bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of the Basic Supporting Role of Traffic Networks in Regional Factor Flow: A Case Study of Zhejiang Province
Authors: Ding Liang , Xu Zhiqian , Wang Juan , Zhou Jun , Zhang Junshen , Li Xingyue
Published: February 2023

Castells proposed that “space of flow” has multiple layers, and considered that transportation infrastructure is the carrier of its formation. However, few studies have focused on whether the infrastructure behind factor flows can provide sufficient support. In this paper, the basic supporting role of traffic networks in regional factor flows is examined. Firstly, we use traffic-connection data, enterprise-investment data and human-flow data to build a traffic network, enterprise-association network and inter-city-trip network, respectively. Then, we construct fitting models of the traffic network and the other two networks from two aspects: centrality and connection degree. Finally, this paper analyzes the standard residuals of the fitting results and looks for outliers that are greater than 1.65 or less than −1.65. Through outliers, we can find out where the traffic network cannot support the inter-city factor flows, and where the traffic network is too developed. The conclusions are as follows: First, the immaterial capital flows are still affected by the connectivity of transport facilities. With an improvement in traffic conditions, the capital links between cities can be enhanced correspondingly. Therefore, cities can gather more capital. Second, the attraction and radiation power of high-grade cities in terms of both human and capital flows are far beyond the traffic condition. They also motivate the neighboring cities to form a scale of capital- and human-flow connection that exceeds the average traffic conditions of the whole province. By analyzing the relationship between factor flows and infrastructure, and identifying mismatched networks, this paper will be helpful in many regards. It can provide guidance for Zhejiang Province in formulating transportation strategies. In addition, the conclusions can also provide decision-making support for optimizing regional infrastructure construction.
Factors Affecting Climate Change Governance in Addis Ababa City, Ethiopia
Authors: Addis Tigezaw Lamesgin , Birhanu Belay Simane , Italemahu Tesfaye Zeleke
Published: February 2023

Climate change in Ethiopia’s capital city of Addis Ababa is characterized by an increase in rainfall and subsequent flooding and severe temperature with more heat waves. The city government has now recognized climate change as a serious threat, including it being a reason for loss of life and livelihoods. Even though governance has become a key mechanism to address a reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions and vulnerability to climate change, the practice of climate-change governance has been undermined by different factors. Thus, this study examined factors affecting climate-change governance in the city. The research adopted a mixed research design and depends on primary and secondary data sources. The binary logistic regression model and descriptive statistics were both used to analyse the quantitative data, while the descriptive method was used for the qualitative data. The results reveal that a lack of coordination, political will and leadership are the major factors that hinder the practice of governance in the city, followed by inadequate finance, policy, strategy, and regulation. In addition, a shortage of knowledgeable experts, lack of access to information and technologies had their own contributions to the ineffectiveness of climate-change governance. Thus, the city administration should place emphasis on climate change, giving it comparable weight to other crosscutting issues, and enabling the functioning of the steering committee with a strong accountability system. In addition, the city administration should take aggressive measures, including revising or formulating new policy, strategy or regulation, and even creating an independent institution for climate-change issues. Furthermore, the Addis Ababa City environmental protection and green development commission should create an enabling environment to attract non-state actors, in general, and NGOs, in particular, and should assign one directorate to mobilise finance, following the approach taken by the federal environmental protection commission. The commission should implement a mechanism to efficiently utilize the budget by applying continuous monitoring and evaluation. The commission should also provide continuous training and capacity building for leaders and experts at sub-city and Woreda levels.
Is Manila Clam Farming Environmentally Sustainable? A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Approach Applied to an Italian Ruditapes philippinarum Hatchery
Authors: Martini Arianna , Aguiari Leonardo , Capoccioni Fabrizio , Martinoli Marco , Napolitano Riccardo , Pirlo Giacomo , Tonachella Nicolò , Pulcini Domitilla
Published: February 2023

Italy supplies approximately 96% of EU-farmed Manila clams. Following a reduction in wild seed availability, farmers started to depend on hatchery-produced seed, mainly imported from other countries. Indeed, only one hatchery is currently operating in Italy. This study quantifies the environmental impacts of seed production in this Italian hatchery facility to inform future planning for improving the sustainability of the supply chain. The environmental performance of the Manila clam hatchery was evaluated using the Life Cycle Assessment methodology. A cradle-to-gate analysis was performed, covering the following production phases: (1) microalgae production, (2) broodstock maintenance and conditioning, and (3) larval rearing until marketable size. The functional unit adopted was 1 kg of live clam seed. The main driver of the environmental impacts was electricity consumption, contributing over 80% for all impact categories. Other inputs showed minor contributions to different impact categories, including liquid oxygen, water pumps, and high-density polyethylene. This study highlights that the environmental burden associated with seed production could be reduced by switching to alternative technologies to meet energy needs, such as investments in photovoltaic and wind energy production systems.
An Analysis of Three Decades of Increasing Carbon Emissions: The Weight of the P Factor
Authors: Tamburino Lucia , Cafaro Philip , Bravo Giangiacomo
Published: February 2023

