and changes. In this work, air–sea radiative fluxes derived from the SEVIRI sensor onboard the MSG satellite and from ERA5 reanalysis have been compared to direct high quality measurements performed over a complete annual cycle at the ENEA oceanographic observatory, near the island of Lampedusa in the Central Mediterranean Sea. Our analysis reveals that satellite derived products overestimate in situ direct observations of the downwelling short-wave (bias of 6.1 W/m2) and longwave (bias of 6.6 W/m2) irradiances. ERA5 reanalysis data show a negligible positive bias (+1.0 W/m2) for the shortwave irradiance and a large negative bias (−17 W/m2) for the longwave irradiance with respect to in situ observations. ERA5 meteorological variables, which are needed to calculate the air–sea heat flux using bulk formulae, have been compared with in situ measurements made at the oceanographic observatory. The two meteorological datasets show a very good agreement, with some underestimate of the wind speed by ERA5 for high wind conditions. We investigated the impact of different determinations of heat fluxes on the near surface sea temperature (1 m depth), as determined by calculations with a one-dimensional numerical model, the General Ocean Turbulence Model (GOTM). The sensitivity of the model to the different forcing was measured in terms of differences with respect to in situ temperature measurements made during the period under investigation. All simulations reproduced the true seasonal cycle and all high frequency variabilities. The best results on the overall seasonal cycle were obtained when using meteorological variables in the bulk formulae formulations used by the model itself. The derived overall annual net heat flux values were between +1.6 and 40.4 W/m2, depending on the used dataset. The large variability obtained with different datasets suggests that current determinations of the heat flux components and, in particular, of the longwave irradiance, need to be improved. The ENEA oceanographic observatory provides a complete, long-term, high resolution time series of high quality in situ observations. In the future, more similar sites worldwide will be needed for model and satellite validations and to improve the determination of the air–sea exchange and the understanding of related processes.
How May Obesity-Induced Oxidative Stress Affect the Outcome of COVID-19 Vaccines? Lesson Learned from the Infection
Authors: Pivonello Claudia , Negri Mariarosaria , Pivonello Rosario , Colao Annamaria
Published: June 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has induced a global emergency [...]
Evaluating Three-Pillar Sustainability Modelling Approaches for Dairy Cattle Production Systems
Authors: Díaz de Otálora Xabier , del Prado Agustín , Dragoni Federico , Estellés Fernando , Amon Barbara
Published: June 2021

Milk production in Europe is facing major challenges to ensure its economic, environmental, and social sustainability. It is essential that holistic concepts are developed to ensure the future sustainability of the sector and to assist farmers and stakeholders in making knowledge-based decisions. In this study, integrated sustainability assessment by means of whole-farm modelling is presented as a valuable approach for identifying factors and mechanisms that could be used to improve the three pillars (3Ps) of sustainability in the context of an increasing awareness of economic profitability, social well-being, and environmental impacts of dairy production systems (DPS). This work aims (i) to create an evaluation framework that enables quantitative analysis of the level of integration of 3P sustainability indicators in whole-farm models and (ii) to test this method. Therefore, an evaluation framework consisting of 35 indicators distributed across the 3Ps of sustainability was used to evaluate three whole-farm models. Overall, the models integrated at least 40% of the proposed indicators. Different results were obtained for each sustainability pillar by each evaluated model. Higher scores were obtained for the environmental pillar, followed by the economic and the social pillars. In conclusion, this evaluation framework was found to be an effective tool that allows potential users to choose among whole-farm models depending on their needs. Pathways for further model development that may be used to integrate the 3P sustainability assessment of DPS in a more complete and detailed way were identified.
Financial Constraints and the Sustainability of Dividend Payout Policy
Authors: Falavigna Greta , Ippoliti Roberto
Published: June 2021

This article investigates the relation between dividend payout policy and financial constraints, focusing on the Italian SMEs between 2015 and 2019 and adopting credit ratings as a measure of access to external financial resources. According to our findings, there is a positive relation between firm solvency and the payment of dividends, suggesting that, when companies’ financial constraints are higher, we can expect lower odds that they will pay out dividends. Nevertheless, there is also evidence that younger SMEs are interested in signaling their expected profitability to attract future investors and support access to the capital market.
“Vision Zero” Concept as a Tool for the Effective Occupational Safety Management System Formation in JSC “SUEK-Kuzbass”
Authors: Smirniakova Victoria , Smirniakov Valerii , Almosova Yana , Kargopolova Alena
Published: June 2021

At present, in Russia, as in many countries, the issues of reducing industrial injuries, as well as increasing the effectiveness of measures taken by employers in the field of industrial safety and introducing a culture of safe work, are widely discussed. The relevance of the topic is due to the fact that Russia is a participant in the Vision Zero campaign, founded by the International Social Security Association (ISSA) and the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). The article discusses the history of the emergence and development of the Vision Zero strategy from the corporate to the international level, provides the goals and objectives of the concept of “zero injuries”, studies the indicators of its implementation, and analyzes injuries at coal enterprises of the Russian Federation. As a result, a methodology for solving the tasks in the form of a list of necessary measures and target indicators of their achievement was proposed based on the example of one of the largest coal companies—JSC “SUEK-Kuzbass”. Based on the results of studies, the main conclusion has been formulated—the “Vision Zero” concept is an effective tool to promote an effective occupational safety management system.
The Effect of Vehicle and Road Conditions on Rollover of Commercial Heavy Vehicles during Cornering: A Simulation Approach
Authors: Ikhsan Nurzaki , Saifizul Ahmad , Ramli Rahizar
Published: June 2021

