bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Unitary Neutrino Mixing in the NOνA Near Detector Data
Authors: Rahaman Ushak , Razzaque Soebur
Published: April 2022

The νμ→νe oscillation probability over a short baseline (≲1 km) would be negligible for the case when the mixing matrix for three active neutrinos is unitary. However, in the case of a non-unitary mixing of three neutrinos, this probability would be non-negligible due to the so-called “zero distance” effect. Hence, the near detector of accelerator experiments such as NOνA can provide strong constraints on the parameters of the non-unitary mixing with very large statistics. By analyzing the NOνA near-detector data, we find that the non-unitary mixing does not improve fits to the νe or νμ events over the standard unitary mixing. This leads to constraints on the non-unitary parameters: α00>0.911, |α10|<0.020, and α11>0.952 at 90% C.L. A combined analysis with the near- and far-detector data does not change these constraints significantly.
Molecular Organisation of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus
Authors: Pulkkinen Lauri I. A. , Barrass Sarah V. , Domanska Aušra , Överby Anna K. , Anastasina Maria , Butcher Sarah J.
Published: April 2022

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a pathogenic, enveloped, positive-stranded RNA virus in the family Flaviviridae. Structural studies of flavivirus virions have primarily focused on mosquito-borne species, with only one cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of a tick-borne species published. Here, we present a 3.3 Å cryo-EM structure of the TBEV virion of the Kuutsalo-14 isolate, confirming the overall organisation of the virus. We observe conformational switching of the peripheral and transmembrane helices of M protein, which can explain the quasi-equivalent packing of the viral proteins and highlights their importance in stabilising membrane protein arrangement in the virion. The residues responsible for M protein interactions are highly conserved in TBEV but not in the structurally studied Hypr strain, nor in mosquito-borne flaviviruses. These interactions may compensate for the lower number of hydrogen bonds between E proteins in TBEV compared to the mosquito-borne flaviviruses. The structure reveals two lipids bound in the E protein which are important for virus assembly. The lipid pockets are comparable to those recently described in mosquito-borne Zika, Spondweni, Dengue, and Usutu viruses. Our results thus advance the understanding of tick-borne flavivirus architecture and virion-stabilising interactions.
A Recombinant Turkey Herpesvirus Expressing the F Protein of Newcastle Disease Virus Genotype XII Generated by NHEJ-CRISPR/Cas9 and Cre-LoxP Systems Confers Protection against Genotype XII Challenge in Chickens
Authors: Calderón Katherine , Rojas-Neyra Aldo , Carbajal-Lévano Brigith , Luján-Valenzuela Luis , Ticona Julio , Isasi-Rivas Gisela , Montalvan Angela , Criollo-Orozco Manuel , Huaccachi-Gonzáles Edison , Tataje-Lavanda Luis , Alvarez Karla Lucia F. , Fernández-Sánchez Manolo , Fernández-Díaz Manolo , Tang Na , Yao Yongxiu , Nair Venugopal
Published: April 2022

In this study, we developed a new recombinant virus rHVT-F using a Turkey herpesvirus (HVT) vector, expressing the fusion (F) protein of the genotype XII Newcastle disease virus (NDV) circulating in Peru. We evaluated the viral shedding and efficacy against the NDV genotype XII challenge in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens. The F protein expression cassette was inserted in the unique long (UL) UL45–UL46 intergenic locus of the HVT genome by utilizing a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9 gene-editing technology via a non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair pathway. The rHVT-F virus, which expressed the F protein stably in vitro and in vivo, showed similar growth kinetics to the wild-type HVT (wtHVT) virus. The F protein expression of the rHVT-F virus was detected by an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), Western blotting, and a flow cytometry assay. The presence of an NDV-specific IgY antibody was detected in serum samples by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in SPF chickens vaccinated with the rHVT-F virus. In the challenge experiment, the rHVT-F vaccine fully protects a high, and significantly reduced, virus shedding in oral at 5 days post-challenge (dpc). In conclusion, this new rHVT-F vaccine candidate is capable of fully protecting SPF chickens against the genotype XII challenge.
Infection of Nigrospora nonsegmented RNA Virus 1 Has Important Biological Impacts on a Fungal Host
Authors: Wang Xiaoyi , Lai Jialiang , Hu Honghao , Yang Jinrui , Zang Kai , Zhao Feiyan , Zeng Guohong , Liao Qiansheng , Gu Zhouhang , Du Zhiyou
Published: April 2022

