bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sleep Quality and Duration in European Adolescents (The AdolesHealth Study): A Cross-Sectional, Quantitative Study
Authors: Galan-Lopez Pablo , Domínguez Raúl , Gísladóttir Thordis , Sánchez-Oliver Antonio J. , Pihu Maret , Ries Francis , Klonizakis Markos
Published: March 2021

Sleep is a vital element of adolescents’ overall health; it influences their body and mind and thus affects their quality of life. Adequate sleep quality and duration are essential for maintaining optimal metabolic health and lowering the risk of developing several medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease. The current study aimed to assess the perceived sleep quality and duration of 1717 European adolescents from three different European countries (Spain, Iceland and Estonia) aged 13- to 16-years (900 boys, 817 girls) using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed to examine differences between groups and two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze city and age differences. The probability of having poor sleep quality and duration was calculated by Odd-Ratio (OR). Our study found poor sleep quality in 44% of the boys and 53% of the girls, whereas 68% and 69%, respectively did not get the recommended hours of sleep (i.e., 8–10 h). No difference was found between adolescents from Estonia, Iceland and Spain regarding sleep duration. In contrast, Spanish and Estonian adolescents reported higher probabilities of having poor sleep quality. Finally, girls had a significantly higher probability of poor sleep quality than boys.
Incidental Detection of Ovarian Cancer as a Solitary Peridiaphragmatic Distant Lymph Node Metastasis without Pelvic Lesions on 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Son Hye Joo , Lee Yong-Moon , Lee Jai-Hyuen
Published: March 2021

The spreading pattern of ovarian carcinoma is unique and unlike most other cancers, because exfoliated ovarian cancer cells primarily disseminate within the abdominal cavity, which are then transported throughout the peritoneum by physiological peritoneal fluid. An initial manifestation of a solitary peridiaphragmatic distant metastatic lymph node without peritoneal involvement is very rare. This study reports a case with an incidentally found single hypermetabolic mass in the peridiaphragmatic space without a pelvic lesion in the baseline staging 18 F-FDG PET/CT that histologically turned out to be metastatic serous papillary carcinoma due to ovarian cancer. 18F-FDG PET/CT may allow the identification of the initial manifestation of unexpected distant oligometastatic statuses of an unknown primary ovarian cancer.
Epigenetic Integrity of Orthodox Seeds Stored under Conventional and Cryogenic Conditions
Authors: Plitta-Michalak Beata P. , Naskręt-Barciszewska Mirosława Z. , Barciszewski Jan , Chmielarz Paweł , Michalak Marcin
Published: March 2021

The level of 5-methylcytosine (m5C) in DNA has been observed to change in plants in response to biotic and abiotic stress factors. Little information has been reported on alterations in DNA methylation in orthodox tree seeds in response to storage conditions. In the current study, epigenetic integrity was analyzed in seeds of Pyrus communis L. in response to conventional and cryogenic storage. The results indicate that conventional storage under optimal conditions resulted in a significant increase in m5C. In contrast, a decrease in m5C level after cryostorage at high water content (WC) was observed, not only in seeds but also in 3-month-old seedlings which were smaller than seedlings obtained from seeds cryostored at optimal WC. This shows that non-optimal cryostorage conditions increase epigenetic instability in seeds and seedlings. Optimal procedures for germplasm conservation are very important for germplasm banking since they have serious implications for the quality of stored collections. Maintaining epigenetic integrity during WC adjustment and optimal storage is a characteristic feature of orthodox seeds. The current results underline the importance of proper protocols and techniques for conventional storage and particularly cryopreservation as a method for conservation of true-to-type germplasm for long periods.
Understanding the Adaptive Evolutionary Histories of South American Ancient and Present-Day Populations via Genomics
Authors: Lindo John , DeGiorgio Michael
Published: March 2021

The South American continent is remarkably diverse in its ecological zones, spanning the Amazon rainforest, the high-altitude Andes, and Tierra del Fuego. Yet the original human populations of the continent successfully inhabited all these zones, well before the buffering effects of modern technology. Therefore, it is likely that the various cultures were successful, in part, due to positive natural selection that allowed them to successfully establish populations for thousands of years. Detecting positive selection in these populations is still in its infancy, as the ongoing effects of European contact have decimated many of these populations and introduced gene flow from outside of the continent. In this review, we explore hypotheses of possible human biological adaptation, methods to identify positive selection, the utilization of ancient DNA, and the integration of modern genomes through the identification of genomic tracts that reflect the ancestry of the first populations of the Americas.
Measuring the Response Performance of U.S. States against COVID-19 Using an Integrated DEA, CART, and Logistic Regression Approach
Authors: Xu Yuan , Park Yong Shin , Park Ju Dong
Published: March 2021

