bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digitalization and AI in European Agriculture: A Strategy for Achieving Climate and Biodiversity Targets?
Authors: Garske Beatrice , Bau Antonia , Ekardt Felix
Published: April 2021

This article analyzes the environmental opportunities and limitations of digitalization in the agricultural sector by applying qualitative governance analysis. Agriculture is recognized as a key application area for digital technologies, including artificial intelligence. This is not least because it faces major sustainability challenges, especially with regard to meeting the climate and biodiversity targets set out in the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity, as well as the water-related objectives of EU environmental legislation. Based on an overview of the possible applications of digital technologies in agriculture, the article offers a status quo analysis of legal acts with relevance to digitalization in the EU agricultural sector. It is found that a reliable legal framework with regard to product liability and product safety, as well as data privacy, data access, and data security is important in this context. In addition, the European Common Agricultural Policy, as the most important funding instrument for digital innovations in the agricultural sector, should be designed in such a way that it links digitalization-related objectives more closely with sustainability targets. So far, the existing EU governance does not fully exploit the potentials of digitalization for environmental protection, and sight is lost of possible negative side effects such as rebound and shifting effects. Therefore, the article also offers proposals for the optimization of EU governance.
A Comprehensive Emissions Model Combining Autonomous Vehicles with Park and Ride and Electric Vehicle Transportation Policies
Authors: Obaid Mohammed , Torok Arpad , Ortega Jairo
Published: April 2021

Several transport policies reduce pollution levels caused by private vehicles by introducing autonomous or electric vehicles and encouraging mode shift from private to public transport through park and ride (P&R) facilities. However, combining the policies of introducing autonomous vehicles with the implementation of electric vehicles and using the P&R system could amplify the decrease of transport sector emissions. The COPERT software has been used to calculate the emissions. This article aims to study these policies and determine which combinations can better reduce pollution. The result shows that each combination of autonomous vehicles reduces pollution to different degrees. In conclusion, the shift to more sustainable transport modes through autonomous electric vehicles and P&R systems reduces pollution in the urban environment to a higher percentage. In contrast, the combination of autonomous vehicles has lower emission reduction but is easier to implement with the currently available infrastructure.
Determination of a Good Indicator for Estimated Prime Factor and Its Modification in Fermat’s Factoring Algorithm
Authors: Tahir Rasyid Redha Mohd , Asbullah Muhammad Asyraf , Ariffin Muhammad Rezal Kamel , Mahad Zahari
Published: April 2021

Fermat’s Factoring Algorithm (FFA) is an integer factorisation methods factoring the modulus N using exhaustive search. The appearance of the Estimated Prime Factor (EPF) method reduces the cost of FFA’s loop count. However, the EPF does not work for balanced primes. This paper proposed the modified Fermat’s Factoring Algorithm 1-Estimated Prime Factor (mFFA1-EPF) that improves the EPF method. The algorithm works for factoring a modulus with unbalanced and balanced primes, respectively. The main results of mFFA1-EPF focused on three criteria: (i) the approach to select good candidates from a list of convergent continued fraction, (ii) the establishment of new potential initial values based on EPF, and (iii) the application of the above modification upon FFA. The resulting study shows the significant improvement that reduces the loop count of FFA1 via (improved) EPF compared to existing methods. The proposed algorithm can be executed without failure and caters for both the modulus N with unbalanced and balanced primes factor. The algorithm works for factoring a modulus with unbalanced and balanced primes.
Peakons of Novikov Equation via the Homotopy Analysis Method
Authors: Efstathiou Aggeliki G. , Petropoulou Eugenia N.
Published: April 2021

The problem of the peakon and antipeakon solutions of the Novikov equation including the term ωux is studied. It is well known that, when ω=0, the Novikov equation admits peakon and antipeakon solutions. In this study, it is shown via the homotopy analysis method that, even in the case where ω≠0, the Novikov equation also admits peakon and antipeakon solutions.
Complex Systems Research in K12 Science Education: A Focus on What Works for Whom and under Which Conditions
Authors: Yoon Susan
Published: April 2021

From fighting disease to reversing environmental damage, the quest to effectively model our bodies, our social groups and our effects on the planet is a profoundly important one. [...]
Device-Free Indoor Location Estimation System Using Commodity Wireless LANs
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Kim Minseok , Momose Hideaki , Yasukawa Satoru
Published: April 2021

In recent years, propagation channel characteristics have been effectively used in several applications such as motion sensing and position detection. Considerable attention has been paid to channel-sounding methods that are easy to utilize using low-cost devices. This paper presents a device-free indoor location estimation method using the spatio-temporal features of radio propagation channels using a 2.4 GHz-band three-by-three multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) channel sounder developed using commodity wireless local area network (WLAN). The measurement results demonstrated a reasonable performance of the proposed method with a small number of antennas.
Cumulative Protective Effect of Melatonin and Indole-3-Propionic Acid against KIO3—Induced Lipid Peroxidation in Porcine Thyroid
Authors: Iwan Paulina , Stepniak Jan , Karbownik-Lewinska Malgorzata
Published: April 2021

