bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dating Conflict-Resolution Tactics and Exposure to Family Violence: University Students’ Experiences
Authors: Portugal Alda , Caridade Sónia , Santos Ana Sofia , Spínola Joana , Sani Ana
Published: April 2023

An increasing prevalence of abusive dynamics in intimate relationships among young people has been reported in recent data. The purposes of this study are to outline the conflict-resolution strategies used in dating relationships, to describe the exposure to violent dynamics in the family of origin, and to analyse the correlation between conflict-resolution tactics in dating and exposure to family violence. This quantitative/cross-sectional study, using self-report instruments (sociodemographic questionnaire; revised conflict tactics scales; children’s natural family environment signalling scale), involved 247 university students (mean age = 21.07; SD = 2.07). The results revealed a high prevalence in the use of abusive conflict-resolution tactics and exposure to family violence. Positive and significant correlations between these two variables were also found. These results raise the possibility of the transgenerational transmission of abusive dynamics and multiple victimisation and signal the need for action (prevention and intervention) on beliefs and expectations that young people have about marital relationships.
Agency of Migrant Youth in Hostile Sociopolitical Environments: Case Studies from Central Eastern Europe
Authors: Arendas Zsuzsanna , Trąbka Agnieszka , Messing Vera , Pietrusińska Marta Jadviga , Winogrodzka Dominika
Published: April 2023

This paper compares the integration of third-country youth in Poland and Hungary in two Central Eastern European contexts characterized by a hostile sociopolitical environment for migrants, right-wing policies, illiberalism, and regression in various related policy areas. Our article is based on a three-year EU-funded research project that investigated the integration of migrant youth in precarious circumstances (MIMY). It uses data from qualitative interviews conducted with migrant youth and thus focuses on the migrant’s perspective while exploring how coping and navigating such hostile environments occurs. The analysis is based on the concept of migrant agency in extremely difficult and complex sociopolitical situations. Our findings highlight the particular importance of the latter in these hostile environments. We argue that while the withdrawal of the state from integration has created difficult contexts for migrant youth, they exhibit different forms of agency, enabling them to adapt to opportunity structures. While these forms of agency are important and real, the structural constraints imposed by hostile states’ anti-immigration and anti-integration attitudes significantly limit migrants’ options for coping with everyday life.
Engineering Approach for Production of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Inoculum Adapted to Saline Soil Management
Authors: Bencherif Karima , Laruelle Frederic , Tisserant Benoit , Dalpé Yolande , Lounés-Hadj Sahraoui Anissa
Published: April 2023

(1) Background: Soil salinity impacts plant growth and productivity in steppic regions. Thus, the current study aims at producing, at low cost, an inoculum composed of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) strains adapted to saline soil management. (2) Methods: The propagation of the native AMF strains was carried out in three natural saline soils presenting increasing salinity levels (4.5, 8.5 and 9.3 dS·m−1 in Boughzoul (BG), Salt Rocket (SR) and Zaafrane (ZA) sites, respectively). Three host plant species (alfalfa, clover and leek) were tested as trap cultures. AMF spore richness and diversity, the quantification of soil microbial biomass and the determination of the most probable number (MPN) were carried out before and after 24 months culture. Moreover, the mycorrhizal rates of the host plant species were assessed. (3) Results: The moderate saline soil (SR) planted with alfalfa was found to be the most suitable for AMF inoculum production with a maximum of 650 spores, 10 g−1 of soil, a mycorrhizal rate of 86%, 70 propagules·g−1 of soil and the highest microbial biomass content. (4) Conclusion: This study points out the best combination for the production of a more adapted AMF biofertilizer for saline soil management and proposes several indicators for biofertilizer quality evaluation.
Towards a “Positive Landscape”: An Integrated Theoretical Model of Landscape Preference Based on Cognitive Neuroscience
Authors: Yan Lu , Winterbottom Daniel , Liu Juanjuan
Published: April 2023

Landscape preference (LP) is often a critical interdisciplinary research topic that explores the interaction between human beings and their environments. Human preferences for landscape can have a profound influence on how the preservation, reconstruction, and restoration of the landscape is approached, both consciously and unconsciously. Theories of LP emerged in the 1960s and can be divided into three need categories: (1) the need for survival, (2) the need for affection, and (3) the need for cognition. However, these theories lack a unifying framework. The hypothesis presented herein is that LPs are derived from innate human needs. Based on cognitive neuroscience, positive psychology, and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, an integrated theoretical model explaining the neural basis and mental processes that inform LPs is developed. The concept of “positive landscape” and the argument that landscape change could be a potential tool for regulating human LPs are proposed. Two regulatory strategies used to actively manipulate LPs in a way that benefits both the ecosystem and human wellbeing are described in this study.
Factors Determining ROPO Behaviors of Travel Agencies Customers during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dudek Andrzej , Jaremen Daria Elżbieta , Michalska-Dudek Izabela
Published: April 2023

