bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electromyographic Comparison of an Abdominal Rise on a Ball with a Traditional Crunch
Authors: Dolenec Aleš , Svetina Mojca , Strojnik Vojko
Published: March 2022

We propose a new exercise, the abdominal rise on the ball, to replace the traditional crunch in exercise programs. The aim of this study is to compare the activity of the abdominal muscles when performing an ARB with the same activity when performing a traditional crunch. Twenty healthy adults participated in the study. Surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded from the upper and lower rectus abdominis (URA, LRA), internal oblique (IO), external oblique (EO), transversus abdominis (TrA), and erector spinae (ES). EMG values were normalized to maximal voluntary isometric contraction. A paired t-test, nonparametric Wilcoxon test and correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. The normalized EMG values of EO, TrA and ES, were statistically significantly higher during the abdominal rise on the ball compared to the traditional crunch, while URA, LRA and IO were significantly lower during the abdominal rise on the ball compared to the traditional crunch. TrA, EO and IO are sufficiently activated during an abdominal rise on a ball, so the exercise could be deemed effective for strengthening these muscles.
Self-Reports in the Field Using Smartwatches: An Open-Source Firmware Solution
Authors: Volsa Selina , Batinic Bernad , Stieger Stefan
Published: March 2022

In situ self-reports are a useful tool in the social sciences to supplement laboratory experiments. Smartwatches are a promising form factor to realize these methods. However, to date, no user-friendly, general-purpose solution has been available. This article therefore presents a newly developed, free and open-source firmware that facilitates the Experience Sampling Method and other self-report methods on a commercially-available, programmable smartwatch based on the ESP32 microcontroller. In a small-scale pilot study comparing this smartwatch and firmware to an equivalent design on smartphones, participants using the smartwatch showed increased compliance. The presented project demonstrates a useful tool for complementary tools like smartphones for self-reports.
Employees’ Belief in a Just World and Sustainable Organizational Citizenship Behaviors: The Moderating Effect of Interpersonal Intelligence
Authors: Han Liangli , Zhou Houyu , Wang Chunjie
Published: March 2022

To both survive and develop continuously, enterprises must overcome many kinds of competition and challenges. Cultivating employees’ active and sustainable organizational citizenship behavior is important for enterprises to successfully cope with turbulence and uncertain events during their development. Building on social exchange theory, this study proposes a theoretical framework. In this framework, belief in a just world has a certain predictive effect on organizational citizenship behavior, and this effect is affected by interpersonal intelligence. In this study, we investigated the development level of and factors influencing employees’ organizational citizenship behavior in current organizations. This research adopted the empirical research method of a questionnaire survey, and investigated 230 employees from 15 different enterprises by using the Belief in a Just World Scale, Organizational Citizenship Behavior Scale, and Interpersonal Intelligence Scale. After excluding the questionnaires that did not meet the requirements, a total of 193 valid questionnaires were obtained. To estimate the proposed relationships in the conceptual model, we analyzed the data through SPSS-21. The results showed that belief in a just world, interpersonal intelligence, and organizational citizenship behavior were significantly positively correlated. Interpersonal intelligence played a moderating role between belief in a just world and organizational citizenship behavior; the belief in a just world of individuals with high interpersonal intelligence had a more significant positive predictive effect on organizational citizenship behavior. This meant that under a certain level of belief in a just world, a high level of interpersonal intelligence was more conducive to promoting employees’ sustainable organizational citizenship behavior.
Overcoming Barriers to the Implementation of Cleaner Production in Small Enterprises in the Mechanics Industry: Exploring Economic Gains and Contributions for Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Neto Geraldo Cardoso de Oliveira , Leite Roberto Rodrigues , Lucato Wagner Cezar , Vanalle Rosangela Maria , Amorim Marlene , Matias João Carlos Oliveira , Kumar Vikas
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the economic and environmental gains that result from the implementation of cleaner production in a small enterprise (SE) from the metal and mechanics industry, allowing for overcoming barriers and contributing to sustainable development goals. The research work builds on a case study that involved several data sources, including semi structured interviewing and non-participant observation. Data analysis involved the calculation of mass balance, building solid and liquid waste that were minimized in the process. The results suggest that cleaner production led to economic gains, by allowing for reduction in losses and promoting a better use of raw materials. It also led to environmental improvements by means of the implementation of a wastewater treatment station that allowed for the reuse of water in the manufacturing process. It was concluded that the economic gain in the project played a determinant role for the SE to overcome the barriers for the implementation of CP and leading to the reduction of the environmental impact in the abiotic, biotic, water and air compartments, as estimated with the Mass Intensity Factor. The study offers a timely and relevant contribution for the literature in the field, while offering insights for o managerial practice, and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals defined by the United Nations Development Program.
Experimental Study on the Performance Decay of Thermal Insulation and Related Influence on Heating Energy Consumption in Buildings
Authors: D’Agostino Diana , Landolfi Roberto , Nicolella Maurizio , Minichiello Francesco
Published: March 2022