Iodine deficiency is the main environmental factor leading to thyroid cancer. At the same time iodine excess may also contribute to thyroid cancer. Potassium iodate (KIO3), which is broadly used in salt iodization program, may increase oxidative damage to membrane lipids (lipid peroxidation, LPO) under experimental conditions, with the strongest damaging effect at KIO3 concentration of ~10 mM (corresponding to physiological iodine concentration in the thyroid). Melatonin and indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) are effective antioxidative indoles, each of which protects against KIO3-induced LPO in the thyroid. The study aims to check if melatonin used together with IPA (in their highest achievable in vitro concentrations) reveals stronger protective effects against KIO3-induced LPO in porcine thyroid homogenates than each of these antioxidants used separately. Homogenates were incubated in the presence of KIO3 (200; 100; 50; 25; 20; 15; 10; 7.5; 5.0; 2.5; 1.25; 0.0 mM) without/with melatonin (5 mM) or without/with IPA (10 mM) or without/with melatonin + IPA, and then, to further clarify the narrow range of KIO3 concentrations, against which melatonin + IPA reveal cumulative protective effects, the following KIO3 concentrations were used: 20; 18.75; 17.5; 16.25; 15; 13.75; 12.5; 11.25; 10; 8.75; 7.5; 0.0 mM. Malondialdehyde + 4-hydroxyalkenals (MDA + 4-HDA) concentration (LPO index) was measured spectrophotometrically. Protective effects of melatonin + IPA were stronger than those revealed by each antioxidant used separately, but only when LPO was induced by KIO3 in concentrations from 18.75 mM to 8.75 mM, corresponding to physiological iodine concentration in the thyroid. In conclusion, melatonin and indole-3-propionic acid exert cumulative protective effects against oxidative damage caused by KIO3, when this prooxidant is used in concentrations close to physiological iodine concentrations in the thyroid. Therefore, the simultaneous administration of these two indoles should be considered to prevent more effectively oxidative damage (and thereby thyroid cancer formation) caused by iodine compounds applied in iodine prophylaxis.
Co-Cropping Indian Mustard and Silage Maize for Phytoremediation of a Cadmium-Contaminated Acid Paddy Soil Amended with Peat
Authors: Wang Sifan , Liu Yong , Kariman Khalil , Li Jialin , Zhang Huihua , Li Fangbai , Chen Yinglong , Ma Chongjian , Liu Chuanping , Yuan Yuzhen , Zhu Zhiqiang , Rengel Zed
Published: April 2021

Co-cropping is an eco-friendly strategy to improve the phytoremediation capacity of plants growing in soils contaminated with heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd). This study was conducted to investigate the effects of co-cropping Indian mustard (Brassicajuncea) and silage maize (Zeamays) and applying peat on the phytoremediation of a Cd-contaminated acid paddy soil via characterizing plant growth and Cd uptake in pot experiments. There were six planting patterns (Control: no plants; MI-2 and MI-4: mono-cropping of Indian mustard at low and high densities, respectively; MS: mono-cropping of silage maize; CIS-2 and CIS-4: co-cropping of Indian mustard at low and high densities with silage maize, respectively) and two application rates of peat (NP: 0; WP: 30 g kg−1). When Indian mustard and silage maize were co-cropped, the shoot biomass of Indian mustard plants per pot was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that obtained in the mono-cropping systems, with a substantial reduction (55–72%) in the same plant density group. The shoot biomass of silage maize plants in the mono-cropping systems did not differ significantly from that in the co-cropping systems regardless of the density of Indian mustard. The growth-promoting effect of the peat application was more pronounced in Indian mustard than silage maize. Under the low density of Indian mustard, the co-cropping systems significantly (p < 0.05) decreased Cd uptake by silage maize. Additionally, soil amendment with peat significantly (p < 0.05) increased shoot Cd removal rate and Cd translocation factor value in the co-cropping systems. Taken together, the results demonstrated that silage maize should be co-cropped with Indian mustard at an appropriate density in Cd-polluted soils to achieve simultaneous remediation of Cd-contaminated soils (via Indian mustard) and production of crops (here, silage maize). Peat application was shown to promote the removal of Cd from soil and translocation of Cd into shoots and could contribute to enhanced phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated acid paddy soil.
Cytotoxicity and Microbicidal Activity of Commonly Used Organic Solvents: A Comparative Study and Application to a Standardized Extract from Vaccinium macrocarpon
Authors: Ilieva Yana , Dimitrova Lyudmila , Zaharieva Maya Margaritova , Kaleva Mila , Alov Petko , Tsakovska Ivanka , Pencheva Tania , Pencheva-El Tibi Ivanka , Najdenski Hristo , Pajeva Ilza
Published: April 2021

The cytotoxicity and microbicidal capacity of seven organic solvents commonly applied for studying plant extracts and bioactive compounds were systematically investigated based on international standards. Four cell lines of normal (CCL-1, HaCaT) or tumor (A-375, A-431) tissue origin, seven bacterial and one fungal strain were used. The impact of the least toxic solvents in the determination of in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated using a standardized extract from Vaccinium macrocarpon containing 54.2% v/v proanthocyanidins (CystiCran®). The solvents ethanol, methoxyethanol and polyethylene glycol were the least cytotoxic to all cell lines, with a maximum tolerated concentration (MTC) between 1 and 2% v/v. Ethanol, methanol and polyethylene glycol were mostly suitable for antimicrobial susceptibility testing, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ≥ 25% v/v. The MTC values of the solvents dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethoxyethane and dimethylformamide varied from 0.03% to 1.09% v/v. The MICs of dimethyl sulfoxide, methoxyethanol and dimethoxyethane were in the range of 3.125–25% v/v. The cytotoxic effects of CystiCran® on eukaryotic cell lines were directly proportional to the superimposed effect of the solvents used. The results of this study can be useful for selecting the appropriate solvents for in vitro estimation of the cytotoxic and growth inhibitory effects of bioactive molecules in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
Bacillus cereus Toxins
Authors: Märtlbauer Erwin , Granum Per Einar
Published: April 2021

