bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Applicability of LandTrendr to Surface Water Dynamics: A Case Study of Minnesota from 1984 to 2019 Using Google Earth Engine
Authors: Lothspeich Audrey C. , Knight Joseph F.
Published: June 2022

The means to accurately monitor wetland change over time are crucial to wetland management. This paper explores the applicability of LandTrendr, a temporal segmentation algorithm designed to identify significant interannual trends, to monitor wetlands by modeling surface water presence in Minnesota from 1984 to 2019. A time series of harmonized Landsat and Sentinel-2 data in the spring is developed in Google Earth Engine, and calculated to sub-pixel water fraction. The optimal parameters for modeling this time series with LandTrendr are identified by minimizing omission of known surface water locations, and the result of this optimal model of sub-pixel water fraction is evaluated against reference images and qualitatively. Accuracy of this method is high: overall accuracy is 98% and producer’s and user’s accuracies for inundation are 82% and 88% respectively. Maps summarizing the trendlines of multiple pixels, such as frequency of inundation over the past 35 years, also show LandTrendr as applied here can accurately model long-term trends in surface water presence across wetland types. However, the tendency of omission for more variable prairie pothole wetlands and the under-prediction of inundation for small or emergent wetlands suggests the algorithm will require careful development of the segmented time series to capture inundated conditions more accurately.
A Focus Group Study to Explore Risky Ridership among Young Motorcyclists in Manipal, India
Authors: Sumit Kumar , Brijs Kris , Ross Veerle , Wets Geert , Ruiter Robert A. C.
Published: June 2022

Road crash injuries have emerged as a significant public health issue in many low and middle-income countries in recent years. In India, motorized two-wheelers comprise 70% of the vehicle population and are considered the most vulnerable road users. Road crash injury is common among the young-aged population leading to premature deaths. It is essential to understand risky riding behaviors to develop accurate, evidence-based risk reduction programmes that fit the target population’s characteristics and the intervention setting. The current study aims to improve the understanding of the typical characteristics of motorcycle crashes among young riders in India, primarily focusing on the prevalence and role of risky riding behaviors. Five focus group discussions with eight to ten participants in each group (N = 35) were conducted in Manipal, in the Karnataka state of Southwestern India. A thematic analysis was completed using MAXQDA software to identify, analyze, and report on themes within the data. Speeding, riding under the influence of alcohol, and the poor maintenance of motorcycles were indicated as leading causes of crashes. Furthermore, using mobile phones while riding, violations of the traffic rules, and helmet non-use were identified as other risky behaviors among young riders. Future research can be taken up in other settings for the target population. Generational awareness with the involvement of young riders, government authorities, university officials, and the Regional Transport Office can be initiated. Engaging young riders, government authorities, university officials, and the Regional Transport Office through behavioral interventions such as persuasive communication techniques, an active experimental approach (such as the use of a simulator), and regulating the licensing procedure can reduce the number of road crashes.
Exploring the Interface between Asylum, Human Trafficking and/or ‘Modern Slavery’ within a Hostile Environment in the UK
Authors: Hynes Patricia
Published: June 2022

While the drivers and processes of forced migration may overlap for people seeking refuge or experiencing human trafficking, responses are invariably rooted in legislation and policy rather than empirical enquiry. In the UK, tightening of legislation around asylum has, for the past three decades, resulted in a ‘hostile environment’. During this time, a discourse around human trafficking (also referred to as ‘modern slavery’ in the UK) has emerged. This paper looks at asylum and human trafficking in the UK to consider a fractioning of protection and resulting fractioning of support for basic needs and welfare provision, provided through the establishment of parallel systems of support for both populations. This paper explores the distinctions, interface, key points of contact, and disconnects between asylum and trafficking in the UK. It details the trajectory of asylum policy, provides an overview of the pre-history to the hostile environment, the impacts of fractioning refugee protection, and what this means for trust as a result. It is argued that trust is an essential component of UK government policies but that the trajectory of asylum policy from a focus on integration to a culture of hostility runs directly counter to efforts to identify ‘victims’ of ‘modern slavery’.
Is a Good Boss Always a Plus? LMX, Family–Work Conflict, and Remote Working Satisfaction during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Toscano Ferdinando , Zappalà Salvatore , Galanti Teresa
Published: June 2022

This study investigated the relationships between leader–member exchange (LMX) and workers’ perceptions of family–work conflict (FWC) and between LMX and satisfaction with remote working (SRW). It also assessed the moderating effect of employees’ ability to cope (AC) with the work in the interaction between LMX and FWC. Using a cross-sectional design, this study tested a moderated mediation model using Model 7 of Macro “PROCESS” for SPSS. The study sample consisted of 455 employees engaged in remote working activities during the COVID-19 health emergency. Surprisingly, the results showed that LMX was positively associated with FWC, while the latter was negatively associated with SWR. There were neither direct nor indirect effects of LMX on SRW, but the moderation of the AC with work on the relationship between LMX and FWC was significant and negative. In particular, the results showed that, in workers who reported lower values of AC, the increase in the quality of LMX also corresponded to an increase in FWC. Conversely, in employees with very high AC, as LMX increased, FWC decreased. Good relationships with the boss in a new and challenging situation such as remote working during COVID-19 threatens employees’ well-being when accompanied by poor coping skills. This study sheds light on these mechanisms and opens new questions in the literature about family–work conflict and remote working.
Goodness-of-Fit and Generalized Estimating Equation Methods for Ordinal Responses Based on the Stereotype Model
Authors: Fernández Daniel , McMillan Louise , Arnold Richard , Spiess Martin , Liu Ivy
Published: June 2022