Measuring the U.S.’s COVID-19 response performance is an extremely important challenge for health care policymakers. This study integrates Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) with four different machine learning (ML) techniques to assess the efficiency and evaluate the U.S.’s COVID-19 response performance. First, DEA is applied to measure the efficiency of fifty U.S. states considering four inputs: number of tested, public funding, number of health care employees, number of hospital beds. Then, number of recovered from COVID-19 as a desirable output and number of confirmed COVID-19 cases as a undesirable output are considered. In the second stage, Classification and Regression Tree (CART), Boosted Tree (BT), Random Forest (RF), and Logistic Regression (LR) were applied to predict the COVID-19 response performance based on fifteen environmental factors, which were classified into social distancing, health policy, and socioeconomic measures. The results showed that 23 states were efficient with an average efficiency score of 0.97. Furthermore, BT and RF models produced the best prediction results and CART performed better than LR. Lastly, urban, physical inactivity, number of tested per population, population density, and total hospital beds per population were the most influential factors on efficiency.
Vaccines in the Pharmacies?
Authors: Verna Roberto
Published: March 2021

In a previous article [...]
Outdoor Air Pollution and Depression in Canada: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study from 2011 to 2016
Authors: Dores Ashley K. , Fick Gordon H. , MacMaster Frank P. , Williams Jeanne V. A. , Bulloch Andrew G. M. , Patten Scott B.
Published: March 2021

To assess whether exposure to increased levels of outdoor air pollution is associated with psychological depression, six annual iterations of the Canadian Community Health Survey (n ≈ 127,050) were used to estimate the prevalence of a major depressive episode (2011–2014) or severity of depressive symptoms (2015–2016). Survey data were linked with outdoor air pollution data obtained from the Canadian Urban Environmental Health Research Consortium, with outdoor air pollution represented by fine particulate matter ≤2.5 micrometers (μm) in diameter (PM2.5), ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Log-binomial models were used to estimate the association between outdoor air pollution and depression, and included adjustment for age, sex, marital status, income, education, employment status, urban versus rural households, cigarette smoking, and chronic illness. No evidence of associations for either depression outcomes were found. Given the generally low levels of outdoor air pollution in Canada, these findings should be generalized with caution. It is possible that a meaningful association with major depression may be observed in regions of the world where the levels of outdoor air pollution are greater, or during high pollution events over brief time intervals. Future research is needed to replicate these findings and to further investigate these associations in other regions and populations.
A Scoping Review of Psychosocial Risks to Health Workers during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Franklin Paula , Gkiouleka Anna
Published: March 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed health workers to a diverse set of hazards impacting their physical, psychological and social wellbeing. This review aims to provide an overview of the categories of the psychosocial risk factors and hazards affecting HCWs during the Covid-19 pandemic and the recommendations for prevention. We used the scoping review methodology to collate categories of psychosocial risks, the related health outcomes, interventions, and data gaps. The review was conducted on global peer-reviewed academic and authoritative grey literature, published between 1. January–26. October 2020; in total, 220 articles were included into the review and the subsequent analysis. Analysis of the extracted data found PSRs related to four sources: personal protective equipment (PPE), job content, work organisation, and social context. is. Women health workers and nurses reported worst health outcomes. Majority of the research to date concerns health workers in secondary care, while data on psychosocial risks at primary and community-based settings are scarce. However, the emerging research implies that the pandemic creates psychosocial risks also to non-clinical health workers. The intervention and mitigation measures address individual and organisational levels. Preventative and mitigating measures for social and societal risks—such as staff shortages, intersecting inequalities, and financial stressors require further research.
Assessment of an Emergency Medicine System for Radiation Accidents in Korea: A State Survey of the Workers Involved the Medical Response to Radiation Accidents
Authors: Choi You Yeon , Yang Mihyun , Lee Younghyun , Lee Eunil , Jin Young Woo , Seong Ki Moon
Published: March 2021

Radiation emergency medicine systems are operated around the world to provide special care for the injured that require immediate medical attention in accidents. The objective of this survey was to evaluate people’s perception of those who design the emergency medical plan for radiation accidents and those who supervise it in Korea. A questionnaire survey was conducted on the people involved in a regulatory system for medical response in a radiation emergency. Of 150 survey recipients, 133 (88.7%) completed the survey, including 92 workers and 41 inspectors. The respondents expressed the view that the national emergency medical plan is prepared above the average level using a Likert-style scale of 1 to 5 (mean = 3.55, SD = 0.74). Interestingly, using the Mann–Whitney U test, it could be shown that inspectors evaluated the emergency medical system for radiation accidents more strictly in all of the questions than the licensee workers, especially on radiation medical emergency preparedness (p = 0.004) and the governmental regulatory policy for radiation safety (p = 0.007). For a more efficient system of radiation emergency medicine, licensee workers prioritized the workforce, whereas inspectors favored laws and regulations for safety. The survey results show different perspectives between inspectors and licensee workers, which stem from the actual properties of each occupational role in the regulatory system for radiation medical emergency. These data could be utilized for communication and interaction with relevant people to improve the medical response preparedness against radiation accidents.
IDTWO: A Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial of a Web-Based Mental Health Intervention for Australians with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Baldwin Peter A. , Rasmussen Victoria , Trollor Julian N. , Zhao Jenna L. , Anderson Josephine , Christensen Helen , Boydell Katherine
Published: March 2021