A dominant narrative in the climate change debate is that addressing population is not relevant for mitigation because population is only growing in the poorest countries, whose contribution to global carbon emissions is negligible, while the largest contribution comes from rich countries where the population no longer grows. We conducted an analysis of 30 years of emission data for all world countries showing that this narrative is misleading. Splitting the countries into four income groups according to the World Bank’s standard classification, we found that: (i) population is growing in all four groups; (ii) low-income countries’ contribution to emissions increase is indeed limited; (iii) the largest contribution to global carbon emissions comes from the upper-middle group; (iv) population growth is the main driver of emissions increase in all income groups except the upper-middle one; (v) the successful reduction in per capita emissions that occurred in high-income countries was nullified by the parallel increase in population in the same group. Our analysis suggests that climate change mitigation strategies should address population along with per capita consumption and technological innovation, in a comprehensive approach to the problem.
Nexus of Training and Development, Organizational Learning Capability, and Organizational Performance in the Service Sector
Authors: Hussain Altaf , Khan Muhammad , Rakhmonov Dilshodjon Alidjonovich , Mamadiyarov Zokir Toshtemirovich , Kurbonbekova Mohichexra Turobjonovna , Mahmudova Muxlisa Qodirjon Kizi
Published: February 2023

This article investigates the expansion of organizational learning capabilities (OLC) and its growing utilization in the organization in order to identify whether OLC affects the relationship between training and development and organizational performance. This study further explores the correlation between organizational learning capabilities and organizational performance, offering insight into the different understandings of organizational triumph related to OLC. This research was conducted via survey method and data were collected from five service industries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. A data sample of 300 employees was analyzed using quantitative approaches, such as descriptive statistics and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results of the article addressed issues that are related to human capital regarding OLC, including training and development aspects which were not discussed by the literature in the past. The main findings of this paper are the formulation of an empirically and theoretically supported model related to the effect of OLC on the relationship between training and development and organizational performance. On the other hand, this study signifies that OLC is a better instrument for enhancing organizational performance, as well as in dealing with today’s indeterminate and continuously challenging economic atmosphere. This study is the first of its nature to shed light on training and development, organizational learning capabilities, and organizational performance in the service sector of KP, Pakistan.
Optimization of Municipal Waste Streams in Achieving Urban Circularity in the City of Curitiba, Brazil
Authors: Devendran Aarthi Aishwarya , Mainali Brijesh , Khatiwada Dilip , Golzar Farzin , Mahapatra Krushna , Toigo Camila H.
Published: February 2023

The municipal solid waste (MSW) remains a great challenge in most cities of developing countries, as the majority of the generated waste is either not collected or is dumped in open uncontrolled non-engineered landfill sites, creating significant pollution due to the leakage of landfill leachate in the surrounding environment. In developing countries, a complete transition to a zero-landfill scenario is less likely to happen in the near future due to various socio-economic challenges. Therefore, the existing landfills in developing countries need holistic waste management thinking with more efforts on waste to energy conversions. This study highlights the challenges with existing MSW management practices of Curitiba, Brazil, and suggests some holistic and sustainable landfill management techniques. This is accomplished through the (i) identification of the suitable sites for setting up transfer stations (TSs), (ii) route optimization for MSW transportation, and (iii) analysis of the life expectancy of the existing landfill with waste valorization techniques for enhancing circularity of MSW of the city. The study has identified six potential TSs, making use of various geological criteria and constraints as suggested by the United States Environmental Protection Agency using GIS-based spatial analysis, which could save fuel cost of approximately 1.5 million Brazilian Real (BRL) per year for the solid waste transportation (from the source to the landfill site). This research has also made a value addition in this specific field with the preparation of a digitized road network map of the study region. Further, the sensitivity-based scenario analysis highlights that the lifespan of the existing landfill (until 2030) might be extended to 2058 if the city achieves the targeted recycling rate of 85% compared with the current rate of 23%. The results would be useful for policy-makers to adopt the crucial MSW scenario to achieve a circular economy in the waste management of the city of Curitiba.
Retailers’ Audit Strategies for Green Agriculture Based on Dynamic Evolutionary Game
Authors: Yang Xingyi , Dai Xiaopei , Liu Zhenyu
Published: February 2023

Green agriculture can minimize the negative impact of agriculture on the environment, and green products are usually sold at a higher price due to their green attributes. This induces farmers to produce conventional products and falsely sell them as green products. To better promote the development of the green agricultural product market, we study the effect of retailers’ audit strategies, premium policies and farmers’ punishment policy on farmers’ decisions. We develop an evolutionary game theory model to describe evolutionary behaviors of farmers and retailers. Then, we analyze the evolutionary stability strategies in different scenarios and numerically simulate the evolution of farmers’ decisions and retailers’ decisions to verify theoretical results. The results show that the static premium policy is not an ideal policy to promote the development of green agriculture, whereas the dynamic premium policy, as well as the dynamic premium and farmers’ punishment policy, could lead to an effective green market. A higher maximum premium encourages more farmers to produce true green products and may allow more retailers not to audit farmers. Moreover, if the punishment for farmers increases, more retailers will not audit farmers, leading to lower audit cost. Finally, a lower audit fee could motivate more farmers to produce true green products.
Daily Line Planning Optimization for High-Speed Railway Lines
Authors: Wu Jinfei , Shan Xinghua , Sun Jingxia , Weng Shengyuan , Zhao Shuo
Published: February 2023

