bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of U.S. Trade Policy Uncertainty on the Trade Margins of China’s Export to the U.S.
Authors: Zhang Ruxu , Qu Yahui
Published: November 2022

Since the subprime crisis, the U.S. has begun to adjust its international trade policies due to the worldwide economic slowdown, leaving its trading partners facing great uncertainty in trade policy. In this study, we developed a panel model to empirically analyze the impact of U.S. trade policy uncertainty on the extensive margin, intensive margin, price margin, and quantity margin of Chinese exports of U.S. goods. We found that U.S. trade policy uncertainty is also a trade barrier for China’s export trade. The extensive margin, intensive margin, price margin, and quantity margin of Chinese exports to the U.S. are all adversely connected with U.S. trade policy uncertainty. The increase in U.S. trade policy uncertainty significantly inhibits the increase in the extensive margin, intensive margin, and quantity margin of China’s exports to America, and the degree of inhibition of the quantity margin is five times that of the extensive margin. Increased U.S. trade policy uncertainty also restrains the increase in the price margin of Chinese exports to America, but this is not statistically significant. In this study, we emphasize the significant impact that U.S. trade policy uncertainty has had on the trade margins of Chinese exports of goods to America. To stabilize China’s exports to the United States, China should increase support for export enterprises’ technological R&D and innovation, expand bilateral or multilateral free trade agreements with other countries, and so on.
Design and Analysis of DFIG-STATCOM Coordinated P2P Grid Connected System Using RMSProp
Authors: Hete R. R. , Mishra Sanjay Kumar , Dash Ritesh , Jyotheeswara Reddy Kalvakurthi , Subburaj Vivekanandan , C Dhanamjayulu
Published: November 2022

This research work establishes a relationship between STATCOM and DFIG wind turbines in a transmission network for coordinated operation during grid disturbances. A change in wind gust also produces a variable output nonlinearly, thereby making the system unstable. Assuring bus voltage and proper balance of load angle in all the connected generating stations becomes challenging. Therefore, increasing voltage security at all the lines and further enhancing system stability leads to the placement of STATCOM at the proper location in the transmission line. Appropriate coordinated control of STATCOM and DFIG can lead to adequate power flow in the system. This research includes a multi-objective optimization problem for properly tuning the PI- controller. The voltage at the controlled bus, low-frequency oscillating waveforms, and real power available at the bus under pre-fault and post-fault conditions are identified as objective function parameters. To avoid the overgrowth of error inside the search space due to lack of normalization, this method uses the RMSProp algorithm for proper convergence in the state vector. The coordinated control action has been investigated in the different shunt fault conditions. Again, to enhance the system stability, low voltage ride-through capability has been thoroughly verified using Matlab software.
Analysis of Hybrid MCDM Methods for the Performance Assessment and Ranking Public Transport Sector: A Case Study
Authors: Goyal Swati , Agarwal Shivi , Singh Narinderjit Singh Sawaran , Mathur Trilok , Mathur Nirbhay
Published: November 2022

The quality of the public transport sector affects the economy and the daily livelihoods of passengers. One of the most important objectives of policymakers is to choose the influencing criteria for performance evaluations. A variety of factors are crucial for raising the standards of public transportation services. In this investigation, we used a decision-based model with uncertainty in order to identify significant criteria in the public transport sector. We also performed a comparative analysis to rank the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) bus depots based on their performance using hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques such as TOPSIS, VIKOR, and ELECTRE. To handle judgement ambiguities, in this work we incorporated the Delphi method (DM) and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), along with fuzzy set theory. The fuzzy Delphi method was used to filter the important criteria. Using a fuzzy AHP approach, the screening criterion weights and rankings were determined. Furthermore, the bus depots were ranked using TOPSIS, VIKOR, and ELECTRE. Our findings can be applied in assisting policy-managers in formulating appropriate policies targeted at improving the overall health and competitiveness of bus depots using significant criteria and associated key indicators. In this study we investigated performance measures and proposed recommendations for the sustainable development of transportation in India.
Energy Crisis, Firm Productivity, Political Crisis, and Sustainable Growth of the Textile Industry: An Emerging Economy Perspective
Authors: Yasmeen Rizwana , Shah Wasi Ul Hassan , Ivascu Larisa , Tao Rui , Sarfraz Muddassar
Published: November 2022

Pakistan’s textile industry is suffering from an electricity shortage and political turmoil. Due to a state of instability in which nothing is certain, things cannot be brought into balance by the state. Therefore, we employ firm-level data (101) to investigate the impact of expected and unexpected power outages on textile firm productivity throughout 2014 to 2019. The study assesses the importance of political stability for the flourishing of Pakistan’s textile sector. Outages were found to significantly negatively impact textile sector sales revenue, likely leading to lower results (by 0.240% and 0.0569%). The duration and frequency of outages had significant adverse influences on reducing firm revenue. It has been estimated that a 1 h outage will cause to loss of revenue of approximately 24 percent. Comparatively, load-shedding hours had a smaller impact on lowering firms’ sales revenues, which were 5% to 8% with and without political stability inclusion. Further, outage hours decreased the export of textiles by 0.286%. The magnitude of export reduction by outages and load shedding was higher. The driving impact of political stability was higher than the impacts of expected and unexpected shortages. A stable political system is necessary to develop feasible solutions.
Young People Are Changing Their Socio-Ecological Reality to Face Climate Change: Contrasting Transformative Youth Commitment with Division and Inertia of Governments
Authors: Pena-Vega Alfredo , Cohen Marianne , Flores Luis , Le Treut Hervé , Lagos Marcelo , Castilla Juan , Gaxiola Aurora , Marquet Pablo
Published: November 2022

