bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Geopolitics Have an Impact on Energy Trade? Empirical Research on Emerging Countries
Authors: Li Fen , Yang Cunyi , Li Zhenghui , Failler Pierre
Published: May 2021

The energy trade is an important pillar of each country’s development, making up for the imbalance in the production and consumption of fossil fuels. Geopolitical risks affect the energy trade of various countries to a certain extent, but the causes of geopolitical risks are complex, and energy trade also involves many aspects, so the impact of geopolitics on energy trade is also complex. Based on the monthly data from 2000 to 2020 of 17 emerging economies, this paper employs the fixed-effect model and the regression-discontinuity (RD) model to verify the negative impact of geopolitics on energy trade first and then analyze the mechanism and heterogeneity of the impact. The following conclusions are drawn: First, geopolitics has a significant negative impact on the import and export of the energy trade, and the inhibition on the export is greater than that on the import. Second, the impact mechanism of geopolitics on the energy trade is reflected in the lagging effect and mediating effect on the imports and exports; that is, the negative impact of geopolitics on energy trade continued to be significant 10 months later. Coal and crude oil prices, as mediating variables, decreased to reduce the imports and exports, whereas natural gas prices showed an increase. Third, the impact of geopolitics on energy trade is heterogeneous in terms of national attribute characteristics and geo-event types.
Fostering Cultural Sustainability in Early Childhood Education through a Neighbourhood Project
Authors: Hu Aihua , Ødemotland Siv
Published: May 2021

Culture is the life blood of a society, which influences people’s worldviews, values, and behaviours. Research has confirmed that children’s participation in culture helps develop thinking skills, builds self-esteem, and improves resilience. This paper aims to explore how a purposely designed project can foster cultural sustainability through a case study of a neighbourhood project conducted in Chinese and Norwegian kindergartens. A qualitative research methodology is utilised. Major data sources are an overall project plan prepared by one of the Norwegian university researchers, project descriptions and PowerPoint presentations from the kindergartens, as well as workshop notes taken by one researcher during the workshop, complemented and triangulated by the follow-up reflective narratives from three kindergartens. Qualitative content analysis and comparative analysis are used to analyse the collected data. Findings have indicated that kindergartens hold similar views on culture and cultural stainability. Though the actual activities are diverse and implemented in different ways, the goal of fostering cultural sustainability is achieved in all participating kindergartens. Children not only have gained knowledge of their neighbourhood and problem solving and social skills but also have developed sense of belonging and emotional link with their local culture through the active participation. More importantly, this study has indicated that purposely designed projects/activities can promote early childhood education for sustainability and quality of early childhood education. It is thus recommended cultivating student teachers’ and kindergarten teachers’ competence to design projects/activities integrating different dimensions of sustainability in early childhood teacher education
Urban Rain Flood Ecosystem Design Planning and Feasibility Study for the Enrichment of Smart Cities
Authors: Zhou Yixin , Sharma Ashutosh , Masud Mehedi , Gaba Gurjot Singh , Dhiman Gaurav , Ghafoor Kayhan Zrar , AlZain Mohammed A.
Published: May 2021

The urban flooding situations have arisen in the modern scenario of urbanization due to climatic changes. This work contributes to designing a planned and feasible urban rain flood ecosystem to promote the construction of a sponge city. It has various advantages of improving the water environment, controlling urban waterlogging, reducing runoff pollution, improving river and lake water quality, recycling rainwater resources, replenishing groundwater, and many more. This paper combines the design methods and advantages of the design results formed in decades using traditional regulation and utilizing it for the present study. It reconstructs and integrates the traditional regulation and sponge city construction requirements, thereby providing a feasible urban rain-flood ecosystem in the industrial and smart city scenario. Finally, the regulation of new paddy areas in Yanjin city of China is considered for experimentation, and the design of the regulation is applied using this setup. The design results obtained from the test of sponge city construction have operability and can improve the urban environment and enhance the vitality of the city. The control plan’s design results integrating the sponge city idea can provide effective technical support and guarantee the overall urban environment. The work presented in this article can assess and plan the flood mitigation measures to monitor this type of situation leading to flooding risk reduction in smart cities.
Experimental Study on the Effects of Aspect Ratio on the Wind Pressure Coefficient of Piloti Buildings
Authors: You Jangyoul , Lee Changhee
Published: May 2021