Background: Data with ordinal categories occur in many diverse areas, but methodologies for modeling ordinal data lag severely behind equivalent methodologies for continuous data. There are advantages to using a model specifically developed for ordinal data, such as making fewer assumptions and having greater power for inference. Methods: The ordered stereotype model (OSM) is an ordinal regression model that is more flexible than the popular proportional odds ordinal model. The primary benefit of the OSM is that it uses numeric encoding of the ordinal response categories without assuming the categories are equally-spaced. Results: This article summarizes two recent advances in the OSM: (1) three novel tests to assess goodness-of-fit; (2) a new Generalized Estimating Equations approach to estimate the model for longitudinal studies. These methods use the new spacing of the ordinal categories indicated by the estimated score parameters of the OSM. Conclusions: The recent advances presented can be applied to several fields. We illustrate their use with the well-known arthritis clinical trial dataset. These advances fill a gap in methodologies available for ordinal responses and may be useful for practitioners in many applied fields.
Comparative Analysis of Accuracy, Simplicity and Generality of Temperature-Based Global Solar Radiation Models: Application to the Solar Map of Asturias
Authors: Prieto Jesús-Ignacio , García David , Santoro Ruth
Published: June 2022

The accuracy, complexity and generality of 13 temperature-based solar radiation models are compared using data measured during 2003–2016 at 21 weather stations in a large coastal area of northern Spain. The comparisons are based on dimensionless statistical indicators calculated for each model at each station, as well as on averages of errors calculated both for the group of eight stations located in the vicinity of the Principality of Asturias and for the set of all stations. Using site-calibrated coefficients, most models provide acceptable estimates, and no model outperforms the rest everywhere. The dispersion of the site-calibrated coefficients is analysed as a function of geographical variables, and general equations are obtained for each model, based on data from the group of eight stations. The results for the remaining stations allow the predictive capability of the models to be assessed in regions where radiometric measurements are not available. In general, models with a larger number of parameters perform worse, while a homogeneous single-parameter model achieves better results. Combined with GIS techniques, this model is used to update the Solar Map of Asturias, whose previous version was based on data from different time periods due to the scarcity of records at the time.
Impact of the COVID-19 Confinement on the Physics and Chemistry Didactic in High Schools
Authors: Jiménez Sánchez Elena , Montes-López Estrella , Santos Sánchez María Jesús
Published: June 2022

Online education due to COVID-19 confinement impacted the use of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Spain, where it was poorly implemented. The aim of this paper was to inspect the methodological changes in Physics and Chemistry teaching during the confinement as well as in the ICT use and the lockdown impact afterwards. For this purpose, an online survey was administered by email to the Physics and Chemistry teachers of three provinces of Spain. Based on the analysis, the most widely used methodology was the traditional one. Still, during the lockdown, its use decreased, and others, such as the flipped classroom, increased significantly. Other adaptations included increasing the use of virtual simulations and self-learning by the student. It can be outlined the incorporation of new tools such as WebQuests, the smartphone, or online education platforms, whose use has continued. The ICT was used for new functionalities such as evaluation or answering student questions. According to the respondents, the lockdown had entailed that they strengthen implementation of ICT. In conclusion, there have been changes that have remained in the Physics and Chemistry didactic and in the ICT use due to the lockdown situation.
Investigating Drivers of Native Plant Production in the United States Green Industry
Authors: Rihn Alicia L. , Knuth Melinda J. , Peterson Bryan J. , Torres Ariana P. , Campbell Julie H. , Boyer Cheryl R. , Palma Marco A. , Khachatryan Hayk
Published: June 2022

Native plant use in United States (U.S.) ornamental landscapes is expected to increase in upcoming years. Various market, production, and economic factors may influence a nursery firm’s likelihood of growing and selling native plants. The objective of this study was to investigate production-related factors (e.g., integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, firm characteristics, and plant types sold) that impact commercial native plant sales in the U.S. The research questions included the following: (a) What production factors drive growers to produce native plants? (b) What production factors increase native plant sales? Insights on production-related factors that influence native plant production can be used to understand the decision-making process of native plant growers and encourage additional production of native plants to meet expected increases in demand. Data from the 2014 and 2019 Green Industry Research Consortium’s National Green Industry Survey were used to address this research objective. Green industry firms were categorized by their annual native plant sales, and an ordered probit model was used to assess differences in IPM strategies, firm characteristics, number of plant types grown, sales attributed to different plant types, and actions to address labor issues. In general, firms selling native plants participated in more IPM strategies, sold a more diverse array of plants, and used more sales avenues than non-native plant firms. IPM strategies varied by native plant sales, with firms generating higher native plant sales exhibiting a higher likelihood of removing infested plants, circulating air, managing irrigation, using beneficial insects, and planting pest resistant varieties as part of their IPM strategy than non-native plant firms. Annual native sales and paying higher wages were impacted by plant types sold. Understanding current production and business practices can help identify practices resulting in market success for native plants, the use of which can enhance sustainable landscapes by increasing biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Dynamic Simulation and Experimental Study of the HDPE Double-Walled Corrugated Pipe Grouting Robot
Authors: Li Yufang , Xu Jiyang , Nan Feng , Su Hongli , Zhao Tongxu
Published: June 2022