This paper contributes to a critical re-reading of the notion of climate services. It does so by problematizing the discontinuity between young people’s commitment to climate change, and the lack of a common vision regarding climate policy among governments. In this essay, youth commitment is characterized in terms of participation in the Global Youth Climate Pact (GYCP, 2015–2022). Here, young people share projects from their own high schools and communities and participate in a citizen consultation. Most projects have achieved a good success score, increasing over the years, especially for those carried out in emerging and developing countries. Some of them were presented at the COPs. In contrast, a textual analysis of intended nationally determined contributions (INDC) illustrates divergent understandings of the Paris Agreement and exemplifies the poor results of governmental climate diplomacy. This study establishes the need to closely monitor early warning signs of climate change in conjunction with high schools and school communities. The initiatives of young people are building a civic and planetary awareness for climate change in contrast with governmental division and inertia. In this sense, climate services, directed to young people, could contribute to design a sustainable future. We approach the practices, attitudes, and commitments of young people from the angle of cooperation rather than a moral vision of responsibility. Particularly, we propose a dialogical link between the treatment of climate issues and its effects on the constitution of networks, notably as they relate to practices of action, that is, the way in which distinct groups of young people develop relationships with their environments, organize themselves, and act and transform reality.
Can Mixed Land Use Reduce CO2 Emissions? A Case Study of 268 Chinese Cities
Authors: Li Qixuan , Chen Xingli , Jiao Sheng , Song Wenmei , Zong Wenke , Niu Yanhe
Published: November 2022

Land is the carrier of human economic activities, and its utilization has a profound impact on CO2 emissions. With the advancement of urbanization, mixed land use has become a universal feature of cities. Analyzing the impact of mixed land use on CO2 emissions is one of the prominent premises for coordinating urban development and the ecological environment. Using information entropy of land use structure (IELUS) to reflect its mixing degree, it was found that the relationship between IELUS and CO2 emissions presents a positive U-shaped curve. Additionally, when IELUS is less than 0.351, they are negatively correlated, and vice versa. This means that cities can appropriately shift toward a higher degree of a mixed land use pattern to alleviate their environmental pressure. Further research shows that the spatial spillover effect will dilute the impact of mixed land use on CO2 emissions. Meanwhile, improving production efficiency and increasing public transport travel are significant ways in a mixed land use model to reduce CO2 emissions. Overall, this study provides a reference for the rational allocation of low-carbon land use systems.
The Personalized and Inclusive MOOC: Using Learning Characteristics and Quality Principles in Instructional Design
Authors: Bustamante-León Martín , Herrera Paúl , Domínguez-Granda Luis , Schellens Tammy , Goethals Peter L. M. , Alejandro Otilia , Valcke Martin
Published: November 2022

In Ecuador, 30% of the population does not consume drinking water of good quality. One of the causes is related to the deficiency in the technical skills of water operators because some have not had access to elementary, high school or higher education due to factors of extreme vulnerability. The Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), having an inclusive and accessible typology with attention to people at risk of social exclusion are an option to strengthen the skills of operators. Therefore, the goal of this study is to create an instructional design in MOOCs that responds to the characteristics and learning needs of a sample of 286 operators of the drinking water system. The instructional design is based on the information systems success model of DeLone and McLean and the quality principles of Merrill, Margaryan, Locke, Latham and Seijts. The results present an instructional design including quality content with objectives and learning strategies that respond to the learning characteristics of the operators as well as activities and resources with a cognitive, emotional, and behavioral didactic approach oriented at changing attitudes to learning. Finally, we can conclude that the developed instructional design promotes a more inclusive, equitable and quality education.
Land Use Carbon Emission Measurement and Risk Zoning under the Background of the Carbon Peak: A Case Study of Shandong Province, China
Authors: Zhong Jia-Li , Qi Wei , Dong Min , Xu Meng-Han , Zhang Jia-Yu , Xu Yi-Xiao , Zhou Zi-Jie
Published: November 2022

