bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting and Firm Performance and the Moderating Role of Firm Life Cycle Stages: Evidence from China
Authors: Jan Naveed , Karn Arodh Lal , Li Zeyun , Liu Xiyu
Published: September 2021

This study aims to investigate the relationship of firm performance and corporate social responsibility reporting and the moderating role of a firm’s life cycle stages in Chinese listed companies. We used the sample of all A-share listed firms on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges for the period 2010 to 2020. The authors used pooled ordinary least squares (OLS) regression as a baseline methodology. Our regression results show that positive Corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity significantly reduces the performance of the firm. In addition, the negative link between positive Corporate social responsibility and a firm’s performance is more pronounced for firms in mature life cycle stages. Our results are robust to alternative proxy measures of ROA for firm performance, corporate social responsibility reporting, and life cycle stages. To control the possible problem of endogeneity, we use a one-year lag and 2SLS least squares regression. We find that firm performance has a statistically significant influence on CSR reporting. Moreover, we see that firms with high performance are more likely to report CSR activities than low-performance firms. Additionally, six out of ten control variables (Independent Director, Board Shares, State Owned Enterprise, Board Meeting, Chief executive officer Duality, and Firm Growth) have positive influences on CSR reporting. These findings hold for a set of robustness tests. Our results have implications for the development of CSR reporting in developing countries such as China. Our research suggests that, in China, firms with better financial performance undertake more CSR reporting. This paper contributes to the existing literature by investigating the effect of firm performance on CSR reporting and the moderating role of a firm’s life cycle stages in Chinese listed companies. Additionally, this paper enriches the current literature on CSR reporting and highlights the importance of a firm’s financial performance for better environmental performance and reporting.
Examining the Moderating Effect of Mindfulness on the Relationship between Soldiers’ Perceived Stress and Hopelessness
Authors: Jang Yoojin , Ha Jung-Hee , Jue Juliet
Published: September 2021

Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which one consciously pays attention to being fully present in the moment. Research has shown that mindfulness can lower anxiety, stress, and hopelessness. This fact may also apply to people in special circumstances, such as those in the military. Therefore, we examined the relationship between perceived stress, mindfulness, and hopelessness among military soldiers. Specifically, we verified the moderating effect of mindfulness on the relationship between perceived stress and mindfulness. We surveyed 309 Korean military soldiers and a total of 257 data were analyzed through descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. Our results showed that perceived stress, mindfulness, and hopelessness are interrelated, and that mindfulness moderated the influence of perceived stress on hopelessness. In other words, the lower the level of mindfulness, the greater the hopelessness when the perceived stress increased. This study suggests that conducting mindfulness training for soldiers can benefit soldiers’ adaptation to military life.
Luces Nuevas Experience Lighting Rural Bolivia: A Way to Reach SDG 7
Authors: Vela-Cobos Francisco Javier , Cavero Ronald , Platero Carlos A. , Sánchez-Fernández José A.
Published: September 2021

United Nations SDG 7 is that, by 2030, there will be an affordable, reliable and clean universal access to energy (UAE). To reach this goal, technological and social issues should be considered jointly. In this paper, the approach used by the Non-Governmental Organization “Luces Nuevas Internacional” is presented. Luces Nuevas has successfully provided basic electricity access to sparse rural communities in rural Bolivia. This paper emphasizes the methodological aspects of the approach. The key ingredient to the success is the involvement of all the stakeholders in all steps of the solution. In this way, end users feel the solution as their solution. Therefore, they are willing to use and properly maintain the devices that they buy to obtain electricity access. The case of the Tipas community shows that this approach can provide access to energy to every family that desires it. The experience shows that reaching SDG 7 requires taking into account not only the technological and economic aspects, but also the social aspects of the problem. End users involvement, from the beginning, of an electrification project is key to its success.
The Impact of Residents’ Online Consumption on Offline Consumption—An Ordered Probit Semi-Parametric Estimation Method
Authors: Tu Xianjin , Shi Victor , Zhang Ming , Lv Gangwu
Published: September 2021