The current drainage pipeline repair methods present significant limitations, and this paper proposes a new construction technology applied to the internal collapse repair of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This study designed the hot-melt, deflection, support, monitoring, and grouting mechanisms of the grouting gun body while deducing the mechanical formulas of the grouting, deflection lifting, support, and travel processes. The grouting gun body was tested by inserting it into soil, confirming that the pipe grouting robot could perform grouting in an actual construction environment. The hot-melt test verified that the hot-melt mechanism of the pipeline grouting robot melted and broke the HDPE double-walled corrugated pipe. The kinematics simulation was performed using the ADAMS software, verifying that the motion of the pipeline grouting robot satisfied the design requirements. In this paper, the dynamic simulation and experimental research of HDPE double-walled corrugated pipe grouting robot were carried out. Compared with existing drainage pipeline repair methods, the pipeline grouting and shaping technology was highly efficient in a construction environment.
Multi-Stemmed Habit in Trees Contributes Climate Resilience in Tropical Dry Forest
Authors: Ware Ian M. , Ostertag Rebecca , Cordell Susan , Giardina Christian P. , Sack Lawren , Medeiros Camila D. , Inman Faith , Litton Creighton M. , Giambelluca Thomas , John Grace P. , Scoffoni Christine
Published: June 2022

Understanding how environmental adaptations mediate plant and ecosystem responses becomes increasingly important under accelerating global environmental change. Multi-stemmed trees, for example, differ in form and function from single-stemmed trees and may possess physiological advantages that allow for persistence during stressful climatic events such as extended drought. Following the worst drought in Hawaii in a century, we examined patterns of stem abundance and turnover in a Hawaiian lowland dry forest (LDF) and a montane wet forest (MWF) to investigate how multi-stemmed trees might influence site persistence, and how stem abundance and turnover relate to key functional traits. We found stem abundance and multi-stemmed trees to be an important component for climate resilience within the LDF. The LDF had higher relative abundance of multi-stemmed trees, stem abundance, and mean stem abundance compared to a reference MWF. Within the LDF, multi-stemmed trees had higher relative stem abundance (i.e., percent composition of stems to the total number of stems in the LDF) and higher estimated aboveground carbon than single-stemmed trees. Stem abundance varied among species and tree size classes. Stem turnover (i.e., change in stem abundance between five-year censuses) varied among species and tree size classes and species mean stem turnover was correlated with mean species stem abundance per tree. At the plot level, stem abundance per tree is also a predictor of survival, though mortality did not differ between multiple- and single-stemmed trees. Lastly, species with higher mean stem abundance per tree tended to have traits associated with a higher light-saturated photosynthetic rate, suggesting greater productivity in periods with higher water supply. Identifying the traits that allow species and forest communities to persist in dry environments or respond to disturbance is useful for forecasting ecological climate resilience or potential for restoration in tropical dry forests.
Environmental Action Programs Using Positive Youth Development May Increase Civic Engagement
Authors: Barnason Sydney , Li Christine Jie , Hall Damon M. , Wilhelm Stanis Sonja A. , Schulz John H.
Published: June 2022

Civic engagement in adults may be influenced by their participation as young people in environmental action programs. To assess this hypothesis, we conducted a case study to see if an environmental action program at the St. Louis Zoo impacted participants’ civic engagement in respect to positive youth development practices. During 2019, we surveyed youth from the St. Louis, Missouri area participating in the Bye-to-Bags program, which was a student-initiated program. We used a modified measurement scale for civic engagement outcomes, and measured three positive youth development practices: sparks, or an individual’s passions; adult relationships; and voice. We found that civic engagement and positive youth development outcomes were both present in the Bye-to-Bags program, which offered opportunities for youth engagement in environmental action in the community. Our results also showed that zoos with environmental action programs may increase youth civic engagement, especially when young people are given a sense of voice in programmatic decisions supported by strong adult relationships. Environmental education programs promoting sustainable behavior may help young people become environmentally responsible and civically engaged adults.
Prediction of WEEE Recycling in China Based on an Improved Grey Prediction Model
Authors: Xiao Qiang , Wang Hongshuang
Published: June 2022