Daily line planning in the operation stage should satisfy the fluctuating travel demand on different days and ensure the operation stability. In this paper, we propose an approach of daily line planning optimization for high-speed railway (HSR) lines to trade off the system costs and operation stability. The line plan is optimized by adjusting the reference line plan based on the baseline plan. A bi-level programming model is constructed based on Stackelberg game theory to describe the interaction and conflicts between railway companies and passengers. We propose the thought of “trigger decision, space-time coupling and joint iteration” to solve the model under the framework of the Simulated Annealing Algorithm (SAA). The case study on the Beijing–Shanghai HSR Line demonstrates that the adjusted line plan can not only optimize the system costs but also ensure the operation stability. It can provide sufficient transit capacity to satisfy the travel requirements of passengers and present the obvious advantage of operation cost reduction.
Downregulation of LncRNA GCLC-1 Promotes Microcystin-LR-Induced Malignant Transformation of Human Liver Cells by Regulating GCLC Expression
Authors: Huang Xinglei , Su Zhaohui , Li Jiangheng , He Junquan , Zhao Na , Nie Liyun , Guan Bin , Huang Qiuyue , Zhao Huiliu , Lu Guo-Dong , Nong Qingqing
Published: February 2023

Microcystin-LR (MCLR) is an aquatic toxin, which could lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are considered important regulatory elements in the occurrence and development of cancer. However, the roles and mechanisms of lncRNAs during the process of HCC, induced by MCLR, remain elusive. Here, we identified a novel lncRNA, namely lnc-GCLC-1 (lncGCLC), which is in close proximity to the chromosome location of glutamate–cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC). We then investigated the role of lncGCLC in MCLR-induced malignant transformation of WRL68, a human hepatic cell line. During MCLR-induced cell transformation, the expression of lncGCLC and GCLC decreased continuously, accompanied with a consistently high expression of miR-122-5p. Knockdown of lncGCLC promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion, but reduced cell apoptosis. A xenograft nude mouse model demonstrated that knockdown of lncGCLC promoted tumor growth. Furthermore, knockdown of lncGCLC significantly upregulated miR-122-5p expression, suppressed GCLC expression and GSH levels, and enhanced oxidative DNA damages. More importantly, the expression of lncGCLC in human HCC tissues was significantly downregulated in the high-microcystin exposure group, and positively associated with GCLC level in HCC tissues. Together, these findings suggest that lncGCLC plays an anti-oncogenic role in MCLR-induced malignant transformation by regulating GCLC expression.
Substantial Changes in Selected Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Associations with Health Risk Assessments in Industrial Areas during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Singh Bhupendra , Sohrab Sayed , Athar Mohammad , Alandijany Thamir , Kumari Saumya , Nair Arathi , Kumari Sweety , Mehra Kriti , Chowdhary Khyati , Rahman Shakilur , Azhar Esam
Published: February 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments in many countries worldwide, including India, imposed several restriction measures, including lockdowns, to prevent the spread of the infection. COVID-19 lockdowns led to a reduction in gaseous and particulate pollutants in ambient air. In the present study, we investigated the substantial changes in selected volatile organic compounds (VOCs) after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and associations with health risk assessments in industrial areas. VOC data from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021 were collected from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) website, to identify percentage changes in VOC levels before, during, and after COVID-19. The mean TVOC levels at all monitoring stations were 47.22 ± 30.15, 37.19 ± 37.19, and 32.81 ± 32.81 µg/m3 for 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. As a result, the TVOC levels gradually declined in consecutive years due to the pandemic in India. The mean TVOC levels at all monitoring stations declined from 9 to 61% during the pandemic period as compared with the pre-pandemic period. In the current study, the T/B ratio values ranged from 2.16 (PG) to 26.38 (NL), which indicated that the major pollutant contributors were traffic and non-traffic sources during the pre-pandemic period. The present findings indicated that TVOC levels had positive but low correlations with SR, BP, RF, and WD, with correlation coefficients (r) of 0.034, 0.118, 0.012, and 0.007, respectively, whereas negative correlations were observed with AT and WS, with correlation coefficients (r) of −0.168 and −0.150, respectively. The lifetime cancer risk (LCR) value for benzene was reported to be higher in children, followed by females and males, for the pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods. A nationwide scale-up of this study’s findings might be useful in formulating future air pollution reduction policies associated with a reduction in health risk factors. Furthermore, the present study provides baseline data for future studies on the impacts of anthropogenic activities on the air quality of a region.
Editorial for the Special Issue on “Human Biomonitoring in Health Risk Assessment: Current Practices and Recommendations for the Future”
Authors: Rousselle Christophe
Published: February 2023

