bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scavenger Activity and Anti-Predator Behaviour in an Apennine Wolf Area
Authors: Ståhlberg Sophie , Apollonio Marco
Published: July 2023

Scavenging guilds often have several trophic levels with varying dominance and intra-guild predation, competition, and interaction. Apex predators can control subordinate predators by limiting their numbers and affecting behaviour but also supply a continuous food source by abandoning carcasses. Camera traps monitored the scavenger guild in Alpe di Catenaia, Tuscan Apennine, for three years to determine intraguild interactions and the behaviour response. Wild boar visited most feeding sites but only scavenged in 1.4% of their visits. Red fox was the most frequent scavenger, traded vigilance and feeding equally, and selected low vegetation density, while marten invested more in feeding than vigilance. Marten was the prime follower, appearing within the shortest time after another scavenger had left the site. Red fox occasionally looked upwards, possibly to detect birds of prey. Badger showed scarcely any vigilance, did not feed much on carcasses but scent-marked abundantly. Wolves showed the highest vigilance in proportion to feeding at carcasses among the scavengers. Sites with good visibility were selected by all scavengers except martens who selected poor visibility and new moon illumination. Scavengers were mostly nocturnal, showed weak responses to twilight hours or lunar illumination, and all but red fox avoided human disturbance areas.
The Impact of Spatial Aspects on the Supply Chain and Mobility Demand of Pharmaceutical Products in E-Commerce and Brick-and-Mortar Shopping
Authors: Rühlin Viola , Del Duce Andrea , Scherrer Maike
Published: July 2023

E-commerce has gained increased popularity over the last decade. To date, there is an open debate as to whether e-commerce or brick-and-mortar shopping is environmentally less sustainable, especially due to the growing mobility resources needed for e-commerce distribution. The analysis at hand compares the CO2-equivalent emissions of e-commerce and brick-and-mortar shopping of pharmaceutical products considering spatial aspects and the typical transport modal mix of consumers when doing online and offline shopping. The object of analysis is a retailer of pharmaceutical products, more precisely, medicines, which offers, both, brick-and-mortar and online shopping possibilities. The results show that spatial aspects concerning the residential location of consumers, the vehicles used for shopping trips, the shopping basked size, and trip-chaining effects have a crucial impact on the mobility demand and CO2-equivalent emissions of the two commerce forms. In general, for rural and sub-urban areas, e-commerce results in lower CO2-equivalent emissions, while in urban areas, brick-and-mortar shopping is the favourable solution, if the consumers walk or cycle to the next pharmacy.
Damping of Dry Sand in Resonant Column-Torsional Simple Shear Device
Authors: Ahmad Majd , Ray Richard
Published: July 2023

The damping ratio values of three different Danube sands were measured in the Resonant Column-Torsional Simple Shear device (RC-TOSS). The distinctive configuration of the RC-TOSS device employed in this investigation enabled the performance of both tests using a single sample. This research estimates and compares the damping ratio values measured with three distinct methods (two of which are in the RC test): The Free Vibration Decay (FVD), the Steady-State Vibration (SSV) methods, and the method of calculating the damping ratio from the hysteretic loops generated in the TOSS test. Both dense and loose samples were tested up to a peak-to-peak amplitude shear strain of 1%. The device provides measurements over a wide range of shear strain amplitudes. The results support the employment of the SSV methods at low strains (below 0.005%), while the FVD method gives a better estimate at higher strains (above 0.03%). The two methods and the TOSS results are in agreement with each other between 0.005% and 0.03%. The effect of the number of cycles on the damping ratio was investigated where a significant decrease was observed in the damping ratio with an increasing number of cycles. A parameter is introduced to describe the rate of this decrease, which should be considered during the structural design to reduce maintenance and life-cycle costs and enhance sustainability.
Impact of Urban Form at the Block Scale on Renewable Energy Application and Building Energy Efficiency
Authors: Wu Peng , Liu Yisheng
Published: July 2023

Improving building energy efficiency and widespread application of renewable energy are key measures for achieving zero-emission development in the building sector in response to climate change. However, previous studies on buildings and renewable energy use have predominantly treated buildings as independent entities, overlooking the influence of urban morphology on both aspects. Conducting research on the impact of urban form on building energy consumption and renewable energy application at the block scale can contribute to more accurate predictions of renewable energy potential and building energy efficiency, thereby enhancing their synergistic relationship. In this context, this study proposes a methodology for building energy simulation and analysis of renewable energy potential in building clusters using the Grasshopper platform. Six typical residential building clusters in Beijing, selected based on the local climate zone system, are used as representative samples of urban forms at the block scale. Based on these samples, 30 building cluster prototypes have been constructed. By simulating the renewable energy potential and building energy consumption of these prototypes, the study analyzes the influence of urban form on both aspects. The results indicate that the heat island effect and obstruction effect between buildings are the main manifestations of urban form influence; in this case, the urban heat island effect can reduce the building heating energy consumption by 15.8% on average and increase the cooling energy consumption by up to 30%; the shading effect between buildings increases heating energy consumption by an average of 11.88% and reduces cooling energy consumption by 5.87%. These two factors have opposite effects on building energy efficiency and are correlated with urban form parameters, such as the sky view factor, street canyon height to street canyon width ratio, and floor area ratio. This study provides valuable insights for the application of renewable energy in buildings and the balance of energy supply and demand.
Evaluation of Green Innovation Efficiency in Chinese Provincial Regions under High-Quality Development and Its Influencing Factors: An Empirical Study Based on Hybrid Data Envelopment Analysis and Multilevel Mixed-Effects Tobit Models
Authors: Zhou Jiying , Shao Mingwei
Published: July 2023