Accurate waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) recycling forecast is an essential reference for optimizing e-waste industry layout and division of labor policies, conducive to better guiding enterprises’ recycling activities and improving the efficiency of WEEE recycling in China. The nonlinear grey Bernoulli model (NGBM (1,1)) was constructed by analyzing the recycling data characteristics of WEEE from 2012 to 2020, and a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was introduced to solve the model parameters and optimize the background value coefficients. The prediction results were compared with other grey prediction models to verify the effectiveness of the improved NGBM (1,1) model for WEEE recycling prediction in China and the applicability of the PSO algorithm for improving the prediction accuracy of each grey model. Statistical data were used to forecast the WEEE recycling volume in China from 2021 to 2023, and the results show that the value of WEEE recycling will continue to grow at 9%. The value of recycling will reach 16 billion yuan by 2023, while the quantity of WEEE recycling will see a slight decline. Based on the calculation results, the WEEE recycling industry development trend is predicted to guide the promotion of the WEEE industry recycling program and the national circular economy program.
An Evaluation of the Coupling Coordination Degree of an Urban Economy–Society–Environment System Based on a Multi-Scenario Analysis: The Case of Chengde City in China
Authors: Li Yang , Zhang Xiaotong , Gao Xiuxiu
Published: June 2022

Sustainable urban development requires the coordinated development of economic, social, and environmental subsystems. Evaluating the coordination degree of different urban subsystems is of great significance to supporting sustainable urban development. This study explores the method of combining a scenario analysis with the coupling coordination degree model, proposing a new approach to measure the correlation between the level of urban sustainable development and the coupling coordination degree of urban subsystems. This method is used to analyze the correlation between the sustainable development level of 11 district-level and county-level administrative regions in Chengde City and the coupling coordination degree under different scenarios. The evaluation results show that, under different scenarios, the coupling coordination degree of the 11 administrative regions in Chengde City is at three levels: imminent imbalance, near coordination, and primary coordination. Compared with the business-as-usual scenario, the changes in the coupling coordination degree of all administrative regions in Chengde City under the economic-led scenario, social-led scenario, and environment-led scenario are in line with the level of sustainable development evaluation outcomes. The results confirm that there is a correlation between the level of urban sustainable development and the coupling coordination degree in different scenarios.
Overcoming Regulatory Failure in the Design and Implementation of Gas Flaring Policies: The Potential and Promise of an Energy Justice Approach
Authors: Babalola Aare Afe , Olawuyi Damilola S.
Published: June 2022

Gas flaring is a major source of air pollution and a chief contributor to climate change. Addressing the adverse social, environmental, and economic impacts of gas flaring has therefore been identified as a fundamental objective of energy policy in oil- and gas-producing countries across the world. Despite this recognition however, gas flaring remains a significant threat to energy justice worldwide, especially in resource-rich Middle Eastern and African (MEA) countries. In Nigeria, for example, as far back as 1979, the primary legislation fixed 1 January 1984 as the deadline for all energy operators to stop gas flaring. More than three decades later, Nigeria remains one of the highest gas flaring countries on earth, with significant adverse social, environmental, and human rights impacts on local communities. While a number of existing studies have documented the perennial failure of gas flaring regulation and policies in Nigeria and other MEA countries, a detailed examination of the energy justice gaps that limit the design and implementation of gas flaring reduction policies has remained absent. This article fills a gap in this regard. Drawing lessons from Nigeria, this article analyzes the energy justice dimensions of regulatory failure in the design and implementation of gas flaring policies. Various legal and institutional drivers of regulatory failures in gas flaring reduction policies are examined in order to identify the ways in which an energy justice governance framework can help close these gaps. The study suggests that conceptualizing and elaborating the energy justice dimensions of gas flaring in energy policy design, enacting stringent and coherent gas flaring legislation, promoting the transparent reporting and disclosure of statistical data on gas flaring reduction programs, and reforming regulatory institutions to ensure coherent implementation of gas flaring policies are significant steps towards overcoming regulatory failure in the design and implementation of energy policies on gas flaring reduction.
COVID-19 Pandemic Management: A Review of the Digitalisation Leap in Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Arif Mohd. Firdaus Bin , Choo Ta Goh
Published: June 2022

The first cases of COVID-19 materialised in Malaysia in January 2020, and the trend of COVID-19 cases boosted remarkably. As the globe changes its usual services and norms with digitalisation, many countries have used information technology embedded within digitalisation to manage COVID-19. This applies specifically for containment and contact tracing among Malaysian citizens. Malaysia is one of the first countries in Southeast Asia to have designed digital applications to control and manage the COVID-19 pandemic, hence making it one of the top 50 nations under the UN’s 2020 E-Government Development Index (EGDI). This study intended to investigate the effectiveness of digitalisation in controlling the spread of COVID-19 outbreaks in Malaysia from 11 March to 9 June 2020 (90 days), with a specific focus on the aspects of containment and contact tracing. This research concluded that using digital applications and government administrative orders advised by national healthcare policy, through movement control orders (MCO) and conditional movement control orders (CMCO), slowed down the rate of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia. Similar endeavours by Malaysia’s neighbouring countries have also administered current technological advancements to battle the pandemic with healthcare efforts.
Extending the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology for COVID-19 Contact Tracing Application by Malaysian Users
Authors: Alshami Mahmood , Abdulghafor Rawad , Aborujilah Abdulaziz
Published: June 2022