Heavy vehicles make up a relatively small percentage of traffic volume on Malaysian roads compared to other vehicle types. However, heavy vehicles have been reported to be involved in 30,000–40,000 accidents yearly and caused significantly more fatalities. Rollover accidents may also incur cargo damages and cause environmental or human disasters for vehicles that carry hazardous cargos if these contents are spilled. Thus, in this paper, a comprehensive study was conducted to investigate the effects of vehicle and road conditions on rollover of commercial heavy vehicles during cornering at curved road sections. Vehicle conditions include the heavy vehicle class (based on the axle number and vehicle type), speed and gross vehicle weight, while road conditions include the cornering radius and coefficient of friction values. In order to reduce the risks involved in usage of actual heavy vehicles in crash experiments, a simulation approach using a multi-body vehicle dynamic software was applied in this study, where the verified virtual heavy vehicle model was simulated and the output results were extracted and analyzed. The results showed that a maximum of 40% and a minimum of 23% from the total number of simulations resulted in an unsafe condition (indicated as failed) during the simulations. From the unsafe conditions, two types of rollover accidents could be identified, which were un-tripped and tripped rollovers. The heavy vehicle speed was also found to have a strong correlation to the lateral acceleration (to cause a rollover), followed by gross vehicle weight, coefficient of friction and cornering radius, respectively.
Territories in the Middle of the Ford. Mapping and Knowledge for Nature-Based Approach in the South Italy
Authors: Guida Giuseppe , Bello Giovanni , Vittiglio Valentina
Published: June 2021

The paper investigates a particular phenomenon of the industrialization of Southern Italy, starting from the second post-war period, and, in particular, the unsolved relationship between some large industrial areas and the territories of the medium and small cities on which such productive “plates” have been installed. The town planning policies and instruments with which the industrialization of Southern Italy was planned, on the contrary, foresaw a strong integration between urban fabric and industrial agglomerations. Through the case study of the province of Caserta, the research illustrated by the paper investigates, first of all, the policies that supported this process of industrialization and what the territorial effects of this phenomenon were. Next, the paper illustrates the method of knowledge and mapping of the territory of the case study of the industrial development area of Caserta. The data will be collected in a GIS platform that will return the following condition that is nowadays not available: analytical maps of the brownfield areas and the identification of the areas still intact, agricultural or green areas, urban areas and infrastructures, which trace a cognitive framework addressed to the project in which it will possible to experiment some possible eco-innovative and nature-based solutions.
Peat as a Raw Material for Plant Nutrients and Humic Substances
Authors: Paleckiene Rasa , Navikaite Raminta , Slinksiene Rasa
Published: June 2021

The ever-increasing intensity of agriculture is causing irreversible qualitative changes in the soil. Soil conservation and improvement is a priority of EU agro-environmental policy. However, this is also one of the most difficult challenges for agriculture. Various ways for sustainable agriculture have been proposed. One way to provide arable soil with humic substances is through the use of humic extracts. The aim of this work is to create a humic product for soil improvement from local raw materials, i.e., Lithuanian peat. Lithuanian peat samples from various peatlands with a different degree of humification were studied. The chemical composition of peat was determined using various methods (chemical analysis, AAS, XRD, SEM), and the optimal conditions for obtaining peat extracts were established. After examination of the chemical composition and properties of the peat extracts produced using 0.5 N KOH, it was determined that the sample with the highest degree of humification, (H8) Ezerelio JCS “Klasmann-Deilmann” (EKD), contained: 0.7% N; 0.1% P2O5; 25.87% humic acids and 0.76% fulvic acids. It had a density of 1015 kg·m−3, dynamic viscosity of 1.490 mPa·s, electrical conductivity of 33.3 mS·cm−1 and pH of 12.9.
IoT Technologies as Instruments for SMEs’ Innovation and Sustainable Growth
Authors: Suciu (Vodă) Andreea-Diana , Tudor Andra Ioana Maria , Chițu Ioana Bianca , Dovleac Lavinia , Brătucu Gabriel
Published: June 2021

This paper studies specific aspects related to the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and the impact they have on the sustainable growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Romanian IT industry. It was considered that digital marketing in general, and IoT in particular, have enormous potential for the aforementioned entities, and the acceptance and adoption of IoTs by companies in different sectors can significantly influence the way they operate, leading to sustainable growth. Primary data obtained from quantitative marketing research based on a questionnaire were analyzed. The results showed that although a large proportion of the Romanian IT industry SMEs use advanced marketing technologies, relatively few of those have integrated IoT solutions to date, mainly due to specific cost challenges. Nevertheless, the outcomes highlight that these companies are aware of the IoT’s benefits and place the adoption of such solutions among their priorities in order to achieve sustainable growth of their businesses. Based on the research results, the main proposal for the business environment is to design viable marketing programs for these companies, as well as to allocate resources for business development aimed at educating human resources to effectively address specific internal and external activities through IoT for sustainable development.
The Higher Education Sustainability before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Spanish and Ecuadorian Case
Authors: Navarro-Espinosa Johanna Andrea , Vaquero-Abellán Manuel , Perea-Moreno Alberto-Jesús , Pedrós-Pérez Gerardo , Aparicio-Martínez Pilar , Martínez-Jiménez Mª Pilar
Published: June 2021