Online consumption not only is an economic phenomenon, but also has a profound impact on offline consumption. Under this context, this article analyzes the mechanism of how they influence offline consumption and puts forward research hypotheses. China Household Financial Survey (CHFS) data and a semi-parametric ordered probit estimation method are used empirical tests. The results indicate that consumers with online consumption experience are very likely to consume again. The scale of online consumption not only drives the increase of overall consumption, but also promotes the growth of offline consumption via capital effect, complementarity effect, and psychologic effect. In general, online consumption and offline consumption have achieved integrated development.
The Influence of Marketing Innovations on Firm Performance under Different Market Environments: Evidence from China
Authors: Peng Jianping , Qin Qun , Tang Tanya (Ya)
Published: September 2021

The adoption of marketing innovations can contribute to the sustainability of a firm. However, research on the types of marketing innovations and their effects is limited. The purpose of this study is to analyze the dimensions of marketing innovations, their effects on firm performance, and how market environmental factors moderate those effects. Based on an analysis of the literature, this study discovered two types of marketing innovations and established a model to explain the dynamics of marketing innovation and firm performance under different market environments. Empirical data were collected and used to validate the model. Results show that both market-driven and market-driving innovations significantly contribute to a firm’s performance. Moreover, their effects are significantly moderated by competition intensity and technological turbulence but not demand uncertainty. This study contributes to the literature because it elaborates the conceptualization of marketing innovation and presents the dynamics of marketing innovation, market environment, and firm performance. It also provides practical implications on how firms can utilize marketing innovations to achieve business sustainability.
Sino-American Building Energy Standards Comparison and Recommendations towards Zero Energy Building
Authors: Fu Yijun , Zhang Shicong , Chen Xi , Xu Wei
Published: September 2021

Building energy conservation has gained tremendous interest since the 1970s energy crisis. Building energy standards have been established as prescribed guidelines for energy savings in buildings worldwide, among which those from China and the United States of America (USA) are representative of their advanced concept, comprehensive content and prospective guidance. This paper collected and generalized the main building energy standards in China (GB50189, JGJ26, JGJ134 and JGJ75) and the USA (ASHRAE 90.1), in terms of updating history, current status, energy saving potential and future development directions. Furthermore, a qualitative and quantitative comparison of the selected standards was performed. The results show that China has a more intact and comprehensive building energy standard system, better implementation, higher improvement in energy saving rates, and a more perspicacious upgrade towards zero-energy target, which results in effective energy savings in buildings. The ASHRAE standards have more fixed chapter framework, integrity and independence between versions, more detailed classification of building envelope and HVAC systems but less effective energy-saving effect and relatively poor implementation. The actual efficiency of standards in building energy saving is synthetically determined by the standard content, efficient implementation and explicit guidelines for future development, which is achieved through four main procedures. Based on the results, recommendations have been proposed for the future development of building energy standards with the ultimate goal toward zero energy buildings.
Sustainable Manufacturing Practices, Competitive Capabilities, and Sustainable Performance: Moderating Role of Environmental Regulations
Authors: Ali Hazem , Chen Ting , Hao Yunhong
Published: September 2021

Research highlights the increasing engagement of SMEs in adopting sustainable practices to enhance their sustainable performance. This paper extends the current literature on sustainable manufacturing practices (SMPs) and SMEs’ sustainable performance by examining the mediating effect of competitive capabilities and the moderating impact of environmental regulation. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 288 manufacturing SMEs in China. Research findings using structural equation modeling with partial least squares (PLS-SEM) revealed that adopting SMPs enables SMEs to gain competitive capabilities and to positively influence their sustainable performance. In addition, gaining competitive capabilities have a positive mediating impact on the relationship between SMPs and SMEs’ sustainable performance. Further, the interaction between SMPs and environmental regulation strengthens SMEs’ sustainable performance. At the end of this paper, a set of concluding remarks and implications is drawn.
A Framework for Optimizing Green Infrastructure Networks Based on Landscape Connectivity and Ecosystem Services
Authors: Shi Xuemin , Qin Mingzhou , Li Bin , Zhang Dan
Published: September 2021