The External Thermal Insulation Composite System (ETICS) is one of the most common passive strategies to obtain energy savings in existing buildings. Despite previous studies dealing with ETICS durability in real building case studies or involving accelerated ageing tests in climatic chambers, little progress has been made in the knowledge of the long-term durability and energy efficiency of the system. In this work, following previous experiments on ageing cycles, different climatic chambers are used to accelerate performance decay by simulating the natural outdoor exposure to assess the thermal transmittance decay of a building wall. After evaluating through laboratory tests the decay of the thermal performances of grey expanded polystyrene sintered (EPS) and polyurethane, the results are applied to an existing building. The case study building is virtually located in three different Italian climatic zones and an evaluation in terms of thermal transmittance values and their influence on heating energy consumption is made by using the dynamic simulation software DesignBuilder. The results show no significant variations during ETICS service life; the thermal performances are reduced little over time and therefore there is an increase in consumption for building heating of about only 2% after a time t1 equal to 8 years.
Critical Limits for Soybean and Black Bean Root Growth, Based on Macroporosity and Penetrability, for Soils with Distinct Texture and Management Systems
Authors: Suzuki Luis Eduardo Akiyoshi Sanches , Reinert Dalvan José , Alves Marlene Cristina , Reichert José Miguel
Published: March 2022

Soil compaction is a worldwide problem in agricultural areas, and it is important to define soil properties and reference values that allow knowledge of the compaction level for decision making. The objective of this study was to define the critical values of physical properties associated with the compaction of soils. Three Ultisols and two Oxisols, under different management systems, were collected at different depths for an evaluation of particle size, volumetric moisture, bulk density, and porosity. In the field, soil resistance to penetration and the root length of the soybean and edible black bean crop were measured. The soil profiles presented horizontal layers with similar resistance, but in some cases, there is discontinuity of these layers, which allows the roots to use the zones of lower resistance to deepen in the profile. The values of bulk density and resistance to penetration critical to soybean and edible black bean (only in sandy loam soil) root growth, according to soil textural class, are: sandy loam = 1.66 Mg m−3 and 1.5 to 2 MPa; loam and clay loam = 1.52 Mg m−3 and 1 to 1.5 MPa; silty clay loam and silty clay = 1.32 Mg m−3 and 1.5 to 2 MPa; and clay = 1.33 to 1.36 Mg m−3 and 2 to 3.5 MPa.
Environmental, Social, and Governance Integration into the Business Model: Literature Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Aldowaish Alaa , Kokuryo Jiro , Almazyad Othman , Goi Hoe Chin
Published: March 2022

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) integration as a socially responsible investment (SRI) from a financial perspective has been discussed extensively. However, few studies discuss its impact on firms’ internal operations from the perspective of sustainable development (SD). This study aims to examine the integration of ESG into the currently prevailing business model. Twenty-nine studies were systematically reviewed. Our analysis used an input–process–output model to identify the integration process and the outcomes. The findings show that only two papers explain the implementation steps or transition process of ESG integration, while 27 papers discuss ESG integration as an outcome, including integration behaviors, advantages, practices, and critical views. Our research aims to highlight that firms adopt ESG as a response to pressure from financial markets rather than as a serious effort to integrate sustainability into their core operations. We state the need for more research into the integration process to motivate firms to reform their business models, foster sustainability, and enhance financial performance.
Prevalence of the Preschool Teachers’ Physical Activity Level: The Case of the Republic of Croatia
Authors: Petrić Vilko , Francetić Bruna , Vujičić Lidija
Published: March 2022

The aim of this article was to determine the prevalence of the Republic of Croatia preschool teachers’ physical activity level and its correlation to chronological age, years of service, degree of education, and place of work. The research was conducted on a sample of 159 preschool teachers from different parts of the Republic of Croatia. The Croatian version of the standardised version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used. The basic descriptive parameters were calculated, while the correlation between certain variables was determined by the Spearman correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis. Results have shown that almost 80% of preschool teachers do not meet the criteria for the recommended levels of physical activity. They are most physically active at work but are the least active during transportation and leisure time. A statistically significant correlation was determined between physical activity and age, years of service, and place of work. Younger preschool teachers are significantly more physically active in their leisure time than older ones, as are those with fewer years of service. Preschool teachers who work in a bigger city are more physically active at work, whereas those from smaller cities are more active doing their household chores. Furthermore, the independent variables (Age, Years of service, Place of work, Degree of education) in combination significantly affect the level of physical activity of preschool teachers in their leisure time and the overall level of physical activity. Preschool teachers should be models for children, and if they are not physically active themselves, they will not be sufficiently motivated to stimulate the same in children, i.e., the habit of leading an active and healthy life from an early age.
Parameter Estimation-Based Slime Mold Algorithm of Photocatalytic Methane Reforming Process for Hydrogen Production
Authors: Nassef Ahmed M. , Handam Ahmed
Published: March 2022