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are key to create sustainable higher education institutions (HEIs). Most researchers focused on the students’ perspective, especially during the online teaching caused by COVID-19; however, university teachers are often forgotten, having their opinion missing. This study’s objective was to determine the factors that contribute to the inclusion of ICTs. The research based on a comparative study through an online qualitative survey focused on the inclusion and use of ICTs in two HEIs and two different moments (pre- and post-lockdowns). There were differences regarding country and working experience (p < 0.001), being linked to the ICTs use, evaluation of obstacles, and the role given to ICTs (p < 0.05). The COVID-19 caused modifications of the teachers’ perspectives, including an improvement of the opinion of older teachers regarding the essentialness of ICTs in the teaching process (p < 0.001) and worsening their perception about their ICTs skill (p < 0.05). Additionally, an initial model focused only on the university teachers and their use of ICTs has been proposed. In conclusion, the less experienced university teachers used more ICTs, identified more greatly the problematic factors, and considered more important the ICTs, with the perception of all teachers modified by COVID-19.
Smart Region Mobility Framework
Authors: Billones Robert Kerwin C. , Guillermo Marielet A. , Lucas Kervin C. , Era Marlon D. , Dadios Elmer P. , Fillone Alexis M.
Published: June 2021

A smart city describes an urban setting which aims to effectively apply ICT technologies to help improve the well-being of its citizens and reduce the negative impacts of urbanization. The priority areas considered in the Global Smart City Index (SCI) by the Institute for Management Development’s (IMD) World Competitiveness Centre were key infrastructures and technologies in (1) health and safety, (2) mobility, (3) activities (e.g., recreational spaces), (4) opportunities (work and school), and (5) governance. A smart region is a term used to extend the concept of a smart city into both urban and rural settings to promote a sustainable planning approach at the regional level. A direction that must be considered is the adoption of a “Smart Region Mobility Framework” to effectively transform our urban and rural regional transportation networks. This research study focused on the development of the smart region mobility framework for an island region group in the Philippines. The smart region goal is to integrate intelligent transportation system (ITS) platforms such as advanced public transportation system (APTS), advanced traveler information system (ATIS), and advanced rural transportation system (ARTS) to the local public transportation route plans (LPTRP) of the region. The activities include the data collection, analysis, and evaluation of multimodal regional transportation networks and social services infrastructure. The transportation network modeling process follows the four-step transportation planning process of trip generation, trip distribution, modal-split analysis, and trip assignment. Based on the analysis of 6 provinces, 16 cities, and 114 municipalities included in the study, there are two cities identified as smart city candidates. One of the smart city candidates is designated as the smart city regional center. In the context of a smart region, the available social services (e.g., employment opportunities, education, and health services) in the designated smart cities can also be made accessible to connected cities/municipalities through ease of transportation and mobility services in the region. Lastly, the study presented the implementation of data flow architecture of the smart region mobility framework, and the regional traveler information system using mobile and web application services.
Evaluating the Impact of Sight Distance and Geometric Alignment on Driver Performance in Freeway Exits Diverging Area Based on Simulated Driving Data
Authors: Zhou Xizhen , Pan Binghong , Shao Yang
Published: June 2021

The decision sight distance (DSD) at freeway exits is a major factor affecting traffic safety. Based on the Hechizhai Interchange in Xi’an City (Shaanxi Province, China), this paper designs a simulation experiment. Through a simulator study and a questionnaire survey, this paper discusses the impact of the DSD, 1.25 times the stopping sight distance (SSD) and a circular curve deflection on a driver’s driving state (including steering wheel angle rate and steering wheel angle frequency domain). Thirty volunteers participated in this research. The result shows that (1) it is safer to drive on an exit that meets DSD. (2) If it only meets the 1.25 times the SSD requirement, the overloaded driving tasks and operation would be more likely to cause crashes. The driving state of the driver on the right circular curve is obviously better than that on the left circular curve, because changing lanes to the right on the left circular curve does not meet the driver’s expectations. (3) Left and right circular curve should be treated differently in the driving area and the constant sight distance requirements should not be applied. (4) The left circular curve should be more stringent to ensure driving safety.
A Cluster Analysis Approach to Profile Men and Women’s Volley Positions in Professional Tennis Matches (Doubles)
Authors: Martínez-Gallego Rafael , Ramón-Llin Jesús , Crespo Miguel
Published: June 2021

(1) Background: Tennis ball tracking technology allows the aquirement of novel and reliable data about several performance indicators, such as volley positions. This information is key to understand match dynamics in doubles tennis and to better help preparing players for the demands they will face in match play. As such, the purpose of this study was to describe and compare the different types of volley positions in men’s and women’s doubles professional tennis. (2) Methods: Ball tracking data were collected for 46 women (Billie Jean King Cup) and 96 men’s doubles matches (Davis Cup). The variables used were the distance to the net, the distance to the centre of the court and the height of the impact. A K-Means cluster analysis was used to identify in each subsample different profiles of volley locations. (3) Results: The inferential analysis revealed differences in men’s (distance to the net η2 = 0.72, distance to the centre of the court η2 = 0.77 and impact height η2 = 0.63) and women’s subsamples (distance to the net η2 = 0.48, distance to the centre of the court η2 = 0.52 and impact height η2 = 0.51). (4) Conclusions: The results allowed the suggestion of a higher variability in men’s matches, as there were seven different clusters identified, and only four in women’s.
Sustainable Supply Chains with Blockchain, IoT and RFID: A Simulation on Order Management
Authors: Varriale Vincenzo , Cammarano Antonello , Michelino Francesca , Caputo Mauro
Published: June 2021