The Malaysian government has mobilized its strength to confront the current COVID-19 pandemic and has sought to develop and implement a digital contact tracking application, making it an integral part of the exit strategy from the lockdown. These applications record which users have been near one another. When a user is confirmed with COVID-19, app users who have recently been near this person are notified. The effectiveness of these applications is determined by the users’ willingness to install and use them. Therefore, this research aims at identifying the factors that would stimulate or slow down the adoption of a contact-tracing app. It proposes solutions to mitigate the impact of the factors affecting the user’s acceptance of COVID-19 Digital Contact Tracing Apps. A quantitative approach was followed in this research, where an electronic survey was spread in Malaysia, for the objective of data collection, considering the previous discussion of the results. Then, using PLS-SEM, the collected data were analyzed statistically. The findings of this study indicate that the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) factors (Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, Facilities Condition) were significant predictors of MySejahtera application adoption among citizens in Malaysia. On the other hand, the factors of app-related privacy concern were found to be insignificant for MySejahtera application adoption.
A Note on Parabolic Maximal Operators along Surfaces of Revolution via Extrapolation
Authors: Ali Mohammed , Al-Qassem Hussain
Published: June 2022

Under weak conditions on the kernels, we obtain sharp Lp bounds for rough parabolic maximal integral operators over surfaces of revolution. By virtue of these bounds along with Yano’s extrapolation argument, we confirm the Lp boundedness of these maximal operators under weaker conditions on the kernels. Our obtained results represent substantial extensions and improvements of some known results on maximal operators with rough kernels on symmetric spaces.
Complexation of 5-Fluorouracil with β-Cyclodextrin and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate: A Useful Tool for Encapsulating and Removing This Polluting Drug
Authors: Cabral Ana , Fernandes Ana , Joaquim Neuza , Veiga Francisco , Sofio Sara , Paiva Isabel , Esteso Miguel , Rodrigo M. , Valente Artur , Ribeiro Ana
Published: June 2022

The formation of complexes of the drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) was studied through experimental measurements of the ternary mutual diffusion coefficients (D11, D22, D12, and D21) for the systems {5-FU (component 1) + β-CD (component 2) + water} and {5-FU (component 1) + SDS (component 2) + water} at 298.15 K and at concentrations up to 0.05 mol dm−3 by using the Taylor dispersion method, with the objective of removing this polluting drug from the residual systems in which it was present. The results found showed that a coupled diffusion of 5-FU occurred with both β-CD and SDS, as indicated by the nonzero values of the cross-diffusion coefficients, D12 and D21, as a consequence of the complex formation between 5-FU and the β-CD or SDS species. That is, 5-FU was solubilized (encapsulated) by both carriers, although to a greater extent with SDS (K = 20.0 (±0.5) mol−1 dm3) than with β-CD (K = 10.0 (±0.5) mol−1 dm3). Values of 0.107 and 0.190 were determined for the maximum fraction of 5-FU solubilized with β-CD and SDS (at concentrations above its CMC), respectively. This meant that SDS was more efficient at encapsulating and thus removing the 5-FU drug.
NK Cell Subset Redistribution and Antibody Dependent Activation after Ebola Vaccination in Africans
Authors: Wagstaffe Helen R. , Anzala Omu , Kibuuka Hannah , Anywaine Zacchaeus , Sirima Sodiomon B. , Thiébaut Rodolphe , Richert Laura , Levy Yves , Lacabaratz Christine , Bockstal Viki , Luhn Kerstin , Douoguih Macaya , Goodier Martin R.
Published: June 2022

Natural killer cells play an important role in the control of viral infections both by regulating acquired immune responses and as potent innate or antibody-mediated cytotoxic effector cells. NK cells have been implicated in control of Ebola virus infections and our previous studies in European trial participants have demonstrated durable activation, proliferation and antibody-dependent NK cell activation after heterologous two-dose Ebola vaccination with adenovirus type 26.ZEBOV followed by modified vaccinia Ankara-BN-Filo. Regional variation in immunity and environmental exposure to pathogens, in particular human cytomegalovirus, have profound impacts on NK cell functional capacity. We therefore assessed the NK cell phenotype and function in African trial participants with universal exposure to HCMV. We demonstrate a significant redistribution of NK cell subsets after vaccine dose two, involving the enrichment of less differentiated CD56dimCD57− and CD56dimFcεR1γ+ (canonical) cells and the increased proliferation of these subsets. Sera taken after vaccine dose two support robust antibody-dependent NK cell activation in a standard NK cell readout; these responses correlate strongly with the concentration of anti-Ebola glycoprotein specific antibodies. These sera also promote comparable IFN-γ production in autologous NK cells taken at baseline and post-vaccine dose two. However, degranulation responses of post-vaccination NK cells were reduced compared to baseline NK cells and these effects could not be directly attributed to alterations in NK cell phenotype after vaccination. These studies demonstrate consistent changes in NK cell phenotypic composition and robust antibody-dependent NK cell function and reveal novel characteristics of these responses after heterologous two dose Ebola vaccination in African individuals.
Monitoring of Land Desertification Changes in Urat Front Banner from 2010 to 2020 Based on Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Feng Yuanyuan , Wang Shihang , Zhao Mingsong , Zhou Lingmei
Published: June 2022