Owing to strong winds during the typhoon season, damage to pilotis in the form of dropout of the exterior materials occurs frequently. Pilotis placed at the end exhibit a large peak wind pressure coefficient of the ceiling. In this study, the experimental wind direction angle of wind pressure tests was conducted in seven directions, with wind test angles varying from 0° to 90° at intervals of 15°, centered on the piloti position, which was accomplished using the wind tunnel experimental system. Regardless of the height of the building, the maximum peak wind pressure coefficient was observed at the center of the piloti, whereas the minimum peak wind pressure coefficient was noted at the corners, which corresponds with the wind direction inside the piloti. The distribution of the peak wind pressure coefficient was similar for both suburban and urban environments. However, in urban areas, the maximum peak wind pressure coefficient was approximately 1.4–1.7 times greater than that in suburban areas. The maximum peak wind pressure coefficient of the piloti ceiling was observed at the inside corner, whereas the minimum peak wind pressure coefficient was noted at the outer edge of the ceiling. As the height of the building increased, the maximum peak wind pressure coefficient decreased. Suburban and urban areas exhibited similar peak wind pressure distributions; however, the maximum peak wind pressure coefficient in urban areas was approximately 1.2–1.5 times larger than that in suburban areas.
Energy Efficiency Measures in Bakeries toward Competitiveness and Sustainability—Case Studies in Quito, Ecuador
Authors: Briceño-León Marco , Pazmiño-Quishpe Dennys , Clairand Jean-Michel , Escrivá-Escrivá Guillermo
Published: May 2021

This paper evaluates the energy efficiency in the bakery industry toward competitiveness and sustainability through energy audits that were carried out on six bakeries located in Quito, Ecuador. Firstly, an initial meeting was held. After this, an energy survey was carried out in all areas of the bakeries. The information of the energy consumption of the facilities was collected. This was based on electricity bills, power data, equipment usage time, habits, and monthly consumption. With the energy balances, the critical points were identified, resulting in the baking process and the production activity, as those with the highest energy consumption within each establishment. Subsequently, with the indicator of electrical energy consumed per unit produced, the energy consumption by production processes and the bakery’s total energy consumption were determined. Several improvement proposals were generated for the bakery industry based on the results. Finally, it is concluded that the consumption of electrical energy in the bakery industry in Quito is efficient when compared to other bakeries, since they use less energy per unit of mass processed to produce products.
Sustainable Development of Students’ Learning Capabilities: The Case of University Students’ Attitudes towards Teachers, Peers, and Themselves as Oral Feedback Sources in Learning English
Authors: Wu Xiaoming Molly , Dixon Helen R. , Zhang Lawrence Jun
Published: May 2021

In order to promote the sustainable development of students’ learning capabilities, students are expected to take an active role in the feedback process. Ideally, students should not only actively interpret and act on the feedback received from their teachers, but they should also serve as feedback generators for their peers and themselves. Our study aimed to explore Chinese university English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) students’ perceptions of the feedback practices in their classrooms and their feelings about teacher feedback, peer review and self-review as credible feedback sources. Adopting a qualitative research design, we recruited three teachers together with seven to eight of their students (in total 23 students) from two universities in Northwest China. Data were collected by using focus group interviews and classroom observations. Findings indicated that students relied on teachers to provide informative feedback to help them progress. They also attached limited value to either peer or self-review. Our interview data revealed three possible reasons for students’ devaluation of peers and themselves as feedback sources: insufficient understanding of students’ roles and responsibilities in the feedback process, perceived limited capability and capacity to generate quality feedback; and affective and relational concerns if engaging in the feedback process. These findings highlight the need for teachers to foster student feedback literacy, and hence help them utilize different feedback sources to enhance their learning and sustainable development.
Integration of Theory of Planned Behavior, Sensation Seeking, and Risk Perception to Explain the Risky Driving Behavior of Truck Drivers
Authors: Li Zhenming , Man Siu Shing , Chan Alan Hoi Shou , Zhu Jianfang
Published: May 2021

Truck-related accidents account for a substantial portion of traffic accidents. Risky driving behavior is a main cause of traffic accidents. Understanding the risky driving behavior of truck drivers is therefore important in reducing truck-related accidents. This study aimed to propose and validate a research model that integrated a theory of planned behavior, sensation seeking, and risk perception to explain the risky driving behavior of truck drivers. A total of 471 valid data were collected from Chinese truck drivers in this study. Structural equation modeling and mediation analysis were used to examine the influence of factors in the research model on the risky driving behavior of truck drivers. Results showed that sensation seeking and risk perception of truck drivers were influential in shaping their intention to drive riskily with the mediation of attitude toward risky driving. Risk perception and attitude toward risky driving also had a negative influence and positive influence on the intention, respectively. On the basis of the findings, practical recommendations for reducing the risky driving behavior of truck drivers were provided for concerned parties.
Antecedents of Consumers’ Purchase Intention towards Organic Food: Integration of Theory of Planned Behavior and Protection Motivation Theory
Authors: Pang Suk Min , Tan Booi Chen , Lau Teck Chai
Published: May 2021

Before consequences of climate change continue to intensify and increasingly affect the entire planet, immediate action must be taken. For instance, adopt the pro-environmental behaviors such as purchase of organic food to minimize the harmful human-caused impacts to the environment. This paper aims to determine the factors that influence the purchase intention of organic food in Malaysia by applying the theory of planned behavior and the protection motivation theory. A total of 300 questionnaires were collected and PLS-SEM was employed to test the structural relationships. Consequences of climate change and health threats were not the primary concerns among Malaysians when deciding whether to purchase organic food. Results show that perceived vulnerability, response efficacy, self-efficacy, subjective norm, and attitude affect purchase intention towards organic food. Consumers were more likely to have positive attitude towards organic food when they have adequate information on vulnerability of a threat and its consequences. The findings provide insights on the antecedents and outcomes of purchase intention towards organic food particularly in Malaysia. Although predictive power of perceived factors such as perceived rewards and perceived efficacy have been extensively researched in the past, there are limited studies that integrate both theories that simultaneously investigate antecedents of consumers’ purchase intention towards organic food.
Design of a Database of Case Studies and Technologies to Increase the Diffusion of Low-Temperature Waste Heat Recovery in the Industrial Sector
Authors: Benedetti Miriam , Dadi Daniele , Giordano Lorena , Introna Vito , Lapenna Pasquale Eduardo , Santolamazza Annalisa
Published: May 2021

