bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Integrative Review on the Research Progress of Mindfulness and Its Implications at the Workplace
Authors: Panditharathne Panditharathne Nishantha Kumara Wijesekara , Chen Zhixia
Published: December 2021

Mindfulness has rapidly become a significant subject area in many disciplines. Most of the work on mindfulness has focused on the perspective of health and healthcare professionals, but relatively less research is focused on the organizational outcomes at the workplace. This review presents a theoretical and practical trajectory of mindfulness by sequential integration of recent fragmented scholarly work on mindfulness at the workplace. The review showcases that most contemporary practical challenges in organizations, such as anxiety, stress, depression, creativity, motivation, leadership, relationships, teamwork, burnout, engagement, performance, well-being, and physical and psychological health, could be addressed successfully with the budding concept of mindfulness. The causative processes due to higher mindfulness that generate positive cognitive, emotional, physiological, and behavioral outcomes include focused attention, present moment awareness, non-judgmental acceptance, self-regulatory functions, lower mind wandering, lower habit automaticity, and self-determination. Employee mindfulness could be developed through various mindfulness interventions in order to improve different organizational requirements, such as psychological capital, emotional intelligence, prosocial behavior, in-role and extra-role performance, financial and economic performance, green performance, and well-being. Accordingly, this review would be beneficial to inspire academia and practitioners on the transformative potential of mindfulness in organizations for higher performance, well-being, and sustainability. Future research opportunities and directions to be addressed are also discussed.
Food Security among Libyan Migrants Living in Australia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Mansour Reima , Liamputtong Pranee , Arora Amit
Published: December 2021

Food security among migrants and refugees is a concern across the globe, with the dearth of evidence on food labels and their influence on food security affecting disadvantaged communities especially. This paper discusses the experiences of food security among Libyan migrant families in Australia. The study is situated within the food and nutrition security framework. A qualitative approach was adopted with in-depth interviews conducted with 27 Libyan migrants. Thematic analysis identified three themes: food security, food label comprehension, and strategies for dealing with food insecurity and food labelling difficulties. Food security had different meanings to different individuals. Access to culturally appropriate (halal) foods was problematic for families in regional and rural areas due to a lack of availability outside the main cities. In terms of food labelling, the language and terms used were a common issue for most families in both rural and city environments. Many families attempted to find ways to counteract food insecurity; however, lower-income families found this more burdensome. It is crucial that health and social welfare providers consider means to reduce food insecurity among Libyan migrants to allow them to live a healthier life in Australia.
Can China’s “Tax-for-Fee” Reform Improve Water Performance–Evidence from Hebei Province
Authors: He Lingyun , Chen Kunxian
Published: December 2021

Resource tax has been widely adopted in many countries. This paper evaluates the causal effect of reform of water resources tax on water resources performance in Hebei Province, China. By using the provincial panel data, we first measure the water resources performance of 21 provinces from 2008 to 2018 by considering the NDDF-ML method of undesirable output. We found that each province in China has gradually improved its water resources performance in the past 10 years, but there are great differences between regions. Then, we employ the synthetic control method, which allows us to consider the influence of unobservable time-varying factors to evaluate the policy effect. The results show that water performance index has increased significantly by 18.0%. The effect is mainly due to technological progress (17.3%) rather than technological efficiency (0.7%), which means no significant improvement in the allocation of water, and after placebo tests, our results are still robust. The DID approach shows a similar conclusion, but unobservable time-variation caused by other policies may lead to an overestimation of DID. In order to make good use of water resources, China should accelerate the reform of water resource taxes and pay more attention to the allocation of water resources.
Slow Fashion Trends: Are Consumers Willing to Change Their Shopping Behavior to Become More Sustainable?
Authors: Castro-López Adrián , Iglesias Victor , Puente Javier
Published: December 2021

The fashion industry, despite generating great benefits in terms of trade, employment and income worldwide, is considered one of the most polluting industries due to the linearity of its production process with a high consumption of energy and raw materials as well as of waste generation. Furthermore, the short life cycles of its products, where the consumer seeks more to be fashionable than the products’ durability, contribute to this. However, this paradigm is changing due to society’s increased concern for the environment and a healthier way of life, promoting the emergence of a new concept called slow fashion, which seeks to improve the sustainability of fashion items from an environmental and ethical point of view. In this way, many companies are implementing circular economy measures in their production processes and innovating more circular products. The purpose of this work was to determine the consumer orientation toward slow fashion consumption, their perceived value and if they are willing to accept changes in their own behavior. The results confirm this new consumer orientation toward slow fashion consumption, which entails an important business transformation, fostering the innovation of new products and manufacturing systems characterized by a circular approach.
The Booming Number of Museums and Their Inequality Changes in China
Authors: Chang Xianyuan , Wu Zhaoping , Chen Yi , Du Yuanyuan , Shang Longfei , Ge Ying , Chang Jie , Yang Guofu
Published: December 2021