Tourist decision-making has been heavily affected by the pandemic crisis, which increases the complexity of the tourism business operations and shakes the foundations of tourism sustainable development. Thus, studying and comprehension of tourists’ behaviors, including the purchasing decisions, and incorporating this knowledge into the strategies of tourism companies, has a key importance to the organizations’ survival during hard times. The article contains the characteristics of tourist behavior schemes related to decision-making in buying package holidays during COVID-19 crisis. The study was based on analysis of the results of a computer assisted web interview using the CAWI method, conducted among 1502 Poles using the classification tree method (the R statistical package and the RPART library). Research allowed us to identify the four purchase decision-making patterns and to describe four segments of holidaymakers’ buying according to these patterns. In the profiling process, nine demographic and social variables were used, including gender, age, education, residence, marital status, number of all household members, minor children in a household, assessment of own financial standing, and professional situation. The results of the analysis confirm the existence of a relationship between (1) the research online purchase offline behavior and the age, the number of children under 18 in the household, and the marital status of the package holidays buyers, (2) the research offline purchase online behavior and the age and the number of children up to 18 in the households of the buyers of tourist packages, (3) the research offline purchase offline behavior and the age, the number of children under 18 in the household, the assessment of the financial situation, and sex of the buyers of tourist packages, and (4) the research offline purchase online behavior and the age and assessment of financial situation of package holidays purchasers.
Improving Communication of the UK Sustainable Healthy Dietary Guidelines the Eatwell Guide: A Rapid Review
Authors: Culliford Amy E. , Bradbury Jane , Medici Elphee B.
Published: April 2023

Background: Food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) are a key public health tool, providing evidence-based recommendations for a healthy and more environmentally sustainable diet. Current adherence to national FBDG in the UK is poor with only 0.1% of the population meeting all of the recommendations set out in the Eatwell Guide. Communication of the Eatwell Guide is one of the many essential strategies needed to improve adherence and to support the necessary shift towards sustainable diets in the UK. An effective strategy is needed to communicate this information to policy makers, the food industry, health professionals and the public in order to drive dietary behaviour change. Methods: The authors conducted a rapid review of the scientific literature available in the SCOPUS database published between 2012 and 2022 (inclusive). Keywords searched related to the communication and implementation of FBDG. Additionally, examples of communication strategies for national FBDG globally are presented to demonstrate examples of good practice in this field. Results: The review highlighted several key themes relating to effective communication of FBDG. As a result, five recommendations are made for how communication of the Eatwell Guide could be improved to drive better adherence to these sustainable healthy guidelines. The recommendations are (1) review of language and tone of nutrition and sustainability related messages; (2) targeting of FBDG and communications to specific population segments; (3) addressing barriers to and benefits of adopting the Eatwell Guide recommendations; (4) development of practical tools and resources to support implementation of the guidelines; and (5) leveraging social media and social marketing techniques to increase public engagement. Conclusions: This research summarises the current scientific literature on the effective communication of FBDG. The recommendations may be used to improve future communication strategies for the Eatwell Guide as well as other national and international sustainable healthy FBDG.
Status and Trend of the Main Allergenic Pollen Grains and Alternaria Spores in the City of Rome (2003–2019)
Authors: Di Menno di Bucchianico Alessandro , Gaddi Raffaela , Brighetti Maria Antonia , De Franco Denise , Miraglia Annarosa , Travaglini Alessandro
Published: April 2023

Today a large part of the European population is exposed to levels of air pollution exceeding the standards recommended by the World Health Organization. Moreover, air pollution and the seasonal emission of allergenic pollen are progressively affecting human health and can cause severe allergic reactions, particularly when air pollution combines with pollen allergen peaks. Unlike atmospheric pollutants of anthropogenic origin, pollen sources have a pulsating trend that leads to high values in the flowering period and values close to, or equal to, zero in the rest of the year. This aspect makes essential the definition of data coverage standards for the main allergenic taxa. For air quality assessment detailed classification criteria for monitoring stations are defined by international standards, not the same from the European Standards for the Sampling and analysis of airborne pollen grains and fungal spores. This paper describes the status and the air concentration trends of the main allergenic pollen and the Alternaria spore measured in Rome from 2003 to 2019 by the Aerobiological Monitoring Center of Tor Vergata (Rome) and calculated by the Seasonal Kendall test with the open-source OpenAir R package. The analysis was carried out on the daily concentrations of the most widespread allergenic taxa in Italy: Asteraceae, Betulaceae, Corylaceae, Cupressaceae/Taxaceae, Poaceae, Oleaceae, Urticaceae and the Alternaria spores.
Acquisition and Utilization of Chinese Peasant e-Entrepreneurs’ Online Social Capital: The Moderating Effect of Offline Social Capital
Authors: Li Yan , Chen Weiping
Published: April 2023