In the context of China’s high-quality economic development, in-depth research on green innovation efficiency and its influencing factors is crucial for promoting economic transformation and energy conservation. This study employs the Hybrid Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method to measure the green innovation efficiency of 30 provinces in China from 2013 to 2019. Subsequently, based on the Multilevel Mixed-Effects (MME) Tobit model and a spatial econometric model, the study investigates the factors influencing green innovation efficiency under the backdrop of high-quality development, and conducts various robustness tests from different perspectives. The results indicate the following: Firstly, the overall level of green innovation efficiency in China is relatively low, but it shows a steady growth trend, with significant differences in green innovation efficiency among provinces in different stages of high-quality development. Secondly, the level of digital economic development, optimization of industrial structure, scale of knowledge dissemination, and degree of openness to the outside world have significant positive effects on green innovation efficiency. On the other hand, the scale of technological innovation, degree of environmental regulation, and guarantee of green innovation have significant negative effects, and the low quality of technological innovation hinders the improvement of green innovation efficiency. Thirdly, the new factors emerging under the backdrop of high-quality development exhibit certain spillover effects on green innovation efficiency. The green innovation efficiency of a province may be influenced by relevant factors in neighboring provinces. This provides new insights for provinces to enhance their green innovation efficiency. The contribution of this study lies in the incorporation of newly emerged factors in the context of high-quality development into the evaluation framework of green innovation efficiency. It accurately measures the green innovation efficiency of each province in China and, based on the analysis of influencing factors, provides novel insights for enhancing green innovation efficiency across provinces.
An Intelligent Algorithm for Solving Unit Commitments Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Huang Guanglei , Mao Tian , Zhang Bin , Cheng Renli , Ou Mingyu
Published: July 2023

With the reform of energy structures, the high proportion of volatile new energy access makes the existing unit commitment (UC) theory unable to satisfy the development demands of day-ahead market decision-making in the new power system. Therefore, this paper proposes an intelligent algorithm for solving UC, based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL) technology. Firstly, the DRL algorithm is used to model the Markov decision process of the UC problem, and the corresponding state space, transfer function, action space and reward function are proposed. Then, the policy gradient (PG) algorithm is used to solve the problem. On this basis, Lambda iteration is used to solve the output scheme of the unit in the start–stop state, and finally a DRL-based UC intelligent solution algorithm is proposed. The applicability and effectiveness of this method are verified based on simulation examples.
Potential for Tourism and Recreation in the Todzhinsky Kozhuun (District), Republic of Tyva, RF
Authors: Dirin Denis , Rasputina Elena , Kuklina Maria , Krasnoshtanova Natalia , Trufanov Andrey , Batosirenov Eduard , Lysanova Galina
Published: July 2023

The paper reveals opportunities and limitations of tourism development in one of the most inaccessible areas in the mountains of Southern Siberia: Todzhinsky kozhuun, Republic of Tyva, RF. Taking into account key indicators that reflect the natural, historical, cultural, and socio-economic characteristics of the territory, using GIS technologies, a comprehensive assessment and mapping of the tourism and recreational potential (TRP) of the territory was carried out. The method of multicomponent scoring was used in this work. Consequentially, the study area was divided by means of a regular hexagonal network into many operational territorial cells; for each of those, the sum of scores was calculated according to the conditions and objects that are localized within its boundaries. The set of operational territorial cells filled with visual information made it possible to create an assessment map of the tourism and recreational potential of the Todzhinsky kozhuun territory. This map highlights the areas of the five value ranks, from the highest to the lowest. The areas with the highest scores are obviously the most suitable for the development of tourism industry. In general, the basis of the region’s TRP is picturesque virgin natural landscapes with many large lakes, unique traditional ethnocultural landscapes of the mountain–taiga reindeer herders, biological resources for hunting and fishing, and healing mineral springs (arzhany). The key limiting factor in the development of tourism is the underdeveloped transportation system and the insufficiency of special tourism infrastructure facilities. Such an assessment made it possible to identify territories favorable for the creation of three specialized tourist clusters: ethnocultural tourism, “Reindeer herders of Todzhi”; water, ecological, and fishing tourism, “Todzha Lakes”; and mountain and sports tourism, “Big Sayan”.
Optimizing Human Performance to Enhance Safety: A Case Study in an Automotive Plant
Authors: Leva Maria Chiara , Demichela Micaela , Albarrán Morillo Carlos , Modaffari Franco , Comberti Lorenzo
Published: July 2023