The recovery of waste heat is a fundamental means of achieving the ambitious medium- and long-term targets set by European and international directives. Despite the large availability of waste heat, especially at low temperatures (<250 °C), the implementation rate of heat recovery interventions is still low, mainly due to non-technical barriers. To overcome this limitation, this work aims to develop two distinct databases containing waste heat recovery case studies and technologies as a novel tool to enhance knowledge transfer in the industrial sector. Through an in-depth analysis of the scientific literature, the two databases’ structures were developed, defining fields and information to collect, and then a preliminary population was performed. Both databases were validated by interacting with companies which operate in the heat recovery technology market and which are possible users of the tools. Those proposed are the first example in the literature of databases completely focused on low-temperature waste heat recovery in the industrial sector and able to provide detailed information on heat exchange and the technologies used. The tools proposed are two key elements in supporting companies in all the phases of a heat recovery intervention: from identifying waste heat to choosing the best technology to be adopted.
Striding towards Sustainability: A Framework to Overcome Challenges and Explore Opportunities through Industry 4.0
Authors: Reis José Salvador da Motta , Espuny Maximilian , Nunhes Thaís Vieira , Sampaio Nilo Antonio de Souza , Isaksson Raine , Campos Fernando Celso de , Oliveira Otávio José de
Published: May 2021

Sustainability 4.0 (S4.0) enables sustainable development through intelligent technologies to meet economic, environmental and social demands. The main objective of this article is to propose a framework for developing S4.0 in sectors of Triple Helix (TH) (Government, Organizations and Academy). The framework consists of benchmarking of policies and initiatives from the Science-Technology Scenario in S4.0 (STS-S4.0) and the author’s experience. The STS-4.0 is a snapshot of relevant initiatives from the countries that performed best in science and technology in S4.0. This work uses the methods of bibliometric studies and content analysis of scientific articles from the Scopus database and patents publications from the Orbit database. This research resulted in a total of 19 propositions for developing sustainability through I4.0. Of these, eight are for Government, six for Organizations and five for Academy. The main scientific contribution of this work is to expand and deepen the recent block of knowledge on S4.0. As for the applied contribution, this work contributes to the conscious and sustainable development of humanity through the technological elements of I4.0, contributing to the achievement of the following SDGs proposed by the UN: 9 (Industries, Innovation and Infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 13 (Climate Action). The main novelty of this article is the creation of paths for Government, Organizations and Academy to interactively lead the development of global sustainability through the smart technologies of I4.0.
Assessing Climate Change and Land-Use Impacts on Drinking Water Resources in Karstic Catchments (Southern Croatia)
Authors: Patekar Matko , Baniček Ivona , Rubinić Josip , Lukač Reberski Jasmina , Boljat Ivana , Selak Ana , Filipović Marina , Terzić Josip
Published: May 2021

The Mediterranean freshwater resources, mostly represented by groundwater, are under increasing pressure due to natural and anthropogenic factors. In this study, we investigated possible negative effects of climate change and land-use practices on water quality and availability from five springs in the karstic catchments in southern Croatia. The investigated springs are used in the regional public water supply system. Firstly, we employed hydrogeochemical field and laboratory analyses to detect possible traces of anthropogenic activity originating from specific land use. Additionally, we performed hydrological and climate modeling to detect changes in the air temperature, precipitation, and runoff. In particular, we used three regional climate models (Aladin, RegCM3, and Promes). The results estimated an increase in the mean annual air temperature, changes in the precipitation patterns, and reductions in runoff in the study area. Hydrochemical analyses showed standard ion concentrations for karst groundwaters, elevated sulfates due to evaporite deposits in the hinterland, surprisingly low nitrate levels which disproved expected agricultural pollution, and high microbiological activity. Significant water losses are expected in the near future which require immediate attention in order to develop adaptation strategies that focus on sustainable utilization and resilience of freshwater resources. This paper was based on the Interreg Central Europe PROLINE-CE project research in the South Dalmatia.
Investigation of the Substitutability of Rubber Compounds with Environmentally Friendly Materials
Authors: Ayar Murat , Dalkiran Alper , Kale Utku , Nagy András , Karakoc Tahir Hikmet
Published: May 2021