Land use and cover change (LUCC) has a non-negligible impact on both carbon emissions and carbon sinks. Based on the analysis of land use dynamics in Shandong Province, this study simulates land use changes in Shandong Province in 2030 under the Natural Development Scenario (NDS) and Sustainable Development Scenario (SDS), classifies the risk level of carbon emissions in Shandong Province using the Land Use Carbon Emission (LUCE) risk indexes, and compares the differences between the risk level regions under NDS and SDS. This study shows that under the influence of LUCC, the carbon emissions in Shandong province increased significantly, from 90.5591 million tons in 2000 to 493.538 million tons in 2020, with urban land being the main source of carbon emissions, which increased from 90.0757 million tons in 2000 to 490.139 million tons in 2020. The main source of the increase in urban land was cropland. The LUCE was positively correlated with urban land area. The LUCE of SDS was 7.2423 million tons less than that of NDS. From 2000 to 2020, the risk areas of LUCE in Shandong province were mainly no-risk and mild-risk areas. The number of moderate-risk areas and high-risk areas of SDS was less than that of NDS. The rational organization of land use is important for Shandong Province to achieve low-carbon development.
Direct-Use Geothermal Energy Location Multi-Criteria Planning for On-Site Energy Security in Emergencies: A Case Study of Malaysia
Authors: Le Minh-Tai , Nhieu Nhat-Luong , Pham Thuy-Duong Thi
Published: November 2022

Geothermal potential is a significant advantage in terms of renewable energy for countries located on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Studies on geothermal energy sources show that Malaysia is one of the countries possessing this inexhaustible and stable energy source. This on-site energy source is a promising solution to the problem of energy security during emergencies where the energy supply chain is disrupted. To exploit this advantage, this study proposes a novel tri-layer framework to prioritize locations for direct-use geothermal energy location (DGL) in Malaysia. First, the proposed locations are screened for feasibility to limit the impact on other natural conservation areas and stable residential areas. In the second layer, locations are evaluated for efficiency using the data envelopment analysis (DEA) model based on quantitative indicators. In the third layer, the spherical fuzzy extended combination of the analytic hierarchy process (SF AHP) and the combined compromise solution (SF CoCoSo) methods are introduced and applied to prioritize high-efficiency locations. According to the findings, costs, social acceptance, and noise impacts are the qualitative criteria of most concern for DGLs. Through the tri-layer framework, the suggested concordant locations for DGLs in Malaysia are Marudi of Sarawak, Tawau of Sabah, Serian of Sarawak, and Jeram of Selangor.
Effect of Food Quality and Nutritional Attributes on Consumer Choices during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Anis Zainab Bintay , Rahman Hafiz Ubaid ur , Khalid Nauman
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: During COVID-19, disruption in food demand and supply chain led to changes in food choices in response to consumer demand, frequency of delivered items, and production setup during a pandemic. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of quality and nutritional attributes on consumer food consumption behavior, attitude, and practices. (2) Methods: In this regard, cross-sectional survey research was conducted through a structured questionnaire. (3) Results: The results of the study showed that there was no difference in the receptiveness of COVID-19 infection between both genders. Quality perspective (p = 0.001) was deemed a significant positive predictor in the change of food consumption patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also stated price (p = 0.045) and purity (p = 0.009) as a quality factor while sugar (p = 0.028) and fiber (p = 0.034) content, as nutritional attributes, influenced the consumption frequency of food groups. The overall experience of online shopping was in the neutral category. (4) Conclusions: It was concluded that food quality cues as well as nutritional attributes affected consumer food choices during the COVID-19 pandemic regardless of gender. Online shopping trends were influenced but overall experience remained neutral during the pandemic.
Dynamics Analysis of a Class of Stochastic SEIR Models with Saturation Incidence Rate
Authors: Liu Pengpeng , Tan Xuewen
Published: November 2022

In this article, a class of stochastic SEIR models with saturation incidence is studied. The model is a symmetric and compatible distribution family. This paper studies various properties of the system by constructing Lyapunov functions. First, the gradual properties of the systematic solution near the disease-free equilibrium of the deterministic model is studied, followed by the final behavior of the model, including stochastic persistence and final extinction. Finally, the existence conditions of the stationary distribution of the model are given, and then it is proved that it is traversed, and the corresponding conclusions are verified through numerical simulation.
Symmetric Heat Transfer Pattern of Fuel Assembly Subchannels in a Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor
Authors: Huang Chao , Liu Jianquan , Hai Lihan , Dong Zenghao , Niu Xinyi
Published: November 2022

The method outlined in this paper is convenient and effective for studying the thermal performance of fuel assemblies cooled with sodium fast reactors using the subchannel procedure. To initially study an optimization model for a symmetric single fuel assembly heat transfer pattern analysis in a fast sodium-cooled reactor based on subchannel calculations, this paper innovatively proposes a subchannel heat transfer analysis method with the entransy dissipation theory, which can solve the limitations and inaccuracies of the traditional entropy method such as poor applicability for heat transfer processes without functional conversion and the paradox of entropy production of heat exchangers. The symmetric distributions of the thermal-hydraulic parameters such as coolant flow rate, coolant temperature, cladding temperature, and fuel pellet temperature were calculated, and the entransy dissipation calculation method corresponding to the fuel assembly subchannels was derived based on the entransy theory. The effect of subchannel differences on the thermal-hydraulic parameters and the symmetric distribution pattern of entransy dissipation during the cooling process of the fuel assembly was analyzed and compared from the symmetrical arrangement of subchannels in the axial and radial directions.
Type-1 Robotic Assembly Line Balancing Problem That Considers Energy Consumption and Cross-Station Design
Authors: Chi Yuanying , Qiao Zhaoxuan , Li Yuchen , Li Mingyu , Zou Yang
Published: November 2022