People with intellectual disability (ID) experience higher rates of mental illness and reduced access to appropriate care and treatment. Tailored electronic mental health (eMH) programs offer opportunities to address these disparities. The aim of this study is to examine whether a fully automated and self-guided eMH program tailored to the needs of people with ID can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve daily functioning in people with borderline-to-mild ID. Australians with borderline-to-mild ID, aged 16 years and older with mild-to-moderate depression and/or anxiety symptoms will be eligible to participate with the help of a nominated carer, if necessary. A randomised controlled trial with a sample size of 150 participants divided into treatment and waitlist control arms will be conducted. Participants randomised to the intervention group will have full access to the Healthy Mind program for eight weeks. The waitlist control group will gain full access to the program following the eight-week treatment period. Efficacy will be assessed on the Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Scale; Kessler-10; and the World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 across three time-points (baseline, eight weeks, and three months). We expect that people who use the intervention will report reduced depression and anxiety, relative to the control group. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the effectiveness of a fully automated eMH program for improving mental health in people with ID. We expect our study to render new knowledge on the delivery and effects of internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) tools for people with ID.
The Sketch Map Tool Facilitates the Assessment of OpenStreetMap Data for Participatory Mapping
Authors: Klonner Carolin , Hartmann Maximilian , Dischl Rebecca , Djami Lily , Anderson Liana , Raifer Martin , Lima-Silva Fernanda , Castro Degrossi Lívia , Zipf Alexander , Porto de Albuquerque João
Published: March 2021

A worldwide increase in the number of people and areas affected by disasters has led to more and more approaches that focus on the integration of local knowledge into disaster risk reduction processes. The research at hand shows a method for formalizing this local knowledge via sketch maps in the context of flooding. The Sketch Map Tool enables not only the visualization of this local knowledge and analyses of OpenStreetMap data quality but also the communication of the results of these analyses in an understandable way. Since the tool will be open-source and several analyses are made automatically, the tool also offers a method for local governments in areas where historic data or financial means for flood mitigation are limited. Example analyses for two cities in Brazil show the functionalities of the tool and allow the evaluation of its applicability. Results depict that the fitness-for-purpose analysis of the OpenStreetMap data reveals promising results to identify whether the sketch map approach can be used in a certain area or if citizens might have problems with marking their flood experiences. In this way, an intrinsic quality analysis is incorporated into a participatory mapping approach. Additionally, different paper formats offered for printing enable not only individual mapping but also group mapping. Future work will focus on advancing the automation of all steps of the tool to allow members of local governments without specific technical knowledge to apply the Sketch Map Tool for their own study areas.
Effector Profiles of Endophytic Fusarium Associated with Asymptomatic Banana (Musa sp.) Hosts
Authors: Czislowski Elizabeth , Zeil-Rolfe Isabel , Aitken Elizabeth A. B.
Published: March 2021

During the infection of a host, plant pathogenic fungi secrete small proteins called effectors, which then modulate the defence response of the host. In the Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC), the secreted in xylem (SIX) gene effectors are important for host-specific pathogenicity, and are also useful markers for identifying the various host-specific lineages. While the presence and diversity of the SIX genes has been explored in many of the pathogenic lineages of F. oxysporum, there is a limited understanding of these genes in non-pathogenic, endophytic isolates of F. oxysporum. In this study, universal primers for each of the known SIX genes are designed and used to screen a panel of endophytically-associated Fusarium species isolated from healthy, asymptomatic banana tissue. SIX gene orthologues are identified in the majority of the Fusarium isolates screened in this study. Furthermore, the SIX gene profiles of these endophytic isolates do not overlap with the SIX genes present in the pathogenic lineages of F. oxysporum that are assessed in this study. SIX gene orthologues have not been commonly identified in Fusarium species outside of the FOSC nor in non-pathogenic isolates of F. oxysporum. The results of this study indicate that the SIX gene effectors may be more broadly distributed throughout the Fusarium genus than previously thought. This has important implications for understanding the evolution of pathogenicity in the FOSC.
Pharmacological Cardioversion after Pre-Treatment with Antiarrythmic Drugs Prior to Electrical Cardioversion in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Impact on Maintenance of Sinus Rhythm
Authors: El Amrani Amine , Viñolas Xavier , Arias Miguel Angel , Bazan Victor , Valdovinos Pilar , Alegret Josep M.
Published: March 2021