As the spaces for dialogue between the past and the future, museums are essential to human well-being and social sustainability. Here, we collected data from 328 cities in 31 provinces of mainland China from 1980 to 2019 to investigate the changes in number and spatial inequalities of museums. The results showed that: (1) in mainland China, there were only 137 museums in 1980, and while this increased to 5626 in 2019, China still possessed only four museums per million people; (2) the increasing number of museums lagged behind the growth rate of both the population and economy at both the province and city level; (3) the Gini coefficient of museums per million people was only 0.27 in 2019, indicating relative equality of visiting opportunities among the provinces of China; (4) the Gini coefficients of per capita museums in some provinces were higher than that of the whole nation, with the highest ~0.6 in 2010 and 0.4 in 2017; (5) the economic competitiveness and human well-being of a city were promoted by an increased number of museums. We suggest that the central government of China should increase the number of museums in all provinces, while some provinces should pay more attention to the inequality in the distribution of cultural facilities among cities.
Effect of Biofertilizer in Organic and Conventional Systems on Growth, Yield and Baking Quality of Hard Red Winter Wheat
Authors: Al-Zubade Ammar , Phillips Timothy , Williams Mark A. , Jacobsen Krista , Van Sanford David
Published: December 2021

A two-year study (harvest years 2019 and 2020) was conducted to investigate the effect of a commercially available biofertilizer, in combination with variable nitrogen (N) rate, on bread baking quality and agronomic traits in hard winter wheat grown in conventional (CONV) and organic (ORG) farming systems in Kentucky, USA. The hard red winter wheat cultivar ‘Vision 45’ was used with three N rates (44, 89.6 and 134.5 kg/ha as Low, Med and High, respectively) and three biofertilizer spray regimes (no spray, one spray and two sprays). All traits measured were significantly affected by the agricultural production system (CONV or ORG) and N rate, although trends in their interactions were inconsistent between years. In Y2, yield was greatest in treatments with high N rates and in the ORG system. Biofertilizer treatments had a negative to neutral effect on grain yield. Baking quality traits such as protein content, lactic acid solvent retention capacity and sedimentation value (SV) were consistently greater in the CONV system and increased with the higher N application rates. Similarly, biofertilizer application had no effect on predictive baking quality traits, except for SV in year 1 of the study, where it increased with two sprays. Loaf volume was consistently greater from wheat grown in CONV treatments. From these results, we conclude that further research is warranted to evaluate the potential for biofertilizers to enhance N uptake and affect bread baking quality or other end-use traits. Additional research may be especially useful in organic production systems where biologically based N fertilizers are utilized, and treatments were not negatively affected by biofertilizer applications. Such strategies may be needed to increase protein quantity and gluten quality to optimize winter wheat production for bread baking qualities in the southeastern USA.
People or Systems: Does Productivity Enhancement Matter More than Energy Management in LEED Certified Buildings?
Authors: Akhtyrska Yana , Fuerst Franz
Published: December 2021

This study examines the impact of energy management and productivity-enhancing measures, implemented as part of LEED Existing Buildings Operations and Management (EBOM) certification, on source energy use intensity and rental premiums of office spaces using data on four major US markets. Energy management practices, comprised of commissioning and advanced metering, may reduce energy usage. Conversely, improving air quality and occupant comfort in an effort to increase worker productivity may in turn lead to higher overall energy consumption. The willingness to pay for these features in rental office buildings is hypothesised to depend not only on the extent to which productivity gains enhance the profits of a commercial tenant but also on the lease arrangements for passing any energy savings to the tenant. We apply a difference-in-differences method at a LEED EBOM certification group level and a multi-level modelling approach with a panel data structure. The results indicate that energy management and indoor environment practices have the expected effect on energy consumption as described above. However, the magnitude of the achieved rental premiums appears to be independent of the lease type.
Application of the DEMATEL Model for Assessing IT Sector’s Sustainability
Authors: Peleckis Kęstutis
Published: December 2021

Understanding what are the IT sector’s business opportunities under distorted market conditions is a growing interest in sustainability research. This article investigates how to assess the IT sectors sustainability through a multicriterion assessment. For the assessment of the IT sector’s European and Slovenian competition policy, the DEMATEL technique was chosen. Fifteen economical performance indicators of IT sectors companies in 2015–2019 were selected for analysis. Given the multiplicity of criteria addressed in the sustainability issues, a multi-criteria analysis was used with the assistance of experts. In this research, the DEMATEL technique was developed for problem solving, for the assessment of the concentration of business entities that affect the competitive situation of economy. Results showed that comparison of the DEMATEL method with fuzzy and probability theories proved that it is possible to measure IT sector’s HHI-based performance.
Identifying Psychosocial Risks and Protective Measures for Workers’ Mental Wellbeing at the Time of COVID-19: A Narrative Review
Authors: Lulli Lucrezia Ginevra , Giorgi Gabriele , Pandolfi Caterina , Foti Giulia , Finstad Georgia Libera , Arcangeli Giulio , Mucci Nicola
Published: December 2021

The spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has caused crucial changes in the workplace. Almost two years after the start of the COVID-19 era, new and old psychosocial risks in the workplace threaten workers’ mental wellbeing and represent an occupational health challenge. The aim of this review is to identify the most relevant psychosocial factors, negative or protective, contributing to occupational stress during the current pandemic. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar and PsycINFO and a total of 51 articles were deemed suitable for inclusion in the review. Analysis of the retrieved articles revealed five main topics related to psychosocial wellbeing in the workplace: 1. Support from colleagues and organizations; 2. Home–work interface and balance; 3. Changes in workload and work demand; 4. Job competence and appropriate training; 5. Job insecurity and financial stress. All five themes were associated with occupational stress and poor mental outcomes, like anxiety, depression, and burnout symptoms. Peer and organizational support seem to have a major impact on workers’ mental wellbeing. Recognizing these factors and projecting interventions that mitigate their effects or boost their efficacy is a fundamental step towards dealing with COVID-19 in the workplace, or any such future emergencies.
Residential Solar Thermal Performance Considering Self-Shading Incidence between Tubes in Evacuated Tube and Flat Plate Collectors
Authors: Zalamea-Leon Esteban , Barragán-Escandón Edgar A. , Calle-Sigüencia John , Astudillo-Flores Mateo , Juela-Quintuña Diego
Published: December 2021

The performance of solar thermal technology under high-altitude equatorial climatic and solar path conditions has not been determined. Evacuated tube solar collectors are more efficient than flat plate collectors in cold and cloudy regions; however, due to their dependence on orientation, the irradiation incidence between the tubes of these collectors can be blocked. In this study, the performance of these types of collectors was analyzed to determine the implications of their orientation under these specific climate conditions. Four solar thermal systems were installed: two of the systems used evacuated tube collectors, and two used flat plate collectors. Each collector was connected to storage and discharge points to simulate residential consumption when observing the real performance of the four systems in terms of irradiation availability. The evacuated tube collectors were more efficient and reduced the backup energy requirement by up to 20.6% more on average than the flat plate collectors. In addition, the performance of the evacuated tube collectors increased by up to 9.8% when the tubes were arranged parallel to the solar path, compared to when they were arranged perpendicular to the solar path, verifying that the blockage effect is an important parameter to consider for evacuated tube technology. The main novelty of this research is the comparison of these two technologies under different orientations, with perpendicular and parallel dispositions toward the solar path, in a high-altitude equatorial location where solar collectors are not typically oriented in any particular orientation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first complete analysis of real systems deployed under these conditions.
Inappropriate Patient Sexual Behavior in Physiotherapy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Amanulla Safiya , Saju Irin , Solé Sílvia , Campoy Carme , Martínez Laura , Pérez-Yus María Cruz , Sitjà-Rabert Mercè , Serrat Mayte , Bravo Cristina , Lo Kristin
Published: December 2021

A behavior which is increasing in prevalence is sexual harassment initiated by a client and displayed towards the healthcare professionals and students of these healthcare-related professions. This is termed inappropriate patient sexual behaviour (IPSB). The consequences of IPSB can be significant, including decreased academic and work performance, decreased attention/concentration, reductions in work satisfaction, and a loss of confidence. The primary aim is to evaluate the literature on sexual harassment in physiotherapy. The secondary aim is to report on the incidence, situational factors, and suggested strategies. The databases Pubmed, Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, Embase via OVID, ProQuest, and EBM Reviews were searched from inception up to 5 November 2021. Data on the incidence, situations, and strategies were extracted by at least two independent researchers. The quality of included articles was assessed. Nine studies of cohort and cross-sectional design were included. The incidence of IPSB was reported to be between 48–100% of the samples of physiotherapy students and/or therapists. The situational factors are reported, and the recommended educational strategies are discussed. Articles suggest that educating physiotherapists and/or students about sexual harassment would be beneficial. This will help predict potential issues and highlight strategies to empower therapists in the workplace and in training.
Sustainable Construction: Improving Productivity through Lean Construction
Authors: Awad Tamar , Guardiola Jesús , Fraíz David
Published: December 2021