Rubber is one of the rare materials that can be used in many sectors and for multiple purposes. It can be used in a wide range of frameworks, from very simple coating materials to very complex spacecraft parts. Apart from natural rubber, compounds are also used for different purposes in rubber production. For a product with such a wide range of uses, the sustainability of its compounds is particularly important. The objective of this study is to investigate environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives for rubber and some compounds, such as fillers and softeners. By doing this research with an academic method, the most suitable option is determined by taking the weights of the factors affecting this decision into consideration. As a result, the most suitable rubber, filler, and softener options are presented.
Transport Airships for Scheduled Supply and Emergency Response in the Arctic
Authors: Prentice Barry , Lau Yui-Yip , Ng Adolf
Published: May 2021

As climate change progresses, the Arctic Ocean creates opportunities for new resource development and navigation routes. Such economic opportunities are attractive, but carry with them an increased risk of accidents and oil spills. Existing methods of emergency response face enormous challenges in the Arctic because of its lack of transportation infrastructure and support services. Cargo airships offer a practical solution. Many airship designs are proposed that can carry over 30 tons, travel long distances at 150 km per hour, and land close to the emergency site. However, it is difficult to justify the economics of having enough capacity waiting and available to be marshaled in response to infrequent events. One solution is to develop a synergy with a new civilian cargo airship industry that can serve the regular transport needs of remote communities and mining operations. Through contingency contracts with these civilian operations, the Government of Canada could stretch its budgets and have access to the latest airship models and trained crews at locations across the Arctic. This paper gives valuable insight into the development of cargo airships. Advances in technology that make cargo airships a practical option in the 21st century are reviewed, and five competing airship designs are discussed. A case study of an existing rare earth mine proposal is used to illustrate the cost comparison of roads versus airships that could provide contingency services.
Copulaesque Versions of the Skew-Normal and Skew-Student Distributions
Authors: Adcock Christopher
Published: May 2021

A recent paper presents an extension of the skew-normal distribution which is a copula. Under this model, the standardized marginal distributions are standard normal. The copula itself depends on the familiar skewing construction based on the normal distribution function. This paper is concerned with two topics. First, the paper presents a number of extensions of the skew-normal copula. Notably these include a case in which the standardized marginal distributions are Student’s t, with different degrees of freedom allowed for each margin. In this case the skewing function need not be the distribution function for Student’s t, but can depend on certain of the special functions. Secondly, several multivariate versions of the skew-normal copula model are presented. The paper contains several illustrative examples.
Interval Valued T-Spherical Fuzzy Soft Average Aggregation Operators and Their Applications in Multiple-Criteria Decision Making
Authors: Mahmood Tahir , Ahmmad Jabbar , Ali Zeeshan , Pamucar Dragan , Marinkovic Dragan
Published: May 2021

This paper deals with uncertainty, asymmetric information, and risk modelling in a complex power system. The uncertainty is managed by using probability and decision theory methods. Multiple-criteria decision making (MCDM) is a very effective and well-known tool to investigate fuzzy information more effectively. However, the selection of houses cannot be done by utilizing symmetry information, because enterprises do not have complete information, so asymmetric information should be used when selecting enterprises. In this paper, the notion of soft set (SftS) and interval-valued T-spherical fuzzy set (IVT-SFS) are combined to produce a new and more effective notion called interval-valued T-spherical fuzzy soft set (IVT−SFSftS). It is a more general concept and provides more space and options to decision makers (DMs) for making their decision in the field of fuzzy set theory. Moreover, some average aggregation operators like interval-valued T-spherical fuzzy soft weighted average (IVT−SFSftWA) operator, interval-valued T-spherical fuzzy soft ordered weighted average (IVT−SFSftOWA) operator, and interval-valued T-spherical fuzzy soft hybrid average (IVT−SFSftHA) operators are explored. Furthermore, the properties of these operators are discussed in detail. An algorithm is developed and an application example is proposed to show the validity of the present work. This manuscript shows how to make a decision when there is asymmetric information about an enterprise. Further, in comparative analysis, the established work is compared with another existing method to show the advantages of the present work.
Pregnancy Outcomes and SARS-CoV-2 Infection: The Spanish Obstetric Emergency Group Study
Authors: Cruz Melguizo Sara , de la Cruz Conty María , Carmona Payán Paola , Abascal-Saiz Alejandra , Pintando Recarte Pilar , González Rodríguez Laura , Cuenca Marín Celia , Martínez Varea Alicia , Oreja Cuesta Ana , Rodríguez Pilar , Fernández Buhigas Irene , Rodríguez Gallego María , Fernández Alonso Ana , López Pérez Rocío , Broullón Molanes José , Encinas Pardilla María , Ramírez Gómez Mercedes , Gimeno Gimeno María , Sánchez Muñoz Antonio , Martínez-Pérez Oscar ,   on behalf of the Spanish Obstetric Emergency Group (S.O.E.G.)
Published: May 2021