Online social capital (OSC) is of great significance to the sustainable development of peasant e-entrepreneurs in the era of social media. The objective of this research was to explore how peasant e-entrepreneurs acquire and utilize OSC through the use of social media. This study proposes an analytical framework of “social media behaviors–OSC–resource acquisition” including the moderating effect of offline social capital. An empirical test was conducted using data from 306 surveys from China and the partial least squares method (PLS). The results show that (1) self-presentation and browsing behaviors have significant positive effects on both bridging and bonding OSC; communication behaviors only have a significant positive effect on bonding OSC; and self-presentation behaviors have the greatest effect on both types of OSC. (2) Both bridging and bonding OSC have significant positive effects on resource acquisition, and bonding OSC has a greater effect. (3) Offline social capital has a negative moderating effect on the relationship between bonding OSC and resource acquisition but does not have that effect on bridging OSC. These findings contribute to the extant social capital literature and provide references for peasant e-entrepreneurs to better acquire and utilize OSC by exploring the antecedents and impacts of OSC in the context of peasant e-entrepreneur in China.
Emissions Trading Systems, Structure Adjustment and Air Pollution Reduction: Evidence from Enterprises in China
Authors: Lyu Chaofeng , Deng Shuxin , Dai Zewei
Published: April 2023

Using a Chinese-city-piloted emissions trading system (ETS)’s survey data, this study provides nationwide causal estimates of the reduction effects of the implementation of an ETS on air pollution (AP) at the enterprise level. We employ a multiperiod difference-in-differences model to control for potential endogenous problems. The results indicate that the implementation of an ETS significantly reduces the AP of enterprises in pilot areas by 6.96%, and that the effect has a dynamic effect. Heterogeneity analyses show that the emissions reduction effect of an ETS will differ for various enterprises. In terms of region, the implementation of an ETS significantly reduces the AP of eastern, central, and western enterprises by 11.46%, 5.31%, and 12.37%, respectively; in terms of scale, small- and medium-sized enterprises benefit the most (7.69%), followed by large enterprises (1.73%); and in terms of ownership, private enterprises achieve a 7.27% reduction in AP. Additionally, we find that the AP reduction effect is realized by the adjustment of enterprises’ energy and production structures rather than by adding air sewage equipment. Overall, since China is the largest AP emitter worldwide, this study will not only have important implications for sustainable development in China but also the world, providing a scientific basis for starting pilot policies in other developing countries.
Benefits and Difficulties of the Implementation of Lean Construction in the Public Sector: A Systematic Review
Authors: Simonsen Emily M. , Herrera Rodrigo F. , Atencio Edison
Published: April 2023

Lean philosophy has shown successful results in the manufacturing industry since the eighties regarding efficiency, reducing cost and errors. However, the philosophy originated in the private sector, where the work rules are defined by business owners within the framework of some regulation. In the public sector, however, the picture is different. The way of working and carrying out operations and projects is directly defined by regulation, where the owner’s role—as in the private world—is embodied by the entire political system. This article aims to take a comprehensive look at the academic literature on how Lean has been applied in the public sector (LIPS) from a bibliometric perspective and then delve deeper into the concept of lean construction in the public sector (LCPS) through a systematic review. The results give a complete picture of the research in LIPS, revealing that research directions focus on implementing Lean, how it works in the public sector and the human factors involved in its practice and digitalization. Moreover, the advantages and challenges of LCPS have been presented, where again, the human factor is the central concern of researchers.
Prediction of Faults Location and Type in Electrical Cables Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Moldovan Ana-Maria , Buzdugan Mircea Ion
Published: April 2023

Detecting and locating faults in electrical cables has been a permanent concern regarding electrical power distribution systems. Over time, several techniques have been developed aiming to manage these faulty situations in an efficient way. These techniques must be fast, accurate, but, above all, efficient. This paper develops a new approach for detecting, locating, classifying, and predicting faults, particularly in different types of short-circuits in electrical cables, based on a robust artificial neural network technique. The novelty of this approach lies in the ability of the method to predict fault’s location and type. The proposed method uses the Matlab and Simulink platform and comprises four consecutive stages. The first one is devoted to the development of the Simulink model. The second one implies a large number of simulations in order to generate the necessary dataset for training and testing the artificial neural network model (ANN). The following stage uses the ANN to classify the location and the type of potential faults. Finally, the fourth stage consists of predicting the location and the type of future faults. In order to reduce the time and the resources of the simulation process, a virtual machine is used. The study reveals the efficiency of the method, and its ability to successfully predict faults in real-world electrical power systems.
Renewable Energy-Powered Traffic Signalization as a Step to Carbon-Neutral Cities (The Case of Western Balkans)
Authors: Vukovic Marko , Miskic Miroslav , Kastelan Ivan , Lale Srdjan , Forcan Miodrag , Vukovic Goran , Ikic Marko
Published: April 2023