The key contribution of this paper is to determine the optimal operating parameters of the methane reforming process for hydrogen production. The proposed strategy contained two phases: ANFIS modelling and optimization. Four input controlling parameters were considered to increase the hydrogen: irradiation time (min), metal loading, methane concentration, and steam concentration. In the first phase, an ANFIS model was created with the help of the experimental data samples. The subtractive clustering (SC) technique was used to generate the fuzzy rules. In addition, the Gaussian-type and weighed average were used for the fuzzification and defuzzification methods, respectively. The reliability of the resulting model was assessed statistically by RMSE and the correlation (R2) measures. The small RMSE value and high R2 value of testing samples assured the correctness of the modelling phase, as they reached 0.0668 and 0.981, respectively. Based on the robust model, the optimization phase was applied. The slime mold algorithm (SMA), as a recent as well as simple optimizer, was applied to look for the best set of parameters that maximizes hydrogen production. The resulting values were compared by the findings of three competitive optimizers, namely particle swarm optimization (PSO), Harris hawks optimization (HHO), and evolutionary strategy HHO (EESHHO). By running the optimizers 30 times, the statistical results showed that the SMA obtained the maximum value with high mean, standard deviation, and median. Furthermore, the proposed strategy of combining the ANFIS modelling and the SMA optimizer produced an increase in the hydrogen production by 15.7% in comparison to both the experimental and traditional RSM techniques.
Building Resilience through Collaborative Management of Coastal Protection and Restoration Planning in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, USA
Authors: Hemmerling Scott A. , DeMyers Christine A. , Carruthers Tim J. B.
Published: March 2022

This paper presents the results of a collaborative planning process to develop an integrated coastal restoration plan for Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana that recognizes the knowledge, experience, and priorities of residents and local stakeholders. To achieve this goal, the research team convened a broad group of stakeholders who live and work in Plaquemines Parish, including representatives of the seafood, navigation, and oil and gas industries, as well as residents, landowners, and those who are indigenous to the region, all of whom rely upon the ecosystem services provided by the wetlands, bays, and waterways for sustenance and wellbeing. Using a combination of local knowledge mapping and participatory modeling, the group worked with scientists to develop a restoration plan consisting of a suite of interlinked natural and nature-based solutions. The approach was intentionally interactive and iterative, creating a venue for open dialogue between residents, scientists, and resource users where no one source of knowledge was given primacy over another. Residents were able to contribute information regarding coastal restoration planning within their own communities, and a consensus plan for prioritizing restoration efforts in clusters was submitted for consideration as part of the State of Louisiana’s Coastal Master Plan process. Providing local stakeholders with direct access to scientists allowed their local knowledge to be translated into data products that could be more readily ingested into numerical models and other scientific planning tools.
The Importance of a Natural Social Contract and Co-Evolutionary Governance for Sustainability Transitions
Authors: Huntjens Patrick , Kemp René
Published: March 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic offers an opportunity for dealing with persistent problems, through a transformative recovery process. It is a crisis that offers opportunities for dealing with three interrelated crises: the ecological crisis (climate change, loss of biodiversity, resource depletion, pollution and ecosystem destruction), the confidence crisis (people losing trust in government, politics, companies, regular news channels, science, each other and the future), and the inequality crisis (the widening of the gap between rich and poor). Our argument is that sustainability transitions will not succeed without a different economy and another social contract with rights and duties of care for the environment and the well-being of others, including future generations. A different social contract is not only desirable from the point of view of sustainability and fairness, and justice and equality, but it is also necessary to restore citizens’ trust in politics, government, companies and each other. In the paper we discuss mechanisms towards a Natural Social Contract: systemic leverage points for system transformations and possibilities for co-evolutionary governance by actor coalitions interested in transformative change. The combination of those three elements helps to synchronize different agendas and reduce the chance that they will work against each other.
Methods for Solving Finite Element Mesh-Dependency Problems in Geotechnical Engineering—A Review
Authors: Liu Jiangxin , Wu Lijian , Yin Kexin , Song Changjun , Bian Xiaolin , Li Shengting
Published: March 2022

The instabilities of soil specimens in laboratory or soil made geotechnical structures in field are always numerically simulated by the classical continuum mechanics-based constitutive models with finite element method. However, finite element mesh dependency problems are inevitably encountered when the strain localized failure occurs especially in the post-bifurcation regime. In this paper, an attempt is made to summarize several main numerical regularization techniques used in alleviating the mesh dependency problems, i.e., viscosity theory, nonlocal theory, high-order gradient and micropolar theory. Their fundamentals as well as the advantages and limitations are presented, based on which the combinations of two or more regularization techniques are also suggested. For all the regularization techniques, at least one implicit or explicit parameter with length scale is necessary to preserve the ellipticity of the partial differential governing equations. It is worth noting that, however, the physical meanings and their relations between the length parameters in different regularization techniques are still an open question, and need to be further studied. Therefore, the micropolar theory or its combinations with other numerical methods are promising in the future.
The Equivalent Conditions of the Optimal Hilbert-Type Multiple Series Inequality with Quasi-Homogeneous Kernel
Authors: Hong Yong , Lu Liju , He Bing
Published: March 2022