The digital transformation of supply chains should revolutionize entire management processes and improve various aspects of sustainability. In particular, the plans of Industry 4.0 aim towards a digitization of several procedures by exploiting emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, RFID and blockchain. The purpose of this study is to highlight how order and disruption events processes can be improved with the adoption of emerging technologies and how this reflects on the improvement of sustainability aspects. The study is based on the comparison of two simulation scenarios between three actors in the cheese supply chain. In particular, a first traditional scenario “as is” is simulated without the use of new technologies and is compared to a second scenario “to be” that adopts IoT, RFID and blockchain. The results show an improvement in time performance for managing both perfect and non-compliant orders. The developed framework highlights the impact of new technologies on sustainability aspects, showing further managerial implications.
Environmental and Stress Analysis of Wild Plant Habitat in River Nile Region of Dakahlia Governorate on Basis of Geospatial Techniques
Authors: El-Amier Yasser A. , El-Zeiny Ahmed , El-Halawany El-Sayed F. , Elsayed Ashraf , El-Esawi Mohamed A. , Noureldeen Ahmed , Darwish Hadeer , Al-Barty Amal , Elagami Shrouk A.
Published: June 2021

Spatiotemporal environmental changes lead to disturbances in wild plant habitats, particularly in regions characterized by changeable land use and cover. The present study aims to characterize wild plant habitats in the River Nile region of Dakahlia Governorate using a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating remote sensing, GIS and sampling analyses. Twenty-four stands representing the wild plant habitats in the River Nile region were geographically identified, sampled and analyzed. Water and soil samples were investigated for physical and chemical characteristics. Two calibrated multispectral Landsat images dated 1999 and 2019 were processed to produce LULC, NDSI, NDMI and NDSI to characterize wild plan habitats. The floristic composition showed the presence of 64 species belonging to 53 genera and 28 families. Ecologically, the recorded plant species in the present work can be classified into four main categories, which are separated into three communities according to the TWINSPAN classification. Results showed that the annual loss of agricultural lands (3.98 km2) is closely relevant to the annual expansion of urban areas (4.24 km2). Although the uncontrolled urban sprawl caused loss of agricultural lands, it leads to the expansion of wild plant habitats, represented mainly by the sparse class and partially by the moderately dense class as obtained from NDVI. The increase in mean values of the moisture (NDMI) from 0.034 in 1999 to 0.64 in 2019 may have arisen from the increase in total areas of wild plant habitats during the investigated period (1999–2019). This might increase the suitability of conditions for wild habitats which induces the proliferation of natural plants.
On Symmetric Brackets Induced by Linear Connections
Authors: Balcerzak Bogdan
Published: June 2021

In this note, we discuss symmetric brackets on skew-symmetric algebroids associated with metric or symplectic structures. Given a pseudo-Riemannian metric structure, we describe the symmetric brackets induced by connections with totally skew-symmetric torsion in the language of Lie derivatives and differentials of functions. We formulate a generalization of the fundamental theorem of Riemannian geometry. In particular, we obtain an explicit formula of the Levi-Civita connection. We also present some symmetric brackets on almost Hermitian manifolds and discuss the first canonical Hermitian connection. Given a symplectic structure, we describe symplectic connections using symmetric brackets. We define a symmetric bracket of smooth functions on skew-symmetric algebroids with the metric structure and show that it has properties analogous to the Lie bracket of Hamiltonian vector fields on symplectic manifolds.
Extended Chern–Simons Model for a Vector Multiplet
Authors: Kaparulin Dmitry S. , Lyakhovich Simon L. , Nosyrev Oleg D.
Published: June 2021

We consider a gauge theory of vector fields in 3D Minkowski space. At the free level, the dynamical variables are subjected to the extended Chern–Simons (ECS) equations with higher derivatives. If the color index takes n values, the third-order model admits a 2n-parameter series of second-rank conserved tensors, which includes the canonical energy–momentum. Even though the canonical energy is unbounded, the other representatives in the series have a bounded from below the 00-component. The theory admits consistent self-interactions with the Yang–Mills gauge symmetry. The Lagrangian couplings preserve the energy–momentum tensor that is unbounded from below, and they do not lead to a stable non-linear theory. The non-Lagrangian couplings are consistent with the existence of a conserved tensor with a 00-component bounded from below. These models are stable at the non-linear level. The dynamics of interacting theory admit a constraint Hamiltonian form. The Hamiltonian density is given by the 00-component of the conserved tensor. In the case of stable interactions, the Poisson bracket and Hamiltonian do not follow from the canonical Ostrogradski construction. Particular attention is paid to the “triply massless” ECS theory, which demonstrates instability even at the free level. It is shown that the introduction of extra scalar field, serving as Higgs, can stabilize the dynamics in the vicinity of the local minimum of energy. The equations of motion of the stable model are non-Lagrangian, but they admit the Hamiltonian form of dynamics with a Hamiltonian that is bounded from below.
Environmental Conditions Affecting Ochratoxin A during Solar Drying of Grapes: The Case of Tunnel and Open Air-Drying
Authors: Templalexis Charalampos , Giorni Paola , Lentzou Diamanto , Mesisca Sabrina , Tsitsigiannis Dimitrios I. , Battilani Paola , Xanthopoulos Georgios
Published: June 2021