The objective of this article is to improve building productivity, evolving from traditional construction to industrial construction. The methodology used here consists of analysing the use of materials, the construction design, the design of the spatial distribution programme, the use of auxiliary means and resources and the application of lean tools in construction. The results achieved here include a complete building system that integrates the design, project and execution, wherein the construction process is improved and inconsistencies in the final project are reduced. With the application of an industrial manufacturing methodology, the productivity in construction is improved, reducing costs, materials, execution times and waste. These productivity improvements result in construction being more sustainable. As a conclusion of the previous analysis, the elements that must be integrated into a complete building project and the need to incorporate industrial manufacturing into construction processes in order to achieve sustainable architecture are established.
The Future of Marine Spatial Planning—Perspectives from Early Career Researchers
Authors: von Thenen Miriam , Armoškaitė Aurelija , Cordero-Penín Víctor , García-Morales Sara , Gottschalk Josefine B. , Gutierrez Débora , Ripken Malena , Thoya Pascal , Schiele Kerstin S.
Published: December 2021

In early 2021, the Erasmus+ knowledge flows partnership organised a session to discuss the future of marine spatial planning (MSP) at an international conference. We, a group of nine early career researchers, came together after the conference to continue the discussion: which topics should be considered in future MSP, what are the challenges, and which solutions are there to overcome these challenges? This communication shall raise awareness of the topics of climate change, ecological sustainability, blue justice, ecosystem services, and blue governance, which we identified as important for future MSP endeavours. We show the interconnectedness of the topics and argue that transdisciplinary education is required to contribute to a common understanding of MSP, which adopts an ecosystem-based approach, ensures equitable distribution of benefits, and secures ecologically sustainable development within an adaptive governance framework.
A Study on the Impact of Unconventional (and Conventional) Drilling on Housing Prices in Central Oklahoma
Authors: Lee Kangil , Whitacre Brian
Published: December 2021

Shale energy development activity may benefit some aspects of a regional economy (such as increased jobs or tax revenue); however, there may also be negative impacts to the local environment, such as noise and underground water contamination. We study the impact of unconventional drilling activity on housing price in an area of the country with a long history of crude oil production. A prospective home buyer may want to avoid a place near sites that have been drilled using unconventional drill technologies such as horizontal fracturing. Adopting a hedonic price model, we estimate the impact of distance to and density of unconventional drilling on housing prices in two central counties in Oklahoma during the period 2001–2016. We also apply a semiparametric approach to deal with the possibility that the relationship between an environmental pollutant source and housing price is nonlinear. The empirical results are consistent in terms of physical housing characteristics and locational aspects in all cases, with drilling activity having only a minimal effect in benchmark models. Further, the semiparametric estimation results support the findings that drilling activity has only limited impacts on local housing prices.
Demand Aggregation as a Strategy for Untapping Buildings’ Energy Renovation Potential: Diagnosis and Prioritization Methodology and Case Study from the Basque Country
Authors: Nicolas Olatz , Molina-Costa Patricia
Published: December 2021

Energy renovation of post-World War II private multifamily residential buildings has been identified to have a great deal of energy-saving potential but faces a great challenge across Europe, and especially in South Europe, due to fragmented property structures and longer return periods in energy efficiency investments. However, there is great deal of potential in activating demand aggregation in areas with homogeneous typologies. Local authorities play a key role in leading district-scale renovation but lack adequate methods for analysing and prioritizing areas from an integrated perspective, including social aspects. The methodology presented in this paper aims to support local authorities by providing a tool for the diagnosis and prioritization of homogeneous groups of residential buildings to address their renovation based on an analysis of their needs and opportunity factors. First, the methodology sets the universe of analysis; second, based on indicators, it provides comparative information within the municipality, which leads to a prioritization of areas for building renovations according to the state of the building and to the socio-economic profile of the residents; lastly, a detailed diagnosis of selected groups is performed, providing information to design the Renovation Action Plans accordingly. The application of the methodology in Basauri is presented in this paper.
Sex-Specific Habitat Suitability Modeling for Panthera tigris in Chitwan National Park, Nepal: Broader Conservation Implications
Authors: An Li , Bohnett Eve , Battle Curtis , Dai Jie , Lewison Rebecca , Jankowski Piotr , Carter Neil , Ghimire Dirgha , Dhakal Maheshwar , Karki Jhamak , Zvoleff Alex
Published: December 2021

Although research on wildlife species across taxa has shown that males and females may differentially select habitat, sex-specific habitat suitability models for endangered species are uncommon. We developed sex-specific models for Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris) based on camera trapping data collected from 20 January to 22 March 2010 within Chitwan National Park, Nepal, and its buffer zone. We compared these to a sex-indiscriminate habitat suitability model to assess the benefits of a sex-specific approach to habitat suitability modeling. Our sex-specific models produced more informative and detailed habitat suitability maps and highlighted vital differences in the spatial distribution of suitable habitats for males and females, specific associations with different vegetation types, and habitat use near human settlements. Improving and refining habitat models for this and other critically endangered species provides the necessary information to meet established conservation goals and population recovery targets.
Considerations of Use-Use Interactions between Macroalgae Cultivation and Other Maritime Sectors: An Eastern Baltic MSP Case Study
Authors: Armoškaitė Aurelija , Bārda Ieva , Andersone Ingrīda , Bonnevie Ida Maria , Ikauniece Anda , Kotta Jonne , Kõivupuu Anneliis , Lees Liisi , Psuty Iwona , Strāķe Solvita , Sprukta Sandra , Szymanek Lena , von Thenen Miriam , Schrøder Lise , Hansen Henning Sten
Published: December 2021