By introducing several independent parameters, according to the structural symmetry of quasi-homogeneous kernels and the Hilbert-type inequality, and using the weight function method, the parameter conditions of the optimal Hilbert-type n-multiple series inequality with quasi-homogeneous kernels are discussed, and several equivalent conditions and the expression formula of the best constant factor are obtained. As applications, some special symmetric inequalities are given.
More on the Unified Mittag–Leffler Function
Authors: Jung Chahnyong , Farid Ghulam , Yasmeen Hafsa , Nonlaopon Kamsing
Published: March 2022

Symmetry is a fascinating property of numerous mathematical notions. In mathematical analysis a function f:[a,b]→R symmetric about a+b2 satisfies the equation f(a+b−x)=f(x). In this paper, we investigate the relationship of unified Mittag–Leffler function with some known special functions. We have obtained some integral transforms of unified Mittag–Leffler function in terms of Wright generalized function. We also established a recurrence relation along with another important result. Furthermore, we give formulas of Riemann–Liouville fractional integrals and fractional integrals containing unified Mittag–Leffler function for symmetric functions.
Seasonality of Aerosol Sources Calls for Distinct Air Quality Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Lin Chunshui , Ceburnis Darius , O’Dowd Colin , Ovadnevaite Jurgita
Published: March 2022

An Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor (ACSM) was deployed to investigate the temporal variability of non-refractory particulate matter (NR-PM1) in the coastal city of Galway, Ireland, from February to July 2016. Source apportionment of the organic aerosol (OA) was performed using the newly developed rolling PMF strategy and was compared with the conventional seasonal PMF. Primary OA (POA) factors apportioned by rolling and seasonal PMF were similar. POA factors of hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA), peat, wood, and coal were associated with domestic heating, and with an increased contribution to the OA mass in winter. Even in summer, sporadic heating events occurred with similar diurnal patterns to that in winter. Two oxygenated OA (OOA) factors were resolved, including more-oxygenated OOA and less-oxygenated OOA (i.e., MO-OOA and LO-OOA, accordingly) which were found to be the dominant OA factors during summer. On average, MO-OOA accounted for 62% of OA and was associated with long-range transport in summer. In summer, compared to rolling PMF, the conventional seasonal PMF over-estimated LO-OOA by nearly 100% while it underestimated MO-OOA by 30%. The results from this study show residential heating and long-range transport alternately dominate the submicron aerosol concentrations in this coastal city, requiring different mitigation strategies in different seasons.
Agreement between In-Clinics and Virus Neutralization Tests in Detecting Antibodies against Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
Authors: Meazzi Sara , Filipe Joel , Fiore Alessandra , Di Bella Santina , Mira Francesco , Dall’Ara Paola
Published: March 2022

Core vaccinations and specific antibody titer evaluations are strongly recommended worldwide by all the vaccination guidelines. Virus neutralization (VN) is considered the gold standard for measuring antibody titer against canine distemper virus, but it is complex and time consuming, and the use of in-clinics tests would allow to obtain quicker results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the agreement of the commercial in-clinics VacciCheck test compared to VN. A total of 106 canine sera were analyzed using both methods. The best agreement was obtained using a protective threshold of ≥1:32. VacciCheck showed 95.5% sensitivity, 87.2% specificity, and 92.5% accuracy. The Cohen’s kappa coefficient between methods was 0.84 (CI 95% 0.73 to 0.95), revealing an optimal agreement between the two methods (p = 0.0073). The evaluation of discordant results reveal that most samples had less than 1.5 dilution difference, and that usually did not affect the classification as protected or non-protected. Results also suggest that, in dubious cases, especially when a protective result is expected, retesting is advisable. In conclusion, VacciCheck may be considered as a reliable instrument that may help the clinician in identifying the best vaccine protocol, avoiding unnecessary vaccination, and thus reducing the incidence of adverse effects.
The Effectiveness of Interventions for Increasing COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake: A Systematic Review
Authors: Batteux Eleonore , Mills Freya , Jones Leah Ffion , Symons Charles , Weston Dale
Published: March 2022