Nigrospora nonsegmented RNA virus 1 (NoNRV1) has been reported previously in the fungus Nigrospora oryzae, but its biological effects on its host are unknown. In this work, we isolated a strain 9-1 of N. oryzae from a chrysanthemum leaf and identified NoNRV1 infection in the isolated strain. The genome sequence of NoNRV1 identified here is highly homologous to that of the isolate HN-21 of NoNRV1 previously reported; thus, we tentatively designated the newly identified NoNRV1 as NoNRV1-ZJ. Drug treatment with Ribavirin successfully removed NoNRV1-ZJ from the strain 9-1, which provided us with an ideal control to determine the biological impacts of NoNRV1 infection on host fungi. By comparing the virus-carrying (9-1) and virus-cured (9-1C) strains, our results indicated that infection with NoNRV1 promoted the pigmentation of the host cells, while it had no discernable effects on host growth on potato dextrose agar plates when subjected to osmotic or oxidative stress. Interestingly, we observed inhibitory impacts of virus infection on the thermotolerance of N. oryzae and the pathogenicity of the host fungus in cotton leaves. Collectively, our work provides clear evidence of the biological relevance of NoNRV1 infection in N. oryzae, including pigmentation, hypovirulence, and thermotolerance.
Contribution of Influenza Viruses, Other Respiratory Viruses and Viral Co-Infections to Influenza-like Illness in Older Adults
Authors: Kaaijk Patricia , Swaans Niels , Nicolaie Alina M. , Bruin Jacob P. , van Boxtel Renée A. J. , de Lange Marit M. A. , Meijer Adam , Sanders Elisabeth A. M. , van Houten Marianne A. , Rots Nynke Y. , Luytjes Willem , van Beek Josine
Published: April 2022

Influenza-like illness (ILI) can be caused by a range of respiratory viruses. The present study investigates the contribution of influenza and other respiratory viruses, the occurrence of viral co-infections, and the persistence of the viruses after ILI onset in older adults. During the influenza season 2014–2015, 2366 generally healthy community-dwelling older adults (≥60 years) were enrolled in the study. Viruses were identified by multiplex ligation–dependent probe-amplification assay in naso- and oropharyngeal swabs taken during acute ILI phase, and 2 and 8 weeks later. The ILI incidence was 10.7%, which did not differ between vaccinated and unvaccinated older adults; influenza virus was the most frequently detected virus (39.4%). Other viruses with significant contribution were: rhinovirus (17.3%), seasonal coronavirus (9.8%), respiratory syncytial virus (6.7%), and human metapneumovirus (6.3%). Co-infections of influenza virus with other viruses were rare. The frequency of ILI cases in older adults in this 2014–2015 season with low vaccine effectiveness was comparable to that of the 2012–2013 season with moderate vaccine efficacy. The low rate of viral co-infections observed, especially for influenza virus, suggests that influenza virus infection reduces the risk of simultaneous infection with other viruses. Viral persistence or viral co-infections did not affect the clinical outcome of ILI.
Plasma Membrane-Derived Liposomes Exhibit Robust Antiviral Activity against HSV-1
Authors: Bhattacharya Ilina , Yadavalli Tejabhiram , Wu David , Shukla Deepak
Published: April 2022

Plasma membranes host a plethora of proteins and glycans on their outer surface that are exploited by viruses to enter the cells. In this study, we have utilized this property to limit a viral infection using plasma membrane-derived vesicles. We show that plasma membrane-derived liposomes are prophylactically and therapeutically competent at preventing herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) infection. Plasma membrane liposomes derived from human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells, which are natural targets of HSV-1 infection, as well as Vero and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were used in this study. Our study clearly demonstrates that HCE and Vero-derived cellular liposomes, which express the viral entry-specific cell surface protein receptors, exhibit robust antiviral activity especially when compared to CHO-derived liposomes, which lack the relevant HSV-1 entry receptors. Further experimentation of the plasma membrane-derived liposomes with HSV type-2 (HSV-2) and pseudorabies virus yielded similar results, indicating strong potential for the employment of these liposomes to study viral entry mechanisms in a cell free-environment.
Vaccine Design against Chagas Disease Focused on the Use of Nucleic Acids
Authors: Maldonado Edio , Morales-Pison Sebastian , Urbina Fabiola , Solari Aldo
Published: April 2022

Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi and is endemic to Central and South America. However, it has spread around the world and affects several million people. Treatment with currently available drugs cause several side effects and require long treatment times to eliminate the parasite, however, this does not improve the chronic effects of the disease such as cardiomyopathy. A therapeutic vaccine for Chagas disease may be able to prevent the disease and improve the chronic effects such as cardiomyopathy. This vaccine would be beneficial for both infected people and those which are at risk in endemic and non-endemic areas. In this article, we will review the surface antigens of T. cruzi, in order to choose those that are most antigenic and least variable, to design effective vaccines against the etiological agent of Chagas disease. Also, we discuss aspects of the design of nucleic acid-based vaccines, which have been developed and proven to be effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The role of co-adjuvants and delivery carriers is also discussed. We present an example of a chimeric trivalent vaccine, based on experimental work, which can be used to design a vaccine against Chagas disease.
Global Pandemic Preparedness: Optimizing Our Capabilities and the Influenza Experience
Authors: Rockman Steven , Taylor Beverly , McCauley John , Barr Ian , Longstaff Ray , Bahra Ranbir
Published: April 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted rapid investigation and deployment of vaccine platforms never before used to combat human disease. The severe impact on the health system and the high economic cost of non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as lockdowns and international border closures employed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 prior to the arrival of effective vaccines, have led to calls for development and deployment of novel vaccine technologies as part of a “100-day response ambition” for the next pandemic. Prior to COVID-19, all of the pandemics (excluding HIV) in the past century have been due to influenza viruses, and influenza remains one of the most likely future pandemic threats along with new coronaviruses. New and emerging vaccine platforms are likely to play an important role in combatting the next pandemic. However, the existing well-established, proven platforms for seasonal and pandemic influenza manufacturing will also continue to be utilized to rapidly address the next influenza threat. The field of influenza vaccine manufacturing has a long history of successes, including approval of vaccines within approximately 100 days after WHO declaration of the A(H1N1) 2009 influenza pandemic. Moreover, many advances in vaccine science and manufacturing capabilities have been made in the past decade to optimize a rapid and timely response should a new influenza pandemic threat emerge.
Bovine Viral Diarrhea/Mucosal Disease—A Commentary of the Guest Editor
Authors: Wernike Kerstin
Published: April 2022

