bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Transport Development on the Accessibility of Selected Functional Elements: The Case of the Suburban Zielonki Municipality within the Krakow Metropolitan Area
Authors: Puławska-Obiedowska Sabina , Bajwoluk Tomasz , Langer Piotr
Published: February 2022

The objective of this paper is to present the findings of an investigation of areas of concentration of selected functions within the Zielonki suburban community—namely, their mutual relations and accessibility. The investigation of interdependence between transport system development within a municipality and transformation processes observed to take place in its territory can allow one to determine the precepts of its future development. The investigation covered Zielonki—a suburban community near Krakow—as a distinctive case of contemporary transformations of the functio-spatial structure of a suburban zone that remains under the influence of the developmental processes of a large urban center in Poland. The ongoing urbanization of suburban areas indicates their constant investment attractiveness. However, the development of transport infrastructure does not seem to keep pace with the ongoing process of change, especially in the areas of new housing and service concentration zones. The observed phenomena negatively impact the emergence of a sustainable suburban space, and the increase in vehicular traffic lowers the quality of life within this area.
Extracting Travelers’ Preferences toward Electric Vehicles Using the Theory of Planned Behavior in Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Javid Muhammad Ashraf , Abdullah Muhammad , Ali Nazam , Shah Syed Arif Hussain , Joyklad Panuwat , Hussain Qudeer , Chaiyasarn Krisada
Published: February 2022

The high use of gasoline and diesel vehicles results in environmental pollution and loss of natural resources. The use of electric vehicles can be socially beneficial and reduce air pollution. In this research study, the main aims are to identify the potential of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Pakistan using a Stated Preferences (SP) survey. An SP questionnaire was designed using the theoretical framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). This questionnaire consisted of travelers’ personal and travel characteristics and various statements designed to address the variables of TPB such as Attitudes Towards the Electric Vehicles, Subjective Norms (SN), Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC), and Behavioral Intentions (BI). The behavior items were designed in the context of travelers’ willingness to buy and use EVs. Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFAs) were conducted to validate the designed hypotheses related to the variables of TPB. The cross-analysis revealed that there are variations in responses across different occupations, trip distances, travel modes, and vehicle ownership. The developed structural models showed that the Attitudes and PBC have a positive influence on BI and PBC, which also have a direct impact on travelers’ willingness to use EV. The SN, PBC, and Attitudes are significant predictors of behavioral intentions in the willingness to buy EV and PBC is not a direct predictor of travelers’ willingness to buy an EV. The BI acts as a mediator to explain the indirect effects of Attitudes, SN, and PBC on willingness to purchase and use an EV. In the end, a framework is also proposed for the behavior-related interventions to promote the EVs considering the socio-economic context of Pakistan.
Study of CZTSSe-Based Solar Cells with Different ETMs by SCAPS
Authors: Et-taya Lhoussayne , Benami Abdellah , Ouslimane Touria
Published: February 2022

Third-generation thin-film solar cells based on CZTSSe are highly promising because of their excellent optoelectrical properties, earth-abundant, and non-toxicity of their constituent elements. In this work, the performance of CZTSSe-based solar cells with TiO2, CdS, and ZnSe as electron transporting materials (ETMs) was numerically investigated using the Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS). The effect of the active layer’s thickness and electron affinity, different buffer layers, and the contour plot of the operating temperature versus thickness of the CdS buffer layer were studied. The results show that the optimum power conversion efficiency for CdS, TiO2, and ZnSe, as the ETMs, is 23.16%, 23.13%, and 22.42%, respectively.
Behavior of RC Beam–Column Joints Strengthened with Modified Reinforcement Techniques
Authors: Tiwary Aditya Kumar , Singh Sandeep , Chohan Jasgurpreet Singh , Kumar Raman , Sharma Shubham , Chattopadhyaya Somnath , Abed Farid , Stepinac Mislav
Published: February 2022

Using a significant number of transverse hoops in the joint’s core is one recognized way for achieving the requirements of strength, stiffness, and ductility under dynamic loading in a column joint. The shear capacity of a joint is influenced by the concrete’s compressive strength, the anchoring of longitudinal beam reinforcement, the number of stirrups in the joint, and the junction’s aspect ratio. Seismic motion on the beam may produce shear capacity and bond breaking in the joint, causing the joint to fracture. Furthermore, due to inadequate joint design and details, the entire structure is jeopardized. In this study, the specimens were divided into two groups for corner and interior beam–column joints based on the joint reinforcement detailing. The controlled specimen has joint detailing as per IS 456:2000, and the strengthened specimen has additional diagonal cross bars (modified reinforcement technique) at the joints detailed as per IS 456:200. The displacement time history curve, load-displacement response curves, load-displacement hysteretic curve, and load cycle vs. shear stress were used to compare the results of the controlled and strengthened specimens. The findings show that adding diagonal cross bars (modified reinforcing techniques) to beam–column joints exposed to cyclic loads enhances their performance. The inclusion of a diagonal cross bar increased the stiffness of the joint by giving an additional mechanism for shear transfer and ductility, as well as greater strength with minimum cracks.
Fatal and Serious Injury Rates for Different Travel Modes in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Ibrahim Mohammad Nabil , Logan David B. , Koppel Sjaan , Fildes Brian
Published: February 2022