Pregnant women who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 are at an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. With this study, we aimed to better understand the relationship between maternal infection and perinatal outcomes, especially preterm births, and the underlying medical and interventionist factors. This was a prospective observational study carried out in 78 centers (Spanish Obstetric Emergency Group) with a cohort of 1347 SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive pregnant women registered consecutively between 26 February and 5 November 2020, and a concurrent sample of PCR-negative mothers. The patients’ information was collected from their medical records, and the association of SARS-CoV-2 and perinatal outcomes was evaluated by univariable and multivariate analyses. The data from 1347 SARS-CoV-2-positive pregnancies were compared with those from 1607 SARS-CoV-2-negative pregnancies. Differences were observed between both groups in premature rupture of membranes (15.5% vs. 11.1%, p < 0.001); venous thrombotic events (1.5% vs. 0.2%, p < 0.001); and severe pre-eclampsia incidence (40.6 vs. 15.6%, p = 0.001), which could have been overestimated in the infected cohort due to the shared analytical signs between this hypertensive disorder and COVID-19. In addition, more preterm deliveries were observed in infected patients (11.1% vs. 5.8%, p < 0.001) mainly due to an increase in iatrogenic preterm births. The prematurity in SARS-CoV-2-affected pregnancies results from a predisposition to end the pregnancy because of maternal disease (pneumonia and pre-eclampsia, with or without COVID-19 symptoms).
The Epidemiological Impact of STIs among General and Vulnerable Populations of the Amazon Region of Brazil: 30 years of Surveillance
Authors: Machado Luiz Fernando Almeida , Fonseca Ricardo Roberto de Souza , Queiroz Maria Alice Freitas , Oliveira-Filho Aldemir Branco , Cayres-Vallinoto Izaura Maria Vieira , Vallinoto Antonio Carlos Rosário , Ishak Marluísa de Oliveira Guimarães , Ishak Ricardo
Published: May 2021

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a worldwide public health problem and, although many of them are curable, they continue to be neglected, especially in areas with a low human development index, such as in the northern region of Brazil. This review describes the results of 30 years of studies at the Virus Laboratory at the Federal University of Pará, including the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of HIV-1, HTLV-1/2, HPV, HBV, Treponema pallidum and Chlamydia trachomatis among urban and non-urban populations, and also in vulnerable groups in the Brazilian Amazon. Control strategies and challenges in preventing STIs are discussed considering this immense geographic region, where essential health services are unable to reach the entire population, especially the most vulnerable, such as female sex workers, people who use illicit drugs, remnants of quilombolos and indigenous communities.
Genetic Characterization and Pathogenesis of Avian Influenza Virus H7N3 Isolated from Spot-Billed Ducks in South Korea, Early 2019
Authors: Trinh Thuy-Tien Thi , Tiwari Indira , Durairaj Kaliannan , Duong Bao Tuan , Nguyen Anh Thi Viet , Tuong Hien Thi , Hoang Vui Thi , Than Duong Duc , Nam SunJeong , Yeo Seon-Ju , Park Hyun
Published: May 2021

Low-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (LPAIV) introduced by migratory birds circulate in wild birds and can be transmitted to poultry. These viruses can mutate to become highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses causing severe disease and death in poultry. In March 2019, an H7N3 avian influenza virus—A/Spot-billed duck/South Korea/WKU2019-1/2019 (H7N3)—was isolated from spot-billed ducks in South Korea. This study aimed to evaluate the phylogenetic and mutational analysis of this isolate. Molecular analysis revealed that the genes for HA (hemagglutinin) and NA (neuraminidase) of this strain belonged to the Central Asian lineage, whereas genes for other internal proteins such as polymerase basic protein 1 (PB1), PB2, nucleoprotein, polymerase acidic protein, matrix protein, and non-structural protein belonged to that of the Korean lineage. In addition, a monobasic amino acid (PQIEPR/GLF) at the HA cleavage site, and the non-deletion of the stalk region in the NA gene indicated that this isolate was a typical LPAIV. Nucleotide sequence similarity analysis of HA revealed that the highest homology (99.51%) of this isolate is to that of A/common teal/Shanghai/CM1216/2017 (H7N7), and amino acid sequence of NA (99.48%) was closely related to that of A/teal/Egypt/MB-D-487OP/2016 (H7N3). An in vitro propagation of the A/Spot-billed duck/South Korea/WKU2019-1/2019 (H7N3) virus showed highest (7.38 Log10 TCID50/mL) virus titer at 60 h post-infection, and in experimental mouse lungs, the virus was detected at six days’ post-infection. Our study characterizes genetic mutations, as well as pathogenesis in both in vitro and in vivo model of a new Korea H7N3 viruses in 2019, carrying multiple potential mutations to become highly pathogenic and develop an ability to infect humans; thus, emphasizing the need for routine surveillance of avian influenza viruses in wild birds.
The Bluetongue Disabled Infectious Single Animal (DISA) Vaccine Platform Based on Deletion NS3/NS3a Protein Is Safe and Protective in Cattle and Enables DIVA
Authors: van Rijn Piet A. , Maris-Veldhuis Mieke A. , van Gennip René G. P.
Published: May 2021