Bacillus cereus sensu stricto is an important pathogen causing food poisoning, as well as extraintestinal diseases [...]
Variation of Deoxynivalenol Levels in Corn and Its Products Available in Retail Markets of Punjab, Pakistan, and Estimation of Risk Assessment
Authors: Iqbal Shahzad Zafar , Abdull Razis Ahmad Faizal , Usman Sunusi , Ali Nada Basheir , Asi Muhammad Rafique
Published: April 2021

This study investigated the natural incidence of deoxynivalenol (DON) in corn and corn products from corn-producing districts of Punjab, Pakistan. The analysis was carried out using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detector and immunoaffinity cleanup columns. The detection limit (LOD) and limit of quantification were 25 and 50 µg/kg, respectively. A total of 1220 samples of corn and corn products were analyzed to detect DON, and 539 (44.2%) samples were observed to be contaminated with DON (n ≥ LOD). Furthermore, 92 (7.5%) samples of corn and corn products had DON levels that were higher than the proposed limits of the EU. The data are significantly different from a normal distribution of DON in samples of corn and corn products from different locations (p < 0.05) for Shapiro–Wilk and Kolmogorov–Smirnov values. However, a significant difference in DON levels was found between corn and corn-derived products (p ≤ 0.05). The lowest and highest exposures, and hazard quotient (HQ) values of 0.92 and 9.68 µg/kg bw/day, were documented in corn flour samples.
Two Gut Microbiota-Derived Toxins Are Closely Associated with Cardiovascular Diseases: A Review
Authors: Yamashita Tomoya , Yoshida Naofumi , Emoto Takuo , Saito Yoshihiro , Hirata Ken-ichi
Published: April 2021

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have become a major health problem because of the associated high morbidity and mortality rates observed in affected patients. Gut microbiota has recently been implicated as a novel endocrine organ that plays critical roles in the regulation of cardiometabolic and renal functions of the host via the production of bioactive metabolites. This review investigated the evidence from several clinical and experimental studies that indicated an association between the gut microbiota-derived toxins and CVDs. We mainly focused on the pro-inflammatory gut microbiota-derived toxins, namely lipopolysaccharides, derived from Gram-negative bacteria, and trimethylamine N-oxide and described the present status of research in association with these toxins, including our previous research findings. Several clinical studies aimed at exploring the effectiveness of reducing the levels of these toxins to inhibit cardiovascular events are currently under investigation or in the planning stages. We believe that some of the methods discussed in this review to eliminate or reduce the levels of such toxins in the body could be clinically applied to prevent CVDs in the near future.
Cosmic Evolution of Viscous QCD Epoch in Causal Eckart Frame
Authors: Hakk Eman Abdel , Tawfik Abdel Nasser , Nada Afaf , Yassin Hayam
Published: April 2021

It is conjectured that in cosmological applications the particle current is not modified but finite heat or energy flow. Therefore, comoving Eckart frame is a suitable choice, as it merely ceases the charge and particle diffusion and conserves charges and particles. The cosmic evolution of viscous hadron and parton epochs in casual and non-casual Eckart frame is analyzed. By proposing equations of state deduced from recent lattice QCD simulations including pressure p, energy density ρ, and temperature T, the Friedmann equations are solved. We introduce expressions for the temporal evolution of the Hubble parameter H˙, the cosmic energy density ρ˙, and the share η˙ and the bulk viscous coefficient ζ˙. We also suggest how the bulk viscous pressure Π could be related to H. We conclude that the relativistic theory of fluids, the Eckart frame, and the finite viscous coefficients play essential roles in the cosmic evolution, especially in the hadron and parton epochs.
Detection of Atypical Porcine Pestivirus in Piglets from Danish Sow Herds
Authors: Pedersen Kasper , Kristensen Charlotte Sonne , Strandbygaard Bertel , Bøtner Anette , Rasmussen Thomas Bruun
Published: April 2021

Atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV) was first discovered in North America in 2015 and was later shown to be associated with congenital tremor (CT) in piglets. CT is an occasional challenge in some Danish sow herds. Therefore, we initiated an observational case control study to clarify a possible relationship between CT and APPV in Danish pig production. Blood samples were collected from piglets affected by CT (n = 55) in ten different sow herds and from healthy piglets in five sow herds without a history of CT piglets (n = 25), as well as one sow herd with a sporadic occurrence of CT (n = 5). APPV was detected by RT-qPCR in all samples from piglets affected by CT and in three out of five samples from piglets in the herd with a sporadic occurrence of CT. In the herds without a history of CT, only one out of 25 piglets were positive for APPV. In addition, farmers or veterinarians in CT-affected herds were asked about their experience of the issue. CT is most often seen in gilt litters, and a substantial increase in pre-weaning mortality is only observed in severe cases. According to our investigations, APPV is a common finding in piglets suffering from CT in Denmark.
Coxsackievirus B3—Its Potential as an Oncolytic Virus
Authors: Geisler Anja , Hazini Ahmet , Heimann Lisanne , Kurreck Jens , Fechner Henry
Published: April 2021