Human factors play a relevant role in the dynamic work environments of the manufacturing sector in terms of production efficiency, safety, and sustainable performance. This is particularly relevant in assembly lines where humans are widely employed alongside automated and robotic agents. In this situation, operators’ ability to adapt to different levels of task complexity and variability in each workstation has a strong impact on the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the overall production process. This paper presents an application of a theoretical and empirical method used to assess the matching of different workers to various workstations based on a quantified comparison between the workload associated with the tasks and the human capability of the workers that can rotate among them. The approach allowed for the development of an algorithm designed to operationalise indicators for workload and task complexity requirements, considering the skills and capabilities of individual operators. This led to the creation of human performance (HP) indices. The HP indices were utilized to ensure a good match between requirements and capabilities, aiming to minimise the probability of human error and injuries. The developed and customised model demonstrated encouraging results in the specific case studies where it was applied but also offers a generalizable approach that can extend to other contexts and situations where job rotations can benefit from effectively matching operators to suitable task requirements.
Distribution of Return Transition for Bohm-Vigier Stochastic Mechanics in Stock Market
Authors: Liu Chang , Chang Chuo , Chang Zhe
Published: July 2023

The Bohm-Vigier stochastic model is assumed as a natural generalization of the Black-Scholes model in stock market. The behavioral factor of stock market recognizes as a hidden sector in Bohmian mechanics. A Fokker-Planck equation description for the Bohm-Vigier stochastic model is presented. We find the familiar Boltzmann distribution is a stationary solution of the Fokker-Planck equation for the Bohm-Vigier model. The return transition distribution of stock market, which corresponds with a time-dependent solution of the Fokker-Planck equation, is obtained.
COVID-19 and Thromboembolic Events in the Pandemic and Pre-Pandemic Era: A Pediatric Cohort
Authors: Rubino Chiara , Bechini Camilla , Stinco Mariangela , Lasagni Donatella , Indolfi Giuseppe , Trapani Sandra
Published: July 2023

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) have been variably associated with thromboembolic events (TEs) in children. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of TEs in children hospitalized during a five-year period in a tertiary pediatric hospital, particularly in patients with COVID-19 and MIS-C. Overall, 38 patients were discharged with the diagnosis of TE: 20 in the pre-pandemic and 18 in the pandemic period. The prevalence of TEs was the same (0.08%) in the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. The occurrence of TEs was higher in patients with COVID-19 or MIS-C (6/517, 1.16%) when compared to children without these conditions in the pandemic and in the pre-pandemic periods. The prevalence of TEs in children with MIS-C was significantly higher than the prevalence in patients with COVID-19. Five out of six of the patients with COVID-19 or MIS-C developing a TE had at least one predisposing factor to thrombosis. In conclusion, our study shows an increased prevalence of TEs in children hospitalized with COVID-19 or MIS-C, if compared to children without COVID-19 or MIS-C in the pandemic period and in the pre-pandemic period. The prevalence of TEs was significantly higher in patients with MIS-C.
The Re-Emergence of Hepatitis E Virus in Europe and Vaccine Development
Authors: Zahmanova Gergana , Takova Katerina , Tonova Valeria , Koynarski Tsvetoslav , Lukov Laura L. , Minkov Ivan , Pishmisheva Maria , Kotsev Stanislav , Tsachev Ilia , Baymakova Magdalena , Andonov Anton P.
Published: July 2023

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the leading causes of acute viral hepatitis. Transmission of HEV mainly occurs via the fecal-oral route (ingesting contaminated water or food) or by contact with infected animals and their raw meat products. Some animals, such as pigs, wild boars, sheep, goats, rabbits, camels, rats, etc., are natural reservoirs of HEV, which places people in close contact with them at increased risk of HEV disease. Although hepatitis E is a self-limiting infection, it could also lead to severe illness, particularly among pregnant women, or chronic infection in immunocompromised people. A growing number of studies point out that HEV can be classified as a re-emerging virus in developed countries. Preventative efforts are needed to reduce the incidence of acute and chronic hepatitis E in non-endemic and endemic countries. There is a recombinant HEV vaccine, but it is approved for use and commercially available only in China and Pakistan. However, further studies are needed to demonstrate the necessity of applying a preventive vaccine and to create conditions for reducing the spread of HEV. This review emphasizes the hepatitis E virus and its importance for public health in Europe, the methods of virus transmission and treatment, and summarizes the latest studies on HEV vaccine development.
COVID-19 Disease in Pediatric Solid Organ Transplantation from Alpha to Omicron: A High Monocyte Count in the Preceding Three Months Portends a Risk for Severe Disease
Authors: Sirgi Yasmina , Stanojevic Maja , Ahn Jaeil , Yazigi Nada , Kaufman Stuart , Khan Khalid , Vitola Bernadette , Matsumoto Cal , Kroemer Alexander , Fishbein Thomas , Ekong Udeme D.
Published: July 2023