Global warming and its negative effect on the environment pose a great threat to the future of mankind. In order to overcome these challenges, EU countries have set the target of becoming climate neutral by 2050, a path defined through the policies of the European Green Deal. The Republic of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina also agreed upon the same goal through the endorsement of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. One of the means to achieve this goal is by increasing the share of renewable energy sources. In this paper, we analyze the feasibility, challenges, and potential issues of substituting conventional traffic light signalization with signalization based on renewable energy sources on a national scale. An ad hoc questionnaire was used to collect data from representatives of most of the municipalities in the Republic of Srpska entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina and representatives of the city of Novi Sad in Serbia. In the city of Novi Sad, personal interviews were also carried out to collect additional information. The results of this research show that the implementation of solar-powered traffic lights is economically and environmentally viable. These results will provide the basis for understanding the benefits and challenges in the case of the application of traffic light signalization based on renewable energy sources.
Novel Decentralized Peer-to-Peer Gas and Electricity Transaction Market between Prosumers and Retailers Considering Integrated Demand Response Programs
Authors: Khazaei Hassan , Aghamohammadloo Hossein , Habibi Milad , Mehdinejad Mehdi , Mohammadpour Shotorbani Amin
Published: April 2023

This paper proposes a novel peer-to-peer (P2P) decentralized energy market consisting of retailers and prosumers considering integrated demand response (IDR). Retailers can trade electrical energy and gas with prosumers in a P2P way to maximize their welfare. Since they are equipped with electrical storage and power self-generation units, they can benefit from selling power not only to the upstream network but also to prosumers. In peer-to-peer transactions, the prosumers purchase electricity as well as gas from retailers. Because of their access to the competitive retail market, including some retailers, they enjoy more freedom to reduce their energy supply cost. In addition, the prosumers are equipped with an energy hub consisting of combined heat and power (CHP) units and electric pumps, allowing them to change their energy supply according to price fluctuations. Furthermore, they have some changeable electrical and thermal load enabling them to change their load if needed. To clear the proposed P2P decentralized market, a fully decentralized approach called the fully decentralized alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) is applied. This method does not require a supervisory entity and, thus, preserves the players’ private information. The numerical studies performed on a system with two retailers and multiple prosumers demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed decentralized market. The results also show that the proposed decentralized algorithm achieves the optimal global solution, compared with the centralized approach.
The Impact of Carbon Emission Trading on Industrial Green Total Factor Productivity
Authors: Xiao Yan , Zhang Yan , Zhang Jiekuan
Published: April 2023

The impact of carbon emission trading (ETS) has been widely investigated. In contrast to the existing studies, this article explores for the first time the theoretical relationship between the ETS and industrial green total factor productivity (IGTFP) and tests it empirically. Furthermore, the article investigates the mediating mechanisms and possible regional heterogeneity of the influence of the ETS on IGTFP. To this end, a time-varying difference-in-differences technique is employed, drawing on panel data of 276 cities in China from 2005 to 2019. The results show that the ETS significantly and robustly increases IGTFP in pilot regions. Green technological innovation and industrial structure have a significant mediating effect on the nexus of the ETS and IGTFP. However, there exists no mediating mechanism of general technological innovation. In addition, economic development and energy consumption positively moderate the effect of the ETS on IGTFP, and industrial dependence negatively moderates such an effect.
Multi-Source Information Fusion Technology and Its Application in Smart Distribution Power System
Authors: He Xi , Dong Heng , Yang Wanli , Li Wei
Published: April 2023

Compared to traditional measurement devices, the micro-synchrophasor measurement unit (D-PMU or μPMU) in the distribution power system has great differences in data acquisition frequency, data format, data dimension, time-stamped information, etc. Hence, it is imperative to research the integration mechanism of heterogeneous data from multiple sources. Based on the analysis of the current technology of multi-source information fusion, this paper proposes a novel approach, which considers two aspects: the interoperability of multi-source data and the real-time processing of large-scale streaming data. To solve the problem of data interoperability, we have modified the model of D-PMU data and established a unified information model. Meanwhile, an advanced distributed processing technology has been deployed to solve the problem of real-time processing of streaming data. Based on this approach, a smart distribution power system wide-area measurement and control station can be established, and the correctness and practicality of the proposed method are verified by an on-field project.
Analysis and Optimization of Thermal Environment in Old Urban Areas from the Perspective of “Function–Form” Differentiation
Authors: Zeng Suiping , Zhang Jiahao , Tian Jian
Published: April 2023