Vaccination is vital to protect the public against COVID-19. The aim of this systematic review is to identify and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake. We searched a range of databases (Embase, Medline, Psychology & Behavioral Science, PsycInfo, Web of Science and NIH Preprints Portfolio) from March 2020 to July 2021 for studies which reported primary quantitative or qualitative research on interventions to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Outcome measures included vaccination uptake and reported intention to vaccinate. Reviews, position papers, conference abstracts, protocol papers and papers not in English were excluded. The NHLBI quality assessment was used to assess risk of bias. In total, 39 studies across 33 papers met the inclusion criteria. A total of 28 were assessed as good quality. They included interventions relating to communication content, communication delivery, communication presentation, policy or vaccination delivery, with 7 measuring vaccination uptake and 32 measuring vaccination intention. A narrative synthesis was conducted, which highlighted that there is reasonable evidence from studies investigating real behaviour suggesting that personalising communications and sending booking reminders via text message increases vaccine uptake. Findings on vaccination intention are mixed but suggest that communicating uncertainty about the vaccine does not decrease intention, whereas making vaccination mandatory could have a negative impact. Although much of the research used experimental designs, very few measured real behavioural outcomes. Understanding which interventions are most effective amongst vaccine-hesitant populations and in the context of booster vaccinations will be important as vaccine roll outs continue across the world.
Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Effectiveness after 12 Years in Madrid (Spain)
Authors: Hernandez-Aguado Juan J. , Sánchez Torres Damián Ángel , Martínez Lamela Esther , Aguión Gálvez Gema , Sanz Espinosa Eva , Pérez Quintanilla Almudena , Martínez-Carrillo Daniela A. , Ramírez Mena Mar , Coronado Martín Pluvio J. , Zapardiel Ignacio , de la Fuente-Valero Jesús
Published: March 2022

A fully government-funded human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program started in 2007 in Spain (only 11–14-year-old girls). The first of those vaccinated cohorts, with the quadrivalent vaccine (Gardasil), turned 25 years old in 2018, the age at which cervical cancer screening begins in Spain. The current study could provide the first evidence about the effectiveness of the quadrivalent vaccine against HPV in Spain and the influence of age of vaccination. The present ambispective cohort study, which was conducted on 790 women aged 25 and 26 years old, compares the rate of HPV prevalence and cytologic anomaly according to the vaccination status. The overall infection rate was 40.09% (vaccinated group) vs. 40.6% (non-vaccinated group). There was a significant reduction in the prevalence of HPV 6 (0% vs. 1.3%) and 16 (2.4% vs. 6.1%), and in the prevalence of cytological abnormalities linked to HPV16: Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASCUS) (2.04% vs. 14%), Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (LSIL) (2.94% vs. 18.7%) and High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL) (0% vs. 40%), in the vaccinated group vs. the non-vaccinated group. Only one case of HPV11 and two cases of HPV18 were detected. The vaccine effectively reduces the prevalence of vaccine genotypes and cytological anomalies linked to these genotypes.
Design and Characterization of a Recombinant Brucella abortus RB51 Vaccine That Elicits Enhanced T Cell-Mediated Immune Response
Authors: Sarmadi Mahdieh , Gheibi Azam , Khanahmad Hossein , Khorramizadeh Mohammad Reza , Hejazi Seyed Hossein , Zahedi Noushin , Mianesaz Hamidreza , Kashfi Khosrow
Published: March 2022

Brucella abortus vaccines help control bovine brucellosis. The RB51 strain is a live attenuated vaccine with low side effects compared with other live attenuated brucellosis vaccines, but it provides insufficient protective efficacy. Cell-mediated immune responses are critical in resistance against intracellular bacterial infections. Therefore, we hypothesized that the listeriolysin O (LLO) expression of Listeria monocytogenes, BAX, and SMAC apoptotic proteins in strain RB51 could enhance vaccine efficacy and safety. B. abortus RB51 was transformed separately with two broad-host-range plasmids (pbbr1ori-LLO and pBlu–mLLO-BAX-SMAC) constructed from our recent work. pbbr1ori-LLO contains LLO, and pBlu–mLLO-BAX-SMAC contains the mutant LLO and BAX-SMAC fusion gene. The murine macrophage-like cell line J774A.1 was infected with the RB51 recombinant strain containing pBlu-mLLO-BAX-SMAC, RB51 recombinant strain containing LLO, and RB51 strain. The bacterial cytotoxicity and survival and apoptosis of host cells contaminated with our two strain types—RB51 recombinants or the parental RB51—were assessed. Strain RB51 expressing mLLO and BAX-SMAC was tested in BALB/c mice and a cell line for enhanced modulation of IFN-γ production. LDH analysis showed that the RB51-mLLO-BAX-SMAC and RB51-LLO strains expressed higher cytotoxicity in J774A.1 cells than RB51. In addition, RB51 recombinants had lower macrophage survival rates and caused higher levels of apoptosis and necrosis. Mice vaccinated with the RB51 recombinant containing mLLO-BAX-SMAC showed an enhanced Th1 immune response. This enhanced immune response is primarily due to bacterial endosome escape and bacterial antigens, leading to improved apoptosis and cross-priming. This potentially enhanced TCD8+- and T cell-mediated immunity leads to the increased safety and potency of the RB51 recombinant (RB51 mLLO-BAX-SMAC) as a vaccine candidate against B. abortus.
Early Effectiveness of Four SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in Preventing COVID-19 among Adults Aged ≥60 Years in Vojvodina, Serbia
Authors: Petrović Vladimir , Vuković Vladimir , Marković Miloš , Ristić Mioljub
Published: March 2022