Importance: Planning for future resurgences in SARS-CoV-2 infection is necessary for providers who care for immunocompromised patients. Objective: to determine factors associated with COVID-19 disease severity in immunosuppressed children. Design: a case series of children with solid organ transplants diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection between 15 March 2020 and 31 March 2023. Setting: a single pediatric transplant center. Participants: all children with a composite transplant (liver, pancreas, intestine), isolated intestine transplant (IT), isolated liver transplant LT), or simultaneous liver kidney transplant (SLK) with a positive PCR for SARS-CoV-2. Exposure: SARS-CoV-2 infection. Main outcome and measures: We hypothesized that children on the most immunosuppression, defined by the number of immunosuppressive medications and usage of steroids, would have the most severe disease course and that differential white blood cell count in the months preceding infection would be associated with likelihood of having severe disease. The hypothesis being tested was formulated during data collection. The primary study outcome measurement was disease severity defined using WHO criteria. Results: 77 children (50 LT, 24 intestine, 3 SLK) were infected with SARS-CoV-2, 57.4 months from transplant (IQR 19.7–87.2). 17% were ≤1 year post transplant at infection. 55% were male, 58% were symptomatic and ~29% had severe disease. A high absolute lymphocyte count at diagnosis decreased the odds of having severe COVID-19 disease (OR 0.29; CI 0.11–0.60; p = 0.004). Conversely, patients with a high absolute monocyte count in the three months preceding infection had increased odds of having severe disease (OR 30.49; CI 1.68–1027.77; p = 0.033). Steroid use, higher tacrolimus level, and number of immunosuppressive medications at infection did not increase the odds of having severe disease. Conclusions and relevance: The significance of a high monocyte count as predictor of severe disease potentially confirms the importance of monocytic inflammasome-driven inflammation in COVID-19 pathogenesis. Our data do not support reducing immunosuppression in the setting of infection. Our observations may have important ramifications in resource management as vaccine- and infection-induced immunity wanes.
SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia and Disease Severity in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Lawrence Panchali Merlin Jayalal , Kim Choon-Mee , Seo Jun-Won , Kim Da-Young , Yun Na-Ra , Kim Dong-Min
Published: July 2023

Objective: The clinical implications of SARS-CoV-2 RNA viremia in blood (RNAemia) remain uncertain despite gaining more prognostic implications for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the clinical relevance of SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia has not been well documented. Methods: We conducted a cohort study on 95 confirmed COVID-19 patients and explored the prospects with evidence of SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia in association with various clinical characteristics. We performed reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and studied the risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia using logistic regression analysis. Results: The presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia in critical or fatal cases was the highest (66.7%), followed by severe (12.5%) and mild to moderate (1.7%) in admission samples. SARS-CoV-2 viral RNAemia was detected on admission and 1st week samples; however, RNAemia was not detected on the samples collected on the second week post-symptom onset. Multiple regression analysis showed that the severity of the disease was an independent predictor of RNAemia (p < 0.021), and the Kaplan–Meier survival curve estimated an increased mortality rate in SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia cases (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia is a predictive risk factor for clinical severity in COVID-19 patients. Hence, we showed that blood RNAemia might be a critical marker for disease severity and mortality.
A Comprehensive Phylogenetic Analysis of SARS-CoV-2: Utilizing a Novel and Convenient In-House RT-PCR Method for Characterization without Virus Culture and BSL-3 Facilities
Authors: Chen Yen-Ju , Huang Jason C. , Yang Ching-Ping , Hsu Kuo-Feng , Liu Hsin-Fu
Published: July 2023

We developed a convenient method for amplifying the complete SARS-CoV-2 sequence using in-house RT-PCR without virus culture. Forty-one stored throat swabs and blood specimens were collected from eight SARS-CoV-2 infections at multiple time points. Total RNA was extracted using the QIAamp viral RNA mini kit and pooled for higher RNA levels. Only those positive specimens by commercial real-time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) were selected and amplified by in-house RT-PCR for complete sequences, followed by sequencing. Phylogenetic trees and exploratory analyses were performed using MEGA 11 and Simplot 3.5.1 software. Swab samples had significantly higher total RNA concentrations than plasma (p < 0.01). Positive results were found mainly in swabs, but one was found in plasma. Successful gene amplification depended on Ct values (Ct < 38). A non-synonymous substitution was found in ORF1ab/Nsp3 (at NC045512.2 position 6312, C to A) and most spike protein mutations occurred in the S1 subunit (residues 14–685). The proposed method is time-saving and reliable for rapid genomic analysis. Increasing sample volume and pooling them for RNA extraction increases RNA concentration without culture. Combining nucleotide sequences from specific variable regions of the genome is more efficient than conventional methods.
A Review: Understanding Molecular Mechanisms of Antibody-Dependent Enhancement in Viral Infections
Authors: Sawant Jyoti , Patil Ajit , Kurle Swarali
Published: July 2023

Antibody Dependent Enhancement (ADE) of an infection has been of interest in the investigation of many viruses. It is associated with the severity of the infection. ADE is mediated by non-neutralizing antibodies, antibodies at sub-neutralizing concentrations, or cross-reactive non-neutralizing antibodies. Treatments like plasma therapy, B cell immunizations, and antibody therapies may trigger ADE. It is seen as an impediment to vaccine development as well. In viruses including the Dengue virus (DENV), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Ebola virus, Zika virus, and influenza virus, the likely mechanisms of ADE are postulated and described. ADE improves the likelihood of productively infecting cells that are expressing the complement receptor or the Fc receptor (FcR) rather than the viral receptors. ADE occurs when the FcR, particularly the Fc gamma receptor, and/or complement system, particularly Complement 1q (C1q), allow the entry of the virus-antibody complex into the cell. Moreover, ADE alters the innate immune pathways to escape from lysis, promoting viral replication inside the cell that produces viral particles. This review discusses the involvement of FcR and the downstream immunomodulatory pathways in ADE, the complement system, and innate antiviral signaling pathways modification in ADE and its impact on facilitating viral replication. Additionally, we have outlined the modes of ADE in the cases of different viruses reported until now.
Vaccine Hesitancy in College Students
Authors: Gilbert-Esparza Emily , Brady Amelia , Haas Sierrah , Wittstruck Heather , Miller Jennifer , Kang Qing , Mulcahy Ellyn R.
Published: July 2023