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is one of the most significant cattle diseases worldwide, and control programs have been implemented in several countries [...]
Motivation for Vaccination against COVID-19 in Persons Aged between 18 and 60 Years at a Population-Based Vaccination Site in Manresa (Spain)
Authors: Sauch Valmaña Glòria , Fuster-Casanovas Aïna , Ramírez-Morros Anna , Rodoreda Pallàs Berta , Vidal-Alaball Josep , Ruiz-Comellas Anna , Miró Catalina Queralt
Published: April 2022

Our purpose was to identify the reasons why members of the population, aged 18–60 years, are vaccinated against COVID-19 at the mass vaccination point in Bages, Spain. This is 1 of 42 provisional spaces outside of health centres which have been set up in Catalonia in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and where people from all over Catalonia could go to be vaccinated by appointment. Methodology: We performed a cross-sectional study of users attending mass vaccination points in Bages during the months of July, August, and September 2021. Results: A total of 1361 questionnaires were statistically analysed. The most common reasons for vaccination were fear of infecting family (49.52%) and fear of self-infection (39.45%), followed by socialising (31.00%) and travel (30.56%). However, by applying a logistic regression model to each reason for vaccination, it was possible to estimate the associations regarding age, sex, marital status, educational level, production sector, mass vaccination point, previous COVID-19 infection, and COVID-19 infection of a family member. Relevance: The data generated will inform decisions and formulations of appropriate campaigns that will promote vaccination in specific population groups.
Vaccine Hesitancy towards the COVID-19 Vaccine in a Random National Sample of Belgian Nursing Home Staff Members
Authors: Digregorio Marina , Van Ngoc Pauline , Delogne Simon , Meyers Eline , Deschepper Ellen , Duysburgh Els , De Rop Liselore , De Burghgraeve Tine , Coen Anja , De Clercq Nele , Sutter An De , Verbakel Jan Y. , Cools Piet , Heytens Stefan , Buret Laëtitia , Scholtes Beatrice
Published: April 2022

In Belgium, nursing home staff (NHS) and residents were prioritised for COVID-19 vaccination. However, vaccine hesitancy may have impacted vaccination rates. In this study, a random stratified sample of NHS (N = 1142), vaccinated and unvaccinated, completed an online questionnaire on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (between 31 July and 15 November 2021). NHS who hesitated or refused the vaccine were asked for the main reason for their hesitation/refusal. Those who hesitated, but eventually accepted vaccination, were asked why they changed their minds. Overall, 29.5% of all respondents hesitated before accepting vaccination, were still hesitating, or refused vaccination. Principal reasons were fear of unknown future effects (55.1% of vaccinated participants that hesitated and 19.5% who refused), fear of side-effects (12.7% of vaccinated participants that hesitated and 12.2% who refused), and mistrust in vaccination (10.5% of vaccinated participants that hesitated and 12.2% who refused). For vaccinated participants who hesitated initially, protecting the vulnerable was the main reason they changed their minds. Given this degree of fear and proposals to mandate vaccination among healthcare workers, communicating with NHS on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine should be prioritised.
Influence of Dietary Supplementation with Boswellia serrata and Salix alba on Performance and Blood Biochemistry in Free-Range Leghorn Laying Hens
Authors: Guerrini Alessandro , Dalmonte Thomas , Lupini Caterina , Andreani Giulia , Salaroli Roberta , Quaglia Giulia , Zannoni Augusta , Scozzoli Maurizio , Forni Monica , Isani Gloria
Published: April 2022