While absolute injury numbers are widely used as a road safety indicator, they do not fully account for the likelihood of an injury given a certain level of exposure. Adjusting crash and injury rates for travel exposure can measure the magnitude of travel activity leading to crash outcomes and provide a more comprehensive indicator of safety. Fatal and serious injury (FSI) numbers were adjusted by three measures of travel exposure to estimate crash and injury rates across nine travel modes in the Australian state of Victoria. While car drivers accounted for the highest number of injuries across the three modes, their likelihood of being killed or seriously injured was substantially lower than that of motorcyclists across all exposure measures. Cyclists accounted for fewer injuries than car passengers and pedestrians but had a higher risk per exposure. The results varied by both injury severity and exposure measure. The results of this study will assist with high level transport planning by allowing for the investigation of the changes in travel-related FSI resulting from proposed travel mode shifts driven by safety, environmental reasons or other reasons as part of the holistic goal of transforming the transport system to full compliance with Safe System principles.
Application of the Perceived Popularity of Sports to Support the Sustainable Management of Sports Organizations
Authors: Varmus Michal , Kubina Milan , Boško Pavol , Mičiak Martin
Published: February 2022

The operations of sports organizations must be managed to create value in the long run. This explicit management will support their efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability. The key concept measured in this study was the popularity of sports. This concept is a pivotal element in influencing the acquisition of financial contributions for sports organizations (from the state and sponsors) as well as in attracting new members. We conducted an online questionnaire in 2021 focusing on the concept of the perceived popularity of sports in Slovakia. The number of observations was 338, out of the total population of Slovak citizens over the age of 15. We also applied other methods, including content analysis, induction, deduction, comparison, and synthesis analyses. The analysis of the data led to the following findings: in this context, the two most popular sports were hockey and European football; the greatest propensity for fan self-identification was observed for European football, hockey, and basketball; men who indicated a preference for cycling were significantly larger fans of the sport than women; European football and motorsports were almost exclusively preferred by men; skiing, volleyball, and tennis were preferred by women; and basketball was preferred by the youngest respondents. This study aimed to propose recommendations for approaching sustainability, assuming that increasing popularity represents an opportunity to increase a sport organizations’ membership base.
Investing in Urban Blue–Green Infrastructure—Assessing the Costs and Benefits of Stormwater Management in a Peri-Urban Catchment in Oslo, Norway
Authors: Wilbers Gert-Jan , de Bruin Karianne , Seifert-Dähnn Isabel , Lekkerkerk Wiebe , Li Hong , Budding-Polo Ballinas Monserrat
Published: February 2022

Cities are challenged by climate change impacts, such as extreme rainfall events that affect conventional urban water management systems via increased sewage water overflows resulting in water quality deterioration and urban floods causing infrastructure damage. Investments in blue–green infrastructure (BGI) are increasingly considered to address these issues. However, these should be cost-effective. In this study, the effectiveness of five different BGI strategies and one grey strategy are assessed for a peri-urban catchment area in Oslo (Grefsen) using a cost–benefit analysis. The strategies include (i) wadis; (ii) green roofs; (iii) raingardens, rain barrels and wadis; (iv) infiltration crates; (v) water squares, and (vi) a separate sewage system. Besides economic effectiveness, the study also aims to identify the proper protection level by comparing cost–benefit ratios and net benefits for 60-min rainfall events occurring once every 5, 20, and 100 years (M5, M20, and M100), concerning both the current situation and under future climate change (using the Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5). The analyses revealed the highest BC ratios for wadis (12.0–17.3), separate sewage systems (7.7–15.1), and a combination of raingardens, rain barrels, and wadis (1.6–2.3). Strategies dimensioned for less frequent but more intensive rainfall events yielded higher BC ratios. Results for infiltration crates were difficult to interpret and were found to be very sensitive to input parameters. The other strategies implied a negative BC ratio. The study concludes that investments in BGI in Grefsen, Oslo, can be positively judged from a social–economic perspective and provide suitable information for water-related decision makers to decide upon the strategy selection and the appropriate flood protection level.
Interspecies-Extrapolated Biotic Ligand Model to Predict Arsenate Toxicity to Terrestrial Plants with Consideration of Cell Membrane Surface Electrical Potential
Authors: An Jinsung
Published: February 2022