Robotic assembly lines are widely applied to mass production because of their adaptability and versatility. As we know, using robots will lead to energy-consumption and pollution problems, which has been a hot-button topic in recent years. In this paper, we consider an assembly line balancing problem with minimizing the number of workstations as the primary objective and minimizing energy consumption as the secondary objective. Further, we propose a novel mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model considering a realistic production process design—cross-station task, which is an important contribution of our paper. The “cross-station task” design has already been applied to practice but rarely studied academically in type-1 RALBP. A simulated annealing algorithm is developed, which incorporates a restart mechanism and an improvement strategy. Computational tests demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is superior to two other classic algorithms, which are the particle swarm algorithm and late acceptance hill-climbing algorithm.
Prenatal Metal Exposures and Associations with Kidney Injury Biomarkers in Children
Authors: Politis Maria D. , Yao Meizhen , Gennings Chris , Tamayo-Ortiz Marcela , Valvi Damaskini , Kim-Schulze Seunghee , Qi Jingjing , Amarasiriwardena Chitra , Pantic Ivan , Tolentino Mari Cruz , Estrada-Gutierrez Guadalupe , Greenberg Jason H. , Téllez-Rojo Martha M. , Wright Robert O. , Sanders Alison P. , Rosa Maria José
Published: November 2022

Prenatal exposure to arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) may be nephrotoxic, yet limited studies have examined subclinical kidney injury biomarkers in children. We assessed whether metal exposure in the second trimester (2T), a crucial time of kidney development, is associated with altered urine kidney injury and function biomarkers in preadolescent children. Analyses included 494 children participating in a birth cohort study in Mexico City. Concentrations of As, Cd, and Pb were measured from pregnant women in 2T blood and urine, and Hg in urine only. Kidney biomarkers were measured from children in urine at age 8–12 years. We assessed the associations between individual metals and (1) kidney biomarkers using linear regression and (2) a multi-protein kidney mixture using weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression. Associations of separate urine and blood metal mixtures with individual kidney biomarkers were assessed via WQS. Within the multi-protein mixture, the association with increased urinary As was predominated by urine alpha-1-microglobulin (A1M), interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP10), and fatty acid binding protein 1; the association with increased urinary Cd was predominated by A1M, clusterin, and albumin. The urine metal mixture was associated with increased albumin (0.23 ng/mL; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.10, 0.37), IP10 (0.15 ng/mL; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.28), and cystatin C (0.17 ng/mL; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.31); these associations were mainly driven by urinary As and Cd. We observed null associations between prenatal blood or urine metal mixtures and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Higher prenatal urinary metals, individually and as a mixture were associated with altered kidney injury biomarkers in children. Further research and longer participant follow-up are required to ascertain the risk of kidney disease later in life.
First Evidence of Co-Circulation of Emerging Leishmania martiniquensis, Leishmania orientalis, and Crithidia sp. in Culicoides Biting Midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), the Putative Vectors for Autochthonous Transmission in Southern Thailand
Authors: Songumpai Nopporn , Promrangsee Chulaluk , Noopetch Preudtipong , Siriyasatien Padet , Preativatanyou Kanok
Published: November 2022

Since 1996, autochthonous cases of emerging leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis and Leishmania (Mundinia) orientalis have been more frequently reported, especially in the northern and southern parts of Thailand. However, the accurate identification of their natural vectors and reservoirs remains unconfirmed. Previous studies have suggested that these emerging parasites might be transmitted by other non-phlebotomine vectors. Herein, we speculated that Culicoides biting midges might act as the competent vectors responsible for autochthonous leishmaniasis in southern Thailand. In this research, 187 non-engorged, parous and gravid Culicoides females and 47 blood-engorged ones were trapped from the residences of two recently diagnosed visceral leishmaniasis patients in Sadao District and the unaffected site in Rattaphum District, Songkhla Province, southern Thailand. Species diversity and abundance of biting midges varied among the trapping sites. Using ITS1-PCR and BLASTn analysis, L. martiniquensis was predominantly detected in several Culicoides species, including C. peregrinus, C. oxystoma, C. mahasarakhamense, and C. huffi from the vicinity of patients’ houses; and in C. fordae and C. fulvus from the unaffected site. L. orientalis was also co-circulated in C. peregrinus and C. oxystoma caught near the second patient’s house. Additionally, Crithidia sp. were also detected using SSU rRNA-PCR across Culicoides spp. Host blood meal analysis of eight different Culicoides species from the unaffected site also revealed that all trapped Culicoides had fed on cows and goats, indicating the possible role of these mammalian species as reservoir hosts. Essentially, this study is the first entomological investigation, revealing the co-circulation of emerging trypanosomatids among several species of Culicoides biting midges and strongly supporting the potential role of this insect group as the main vectors responsible for the epidemiology of autochthonous leishmaniasis in southern Thailand.
Novel HCV Genotype 4d Infectious Systems and Assessment of Direct-Acting Antivirals and Antibody Neutralization
Authors: Pham Long V. , Velázquez-Moctezuma Rodrigo , Fahnøe Ulrik , Collignon Laura , Bajpai Priyanka , Sølund Christina , Weis Nina , Holmbeck Kenn , Prentoe Jannick , Bukh Jens
Published: November 2022