(1) Background: Following the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine hesitancy has become an increasingly important topic and has created significant concerns in public health. It is important to explore vaccine hesitancy among college students as they have been identified to be a high-risk group for COVID-19 transmission. This study aims to investigate COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in college students on a midsized midwestern university campus. (2) Methods: Data were collected from 311 undergraduate and graduate college students during June and July 2021. Participants completed a survey on COVID-19 vaccine behaviors, perceptions, and opinions. Quantitative and qualitative analysis was performed to identify vaccine hesitancy and influencing factors in the student population. (3) Results: The results of this study demonstrated significant relationships between older and younger undergraduate students (OR > 1, p < 0.05), students who received a yearly influenza vaccine and those that did not (p < 0.05), and students who had a previous COVID-19 infection and those that did not (OR > 1, p < 0.05). We also determined a significant difference between some racial/ethnic groups and vaccine hesitancy status. (4) Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy exists on college campuses, and is influenced by age and student status, influenza vaccination status, previous COVID-19 infection, and race/ethnicity.
Changes in Confidence, Feelings, and Perceived Necessity Concerning COVID-19 Booster
Authors: Lin Cheryl , Bier Brooke , Reed Ann M. , Paat John J. , Tu Pikuei
Published: July 2023

The COVID-19 booster first became available to all adults in the U.S. in November 2021 and a bivalent version in September 2022, but a large population remains booster-hesitant; only 17% of Americans have obtained the updated vaccine as of June 2023. We conducted two cross-sectional surveys in 2021 and 2022 (n = 1889 and 1319) to determine whether changes in booster-related feelings or perceptions had occurred and whether they altered vaccination rates over time. We found that both positive and negative emotions had grown stronger between the two years, with the prevalence of annoyance increasing the most (21.5% to 39.7%). The impact of trust on booster intention more than doubled (OR = 7.46 to 16.04). Although perceived risk of infection decreased, more participants in 2022 indicated uncertainty or unwillingness to obtain a new booster than in 2021, while the proportion refusing a booster remained constant at 22.5%. Confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine and feelings of hope from the booster motivated acceptance; both were stronger predictors of booster receptivity than prior vaccination history. Our findings signal a need to rebuild trust by informing people of their continued risk and appealing to positive, especially optimistic emotions to encourage booster uptake. Future research should explore longitudinal trends in behavior and feelings toward new booster doses and the impact of prolonged vaccine hesitancy on infection rates.
Global Inequities in COVID-19 Vaccination: Associated Factors and Tools to Measure Inequality
Authors: Miranda-Soberón Ubaldo , Pino-Arana Isabel , del Rio-Mendoza Jeny , Chauca Mario
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Socioeconomic factors have been recognized by the WHO as determinants of health, and it is important to consider these factors in decision making to curb existing inequality in vaccination for SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. Objective: We aimed to determine whether there is a correlation between socioeconomic factors and vaccination worldwide and measure inequality. Method: A study of secondary sources was carried out to assess inequality in vaccination against COVID-19 worldwide and its association with socioeconomic factors. For this assessment, 169 countries were chosen from January 2020 to March 2022 using LibreOffice and JASP 0.16.1.10. Several mathematical models and statistical tests were used, including a normality test, an analysis of frequencies and proportions, a Kruskal–Wallis test, Spearman’s correlations, a Lorenz curve, a Concentration Index, and a slope. Results: Correlations were found between socioeconomic factors and vaccination with one, two, and three doses. As the GDP showed correlations of 0.71 for one dose and 0.82 for three doses, we found that the greater the competitiveness of the countries, the higher the percentage of vaccinated individuals in their populations. According to the Concentration Index, there was greater inequality in vaccination with regard to receiving a higher number of doses, as reflected in the life expectancy indices of 0.16–0.19 and 0.50. The continent with the highest degree of inequality was Africa, and the continent with the lowest degree was America. South Americans were vaccinated with two doses at a rate of 6.19%/month, which was 4.3 times faster than Africans, with 72% of the population being vaccinated in South America, compared to only 16% in Africa. Conclusion: There is inequality in vaccination against COVID-19 with one, two, and three doses, which is associated with socioeconomic factors.
Cooling Methods Used to Manage Heat-Related Illness in Dogs Presented to Primary Care Veterinary Practices during 2016–2018 in the UK
Authors: Hall Emily J. , Carter Anne J. , Bradbury Jude , Beard Sian , Gilbert Sophie , Barfield Dominic , O’Neill Dan G.
Published: July 2023