With the blue economic sectors growing, marine macroalgae cultivation plays an important role in securing food and energy supplies, as well as better water quality in sustainable ways, whether alone or as part of a cluster solution to mitigate the effects of fish farming. While macroalgae cultivation exists in Europe, it is not that widely distributed yet; with increasing marine activities at sea, Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) needs to ensure social recognition as well as social and spatial representation for such a new marine activity. This comparative case study analysis of MSPs of three eastern Baltic Sea countries explores the levels of support for the development of macroalgae cultivation in MSP and the degree of co-location options for this new and increasingly important sector. It presents new analytical ways of incorporating co-location considerations into the concept of social sustainability. The results of this study support the harmonisation of views on co-location, propose ways of using space to benefit multiple users as well as marine ecosystems, and highlight some of the key social challenges and enablers for this sector.
Assessing the Effectiveness for Achieving Policy Objectives of Land Consolidation in China: Evidence from Project Practices in Jiangsu Province from 2001 to 2017
Authors: Sun Yan , Song Xiaojun , Ma Jing , Yu Haochen , Ge Xiaoping , Liu Gang-Jun , Chen Fu
Published: December 2021

Land consolidation (LC) is an important measure taken to increase the quantity and productivity of farmland while reducing land fragmentation and ensuring food security. However, long-term land consolidation project (LCP) practices are rarely analyzed to assess the effectiveness for achieving current policy objectives of LC in China. Taking the practices of LCPs in Jiangsu Province from 2001 to 2017 as a case study, we used the spatial self-related analysis, the consistency analysis, and the redundant analysis (RDA), and found that the construction scale and the investment amount of LC in Jiangsu Province displayed varying trends, and that the newly increased farmland rate is clearly divided into three stages and gradually decreases. The newly increased farmland area, the investment funds, and reserved land resources for farmlands are not spatially synchronized in Jiangsu Province. Only the positive relationship between the LC rate and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) growth rate continue to rise. The earlier stage of land consolidation projects (LCPs)’s practices is mainly affected by natural and social factors, and the late stage is mainly affected by economic and strategic factors. Finally, a new implementation scheme framework of LC planning has been proposed. This framework provides reference for top-level design, planning, and management of LC policies at the national level in China and other developing countries.
Numerical Study of Cylindrical Tropical Woods Pyrolysis Using Python Tool
Authors: Assoumani Nidhoim , Simo-Tagne Merlin , Kifani-Sahban Fatima , Tagne Tagne Ablain , El Marouani Maryam , Obounou Akong Marcel Brice , Rogaume Yann , Girods Pierre , Zoulalian André
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the thermal behavior of large pieces of wood pyrolysis has been modeled. Two mathematical models coupling heat transfer equations to chemical kinetics were used to predict the pyrolytic degradation of a 25 mm radius wood sample, assumed to be dry in the first model and wet in the second, when heated to 973.15 K. The reactions involved in the pyrolysis process are assumed to be endothermic. The diffusion of bounded water during the process is taken into account in the second model, where the heat transfer equation has been coupled to that of the diffusion of moisture. This model, although simple, provides more information on the drying and pyrolysis processes during the heating of wood, which is its originality. It can therefore be advantageously used to calculate the temperature distribution in a pyrolysis bed. The equations of the two models, discretized by an explicit finite difference method, were solved numerically by a program written in Python. The validation of both models against experimental work in the literature is satisfactory. The two models allow examination of the temperature profile in the radial direction of wood samples and highlighting of the effect of temperature on some thermal, physical and physicochemical characteristics.
Eco-Factors for International Company Environmental Management Systems
Authors: Schebek Liselotte , Gassmann Andrea , Nunweiler Elisabeth , Wellge Steffen , Werthen Moritz
Published: December 2021

Environmental management systems (EMS) require the assessment of environmental aspects to ensure that organizations recognize their most relevant impacts on the environment. The ecological scarcity method (ESM) provides weighting factors for environmental flows (pollutants and resources), called eco-factors (EF), applicable in the assessment of environmental aspects. EF are based on a distance-to-target approach, displaying the ratio of the current state to the respective policy targets for environmental flows. The ESM has been developed for Switzerland; however, for site-specific application beyond Switzerland, national EF are desirable. This publication presents a systematic procedure for the derivation of EF in an international framework, based on the investigation of eight countries worldwide and comprehensive data research. As a novel feature, the grouping of EF into sets is introduced, according to the character of the underlying policy target: legally based, intended policy, or expert recommendation. Overall, 134 EF for six environmental issues were calculated and applied in a case study from Volkswagen AG. An in-depth analysis identifies the differences between national EF and between sets of EF and discusses the implications for EMS. From the findings, general conclusions for future development and the application of EF in an international context of company management are derived.
Investigation on the Prediction of Cardiovascular Events Based on Multi-Scale Time Irreversibility Analysis
Authors: Wu Xiaochuan , Yang Qianru , Li Jin , Hou Fengzhen
Published: December 2021