Background: Antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) are frequently initiated in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) prior to electrical cardioversion (ECV), achieving pharmacological cardioversion (PCV) in some cases. Little is known about the mode of cardioversion and the effect of the type of AAD used in the maintenance of sinus rhythm (SR). Methods: From three national surveys of patients with persistent AF referred for ECV, we selected those who were pre-treated with AADs (amiodarone or group Ic AADs). We analyzed the effect of the type of cardioversion (pharmacological vs. electrical) and the AAD used in the maintenance of SR at three months. Results: Among the 665 patients selected, 151 had a successful PCV prior to the planned ECV. In the remaining 514 patients, 460 had a successful ECV. A successful PCV was related to a higher rate of SR maintenance than a successful ECV (77.9% vs. 57.5%; p < 0.0001). After a successful PCV, the maintenance of SR was identical in those patients treated with amiodarone and those treated with group Ic AADs (77.4% vs. 77.5%; p = 0.99), whereas after a successful ECV, amiodarone was clearly superior to group Ic AADs (61.3% vs. 43.0%; p = 0.001). Considering patients with successful PCV and ECV together, PCV was an independent factor related to the maintenance of SR. Conclusions: In patients with persistent AF, successful PCV selects a subgroup with a high probability of maintenance of SR. With regard to drugs, amiodarone was superior to group Ic AADs in patients with ECV, whereas in PCV, no differences were observed.
Towards Mobilizing Knowledge for Effective Decision-Making in Parks and Protected Areas
Authors: Hvenegaard Glen T. , Halpenny Elizabeth A. , Bueddefeld Jill N. H.
Published: March 2021

In November 2017, over 15,000 scientists issued a second letter to humanity that outlines how we are “jeopardizing our future” by failing to protect key ecological systems [...]
Oriented Fuzzy Numbers vs. Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Piasecki Krzysztof , Łyczkowska-Hanćkowiak Anna
Published: March 2021

A formal model of an imprecise number can be given as, inter alia, a fuzzy number or oriented fuzzy numbers. Are they formally equivalent models? Our main goal is to seek formal differences between fuzzy numbers and oriented fuzzy numbers. For this purpose, we examine algebraic structures composed of numerical spaces equipped with addition, dot multiplication, and subtraction determined in a usual way. We show that these structures are not isomorphic. It proves that oriented fuzzy numbers and fuzzy numbers are not equivalent models of an imprecise number. This is the first original study of a problem of a dissimilarity between oriented fuzzy numbers and fuzzy numbers. Therefore, any theorems on fuzzy numbers cannot automatically be extended to the case of oriented fuzzy numbers. In the second part of the article, we study the purposefulness of a replacement of fuzzy numbers by oriented fuzzy numbers. We show that for a portfolio analysis, oriented fuzzy numbers are more useful than fuzzy numbers. Therefore, we conclude that oriented fuzzy numbers are an original and useful tool for modelling a real-world problems.
Cox Processes Associated with Spatial Copula Observed through Stratified Sampling
Authors: Oscar Walguen , Vaillant Jean
Published: March 2021

Cox processes, also called doubly stochastic Poisson processes, are used for describing phenomena for which overdispersion exists, as well as Poisson properties conditional on environmental effects. In this paper, we consider situations where spatial count data are not available for the whole study area but only for sampling units within identified strata. Moreover, we introduce a model of spatial dependency for environmental effects based on a Gaussian copula and gamma-distributed margins. The strength of dependency between spatial effects is related with the distance between stratum centers. Sampling properties are presented taking into account the spatial random field of covariates. Likelihood and Bayesian inference approaches are proposed to estimate the effect parameters and the covariate link function parameters. These techniques are illustrated using Black Leaf Streak Disease (BLSD) data collected in Martinique island.
Virulence and Antimicrobial Resistance in Canine Staphylococcus spp. Isolates
Authors: Bertelloni Fabrizio , Cagnoli Giulia , Ebani Valentina Virginia
Published: March 2021

Dogs are reservoirs of different Staphylococcus species, but at the same time, they could develop several clinical forms caused by these bacteria. The aim of the present investigation was to characterize 50 clinical Staphylococcus isolates cultured from sick dogs. Bacterial species determination, hemolysins, protease, lipase, gelatinase, slime, and biofilm production, presence of virulence genes (lukS/F-PV, eta, etb, tsst, icaA, and icaD), methicillin resistance, and antimicrobial resistance were investigated. Most isolates (52%) were Staphylococcus pseudointermedius, but 20% and 8% belonged to Staphylococcusxylosus and Staphylococcus chromogenes, respectively. Gelatinase, biofilm, and slime production were very common characters among the investigated strains with 80%, 86%, and 76% positive isolates, respectively. Virulence genes were detected in a very small number of the tested strains. A percentage of 14% of isolates were mecA-positive and phenotypically-resistant to methicillin. Multi-drug resistance was detected in 76% of tested staphylococci; in particular, high levels of resistance were detected for ampicillin, amoxicillin, clindamycin, and erythromycin. In conclusion, although staphylococci are considered to be opportunistic bacteria, the obtained data showed that dogs may be infected by Staphylococcus strains with important virulence characteristics and a high antimicrobial resistance.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) Gene Polymorphism and Infant’s Anthropometry at Birth
Authors: Aguilar-Lacasaña Sofía , López-Flores Inmaculada , González-Alzaga Beatriz , Giménez-Asensio María José , Carmona F. David , Hernández Antonio F. , López Gallego María Felicidad , Romero-Molina Desirée , Lacasaña Marina
Published: March 2021