Drying optimization, to mitigate fungal growth and Ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination is a key topic for raisin and currant production. Specific indicators of environmental conditions and drying properties were analyzed using two seedless grape varieties (Crimson—red and Thompson—white), artificially inoculated with Aspergillus carbonarius under open air and tunnel drying. The air temperature (T), relative humidity, grape surface temperature (Ts) and water activity throughout the drying experiment, the grapes’ moisture content and the fungal colonization and OTA contamination during the drying process and their interactions were recorded and critically analyzed. Drying properties such as the water diffusivity (Deff) and peel resistance to water transfer were estimated. The grapes Ts was 5–7 °C higher in tunnel vs. open air–drying; the infected grapes had higher maximum Ts vs. the control (around 4–6 °C). OTA contamination was higher in tunnel vs. open air–dried grapes, but fungal colonies showed the opposite trend. The Deff was higher in tunnel than in the open air–drying by 54%; the infected grapes had more than 70% higher Deff than the control, differences explained by factors affecting the water transport. This study highlighted CFU and OTA indicators that affect the water availability between red and white grapes during open air and tunnel drying, estimated by the Deff and peel resistance. This raises new issues for future research.
Global Portraits of Nonminimal Teleparallel Inflation
Authors: Järv Laur , Lember Joosep
Published: June 2021

We construct global phase portraits of inflationary dynamics in teleparallel gravity models with a scalar field nonminimally coupled to torsion scalar. The adopted set of variables can clearly distinguish between different asymptotic states as fixed points, including the kinetic and inflationary regimes. The key role in the description of inflation is played by the heteroclinic orbits that run from the asymptotic saddle points to the late time attractor point and are approximated by nonminimal slow roll conditions. To seek the asymptotic fixed points, we outline a heuristic method in terms of the “effective potential” and “effective mass”, which can be applied for any nonminimally coupled theories. As particular examples, we study positive quadratic nonminimal couplings with quadratic and quartic potentials and note how the portraits differ qualitatively from the known scalar-curvature counterparts. For quadratic models, inflation can only occur at small nonminimal coupling to torsion, as for larger coupling, the asymptotic de Sitter saddle point disappears from the physical phase space. Teleparallel models with quartic potentials are not viable for inflation at all, since for small nonminimal coupling, the asymptotic saddle point exhibits weaker than exponential expansion, and for larger coupling, it also disappears.
Evidence of Circulation of Several HAV Genetic Variants and Emergence of Potential Antigenic Variants in an Endemo-Epidemic Country before Vaccine Introduction
Authors: Ayouni Kaouther , Chouikha Anissa , Khamessi Oussema , Touzi Henda , Hammemi Walid , Triki Henda
Published: June 2021

Similar to several other countries in the world, the epidemiology of hepatitis A virus changed from high to intermediate endemicity level in Tunisia, which led to the occurrence of outbreaks. This study aimed to determine the genetic and antigenic variability of HAV strains circulating in Tunisia during the last few years. Genotyping using complete VP1 gene and VP1-2A junction confirmed the predominance of genotype IA, with co-circulation of several genetic and antigenic variants. Phylogenetic analysis including Tunisian and strains from other regions of the world showed the presence of at least two IA-variants within IA subgenotype. Amino-acid analysis showed several mutations in or close to epitope regions in the VP1-region. This study provides a baseline on the genetic and antigenic variability of HAV circulating strains before the introduction of vaccination into the national immunization schedule.
Prevalence, Persistence, and Factors Associated with SARS-CoV-2 IgG Seropositivity in a Large Cohort of Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care University Hospital in Northern Italy
Authors: Scozzari Gitana , Costa Cristina , Migliore Enrica , Coggiola Maurizio , Ciccone Giovannino , Savio Luigi , Scarmozzino Antonio , Pira Enrico , Cassoni Paola , Galassi Claudia , Cavallo Rossana ,   The Collaborative Group
Published: June 2021

This observational study evaluated SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence and related clinical, demographic, and occupational factors among workers at the largest tertiary care University-Hospital of Northwestern Italy and the University of Turin after the first pandemic wave of March–April 2020. Overall, about 10,000 individuals were tested; seropositive subjects were retested after 5 months to evaluate antibodies waning. Among 8769 hospital workers, seroprevalence was 7.6%, without significant differences related to job profile; among 1185 University workers, 3.3%. Self-reporting of COVID-19 suspected symptoms was significantly associated with positivity (Odds Ratio (OR) 2.07, 95%CI: 1.76–2.44), although 27% of seropositive subjects reported no previous symptom. At multivariable analysis, contacts at work resulted in an increased risk of 69%, or 24% for working in a COVID ward; contacts in the household evidenced the highest risk, up to more than five-fold (OR 5.31, 95%CI: 4.12–6.85). Compared to never smokers, being active smokers was inversely associated with seroprevalence (OR 0.60, 95%CI: 0.48–0.76). After 5 months, 85% of previously positive subjects still tested positive. The frequency of SARS-COV-2 infection among Health Care Workers was comparable with that observed in surveys performed in Northern Italy and Europe after the first pandemic wave. This study confirms that infection frequently occurred as asymptomatic and underlines the importance of household exposure, seroprevalence (OR 0.60, 95%CI: 0.48–0.76).
Could a New COVID-19 Mutant Strain Undermine Vaccination Efforts? A Mathematical Modelling Approach for Estimating the Spread of B.1.1.7 Using Ontario, Canada, as a Case Study
Authors: Betti Mattew , Bragazzi Nicola , Heffernan Jane , Kong Jude , Raad Angie
Published: June 2021