The management of heat-related illness (HRI) in dogs has received limited attention in the veterinary literature, especially regarding effective cooling methods. Guidelines published in 2016 for prehospital management of dogs with HRI advised “cool first, transport second”, and recommended using cold-water immersion and evaporative cooling (water application with air movement) as the optimal approaches to reduce the patient’s temperature. The current retrospective cross-sectional observation study analysed electronic patient records from the VetCompass programme to describe the cooling methods used in dogs with HRI presented to primary care veterinary practices during 2016–2018. Of 623 HRI events identified, 341 (54.74%, 95% CI 50.81–58.60%) included information on cooling in their clinical record. Of these, 74/341 (21.70%, 95% CI 17.65–26.38%) were cooled prior to transport for veterinary care. Overall, 23.97% (95% CI 19.24–29.44%) were cooled using one of the two recommended cooling methods, whilst the most common cooling method recorded was the application of wet towels (51.31%, 95% CI 45.34–57.24%). Canine cooling guidance and messaging in both the public and veterinary sectors requires urgent review to ensure that the most effective cooling methods are promoted because delays to canine temperature reduction worsen patient outcomes.
Investigation of Trehalose Supplementation Impacting Campylobacter jejuni and Clostridium perfringens from Broiler Farming
Authors: Fan Yang-Chi , Wu Yi-Tei , Wu Yi-Hsieng Samuel , Wang Chia-Lan , Chou Chung-Hsi , Chen Yi-Chen , Tsai Hsiang-Jung
Published: July 2023

In 2006, the European Commission banned the use of antibiotic promoters in animal feed. However, there is a new situation in poultry disease where it is necessary to study feed additives, which can overcome the diseases that were previously controlled through the addition of antibiotics and antimicrobial growth promoters in the feed. Therefore, trehalose was investigated to determine whether it impacts the growth performance and pathogenic bacteria (C. jejuni and C. perfringens) inoculation in broilers. In the first experiment, the tolerance of broilers to the addition of trehalose to their feed was investigated. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in body weight changes, daily weight gain, feed intake or feed conversion ratio during the feeding period. Within a 35-day feeding period, it was concluded that a trehalose dosage up to 10% does not exert a negative effect on broiler farming. Moreover, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the broilers’ growth performance, as well as C. jejuni and C. perfringens counts in the intestines and feces of broilers observed over a 5-week feeding period. However, Lactobacillus counts significantly increased in these groups with 3% and 5% trehalose supplementation. The findings indicate that trehalose supplementation in the feed cannot directly decrease C. jejuni and C. perfringens counts but may enhance gut health by raising Lactobacillus counts in chicken gut, particularly when enteropathogenic bacteria are present.
Multi-Criteria Decision Analyses for the Selection of Hydrological Flood Routing Models
Authors: Şahin Abdurrahman Ufuk , Özkaya Arzu
Published: July 2023

In this study, a framework to circumvent the difficulties in selecting a proper flood routing method was established by employing two different multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) tools, namely, TOPSIS and PROMETHEE, with definite decisive criteria such as the error metrics, the number of model parameters, and the model background, under three scenarios. For eight distinct flood datasets, the parameters of 10 different Muskingum models were determined using the water cycle optimization algorithm (WCOA) and the performance of each model was ranked by both MCDA tools considering the hydrograph types of flood datasets, labeled as smooth single peak, non-smooth single peak, multi-peak, and irregular. The results indicate that both tools were compatible by giving similar model results in the rankings of almost all scenarios that include different weights in the criteria. The ranking results from both tools also showed that the routing application in single-peak hydrographs was examined better with empirical models that have a high number of parameters; however, complex hydrographs that have more than one peak with irregular limps can be assessed better using the physical-based routing model that has fewer parameters. The proposed approach serves as an extensive analysis in finding a good agreement between measured and routed hydrographs for flood modelers about the estimation capabilities of commonly used Muskingum models considering the importance of correlation, model complexity, and hydrograph characteristics.
Simulation and Comprehensive Evaluation of the Multidimensional Environmental Benefits of Sponge Cities
Authors: Wang Jingyu , Zhou Xuehui , Wang Shuai , Chen Lei , Shen Zhenyao
Published: July 2023

The implementation of grey and green infrastructure is an effective means to address urban flooding and nonpoint source pollution, but due to the complexity of the process and the diversity of benefits, there is a lack of measurement of the comprehensive benefits. Adopting a typical university in Beijing as an example, this paper simulated the multidimensional benefits of the water quantity, water quality, and ecology of grey and green facility renovation by coupling the storm water management model (SWMM) and InfoWorks Integrated Catchment Management (ICM). Monetization methods and economical means were employed to characterize the comprehensive benefits. The results showed that grey and green infrastructure retrofitting reduced the number of severe overflow nodes in the study area by 54.35%, the total overflow volume by 22.17%, and the nonpoint source pollution level by approximately 80% under the heavy rain scenario and 60% under the rainstorm scenario. The annual benefits of grey and green infrastructure renovation reached CNY764,691/year: of this amount, CNY275,726/year was from hydrological regulation, CNY270,895/year was from nonpoint source pollution reduction, and CNY218,070/year was from ecological improvement. The benefits of green facilities were higher than those of grey facilities, and the combined benefits were negatively correlated with the rainfall level, with a total benefit–cost ratio of 1.19. The results provide methodological and data support for grey and green infrastructure retrofitting within the context of sponge cities.
Acceptability of risk-tailored cancer screening among Australian GPs: a qualitative study
Authors: LA Dunlop Kate , Smit Amelia K , Keogh Louise A , Newson Ainsley J , Rankin Nicole M , Cust Anne E
Published: July 2023

Background

Cancer screening that is tailored to individual risk has the potential to improve health outcomes and reduce screening-related harms, if implemented well. However, successful implementation depends on acceptability, particularly as this approach will require GPs to change their practice.