Investigation of the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) plays an important part in the prevention and treatment of CVD. This study investigated whether alteration in the multi-scale time irreversibility of sleeping heart rate variability (HRV) was a risk factor for cardiovascular events. The D-value, based on analysis of multi-scale increments in HRV series, was used as the measurement of time irreversibility. Eighty-four subjects from an open-access database (i.e., the Sleep Heart Health Study) were included in this study. None of them had any CVD history at baseline; 42 subjects had cardiovascular events within 1 year after baseline polysomnography and were classed as the CVD group, and the other 42 subjects in the non-CVD group were age matched with those in the CVD group and had no cardiovascular events during the 15-year follow-up period. We compared D-values of sleeping HRV between the CVD and non-CVD groups and found that the D-values of the CVD group were significantly lower than those of the non-CVD group on all 10 scales, even after adjusting for gender and body mass index. Moreover, we investigated the performance of a machine learning model to classify CVD and non-CVD subjects. The model, which was fed with a feature space based on the D-values on 10 scales and trained by a random forest algorithm, achieved an accuracy of 80.8% and a positive prediction rate of 86.7%. These results suggest that the decreased time irreversibility of sleeping HRV is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events that could be used to assist the intelligent prediction of cardiovascular events.
Key Concepts of Systemological Approach to CPS Adaptive Information Security Monitoring
Authors: Poltavtseva Maria , Shelupanov Alexander , Bragin Dmitriy , Zegzhda Dmitry , Alexandrova Elena
Published: December 2021

Modern cyber-physical systems (CPS) use digital control of physical processes. This allows attackers to conduct various cyberattacks on these systems. According to the current trends, an information security monitoring system (ISMS) becomes part of a security management system of CPS. It provides information to make a decision and generate a response. A large number of new methods are aimed at CPS security, including security assessment, intrusion detection, and ensuring sustainability. However, as a cyber-physical system operates over time, its structure and requirements may change. The datasets available for the protection object (CPS) and the security requirements have become dynamic. This dynamic effect causes asymmetry between the monitoring data collection and processing subsystem and the presented security tasks. The problem herein is the choice of the most appropriate set of methods in order to solve the security problems of a particular CPS configuration from a particular bank of the available methods. To solve this problem, the authors present a method for the management of an adaptive information security monitoring system. The method consists of solving a multicriteria discrete optimization problem under Pareto-optimality conditions when the available data, methods or external requirements change. The experimental study was performed on an example of smart home intrusion detection. In the study, the introduction of a constraint (a change in requirements) led to the revision of the monitoring scheme and a different recommendation of the monitoring method. As a result, the information security monitoring system gains the property of adaptability to changes in tasks and the available data. An important result from the study is the fact that the monitoring scheme obtained using the proposed management method has a proven optimality under the given conditions. Therefore, the asymmetry between the information security monitoring data collection and processing subsystem and the set of security requirements in cyber-physical systems can be overcome.
Rotational Cryptanalysis of MORUS
Authors: Salam Iftekhar
Published: December 2021

MORUS is one of the finalists of the CAESAR competition. This is an ARX construction that required investigation against rotational cryptanalysis. We investigated the power of rotational cryptanalysis against MORUS. We show that all the operations in the state update function of MORUS maintain the rotational pairs when the rotation distance is set to a multiple of the sub-word size. Our investigation also confirms that the rotational pairs can be used as distinguishers for the full version of MORUS if the constants used in MORUS are rotational-invariant. However, the actual constants used in MORUS are not rotational-invariant. The introduction of such constants in the state update function breaks the symmetry of the rotational pairs. Experimental results show that rotational pairs can be used as distinguishers for only one step of the initialization phase of MORUS. For more than one step, there are not enough known differences in the rotational pairs of MORUS to provide an effective distinguisher. This is due to the XOR-ing of the constants that are not rotational-invariant. Therefore, it is unlikely for an adversary to construct a distinguisher for the full version of MORUS by observing the rotational pairs.
The Multi-Compartment SI(RD) Model with Regime Switching: An Application to COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Esquível Manuel L. , Krasii Nadezhda P. , Guerreiro Gracinda R. , Patrício Paula
Published: December 2021