This study was conducted to evaluate the safety and the beneficial effects of dietary supplementation with Boswellia serrata (Bs) and Salix alba (Sa) in Leghorn hens during the critical pre-laying and laying phases. A total of 120 pullets, 17 weeks of age, were assigned to two groups (Control—C; Treated—T, n = 60 each). For 12 weeks, the T group received a diet supplemented with 0.3% of dry extracts of Bs (5%) and Sa (5%). The study lasted 19 weeks. Productive performance, serum analytes, H/L ratio, IgA and anti-IBV antibodies were investigated. Water intake was significantly higher, while body and egg weight was significantly lower for the T group (p < 0.05). No other differences were detected in performance parameters, serum analytes, IgA and H/L ratio excluding t0, with a significantly (p < 0.05) higher H/R ratio and higher titers of anti-IBV antibody for the T group. Overall, the data obtained in this study show that the supplementation with Bs and Sa was safe and resulted in an increase in water consumption, a decrease in egg weight, and a sedative effect in the hens. In the future, it would be interesting to test this supplement in hens reared on intensive farms.
Reactive Transport of NH4+ in the Hyporheic Zone from the Ground Water to the Surface Water
Authors: Yan Ailan , Guo Xianyan , Hu Donghui , Chen Xiaoyang
Published: April 2022

Nowadays, ammonia nitrogen (NH4+) pollution gets more and more attention in drinking water sources. This study investigated the main behavior of biogeochemical NH4+ from groundwater to surface water in a hyporheic zone (HZ) sediment from a reservoir. The experiments were conducted using synthetic groundwater to investigate ammonium transformation. The results indicated that ammonium concentration decreased, apparently resulting from the influence of microbial oxidation and ion exchange with Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, and Na+. However, all the ammonium in the sediment was oxidized, then the adsorbed NH4+ became bioavailable by being released back when NH4+ concentration decreased in the aqueous phase. The results showed NH4+ behavior in a HZ where the aerobic and anaerobic environments frequently exchange, with different hydrological conditions controlled by a strong coupling between microbial activities, geochemistry, hydrology, and ion exchange.
Algunas consideraciones sobre el impacto del covid-19 en el transporte aéreo de Ecuador
Authors: Carrera Bravo María Annabelle , Mero Rivera Ronald Francisco , Montilla Pacheco Argenis De Jesús , Becerra Ávila Mauricio Arturo
Published: April 2022

Las pandemias son fenómenos que forman parte de la historia del mundo, trayendo consecuencias sanitarias, socio-económicas y ambientales. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo analizar el impacto de la pandemia del COVID-19 en el transporte aéreo comercial mundial con énfasis en el caso ecuatoriano. Para desarrollar la investigación se efectuó una revisión de fuentes de publicación reciente disponibles en Google académico, Latindex, Redalyc, Medline y Scielo; se consideraron publicaciones en inglés y castellano, por medio de descriptores asociados al tema tratado. Se encontró que la pandemia desencadenó consecuencias financieras en las aerolíneas que operan vuelos comerciales, incluso, algunas al borde de la quiebra, especialmente en la segunda mitad del 2020, cuando los aeropuertos mantenían cierre de operaciones por decisión de las autoridades competentes; por lo cual, resulta necesario que las empresas de este sector tomen las previsiones para enfrentar exitosamente la ocurrencia de nuevas situaciones que seguramente se presentarán a futuro

 

Palabras clave: Pandemia, Transporte aéreo, Distanciamiento social, Salud.
Consecuencias de los riesgos psicosociales en el desempeño de los trabajadores de una terminal Portuaria en Guayaquil
Authors: Llanos Encalada Mónica Pilar , Caicedo Torres Caroline Alexandra
Published: April 2022

Las actividades laborales, en el sector portuario trae consigo altas exigencias y presiones de movilización de carga y cumplimiento de indicadores de productividad, afectando el desempeño laboral y la salud del trabajador. El objetivo de esta investigación es determinar las consecuencias de los riesgos psicosociales en el desempeño de los trabajadores de una Terminal Portuaria en Guayaquil. Su enfoque es mixto, cuantitativo y cualitativo de alcance descriptivo, basado en un diseño no experimental, realizada a 24 colaboradores del área de operaciones; se utiliza el método analítico sintético sobre estadísticas de los factores de riesgos psicosociales y la evaluación de desempeño. Se aplica el método estadístico de correlación de Pearson para determinar la relación entre las variables. El estudio muestra que el factor “Exigencias Psicológicas” presenta un nivel de riesgo alto en los trabajadores y los resultados analizados determinan que existe una relación directa entre el factor de exigencias psicológicas y los niveles de desempeño evaluados (eficiencia, eficacia y productividad).

 

Palabras clave: Factores de riesgo psicosocial, desempeño laboral, gestión portuaria
Islamic windows: Case of Malaysia and lessons for the post-Soviet countries
Authors: Nagimova Almira Z.
Published: April 2022

The article discusses a model of increasing the availability of financial services in the post-Soviet countries through the creation of Islamic windows that built into the structure of traditional financial organizations. This study does not discuss issues of Islamic law related to Islamic windows. The article is also not an introduction to Islamic banking. Instead, based on the evidence obtained mostly from Malaysia we show the evolution of the Islamic financial industry, one of the important stages of which was the launch of Islamic windows. We describe advantages and disadvantages of the Islamic window model, as well as the recent experience of other developing countries in adapting this model in their jurisdictions. The article aims to offer recommendations, including a system of strategic and operational decisions, for launching of Islamic windows, taking into account the innovative experience of Malaysia. In particular, a qualitative approach (literature review, content analysis, case studies, in-depth expert interviews) is used to identify problems and obstacles facing banking regulators and market participants in creating Islamic windows. The results of this study allowing to identify important details will be useful to participants and organizers of the Islamic financial market in the post-Soviet area. This study can also be used in the educational process as a reference material on Islamic financial practices that have developed in the world.
The role of the corporate sector in the transformation of the international trade and economic relations system
Authors: Rutkovskaya Victoria S.
Published: April 2022