Infections represent highly dynamic processes, characterized by evolutionary changes and events that involve both the pathogen and the host. Among infectious agents, viruses, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the infectious agent responsible for the currently ongoing Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019) pandemic, have a particularly high mutation rate. Taking into account the mutational landscape of an infectious agent, it is important to shed light on its evolution capability over time. As new, more infectious strains of COVID-19 emerge around the world, it is imperative to estimate when these new strains may overtake the wild-type strain in different populations. Therefore, we developed a general-purpose framework to estimate the time at which a mutant variant is able to take over a wild-type strain during an emerging infectious disease outbreak. In this study, we used COVID-19 as a case-study; however, the model is adaptable to any emerging pathogen. We devised a two-strain mathematical framework to model a wild- and a mutant-type viral population and fit cumulative case data to parameterize the model, using Ontario as a case study. We found that, in the context of under-reporting and the current case levels, a variant strain was unlikely to dominate until March/April 2021. The current non-pharmaceutical interventions in Ontario need to be kept in place longer even with vaccination in order to prevent another outbreak. The spread of a variant strain in Ontario will likely be observed by a widened peak of the daily reported cases. If vaccine efficacy is maintained across strains, then it is still possible to achieve high levels of immunity in the population by the end of 2021. Our findings have important practical implications in terms of public health as policy- and decision-makers are equipped with a mathematical tool that can enable the estimation of the take-over of a mutant strain of an emerging infectious disease.
A Sewer Dynamic Model for Simulating Reaction Rates of Different Compounds in Urban Sewer Pipe
Authors: Pai Tzu-Yi , Lo Huang-Mu , Wan Terng-Jou , Wang Ya-Hsuan , Cheng Yun-Hsin , Tsai Meng-Hung , Tang Hsuan , Sun Yu-Xiang , Chen Wei-Cheng , Lin Yi-Ping
Published: June 2021

A sewer dynamic model (SDM), an innovative use of combined models, was established to describe the reactions of compounds in a pilot sewer pipe. The set of ordinary differential equations in the SDM was solved simultaneously using the fourth-order Runge–Kutta algorithm. The SDM was validated by calculating the consistency between the simulation and observation values. After the SDM was validated, the reaction rate was analyzed. For heterotrophs in the water phase and biofilm, their growth rates were greater than the organism decay rate. For ammonia, the supply rate was greater than the consumption rate at the initial time, but the supply rate was smaller than the consumption rate from the 3rd hour. The supply rate was smaller than the consumption rate for the other six compounds. The supply rate of oxygen was smaller than the consumption rate before the 4th hour because of the microorganism activities, and, subsequently, the supply rate was greater than the consumption rate after the 4th hour because of reaeration. The results of this study provide an insight into the reaction rates of different compounds in urban sewer pipes and an urban water network modeling reference for policymaking and regulation.
Sustainable, Decentralized Sanitation and Reuse with Hybrid Nature-Based Systems
Authors: Capodaglio Andrea G. , Bolognesi Silvia , Cecconet Daniele
Published: June 2021

Nature (ecosystem) based processes for wastewater treatment include constructed wetlands (CWs), waste stabilization ponds, vegetated drainage ditches, buffer zones, instream or bankside river techniques, and mixotrophic systems, where light and CO2 are utilized, in addition to organic carbon compounds, by algal cultures. Algae-based systems can simultaneously remove organic matter, N, and P and may offer substantial energetic advantages compared to traditional biological treatment systems, require small spatial footprint, and contribute to biofuels production and CO2 emissions mitigation. Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs) present characteristics compatible with the use in isolated realities for water and wastewater treatment with contextual energy recovery and may be combined with other nature-based process technologies to achieve good treatment and energy efficiencies. Despite that their application in real-scale plants has not been assessed yet, the most probable outcome will be the in situ/on site treatment (or pretreatment) of wastes for small “in house” plants not connected to the sewerage network. This paper focuses on the current practices and perspectives of hybrid nature-based systems, such as constructed wetlands and microalgae integrated phytoremediation plants, and their possible integration with microbial electrochemical technologies to increase recovery possibilities from wastes and positively contribute to a green economy approach.
Genus Unbelief, Species Atheism: The Case for and Against Unbelief as a Master Concept for Non-Religion
Authors: Eller Jack David
Published: June 2021