High-density urban areas have spatial characteristics, such as complex functions, population gathering, and complex forms, that lead to more severe urban heat island effects. Systematically evaluating the thermal environmental benefits of urban spatial forms to optimize the urban physical environment is important. In this study, Tianjin’s central urban area, which is a typical representative of high-density urban areas, was selected to invert the multi-period land surface temperature by relying on the existing two- and three-dimensional morphological data set of communities. The multi-scale geographically weighted regression model was used to fit the regression relationship between the urban land surface temperature and spatial morphological parameters. From this, the influencing factors of different types of existing community spaces and their spatial stabilities were explored. The results show the following: (1) The summer surface temperature varies greatly in the central urban area, and the high-temperature areas are mainly distributed in the industrial, residential, and commercial districts. (2) The MGWR model has the better model-fitting ability. The positive influence coefficients of temperature include ISP and BD, while the negative influence coefficients are BSD, BH, NDVI, and SVF. (3) There is significant spatial heterogeneity in the impact coefficients among the blocks that can be targeted to mitigate the heat island effect. This study provides ideas for optimizing the spatial morphological parameters of surface temperature in urban centers. Future challenges include increasing the spatial morphological parameter selection range, dissecting the interactive relationships between spatial morphological parameters and their effectiveness on the surface temperature, and refining the study’s spatial and temporal granularity.
The Impact of ESG Performance on the Value of Family Firms: The Moderating Role of Financial Constraints and Agency Problems
Authors: Espinosa-Méndez Christian , Maquieira Carlos P. , Arias José T.
Published: April 2023

The main objective of this research is to shed more light on how ESG may be seen as a valuable investment for family firms. We study the impact of ESG performance on the value of family firms by considering the moderating role played by financial constraints and agency costs. Using an international sample of 254 firms that belong to the 500 largest family-owned firms worldwide over the period 2015–2021, we report that the overall ESG score is positively associated with firm value. Among the three ESG components, we find that environmental and social performances have a positive and statistically significant impact on firm value. However, we find no evidence of any significant effect of governance score on firm value. More importantly, we also find that the impact of ESG performance on firm value is lower under the presence of financial constraints and agency costs.
Towards a Secure and Sustainable Internet of Medical Things (IoMT): Requirements, Design Challenges, Security Techniques, and Future Trends
Authors: Bhushan Bharat , Kumar Avinash , Agarwal Ambuj Kumar , Kumar Amit , Bhattacharya Pronaya , Kumar Arun
Published: April 2023

Recent advances in machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, mini-hardware manufacturing, and micro computing have led to the development of the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT is integrated with medical devices in order to enable better treatment, cost-effective medical solutions, improved patient monitoring, and enhanced personalized healthcare. This has led to the development of more complex and heterogeneous Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) systems that have their own operating systems and protocols. Even though such pervasive and low-cost sensing devices can bring about enormous changes in the healthcare sector, these are prone to numerous security and privacy issues. Security is thus a major challenge in these critical systems, one that inhibits their widespread adoption. However, significant inroads have been made by the on-going research, which powers the IoMT applications by incorporating prevalent security measures. In this regard, this paper highlights the significance of implementing key security measures, and essential aspects of the IoMT that make it useful for interconnecting various internal and external working domains of healthcare. This paper presents state-of-the-art techniques for securing IoMT systems, in terms of data transmission, collection, and storage. Furthermore, the paper also explores various security requirements, inherent design challenges, and various security techniques that could make the IoMT more secure and sustainable. Finally, the paper gives a panoramic view of the current status of research in the field and outlines some future research directions in this area.
Cooperative Lifecycle Framing—Reinvention or Regeneration and Does It Matter?
Authors: Byrne Noreen
Published: April 2023

The co-operative lifecycle framework has been a very useful concept in depicting the historical lifecycle of co-operatives. It is also particularly helpful in identifying and communicating if a co-operative is on a degenerative trajectory and points to the possibility of choice and re-invention. This paper focuses on this re-invention phase of the lifecycle framework and questions if re-invention is the best concept to use either in theory or practice. The paper explores whether regeneration may be a more promising concept, drawing on regenerative development and relationality literature. This paper concludes with an adaptation of Cook’s co-operative lifecycle framework by incorporating a regenerative enabling capability as a metric for success.
A New Framework of 17 Hydrological Ecosystem Services (HESS17) for Supporting River Basin Planning and Environmental Monitoring
Authors: Ha Lan Thanh , Bastiaanssen Wim G. M. , Simons Gijs W. H. , Poortinga Ate
Published: April 2023