Real-world evidence of the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of different COVID-19 vaccines is needed in order to better shape vaccine recommendations and policies and increase vaccine acceptance, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly. We analyzed the early effectiveness of four COVID-19 vaccines, namely BNT162b2, BBIBP-CorV, Gam-COVID-Vac and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 in population aged ≥60 years for symptomatic, mild and severe COVID-19, in the period January–April 2021 in Vojvodina, a northern province of Serbia. Incidence rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection were calculated using data from the provincial COVID-19 surveillance registry, and vaccination coverage data were obtained from the nationwide registry of administered COVID-19 vaccines. During the observation period, 134,535 subjects aged ≥60 years were fully vaccinated, of whom 87.7% received BBIBP-CorV, 7.1% BNT162b2 and 5.2% Gam-COVID-Vac vaccines. The estimated VE in fully vaccinated persons was 86.9% (95% CI, 86–87.7) for BBIBP-CorV, 95% (95% CI, 92.4–96.7) for Gam-COVID-Vac and 99% (95% CI, 97.8–99.5) for BNT162b2, while VE after the first dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 was 88.6% (95% CI, 80.5–93.4). Estimates were similar when stratifying the analyses to severe and mild SARS-CoV-2 infections. Our analysis provides evidence of high early effectiveness of BNT162b2, BBIBP-CorV, Gam-COVID-Vac and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 in elderly people in preventing symptomatic, severe and mild COVID-19 disease, particularly after being fully vaccinated.
COVID-19 Breakthrough Infection after Inactivated Vaccine Induced Robust Antibody Responses and Cross-Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 Variants, but Less Immunity against Omicron
Authors: Suntronwong Nungruthai , Yorsaeng Ritthideach , Puenpa Jiratchaya , Auphimai Chompoonut , Thongmee Thanunrat , Vichaiwattana Preeyaporn , Kanokudom Sitthichai , Duangchinda Thaneeya , Chantima Warangkana , Pakchotanon Pattarakul , Assawakosri Suvichada , Nilyanimit Pornjarim , Klinfueng Sirapa , Wongsrisang Lakkhana , Srimuan Donchida , Thatsanatorn Thaksaporn , Sudhinaraset Natthinee , Wanlapakorn Nasamon , Poovorawan Yong
Published: March 2022

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants and the waning of immunity in vaccinated individuals is resulting in increased numbers of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections. This study investigated binding antibody responses and neutralizing activities against SARS-CoV-2 variants, in patients with COVID-19 who had been fully vaccinated with CoronaVac (n = 77), individuals who had been fully vaccinated with CoronaVac but had not contracted COVID-19 (n = 170), and individuals who had received AZD1222 as a third vaccination (n = 210). Breakthrough infection was generally detected approximately 88 days after the second CoronaVac vaccination (interquartile range 68–100 days). Blood samples were collected at a median of 34 days after infection. Binding antibody levels in sera from patients with breakthrough infection were significantly higher than those in individuals who had received AZD1222 as a third vaccination. However, neutralizing activities against wild-type and variants, including alpha (B.1.1.7), beta (B.1.351), and delta (B.1.617.2), were comparable in patients with breakthrough infections and individuals who received a third vaccination with AZD1222, which exceeds 90%. Omicron (B.1.1.529) was neutralized less effectively by serum from breakthrough infection patients, with a 6.3-fold reduction compared to delta variants. The study suggests that breakthrough infection after two doses of an inactivated vaccine can induce neutralizing antibodies against omicron. Further investigation is needed to assess the long-term persistence of antibodies against the omicron variant.
COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness: A Review of the First 6 Months of COVID-19 Vaccine Availability (1 January–30 June 2021)
Authors: Hatcher Sarah M. , Endres-Dighe Stacy M. , Angulo Frederick J. , Srivastava Amit , Nguyen Jennifer L. , Khan Farid , Martin Catherine , Swerdlow David L. , McLaughlin John M. , Ubaka-Blackmore Nneka , Brown Linda Morris
Published: March 2022