Monitoring the spatio-temporal dynamics of desertification is critical for desertification control. Using the Urat front flag as the study area, Landsat remote sensing images between 2010 and 2020 were selected as data sources, along with MOD17A3H as auxiliary data. Additionally, RS and GIS theories and methods were used to establish an Albedo–NDVI feature space based on the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and land surface albedo. The desertification difference index (DDI) was developed to investigate the dynamic change and factors contributing to desertification in the Urat front banner. The results show that: ① the Albedo–NDVI feature space method is effective and precise at extracting and classifying desertification information, which is beneficial for quantitative analysis and monitoring of desertification; ② from 2010 to 2020, the spatial distribution of desertification degree in the Urat front banner gradually decreased from south to north; ③ throughout the study period, the area of moderate desertification land increased the most, at an annual rate of 8.2%, while the area of extremely serious desertification land decreased significantly, at an annual rate of 9.2%, indicating that desertification degree improved during the study period; ④ the transformation of desertification types in Urat former banner is mainly from very severe to moderate, from severe to undeserted, and from mild to undeserted, with respective areas of 22.5045 km2, 44.0478 km2, and 319.2160 km2. Over a 10-year period, the desertification restoration areas in the study area ranged from extremely serious desertification to moderate desertification, from serious desertification to non-desertification, and from weak desertification to non-desertification, while the desertification aggravation areas ranged mainly from serious desertification to moderate desertification; ⑤ NPP dynamic changes in vegetation demonstrated a zonal increase in distribution from west to east, and significant progress was made in desertification control. The change in desertification has accelerated significantly over the last decade. Climate change and irresponsible human activities have exacerbated desertification in the eastern part of the study area.
Spatio-Temporal Variations and Socio-Economic Driving Forces for Wetland Area Changes: Insights from 2008–2017 Data of Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Yan Zhongqing , Zhang Kerou , Peng Qin , Kang Enze , Li Meng , Zhang Xiaodong , Li Yong , Yan Liang , Wang Xiaodong , Yang Ao , Niu Yuechuan , Kang Xiaoming
Published: June 2022

An in-depth understanding of the associations between variations in the wetland area and socio-economic driving forces is essential owing to rapid urbanization. However, to date, no study has performed a quantitative study on the relationships between spatio-temporal patterns for wetland area variations and socio-economic driving factors in Yunnan Province. Based on Statistical Yearbook data, we found that during 10 years, different types of wetlands exhibited different change rates, with obvious spatial heterogeneity. The overall increase in wetland area in Yunnan Province was 13.35%, of which the increases in river, lake, and swamp wetland areas were 46.39%, −3.12%, and 295.56%, respectively. At the city level, the maximum decrease and increase in total wetland area were noted in Xishuangbanna (−84.30%) and Diqing (+185.22%), respectively. A total of 9 of 24 factors which were further selected according to collinearity diagnostics might help interpret changes in the wetland area of Yunnan Province according to the regression analysis results (R2 = 0.749, p < 0.01). Moreover, in different city development periods, the key socio-economic factors were different, which should be considered separately when formulating policies. Our results may clarify the socio-economic influencing factors for wetland spatio-temporal changes and help to guide policymakers.
Echinococcosis of mouse rodents - synanthropic epizootic and epidemic risk in the biosphere resort areas of the North Caucasus
Authors:   FSBEI HE «Kabardino-Balkarian State Agrarian University named after V. M. Kokov», Nalchik, Russia, Bittirov Anatoly Murashevich , Kabardiev Sadrutdin Shamshitovich ,   Caspian zonal NIVI — branch of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution «FANTS RD», Makhachkala, Russia, Bolatchiev Kerim Khasanovich ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «North Caucasus State Academy», Russia, Cherkessk, Gogushev Zurab Timurovich ,   Caspian zonal NIVI — branch of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution «FANTS RD», Makhachkala, Russia, Arkelova Marzhanat Ruslanovna ,   Caspian zonal NIVI — branch of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution «FANTS RD», Makhachkala, Russia, Bittirov Ismail Anatolyevich ,   Kabardino-Balkarian State Agrarian University named after V. M. Kokov ", Nalchik, Russia
Published: June 2022