We study—with existence and unicity results—a variant of the SIR model for an infectious disease incorporating both the possibility of a death outcome—in a short period of time—and a regime switch that can account for the mitigation measures used to control the spreading of the infections, such as a total lockdown. This model is parametrised by three parameters: the basic reproduction number, the mortality rate of the infected, and the duration of the disease. We discuss a particular example of application to Portuguese COVID-19 data in two short periods just after the start of the epidemic in 4 March 2020, with the first two cases dated that day. We propose a simple and effective method for the estimation of the main parameters of the disease, namely, the basic reproduction number and the mortality rate of the infected. We correct these estimated values to take into account the asymptomatic non-diagnosed members of the population. We compare the outcome of the model in the cases of the existence, or not, of a regime switch, and under three different scenarios, with a remarkable agreement between model and data deaths in the case of our basis scenario. In a final short remark, we deal with the existence of symmetries for the proposed model.
Numerical Solutions of the Mathematical Models on the Digestive System and COVID-19 Pandemic by Hermite Wavelet Technique
Authors: Srinivasa Kumbinarasaiah , Baskonus Haci Mehmet , Guerrero Sánchez Yolanda
Published: December 2021

This article developed a functional integration matrix via the Hermite wavelets and proposed a novel technique called the Hermite wavelet collocation method (HWM). Here, we studied two models: the coupled system of an ordinary differential equation (ODE) is modeled on the digestive system by considering different parameters such as sleep factor, tension, food rate, death rate, and medicine. Here, we discussed how these parameters influence the digestive system and showed them through figures and tables. Another fractional model is used on the COVID-19 pandemic. This model is defined by a system of fractional-ODEs including five variables, called S (susceptible), E (exposed), I (infected), Q (quarantined), and R (recovered). The proposed wavelet technique investigates these two models. Here, we express the modeled equation in terms of the Hermite wavelets along with the collocation scheme. Then, using the properties of wavelets, we convert the modeled equation into a system of algebraic equations. We use the Newton–Raphson method to solve these nonlinear algebraic equations. The obtained results are compared with numerical solutions and the Runge–Kutta method (R–K method), which is expressed through tables and graphs. The HWM computational time (consumes less time) is better than that of the R–K method.
A New Formula for Calculating Uncertainty Distribution of Function of Uncertain Variables
Authors: Jia Yuxing , Lv Yuer , Wang Zhigang
Published: December 2021

As a mathematical tool to rationally handle degrees of belief in human beings, uncertainty theory has been widely applied in the research and development of various domains, including science and engineering. As a fundamental part of uncertainty theory, uncertainty distribution is the key approach in the characterization of an uncertain variable. This paper shows a new formula to calculate the uncertainty distribution of strictly monotone function of uncertain variables, which breaks the habitual thinking that only the former formula can be used. In particular, the new formula is symmetrical to the former formula, which shows that when it is too intricate to deal with a problem using the former formula, the problem can be observed from another perspective by using the new formula. New ideas may be obtained from the combination of uncertainty theory and symmetry.
Some New Reverse Hilbert’s Inequalities on Time Scales
Authors: AlNemer Ghada , Saied Ahmed I. , Zakarya Mohammed , Abd El-Hamid Hoda A. , Bazighifan Omar , Rezk Haytham M.
Published: December 2021

This paper is interested in establishing some new reverse Hilbert-type inequalities, by using chain rule on time scales, reverse Jensen’s, and reverse Hölder’s with Specht’s ratio and mean inequalities. To get the results, we used the Specht’s ratio function and its applications for reverse inequalities of Hilbert-type. Symmetrical properties play an essential role in determining the correct methods to solve inequalities. The new inequalities in special cases yield some recent relevance, which also provide new estimates on inequalities of these type.
Hepatitis C Virus Core Protein Down-Regulates Expression of Src-Homology 2 Domain Containing Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase by Modulating Promoter DNA Methylation
Authors: Devi Priya , Ota Seisuke , Punga Tanel , Bergqvist Anders
Published: December 2021

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major causative pathogen associated with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The main virion component, the core (C) protein, has been implicated in several aspects of HCV pathology including oncogenesis and immune subversion. Here we show that expression of the C protein induced specific tyrosine phosphorylation of the TCR-related signaling proteins ZAP-70, LAT and PLC-γ in the T cells. Stable expression of the C protein specifically reduced Src homology domain 2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP-1) mRNA and protein accumulation. Quantitative CpG methylation analysis revealed a distinct CpG methylation pattern at the SHP-1 gene promoter in the C protein expressing cells that included specific hypermethylation of the binding site for Sp1 transcription factor. Collectively, our results suggest that HCV may suppress immune responses and facilitate its own persistence by deregulating phosphotyrosine signaling via repressive epigenetic CpG modification at the SHP-1 promoter in the T cells.
Role of HSV-1 Capsid Vertex-Specific Component (CVSC) and Viral Terminal DNA in Capsid Docking at the Nuclear Pore
Authors: Villanueva-Valencia José Ramon , Tsimtsirakis Efthymios , Evilevitch Alex
Published: December 2021