Arsenic is a metalloid that is highly toxic to living organisms in the environment. In this study, toxicity caused by inorganic arsenate (As(V)) to terrestrial plants, such as barley Hordeum vulgare and wheat Triticum aestivum, was predicted using the existing biotic ligand model (BLM) for bioluminescent Aliivibrio fischeri via interspecies extrapolation. Concurrently, the concept of cell plasma membrane electrical potential (Ψ0) was incorporated into the extrapolated BLM to improve the model predictability in the presence of major cations such as Ca2+. The 50% effective As(V) toxicity (EC50{HAsO42−}) to H. vulgare decreased from 45.1 ± 4.34 to 15.0 ± 2.60 µM as Ca2+ concentration increased from 0.2 to 20 mM owing to the accumulation of H2AsO4− and HAsO42− on the cell membrane surface. The extrapolated BLM, which only considered inherent sensitivity, explained well the alteration of As(V) toxicity to H. vulgare and T. aestivum by Ca2+ with in an order of magnitude, when considering a linear relationship between Ψ0 and EC50{HAsO42−}.
Screening of a Novel Solvent for Optimum Extraction of Anionic Surfactants in Water
Authors: Yoon Jung-Hwan , Shin Yong Geon , Kim Hyuck Soo , Kirkham M. B. , Yang Jae E.
Published: February 2022

Anionic surfactants (AS) are detrimental aquatic pollutants due to their well-characterized toxicity to aquatic organisms. The concentration of AS in aquatic environments is increasing because of their extensive use in many industries and households. The standard reference method for AS analysis is to determine a methylene blue active substance (MBAS) complex formed between AS and the methylene blue (MB) cation by using chloroform. However, chloroform has a low AS extraction efficiency and other limiting properties, such as a high density and volatility, which make the conventional AS analytical method time-consuming and labor-intensive. In an effort to replace the use of chloroform, this study was carried out to screen novel solvents for their ability to extract AS in water samples. Criteria were based on AS extraction efficiency, physicochemical properties, and the stability of the solvent under different environmental conditions. Organic solvents, such as methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE), dichloromethane, benzene, and n-hexane, were assessed. In extraction of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), the mixture of MIBK-DCE (3:1) proved to be an optimum solvent as an alternative to chloroform. It not only enhanced SDS extractability but also improved properties, such as having a lower volatility, a lower density than water, and a quicker phase separation. Among solvents screened, no one single solvent in SDS extraction could meet such criteria. The performance of the MIBK-DCE (3:1) mixture in SDS extraction was stable, irrespective of pH and ionic strength of the SDS solution, washing process, and presence of cations. Anionic interference from halogen and polyatomic and organic anions in SDS extraction by MIBK-DCE (3:1) existed only at an elevated concentration, which is not occurring in the natural aquatic environment. Results demonstrated that a MIBK-DCE (3:1) mixture solvent could be used in AS analysis for a wide range of aquatic samples and it could be the basis for the development of a new analytical method to replace conventional chloroform.
Host Genotype and Weather Effects on Fusarium Head Blight Severity and Mycotoxin Load in Spring Barley
Authors: Hoheneder Felix , Biehl Eva Maria , Hofer Katharina , Petermeier Johannes , Groth Jennifer , Herz Markus , Rychlik Michael , Heß Michael , Hückelhoven Ralph
Published: February 2022

Epidemiology of Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) of spring barley is relatively little understood. In a five-year study, we assessed quantitative resistance to FHB in an assortment of 17 spring barley genotypes in the field in southern Germany. To this end, we used soil and spray inoculation of plants with F. culmorum and F. avenaceum. This increased disease pressure and provoked genotypic differentiation. To normalize effects of variable weather conditions across consecutive seasons, we used a disease ranking of the genotypes based on quantification of fungal DNA contents and multiple Fusarium toxins in harvested grain. Together, this allowed for assessment of stable quantitative FHB resistance of barley in several genotypes. Fungal DNA contents were positively associated with species-specific Fusarium toxins in single years and over several years in plots with soil inoculation. In those plots, plant height limited FHB; however, this was not observed after spray inoculation. A multiple linear regression model of recorded weather parameter and fungal DNA contents over five years identified time periods during the reproductive phase of barley, in which weather strongly influenced fungal colonization measured in mature barley grain. Environmental conditions before heading and late after anthesis showed strongest associations with F. culmorum DNA in all genotypes, whereas for F. avenaceum, this was less consistent where we observed weather-dependent associations, depending on the genotype. Based on this study, we discuss aspects of practical resistance breeding in barley relevant to improve quantitative resistance to FHB and associated mycotoxin contaminations.
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Critical Review of Estimate-Based Predictions of Individual Outcomes in Kidney Disease
Authors: Zsom Lajos , Zsom Marianna , Salim Sohail Abdul , Fülöp Tibor
Published: February 2022

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is generally regarded as a final common pathway of several renal diseases, often leading to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and a need for renal replacement therapy. Estimated GFR (eGFR) has been used to predict this outcome recognizing its robust association with renal disease progression and the eventual need for dialysis in large, mainly cross-sectional epidemiological studies. However, GFR is implicitly limited as follows: (1) GFR reflects only one of the many physiological functions of the kidney; (2) it is dependent on several non-renal factors; (3) it has intrinsic variability that is a function of dietary intake, fluid and cardiovascular status, and blood pressure especially with impaired autoregulation or medication use; (4) it has been shown to change with age with a unique non-linear pattern; and (5) eGFR may not correlate with GFR in certain conditions and disease states. Yet, many clinicians, especially our non-nephrologist colleagues, tend to regard eGFR obtained from a simple laboratory test as both a valid reflection of renal function and a reliable diagnostic tool in establishing the diagnosis of CKD. What is the validity of these beliefs? This review will critically reassess the limitations of such single-focused attention, with a particular focus on inter-individual variability. What does science actually tell us about the usefulness of eGFR in diagnosing CKD?
(Un)balanced Holographic Superconductors with Electric and Spin Motive Force Coupling
Authors: Aprile Nathália P. , Hartmann Betti , Kunz Jutta
Published: February 2022