Oncolytic virotherapy represents one of the most advanced strategies to treat otherwise untreatable types of cancer. Despite encouraging developments in recent years, the limited fraction of patients responding to therapy has demonstrated the need to search for new suitable viruses. Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is a promising novel candidate with particularly valuable features. Its entry receptor, the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR), and heparan sulfate, which is used for cellular entry by some CVB3 variants, are highly expressed on various cancer types. Consequently, CVB3 has broad anti-tumor activity, as shown in various xenograft and syngeneic mouse tumor models. In addition to direct tumor cell killing the virus induces a strong immune response against the tumor, which contributes to a substantial increase in the efficiency of the treatment. The toxicity of oncolytic CVB3 in healthy tissues is variable and depends on the virus strain. It can be abrogated by genetic engineering the virus with target sites of microRNAs. In this review, we present an overview of the current status of the development of CVB3 as an oncolytic virus and outline which steps still need to be accomplished to develop CVB3 as a therapeutic agent for clinical use in cancer treatment.
Cross-Antigenicity between EV71 Sub-Genotypes: Implications for Vaccine Efficacy
Authors: Liu Pei , Yuan Yadi , Cui Bopei , Huo Yaqian , Bian Lianlian , Chen Lei , Liu Siyuan , Wang Chenfei , Xu Yingzhi , Tedcastle Alison , Gao Fan , Mao Qunying , Martin Javier , Liang Zhenglun
Published: April 2021

Enterovirus A-71 (EV71) is a global, highly contagkkious pathogen responsible for severe cases of hand-food-mouth-disease (HFMD). The use of vaccines eliciting cross neutralizing antibodies (NTAbs) against the different circulating EV71 sub-genotypes is important for preventing HFMD outbreaks. Here, we tested the cross-neutralizing activities induced by EV71 genotype/sub-genotype A, B0-B4, C1, C2, C4, and C5 viruses using rats. Differences were noted in the cross-neutralization of the 10 sub-genotypes tested but there were generally good levels of cross-neutralization except against genotype A virus, against which neutralization antibody titres (NTAb) where the lowest with NTAbs being the highest against sub-genotype B4. Moreover, NTAb responses induced by C4, B4, C1, and C2 viruses were homogenous, with values of maximum/minimum NTAb ratios (MAX/MIN) against all B and C viruses ranging between 4.0 and 6.0, whereas MAX/MIN values against B3 and A viruses were highly variable, 48.0 and 256.0, respectively. We then dissected the cross-neutralizing ability of sera from infants and children and rats immunized with C4 EV71 vaccines. Cross-neutralizing titers against the 10 sub-genotypes were good in both vaccinated infants and children and rats with the MAX/MIN ranging from 1.8–3.4 and 5.1–7.1, respectively, which were similar to those found in naturally infected patients (2.8). Therefore, we conclude that C4 EV71 vaccines can provide global protection to infants and children against HFMD caused by different sub-genotypes.
Putative Novel Atypical BTV Serotype ‘36’ Identified in Small Ruminants in Switzerland
Authors: Ries Christina , Vögtlin Andrea , Hüssy Daniela , Jandt Tabea , Gobet Hansjörg , Hilbe Monika , Burgener Carole , Schweizer Luzia , Häfliger-Speiser Stephanie , Beer Martin , Hoffmann Bernd
Published: April 2021

We identified a putative novel atypical BTV serotype ‘36’ in Swiss goat flocks. In the initial flock clinical signs consisting of multifocal purulent dermatitis, facial oedema and fever were observed. Following BTV detection by RT-qPCR, serotyping identified BTV-25 and also a putative novel BTV serotype in several of the affected goats. We successfully propagated the so-called “BTV-36-CH2019” strain in cell culture, developed a specific RT-qPCR targeting Segment 2, and generated the full genome by high-throughput sequencing. Furthermore, we experimentally infected goats with BTV-36-CH2019. Regularly, EDTA blood, serum and diverse swab samples were collected. Throughout the experiment, neither fever nor clinical disease was observed in any of the inoculated goats. Four goats developed BTV viremia, whereas one inoculated goat and the two contact animals remained negative. No viral RNA was detected in the swab samples collected from nose, mouth, eye, and rectum, and thus the experimental infection of goats using this novel BTV serotype delivered no indications for any clinical symptoms or vector-free virus transmission pathways. The subclinical infection of the four goats is in accordance with the reports for other atypical BTVs. However, the clinical signs of the initial goat flock did most likely not result from infection with the novel BTV-36-CH0219.
The Immunomodulatory CEA Cell Adhesion Molecule 6 (CEACAM6/CD66c) Is a Protein Receptor for the Influenza A Virus
Authors: Rahman Shah , Ansari Mairaj , Gaur Pratibha , Ahmad Imtiyaz , Chakravarty Chandrani , Verma Dileep , Sharma Anshika , Chhibber Sanjay , Nehal Naila , Wirth Dagmar , Lal Sunil
Published: April 2021