Cystic echinococcosis in the regions of the North Caucasus is recorded in more than 30 species of murine rodents with the formation of synanthropic foci of zoonotic invasion. The aim is to study echinococcosis of murine rodents as a synanthropic epizootic and epidemiological risk in the biosphere resort areas of the North Caucasus as an objective material for predicting zoonosis. On the biosphere resort territories of Karachay-Cherkessia and in the Elbrus region of Kabardino-Balkaria, with the participation of mouse rodents of 9 species, dense synanthropic foci of echinococcosis, representing an epidemiological threat, have been formed. In the mountain-resort areas of Arkhyz, Teberda and Dombai, indicators of the extensiveness of invasion (EI) of cystic echinococcosis in mice are sufficient for the formation of persistent ill-being of synanthropic diffuse foci of zoonosis. The incidence indices of cystic echinococcosis of mice in the biosphere resort areas of Kabardino-Balkaria (Cheget, Azau, Dzhantugan) in 2018–2020 were relatively higher than in Arkhyz, Teberda and Dombai, which is mainly due to the complete ignorance of planned deratization measures in regarding zoonosis. The formation of synanthropic foci of zoonosis in the biosphere resort territories of Arkhyz, Teberda, Dombay (Karachay-Cherkess Republic) and Cheget, Azau, Dzhantugan (Kabardino-Balkar Republic) can lead to an increase in carnivorous echinococcosis and soil contamination of the resort-recreational complex with E. granulosus eggs.
Clinical and epidemiological aspects of enterobiosis in preschoolers
Authors:   Federal Medical Institution «Center of Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Astrakhan region», Nikeshina Tatiana Vasilyevna , Kiseleva Alexandra Alekseevna ,   Astrakhan State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Kurbangalieva Adela Rastyamovna ,   Federal Medical Institution «Center of Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Astrakhan region», Astrakhan, Sivtsova Lyudmila Aleksandrovna ,   Federal Medical Institution «Center of Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Astrakhan region», Astrakhan, Arakelyan Rudolf Sergeevich ,   Astrakhan State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia, Okunskaya Elena Ivanovna ,   GBUZ JSC «Children's city polyclinic No. 3», Astrakhan, Monina Sofya Ivanovna ,   Faculty of Medicine of the Astrakhan State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia
Published: June 2022

The aim of the study is to analyze the clinical and epidemiological aspects of enterobiosis in preschool children. Materials and methods. The material for the study was the data of outpatient records of 164 patients with laboratory-confirmed enterobiosis aged 9 months to 17 years. Results. Of the 164 children who sought medical help, more than half — 54.9 % — were children of preschool age. The majority of children — 86.7 % were from organized collectives (nurseries, kindergartens). The reasons for the examination of children were diverse. More than half of cases of enetrobiosis (55.4 %) were detected in children according to the results of preventive examinations in children's institutions. Another part of the children — 43.4 % — sought medical help due to the presence of clinical symptoms and complaints. And only in a single case — 1.2 % — the child was examined as a contact with a sick family member. When collecting an epidemiological history, it was found that 58 % had geophagia (eating the earth), 30.1 % had onychophagia (the habit of biting nails). 7.2 % of the surveyed children and their parents indicated non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene (the habit of not washing their hands before eating). 12 % of children had contact with pets (cats and dogs), including 4.8 % with dogs and 1.2 % with cats. Clinical manifestations of the disease, as a rule, occurred in children who sought medical help (50.1 %), and were not detected as a result of a preventive examination. All patients with enetrobiosis received therapy with albendazole and pyrantel in accordance with the instructions for these drugs. Conclusion. According to the results of the study, a wide prevalence of enetrobiosis was revealed among preschool children attending organized collectives. The main risk factors are bad habits, such as geo- and onychophagy, as well as lack of hand washing skills before eating. The most effective measures for the prevention of this parasitosis are timely periodic preventive examinations and hygienic training of preschool children.
Factors contributing to the development of gallstone disease and measures to prevent it
Authors:   Infectious Diseases Hospital No. 4, Ufa, Korobka Yuriy Ivanovich
Published: June 2022

Gallstone disease (GSD) is a condition in which gallstones that in their composition can be cholesterol or bilirubin begin to form against the background of inflammatory changes and biliary engorgement in the gallbladder. This happens most often due to metabolic disorders, with the abuse of fatty, fried, spicy foods; this condition occurs mainly in females with signs of obesity. As long as the gallstones are not large and do not interfere with the normal outflow of bile, the disease may not manifest itself clinically; sometimes heartburn, belching, or a feeling of bitterness in the mouth may occur. With an increase of gallstones in size and the addition of an inflammatory component, a feeling of heaviness in the right hypochondrium, nausea, skin discoloration, and scleral icterus appear. With mechanical blockage of the biliary tract, an attack of hepatic colic occurs with acute pain in the right hypochondrium, radiating to the back, neck and right shoulder; there may be an increase in body temperature and chills, stool discoloration. With a sharp change in the nature of nutrition and the rejection of fatty foods, an improvement in the condition is not always observed, since unclaimed bile begins to accumulate in the gallbladder, which contributes to further stone formation. Therefore, the management of patients with cholelithiasis is often a difficult task and requires a systematic and integrated approach.
Odontogenic foreign bodies of the maxillary sinus
Authors:   Rostov State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Russia, Boyko Natalia V. , Balycheva Elena Yuryevna ,   MBUZ «Children's City Hospital» of Taganrog, Russia, Yaskovets Tatiana Yuryevna ,   MBUZ «Children's City Hospital» of Taganrog, Russia
Published: June 2022