We study holographic phase transitions in (2+1) dimensions that possess interacting phases which result from a direct coupling between the two U(1) gauge fields. This can be interpreted as a non-minimal interaction between the electric and spin motive forces of the dual model. We first present a new analytical solution of the Einstein-Maxwell equations that describes a black hole with charge non-equivalent to the sum of the asymptotic charges of the two U(1) gauge fields and briefly discuss formation of uncharged scalar hair on this solution. We then study the formation of charged scalar hair on an uncharged black hole background and discuss the dual description of balanced as well as unbalanced superconductors.
Evolution of TRIM5 and TRIM22 in Bats Reveals a Complex Duplication Process
Authors: Fernandes Alexandre P. , Águeda-Pinto Ana , Pinheiro Ana , Rebelo Hugo , Esteves Pedro J.
Published: February 2022

The innate immunological response in mammals involves a diverse and complex network of many proteins. Over the last years, the tripartite motif-containing protein 5 (TRIM5) and 22 (TRIM22) have shown promise as restriction factors of a plethora of viruses that infect primates. Although there have been studies describing the evolution of these proteins in a wide range of mammals, no prior studies of the TRIM6/34/5/22 gene cluster have been performed in the Chiroptera order. Here, we provide a detailed analysis of the evolution of this gene cluster in several bat genomes. Examination of different yangochiroptera and yinpterochiroptera bat species revealed a dynamic history of gene expansion occurring in TRIM5 and TRIM22 genes. Multiple copies of TRIM5 were found in the genomes of several bats, demonstrating a very low degree of conservation in the synteny of this gene among species of the Chiroptera order. Our findings also reveal that TRIM22 is often found duplicated in yangochiroptera bat species, an evolutionary phenomenon not yet observed in any other lineages of mammals. In total, we identified 31 TRIM5 and 19 TRIM22 amino acids to be evolving under positive selection, with most of the residues being placed in the PRYSPRY domain, known to be responsible for binding to the viral capsid during restriction in the primate orthologous TRIM proteins. Altogether, our results help to shed light on the distinctive role of bats in nature as reservoirs of viruses, many of which have become threatening zoonotic diseases through virus spillover in the last decades.
Approach of Pregnant Women from Poland and the Ukraine to COVID-19 Vaccination—The Role of Medical Consultation
Authors: Januszek Sławomir , Siwiec Natalia , Januszek Rafał , Kluz Marta , Lebed Roman , Toś Paweł , Góra Tomasz , Plens Krzysztof , Dąbrowski Krzysztof , Sidorowicz Marcin , Szcześniewska Aleksandra , Barnaś Edyta , Kalandyk-Osinko Katarzyna , Darmochwal-Kolarz Dorota , Kluz Tomasz
Published: February 2022

There are many arguments for the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy. The aim of this study is to describe the level of vaccination acceptance, to find the factors that most influence the decision to vaccinate, and to describe the scale of changes in vaccination acceptance influenced by medical information on the safety, efficacy, and benefits of vaccination among pregnant women. A total of 300 patients completed the questionnaire, including 150 in Poland and 150 in the Ukraine. The level of vaccination acceptance was assessed before and after medical consultation. There were 53 (35.3%) patients with the intention to get vaccinated in Poland and 25 (16.7%) in the Ukraine. After consultation with a physician, this increased to 109 (72.6%) in Poland and 69 (46%) in the Ukraine. The main factors influencing the acceptance of vaccinations were the fear of harming the foetus (OR-0.119, CI-0.039–0.324 p < 0.001), complications in pregnancy (OR-0.073 CI-0.023–0.197 p < 0.001), and limitations in the vaccination programme (OR-0.026 CI-0.001–0.207 p < 0.001). Medical information about the safety, effectiveness and benefits of vaccinations among pregnant women, provided during a medical visit, may increase the acceptance of vaccinations by 105.6%, as among Polish patients, and by 176%, as among pregnant women from the Ukraine.
Long-Term Effects of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Clinical Trials and Real-World Data: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kurosawa Megumi , Sekine Masayuki , Yamaguchi Manako , Kudo Risa , Hanley Sharon J. B. , Hara Megumi , Adachi Sosuke , Ueda Yutaka , Miyagi Etsuko , Ikeda Sayaka , Yagi Asami , Enomoto Takayuki
Published: February 2022