Hydrological ecosystem services (HESS) describe the benefits of water for multiple purposes with an emphasis on environmental values. The value of HESS is often not realized because primary benefits (e.g., food production, water withdrawals) get the most attention. Secondary benefits such as water storage, purification or midday temperature cooling are often overlooked. This results in an incorrect evaluation of beneficial water usage in urban and rural resettlements and misunderstandings when land use changes are introduced. The objective of this paper is to propose a standard list of 17 HESS indicators that are in line with the policy and philosophy of the Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and that are measurable with earth observation technologies in conjunction with GIS and hydrological models. The HESS17 framework considered indicators that can be directly related to water flows, water fluxes and water stocks; they have a natural characteristic with minimal anthropogenic influence and must be quantifiable by means of earth observation models in combination with GIS and hydrological models. The introduction of a HESS framework is less meaningful without proper quantification procedures in place. Because of the widely diverging management options, the role of water should be categorized as (i) consumptive use (i.e., evapotranspiration and dry matter production) and (ii) non-consumptive use (stream flow, recharge, water storage). Governments and responsible agencies for integrated water management should recognize the need to include HESS17 in water allocation policies, water foot-printing, water accounting, transboundary water management, food security purposes and spatial land-use planning processes. The proposed HESS17 framework and associated methods can be used to evaluate land, soil and water conservation programs. This paper presents a framework that is non-exhaustive but can be realistically computed and applicable across spatial scales.
Microplastics in Sediments from a Sandy Beach in Costa Nova (Aveiro, Portugal)
Authors: Godoy Verónica , Prata Joana Correia , Pérez Antonio , da Costa Joao Pinto , Rocha-Santos Teresa , Duarte Armando C.
Published: April 2023

The main objective of this study is to perform an approximation on the microplastic pollution on a sandy beach in Costa Nova (Portugal), focused on longitudinal and cross-sectional transects. The results showed a scarce variability in data, with median concentrations ranging from 142 to 356 p/kg d.w. and 211 to 270 p/kg d.w. in cross-sectional and longitudinal transects, respectively. The predominant morphology was microspheres, which accounted for more than 90% in all samples analysed, whereas the most abundant microplastics were <200 µm in size. Microplastic contamination was higher than in other Portuguese beaches despite the moderate–low touristic pressure in Costa Nova, which led us to consider the intense commercial activity of the nearby port and the Canary and Portuguese currents as possible drivers of microplastic pollution in this area. However, this study highlights the disparity in data caused by different methodologies used when similar areas are analysed.
eLearning Acceptance and Adoption Challenges in Higher Education
Authors: Ahmad Shakeel , Mohd Noor Ahmad Shukri , Alwan Ali A. , Gulzar Yonis , Khan Wazir Zada , Reegu Faheem Ahmad
Published: April 2023

Online learning and technology acceptance has become a highly significant subject in the field of information technology. The challenges of eLearning acceptance and adoption in higher education are complex and multifaceted: it is important to carefully consider the environmental, social, and economic implications of eLearning implementation and to work toward ensuring that eLearning programs are accessible, equitable, and sustainable over the long term. Many theories and models have been proposed over the years to explain individual usage and behavior and measure the degree of acceptance and satisfaction toward technology acceptance and online learning. This study reviews the challenges and limitations of online learning acceptance and adoption for the last ten years (2012–2022). Lack of technical support, awareness, institution readiness, quality online course content, and less information technology skill of faculty members in the early years present challenges. Further, self-efficacy, financial and technology factors, pedagogical learning, socio-economic evolution, digital competence and compatibility, and lack of technological infrastructure have significantly affected the adoption of eLearning in higher education institutions in recent years.
Lessons Learned and Challenges of Biopesticide Usage for Locust Management—The Case of China
Authors: Li Hongmei , Kadzamira Mariam A. T. J. , Ogunmodede Adewale , Finch Elizabeth , Zhu Jingquan , Romney Dannie , Luke Belinda
Published: April 2023

Using qualitative methods, this study assessed the stakeholders and management processes involved in locust outbreaks in China, including factors influencing the use of biopesticides. Study findings show that China has an integrated national locust response protocol, which involves various institutions from all administrative levels of the government. The process is inherently highly complex but efficient, with multisectoral agencies working closely together to prevent and/or manage locust outbreaks. In addition, the process has been successful in combating recent outbreaks, due to dedicated government funding, decisive administrative and technical actions, and the empowerment of local government administration. This is the case with the county level acting as a ‘first-responder’ that is capacitated financially and technically to respond to a locust invasion in their jurisdiction. Additionally, study findings show that despite the availability of biopesticides in local markets, their use is dampened by inadequate information about market availability, negative perceptions by decision makers about their efficacy, and concerns about their costs, as well as limited knowledge of their application techniques. Actions are therefore needed by relevant authorities to enhance stakeholder awareness of biopesticide market availability, efficacy, and field application processes. Future areas of research should focus on modelling the expected impact and cost effectiveness of chemicals vs. biopesticides, thus increasing the evidence base for promoting biopesticide use.
Implantation of a Vascular Access Button for Chronic Blood Sampling and Drug Administration in the Rabbit
Authors: Ehrmann Jon , Johnson Wendy , de Castro Arlene , Donnelly Marcie
Published: April 2023