The anatomical proximity of the roots of molars and premolars to the floor of the maxillary sinus creates the risk for the formation of odontogenic sinusitis, which is often initiated by foreign bodies entering the sinus during dental procedures. Odontegenic foreign bodies (FB) of the maxillary sinus are usually represented by fragments of tooth roots, filling material, plastic material used in sinus lifting, dental implants, dental burs, pins and needles. FB causes the development of an inflammatory process in the sinus due to the penetration of highly virulent microbiota of the oral cavity or the formation of a fungal body. In rare cases, small FB can be evacuated into the nasal cavity as a result of the movement of the cilia of the ciliated epithelium. Most odontogenic FB are radiopaque and are detected by computed tomography (CT) of the paranasal sinuses. CT data allows to accurately localize FB and choose a treatment tactics.
Habitual epistaxis, associated with atrophic rhinitis
Authors:   Rostov State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Russia, Bykova Victoria Valentinovna , Boyko Natalia V. ,   Rostov State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Russia
Published: June 2022

The article presents the results of a study of 27 patients aged 22 to 52 suffering from recurrent epistaxis. Patients who underwent surgical interventions in the nasal cavity, suffering from diabetes mellitus and other endocrine diseases, as well as persons working in hazardous industries were excluded from the number of those examined. No disturbances in the hemostasis system were revealed. The degree of the nasal mucosa damage was assessed by endoscopy and the rate of mucociliary clearance. The latter was determined using the saccharin test. Most often, the source of epistaxis was localized in the anterior sections of the nasal septum — in the Little area. Atrophic rhinitis was the local cause of epistaxis in 18 cases (64 %). Idiopathic epistaxis contributed for 36 % (9 cases). The most likely cause of the atrophic rhinitis in all cases was the climate adverse effect.
EMPODERAMIENTO SOCIAL Y ORGANIZACIONAL COMO UN MODELO DE INVESTIGACIÓN PARA ALCANZAR LA SUSTENTABILIDAD
Authors: Jiménez-Munive José María , Luna-Nemecio Josemanuel , Jiménez-Munive Cayetano
Published: June 2022

El presente artículo es producto de una revisión de la literatura reciente sobre el empoderamiento organizacional y social como instrumentos para que los individuos en el ámbito organizacional y social participen e incidan en las decisiones que los afectan y se conviertan en actores del desarrollo. Ha sido construido con el objetivo de realizar una aproximación conceptual que informe la evolución histórica de las categorías empoderamiento, empoderamiento social y empoderamiento organizacional, desde una perspectiva socioformativa, acompañado de una posición sociocrítica y transformativa para alcanzar la sustentabilidad, que plantea la oportunidad estratégica de articular el empoderamiento organizacional con el empoderamiento social para dinamizar los espacios e instancias de participación social y comunitaria que permitan profundizar y optimizar el sistema democrático en los países latinoamericanos. El estudio se basó en un análisis documental que pone en evidencia el empoderamiento social como facultamiento de las personas en una sociedad para la participación política, social y económica y la articulación de las tres hélices del desarrollo (sector empresarial, gobierno y sociedad civil). Se concluyó que, de existir voluntad política de los gobiernos, de los propietarios y administradores de las organizaciones empresariales y de las organizaciones sociales, como las de carácter académico, y de las ciudadanías, los procesos de empoderamiento individual, organizacional y social constituyen una oportunidad estratégica para impulsar procesos de cambio organizacional y social que permitirán profundizar y mejorar la calidad de la democracia, erradicar o controlar la corrupción política y administrativa que tanto daño causa, enfrentar con éxito la pobreza y la desigualdad y en últimas, facilitar el bien común, la prosperidad y la justicia social.
INDEKS GLIKEMIK (IG) DAN RESPONS GLUKOSA POST-PRANDIAL BERAS BERWARNA DARI INDONESIA PADA INDIVIDU SEHAT
Authors: Mutiyani Mira , Fitria Mona , Zain Roya Suffah , Wibowo Indra
Published: June 2022

Di Indonesia, meskipun beberapa kultivar padi telah dibudidayakan secara tradisional, penelitiannya masih belum banyak dilakukan. Mengingat peningkatan diabetes yang mengkhawatirkan dengan tetap tingginya konsumsi beras, penelitian ini berupaya untuk mempelajari potensi glikemik dari beberapa kultivar padi berwarna di Indonesia yang diduga dapat memberikan manfaat kesehatan yang besar. Hasil penelitian dari 35 orang sampel yang diberi beban beras berwarna, adalah sebagai berikut: indeks glikemik (IG) beras putih yaitu sebesar 72.84%, indeks glikemik (IG) beras merah yaitu sebesar 70.17%, indeks glikemik (IG) beras coklat yaitu sebesar 51.09%, dan indeks glikemik (IG) beras hitam yaitu sebesar 83.83%. Varietas dengan indeks glikemik yang paling rendah adalah beras coklat. Dengan demikian, di antara beras-beras yang diuji, beras coklat memiliki potensi paling tinggi untuk menjadi alternatif diet untuk manajemen diabetes dan glukosa darah secara umum.