Recent initiatives by Stein, Flynn, Conrad, and others have promoted ‘unbelief’ as a replacement, an ‘umbrella term,’ for concepts like atheism, secularism, and irreligion. In this essay I show that unbelief as it is currently construed cannot serve this function: it is simultaneously too broad (embracing not only irreligion but heterodox religious belief) and too narrow (focusing on religious belief to the exclusion of other types of belief), and it commits a taxonomic error of equating unbelief with categories above and below its level. However, I also argue that, once reformed and disciplined, unbelief is a valuable and essential tool, and I provide some resources and models for a future Unbelief Studies in the Credition Research Project and the literature on agnotology, as well as ethnographical material questioning the cross-cultural applicability of belief and unbelief. Finally, I charge Unbelief Studies with the mission not only to analyze belief but to criticize and ultimately banish it as a bad mental and linguistic habit that perpetuates mistakes and leaves individuals vulnerable to further faults while eroding social trust and facticity itself.
DESIGN APPLICATION MODEL “TOMAS DANANCE.COM” FOR NGO (NGO CENTER OF STUDIES OF BANDUNG CITY AND BANDUNG DISTRICT)
Authors: Supriyati S
Published: June 2021

LSM atau yang lebih akrab dikenal dengan lembaga swadaya masyarakat memiliki peran yang sangat berarti di masyarakat terutama berkaitan dengan kiprahnya yang mencerminkan budaya dari suatu masyarakat tersebut. Namun untuk kondisi saat ini masih jarang ditemui LSM muda yang kreatif yang telah memanfaatkan teknologi informasi di dalam menghasilkan informasi keuangan yang  akuntabel serta transparansi di dalam penyajiannya.

     Metode  penelitian yang peneliti lakukan adalah berorientasi objek dengan metode teknik pengumpulan data berdasarkan lapangan, instansional dan kepustakaan.

Hasil penelitian diperoleh adalah dengan membuatkan keluaran berupa blue print dan aplikasi yang berkaitan dengan: Usecase TomasDanance.co, E-Comerce pada LSM, Investasi pada LSM, Manajemen Keuangan pada LSM, Produk Industri Kreatif LSM, LSM Melakukan Registrasi
Faktor Penentu Cost Of Equity di Industri Properti dan Real Estate
Authors: Suryanto Suryanto , Maulidina Sarah
Published: June 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan faktor-faktor yang menentukan cost of equity  di industri properti dan real estate. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah deskriptif dan verifikatif. Sumber data diperoleh dari data sekunder yang dipublish. Data yang digunakan merupakan data panel yang diperoleh dari 14 perusahaan properti dan real etate selama kurun waktu 3 tahun. Teknik analisis menggunakan regresi berganda dan koefisien determinasi. Untuk menguji faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi cost of equity menggunakan uji t dan uji  F. Hasil penelitian menyatakan bahwa faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi cost of equity adalah firm siza dan disclousure, sedangkan asymmetric information bukan faktor yang mempengaruhi cost of equity. Namun jika dilakukan secara simultan asymmetric information, firm siza  dan  disclousure merupakan faktor yang berpengaruh terhadap cost of equity.
Perancangan Sistem Informasi Akuntansi Piutang Usaha Pada Bapel JPKM Surya Sumirat Menggunakan PHP MySQL
Authors: Alfiansyah Deni , Supriyati S
Published: June 2021

Piutang timbul dari beberapa jenis transaksi, di mana yang paling umum biasanya karena adanya transaksi penjualan barang atau jasa secara kredit. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui bagaimana prosedur pembentukan piutang yang terjadi di Badan Penyelenggara (Bapel) Jaminan Pemeliharaan Kesehatan Masyarakat (JPKM) Surya Sumirat dan merancang sistem informasi akuntansi piutang usaha pada Badan Penyelenggara (Bapel) Jaminan Pemeliharaan Kesehatan Masyarakat (JPKM) Surya Sumirat dengan menggunakan PHP MySQL. Badan Penyelenggara (Bapel) Jaminan Pemeliharaan Kesehatan Masyarakat (JPKM) Surya Sumirat merupakan salah satu perusahaan jasa yang tergabung dalam Borromeus Group dan bergerak pada bidang asuransi kesehatan. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini dengan menggunakan dua metode antara lain metode penelitian deskriptif dan metode survei, dimana metode penelitian deskriptif adalah metode penelitian yang mendeskripsikan suatu gejala atau peristiwa yang terjadi sekarang sedangkan metode survei adalah peneliti mendatangi objek penelitian untuk memberikan pertanyaan-pertanyaan kepada responden individu. Permasalahan yang saat ini terjadi pada Badan Penyelenggara (Bapel) Jaminan Pemeliharaan Kesehatan Masyarakat (JPKM) Surya Sumirat adalah proses pendaftaran peserta tidak secara online yaitu masih dengan menggunakan kertas formulir yang kemudian di input ke database sehingga melakukan dua kali proses dan belum adanya perancangan sistem informasi akuntansi piutang usaha. Berdasarkan permasalahan tersebut, peneliti berharap dengan mengusulkan perancangan sistem informasi akuntansi piutang usaha pada Badan Penyelenggara (Bapel) Jaminan Pemeliharaan Kesehatan Masyarakat (JPKM) Surya Sumirat dapat mengatasi permasalahan yang terjadi saat ini.
Beskrivelse til Geologisk Kort over Danmark (i Maalestok 1: 100.000). Kortbladet Bække
Authors: Milthers V
Published: June 2021

Kortbladet Bække omfatter den nordøstlige Del af Ribe Amt og - mod Nord og mod Øst - tilstødende Dele af Vejle Amt. Dets Nordgrænse gaar tæt forbi Stationsbyerne Filskov og Farre; Østgrænsen passerer Stationerne Mølvang og Ejstrup; Sydgrænsen gaar lidt Syd om Anst Station og Malt Kirke, og Vestgrænsen gaar 3 km Vest for Grindsted og 2 km Vest for Holsted.
Beskrivelse til geologisk kort over Færøerne i målestok 1:50.000
Authors: Rasmussen Jóannes , Noe-Nygaard Arne
Published: June 2021