The preventive effect of HPV vaccines against anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers has been proven in both clinical trials and real-world data. We reviewed the published evidence about the long-term efficacy and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine in available papers of clinical trials and real-world data. As far as we searched, the longest period of preventive effect for the bivalent, 4-valent, and 9-valent vaccine were 11 years in the Costa Rica trial, 14 years in the FUTURE II, and 8 years in the LTFU extension study of V503-002 and the Scandinavian study, respectively. The sustained clinical effect during the observation period was longest for the 4-valent vaccine. In real-world data, the longest observation period of the vaccine effectiveness was 12 years in an Australian study for the 4-valent vaccine. On the other hand, the longest period of long-term persistence of HPV vaccine-induced seropositivity was 14 years in FUTURE II for the 4-valent vaccine. For the bivalent vaccine, additional long-term follow-up studies may not have been planned due to the launch of the 4-valent and 9-valent vaccines. In some studies of the 9-valent vaccine, the results have not yet been published because of the short observation period. The additional results are expected in the future. In a national immunization program, most girls and boys are inoculated with HPV vaccine by the time puberty begins; thus, it is important to monitor the vaccine effect at least until the sexually active period in their 20s and 30s.
A Systematic Review of T Cell Epitopes Defined from the Proteome of Hepatitis B Virus
Authors: Wu Yandan , Ding Yan , Shen Chuanlai
Published: February 2022

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a worldwide health problem and no eradicative therapy is currently available. Host T cell immune responses have crucial influences on the outcome of HBV infection, however the development of therapeutic vaccines, T cell therapies and the clinical evaluation of HBV-specific T cell responses are hampered markedly by the lack of validated T cell epitopes. This review presented a map of T cell epitopes functionally validated from HBV antigens during the past 33 years; the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) supertypes to present these epitopes, and the methods to screen and identify T cell epitopes. To the best of our knowledge, a total of 205 CD8+ T cell epitopes and 79 CD4+ T cell epitopes have been defined from HBV antigens by cellular functional experiments thus far, but most are restricted to several common HLA supertypes, such as HLA-A0201, A2402, B0702, DR04, and DR12 molecules. Therefore, the currently defined T cell epitope repertoire cannot cover the major populations with HLA diversity in an indicated geographic region. More researches are needed to dissect a more comprehensive map of T cell epitopes, which covers overall HBV proteome and global patients.
Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies and Associated Factors in Healthcare Workers before the Era of Vaccination at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Turkey
Authors: Sonmezer Meliha Cagla , Erul Enes , Sahin Taha Koray , Rudvan Al Ipek , Cosgun Yasemin , Korukluoglu Gulay , Zengin Humeyra , Telli Dizman Gülçin , Inkaya Ahmet Cagkan , Unal Serhat
Published: February 2022

Healthcare workers (HCWs), as frontliners, are assumed to be among the highest risk groups for COVID-19 infection, especially HCWs directly involved in patient care. However, the data on the COVID-19 infection and seroprevalence rates are limited in HCWs. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence rates in HCWs according to risk groups for COVID-19 contraction in a large cross-sectional study from a tertiary care hospital in Turkey. We enrolled 1974 HCWs before the vaccination programs. In two separate semi-quantitative ELISAs, either IgA or IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein subunit 1 (S1) were measured. The proportion of positive test results for IgG, IgA, or both against SARS-CoV-2 of study subjects was 19% (375/1974). Frontline HCWs who had contact with patients (21.7%, RR 2.1 [1.51–2.92]) and HCWs in working in the COVID-19 units, intensive care units, or emergency department (19.7%, RR 1.61 [1.12–2.32]) had a notably higher Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG compared to the rest of HCWs who has no daily patient contacts ([11.1%]; p < 0.0001). HCWs who care for regular patients in the medium-risk group have also experienced a sustained higher risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2. We should enhance the precaution against COVID-19 to protect HCW’s safety through challenging times.
Avian Orthoavulavirus Type-1 as Vaccine Vector against Respiratory Viral Pathogens in Animal and Human
Authors: Vilela Julianne , Rohaim Mohammed A. , Munir Muhammad
Published: February 2022

Avian orthoavulaviruses type-1 (AOaV-1) have recently transitioned from animal vaccine vector to a bona fide vaccine delivery vehicle in human. Owing to induction of robust innate and adaptive immune responses in mucus membranes in both birds and mammals, AOaVs offer an attractive vaccine against respiratory pathogens. The unique features of AOaVs include over 50 years of safety profile, stable expression of foreign genes, high infectivity rates in avian and mammalian hosts, broad host spectrum, limited possibility of recombination and lack of pre-existing immunity in humans. Additionally, AOaVs vectors allow the production of economical and high quantities of vaccine antigen in chicken embryonated eggs and several GMP-grade mammalian cell lines. In this review, we describe the biology of AOaVs and define protocols to manipulate AOaVs genomes in effectively designing vaccine vectors. We highlighted the potential and established portfolio of AOaV-based vaccines for multiple respiratory and non-respiratory viruses of veterinary and medical importance. We comment on the limitations of AOaV-based vaccines and propose mitigations strategies. The exploitation of AOaVs vectors is expanding at an exciting pace; thus, we have limited the scope to their use as vaccines against viral pathogens in both animals and humans.
Sex-Related Differences in UT-B Urea Transporter Abundance in Fallow Deer Rumen
Authors: Zhong Chongliang , Griffin Laura L. , Heussaff Orla , O’Dea Ruairi , Whelan Conor , Stewart Gavin
Published: February 2022