To establish a productive infection in host cells, viruses often use one or multiple host membrane glycoproteins as their receptors. For Influenza A virus (IAV) such a glycoprotein receptor has not been described, to date. Here we show that IAV is using the host membrane glycoprotein CD66c as a receptor for entry into human epithelial lung cells. Neuraminidase (NA), a viral spike protein, binds to CD66c on the cell surface during IAV entry into the host cells. Lung cells overexpressing CD66c showed an increase in virus binding and subsequent entry into the cell. Upon comparison, CD66c demonstrated higher binding capacity than other membrane glycoproteins (EGFR and DC-SIGN) reported earlier to facilitate IAV entry into host cells. siRNA mediated knockdown of CD66c from lung cells inhibited virus binding on cell surface and entry into cells. Blocking CD66c by antibody on the cell surface resulted in decreased virus entry. We found that CD66c is a specific glycoprotein receptor for influenza A virus that did not affect entry of non-IAV RNA virus (Hepatitis C virus). Finally, IAV pre-incubated with recombinant CD66c protein when administered intranasally in mice showed decreased cytopathic effects in mice lungs. This publication is the first to report CD66c (Carcinoembryonic cell adhesion molecule 6 or CEACAM6) as a glycoprotein receptor for Influenza A virus.
Uptake of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine and Intention to Vaccinate among Healthy Pregnant Women in Serbia: A Cross-Sectional Study on Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitudes
Authors: Markovic-Denic Ljiljana , Milicevic Srboljub , Todorovic Jovana , Nikolic Vladimir , Djuric Olivera , Marusic Vuk , Dugalic Stefan , Vasiljevic Brankica , Gojnic-Dugalic Miroslava
Published: April 2021

We aimed to assess awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of healthy pregnant women towards human papillomavirus (HPV), to estimate factors associated with a positive attitude towards HPV immunization and to assess the uptake of the vaccine among their children. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Belgrade, Serbia among pregnant women attending their regular gynecological check-ups at the 12th gestational week. Knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccine was assessed using a specifically designed 12-item and 5-item questionnaires. Out of total 265 included women, 79.3% had heard of HPV, and 37.5% knew that HPV vaccine exists. HPV vaccine knowledge score was associated with higher odds for a positive attitude towards vaccination of both female (OR = 4.10, 95% CI 1.50–11.29) and male (OR = 3.71, 95% CI 1.52–9.01) child. The number of children (OR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.04–1.67) and high vaccine knowledge score (OR = 1.64 95% CI 1.13–2.39) were independent predictors associated with willingness to vaccinate child against HPV. The gynecologist was the preferable point of reference for information seeking about the HPV vaccine. Despite relatively high HPV awareness and knowledge among pregnant women in Serbia, about one-third of them are HPV vaccine aware, and are willing to vaccinate their children against HPV.
Attitudes of Patients with Cancer towards Vaccinations—Results of Online Survey with Special Focus on the Vaccination against COVID-19
Authors: Brodziak Anna , Sigorski Dawid , Osmola Małgorzata , Wilk Michał , Gawlik-Urban Angelika , Kiszka Joanna , Machulska-Ciuraj Katarzyna , Sobczuk Paweł
Published: April 2021

Recently developed COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severe coronavirus disease, which is essential in the particularly vulnerable cancer patient population. There is a growing anti-vaccine concern that may affect the success of the fight against the SARS-CoV2 pandemic. To evaluate opinions and attitudes toward vaccination, we conducted an anonymous online survey among Polish patients diagnosed with cancer. We analyzed how socio-demographic factors, type of cancer, comorbidities, previous influenza vaccinations, and information sources affect the general willingness and opinions about vaccinations, emphasizing vaccination against COVID-19. Six hundred thirty-five patients (80.2% female) participated in the study. A positive attitude towards vaccination was presented by 73.7%, neutral by 17.8%, while negative by 8.5%. Willingness to get vaccinated was declared by 60.3%, 23.5% were unwilling, and 16.2% were undecided. Significant predictors of willingness were education, marital status, active anti-cancer treatment, previous influenza vaccination, and positive attitude towards vaccinations. Patients with cancer have concerns regarding safety, effectiveness, and the process of development of the COVID-19 vaccine. Overall, patients with cancer present positive attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination but required sufficient information on its efficacy and side effects.
Allergy to Polyethilenglicole of Anti-SARS CoV2 Vaccine Recipient: A Case Report of Young Adult Recipient and the Management of Future Exposure to SARS-CoV2
Authors: Restivo Vincenzo , Candore Giuseppina , Barrale Maria , Caravello Ester , Graziano Giorgio , Onida Rosa , Raineri Maurizio , Tiralongo Salvatore , Brusca Ignazio
Published: April 2021