The bluetongue virus (BTV) is transmitted by Culicoides biting midges and causes bluetongue (BT), an OIE-notifiable disease of ruminants. At least 29 BTV serotypes are described as determined by the outer shell proteins VP2 and VP5. Vaccination is the most effective control measure. Inactivated and live-attenuated vaccines (LAVs) are currently available. These vaccines have their specific pros and cons, and both are not DIVA vaccines. The BT Disabled Infectious Single Animal (DISA) vaccine platform is based on LAV without nonessential NS3/NS3a expression and is applicable for many serotypes by the exchange of outer shell proteins. The DISA vaccine is effective and completely safe. Further, transmission of the DISA vaccine by midges is blocked (DISA principle). Finally, the DISA vaccine enables DIVA because of a lack of antibodies against the immunogenic NS3/NS3a protein (DIVA principle). The deletion of 72 amino acids (72aa) in NS3/NS3a is sufficient to block virus propagation in midges. Here, we show that a prototype DISA vaccine based on LAV with the 72aa deletion enables DIVA, is completely safe and induces a long-lasting serotype-specific protection in cattle. In conclusion, the in-frame deletion of 72-aa codons in the BT DISA/DIVA vaccine platform is sufficient to fulfil all the criteria for modern veterinary vaccines.
Regulation of the Macroautophagic Machinery, Cellular Differentiation, and Immune Responses by Human Oncogenic γ-Herpesviruses
Authors: Münz Christian
Published: May 2021

The human γ-herpesviruses Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) encode oncogenes for B cell transformation but are carried by most infected individuals without symptoms. For this purpose, they manipulate the anti-apoptotic pathway macroautophagy, cellular proliferation and apoptosis, as well as immune recognition. The mechanisms and functional relevance of these manipulations are discussed in this review. They allow both viruses to strike the balance between efficient persistence and dissemination in their human hosts without ever being cleared after infection and avoiding pathologies in most of their carriers.
Sensitivity to COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety in Shanghai, China
Authors: Lu Jia , Wen Xiaosa , Guo Qi , Ji Mengdi , Zhang Felicia , Wagner Abram L. , Lu Yihan
Published: May 2021

Several COVID-19 vaccines have been on the market since early 2021 and may vary in their effectiveness and safety. This study characterizes hesitancy about accepting COVID-19 vaccines among parents in Shanghai, China, and identifies how sensitive they are to changes in vaccine safety and effectiveness profiles. Schools in each township of Minhang District, Shanghai, were sampled, and parents in the WeChat group of each school were asked to participate in this cross-sectional Internet-based survey. Parents responded to questions about hesitancy and were given information about five different COVID-19 vaccine candidates, the effectiveness of which varied between 50 and 95% and which had a risk of fever as a side effect between 5 and 20%. Overall, 3673 parents responded to the survey. Almost 90% would accept a vaccine for themselves (89.7%), for their child (87.5%) or for an elderly parent (88.5%) with the most ideal attributes (95% effectiveness with 5% risk of fever). But with the least ideal attributes (50% effectiveness and a 20% risk of fever) these numbers dropped to 33.5%, 31.3%, and 31.8%, respectively. Vaccine hesitancy, age at first child’s birth, and relative income were all significantly related to sensitivity to vaccine safety and effectiveness. Parents showed a substantial shift in attitudes towards a vaccine based on its safety and effectiveness profile. These findings indicate that COVID-19 vaccine acceptance may be heavily influenced by how effective the vaccine actually is and could be impeded or enhanced based on vaccines already on the market.
Evaluation of Subsurface Drip Irrigation Designs in a Soil Profile with a Capillary Barrier
Authors: Noguchi Koichi , Saito Hirotaka , Saefuddin Reskiana , Šimůnek Jiří
Published: May 2021

Enhanced water use efficiency (WUE) is the key to sustainable agriculture in arid regions. The installation of capillary barriers (CB) has been suggested as one of the potential solutions. CB effects are observed between two soil layers with distinctly different soil hydraulic properties. A CB helps retain water in the upper, relatively fine-textured soil layer, suppressing water losses by deep drainage. However, retaining water in a shallow surface layer also intensifies water loss by evaporation. The use of subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) with a CB may prevent such water loss. This study evaluated the performance of SDI in a soil profile with a CB using a pot experiment and numerical analysis with the HYDRUS (2D/3D) software package. The ring-shaped emitter was selected for the SDI system for its low capital expenditures (CapEx) and maintenance. Strawberry was selected as a model plant. The results indicated that the proposed SDI system with a CB was effective in terms of WUE. The numerical analysis revealed that the CB’s depth influences the system’s water balance more than the ring-shaped emitter’s installation depth. While the CB’s shallow installation led to more root water uptake by the strawberry and less water loss by deep drainage, it induced more water loss by evaporation.
Effects of Infiltration Amounts on Preferential Flow Characteristics and Solute Transport in the Protection Forest Soil of Southwestern China
Authors: Li Mingfeng , Yao Jingjing , Yan Ru , Cheng Jinhua
Published: May 2021