Identification of causal factors that influence fetal growth and anthropometry at birth is of great importance as they provide information about increased risk of disease throughout life. The association between maternal genetic polymorphism MTHFR(677)C>T and anthropometry at birth has been widely studied because of its key role in the one-carbon cycle. MTHFR(677) CT and TT genotypes have been associated with a greater risk of low birth weight, especially in case of deficient intake of folic acid during pregnancy. This study aimed to analyze the association between the maternal MTHFR(677)C>T genetic polymorphism and anthropometry at birth in a population with adequate folate consumption. We included 694 mother–newborn pairs from a prospective population-based birth cohort in Spain, in the Genetics, Early life enviroNmental Exposures and Infant Development in Andalusia (GENEIDA) project. Women were genotyped for MTHFR(677)C>T SNP by Q-PCR using TaqMan© probes. Relevant maternal and newborn information was obtained from structured questionnaires and medical records. Results showed that maternal MTHFR(677)C>T genotype was associated with newborn anthropometry. Genotypes CT or CT/TT showed statistically significant associations with increased or decreased risk of large-for-gestational-age (LGA) or small-for-gestational-age (SGA) based on weight and height, depending on the newborn’s sex, as well as with SGA in premature neonates. The relationships between this maternal genotype and anthropometry at birth remained despite an adequate maternal folate intake.
Developmental Stage Determines the Accumulation Pattern of UV-Absorbing Compounds in the Model Liverwort Marchantia polymorpha subsp. ruderalis under Controlled Conditions
Authors: Soriano Gonzalo , Del-Castillo-Alonso María-Ángeles , Monforte Laura , Tomás-Las-Heras Rafael , Martínez-Abaigar Javier , Núñez-Olivera Encarnación
Published: March 2021

The liverwort Marchantia polymorpha subsp. ruderalis is an emerging model plant, and some data are available on its responses to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, it is unknown if the developmental stage of the thalli modulates the effects of UV radiation on the contents of potentially protecting phenolic compounds. To fill this gap, liverwort samples were exposed or non-exposed to UV radiation for 38 days under controlled conditions, using three developmental stages: gemmae (G), one-month thalli (T1), and two-month thalli (T2). Then, the bulk level of methanol-soluble UV-absorbing compounds and the contents of six flavones (apigenin and luteolin derivatives) were measured. The UV responsiveness decreased with thallus age: G and T1 plants were the most UV-responsive and showed a strong increase in all the variables, with G plants more responsive than T1 plants. In UV-exposed T2 plants, only apigenin derivatives increased and more modestly, probably due to a lower acclimation capacity. Nevertheless, the thalli became progressively tougher due to a decreasing water content, representing a possible structural protection against UV. In UV-exposed plants, the temporal patterns of the accumulation of phenolic compounds were compound-specific. Most compounds decreased with thallus age, but di-glucuronide derivatives showed a bell-shaped pattern, with T1 plants showing the highest contents. A Principal Components Analysis (PCA) ordination of the different samples summarized the results found. The patterns described above should be taken into account to select thalli of an adequate developmental stage for experiments investigating the induction of phenolic compounds by UV radiation.
Retrieval of Daytime Total Column Water Vapour from OLCI Measurements over Land Surfaces
Authors: Preusker René , Carbajal Henken Cintia , Fischer Jürgen
Published: March 2021

A new retrieval of total column water vapour (TCWV) from daytime measurements over land of the Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) on-board the Copernicus Sentinel-3 missions is presented. The Copernicus Sentinel-3 OLCI Water Vapour product (COWa) retrieval algorithm is based on the differential absorption technique, relating TCWV to the radiance ratio of non-absorbing band and nearby water vapour absorbing band and was previously also successfully applied to other passive imagers Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). One of the main advantages of the OLCI instrument regarding improved TCWV retrievals lies in the use of more than one absorbing band. Furthermore, the COWa retrieval algorithm is based on the full Optimal Estimation (OE) method, providing pixel-based uncertainty estimates, and transferable to other Near-Infrared (NIR) based TCWV observations. Three independent global TCWV data sets, i.e., Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET), Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) and U.S. SuomiNet, and a German Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) TCWV data set, all obtained from ground-based observations, serve as reference data sets for the validation. Comparisons show an overall good agreement, with absolute biases between 0.07 and 1.31 kg/m2 and root mean square errors (RMSE) between 1.35 and 3.26 kg/m2. This is a clear improvement in comparison to the operational OLCI TCWV Level 2 product, for which the bias and RMSEs range between 1.10 and 2.55 kg/m2 and 2.08 and 3.70 kg/m2, respectively. A first evaluation of pixel-based uncertainties indicates good estimated uncertainties for lower retrieval errors, while the uncertainties seem to be overestimated for higher retrieval errors.
Two Independent Light Dilution Corrections for the SO2 Camera Retrieve Comparable Emission Rates at Masaya Volcano, Nicaragua
Authors: Varnam Matthew , Burton Mike , Esse Ben , Salerno Giuseppe , Kazahaya Ryunosuke , Ibarra Martha
Published: March 2021