The main contraindication to the anti-SARS CoV2 vaccine is an anaphylactic reaction to a vaccine component. The need to vaccinate allergic people who are at higher risk can be of public health interest and this report shows a case of an allergic reaction to PEG of a HCW who had received the first dose of anti-SARS CoV2 vaccine. For 5 h after the administration of the vaccine, she had the appearance of erythematous spots on the face and neck, and a feeling of a slurred mouth and hoarseness. In order to treat the event, she was administered 8 mg intravenous dexamethasone, 1 vial intravenous chlorphenamine maleate, 250 mL intravenous 0.9% NaCl, and conventional oxygen therapy (2 L/min) with complete resolution of the suspected adverse drug reaction. According to the contraindication to the cutaneous test for this patient, BAT was used for further investigations. The patient who suffered the adverse reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine and other five allergic patients who did not report any adverse reaction after the vaccination were tested. There was a significant activation of the vaccine-reactive patient’s basophils with 14.79 CD203chigh% at the concentration of 0.2 mg/mL, while other patients were negative. People who have a confirmed reaction to a vaccine component should undergo further investigation to discover other possible cross-reactions and select the right vaccine to immunize them.
Challenge of Naïve and Vaccinated Pigs with a Vaccine-Derived Recombinant Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus 1 Strain (Horsens Strain)
Authors: Kvisgaard Lise K. , Larsen Lars E. , Kristensen Charlotte S. , Paboeuf Frédéric , Renson Patricia , Bourry Olivier
Published: April 2021

In July 2019, a vaccine-derived recombinant Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus 1 strain (PRRSV-1) (Horsens strain) infected more than 40 Danish sow herds, resulting in severe losses. In the present study, the pathogenicity of the recombinant Horsens strain was assessed and compared to a reference PRRSV-1 strain using a well-characterized experimental model in young SPF pigs. Furthermore, the efficacies of three different PRRSV-1 MLV vaccines to protect pigs against challenge with the recombinant strain were assessed. Following challenge, the unvaccinated pigs challenged with the Horsens strain had significant increased viral load in serum compared to all other groups. No macroscopic changes were observed at necropsy, but tissue from the lungs and tonsils from almost all pigs were PRRSV-positive. The viral load in serum was lower in all vaccinated groups compared to the unvaccinated group challenged with the Horsens strain, and only small differences were seen among the vaccinated groups. The findings in the present study, combined with two other recent reports, indicate that this recombinant “Horsens” strain indeed is capable of inducing infection in growing pigs as well as in pregnant sows that is comparable to or even exceeding those induced by typical PRRSV-1, subtype 1 strains. However, absence of notable clinical signs and lack of significant macroscopic changes indicate that this strain is less virulent than previously characterized highly virulent PRRSV-1 strains.
Antimicrobial Resistance, FlaA Sequencing, and Phylogenetic Analysis of Campylobacter Isolates from Broiler Chicken Flocks in Greece
Authors: Natsos George , Mouttotou Niki K. , Magiorkinis Emmanouil , Ioannidis Anastasios , Magana Maria , Chatzipanagiotou Stylianos , Koutoulis Konstantinos C.
Published: April 2021

Human campylobacteriosis caused by thermophilic Campylobacter species is the most commonly reported foodborne zoonosis. Consumption of contaminated poultry meat is regarded as the main source of human infection. This study was undertaken to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility and the molecular epidemiology of 205 Campylobacter isolates derived from Greek flocks slaughtered in three different slaughterhouses over a 14-month period. A total of 98.5% of the isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent. In terms of multidrug resistance, 11.7% of isolates were resistant to three or more groups of antimicrobials. Extremely high resistance to fluoroquinolones (89%), very high resistance to tetracycline (69%), and low resistance to macrolides (7%) were detected. FlaA sequencing was performed for the subtyping of 64 C. jejuni and 58 C. coli isolates. No prevalence of a specific flaA type was observed, indicating the genetic diversity of the isolates, while some flaA types were found to share similar antimicrobial resistance patterns. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using the neighbor-joining method. Seven clusters of the C. jejuni phylogenetic tree and three clusters of the C. coli tree were considered significant with bootstrap values >75%. Some isolates clustered together were originated from the same or adjacent farms, indicating transmission via personnel or shared equipment. These results are important and help further the understanding of the molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter spp. derived from poultry in Greece.
Assessing the Removal of Arsenite and Arsenate Mixtures from the Synthetic Bangladesh Groundwater (SBGW) Using Combined Fe(VI)/Fe(III) Treatments and Local Regression Analysis
Authors: Quino-Favero Javier , Eyzaguirre Perez Raúl , Prieto Veramendi Patricia , Mogrovejo García Paloma , Flores del Pino Lisveth
Published: April 2021

Arsenic is an inorganic pollutant that, depending on oxidation–reduction and pH level conditions, may be found in natural waters in two variants: As(III) and As(V). Any treatment to effectively remove arsenic from water will be conditioned by the presence of one or both variants. In this context, this study assesses using electrochemically produced Fe(VI) with Fe(III) to remove As(III), As(V), and their combinations from the Synthetic Bangladesh Groundwater (SBGW) containing anions that interfere with iron-based arsenic removal processes. The combined use of Fe(VI) and Fe(III) allowed us to remove the total arsenic below the 10 mg L−1 threshold established by the World Health Organization and Peruvian regulations for drinking water. An optimum combination of 1 mg L−1 of Fe(VI) and 30 mg L−1 of Fe(III) was identified and tested on the removal of four different proportions of As(III):As(V) for two total concentrations: 500 and 250 mg L−1. There were no significant differences in the final removal values under the different proportions of As(III):As(V) for each total concentration, with a final removal average of 99.0% and 96.9% for the 500 and 250 µg L−1 concentrations, respectively.
Flood Risk in a Heritage City: Alzira as a Case Study
Authors: Trizio Francesca , Torrijo Francisco Javier , Mileto Camilla , Vegas Fernando
Published: April 2021