The article discusses the role of MNCs in the process of transformation of global regulation of trade and international economic relations system. The relevance of this study is determined by one of the key trends in the world economy and the system of international economic relations of the late XX — early XXI centuries — by the process of corporatization of the economic space. There is a desuverenization and corporatization of the national economies of the countries. This process is associated with the increasing dependence of national economies on MNCs and is accompanied by the deepening of the process of corporate globalization of the economic space. The system of economic relations of mega-regional partnerships is the subject of the research. The purpose of the study is to determine the role of MNCs in the process of transformation of global regulation of trade and international economic relations system. There are different methods of scientific knowledge used in the research: comparative-historical, as well as general scientific methods: abstraction, axiomatic method, analysis, induction. As a result of the study, the author identified the key trends in the world economy of the XX–XXI centuries: the corporatization of the economic space, coupled with the desovereignization of national economies. The main findings of the study are: first, the trend towards corporate globalization in the world economy; second, a qualitative changes in the form of organization of trade and economic relations: the transition from globalization to globalizing regionalism — an increase in the number of mega-regional trade agreements, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership / Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, The EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, etc.; third, the crucial role of MNCs in the transformation process of the global trade regulation system; fourth, qualitative changes in the form of relations between corporate sector and state. The results of the study can be used in further research on a given topic.
Guide Me Without Touching My Hand: Reflections on the Dramaturgical Development of the Devised-theatre Show One by One
Authors: Ilgenfritz Pedro
Published: April 2022

This essay is a reflection on some aspects of dramaturgy observed during the creation and development of One by One, a silent tragicomedy designed by the Auckland company, LAB Theatre, in 2011 and restaged in 2013. The emphasis of the essay is on pedagogical aspects at the core of the company’s work, as they inform the creative process and lead to the blending of the actor’s function into that of the dramaturg. The following discussion makes apparent the fact that this process of hybridisation, made possible by implementing features of devised theatre, emancipates the actor and brings improvisation to a better use. The play was based on the notion that theatrical action must be ‘suggestive’ rather than ‘descriptive.’ This idea originated in the works of Konstantin Stanislavski (1988) and Jacques Copeau (2000) and was developed by more recent theorists of dramaturgy into a practical framework for theatrical performance in general. The success of One by One depended very much on the implementation of these principles. The achievement was duly noted by reviewer Lexie Matheson (2011), who appreciated that One by One “exists on its own, doesn’t need explanation, doesn’t explain itself; it just unravels with delicacy and tenderness, like a good yarn should.
Collaborative Housing as a Response to the Housing Crisis in Auckland
Authors: Trapani Paola
Published: April 2022

According to future projections based on current demographic growth trends, Auckland’s population will reach two million in 2033. Since the city is already afflicted by a serious housing crisis, at the beginning of 2017 the newly elected Mayor Phil Goff set up a task force. Formed by representatives of various stakeholders, it was given the task of producing a report with strategic and tactical guidelines to mitigate the situation. Unitec researchers were invited to respond to the report, which came out at the end of 2017, in the form of three think pieces towards the Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities National Science Challenge. This paper is a new iteration of one of these think pieces, focused on collaborative living, and expands on the new role that designers should play in this field. Its ideological position is that the house cannot and should not be considered as a commodity on the free market; nor should focus solely be on bringing down prices by increasing the number of houses on offer. Over time, housing might evolve to being more about social (use) value than exchange value. Other models of the production and consumption of household goods are documented throughout the world as alternatives to mainstream market logic, using collective procurement mechanisms to cut construction and marketing costs with savings of up to 30%. These experiments, not limited to achieving financially sustainable outcomes, are linked to new social practices of collaboration between neighbours. The sharing of spaces and equipment to complement private housing units also leads to social and environmental sustainability.
Medium-density Dwellings in Auckland and the Building Regulations
Authors: Birchmore Roger
Published: April 2022

National thermal standards have historically been set to minimise winter heating energy in detached houses. It is uncertain whether these standards are optimal for the increasing number of joined, medium-density dwellings when summer and winter conditions are considered. Using freely available software, annual heating energy use and summertime peak temperatures were calculated for a number of versions of detached and joined dwellings offering the same occupied volume and window areas. Initial results indicated that, as expected, the joined dwellings required less heating energy. The detached house exhibited a higher peak summertime temperature but a lower overall average daily temperature. Interventions such as changing insulation, glazing areas and ventilation were calculated to reduce summertime temperatures in the joined dwelling. Increasing ventilation provided the greatest improvement particularly during the sensitive sleeping hours. Changes to clauses H1 Energy Efficiency, G4 ventilation and G6 Airborne and Impact Sound are recommended if these early findings are confirmed in a more complex simulation.
File to Factory: A case study of automated prefabrication house-building methods for small-to-medium enterprises
Authors: Patel Yusef
Published: April 2022