In most health risk assessment (HRA) frameworks for chemicals, the default approach for exposure assessment is to estimate the intake from different sources and different routes of exposure [...]
Mitigation Effect of Dense “Water Network” on Heavy PM2.5 Pollution: A Case Model of the Twain-Hu Basin, Central China
Authors: Zhu Yan , Bai Yongqing , Xiong Jie , Zhao Tianliang , Xu Jiaping , Zhou Yue , Meng Kai , Meng Chengzhen , Sun Xiaoyun , Hu Weiyang
Published: February 2023

The influence of the underlying surface on the atmospheric environment over rivers and lakes is not fully understood. To improve our understanding, this study targeted the Twain-Hu Basin (THB) in central China, with a unique underlying surface comprising a dense “water network” over rivers and lakes. In this study, the Weather Research and Forecasting Model with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) was used to simulate the impact of this dense “water network” on a wintertime heavy PM2.5 pollution event in the THB. On this basis, the regulating effects of density and area of the lake groups, with centralized big lakes (CBLs) and discrete small lakes (DSLs), on PM2.5 concentrations over the underlying surface of the dense “water network” in the THB were clarified, and the relative contributions of thermal factors and water vapor factors in the atmospheric boundary layer to the variation of PM2.5 concentrations were evaluated. The results show that the underlying surface of dense “water networks” in the THB generally decreases the PM2.5 concentrations, but the influences of different lake-group types are not uniform in spatial distribution. The CBLs can reduce the PM2.5 concentrations over the lake and its surroundings by 4.90–17.68% during the day and night. The ability of DSLs in reducing PM2.5 pollution is relatively weak, with the reversed contribution between −5.63% and 1.56%. Thermal factors and water vapor–related factors are the key meteorological drivers affecting the variation of PM2.5 concentrations over the underlying surface of dense “water networks”. The warming and humidification effects of such underlying surfaces contribute positively and negatively to the “purification” of air pollution, respectively. The relative contributions of thermal factors and water vapor–related factors are 52.48% and 43.91% for CBLs and 65.96% and 27.31% for DSLs, respectively. The “purification” effect of the underlying surface with a dense “water network” in the THB on regional air pollution highlights the importance of environmental protection of inland rivers and lakes in regional environmental governance. In further studies on the atmospheric environment, long-term studies are necessary, including fine measurements in terms of meteorology and the environment and more comprehensive simulations under different scenarios.
Geminga SNR: Possible Candidate of Local Cosmic-Ray Factory (II)
Authors: Zhao Bing , Guo Yiqing , Zhou Xunxiu
Published: February 2023

Accurate measurements of the energy spectrum and anisotropy can help us discover local cosmic-ray accelerators. Our recent works have shown that spectral hardening above 200 GeV in the energy spectra and transition of large-scale anisotropy at ∼100 TeV are of an unifying origin. Less than 100 TeV, both spectral hardening and anisotropy explicitly indicate the dominant contribution from nearby sources. Recent observations of CR anisotropy suggest that this phase is consistent with the locally regular magnetic field (LRMF) of the interstellar boundary explorer (IBEX) below 100 TeV. In this work, we further investigate the parameter space of sources allowed by the observational energy spectra and amplitude and phase of dipole anisotropy. To obtain the best-fit source parameters, a numerical algorithm is to compute the parameter posterior distributions based on Bayesian inference. We found that by combining the observations of the energy spectrum and anisotropy, the parameters of the model can be well constrained. The LRMF and the effect of the corresponding anisotropic diffusion are considered in this work. Finally, the phase results’ right ascension (R.A.)=3.2 h below 100 TeV was obtained by fitting, which is in general agreement with the experimental observations. Since the Geminga SNR is very close to the mean of the fitted parameters, it could be a candidate for a local cosmic-ray accelerator.
In Silico Identification of Cassava Genome-Encoded MicroRNAs with Predicted Potential for Targeting the ICMV-Kerala Begomoviral Pathogen of Cassava
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad Aleem , Ali Babar , Brown Judith K. , Shahid Imran , Yu Naitong
Published: February 2023

Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) is caused by several divergent species belonging to the genus Begomovirus (Geminiviridae) transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci cryptic species group. In India and other parts of Asia, the Indian cassava mosaic virus-Kerala (ICMV-Ker) is an emergent begomovirus of cassava causing damage that results in reduced yield loss and tuber quality. Double-stranded RNA-mediated interference (RNAi) is an evolutionary conserved mechanism in eukaryotes and highly effective, innate defense system to inhibit plant viral replication and/or translation. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize cassava genome-encoded microRNAs (mes-miRNA) that are predicted to target ICMV-Ker ssDNA-encoded mRNAs, based on four in silico algorithms: miRanda, RNA22, Tapirhybrid, and psRNA. The goal is to deploy the predicted miRNAs to trigger RNAi and develop cassava plants with resistance to ICMV-Ker. Experimentally validated mature cassava miRNA sequences (n = 175) were downloaded from the miRBase biological database and aligned with the ICMV-Ker genome. The miRNAs were evaluated for base-pairing with the cassava miRNA seed regions and to complementary binding sites within target viral mRNAs. Among the 175 locus-derived mes-miRNAs evaluated, one cassava miRNA homolog, mes-miR1446a, was identified to have a predicted miRNA target binding site, at position 2053 of the ICMV-Ker genome. To predict whether the cassava miRNA might bind predicted ICMV-Ker mRNA target(s) that could disrupt viral infection of cassava plants, a cassava locus-derived miRNA–mRNA regulatory network was constructed using Circos software. The in silico-predicted cassava locus-derived mes-miRNA-mRNA network corroborated interactions between cassava mature miRNAs and the ICMV-Ker genome that warrant in vivo analysis, which could lead to the development of ICMV-Ker resistant cassava plants.
Obesity-Associated Hepatic Steatosis, Somatotropic Axis Impairment, and Ferritin Levels Are Strong Predictors of COVID-19 Severity
Authors: Masi Davide , Gangitano Elena , Criniti Anna , Ballesio Laura , Anzuini Antonella , Marino Luca , Gnessi Lucio , Angeloni Antonio , Gandini Orietta , Lubrano Carla
Published: February 2023

The full spectrum of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients has not yet been defined. This study aimed to evaluate which parameters derived from CT, inflammatory, and hormonal markers could explain the clinical variability of COVID-19. We performed a retrospective study including SARS-CoV-2–infected patients hospitalized from March 2020 to May 2021 at the Umberto I Polyclinic of Rome. Patients were divided into four groups according to the degree of respiratory failure. Routine laboratory examinations, BMI, liver steatosis indices, liver CT attenuation, ferritin, and IGF-1 serum levels were assessed and correlated with severity. Analysis of variance between groups showed that patients with worse prognoses had higher BMI and ferritin levels, but lower liver density, albumin, GH, and IGF-1. ROC analysis confirmed the prognostic accuracy of IGF-1 in discriminating between patients who experienced death/severe respiratory failure and those who did not (AUC 0.688, CI: 0.587 to 0.789, p < 0.001). A multivariate analysis considering the degrees of severity of the disease as the dependent variable and ferritin, liver density, and the standard deviation score of IGF-1 as regressors showed that all three parameters were significant predictors. Ferritin, IGF-1, and liver steatosis account for the increased risk of poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients with obesity.
HIV Drug Resistance in Adults Initiating or Reinitiating Antiretroviral Therapy in Uruguay—Results of a Nationally Representative Survey, 2018–2019
Authors: Flieller Rosa , Cabrera Susana , Ruchansky Dora , Girón-Callejas Amalia , Brasesco María , Pérez Daniel , Chiparelli Héctor , García-Morales Claudia , Tapia-Trejo Daniela , Monreal-Flores Jessica , Ravasi Giovanni , Jordan Michael R. , Ávila-Ríos Santiago
Published: February 2023

The first nationally representative cross-sectional HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) survey was conducted in Uruguay in 2018–2019 among adults diagnosed with HIV and initiating or reinitiating antiretroviral therapy (ART). Protease, reverse transcriptase, and integrase genes of HIV-1 were sequenced. A total of 206 participants were enrolled in the survey; 63.2% were men, 85.7% were >25 years of age, and 35.6% reported previous exposure to antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. The prevalence of HIVDR to efavirenz or nevirapine was significantly higher (OR: 1.82, p < 0.001) in adults with previous ARV drug exposure (20.3%, 95% CI: 18.7–22.0%) compared to adults without previous ARV drug exposure (12.3%, 11.0–13.8%). HIVDR to any nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors was 10.3% (9.4–11.2%). HIVDR to ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors was 1.5% (1.1–2.1%); resistance to ritonavir-boosted darunavir was 0.9% (0.4–2.1%) among adults without previous ARV drug exposure and it was not observed among adults with previous ARV drug exposure. Resistance to integrase inhibitors was 12.7% (11.7–13.8%), yet HIVDR to dolutegravir, bictegravir, and cabotegravir was not observed. The high level (>10%) of HIVDR to efavirenz highlights the need to accelerate the transition to the WHO-recommended dolutegravir-based ART. Access to dolutegravir-based ART should be prioritised for people reporting previous ARV drug exposure.
Barriers to and Facilitators of Hepatitis B Vaccination among the Adult Population in Indonesia: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Machmud Putri Bungsu , Führer Amand , Gottschick Cornelia , Mikolajczyk Rafael
Published: February 2023