Floods are natural hazards which have damaged cities and their architectural heritage over the centuries. The heritage town of Alzira (Valencia, Spain) is a major case study for the assessment of flood risk in architectural heritage. Alzira was founded by the Al-Andalus Moors on a river island within a bend of the river Júcar, which has overflowed more than 80 times during its history. The main aim of this work is to analyse the vulnerability to floods of the town’s architectural heritage, especially that of earthen architecture, a constructive tradition of which several examples can be found in the town. The proposed methodology attempts to calculate the vulnerability of the earthen architecture through the evaluation and weighting of extrinsic and intrinsic parameters. This makes it possible to identify the constructive characteristics and material weathering which worsen the behaviour of structures during floods. Maximum vulnerability values have been obtained for poorly conserved constructions without cladding. Results highlight the importance of ascertaining suitable strategies for the prevention and mitigation of risk as future lines of research. The vulnerability assessment methodology presented in this study could be applied to other case studies in other sites with architectural heritage under threat from floods.
Comparative Assessment of Fecal Contamination in Piped-to-Plot Communal Source and Point-of-Drinking Water
Authors: Ferdous Jannatul , Sultana Rebeca , Rashid Ridwan Bin , Saima Sabera , Begum Anowara , Jensen Peter Kjær Mackie
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to compare the water quality of piped-to-plot source water with point-of-drinking water in the households of a low-income urban area in Bangladesh. A total of 430 low-income households and 78 communal sources connected to these households were selected from the East Arichpur area of Dhaka. The water samples were collected from point-of-drinking vessels (household members’ preferred drinking vessels i.e., a mug, glass, or bottle) in households and from linked sources at six-week intervals between September 2014 and December 2015. Water samples were processed using standard membrane filtration and culture methods to quantify E. coli. Analysis of paired data from source and point-of-drinking water collected on the same day showed that fecal contamination increased from source to point-of-drinking water in the households in 51% (626/1236) of samples. Comparison between bottles vs. other wide-mouth vessels (i.e., glasses, mugs, jugs) showed significantly lower odds (p = 0.000, OR = 0.58, (0.43–0.78)) of fecal contamination compared to other drinking vessels. The findings suggest that recontamination and post-treatment contamination at the point of drinking play a significant role in water contamination in households. Hygiene education efforts in the future should target the promotion of narrow-mouth drinking vessels to reduce contamination.
Impact of the Pumping Regime on Electricity Cost Savings in Urban Water Supply System
Authors: Dadar Sara , Đurin Bojan , Alamatian Ebrahim , Plantak Lucija
Published: April 2021

The main purpose of the presented research is to raise the efficiency of pumping stations’ operational work by developing a model for reducing energy costs in urban water supply systems. Pumping systems are responsible for a significant portion of the total electrical energy use. Significant opportunities exist to reduce the pumping energy through smart design, retrofitting, and operating practices. Today, considering the increase in pumping energy prices in water conveyance systems, the problem of optimal operation of pumping stations is very actual. The optimal operation of pumping stations was determined using a Genetic Algorithm Optimization (GAO) to achieve the minimum energy cost. The paper presents a novel management model for the optimal design and operation of water pumping systems on a real case study for the town of Gonabad in Iran. To achieve this goal, three days in a year were selected randomly. The results indicate that the proposed mode in conjunction with a GAO is a versatile management model for the design and operation of the real pumping station. Modeling results show that optimization with a GAO reduces power consumption by about 15–20%.
Using Virtual Reality in Sea Level Rise Planning and Community Engagement—An Overview
Authors: Calil Juliano , Fauville Geraldine , Queiroz Anna , Leo Kelly , Mann Alyssa , Wise-West Tiffany , Salvatore Paulo , Bailenson Jeremy
Published: April 2021

As coastal communities around the globe contend with the impacts of climate change including coastal hazards such as sea level rise and more frequent coastal storms, educating stakeholders and the general public has become essential in order to adapt to and mitigate these risks. Communicating SLR and other coastal risks is not a simple task. First, SLR is a phenomenon that is abstract as it is physically distant from many people; second, the rise of the sea is a slow and temporally distant process which makes this issue psychologically distant from our everyday life. Virtual reality (VR) simulations may offer a way to overcome some of these challenges, enabling users to learn key principles related to climate change and coastal risks in an immersive, interactive, and safe learning environment. This article first presents the literature on environmental issues communication and engagement; second, it introduces VR technology evolution and expands the discussion on VR application for environmental literacy. We then provide an account of how three coastal communities have used VR experiences developed by multidisciplinary teams—including residents—to support communication and community outreach focused on SLR and discuss their implications.
Have International Sanctions Impacted Iran’s Environment?
Authors: Madani Kaveh
Published: April 2021