The Eco-Digital Fabrication (EDFAB) research project aimed to investigate how automated prefabrication technologies and off-the-shelf construction products can be employed to disrupt building industry norms. The aim of this research – conducted at the University of Auckland and Unitec Institute of Technology from 2014 onward – was to provide small-to-medium enterprises in the construction industry with a pathway to upskill and increase construction productivity through the use of these processes. The availability of automated machines and easy-to-use fabrication software is increasing dramatically and this can be paired with readily available construction products to produce novel mass-customised housing solutions. The application of basic automated technologies – such as CNC (Computer Numerical Control) routers – allowed researchers to create ‘recipes’ that can be adopted and adapted relatively easily. By no means did the research favour digital manufacture or assembly processes over traditional analogue construction techniques – the goal was to provide logical, productive and accessible blended solutions for greater affordability and flexibility in design. For example, the designed experiments were required to be built from readily available products, and used simple readymade screw fixings rather than digitally produced custom fixings or joining mechanisms. The research project aimed to generate discussion and provide recommendations on how the construction industry might support the adoption of automated prefabrication technology in small-to-medium enterprise (SME).
The Response of Auckland Construction Firms to Recent Technological Changes
Authors:   https://www.unitec.ac.nz/epress/index.php/a-comprehensive-review-of-deep-learning-algorithms/, Kerai Urvi , Kiroff Lydia , Sharma Rashika
Published: April 2022

Over the past decade, the impacts of technology on the construction sector have been profound. This trend presents significant challenges for construction firms in an environment characterised by skilled labor shortages and an aging workforce that tends to struggle to accept new technology. The purpose of this research is to determine the types of technologies that are being used by Auckland construction firms, the challenges that they face as they adopt new technologies, and the impact of technology on the construction workforce.
Formative vs Summative Quizzes as Regular Feedback on Moodle in Computer Science Courses: Which do Students Prefer?
Authors: Nehring Natalia , Dacey Simon
Published: April 2022

Deferred feedback on summative assessments can demotivate students and affect their overall learning performance, and it can change their study routines. The aim of this study is to compare and analyse students’ perceptions about summative and formative regular feedback: whether they are better motivated by being given marks, or by regular feedback without any marks. All participants were students from a Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS) degree at a New Zealand tertiary institute. Three courses were selected across three different levels of the BCS, and the sample group included 272 students from five different semesters. Summative (with marks) and formative (with feedback only) weekly quizzes were introduced in 2017, with the aim of providing early, regular feedback to students. Participants in the study were divided into two groups: students who were doing formative, and those who were doing summative quizzes. In each group, the majority of students indicated that they were happy and positive about getting regular feedback in the form of quizzes, and they appreciated the quiz questions and time spent as a way to adjust and enhance their learning. There was no real difference in students’ subjective evaluations and individual perceptions between those who had summative and those who had formative quizzes. The existence of quizzes, and the results, were important for students as weekly feedback and it didn’t matter whether marks were attached to these weekly feedback activities or not. More studies are needed to determine what type of questions could better influence students’ learning outcomes.
Thinking While Standing: An exploratory study on the effect of standing on cognitive performance
Authors: Patston L. L. M , Henry A. N , McEwen M , Mannion J , Ewens-Volynkina L. A
Published: April 2022

Sedentary behaviour is extremely prevalent in Western societies and is significantly associated with an elevated risk of all-cause mortality that cannot be mitigated by physical activity. The introduction of standing desks into the workplace offers a solution to this inactivity, but there is limited investigation regarding the effects of standing on cognition, which is a major consideration in much office-based work. In this study we aimed to provide an exploratory investigation on the effect on cognitive performance of standing while working. We tested 30 office-based adults on a battery of 19 cognitive tasks (tapping five cognitive domains) in a randomised, repeatedmeasures crossover design study. Two conditions (standing versus sitting) were investigated over two 7.5-hour work days including morning, midday and afternoon sessions (Time of Day). Effects were analysed using multivariate two-way repeated-measures ANOVAs (Condition by Time of Day) for five cognitive domains. Overall, after correcting for multiple comparisons, there were no differences in performance between sitting and standing. At an uncorrected level, however, significant effects of Condition were found in three of the 19 tasks, with all demonstrating better performance while standing. Importantly, these results suggest that there is no detriment to cognitive performance through standing. They also provide an initial indication that there may be cognitive benefits of standing in the attention and working memory domains, which may be a promising avenue for future inquiry.
Disclosure Standards of Large New Zealand Companies: A content analysis study of compliance with the FMA’s corporate governance guidelines
Authors: Chang Allan
Published: April 2022