Aim

To explore Australian GPs’ views about the acceptability of risk-tailored screening across cancer types and to identify barriers to and facilitators of implementation.

Design and setting

A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with Australian GPs.

Method

Interviews were carried out with GPs and audio-recorded and transcribed. Data were first analysed inductively then deductively using an implementation framework.

Results

Participants (n= 20) found risk-tailored screening to be acceptable in principle, recognising potential benefits in offering enhanced screening to those at highest risk. However, they had significant concerns that changes in screening advice could potentially cause confusion. They also reported that a reduced screening frequency or exclusion from a screening programme for those deemed low risk may not initially be acceptable, especially for common cancers with minimally invasive screening. Other reservations about implementing risk-tailored screening in general practice included a lack of high-quality evidence of benefit, fear of missing the signs or symptoms of a patient’s cancer, and inadequate time with patients. While no single preferred approach to professional education was identified, education around communicating screening results and risk stratification was considered important.

Conclusion

GPs may not currently be convinced of the net benefits of risk-tailored screening. Development of accessible evidence-based guidelines, professional education, risk calculators, and targeted public messages will increase its feasibility in general practice.
STRATEGI DAKWAH IPPNU SUKOHARJO DALAM MENGUATKAN MODERASI BERAGAMA
Authors: Annisa Choirunnisa Annisa Choirunnisa , Zulhazmi Abraham Zakky
Published: July 2023

Da'wah strategy is a method, tactic, tactic used in da'wah activities or activities, whose role is very decisive in the process of achieving da'wah goals. In the process of da'wah, the important thing that must be considered is the da'wah strategy. The purpose of this study was to determine the da'wah strategy used by the IPPNU Autonomous Body in Sukoharjo Regency. This study uses a qualitative method, with a phenomenological approach. Data collection techniques using interviews. The author uses books, documents, articles, journals and information from interviews to complete this research. The findings of this study include: 1) As an organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) uses a good strategy in carrying out Islamic da'wah. 2) The da'wah strategy used by IPPNU includes strategies in the fields of arts and culture, in the field of sports, in the field of da'wah, in the field of communication and information and cadre for its congregation. Activities carried out are daily, weekly and even yearly. The recommendation in this study is the existence of continuous research on the propaganda strategy of the IPPNU Autonomous Agency in Sukoharjo Regency and can mingle with other Muslims in carrying out their duties.
RETORIKA GUS IN'AM DALAM MENYAMPAIKAN PEMIKIRAN KYAI SOLEH DARAT MELALUI KOPISODA SEMARANG
Authors: Zulfa Laili
Published: July 2023

­­­Tujuan penelitian ini ialah mengetahui bagaimana proses retorika Gus In’am dalam menyampaikan pemikiran kyai Soleh Darat melalui KOPISODA Semarang yang meliputi karakteristik, penggunaan bahasa, bentuk pesan kyai Soleh Darat yang sudah dikemas ulang dengan bahasa Gus In’am. Penulis akan menggunakan metode penelitian deskriptif kualitatif yang sifatnya interpretatif dengan menggunakan penafsiran. Sedangkan perangkat dan pelanaran yang digunakan adalah retorika yang dikembangkan oleh Aristoteles dengan memfokuskan tiga cara dalam mempengaruhi manusia, yaitu: bagaimana dimensi ethos, logos dan pathos. Hasil penelitian pertama, telah ditemukan dimensi ethos dalam retorikanya Gus In’am yang mana sangat  ahli dan menguasai topik materi dalam pembahasannya. Kedua, telah ditemukan dimensi logos dalam retorikanya Gus In’am. Diantaranya: gaya komunikasi, tempo yang digunakan, konteks langgam bahasa, konteks humor, serta bahasa nonverbal. Ketiga, telah ditemukan dimensi pathos dalam retorika Gus In’am. Hal ini dapat dilihat dalam setiap ucapannya pesannya selalu menyentuh hati dan emosi, mengajak, menasehati, memotivasi, dan melarang (kebencian) untuk melakukan hal-hal yang diperintahkan dan menjauhi dalam ajaran Islam.
Local Government Financial Ability in Doing Regional Loans in The Covid-19 Pandemic Era
Authors: Fery Irlan
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the financial capacity of local governments in making regional loans in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the study stated that regional revenue is a source of capital, which is collected and used to finance various regional development implementation activities. The method used is Structural Equation Modeling PLS, population of this research is carried out on local government organizations, namely related sub-units in the section of the Regional Secretariat, DPRD Secretariat, Inspectorate, Service and Agency in Musi Banyuasin Regency totaling 37 people. The results show that the financing of regional autonomy requires the ability of local governments to explore sources of revenue that are not dependent on the central government.