Rumen studies have focused almost exclusively on livestock species under strictly regimented diets. This means that the ruminal condition of free-living and free-feeding wildlife remains practically unstudied. Urea nitrogen salvaging, a process by which urea is passed into the rumen, to both provide a valuable source of nitrogen for bacterial growth and to buffer the potentially harmful acidic effects of bacterial short chain fatty acids, has remained unexplored in wild ruminants, such as deer. UT-B2 transporters are the key proteins reported to facilitate the transepithelial ruminal urea transport. In this study, we investigate the expression, abundance and localisation of urea transporters in the rumen of a semi-wild fallow deer (Dama dama) population. Physical measurements confirmed that males had larger rumen than females, while adults had longer papillae than juveniles. Initial RT-PCR experiments confirmed the expression of UT-B2, while immunolocalisation studies revealed that strong UT-B staining was present in the stratum basale of deer rumen. Western blotting analysis demonstrated that a 50 kDa UT-B2 protein was significantly more abundant in adult females compared to adult males. This study confirms the presence of UT-B2 urea transporters in deer rumen and suggests that sex-related differences occur, bringing new insight into our understanding of rumen physiology.
Detecting the Planform Changes Due to the Seasonal Flow Fluctuation and 2012 Severe Flood in the Amazon River near Iquitos City, Peru Based on Remote Sensing Image Analysis
Authors: Garcia Angulo Karen , Lee Kwan Tun
Published: February 2022

The Upper Amazon River forms an anabranching planform, which has been found to have significant changes in migration rate and river morphology. Previous studies have elaborated long-term evolution of the anabranching systems; however, research on the influence of the water level on temporal changes in anabranching is absent. According to the theory of river hydraulics, fluvial scour usually occurs when the shear force possessed by the high flow exceeds the resistance of the streambank. In contrast, deposition occurs when the tractive force of the low flow is insufficient to overcome the forces of gravity and friction. This study investigated the Muyuy anabranching planform change of the Upper Peruvian Amazon River due to the seasonal flow fluctuations and a severe flood in 2012. The Muyuy anabranching area is located 20 km upstream of Iquitos City, Peru. Landsat images from the wet and dry seasons in 2008, 2009, 2012, and 2013 were collected. The images were classified into three land cover classes (water, bare soil, vegetation and others) based on NDVI analysis. Quantitative analysis of the erosion/deposition shows that deposition is more noticeable than erosion in the Muyuy anabranching area. Considerable deposition can be found on the island of the anabranching system, and the streambank erosion occurred in the outer (concave) side of the main channel. This phenomenon of river erosion and deposition consistently occurred in 2008 and 2009 because of the periodical variation among the wet and dry seasons. However, prominent erosion was observed in 2012 and it was recognized to be caused by the severe flood. Furthermore, the extensive island was formed in 2013, which means substantial depositions accumulated in the recession of the 2012 flood.
Longitudinal Associations between Low Serum Bicarbonate and Linear Growth in Children with CKD
Authors: Brown Denver D. , Carroll Megan , Ng Derek K. , Levy Rebecca V. , Greenbaum Larry A. , Kaskel Frederick J. , Furth Susan L. , Warady Bradley A. , Melamed Michal L. , Dauber Andrew
Published: February 2022

Background

Poor linear growth is a consequence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that has been linked to adverse outcomes. Metabolic acidosis (MA) has been identified as a risk factor for growth failure. We investigated the longitudinal relationship between MA and linear growth in children with CKD and examined whether treatment of MA modified linear growth.

Methods

To describe longitudinal associations between MA and linear growth, we used serum bicarbonate levels, height measurements, and standard deviation (z scores) of children enrolled in the prospective cohort study Chronic Kidney Disease in Children. Analyses were adjusted for covariates recognized as correlating with poor growth, including demographic characteristics, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), proteinuria, calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, and CKD duration. CKD diagnoses were analyzed by disease categories, nonglomerular or glomerular.

Results

The study population included 1082 children with CKD: 808 with nonglomerular etiologies and 274 with glomerular etiologies. Baseline serum bicarbonate levels ≤22 mEq/L were associated with worse height z scores in all children. Longitudinally, serum bicarbonate levels ≤18 and 19–22 mEq/L were associated with worse height z scores in children with nonglomerular CKD causes, with adjusted mean values of –0.39 (95% CI, –0.58 to –0.2) and –0.17 (95% CI, –0.28 to –0.05), respectively. Children with nonglomerular disease and more severe GFR impairment had a higher risk for worse height z score. A significant association was not found in children with glomerular diseases. We also investigated the potential effect of treatment of MA on height in children with a history of alkali therapy use, finding that only persistent users had a significant positive association between their height z score and higher serum bicarbonate levels.