To reach the goals of the Global Hepatitis Elimination 2030 program, Indonesia is now preparing a new regulation for hepatitis B vaccinations for adult population. This study aimed to determine the factors influencing vaccine uptake for hepatitis B in the adult population, and identify barriers to, and facilitators of, hepatitis B vaccination programmes. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was implemented in this study. We conducted a survey involving 893 participants in the general population followed by 14 in-depth interviews with health providers. The survey found that only 15% (95% confidence interval 13–18%) of participants received at least one dose of the hepatitis B vaccine. Factors associated with vaccine uptake were, living in Yogyakarta compared to living in Aceh, having secondary and higher education compared to primary education, working as a health worker compared to working in other sectors, and having health insurance that covered hepatitis B vaccination compared to not having such health insurance. Our qualitative study also identified several barriers to the adult hepatitis B vaccination programme in Indonesia such as the high cost of vaccination, lack of vaccine availability in certain areas, limited human resources to implement the hepatitis B vaccination programme, and the ineffective dissemination of hepatitis B vaccination. This study highlights that accessibility and affordability of vaccinations are important determinants of vaccination uptake that should be taken into account when planning vaccination campaigns.
Association between COVID-19 and Seasonal Influenza Vaccines to Vaccine Hesitancy, Intolerance of Uncertainty and Mental Health
Authors: Shacham Maayan , Hamama-Raz Yaira , Ben-Ezra Menachem , Levin Yafit
Published: February 2023

Vaccine hesitancy is a universal problem that is becoming more prevalent, ranging from partial acceptance to the complete refusal of various vaccines. The current study seeks to assess the relationship between vaccine hesitancy, intolerance of uncertainty, and mental health factors and those who were vaccinated against COVID-19 and seasonal influenza in comparison to those who did not vaccinate against both or decided to be vaccinated with only one of these vaccines. Employing a cross-sectional design, 1068 Israeli participants were recruited via social media (mainly Facebook) and Whatsapp and completed questionnaires assessing vaccine hesitancy, intolerance of uncertainty, and mental health factors. Our results revealed that previous history of neither COVID-19 nor seasonal influenza vaccination was associated with increased vaccine hesitancy. In addition, individuals who received either one vaccine or both claimed elevated levels of intolerance of uncertainty and reported elevated levels of mental health symptoms. Therefore, an association between vaccine hesitancy and intolerance of uncertainty and mental health symptoms is demonstrated. Future campaigns against vaccine hesitancy may focus on the intolerance of uncertainty in vaccine-hesitant individuals.
Noise Reduction of Two-Speed Automatic Transmission for Pure Electric Vehicles
Authors: Shi Zhaoyao , Liu Bo , Yue Huijun , Wu Xiaoxiao , Wang Shuhan
Published: February 2023

At present, the noise of pure electric vehicles is a research hotspot, especially the noise of automatic transmission. In order to reduce the noise problem in the test, this paper proposes a method to optimize the local structure of the gearbox housing. First, the noise is evaluated and analyzed by combining subjective and objective methods, and the subjective score and noise order information are obtained. Then the factors that have great influence on the transmission error are explored, and the gearbox housing is finally determined as the optimization objective. Through finite element analysis, the weak position of the gearbox housing can be located quickly and accurately, and then the static and dynamic stiffness of the housing can be improved by adding and changing stiffeners. The simulation results show that the performance of the optimized housing is significantly improved. After the noise test of the whole vehicle, the noise of the two-speed automatic transmission is significantly reduced, and the subjective evaluation results are good.
An Improved Duplex Real-Time Quantitative RT-PCR Assay with a Canine Endogenous Internal Positive Control for More Sensitive and Reliable Detection of Canine Parainfluenza Virus 5
Authors: Jeon Gyu-Tae , Kim Hye-Ryung , Shin Yeun-Kyung , Kwon Oh-Kyu , Kang Hae-Eun , Kwon Oh-Deog , Park Choi-Kyu
Published: February 2023

A duplex real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (dqRT-PCR) assay was successfully developed to simultaneously detect canine parainfluenza virus 5 (CPIV5) and a canine endogenous internal positive control (EIPC) in canine clinical samples. Two sets of primers and probes for the CPIV5 L and canine 16S rRNA genes were included in the dqRT-PCR assay to detect CPIV and monitor invalid results throughout the qRT-PCR process. The developed dqRT-PCR assay specifically detected CPIV5 but no other canine pathogens. Furthermore, 16S rRNA was stably amplified by dqRT-PCR assay in all samples containing canine cellular materials. The assay’s sensitivity was determined as below ten RNA copies per reaction, with CPIV5 L gene standard RNA and 1 TCID50/mL with the CPIV5 D008 vaccine strain, which was 10-fold higher than that of the previous HN gene-specific qRT-PCR (HN-qRT-PCR) assays and was equivalent to that of the previous N gene-specific qRT-PCR (N-qRT-PCR) assays, respectively. Moreover, the Ct values of the CPIV5-positive samples obtained using the dqRT-PCR assay were lower than those obtained using the previous HN- and N-qRT-PCR assays, indicating that the diagnostic performance of the dqRT-PCR assay was superior to those of previous HN- and N-qRT-PCR assays. The calculated Cohen’s kappa coefficient values (95% confidence interval) between dqRT-PCR and the HN- or N-specific qRT-PCR assays were 0.97 (0.90–1.03) or 1.00 (1.00–1.00), respectively. In conclusion, the newly developed dqRT-PCR assay with high sensitivity, specificity, and reliability will be a promising diagnostic tool for the detection of CPIV5 in clinical samples and useful for etiological and epidemiological studies of CPIV5 infection in dogs.
Developmental Ultrasound Characteristics in Guinea Pigs: Similarities with Human Pregnancy
Authors: Candia Alejandro A. , Jiménez Tamara , Navarrete Álvaro , Beñaldo Felipe , Silva Pablo , García-Herrera Claudio , Sferruzzi-Perri Amanda N. , Krause Bernardo J. , González-Candia Alejandro , Herrera Emilio A.
Published: February 2023