Keywords: Regional Finance; Regional Loans; Regional Revenue; Regional Development; Local Government

 

Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui kemampuan keuangan pemerintah daerah di dalam melakukan pinjaman daerah era pandemi covid-19. Hasil penelitian menyatakan bahwa penerimaan daerah merupakan sumber modal, yang dihimpun dan dimanfaatkan untuk membiayai berbagai kegiatan pelaksanaan pembangunan daerah. Metode yang digunakan yaitu Structural Equation Modeling PLS, populasi penelitian ini dilakukan pada Organisasi Pemerintah Daerah yaitu sub-sub unit terkait pada bagian dari Sekretariat Daerah, Sekretariat DPRD, Inspektorat, Dinas dan Badan di Kabupaten Musi banyuasin berjumlah 37 orang. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa pembiayaan  otonomi daerah menuntut adanya kemampuan pemerintah daerah untuk menggali sumber-sumber penerimaan yang tidak tergantung kepada pemerintah pusat. 

Kata Kunci: Keuangan Daerah; Pinjaman Daerah; Pendapatan Daerah; Pembangunan Daerah; Pemerintah Daerah
Causality Analysis of Profitability and CSR on PBV in Commercial Banks Listed on The IDX 2016-2020
Authors: Oktaviani* Yeni , Dwi Mikyal Lestarinda
Published: July 2023

This study aims to analyze the value of companies in commercial banks listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange based on financial performance and Corporate Social Responsibility. This study uses a causality research design with regression analysis and hypothesis testing. Commercial bank research sample using a purposive sampling method. Data analysis techniques using E-Views software for panel data regression analysis and testing hypotheses T and F. The results of the research using the T hypothesis test show that partially ROA, ROE, and NPM have no significant effect on firm value. The results of the t-test also show that CSR has no significant effect on firm value. The results of the F hypothesis test shows that ROA, ROE, NPM, and CSR have significantly affected the company value of Commercial Banks. The results of this study help banks with issues that can be considered in adopting, developing, and providing policies to increase corporate value.

Keywords: CSR; Financial Performance; PBV; Profitability; Company Value

 

Abstrak

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis nilai perusahaan pada bank umum yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia berdasarkan kinerja keuangan dan Corporate Social Responsibility. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain penelitian kausalitas dengan analisis regresi dan pengujian hipotesis. Sampel penelitian bank umum menggunakan metode purposive sampling. Teknik analisis data menggunakan software E-Views untuk analisis regresi data panel dan pengujian hipotesis T dan F. Hasil penelitian dengan menggunakan uji hipotesis T menunjukkan bahwa secara parsial ROA, ROE, dan NPM berpengaruh tidak signifikan terhadap nilai perusahaan. Hasil uji t juga menunjukkan bahwa CSR tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap nilai perusahaan. Hasil pengujian hipotesis F menunjukkan bahwa ROA, ROE, NPM, dan CSR berpengaruh signifikan terhadap nilai perusahaan Bank Umum. Hasil penelitian ini membantu bank dengan isu-isu yang dapat dipertimbangkan dalam mengadopsi, mengembangkan, dan memberikan kebijakan untuk meningkatkan nilai perusahaan.

Kata Kunci: CSR; Kinerja keuangan; PBV; Profitabilitas; Nilai Perusahaan
The Analysis of Profitability Financial Ratios at Company Engaged in Property Development and Management
Authors: Parlina* Nurhana Dhea , Maiyaliza Maiyaliza
Published: July 2023

This study aims to determine and analyze the performance of a company using profitability financial ratios in companies engaged in the development and management of public property for the 2016-2020 period. The method used is descriptive statistical analysis because it is a sample description and does not intend to make conclusions. The results of the analysis of company performance using a ratio show that the Profitability Ratio shows results that are very far from standard and have poor performance using Net profit margin, Return on assets, Gross Profit Margin, Return on Investment, Return on Net Worth, and Operating Margin (OPM). Analysis of the profitability ratios shows that the company's performance tends to be poor because the resulting ratio value is below the industry average for two years and reduced profits in 2019.

Keywords: NPM; GPM; ROI; RNW; OPM

 

Abstrak

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis kinerja sebuah perusahaan dengan menggunakan rasio keuangan profitabilitas pada Perusahaan bergerak di bidang pengembangan dan pengelolaan property Tbk Periode 2016-2020. Metode yang digunakan analisis statistik deskripsi karena merupakan penggambaran sampel dan tidak berniatan untuk membuat kesimpulan. Hasil analisis kinerja perusahaan dengan menggunakan sebuah rasio menunjukan Rasio Profitabilitas menunjukkan hasil yang sangat jauh dari standar dan memiliki kinerja yang kurang baik dengan menggunakan Net profit margin, Return on asset, Gross Profit Margin, Return on Investment, Rerurn on Net Worth, dan Operating Margin (OPM). Analisis rasio profitabilitas menunjukan kinerja perusahaan cenderung kurang baik karena nilai rasio yang dihasilkan dibawah rata-rata industri selama dua tahun dan berkurang keuntungan di tahun 2019.

Kata Kunci: NPM; GPM; ROI; RNW; OPM