SO2 cameras are able to measure rapid changes in volcanic emission rate but require accurate calibrations and corrections to convert optical depth images into slant column densities. We conducted a test at Masaya volcano of two SO2 camera calibration approaches, calibration cells and co-located spectrometer, and corrected both calibrations for light dilution, a process caused by light scattering between the plume and camera. We demonstrate an advancement on the image-based correction that allows the retrieval of the scattering efficiency across a 2D area of an SO2 camera image. When appropriately corrected for the dilution, we show that our two calibration approaches produce final calculated emission rates that agree with simultaneously measured traverse flux data and each other but highlight that the observed distribution of gas within the image is different. We demonstrate that traverses and SO2 camera techniques, when used together, generate better plume speed estimates for traverses and improved knowledge of wind direction for the camera, producing more reliable emission rates. We suggest combining traverses and the SO2 camera should be adopted where possible.
A Preliminary Analysis on Gender Aspects in Transport Systems and Mobility Services: Presentation of a Survey Design
Authors: Pirra Miriam , Kalakou Sofia , Carboni Angela , Costa Mariana , Diana Marco , Lynce Ana Rita
Published: March 2021

As sustainability is becoming a common practice in planning transport systems and mobility services, the designation and management of gender issues are of paramount importance. TInnGO is a European Project that has developed a network of 10 national Hubs to build the capacity to generate and apply evidence on gender equality and transport issues at the European level. This paper presents the project activities by introducing a relevant framework and exploring user mobility experiences based on gender to identify diversified needs and requirements. This process relies on the combination of a review of current gender-oriented experiences and practices in mobility with focus group activities conducted in four different EU cities. The insights obtained from these activities supported the design of a survey to collect information on socioeconomic, personal, and operational aspects to serve a gender-oriented transport analysis for all the Hubs. These preliminary analyses identified the main issues related to the female mobility experience, namely safety, security, accessibility, and transport reliability. Future research on the data collected through the survey would help operators in successfully improving their mobility offer to women.
Water Quality in Thirty Freshwater Springs and Twenty Four Brackish Springs in the Karst Area to Realize Sustainable Water Resources Management
Authors: Sudia La Baco , Indriyani Lies , Yunus Lukman , Mursidi Baso , Yasin Asramid , Albasri  , Nurdin Muhammad
Published: March 2021

Clean water is an unlimited and sustainable need that must be fulfilled every day and meet an appropriate standard in terms of quantity and quality. The research objective in this study was to analyze the quality of water in thirty freshwater springs and twenty four brackish springs in the karst area of Buton Tengah Regency to achieve sustainable water resource management. Data on the quality of freshwater springs and brackish water springs chemically and biologically have been analyzed in the biology laboratory of FMIPA Universitas Halu Oleo, then the results are compared with the standards for water quality contained in the regulations of the Minister of Health and Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia. The results showed that the freshwater springs in Talaga Raya District exceeded the water quality standards for hardness parameter, while the brackish springs in Mawasangka Tengah, Mawasangka Timur, Lakudo, and Mawasangka Districts has exceeded the water quality standards for parameters of total dissolved solids, hardness, and chloride. However, these parameters are relatively easy to overcome so that the use of freshwater springs can qualify as drinking water, while the use of brackish springs should be used to meet domestic non-drinking water needs.
Improvement of Road Safety through Appropriate Cargo Securing Using Outliers
Authors: Vlkovský Martin , Neubauer Jiří , Malíšek Jiří , Michálek Jaroslav
Published: March 2021

The article focuses on evaluating a transportation experiment that intends to improve road safety by analyzing transport shocks that significantly affect the system of securing the load, vehicle, driver, and other aspects. Within Europe, improper or insufficient securing of loads causes up to 25% of all cargo vehicle accidents. Our transport experiment consists of eight rides of a Tatra truck. The measured values of shocks (acceleration coefficients) are statistically evaluated. Three hypotheses are established for these purposes. First, it is proven that the probability distributions of the shocks values differ statistically significantly among individual rides, namely in their shape and median value. Thus further statistical analyses are performed separately for the individual rides, axes, and the accelerometer locations. These analyses prove significant exceedances of the normatively set limits given by the EN 12195-1:2010 standard, which is potentially risky. Especially for the z axis and y axis, the set 20% limit was exceeded in 75.0% and 56.3% of cases, respectively. In the case of the x axis, the established 20% limit was practically not exceeded at all. The analysis of exceeding the permitted limits (the statistical evaluation of the second and third established hypothesis) is based on boxplots that graphically describe the individual rides, as well as on the found contaminated log-normal distribution of the values of the acceleration coefficients in the individual rides. The last hypothesis regarding exceeding the double value of the permitted limit is rejected. Methods of statistical comparison are used during data analysis. The probability distribution of acceleration coefficients is modeled using a contaminated log-normal distribution.
A Review on the Lignin Biopolymer and Its Integration in the Elaboration of Sustainable Materials
Authors: Vásquez-Garay Francisco , Carrillo-Varela Isabel , Vidal Claudia , Reyes-Contreras Pablo , Faccini Mirko , Teixeira Mendonça Regis
Published: March 2021