Economic sanctions have been actively used against Iran in the last four decades. In response to sanctions, Iran has adopted a range of survivalist policies with notable environmental implications. This study provides the first extensive overview of the unintended environmental impacts of international economic sanctions on Iran. It is argued that while sanctions are certainly not the root cause of Iran’s major environmental problems, they have had an undeniable impact on Iran’s environment by: (1) restricting its access to technology, service, and know-how; (2) blocking international environmental aid; and (3) increasing the natural resource-intensity of its economy. Sanctions have effectively limited Iran’s economic growth and its ability to decouple its economy from natural resources, thereby growing the role of natural resources in Iran’s political economy. Overall, sanctions have made economic production much costlier to its environment, which is not currently considered a priority in the policy agenda of the Iranian leaders who manage the country in survival mode while aggressively pursuing their ideology. The study calls for increased attention to the overlooked environmental impacts of sanctions on Iran with major health, justice, and human rights implications that could be transgenerational and transboundary.
Comparison of Short-term Results after Laparoscopic Complete Mesocolic Excision and Standard Colectomy for Right-Sided Colon Cancer: Analysis of a Western Center Cohort
Authors: Conti Cristian , Pedrazzani Corrado , Turri Giulia , Fernandes Eduardo , Lazzarini Enrico , De Luca Raffaele , Valdegamberi Alessandro , Ruzzenente Andrea , Guglielmi Alfredo
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision (CME) right colectomy is a technically demanding procedure infrequently employed in Western centers. This retrospective cohort study aims to analyze the safety of laparoscopic CME colectomy compared to standard colectomy for right-sided colon cancer in a Western series.Methods: Prospectively collected data from 60 patients who underwent laparoscopic CME right colectomy were compared to the ones of 55 patients who underwent laparoscopic standard right colectomy.Results: No differences in clinical characteristics were observed between the CME and standard right colectomy groups. No differences were demonstrated in terms of blood loss (P = 0.060), intraoperative complications (P = 1), conversion rate (P = 0.102), and operative time (P = 0.473). No deaths were observed in either group, while complication rate was 40.0% in the CME and 49.1% in the standard group (P = 0.353). Severe complications occurred in 10.0% vs. 9.1% (P = 0.842), redo surgery in 5.0% vs. 7.3% (P = 0.708), and unplanned readmission in 5.0% vs. 5.5% (P = 1) after CME and standard colectomy, respectively. A significant difference in favor of CME was observed in the total length of specimen (P < 0.001), proximal (P = 0.018), and distal margins (P = 0.037). The number of lymph nodes harvested was significantly higher in the CME group (27 vs. 22, P = 0.037).Conclusion: In Western series, where patients have less favorable clinical characteristics, laparoscopic CME allows to obtain better quality surgical specimens and comparable short-term outcomes compared to standard right colectomy.
Systematic Early Urinary Catheter Removal Integrated in the Full Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocol After Laparoscopic Mid to Lower Rectal Cancer Excision: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Meillat Hélène , Magallon Cloé , Brun Clément , de Chaisemartin Cécile , Moureau-Zabotto Laurence , Bonnet Julien , Faucher Marion , Lelong Bernard
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs advocate early urinary catheter removal after rectal cancer surgery; however, the optimal duration remains unclear. This study assessed the feasibility of the early urinary catheter removal protocol after rectal cancer surgery within an ERAS pathway and identified predictive factors for failure of this strategy.Methods: Between March 2017 and October 2018, all unselected and consecutive patients who underwent rectal cancer resection and benefited from our ERAS program were included. Urinary complications (infection and retention) were prospectively recorded. Success was defined as catheter removal on postoperative day (POD) 3 without urinary complications.Results: Of 135 patients (male, 63.7%; neoadjuvant chemoradiation, 57.0%; urology history, 17.8%), 120 had early urinary catheter removal with no complications (success rate, 88.9%), 8 did not have urinary catheter removal on POD 3 due to clinical judgment or prescription error, 5 experienced a urinary tract infection, and 2 had acute urinary retention. Obesity (odds ratio [OR], 0.16; P = 0.003), American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification > II (OR, 0.28; P = 0.048), antiaggregant platelet medication (OR, 0.12; P < 0.001), absence of anastomosis (OR, 0.1; P = 0.003), and prolonged operative time (OR, 0.21; P = 0.020) were predictive factors for failure. Conversely, optimal compliance with the ERAS program (OR, 7.68; P < 0.001), postoperative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use (OR, 21.71; P < 0.001), and balanced intravenous fluid therapy (OR, 7.87; P = 0.001) were associated with increased strategy success.Conclusion: Withdrawal of the urinary catheter on POD 3 was successfully achieved after laparoscopic rectal resection and can be safely implemented in the ERAS program.
Innovaciones educativas y la tecnología educativa en la UPEL-IPC
Authors: Guzmán Belkys , Castro Santiago , Rauseo Régulo
Published: April 2021

El objetivo de este artículo es interpretar la información recabada que permita establecer las innovaciones producidas por la incursión de la tecnología en el aprendizaje de la formación inicial, continua y permanente de los docentes en la UPEL-IPC. Se reconstruye la información a partir de los hallazgos obtenidos en una investigación de campo, dentro del paradigma interpretativo, y para ello se trianguló la información proveniente de entrevistas a profundidad, la revisión crítica de documentos y experiencias de los autores. Se encontró que la UPEL- IPC a través del DTE, desde sus inicios ha desarrollado en los docentes innovaciones educativas con base en la tecnología imperante, además muestran apertura para implementar estrategias innovadoras y medios digitales, y tomar decisiones en cuanto al diseño e implantación de las TIC, TAC, TEP para ser una educación más efectiva y eficiente.