Observational studies are needed to demonstrate real-world vaccine effectiveness (VE) against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outcomes. Our objective was to conduct a review of published SARS-CoV-2 VE articles, supplemented by preprints, during the first 6 months of COVID-19 vaccine availability. This review compares the effectiveness of completing the primary COVID-19 vaccination series against multiple SARS-CoV-2 disease presentations and disease severity outcomes in three population groups (general population, frontline workers, and older adults). Four hundred and seventy-one published articles and 47 preprints were identified. After title and abstract screening and full article review, 50 studies (28 published articles, 22 preprints) were included. VE results were reported for five COVID-19 vaccines and four combinations of COVID-19 vaccines. VE results for BNT162b2 were reported in 70.6% of all studies. Seventeen studies reported variant specific VE estimates; Alpha was the most common. This comprehensive review demonstrates that COVID-19 vaccination is an important tool for preventing COVID-19 morbidity and mortality among fully vaccinated persons aged 16 years and older and serves as an important baseline from which to follow future trends in COVID-19 evolution and effectiveness of new and updated vaccines.
IMGT® Biocuration and Analysis of the Rhesus Monkey IG Loci
Authors: Nguefack Ngoune Viviane , Bertignac Morgane , Georga Maria , Papadaki Ariadni , Albani Alexandre , Folch Géraldine , Jabado-Michaloud Joumana , Giudicelli Véronique , Duroux Patrice , Lefranc Marie-Paule , Kossida Sofia
Published: March 2022

The adaptive immune system, along with the innate immune system, are the two main biological processes that protect an organism from pathogens. The adaptive immune system is characterized by the specificity and extreme diversity of its antigen receptors. These antigen receptors are the immunoglobulins (IG) or antibodies of the B cells and the T cell receptors (TR) of the T cells. The IG are proteins that have a dual role in immunity: they recognize antigens and trigger elimination mechanisms, to rid the body of foreign cells. The synthesis of the immunoglobulin heavy and light chains requires gene rearrangements at the DNA level in the IGH, IGK, and IGL loci. The rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) is one of the most widely used nonhuman primate species in biomedical research. In this manuscript, we provide a thorough analysis of the three IG loci of the Mmul_10 assembly of rhesus monkey, integrating IMGT previously existing data. Detailed characterization of IG genes includes their localization and position in the loci, the determination of the allele functionality, and the description of the regulatory elements of their promoters as well as the sequences of the conventional recombination signals (RS). This complete annotation of the genomic IG loci of Mmul_10 assembly and the highly detailed IG gene characterization could be used as a model, in additional rhesus monkey assemblies, for the analysis of the IG allelic polymorphism and structural variation, which have been described in rhesus monkeys.
Irrigation Mapping on Two Contrasted Climatic Contexts Using Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 Data
Authors: Elwan Ehsan , Le Page Michel , Jarlan Lionel , Baghdadi Nicolas , Brocca Luca , Modanesi Sara , Dari Jacopo , Quintana Seguí Pere , Zribi Mehrez
Published: March 2022

This study aims to propose an operational approach to map irrigated areas based on the synergy of Sentinel-1 (S1) and Sentinel-2 (S2) data. An application is proposed at two study sites in Europe—in Spain and in Italy—with two climatic contexts (semiarid and humid, respectively), with the objective of proving the essential role of multi-site training for a robust application of the proposed methodologies. Several classifiers are proposed to separate irrigated and rainfed areas. They are based on statistical variables from Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 time series data at the agricultural field scale, as well as on the contrasted behavior between the field scale and the 5 km surroundings. The support vector machine (SVM) classification approach was tested with different options to evaluate the robustness of the proposed methodologies. The optimal number of metrics found is five. These metrics illustrate the importance of optical/radar synergy and the consideration of multi-scale spatial information. The highest accuracy of the classifications, approximately equal to 85%, is based on training dataset with mixed reference fields from the two study sites. In addition, the accuracy is consistent at the two study sites. These results confirm the potential of the proposed approaches towards the most general use on sites with different climatic and agricultural contexts.
Application of a Numerical Simulation to the Estimation of Wind Loads on Photovoltaic Panels Installed Parallel to Sloped Roofs of Residential Houses
Authors: Uematsu Yasushi , Yambe Tetsuo , Yamamoto Atsushi
Published: March 2022

Many residential houses with sloped roofs are equipped with photovoltaic (PV) systems. In Japan, PV systems are generally designed based on JIS C 8955, which specifies wind force coefficients for designing PV panels. However, no specification is provided to the PV panels installed near the roof edges where high suctions are induced. When installing PV panels in such high-suction zones, we need to evaluate the wind loads on the PV panels appropriately, usually by performing a wind tunnel experiment. However, it is difficult to make wind tunnel models of PV panels with the same geometric scale as that for the building, e.g., 1/100, because the thickness of PV panels and the distance between PV panels and a roof are both several centimeters. Therefore, in the present paper a numerical simulation is applied to the estimation of pressures in the space between the lower surface of PV panels and the roof surface, called “layer pressures”, using the unsteady Bernoulli equation and the time histories of external pressure coefficients obtained from a wind tunnel experiment. An assumption of the weak compressibility of the air and an adiabatic condition is made for predicting the layer pressures from the flow speed through the gaps. The simulation method is validated by a wind tunnel experiment using a model of square-roof building.
Les premiers pas de la République des énarques
Authors: Le Béguec Gilles
Published: March 2022

Gilles Le Béguec (professeur d’histoire contemporaine à 1’ université de Paris10-Nan-terre) et Éric Duhamel (maître de conférences à l’université de Paris 10-Nanterre) dirigent dans le cadre de l’IHTP, une enquête sur « les Français et la politique dans les années soixante », menée avec les correspondants départementaux.