Med det færdige geologiske kort over Færøernes prækvartære dannelser foran os skal vi i lag med at skildre den geologiske udvikling af et rent vulkansk område, kort og godt et, der så at sige i alle måder adskiller sig fra dem, Danmarks Geologiske Undersøgelse plejer at belyse med sine kort.Vi vil derfor indlede vor kortbladsbeskrivelse med nogle korte afsnit, der omtaler 1. vulkanismen som fænomen, 2. den vigtigste blandt lavabjergarterne: basalt, 3. den særlige udformning basalten har i plateaubasaltområder og endelig 4. Færøernes placering i det nordatlantiske basaltområde.
Beskrivelse til Geologisk Kort over Danmark (i Maalestok i : 100,000). Kortbladene Kjøbenhavn og Roskilde
Authors: Rørdam K.
Published: June 2021

De geologiske Kaartblade "Kjøbenhavn og Roskilde" i Maalestoksforholdet 1:100,000 omfatte saagodtsom hele Kjøbenhavns Amt og desuden smaa Partier af Frederiksborg, Holbæk, Sorø og Præstø Amter.
STUDY ON THE BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WAXWORM AND THE APPLICATION OF WAXWORM TO NYLON PE WASTE TREATMENT IN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL - THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY
Authors: Hà Đặng Hoàng , Phương Đỗ Thị Minh , Lâm Hoàng Bằng
Published: June 2021

Tình trạng rác thải nhựa đang gây ra nhiều tác động tiêu cực đến môi trường và sức khỏe con người. Sâu sáp được biết đến là thức ăn cho các loài chim, bò sát, và khả năng ăn nilon. Mục tiêu của bài báo nhằm nghiên cứu đặc tính sinh học của sâu sáp (Galleria mellonella), và ứng dụng chúng để giải quyết rác thải nilon ở Khoa Quốc tế - Đại học Thái Nguyên. Nghiên cứu được thực hiện trên 3 công thức thí nghiệm với nguồn thức ăn là nilon PE và mật ong, dưới điều kiện nhiệt độ và độ ẩm thích hợp tại phòng thí nghiệm của Khoa Quốc tế - Đại học Thái Nguyên trong tháng 8, 9, 10 năm 2020. Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy, qua 4 giai đoạn phát triển, sâu sáp đã hoàn thành vòng đời trong khoảng thời gian 35 - 40 ngày. Nilon PE chỉ được đồng hóa ở giai đoạn ấu trùng của sâu sáp. Với nhiệt độ 26-33oC, độ ẩm 80-83%, 100 con sâu sáp có thể xử lý 1517,7 ± 8,9mg khi thức ăn chỉ chứa nilon, 2200,2 ± 8,7mg khi thức ăn được bổ sung 5g mật ong/khay và khi thức ăn được trộn thêm 10g mật ong/khay là 2120,3 ± 7,9mg. Nghiên cứu cho thấy sâu sáp có khả năng xử lý nilon PE trong điều kiện nhiệt độ và độ ẩm tại Khoa Quốc tế - Đại học Thái Nguyên.
THE EFFECT OF SOIL PH AND ZEOLITE APPLICATION ON LEAD (PB) IMMOBILIZATION ON CONTAMINATED SOIL
Authors: Thanh Đàm Hà Lương , Hà Đặng Thị Thái
Published: June 2021

Ứng dụng zeolit trong xử lý môi trường đất đã được chứng minh là có tác dụng cố định các nguyên tố độc hại tiềm tàng (PTE) một cách hiệu quả. Độ pH của đất cũng có thể ảnh hưởng đến tính khả dụng của khả năng này. Hiện chưa có nghiên cứu nào kiểm tra tác động tương tác của zeolit và pH đất đối với sự cố định chì di động. Do đó, nghiên cứu này đã khảo sát ảnh hưởng của 2 loại zeolit là zeolit tự nhiên (N-Z) và zeolit lưỡng cực(Mg/Al LDH zeolite) (LDH-Z) được bổ sung với 3% trọng lượng, trong một thí nghiệm đối chứng (CT1) và 5 thí nghiệm với 5 chế độ pH đất (dao động từ 5.0 đến 9.0) trên năm dạng tồn tại của chì trong đất bị ô nhiễm chì. Kết quả cho thấy rằng các nghiệm thức được bổ sung N-Z và LDH-Z có khả năng cố đinh Pb di động, có thể thúc đẩy chuyển đổi chì ở dạngdi động thành các dạng ổn định. Sự cố định của chì được ghi nhận lớn nhất trong điều kiện pH của đất là 5,0 khi sử dụng cả zeolit tự nhiên và zeolit lưỡng cực, và khả năng cố định chì của vật liệu giảm khi giá trị pH đất tăng lên. Trong số các vật liệu được thí nghiệm, zeolit lưỡng cực cho tỷ lệ cố định Pb di động trong đất ô nhiễm cao hơn đáng kể so với zeolit tự nhiên. Lượng chì di động trong thí nghiệm đối chứng được báo cáo là 86,31%, và con số này giảm xuống 45,5% và 37,88% sau khi ủ với zeolit tự nhiên và zeolit LDH.