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4 is highly prevalent in the Middle East and parts of Africa. Subtype 4d has recently spread among high-risk groups in Europe. However, 4d infectious culture systems are not available, hampering studies of drugs, as well as neutralizing antibodies relevant for HCV vaccine development. We determined the consensus 4d sequence from a chronic hepatitis C patient by next-generation sequencing, generated a full-length clone thereof (pDH13), and demonstrated that pDH13 RNA-transcripts were viable in the human-liver chimeric mouse model, but not in Huh7.5 cells. However, a JFH1-based DH13 Core-NS5A 4d clone encoding A1671S, T1785V, and D2411G was viable in Huh7.5 cells, with efficient growth after inclusion of 10 additional substitutions [4d(C5A)-13m]. The efficacies of NS3/4A protease- and NS5A- inhibitors against genotypes 4a and 4d were similar, except for ledipasvir, which is less potent against 4d. Compared to 4a, the 4d(C5A)-13m virus was more sensitive to neutralizing monoclonal antibodies AR3A and AR5A, as well as 4a and 4d patient plasma antibodies. In conclusion, we developed the first genotype 4d infectious culture system enabling DAA efficacy testing and antibody neutralization assessment critical to optimization of DAA treatments in the clinic and for vaccine design to combat the HCV epidemic.
A Vaccine Strategy Based on the Identification of an Annular Ganglioside Binding Motif in Monkeypox Virus Protein E8L
Authors: Fantini Jacques , Chahinian Henri , Yahi Nouara
Published: November 2022

The recent outbreak of Monkeypox virus requires the development of a vaccine specifically directed against this virus as quickly as possible. We propose here a new strategy based on a two-step analysis combining (i) the search for binding domains of viral proteins to gangliosides present in lipid rafts of host cells, and (ii) B epitope predictions. Based on previous studies of HIV and SARS-CoV-2 proteins, we show that the Monkeypox virus cell surface-binding protein E8L possesses a ganglioside-binding motif consisting of several subsites forming a ring structure. The binding of the E8L protein to a cluster of gangliosides GM1 mimicking a lipid raft domain is driven by both shape and electrostatic surface potential complementarities. An induced-fit mechanism unmasks selected amino acid side chains of the motif without significantly affecting the secondary structure of the protein. The ganglioside-binding motif overlaps three potential linear B epitopes that are well exposed on the unbound E8L surface that faces the host cell membrane. This situation is ideal for generating neutralizing antibodies. We thus suggest using these three sequences derived from the E8L protein as immunogens in a vaccine formulation (recombinant protein, synthetic peptides or genetically based) specific for Monkeypox virus. This lipid raft/ganglioside-based strategy could be used for developing therapeutic and vaccine responses to future virus outbreaks, in parallel to existing solutions.
Does the COVID-19 Vaccination Rate Change According to the Education and Income: A Study on Vaccination Rates in Cities of Turkey between 2021-September and 2022-February
Authors: Cengiz Beyza , Sayılır Mustafa Ünal , Zengin Nur Yıldız , Küçük Öykü Nehir , Soylu Abdullah Ruhi
Published: November 2022

Background: The increase in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination rates in Turkey and in the world plays a key role in reducing the number of deaths and cases from COVID-19. Investigating the underlying causes of COVID-19 vaccine hesitations seems to be a guide in reducing the negative effects of the pandemic. Methods: We analyzed the correlations between double COVID-19 vaccination rates of all cities in Turkey between 1 September 2021 and 1 February 2022 and their per capita income values and their education level percentages. Results: Overall, there was a negative correlation between the vaccination rates of cities and the percentages of illiterate, literate without a diploma, and secondary school graduates for both genders. However, there was a positive correlation between city vaccination rates and the percentages of primary school and college graduates. City income values per capita values were positively correlated with double vaccination rates of cities. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that not only low levels of education, but also interruption of education at some point make a significant contribution to vaccination hesitancy and ultimately to vaccination levels. In order to end the pandemic and reach a sufficient percentage of vaccines, it may be necessary to address some special groups and raise awareness of these groups about vaccination.
Persisting Vaccine Hesitancy in Africa: The Whys, Global Public Health Consequences and Ways-Out—COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance Rates as Case-in-Point
Authors: Njoga Emmanuel O. , Awoyomi Olajoju J. , Onwumere-Idolor Onyinye S. , Awoyomi Priscilla O. , Ugochukwu Iniobong C. I. , Ozioko Stella N.
Published: November 2022

Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is the seventh among the WHO’s top 10 threats to global public health, which has continued to perpetuate the transmission of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) in Africa. Consequently, this paper systematically reviewed COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rates (VARs)—including the vaccine uptake and vaccination intention—in Africa from 2020 to 2022, compared the rates within the five African regions and determined the context-specific causes of VH in Africa. Generally, COVID-19 VARs ranged from 21.0% to 97.9% and 8.2% to 92.0% with mean rates of 59.8 ± 3.8% and 58.0 ± 2.4% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Southern and eastern African regions had the top two VARs of 83.5 ± 6.3% and 68.9 ± 6.6% in 2021, and 64.2 ± 4.6% and 61.2 ± 5.1% in 2022, respectively. Based on population types, healthcare workers had a marginal increase in their mean COVID-19 VARs from 55.5 ± 5.6% in 2021 to 60.8 ± 5.3% in 2022. In other populations, the mean VARs decreased from 62.7 ± 5.2% in 2021 to 54.5 ± 4% in 2022. As of 25 October 2022, Africa lags behind the world with only 24% full COVID-19 vaccinations compared to 84%, 79% and 63% reported, respectively, in the Australian continent, upper-middle-income countries and globally. Apart from the problems of confidence, complacency, convenience, communications and context, the context-specific factors driving COVID-19 VH in Africa are global COVID-19 vaccine inequality, lack of vaccine production/maintenance facilities, insecurity, high illiteracy level, endemic corruption, mistrust in some political leaders, the spreading of unconfirmed anti-vaccination rumors and political instability. With an overall mean COVID-19 acceptance rate of 58%, VH still subsists in Africa. The low VARs in Africa have detrimental global public health implications, as it could facilitate the emergence of immune invading SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, which may spread globally. Consequently, there is a need to confront these challenges frontally and engage traditional and religious leaders in the fight against VH in Africa, to restore public trust in the safety and efficacy of vaccines generally. As the availability of COVID-19 vaccines improves, the vaccination of pets and zoo-animals from which reverse zoonotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 have been reported is recommended, to limit the evolution and spread of new variants of concern and avert possible SARS-CoV-2 epizootic or panzootic diseases in susceptible animal species.
System Dynamics Modeling in Local Water Management: Assessing Strategies for the City of Boerne, Texas
Authors: Rueda Vianey , Young Michael H. , Faust Kasey , Rateb Ashraf , Leibowicz Benjamin D.
Published: November 2022

As more pressure is exerted onto water sources, hydrologic systems may be altered in ways that are difficult to predict. In Texas, water deficits can become widespread as sources are strained beyond capacity. For smaller communities, such as Boerne, Texas, water management and planning is a way to prepare. The supply-demand water balance in Boerne is conceptualized through causal loop diagrams and system dynamics modeling. Through stakeholder engagement, xeriscaping, rainwater harvesting, and smart meters were chosen as interventions, each varied in adoption levels. The resulting 125 combinations were analyzed under three scenarios: a base case assuming maximum supply of water is firm, and two responses to a meteorological drought. Results show that the city can effectively forestall a deficit. Different combinations of adoptions can achieve the same goal, giving the city optionality in choosing strategies that are best suited for its needs and constraints. Rainwater harvesting was found to be the dominant intervention influencing demand, but its influence is reduced in the two drought scenarios. Xeriscaping was the second most influential intervention and smart meters for irrigation had no effect on demand. The approach used in this study highlights the interdependency between community adoption of conservation strategies and the importance of considering these relationships using systems modeling.
Statistical Analysis of the Potential of Landslides Induced by Combination between Rainfall and Earthquakes
Authors: Tseng Chih-Ming , Chen Yie-Ruey , Chang Chwen-Ming , Yang Ya-Ling , Chen Yu-Ru , Hsieh Shun-Chieh
Published: November 2022

This study analyzed the potential of landslides induced by the interaction between rainfall and earthquakes. Dapu Township and Alishan Township in Chiayi County, southern Taiwan, were included as study areas. From satellite images and the literature, we collected data for multiple years and time series and then used the random forest data mining algorithm for satellite image interpretation. A hazard index for the interaction between earthquakes and rainfall (IHERI) was proposed, and an index for the degree of land disturbance (IDLD) was estimated to explore the characteristics of IHERI under specific natural environmental and slope land use conditions. The results revealed that among the investigated disaster-causing factors, the degree of slope land use disturbance, the slope of the natural environment, and rainfall exerted the strongest effect on landslide occurrence. When IHERI or IDLD was higher, the probability of a landslide also increased, and under conditions of a similar IDLD, the probability of landslides increased as the IHERI value increased, and vice versa. Thus, given the interaction between rainfall and earthquakes in the study area, the effect of the degree of slope land use disturbance on landslides should not be ignored. The results of a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that the areas under the ROC curve for landslides induced by different trigger factors were all above 0.94. The results indicate that the area in which medium–high-level landslides are induced by an interaction between rainfall and earthquakes is large.
Inverse Estimation of Soil Hydraulic Parameters in a Landslide Deposit Based on a DE-MC Approach
Authors: Chen Sijie , Yan Haiwen , Shao Wei , Yu Wenjun , Wei Lingna , Yang Zongji , Su Ye , Kan Guangyuan , Luo Shaohui
Published: November 2022