Penetration of the viral genome into a host cell nucleus is critical for initiation of viral replication for most DNA viruses and a few RNA viruses. For herpesviruses, viral DNA ejection into a nucleus occurs when the capsid docks at the nuclear pore complex (NPC) basket with the correct orientation of the unique capsid portal vertex. It has been shown that capsid vertex-specific component (CVSC) proteins, which are located at the twelve vertices of the human herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) capsid, interact with nucleoporins (Nups) of NPCs. However, it remained unclear whether CVSC proteins determine capsid-to-NPC binding. Furthermore, it has been speculated that terminal DNA adjacent to the portal complex of DNA-filled C-capsids forms a structural motif with the portal cap (which retains DNA in the capsid), which mediates capsid-NPC binding. We demonstrate that terminal viral DNA adjacent to the portal proteins does not present a structural element required for capsid-NPC binding. Our data also show that level of CVSC proteins on the HSV-1 capsid affects level of NPC binding. To elucidate the capsid-binding process, we use an isolated, reconstituted cell nucleus system that recapitulates capsid-nucleus binding in vivo without interference from trafficking kinetics of capsids moving toward the nucleus. This allows binding of non-infectious capsid maturation intermediates with varying levels of vertex-specific components. This experimental system provides a platform for investigating virus–host interaction at the nuclear membrane.
Inositol Phosphates and Retroviral Assembly: A Cellular Perspective
Authors: Ricaña Clifton L. , Dick Robert A.
Published: December 2021

Understanding the molecular mechanisms of retroviral assembly has been a decades-long endeavor. With the recent discovery of inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) acting as an assembly co-factor for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), great strides have been made in retroviral research. In this review, the enzymatic pathways to synthesize and metabolize inositol phosphates (IPs) relevant to retroviral assembly are discussed. The functions of these enzymes and IPs are outlined in the context of the cellular biology important for retroviruses. Lastly, the recent advances in understanding the role of IPs in retroviral biology are surveyed.
Characterization of Host Cell Potential Proteins Interacting with OsHV-1 Membrane Proteins
Authors: Yu Jiangnan , Liu Ying , Huang Bowen , Li Chen , Wang Dandan , Yao Mengli , Xin Lusheng , Bai Changming , Wang Chongming
Published: December 2021

The interaction between viral membrane associate proteins and host cellular surface molecules should facilitate the attachment and entry of OsHV-1 into host cells. Thus, blocking the putative membrane proteins ORF25 and ORF72 of OsHV-1 with antibodies that have previously been reported to subdue OsHV-1 replication in host cells, especially ORF25. In this study, prey proteins in host hemocytes were screened by pull-down assay with recombinant baits ORF25 and ORF72, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of these prey proteins revealed that most of them were mainly associated with binding, structural molecule activity and transport activity in the molecular function category. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of the prey proteins was constructed by STRING and clustered via K-means. For both ORF25 and ORF72, three clusters of these prey proteins were distinguished that were mainly associated with cytoskeleton assembly, energy metabolism and nucleic acid processing. ORF25 tended to function in synergy with actins, while ORF72 functioned mainly with tubulins. The above results suggest that these two putative membrane proteins, ORF25 and ORF72, might serve a role in the transport of viral particles with the aid of a cytoskeleton inside cells.
Could Interleukin-33 (IL-33) Govern the Outcome of an Equine Influenza Virus Infection? Learning from Other Species
Authors: Rozario Christoforos , Martínez-Sobrido Luis , McSorley Henry J. , Chauché Caroline
Published: December 2021

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) are important respiratory pathogens of horses and humans. Infected individuals develop typical respiratory disorders associated with the death of airway epithelial cells (AECs) in infected areas. Virulence and risk of secondary bacterial infections vary among IAV strains. The IAV non-structural proteins, NS1, PB1-F2, and PA-X are important virulence factors controlling AEC death and host immune responses to viral and bacterial infection. Polymorphism in these proteins impacts their function. Evidence from human and mouse studies indicates that upon IAV infection, the manner of AEC death impacts disease severity. Indeed, while apoptosis is considered anti-inflammatory, necrosis is thought to cause pulmonary damage with the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), such as interleukin-33 (IL-33). IL-33 is a potent inflammatory mediator released by necrotic cells, playing a crucial role in anti-viral and anti-bacterial immunity. Here, we discuss studies in human and murine models which investigate how viral determinants and host immune responses control AEC death and subsequent lung IL-33 release, impacting IAV disease severity. Confirming such data in horses and improving our understanding of early immunologic responses initiated by AEC death during IAV infection will better inform the development of novel therapeutic or vaccine strategies designed to protect life-long lung health in horses and humans, following a One Health approach.