Lignin is one of the wood and plant cell wall components that is available in large quantities in nature. Its polyphenolic chemical structure has been of interest for valorization and industrial application studies. Lignin can be obtained from wood by various delignification chemical processes, which give it a structure and specific properties that will depend on the plant species. Due to the versatility and chemical diversity of lignin, the chemical industry has focused on its use as a viable alternative of renewable raw material for the synthesis of new and sustainable biomaterials. However, its structure is complex and difficult to characterize, presenting some obstacles to be integrated into mixtures for the development of polymers, fibers, and other materials. The objective of this review is to present a background of the structure, biosynthesis, and the main mechanisms of lignin recovery from chemical processes (sulfite and kraft) and sulfur-free processes (organosolv) and describe the different forms of integration of this biopolymer in the synthesis of sustainable materials. Among these applications are phenolic adhesive resins, formaldehyde-free resins, epoxy resins, polyurethane foams, carbon fibers, hydrogels, and 3D printed composites.
From Private Company to Water User Association and Natural Park over a Century: The Case of Riegos de Levante, Izquierda del Segura (Spain)
Authors: Fernández-Aracil Patricia , Melgarejo-Moreno Joaquín , López-Ortiz María-Inmaculada
Published: March 2021

This work examines the transformations occurred with the shift from private company to water user association and natural park, looking at one collective irrigation system located in Alicante province (Spain): Riegos de Levante, Izquierda del Segura, one of the most extensive irrigation areas in Europe. Between 1918 and 2018, a process of change and transformation of both landscape and institutions occurred, considering: infrastructure expansion and its operation, the transfer of irrigation management responsibilities to water user association, after years of financial operations with water, thanks to state intervention, the coexistence of traditional agriculture with the modernisation of the irrigation systems, the history of an irrigation reservoir which was transformed into a natural site in 1988, or the evolution of the composition of water resources, taking into account the arrival of the Tajo-Segura transfer waters from the year 1979. The general objective is to understand key factors driving these changes, by means of a paradigmatic case study, as well as to identify policymaking and context-relevant dynamics that could enable it.
Special Issue “Focus on the Salinization Issue in the Mediterranean Area”
Authors: Mastrocicco Micòl
Published: March 2021

Throughout the Mediterranean Region, recent and past studies have highlighted an increase in temperature, especially during summer, a decrease in precipitation and a change in the in-year precipitation pattern [...]
E-Engine for a Long-Tail Boat, an Application in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-Design and Comparison with Internal Combustion Engine
Authors: Tran Tuan Vu , Nguyen Huy Phuong , Phoemsapthawee Surasak , Kreuawan Sangkla
Published: March 2021

An Electric propulsion (E-propulsion) system for ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) long-tail boat is proposed in this article. It offers several advantages over a traditional internal combustion engine propulsion system. Besides low noise and zero-emission, characteristics of electric engine (E-engine) allow regenerative braking and starting the propeller in the water. A design of E-engine has been achieved through finite element analyses and lump-parameter thermal simulations. It shows better performances than Honda GX270 internal combustion engine in terms of volume, weight, torque, and power. A full scale prototype of E-engine was manufactured. Experiments have been conducted on an engine test bench. Torque, power, efficiency and temperatures were well aligned with the simulation results.
Analisis Pertumbuhan Laba Dalam Rasio Keuangan Pada Pt Semen Indonesia Tbk
Authors: Arnita Vina , Aulia Aulia , Muttaqin Eky Ermal , Suryani Suryani
Published: March 2021

This research was aimed to know the effects of variable Current Ratio, Total Assets Turnover, Gross Profit Margin, dan Return on Equity could be used to predict profit growth. The data used were the financial statements. Those were the Statement of Comprehensif Income and Statement of Financial Posisition of 5 basic industry and chemicals companies listed in Indonesian Stock Exchange from 2011 – 2017. To test hypothesis could be used regression analysis, T-test, F-test, and classical assumption test. The result of research showed that Total Assets Turnover, Gross Profit Margin, dan Return on Equity were significant effect to predict profit growth at basic industry and chemicals companies listed in Indonesian Stock Exchange while Current Ratio weren’t significant effect to predict profit growth at basic industry and chemicals companies listed in Indonesian Stock Exchange.
Analisis Terhadap Minat Berwirausaha Mahasiswa Dari Faktor Pendidikan Kewirausahaan, Motivasi Berwirausaha dan Lingkungan Keluarga
Authors: Nurhaida Nurhaida
Published: March 2021