Rabbits are commonly used for pharmacokinetic (PK) and toxicokinetic (TK) studies in the research setting, requiring repetitive venipuncture, which can be challenging in this species. The auricular vessels are commonly used for venipuncture in rabbits. The repetitive access of these delicate vessels can lead to trauma such as hematomas causing venipuncture to become more challenging as the study progresses. In turn, this leads to missed time points or insufficient blood samples. Surgical models for chronic vascular access in rabbits are common throughout the industry. Common models include exteriorized vascular catheters and implanted vascular access ports. However, these implants come with their own complications and restrictions when used in rabbits. Therefore, the authors evaluated the use of a vascular access button (VAB), an implant commonly used in small rodents, as a refinement to the current chronic models in use in the industry. Seventeen rabbits were implanted with either single or dual channel VABs. The catheters were implanted in the femoral artery and/or vein and then tunneled subcutaneously to the button on the dorsal thoracic area. Overall, the results were outstanding, and an established model was created. The average patency rate was 316 days with several implants still patent after 2 years. The authors feel the implantation and use of a vascular access button in rabbits for routine PK studies is an excellent refinement. The rabbits tolerate the buttons extremely well with minimal issues. The patency rate is equal to or better than vascular access ports and when used with the tethering system, provides a hands-off method for blood collection and intravenous administration in rabbits during PK studies.
Sweeping Surfaces according to Type-3 Bishop Frames in Euclidean 3-Space
Authors: Al-Jedani Awatif , Abdel-Baky Rashad A.
Published: April 2023

The aim of this work is to investigate sweeping surfaces and their local singularities due to type-3 Bishop frames in Euclidean 3-space, E3. A sweeping surface a is surface that is designed from a section curve positioned along a path, which acts as the vertebral column or spine curve, and it has symmetrical characteristics. In this work, we have specified a sweeping surface and have examined its geometry and singularity. Thereafter, we deduced the circumstances required for this surface to be a developable surface. In great detail, we concentrated on the fundamental discussion on whether the resulting developable surface is a cylindrical, cone or tangent surface. Meanwhile, examples are detailed to explain the applications of the notional outcomes.
Therapeutic Prospection of Animal Venoms-Derived Antimicrobial Peptides against Infections by Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: A Systematic Review of Pre-Clinical Studies
Authors: Lima William Gustavo , de Lima Maria Elena
Published: April 2023

Infections caused by multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-Ab) have become a public health emergency. Due to the small therapeutic arsenal available to treat these infections, health agencies have highlighted the importance of developing new antimicrobials against MDR-Ab. In this context, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) stand out, and animal venoms are a rich source of these compounds. Here, we aimed to summarize the current knowledge on the use of animal venom-derived AMPs in the treatment of MDR-Ab infections in vivo. A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The eight studies included in this review identified the antibacterial activity of eleven different AMPs against MDR-Ab. Most of the studied AMPs originated from arthropod venoms. In addition, all AMPs are positively charged and rich in lysine residues. In vivo assays showed that the use of these compounds reduces MDR-Ab-induced lethality and bacterial load in invasive (bacteremia and pneumonia) and superficial (wounds) infection models. Moreover, animal venom-derived AMPs have pleiotropic effects, such as pro-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, that help treat infections. Animal venom-derived AMPs are a potential source of prototype molecules for the development of new therapeutic agents against MDR-Ab.
Lessons Learned and Future Perspectives for Rotavirus Vaccines Switch in the World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa
Authors: Mandomando Inacio , Messa Augusto , Biey Joseph Nsiari-Muzeyi , Paluku Gilson , Mumba Mutale , Mwenda Jason M.
Published: April 2023

Background: Following the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation, 38/47 countries have introduced rotavirus vaccines into the program of immunization in the WHO Regional Office for Africa (WHO/AFRO). Initially, two vaccines (Rotarix and Rotateq) were recommended and recently two additional vaccines (Rotavac and Rotasiil) have become available. However, the global supply challenges have increasingly forced some countries in Africa to switch vaccine products. Therefore, the recent WHO pre-qualified vaccines (Rotavac, Rotasiil) manufactured in India, offer alternatives and reduce global supply challenges related to rotavirus vaccines; Methods: Using a questionnaire, we administered to the Program Managers, Expanded Program for Immunization, we collected data on vaccine introduction and vaccine switch and the key drivers of the decisions for switching vaccines products, in the WHO/AFRO. Data was also collected fromliterature review and the global new vaccine introduction status data base maintained by WHO and other agencies. Results: Of the 38 countries that introduced the vaccine, 35 (92%) initially adopted Rotateq or Rotarix; and 23% (8/35) switched between products after rotavirus vaccine introduction to either Rotavac (n = 3), Rotasiil (n = 2) or Rotarix (n = 3). Three countries (Benin, Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria) introduced the rotavirus vaccines manufactured in India. The decision to either introduce or switch to the Indian vaccines was predominately driven by global supply challenges or supply shortage. The withdrawal of Rotateq from the African market, or cost-saving for countries that graduated or in transition from Gavi support was another reason to switch the vaccine; Conclusions: The recently WHO pre-qualified vaccines have offered the countries, opportunities to adopt these cost-effective products, particularly for countries that have graduated or transitioning from full Gavi support, to sustain the demand of vaccines products.
Correlation between CD4 T-Cell Counts and Seroconversion among COVID-19 Vaccinated Patients with HIV: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhou Qian , Liu Yihuang , Zeng Furong , Meng Yu , Liu Hong , Deng Guangtong
Published: April 2023