Optimizing the layout of green infrastructure (GI) is an effective way to alleviate the fragmentation of urban landscapes, coordinate the relationship between urban development and urban ecosystem services, and ensure the sustainable development of cities. This study provides a new technical framework for optimizing GI networks based on a case study of Kaifeng, an exemplar of many ancient cities along the Yellow River in China. To do this, we used a morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) methodology and combined it with Procedure for mAthematical aNalysis of lanDscape evOlution and equilibRium scenarios Assessment (PANDORA) model to determine the hubs of the GI network. Then we employed a least-cost path approach to simulate potential corridors linking the hubs. We further identify the key ‘pinch points’ of the GI network that need priority protection based on circuit theory. Altogether, this framework takes patches that have a high level of ecosystem services and are more important in maintaining overall connectivity as hubs, thereby improving the accuracy of hub identification. Moreover, it establishes a direct connection between GI construction and ecosystem services, and improves biodiversity conservation by optimizing the network structure of GI. The results of the case study show that this framework is suitable for GI planning and construction, and can provide effective technical support for the formulation of urban sustainable development strategies.
Science & Technology Agenda for Blue-Green Spaces Inspired by Citizen Science: Case for Rejuvenation of Powai Lake
Authors: Lekshmi Balakrishnan , Saha Dipanjan , Sutar Rahul S. , Singh Richa , Prabhu Shardul D. , Kamat Arundhati M. , Sharma Shruti , Saxena Raghuvansh , Loiselle Steven , Asolekar Shyam R.
Published: September 2021

Urban lakes play a major role in the socio-cultural and ecological sustainability of many cities, but are often under major development and pollution pressures. Urban decision makers are faced with a challenging task of identifying the causes of their decline and building plans for their conservation or rejuvenation. Powai Lake is a perfect example of an urban water body with historic, cultural, and ecological importance to the population of Metropolitan Mumbai, with local and regional authorities, including the Urban Development Department, Government of Maharashtra, working to identify methods for rejuvenating the Lake. In this context, characterization of pollution dynamics, hotspots, and extent is fundamental to the development of management plans and appropriate technologies for the remediation and rejuvenation of Powai Lake—the long-term goal of the present study. A two-year monitoring program at eight sampling locations on the Lake’s periphery, with the engagement of citizen scientists along with environmental researchers, revealed clear seasonal and spatial dynamics that allowed for the identification of pollution drivers and the development of a three-phase rejuvenation plan. The plan represents a novel and holistic approach that recognizes Powai Lake as a complex system with multiple drivers, and aims at ecological balance and sustainable delivery of ecosystem services.
Changes in Use of Communication Channels by Livestock Farmers during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Erjavec Karmen , Janžekovič Marjan , Kovač Milena , Simčič Mojca , Mergeduš Andrej , Terčič Dušan , Klopčič Marija
Published: September 2021

The study aims to identify any changes in the communication channels used by Slovenian livestock farmers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the main (dis)advantages of relying on them. An online survey was completed by 502 Slovenian farmers of various farm enterprises in winter 2020/2021. Most respondents generally used telephone, e-mail, and the internet to obtain agricultural information before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, farmers increasingly relied on online conferences and social networking sites. At the same time, younger farmers and farmers with a higher education level used digital channels the most frequently, with men doing so more often than women. Digital channels were primarily used by cattle and horse farmers, while cattle farmers showed the greatest online conference participation. Respondents reported having more time to spend with their families and animals as an advantage and the lack of face-to-face interaction with other farmers and advisers as a disadvantage of such communication patterns. As the study reveals differences in the use of communication channels during the COVID-19 pandemic by various farmers, a new communication strategy is needed that involves the use of appropriate communication channels to provide farmers with agricultural information both during the COVID-19 situation and later.
Factors Affecting Students in the Selection of Country for Higher Education: A Comparative Analysis of International Students in Germany and the UK
Authors: Abbas Jawad , Alturki Uthman , Habib Misbah , Aldraiweesh Ahmed , Al-Rahmi Waleed Mugahed
Published: September 2021