Conclusions

We observed a longitudinal association between MA and lower height z score. Additionally, persistent alkali therapy use was associated with better height z scores. Future clinical trials of alkali therapy need to evaluate this relationship prospectively.
Predictors of Hyperkalemia among Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis Transported to the Emergency Department by Ambulance
Authors: Vinson Amanda J. , Zanjir Wayel , Nallbani Megi , Goldstein Judah , Swain Janel , Clark David A. , More Keigan M. , Manderville John R. , Fok Patrick T. , Wiemer Hana , Tennankore Karthik K.
Published: February 2022

Background

Hyperkalemia is common among patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) and is associated with mortality. We hypothesized that clinical characteristics available at time of paramedic assessment before emergency department (ED) ambulance transport (ambulance-ED) would associate with severe hyperkalemia (K≥6 mmol/L). Rapid identification of patients who are at risk for hyperkalemia and thereby hyperkalemia-associated complications may allow paramedics to intervene in a timely fashion, including directing emergency transport to dialysis-capable facilities.

Methods

Patients on maintenance HD from a single paramedic provider region, who had at least one ambulance-ED and subsequent ED potassium from 2014 to 2018, were examined using multivariable logistic regression to create risk prediction models inclusive of prehospital vital signs, days from last dialysis, and the presence of prehospital electrocardiogram (ECG) features of hyperkalemia. We used bootstrapping with replacement to validate each model internally, and performance was assessed by discrimination and calibration.

Results

Among 704 ambulance-ED visits, severe hyperkalemia occurred in 75 (11%); 26 patients with ED hyperkalemia did not have a prehospital ECG. Younger age at transport, longer HD vintage, more days from last hemodialysis session (OR=49.84; 95% CI, 7.72 to 321.77 for ≥3 days versus HD the same day [before] ED transport), and prehospital ECG changes (OR=6.64; 95% CI, 2.31 to 19.12) were independently associated with severe ED hyperkalemia. A model incorporating these factors had good discrimination (c-statistic 0.82; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.89) and, using a cutoff of 25% probability, correctly classified patients 89% of the time.

Conclusions

Characteristics available at the time of ambulance-ED were associated with severe ED hyperkalemia. An awareness of these associations may allow health care providers to define novel care pathways to ensure timely diagnosis and management of hyperkalemia.
Size-Dependent Reaction Mechanism of
λ
-MnO
2
Particles as Cathodes in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries
Authors: Tang Zhichu , Chen Wenxiang , Lyu Zhiheng , Chen Qian
Published: February 2022

Manganese dioxide (MnO
2
) with different crystal structures has been widely investigated as the cathode material for Zn-ion batteries, among which spinel
λ
-MnO
2
is yet rarely reported because Zn-ion intercalation in spinel lattice is speculated to be limited by the narrow three-dimensional tunnels. In this work, we demonstrate that Zn-ion insertion in spinel lattice can be enhanced by reducing particle size and elucidate an intriguing electrochemical reaction mechanism dependent on particle size. Specifically,
λ
-MnO
2
nanoparticles (NPs, ~80 nm) deliver a high capacity of 250 mAh/g at 20 mA/g due to large surface area and solid-solution type phase transition pathway. Meanwhile, severe water-induced Mn dissolution leads to the poor cycling stability of NPs. In contrast, micron-sized
λ
-MnO
2
particles (MPs, ~0.9 
μ
m) unexpectedly undergo an activation process with the capacity continuously increasing over the first 50 cycles, which can be attributed to the formation of amorphous MnO
x
nanosheets in the open interstitial space of the MP electrode. By adding MnSO
4
to the electrolyte, Mn dissolution can be suppressed, leading to significant improvement in the cycling performance of NPs, with a capacity of 115 mAh/g retained at 1 A/g for over 500 cycles. This work pinpoints the distinctive impacts of the particle size on the reaction mechanism and cathode performance in aqueous Zn-ion batteries.
The inverse problem of external ballistics for identifi cation of aerodynamic coeffi cients of a spin-stabilized projectile within the modifi ed point-mass trajectory model
Authors: Kosovtsov Yuri , Hrabchak Volodymyr
Published: February 2022

The aim of this paper is to develop a technique for the identifi cation of the projectile aerodynamic coefficients using the free-fl ight-test measurements. An algebraic method for solving the inverse problem of external ballistics is proposed. As the initial mathematical model of the projectile fl ight, a simplifi ed version of the modifi ed point-mass trajectory model in explicit form is used. For all aerodynamic coefficients of the model, exact explicit analytic expressions for their dependence on the experimentally measurable trajectory parameters are derived. Importantly, within the proposed approach, the solution to the inverse problem is unique.
Про вплив коливань вільної поверхні рідини в цистерні на курсову стійкість автомобіля- паливозаправника
Authors: Александров Євген Євгенович , Александрова Тетяна Євгенівна , Григор’єв Олександр Львович , Моргун Ярослав Юрієвич
Published: February 2022