Extreme rainfall is a common triggering factor of landslide disasters, for infiltration and pore water pressure propagation can reduce suction stress and shear strength at the slip surface. The subsurface hydrological model is an essential component in the early-warning system of rainfall-triggered landslides, whereas soil moisture and pore water pressure simulated by the Darcy–Richards equation could be significantly affected by uncertainties in soil hydraulic parameters. This study conducted an inverse analysis of in situ measured soil moisture in an earthquake-induced landslide deposit, and the soil hydraulic parameters were optimized with the Differential Evolution Markov chain Monte Carlo method (DE-MC). The DE-MC approach was initially validated with a synthetic numerical experiment to demonstrate its effectiveness in finding the true soil hydraulic parameters. Besides, the soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) and hydraulic conductivity function (HCF) described with optimized soil hydraulic parameter sets had similar shapes despite the fact that soil hydraulic parameters may be different. Such equifinality phenomenon in inversely estimated soil hydraulic parameters, however, did not affect the performance of simulated soil moisture dynamics in the synthetic numerical experiment. The application of DE-MC to a real case study of a landslide deposit also indicated satisfying model performance in terms of accurate match between the in situ measured soil moisture content and ensemble of simulations. In conclusion, based on the satisfying performance of simulated soil moisture and the posterior probability density function (PDF) of parameter sets, the DE-MC approach can significantly reduce uncertainties in specified prior soil hydraulic parameters. This study suggested the integration of the DE-MC approach with the Darcy–Richards equation for an accurate quantification of unsaturated soil hydrology, which can be an essential modeling strategy to support the early-warning of rainfall-triggered landslides.
The Analytical Solution of an Unsteady State Heat Transfer Model for the Confined Aquifer under the Influence of Water Temperature Variation in the River Channel
Authors: Wei Ting , Tao Yuezan , Ren Honglei , Lin Fei
Published: November 2022

The effect of water temperature variation in a river channel on groundwater temperature in the confined aquifer it cuts can be generalized to a one-dimensional thermal convection-conduction problem in which the boundary water temperature rises instantaneously and then remains constant. The basic equation of thermal transport for such a problem is the viscous Burgers equation, which is difficult to solve analytically. To solve this problem, the Cole–Hopf transform was used to convert the second-order nonlinear thermal convection-conduction equation into a heat conduction equation with exponential function-type boundary conditions. Considering the difficulty of calculating the inverse of the image function of the boundary function, the characteristics and properties of the Laplace transform were used to derive the theoretical solution of the model without relying on the transformation of the boundary function, and the analytical solution was obtained by substituting the boundary condition into the theoretical solution. The analytical solution was used to analyze the temperature response laws of aquifers to parameter variation. Subsequently, a 40-day numerical simulation was conducted to analyze the boundary influence range and the results from the analytical method were compared to those from the numerical method. The study shows that: (1) the greater the distance from the river canal and the lower the aquifer flow velocity, the slower the aquifer temperature changes; (2) the influence range of the river canal boundary increases from 18.19 m to 23.19 m at the end of simulation period as the groundwater seepage velocity v increases from 0.08 m/d to 0.12 m/d; (3) the relative errors of the analytical and numerical methods are mostly less than 5%, confirming the rationality of the analytical solution.
Implementação do prontuário eletrônico do cidadão da estratégia e-SUS APS pelos profissionais médicos e enfermeiros da atenção primária à saúde das regiões Leste e Vale do Aço de Minas Gerais
Authors:   , Pêgo Lidianny Aparecida Godinho
Published: November 2022

O Prontuário Eletrônico do Cidadão (PEC) compõe uma estratégia de informatização da Atenção Primária à Saúde denominada e-SUS APS. Busca-se por meio desta pesquisa avaliar a implementação do PEC da estratégia e-SUS APS pelos profissionais médicos e enfermeiros da Atenção Primária à Saúde de duas macrorregiões de saúde de Minas Gerais, através de uma pesquisa avaliativa de abordagem quantitativa de formato observacional analítico e delineamento transversal. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de formulário online e envolveu 326 participantes (médicos e enfermeiros) vinculados às equipes da Atenção Primária. Foi construída uma Matriz de Análise e Julgamento para avaliar e ponderar as questões avaliativas no instrumento de coleta. O Grau de implementação do PEC (GIPEC) foi calculado e suas categorias definidas por quartis, assim como realizado o teste estatístico Modelo Linear Geral. Os principais resultados encontrados foram: GIPEC geral 65,8, sendo classificado como não adequado; GIPEC de enfermeiros foi de 68,6 e de médicos igual a 61,8, sendo parcialmente adequado e não adequado respectivamente. A disponibilidade de estrutura foi não adequada. De maneira geral, o Grau de Implementação (GI) de cada uma das funcionalidades (assistenciais e gerenciais) foi classificado como não adequado, mas há diferença quando se compara as profissões. Apenas os médicos tem GI de funcionalidades assistenciais para registro de atendimentos parcialmente adequado, enquanto somente os enfermeiros possuem o GI de funcionalidades assistenciais para organização do atendimento e GI de funcionalidades gerenciais parcialmente adequados. Conclui-se, portanto que, apesar dos grandes esforços governamentais para expandir a implantação do PEC, sua implementação, de forma geral, ainda não é adequada. Dessa forma, a utilização do PEC como potencial qualificador de dados em saúde deve ser estimulada em direção à gestão e coordenação do cuidado.
Gut Microbiota in Breast Cancer Patients Differs From That of Colon Cancer Patients and Healthy Individuals: A Gut-Tumor Axis
Authors: Pakravan Nafiseh , Abbasi Ardeshir , Hatami Shiva , Sehati Nasrin , Elahi Ahmad
Published: November 2022