This study aims to determine the effect of entrepreneurship education, entrepreneurial motivation and family environment on students' interest in entrepreneurship. This research was conducted at the Mandiri Bina Prestasi Polytechnic with a population of 178 students who had taken entrepreneurship courses. By using the Slovin formula, a sample of 64 students was obtained. In use in this research is a survey approach, the type of research used is descriptive quantitative. The technique of collecting data by means of interviews, distributing questionnaires and studying documentation. The data analysis model used multiple linear regression analysis, tested with a confidence level of 95%. To test the hypothesis, the simultaneous test (F test), partial test (t test) and determination coefficient measurement (R2 test) were carried out.The test results simultaneously have entrepreneurial education, entrepreneurial motivation and family environment have a significant effect on the entrepreneurial interest of Bina Prestasi Polytechnic students. Partially, entrepreneurship education has a significant effect on the entrepreneurial interest of the Mandiri Bina Prestasi Polytechnic students, entrepreneurial motivation has a significant effect on the entrepreneurial interest of the Mandiri Bina Prestasi Polytechnic students, and the family environment has a significant effect on the entrepreneurial interest of the Mandiri Bina Prestasi Polytechnic students. The coefficient of determination R Square is 0.574. This means that 57.40% of the variables of entrepreneurship education, entrepreneurial motivation and the family environment have the ability to explain their influence on interest in entrepreneurship. while the rest is influenced by other independent variables not examined in this study.
Pengaruh Peran Kampanye Media Sosial Terhadap Perilaku Pemilih Muda Di Kota Semarang
Authors: Saputra Nureza Ade , Erowati Dewi
Published: March 2021

Intensitas yang tinggi menjadikan media sosial sebagai saluran komunikasi politik alternative, juga dapat mempengaruhi perilaku memilih masyarakat. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk menganalisis peran penggunaan media sosial sebagai media Kampanye politik dalam mempengaruhi perilaku pemilih dengan mengungkapkan bagaimana peran kampanye politik di media sosial terhadap perilaku pemilih muda di Kota Semarang pada Pemilihan Presiden Tahun 2019 dan bagaimana media sosial sebagai media komunikasi baru untuk kampanye kegiatan politik dapat mempengaruhi perilaku pemilih muda di Kota Semarang pada Pemilihan Presiden Tahun 2019. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif, responden sebanyak 100 orang anak muda yang tersebar di Kota Semarang. Hasil analisis data menujukan, Koefisien regresi variabel peran kampanye sosial media adalah positif (0,792) dan signifikan. Pengujian variabel peran kampanye sosial media terhadap perilaku pemilih muda menghasilkan nilai Fhitung sebesar (120.636) > Ftabel (2.96) atau signifikansi (0.000) < (0.05), sehingga dapat disimpulkan H0 ditolak. Artinya ada pengaruh signifikan antara peran kampanye sosial media terhadap perilaku pemilih muda.
Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Contextual Teaching And Learning Terhadap Hasil Belajar Matematika Ditinjau Dari Berpikir Kritis
Authors: Harahap Titin Delina , Husein Rahmad , Suroyo Suroyo
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate The Effect of Contextual Teaching and Learning Model on Mathematic Achievement in terms of Critical Thinking.  The type of research used a semi- experimental quantitative research method in which applying two experimental classes with the same sample characteristics. The population was all the students in Kotapinang district and the sample was 62 of the fifth grade elementary students of SDN 112224 Kotapinang. In the experiment class (CTL Model), the sample was 32 students. While in the control class (Conventional Model), the sample was 30 students. Research instrument used Achievement test of 10 questions from sturffing that conducted validity and reliability tests and questionnaire Critical Thinking of 16 statements. Based on the treatment, In the experiment class got Achievement 81,88  While in the control class got Achievement 73,11. And for the result, there was a significant effect on Mathematics Achievement.  Applying CTL model in learning on the fifth grade elementary students who had high critical thinking showed that their mathematics achievement is better than that applying conventional model. So, in conclusion, applying CTL model gave better effect on mathematics achievement of the fifth elementary students in terms of critical thinking in Kotapinang district.
Perkembangan Industri Content Aggregator dalam Pemberitaan Online: Studi Kasus pada Konten Berita di Line Today
Authors: Ananto Sahrul Haetamy
Published: March 2021

The development of internet technology itself has had an influence on the existence of media, including the emergence of online media. Because online media allows for faster dissemination of information but sacrifices the basic principles of journalism, one of which is the accuracy of news. The Line Today feature as a product of internet development is an online news portal that positions itself as a content aggregator, namely a method of compiling news by publishing a number of news from other media. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to find out about the content aggregator in online news on the online news portal Line Today. This research is a qualitative descriptive study, data collection techniques using observation. By using the approach of medium theory, new media, and content aggregator, the results of this study indicate that the shift of conventional mass media to digital is part of the development of new media. It is also known that in online media, there is an important role for content aggregators as part of online news portals. In addition, as an online news portal that positions itself as a content aggregator, Line Today collects and selects news from online media that have collaborated to be republished.