Background: Biometrical and blood flow examinations are fundamental for assessing fetoplacental development during pregnancy. Guinea pigs have been proposed as a good model to study fetal development and related gestational complications; however, longitudinal growth and blood flow changes in utero have not been properly described. This study aimed to describe fetal and placental growth and blood flow of the main intrauterine vascular beds across normal guinea pig pregnancy and to discuss the relevance of this data for human pregnancy. Methods: Pregnant guinea pigs were studied from day 25 of pregnancy until term (day ~70) by ultrasound and Doppler assessment. The results were compared to human data from the literature. Results: Measurements of biparietal diameter (BPD), cranial circumference (CC), abdominal circumference, and placental biometry, as well as pulsatility index determination of umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery (MCA), and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR), were feasible to determine across pregnancy, and they could be adjusted to linear or nonlinear functions. In addition, several of these parameters showed a high correlation coefficient and could be used to assess gestational age in guinea pigs. We further compared these data to ultrasound variables from human pregnancy with high similarities. Conclusions: BPD and CC are the most reliable measurements to assess fetal growth in guinea pigs. Furthermore, this is the first report in which the MCA pulsatility index and CPR are described across guinea pig gestation. The guinea pig is a valuable model to assess fetal growth and blood flow distribution, variables that are comparable with human pregnancy.
Gender Differences in Sexual Well-Being and Sexual Identity Development among Youth Formerly in the Foster Care System in the United States
Authors: Brandon-Friedman Richard A. , Swafford Tayon R.
Published: February 2023

Little research has heretofore examined differences in the sexual well-being and sexual health outcomes between female and male youth in the foster care system. This cross-sectional study examined these differences and as well as how sexual identity development impacts sexual well-being using a sample of 217 youth formerly in the foster care system. It found that females have lower levels of overall sexual well-being, lower scores on several components of sexual well-being, and more negative sexual health outcomes than males. The four domains of sexual identity development explored all predicted overall sexual well-being for both females and males, with a pronounced negative impact of being a gay male. These results support the importance of sexual identity development and indicate that the sexual health needs of females within the foster care system are not being addressed as well as those of their male counterparts. To address these discrepancies professionals and caregivers working with youth in the foster care system need to be attuned to the specific needs of female youth and work to address these needs in a manner that considers their gender.
Students' perceptions of the general english proficiency test: A study on Tishk International University students in Erbil, Iraq
Authors: Celik Bunyamin , Kara Saban
Published: February 2023

Language Proficiency exams are run globally in different formats to assess students` performance at all stages. Accordingly, standardized or institution-based proficiency exams are common at higher education institutions to determine students` level and overall ability. This study was conducted in 2022-2023 Academic Year over a span of 4 weeks to examine the perceptions of prospective students who want to study in different faculties and departments of Tishk International University in Iraq. One thousand students were chosen as the sample by adopting convenience sampling method. The purpose of this study was to figure out prospective students` genuine opinions on revised Tishk International University General English Proficiency Exam. The students took the exam run by Tishk International University, Language Preparatory School and expressed their opinions about the exam through the interview. The findings revealed that watching movies, reading books, joining some training programs, following the news and TV programs in English affected their performance positively, whereas setting other priorities, focusing on other subjects rather than English, not studying well in advance, unable to manage the time and stress affected their results adversely. Additionally, the students stated once more that incorporating some of the questions from their grade 12 English textbook with those from the Cambridge Proficiency Exam 1 boosted their motivation to achieve high marks on the test. The findings of this study may have some implications for future studies related to English language proficiency tests.
Digitalization of the activities of the ECtHR in civil and commercial proceedings and the problems of their enforcement: international legal experience
Authors: Kryvosheina Inha , Zhornokui Valentyna , Kronda Olha , But Illia , Panfilov Oleh
Published: February 2023