Background: The gut microbiota influences human health and disease. Alterations in gut microbiota may have pathological consequences. Scientific knowledge about gut microbiota can facilitate predicting the likelihood of certain intestinal and/or extra-intestinal diseases. There are six main phyla in gut including Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, and Fusobacteria, among which Proteobacteria and Fusobacteria are associated with colon cancer. Association of the gut microbiota pattern with colon cancer is conceivable because of their close proximity. Accordingly, breast tissue microbiota has been associated with breast tumor. Objective: This study aimed to identify the gut microbiota pattern in breast cancer, therefore, the six phyla in fecal sample from patients with breast cancer were investigated and compared with those from healthy individuals and colon cancer patients. Methods: Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on DNA extracted from fecal samples based on variable region of 16S ribosomal DNA gene of the six main phyla in the gut. Results: Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes levels in breast cancer patients were higher than those in colon cancer patients and healthy individuals. Inversely, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Proteobacteria, and Fusobacteria levels in breast cancer were lower than those in colon cancer patients and healthy individuals. Conclusion: Taking into account the decreased level of oncogenic microbiota in fecal sample from breast cancer patients compared to the level of that from colon cancer or healthy cases as well as the presence of oncogenic microbiota in breast tumor, some bacteria may have translocated from gut to breast tissue in some circumstances which likely contribute to the breast tumorigenesis (gut-tumor axis). Migration of the bacteria from gastrointestinal tract to tumor may have occurred in a similar fashion to that of the bacteria from gastrointestinal to fetus. It is worth mentioning that tumor and fetus are immune privileged sites.
Molecular Identification of Cryptosporidiosis and Helicobacter pylori Infection and Delayed Growth in Children
Authors: Ibrahim Asmaa , Rihan Wael S. , Gadalla Mahmoud E.
Published: November 2022

Background: Children are more susceptible to a wide range of infections. Objectives: The focus of this research was to investigate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), Cryptosporidium spp., and co-infection, as well as the magnitude of these infections and anthropometric indicators in diarrheic Egyptian children. Methods: A total of 152 diarrheic children, ranging in age from a few months to 12 years were considered as the study samples. All feces samples were examined under a microscope for parasites and molecularly for H. pylori and Cryptosporidium spp. A restriction enzyme was used to digest Cryptosporidium polymerase chain reaction products to determine the genotype. Results: Stool examinations revealed that 42 (27.6%) participants were infected with one or more parasites. Cryptosporidium 18 (11.8%), E. histolytica complex 12 (7.9%), and Giardia 9 (5.9%) were the most common parasites. The most frequent Cryptosporidium species was Cryptosporidium hominis (83%), whereas H. pylori was found in 45 (29.6%) patients. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium and H. pylori was unaffected by gender, age, socioeconomic status, or nutrition (P < 0.05). Only head circumference (P > 0.05) was observed to be linked with infection. Conclusion: The incidence of Cryptosporidium and H. pylori in diarrheic children may be of public health concern and negatively affects anthropometric indicators.
COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnant Women: A Review Study
Authors: Changizi Nasrin , Farrokhzad Nahid , Vigeh Mohsen , Moradi Raheleh , Bagheri Maryam , Sahebi Leyla
Published: November 2022

Background: After launching coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination programs, healthcare workers and the general population were worried about the efficacy and safety of vaccines in mothers and fetuses due to insufficient data. During the phases of clinical trial and mass vaccinations, many unplanned pregnancies occurred in vaccinated women, which helped to investigate protection rates of vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and their side effects. Objective: This review study had two main objectives, including finding original articles about vaccinated pregnant women and collecting suggestions/recommendations in published documents, including the effectiveness, benefits, side effects, and instructions for vaccination of pregnant women. Materials and Methods: The web-based literature was extensively searched to retrieve the related documents. Due to the emerging nature of evidence, rapid onset of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, and recent vaccination programs, no limitation was applied regarding inclusion criteria and the study type. Results: Sixteen documents were selected for full text reading. Due to the significant benefits of vaccines (mostly mRNA types), such as the reduced risk of disease severity, premature labor, and virus transmission, vaccination of pregnant women has been recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization as well as several other organizations. Conclusion: the consequences of SARS-CoV-2 disease during pregnancy seem to outweigh the known side effects of the vaccination.
Posterior Duodenal Perforation as COVID-19 Complication
Authors: Olamaeian Faranak , Tayebi Ali , Seyedesfahani Behrad , Afrashteh Fatemeh , Abbasi Mohammad Amin
Published: November 2022

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is known for its respiratory symptoms, cough, and fever. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting are also observed in COVID-19. Gastrointestinal bleeding, peptic ulceration, and peptic ulcer perforation have also been reported in several COVID-19 cases. This paper describes a 76-year-old woman presented with dyspnea and generalized abdominal pain. According to symptoms and imaging results, peritonitis was considered, and an emergency laparotomy was performed for the patient. A posterior duodenal ulcer was detected during surgery. The patient died after two days of operation.