Objective: To evaluate the potential factors for predicting seroconversion due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine in people living with HIV (PLWH). Method: We searched the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases for eligible studies published from inception to 13th September 2022 on the predictors of serologic response to the COVID-19 vaccine among PLWH. This meta-analysis was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022359603). Results: A total of 23 studies comprising 4428 PLWH were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled data demonstrated that seroconversion was about 4.6 times in patients with high CD4 T-cell counts (odds ratio (OR) = 4.64, 95% CI 2.63 to 8.19) compared with those with low CD4 T-cell counts. Seroconversion was about 17.5 times in patients receiving mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (OR = 17.48, 95% CI 6.16 to 49.55) compared with those receiving other types of COVID-19 vaccines. There were no differences in seroconversion among patients with different ages, gender, HIV viral load, comorbidities, days after complete vaccination, and mRNA type. Subgroup analyses further validated our findings about the predictive value of CD4 T-cell counts for seroconversion due to COVID-19 vaccines in PLWH (OR range, 2.30 to 9.59). Conclusions: The CD4 T-cell counts were associated with seroconversion in COVID-19 vaccinated PLWH. Precautions should be emphasized in these patients with low CD4 T-cell counts, even after a complete course of vaccination.
Multivariate Assessment of Vaccine Equity in Cambodia: A Longitudinal VERSE Tool Case Study Using Demographic and Health Survey 2004, 2010, and 2014
Authors: Zhao Yijin , Mak Joshua , de Broucker Gatien , Patenaude Bryan
Published: April 2023

Cambodia has exhibited great progress in achieving high coverage in nationally recommended immunizations. As vaccination program managers plan interventions to reach last-mile children, it is important to consider issues of equity immunization priority setting. In this analysis, we apply the VERSE Equity Tool to Cambodia’s Demographic and Health Survey for the years 2004, 2010, and 2014 to evaluate multivariate equity in vaccine coverage for 11 vaccination statuses, emphasizing the results of the 2014 survey for MCV1, DTP3, fully immunized for age (FULL), and zero dose (ZERO). The largest drivers of vaccination inequity are socioeconomic status and the educational attainment of the child’s mother. MCV1, DTP3, and FULL exhibit increasing levels of both coverage and equity with increasing survey years. The national composite Wagstaff concentration index values from the 2014 survey for DTP3, MCV1, ZERO, and FULL are 0.089, 0.068, 0.573, and 0.087, respectively. The difference in vaccination status coverage between the most and least advantaged quintiles of Cambodia’s population, using multivariate ranking criteria, is 23.5% for DTP3, 19.5% for MCV1, 9.1% for ZERO, and 30.3% for FULL. By utilizing these VERSE Equity Tool outputs, immunization program leaders in Cambodia can identify subnational regions in need of targeted interventions.
Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Short-Term Perceived Change in Physical Performance among Elite Athletes: An International Survey
Authors: Bruyère Olivier , Martens Géraldine , Demonceau Céline , Urhausen Axel , Seil Romain , Leclerc Suzanne , Le Garrec Sébastien , Le Van Philippe , Edouard Pascal , Tscholl Philippe M , Delvaux François , Toussaint Jean-François , Kaux Jean-François
Published: April 2023

COVID-19 vaccination raised concerns about its potential effects on physical performance. To assess the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the perceived change in physical performance, we conducted an online survey among elite athletes from Belgium, Canada, France and Luxembourg, with questions about socio-demographics, COVID-19 vaccination, perceived impact on physical performance and perceived pressure to get vaccinated. Full vaccination was defined as two doses of mRNA or vector vaccine or a heterologous vaccine scheme. Among 1106 eligible athletes contacted, 306 athletes answered the survey and were included in this study. Of these, 72% perceived no change in their physical performance, 4% an improvement and 24% a negative impact following full COVID-19 vaccination. For 82% of the included athletes, the duration of the negative vaccine reactions was ≤3 days. After adjustment for potential confounding variables, practicing an individual sport, a duration of vaccine reactions longer than 3 days, a high level of vaccine reaction and the perceived pressure to get vaccinated were independently associated with a perceived negative impact on physical performance of more than 3 days after the vaccination. The perceived pressure to get vaccinated appears to be a parameter associated with the negative perceived change in the physical performance and deserves further consideration.