This qualitative study is an attempt to gain some insights into the level of corporate governance disclosure in New Zealand. A sample of ten large publicly-listed companies was analysed to determine to what extent they fulfill the requirements of the corporate governance principles and guidelines as recommended by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) of New Zealand. Even though compliance with the FMA’s recommendations is voluntary, a high overall percentage of compliance (74%) was recorded in this study. This indicates the seriousness with which New Zealand companies take investor concerns on issues of corporate governance.
Counsellor Clients as Insider Experts in a School Community
Authors: Pizzini Nigel , Gremillion Helen
Published: April 2022

This paper describes a practice developed at a large secondary school in Auckland whereby students’ experiences of overcoming problems are made available to others in the form of insider brochures. These students are thus able to share their insights and strategies in support of peers who may be experiencing similar problems. Drawing on narrative counseling conversations as well as narrative community work, a school counselor facilitates the process. This paper describes how insider voices contribute to the brochures and provides detail from one case example. In keeping with narrative approaches to problems, the goals are to de-privatise and de-individualise young people’s experiences of difficulties, and to reposition these students from ‘sufferers’ of problems to ‘experts’ on how to overcome them. In the process not only are students’ preferred identities developed but also collective knowledge is created and students are empowered to support one another.
The Effect of Airtightness on Indoor Air Quality in Timber Houses in New Zealand
Authors: Berry Terri-Ann , Chiswell Jordan H. D , Wallis Shannon L , Birchmore Roger
Published: April 2022

This two-part study considers the impact of airtightness based on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) only. Two identical buildings (test and control) were constructed in Auckland, New Zealand. The test building contained an Intello vapour check membrane to reduce air-flow and subsequent heat loss. Air change rates (air changes per hour, or ACH) were calculated from air-leakage rates in each of the buildings. Data analysis demonstrated that the VOC levels in the test house were consistently higher than those established in the control house.
Change and Development in Glen Eden, 2017
Authors: Haigh David , Kenkel David , Doswell Kate
Published: April 2022

This report is stage one of a report on change and development issues in Glen Eden. The Waitakere Ranges Local Board commissioned staff of the Social Practice Department of Unitec to carry out a two-stage report. This first stage is a literature search looking at material specific to Glen Eden as well as more theoretical information about development and growth. The second stage will be completed by December 2017 and reports on interviews carried out with key stakeholders in Glen Eden. This report makes a number of suggestions to the Waitakere Ranges Local Board relating to redevelopment of the Glen Eden town centre, and to design and urban policies concerning future intensification of Glen Eden with emphasis on strategies to deal with such matters as safety, cycleways and pedestrian amenity.
Altered Skin Permeation of Finasteride Using Clove Oil, Urea, and Lyophilized Powder of Grape Seed Extract
Authors: Salimi Anayatollah , Mohammad Soleymani Hamid , Mohammad Soleymani Saeed
Published: April 2022

Purpose: Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor used to treat hair loss and acne. The skin permeation of finasteride is one of the main challenges associated with dermal drug delivery. One way to overcome the skin barrier is to use penetration enhancers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of some penetration enhancers on finasteride permeability on the skin, as well as the effect of pretreatment time on their efficacy. Methods: In order to determine the effect of penetration enhancers on the skin permeability of finasteride, the skin was exposed to clove oil, urea, and lyophilized powder of grape seed extract (LPGSE) at different pretreatment times (2, 4 h), and then the permeability parameters were determined by passing the drug through the skin. Results: The results of this study showed that clove oil, urea, and LPGSE increased the transfer of finasteride from the skin. The highest rate of permeation was observed with clove oil (4 h), and the least permeability was observed with urea (4 h). Conclusion: Increasing the pretreatment time with clove oil and LPGSE increases the permeability of finasteride. Meanwhile, the increase in pretreatment time with urea reduces the penetration of finasteride from the skin due to reversible effects.
Ferroptosis as a Potential Cell Death Mechanism against Cisplatin-Resistant Lung Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Golbashirzadeh Morteza , Heidari Hamid Reza , Talebi Mehdi , Yari Khosroushahi Ahmad
Published: April 2022

Purpose: Drug resistance is a challenging issue in cancer chemotherapy. Cell death induction is one of the main strategies to overcome chemotherapy resistance. Notably, ferroptosis has been considered a critical cell death mechanism in recent years. Accordingly, in this study, the different cell death strategies focused on ferroptosis have been utilized to overcome cisplatin resistance in an in vitro lung cancer model. Methods: The physiological functions of Akt1 and GPX4, as critical targets for ferroptosis and apoptosis induction, were suppressed by siRNA or antagonistic agents in resistant A549 cells. Afterward, the interventions' impacts on cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) amount were analyzed by flow cytometry. Moreover, the alteration in the relevant gene and protein expression levels were quantified using Real-time PCR and western blot methods. Results: The result showed that the treatment with Akt1 siRNA reversed the cisplatin resistance in the A549 cell line through the induction of apoptosis. Likewise, the combination treatment of the GPX4 siRNA or FIN56 as Ferroptosis inducers alongside cisplatin elevated ROS's cellular level, reduced the cellular antioxidant genes level, and increased the cisplatin cytotoxic effect. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study indicated that ferroptosis induction can be considered a promising cell death strategy in cisplatin-resistant cancer cells.
Chitosan and Its Structural Modifications for siRNA Delivery
Authors: Al-Absi Mona Y. , Caprifico Anna Eleonora , Calabrese Gianpiero
Published: April 2022