Preferential flow has an important role as it strongly influences solute transport in forest soil. The quick passage of water and solutes through preferential flow paths without soil absorption results in considerable water loss and groundwater pollution. However, preferential flow and solute transport under different infiltration volumes in southwestern China remain unclear. Three plots, named P20, P40 and P60, were subjected to precipitation amounts of 20, 40 and 60 mm, respectively, to investigate preferential flow and solute transport characteristics via field multiple-tracer experiments. Stained soils were collected to measure Br− and NO3− concentrations. This study demonstrated that precipitation could promote dye tracer infiltration into deep soils. The dye tracer reached the maximum depth of 40 cm in P60. Dye coverage generally reduced with greater depth, and sharp reductions were observed at the boundary of matrix flow and preferential flow. Dye coverage peaked at the soil depth of 15 cm in P40. This result demonstrated that lateral infiltration was enhanced. The long and narrow dye coverage pattern observed in P60 indicated the occurrence of macropore flow. Br− and NO3− were found at each soil depth where preferential flow had moved. Increasing precipitation amounts increased Br− and NO3− concentration and promoted solute movement into deep soil layers. Solute concentration peaked at near the end of the preferential flow path and when preferential flow underwent lateral movement. These results indicated that the infiltration volume and transport capacity of preferential flow had important effects on the distribution of Br− and NO3− concentrations. The results of this study could help expand our understanding of the effects of preferential flow on solute transport and provide some suggestions for protection forest management in southwestern China.
Remote Sensing Investigation of the Offset Effect between Reservoir Impoundment and Glacier Meltwater Supply in Tibetan Highland Catchment
Authors: Zhu Jingying , Song Chunqiao , Ke Linghong , Liu Kai , Chen Tan
Published: May 2021

This article presents multi-source remote sensing measurements to quantify the water impoundment and regulation of the Zhikong Reservoir (ZKR) and Pangduo Reservoir (PDR), together with the estimation of the glacier mass balance to explore whether the increased glacier meltwater supply can buffer the influences of the reservoir impoundment to some degree in the Tibetan highland catchment. The ZKR and PDR are two reservoirs constructed on the upper Lhasa River that originate from the Nyainqentanglha glaciers in the remote headwater in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and lacks historical in situ hydrological observations in the long term. Therefore, the Joint Research Center (JRC) Global Surface Water dataset (GSW), and the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) digital elevation model (DEM) data were used for estimating the total amount of water storage of the two reservoirs, and the SRTM and TanDEM-X DEMs were used for estimating the glacier mass balance. The result shows that the total amount of water impounded by reservoirs is 0.76 Gt, roughly 54% of their design capacities. The mass balance of the glaciers is estimated by comparing the elevation changes between the SRTM and TanDEM-X DEMs. The glaciers in this region melt at an average rate of 0.09 ± 0.02 Gt·year−1 from 2000 to circa 2013, and the impounded water of these reservoirs is comparable to the amount of glacier-fed meltwater in eight years.
Joint Gravity and Seismic Reflection Methods to Characterize the Deep Aquifers in Arid Ain El Beidha Plain (Central Tunisia, North Africa)
Authors: Azaiez Hajer , Gabtni Hakim , Bédir Mourad
Published: May 2021

Electric resistivity sounding and tomography, as well as electromagnetic sounding, are the classical methods frequently used for hydrogeological studies. In this work, we propose the development and implementation of an original integrated approach using the unconventional hydro–geophysical methods of gravity and seismic reflection for the fast, large–scale characterization of hydrogeological potential using the Ain El Beidha plain (central Tunisia) as an analogue. Extending the values of vintage petroleum seismic reflection profiles and gravity data, in conjunction with available geological and hydrogeological information, we performed an advanced analysis to characterize the geometry of deep tertiary (Oligocene and Eocene) aquifers in this arid area. Residual and tilt angle gravity maps revealed that most gravity anomalies have a short wavelength. The study area was mainly composed of three major areas: the Oued Ben Zitoun and Ain El Beidha basins, which are both related to negative gravity trends corresponding to low–density subsiding depocenters. These basins are separated by an important NE–SW trend called “El Gonna–J. El Mguataa–Kroumet Zemla” gravity high. Evaluation of the superposition of detected lineaments and Euler deconvolution solutions’ maps showed several NE–SW and N–S relay system faults. The 3D density inversion model using a lateral and vertical cutting plane suggested the presence of two different tectonic styles (thin VS thick). Results from the gravity analysis were in concordance with the seismic analysis. The deep Oligocene and Eocene seismic horizons were calibrated to the hydraulic wells and surrounding outcrops. Oligocene and Eocene geological reservoirs appear very fractured and compartmented. The faulting network also plays an important role in enhancing groundwater recharge process of the Oligocene and Eocene aquifers. Finally, generated isochron maps provided an excellent opportunity to develop future comprehensive exploration surveys over smaller and more favorable areas’ sub–basins.
A Novel Hybrid Approach Based on Cellular Automata and a Digital Elevation Model for Rapid Flood Assessment
Authors: Wijaya Obaja Triputera , Yang Tsun-Hua
Published: May 2021