Cette enquête s’interroge moins sur la vie politique au sens traditionnel que sur les relations nouvelles que les Français entretiennent avec les institutions et les acteurs politiques, dans le contexte de mutation des années soixante.

Ils nous proposent ici deux contributions inédites issues de leurs travaux. On trouvera également un compte rendu succinct de la réunion du 20 mai 1998 de ce groupe.
Taxonomic Novelties in Philodendron subg. Philodendron (Araceae) from Panama
Authors: Ortiz Orlando O. , Croat Thomas B. , Rodríguez-Reyes Oris , Ceballos Jorge , Cedeño-Fonseca Marco , Mora M. Marcela
Published: March 2022

Philodendron Schott subg. Philodendron is the largest of three subgenera, with 457 described species, which are mainly distributed in the Andes, Amazonia, Central America, and the Chocó ecoregion. Through the exhaustive revision of herbarium specimens and recent explorations in remote areas of Panama, seven species are described as new to science, P. cerrojefense M. M. Mora & Croat, P. chepiganense O. Ortiz, Croat & Rodr.-Reyes, P. coibense Croat & O. Ortiz, P. darienense O. Ortiz, Croat & Rodr.-Reyes, P. longilobum M. M. Mora & Croat, P. martinezii Croat & O. Ortiz, and P. samudioense Croat & O. Ortiz, and two new records of Philodendron have been identified for Panama, P. anisotomum Schott and P. auriculatum Standl. & L. O. Williams, all belonging to the subgenus Philodendron. For each taxonomic novelty, illustrations, taxonomic information, and notes on its distribution and conservation status are provided.
Specialised Media Monitoring Tool to Observe Situational Awareness
Authors: Pieterse Heloise , Van 't Wout Carien , Kahn Zubeida , Serfontein Chris
Published: March 2022

The 21st century witnessed the rise of the digital age via the evolution of the Internet. A direct result of the established digital era is the growth of digital media. Although traditional media, such as print and broadcasting, remains relevant, the low accessibility and limited reach impact the effectiveness of such media. In comparison, digital media, such as social media, provides access to vast collections of open-source information. The open-source information available on digital media platforms is current and easily accessible. However, conversion of open-source information into intelligence becomes a time-consuming and quite ineffective process due to the large quantities of information available. Open-source intelligence (OSINT) tools attempt to address such limitations by offering technological solutions that provide access to up to date, as well as easily searchable digital information. Thus, OSINT tools, such as Shodan and Maltego, streamline the conversion of open-source information into intelligence. This paper introduces the design of a new but specialised media monitoring tool to assist with the monitoring of open-source information towards enabling situational awareness. The key design feature of this new media monitoring tool is to offer versatility by guiding the collection of open-source information. Controlling the amount of information gathered in turn improves the efficiency of the processes used to extract intelligence. The obtained intelligence, thus, enables the observation of situational awareness of chosen aspects within a secure environment. Also discussed in this paper is the motivation behind the design of the specialised media monitoring tool, as well as various design considerations, are taken to ensure effective usage of the tool. The paper concludes by discussing the various benefits offered by the specialised media monitoring tool concerning observing situational awareness.
Aligning South African Data and Cloud Policy with the PoPI Act
Authors: Raaff Emma , Rothwell Nicole , Wynne Aidan
Published: March 2022

On 1 April 2021, the South African government released the Draft National Data and Cloud Policy for public comment. This policy aims to support the digital economy in South Africa by implementing initiatives to augment the development of digital infrastructure and skills, with a specific focus on cloud computing. The adoption of the policy would help position the country as a data-driven economy. However, the implementation of such a policy is predicated on the existence of supporting digital infrastructure and aligned inter-departmental goals. Currently, there are many technological and legal considerations that must be addressed in order for such a policy to be implemented successfully. One particularly important consideration is how this policy relates to South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act, which came into effect on 1 July 2021. The Act sets out legal imperatives for the collection, storage and use of personal information belonging to South African citizens. The aim of this paper is to analyze how the Draft National Data and Cloud Policy relates to the Protection of Personal Information Act in terms of what is proposed in the Policy and what is legislatively imperative in the Act. The overarching context for this evaluation is data governance in the cloud with an emphasis on the security of personal information. Macroeconomic threats and a shortage of critical ICT skills presupposes technical challenges for the implementation of a cloud service. Formal Concept Analysis is utilized to conceptualize and understand the relationships between the Draft National Data and Cloud Policy and the Protection of Personal Information Act. Classification, Confidentiality and Open Data are presented as technological challenges to cloud implementation. This paper aims to contribute towards an understanding of these challenges and how they are affected by South Africa’s legislation and policies. We therefore investigate how the Draft National Data and Cloud Policy is situated in the broader context of data protection in South Africa.