The use of RNA interference mechanism and small interfering RNA (siRNA) in cancer gene therapy is a very promising approach. However, the success of gene silencing is underpinned by the efficient delivery of intact siRNA into the targeted cell. Nowadays, chitosan is one of the most widely studied non-viral vectors for siRNA delivery, since it is a biodegradable, biocompatible and positively charged polymer able to bind to the negatively charged siRNA forming nanoparticles (NPs) that will act as siRNA delivery system. However, chitosan shows several limitations such as low transfection efficiency and low solubility at physiological pH. Therefore, a variety of chemical and non-chemical structural modifications of chitosan were investigated in the attempt to develop a chitosan derivative showing the features of an ideal siRNA carrier. In this review, the most recently proposed chemical modifications of chitosan are outlined. The type of modification, chemical structure, physicochemical properties, siRNA binding affinity and complexation efficiency of the modified chitosan are discussed. Moreover, the resulting NPs characteristics, cellular uptake, serum stability, cytotoxicity and gene transfection efficiency in vitro and/or in vivo are described and compared to the unmodified chitosan. Finally, a critical analysis of a selection of modifications is included, highlighting the most promising ones for this purpose in the future.
Sensing Methods of Immunosuppressant Drugs: Calcineurin Inhibitors and Purine Synthesis Inhibitor Agents
Authors: Golsanamlou Zahra , Soleymani Jafar , Jouyban Abolghasem
Published: April 2022

Immunosuppression is associated as a necessary protocol in post-transplantation follow-up to improve graft survival rate. Two typical classes of immunosuppressants that have been commonly used as oral long-term medication are calcineurin inhibitors, e.g. cyclosporine A (CsA) and tacrolimus (TAC), and purine synthesis inhibitor agents, e.g. azathioprine (AZT) and mycophenolate (MF). As a common feature for all of them, they have a narrow therapeutic index which may lead to toxicity or effectiveness of therapy in super therapeutic and subtherapeutic concentrations, respectively. So, despite the undisputed value of immunosuppressants, therapeutic drug monitoring is a vital necessity for post-renal transplantation follow-up to maintain an appropriate balance between a predefined therapeutic dose and toxicity and likelihood adverse effects. Previously, most of the analytical methods that have been employed for immunosuppressant detection are based on immunoassay and chromatography methods which the drawbacks such as expensiveness, time-consuming responding, lack of stability, and skilled persons to interpretation obtained results make them inappropriate platforms for in-situ applications. In this way, we need facile, fast responding analytical methods as like optical and electrochemical sensors which can be developed to use in point-of-care applications. Here, we summarized the analytical methods for the determination of CsA, TAC, AZT, and MF which are based on fast responding methods.
COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients; an Indian experience
Authors: Gouthami Bendalam , D Naik Nagraj , Bennikal Mahesh , Nagaraju Shankar Prasad , Attur Ravindra Prabhu , Rao Indu Ramachandra , Shanbhag Vishal , Revanasiddappa Manjunath
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Kidney transplant recipients appear to be at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness due to chronic immunosuppression and coexisting conditions. Objectives: We aimed to study the clinical characteristics, laboratory and radiological results, treatment aspects and clinical outcomes of kidney transplant patients with COVID-19. Patient and Methods: Twenty consecutive kidney transplant patients with COVID-19 pneumonia from two tertiary care centers from India were retrospectively studied from July 1 to Oct 31, 2020. Results: Of 20 patients, 18 required admission; mean age was 42.8±9.39 years and 18 out of 20 (90%) were male. Symptom onset to testing time was a mean of 3.05±1.47 days. All patients were on triple immunosuppression. The median time since transplantation to COVID-19 was 3.75 years (IQR 2.37-5.41). Fever, cough and breathlessness were the most common presenting symptoms. Nine out of twenty (45%) had severe COVID-19 while six out of 20 (30%) required intensive care. Twelve (60%) patients had lymphopenia. Additionally mycophenolate was withheld in seventeen out of twenty (85 %) and enoxaparin and intravenous methylprednisolone were administered in all hospitalized patients while remdesivir was prescribed in 16 out of 20 (80%). Moreover, acute kidney injury (AKI) was seen in five out of 20 (25%) since one of died (5%). After a median hospital stay of 8.5 days (IQR 6.75-15.5), seventeen patients were discharged from the hospital. Conclusion: COVID-19 infection in kidney transplant recipients is usually a moderate-severe form. COVID-19 should be a differential diagnosis for fever in this high-risk population however lymphopenia may not be seen in all. Antimetabolite withdrawal, intravenous steroid, anticoagulation and early remdesivir were all found to be safe and effective strategies for improving outcomes. Early diagnosis and timely treatment may decrease mortality in this high-risk population.