An efficient inundation model is necessary for emergency flood responses during storm events. Cellular automata (CA)-based flood models have been proven to produce rapid results while maintaining a certain degree of accuracy. However, the need for computational resources dramatically increases when the number of grid cells increases. Digital elevation model (DEM)-based models generate results even faster, but the simplified governing equations within the models fail to reflect temporal flood evolution. To achieve rapid flood modeling while maintaining model simplicity, a novel two-dimensional hybrid inundation model (HIM) was developed by combining the CA- and DEM-based concepts. Given the temporal flood evolution generated by the CA concept, final finer-scale predictions were obtained by applying the DEM-based concept. The performance of this model was compared to those of widely used, physically based hydraulic models using three UK Environment Agency (EA) benchmark test cases. The HIM yielded consistent prediction results but was faster than the CA-based model. Finally, a comparison was made against flood observations, and the overall root mean squared error (RMSE) for flood depth was 0.388–0.400 m. Considering the uncertainty in the observed flood depths, the HIM shows promising potential to serve as an intermediate tool for emergency response in practical cases.
Assessing Progress towards Sustainable Development Goals through Nexus Planning
Authors: Mabhaudhi Tafadzwanashe , Nhamo Luxon , Chibarabada Tendai P. , Mabaya Goden , Mpandeli Sylvester , Liphadzi Stanley , Senzanje Aidan , Naidoo Dhesigen , Modi Albert T. , Chivenge Pauline P.
Published: May 2021

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) acknowledge the inter-linkages between human wellbeing, economic prosperity, and a healthy environment and, hence, are associated with a wide range of topical issues that include the securities of water, energy and food resources, poverty eradication, economic development, climate change, health, among others. As SDGs are assessed through targets to be achieved by 2030 and monitored through measurable indicators, this study applied the nexus planning model to monitor and evaluate progress towards SDGs using South Africa as a case study. The study highlighted pathways to ensure socio-ecological sustainability and environmental health by establishing the connectivity between SDGs and nexus approaches. The linkages between SDGs and nexus planning facilitated the sustainable management of resources in an integrated manner. They addressed the cross-sectoral synergies, value-addition, and trade-offs within interlinked sectors. The connectedness of current challenges facing humankind (climate change, rapid urbanisation, migration, and the emergence of novel infectious diseases) require transformative approaches that address these cross-cutting challenges holistically. Managing the intricate relationships between distinct but interconnected sectors through nexus planning has provided decision support tools to formulate coherent strategies that drive resilience and sustainability. The established linkages between nexus planning and SDGs have strengthened cross-sectoral collaboration and unpacked measures for cooperative governance and management through evidence-based interventions. As food production, water provision, and energy accessibility are the major socio-economic and environmental issues currently attracting global attention; the methodology promotes attaining sustainability by 2030.
To the question about problems in the fi eld of vocational rehabilitation of the disabled
Authors: Kulikova Y. A. , Kornienko A. V. , Jukevich G. V.
Published: May 2021

The article deals with issues related to the problem of vocational rehabilitation of disabled people. The competence of the Russian Federation in the fi eld of rehabilitation of disabled persons in the person of its Federal authorities and management, subjects of the Russian Federation and local self-government bodies is specifi ed. The content of such concepts as "services for professional rehabilitation of disabled people" in accordance with the state standard GOST R 53873-2010 Rehabilitation of disabled people is disclosed. Professional rehabilitation services for the disabled; "professional rehabilitation program" and "options for professional rehabilitation". Despite the fact that professional rehabilitation and adaptation in the workplace is an integral part of the state policy in the fi eld of social protection of persons with disabilities, there are many unresolved problems and diffi culties in this area.
Personnel and their social and professional potential in the thesaurus of social and economic sciences
Authors: Novikov V. G. , Shestopalova E. V.
Published: May 2021

The article deals with the theoretical and methodological premises of personnel research as a special object of social Sciences. The main attention is paid to the categorical and conceptual apparatus of its cognition. The definitional features that allow us to consider personnel as a special socio-professional community are clarified.
La formación por competencias en las prácticas de la Educación Superior en Ecuador: una visión desde la diversidad de género discursivos en la ESPE para las carreras de Finanzas y Turismo
Authors: Cejas Martínez Magda Francisca , Vásquez Acosta Galo Ramiro , Tapia León Julio , Albán Carlos Enrique
Published: May 2021

La diversidad de las prácticas académicas conlleva a la creación de géneros discursivos tanto escritos como orales que crean en sí mismo una forma de establecer la investigación ajustada bien a las normativas de una institución académica o bien a los estilos de quien direcciona. Este trabajo de investigación parte del propósito de comprender que el investigar para una tesis doctoral no solo es conocer las reglas semánticas y gramaticales de la lengua, se requiere algo más del investigador, es decir, se hace necesario el desarrollo de competencias que permitan integrarse a los métodos y técnicas propios de toda investigación. En tal sentido, este trabajo permite analizar desde una revisión investigación documental los componentes estratégicos- que sumado a las estrategias- permite consolidar un discurso- texto que están dentro de los procesos de investigación en instituciones de educación superior. Se concluye que en el género investigativo es de gran relevancia hablar llano, resaltar la significación, persuadir, escribir y rescribir, originalidad entre otros..