Розглядається вплив поздовжніх та поперечних коливань вільної поверхні рідини на курсову стійкість автомобіля, який оснащений цистерною валізного типу з рідким паливом. Із застосуванням методу парціальних осциляторів розроблено математичну модель збуреного руху автомобіля-паливозаправника з урахуванням коливань палива. Використання цієї моделі приводить до висновку про необхідність застосування спеціальних заходів для гасіння коливань вільної поверхні палива з метою підвищення курсової стійкості автомобіля в режимі термінового гальмування.
The Role of Research Methodology in Enhancing Postgraduate Students Research Experience
Authors: Daniel Ben
Published: February 2022

Postgraduate student research experience is key to understanding the quality of postgraduate education. This article presents the critical factors that can enhance postgraduate students' research experience. The research explored postgraduate students' research experiences (n=116) at a research-intensive public university in New Zealand. The aim was to inform the development of a more personalised and scalable research methodology programme. The study identified several factors that can significantly enhance the postgraduate research experience, including the quality of supervision, institutional and department support, personal investment, and financial support. Also, the study found that courses on research methodology play an essential role in improving the postgraduate experience. In particular, providing research methodology education to students during candidacy enriches postgraduate research experience and contributes to the timely completion of postgraduate education. Despite the demonstrated significance of research methodology in postgraduate education, findings revealed that students are generally dissatisfied with the design and teaching of current courses on research methods. Students said courses on research methods are pedagogically monolithic, conceptual challenging, and inflexibly adaptive to individual future career trajectories. Findings also suggest that the way research methods are taught is disengaged from practical problems, with some teaching focused on the higher level of abstraction, with less opportunity to apply what is gained from research methods courses. This research contributes to the growing need to transform the way we design and teach courses on research methods, and the importance employing a research-led approach to  inform the transformation.
The Effect of Reward and Punishment, Teacher Readiness, Utilization of Information and Communication Technology on Student Achievement
Authors: Haris Irham Abdul , Khodijah Nyayu , Abdurrahmansyah Abdurrahmansyah
Published: February 2022

The study aimed to determine the effect of the reward and punishment method, teacher readiness, and the use of information and communication technology on student achievement in the Akidah Akhlak subject at Madrasah Aliyah Hidayatul Mubtadiin Jati Agung, South Lampung Regency. The research was quantitative. The population in the study was 235 students with a random sampling technique. The sample used was 235 students. The data collection method used was a questionnaire. The method of data analysis was done by descriptive analysis and path analysis. The study showed that the reward and punishment method positively affected student learning achievement by 19.20%. Second, teacher readiness positively affected student achievement by 26.5%. Third, information and communication technology positively affected student achievement by 29.1%. Fourth, the method of reward and punishment, teacher readiness, and the use of information and communication technology simultaneously positively affected student learning achievement by 36.7%. Thus, teachers were expected to use the reward and punishment method, prepare themselves, and utilize information and communication technology to affect student achievement positively.
Pengaruh Transformational Leadership dan Perceived Organizational Support terhadap Job Performance: Peran Mediasi Work Engagement
Authors: Prabowo Wahid Mirza , Muafi Muafi
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine and analyze the influence of transformational leadership and perceived organizational support on job performance mediated by work engagement on employees of Data Center and Information System of the Ministry of Agriculture in Jakarta, Indonesia. Respondents in this study are 75 employees of the Data Center and Information System of the Ministry of Agriculture. The analytical test tool used is the SMART PLS software with SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) analysis method.The result of this study indicates that transformational leadership has a positive effect on work engagement, perceived organizational support has a positive effect on work engagement, work engagement has a positive effect on job performance, transformational leadership has a positive effect on job performance, perceived organizational support has a positive effect on job performance, transformational support has a positive effect on job performance mediated by work engagement, and perceived organizational support has a positive effect on job performance mediated by work engagement.
Self-Locking Hydrostatic Differential for Automated Agriculture Spray Vehicle
Authors: Belsare Rohit S. , Badadhe Avinash , Khan Subim
Published: February 2022

The differential is an important part of the automobile transaxle. The purpose of the differential is to distribute power to the two rear wheels and provide differential speed to the vehicle wheels when the vehicle takes a turn. Conventional differentials
although provide the differential speeds but fails to prevent slip of the differential. In vehicles for application in agriculture it is essential to have differential locking due to slippery conditions hence a differential locking system is needed. Limited slip
differentials are available but they are very costly and also they do not offer complete differential locking. Present solutions available in market are either too primitive where in the driver has to get down from the vehicle and then lock the differential or they are very sophisticated in the form of E-locker from EATON which is very costly to implement in commercial vehicles. The project work aims at design development of self-locking differential locking system for an automated agriculture vehicle where in the differential drive and the locking arrangement will be both hydraulically operated. The components will be designed used Unigraphix software and the analysis of the components will be done using Ansys work bench. Further the developed hydrostatic differential model will be tested to determine the performance characteristics of the drive.