The article is devoted to the study of the foreign experience of digitalization of the activities of judicial bodies in civil and commercial proceedings and the digitalization of the activities of the ECtHR. The researchers analyzed the role played by digital technologies in the context of the implementation of judicial proceedings and enforcement of law decisions. The purpose of the work is the study of the new technological reality, including the functioning of the ECtHR and the consideration of cases in the field of economic and civil proceedings by such a court in conditions of digitalization, the analysis of problematic issues of the implementation of decisions of jurisdictional bodies, as well as a detailed examination of the international legal experience of digitalization of the judiciary and execution services. The object of the study is the social relations related to the digitalization of the activities of judicial bodies and enforcement bodies. The subject of the study is the international legal experience of digitalization of the activity of the ECtHR in civil and commercial proceedings, as well as problematic issues of enforcement. The research methodology consists of such methods as formal-logical, analysis, synthesis, abstraction, induction and deduction, historical, systemic, sociological-legal, and comparative-legal. As a result of the conducted research, it has been proven that the further digitalization of the ECtHR will allow to significantly improve the consideration of cases and ensure access to justice for a wider range of people.
Calcaneus fractures: characteristics of radiological and clinical outcomes of surgery treatment
Authors: Dang Le Hoang Nam , Nguyen Ba Luu , Hoang Hong Son , Le Nghi Thanh Nhan
Published: February 2023

Background: Calcaneus fracture is one of the types of fractures that have a fairly frequent clinical frequency. Recently, there are many other values on X-rays and CT scans of the calcaneus used for diagnosis, evaluation, and prognostic in outcomess.This study aims to evaluate the imaging characteristics on radiographs and CT scans of calcaneus fractures and surgical treatment outcomes in patients with calcaneus fractures as well. Materials and Method: from October 2019 to June 2021, 32 patients with calcaneus fractures were diagnosed and underwent open and internal fixation surgery at Department of Orthopedic-Thoracic Trauma Surgery, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital. All calcanues were estimated for Boehler angle, Gissane angle, height, length, and calcasneus width, the results of treatment are evaluated on the scale of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS). Results: There were 20 cases of left and 12 cases of right calcaneus. The average follow-up period is 03-06 months.The average AOFAS score at post-operative 3 and 6 months was 78.73 ± 11.86 (65-93) and 88.44 ± 4.98 (81-97), respectively. Boehler angle value preoperative 10.56 ± 9.410 increased post-operative 24.34 ± 9.360, p<0.001, Gissane angle pre-operative 93.580 (850 - 1000) increased post-operative 114.70 ± 5.230, p<0.001. The width of the pre-surgery heel bone is 65.4 (60-68) mm and post-operative 60.1 (58-63) mm. Pre-operative heel bone height was 37.1 (26-49) while post-surgery calcaneus height was 48.2 (41-58) p<0.05. Pre-operative calcaneus length was 83.2 (75-92) and post-operative calcaneus length was 82.7 (75-91) p>0.05. Conclusion: The findings of the study reveal that open reduction and internal fixation for calcaneal fractures has positive results in terms of imaging and ankle function for patients. Furthermore, the inclusion of extra characteristics on calcaneus X-rays and CT scans
helps to improve treatment outcomes in calcaneal fracture surgery.
Key words: calcaneus fractures, calcaneus fractures open reduction and internal fixation
Comparing the efficiency of electroacupuncture and “Doc hoat tang ky sinh” remedy with or without herbal compress in the treatment of knee pain due to knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Nguyen Thi Tan , Nguyen Viet Phuong Nguyen , Nguyen Van Hung
Published: February 2023

Background: Herbal compress is an ancient method based on heating compress method originating from traditional medicine, the heat combined with medicinal herbs speed up the metabolism of the damaged zone. Based on that, the method could also inhibit the sensation of pain, excite, relax and treat the muscle tissue. This method has a good effect on reducing knee swelling and pain, easing knee joint stiffness, fits the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Electroacupuncture generating electrical impulses has the effect of relieving pain, improving circulation combined with “Doc hoat tang ky sinh” remedy having the effect of expelling wind, scattering cold, eliminating dampness, stopping pain, tonifying the Qi and Blood, and strengthening the Liver and Kidney. Using “Doc hoat tang ky sinh” remedy, electroacupuncture combined with herbal compress bring out high clinical efficiency. Objectives: To compare the efficiency between 2 methods including electroacupuncture, “Doc hoat tang ky sinh” remedy combined with herbal compress and electroacupuncture, “Doc hoat tang ky sinh” remedy in the treatment of knee pain due to knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Including 80 patients diagnosed with primary knee osteoarthritis were treated at Thua Thien Hue Traditional Medicine Hospital. The study was designed by the method of prospective study, to evaluate the efficiency of before and after treatment. Results: group 1: good level 72.5%, fair level 25%,average level 2.5%; group 2: good level 52.5%, fair level 37.5%, average level 10.0%. During the treatment there were no clinically significant side effects. Conclusion: Treating knee pain due to knee osteoarthritis by using electroacupuncture, “Doc hoat tang ky sinh” remedy combined with herbal compress brings out better clinical effectiveness than the group without herbal compress.
Key words: knee osteoarthritis, electroacupuncture, “Doc hoat tang ky sinh” remedy, herbal compress.