Based on the internationalization of higher education in the current global highly competitive education market, the current study aims to explore the factors affecting students in the selection of the country to continue their higher education. Following the mixed-method approach, the researchers collected data from international students studying in Germany and the United Kingdom (UK). The qualitative phase identified six themes: academic, social, personal, financial, career, and marketing as the highly influential elements in students’ choice to study abroad. Empirical analyses indicate that students in both countries consider academic reputation as a dominant theme in the selection of country for HEI. However, noteworthy differences were identified in the subsequent themes. Moreover, international students in Germany were found more satisfied with their choice of the country as compared to the students in the UK. This study provides valuable insights to the academic policymakers in the host and home countries concerning factors that pull and push students to study abroad. It also proposes recommendations to counter the brain drain element.
Irrigation-Water Management and Productivity of Cotton: A Review
Authors: Koudahe Komlan , Sheshukov Aleksey Y. , Aguilar Jonathan , Djaman Koffi
Published: September 2021

A decrease in water resources, as well as changing environmental conditions, calls for efficient irrigation-water management in cotton-production systems. Cotton (Gossypium sp.) is an important cash crop in many countries, and it is used more than any other fiber in the world. With water shortages occurring more frequently nowadays, researchers have developed many approaches for irrigation-water management to optimize yield and water-use efficiency. This review covers different irrigation methods and their effects on cotton yield. The review first considers the cotton crop coefficient (Kc) and shows that the FAO-56 values are not appropriate for all regions, hence local Kc values need to be determined. Second, cotton water use and evapotranspiration are reviewed. Cotton is sensitive to limited water, especially during the flowering stage, and irrigation scheduling should match the crop evapotranspiration. Water use depends upon location, climatic conditions, and irrigation methods and regimes. Third, cotton water-use efficiency is reviewed, and it varies widely depending upon location, irrigation method, and cotton variety. Fourth, the effect of different irrigation methods on cotton yield and yield components is reviewed. Although yields and physiological measurements, such as photosynthetic rate, usually decrease with water stress for most crops, cotton has proven to be drought resistant and deficit irrigation can serve as an effective management practice. Fifth, the effect of plant density on cotton yield and yield components is reviewed. Yield is decreased at high and low plant populations, and an optimum population must be determined for each location. Finally, the timing of irrigation termination (IT) is reviewed. Early IT can conserve water but may not result in maximum yields, while late IT can induce yield losses due to increased damage from pests. Extra water applied with late IT may adversely affect the yield and its quality and eventually compromise the profitability of the cotton production system. The optimum time for IT needs to be determined for each geographic location. The review compiles water-management studies dealing with cotton production in different parts of the world, and it provides information for sustainable cotton production.
Te Pūkenga Atawhai—Cultural Awareness Raising and Conservation for Future Use in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Nilsson Dahlström Åsa
Published: September 2021

At Te Papa Atawhai/Department of Conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand, ‘cultural differences’ account for some of the difficulties that department staff experience in their interaction with Indigenous Māori in conservation work. To meet the need for better ‘cultural awareness’ of Māori conservation principles, the department has facilitated the development of Te Pūkenga Atawhai, which is an introductory course to Māori views of conservation offered to all department staff. For Māori, the course is also a part of a broader revitalisation process for Māori culture and society and a recognition of their bicultural Treaty partnership with the Crown. The paper investigates how the Te Pūkenga Atawhai course addresses the perceived difficulties with cultural differences between DOC and Māori in conservation work, and how Pou Kura Taiao and participants perceive its usefulness for teaching staff about Māori views of conservation. Some department staff argue that the course has contributed to a better understanding of Māori culture and conservation principles; others that it is too politicised and engages in cultural ‘tokenism’ of little relevance for conservation work.
Safety vs. Sustainability Concerns of Infant Food Users: French Results and European Perspectives
Authors: Kurtz Amélie , Thomopoulos Rallou
Published: September 2021

Context. In line with Sustainable Development Goals 3 “Good health and well-being” and 12 “Responsible Consumption and Production”, this paper is concerned with the fragile population of the less-than-3-years-old children. More specifically, it investigates how infant food safety is perceived at the household level and at the level of childhood and health professionals directly in contact with them. Objective. The paper aims to analyze consumer priorities and perceptions of hazards in infant foods qualitatively and quantitatively. Methodology. To do so, a survey was carried out in France on 1750 people representative of the general population. A hybrid method is proposed to analyze the results of the survey, mixing artificial intelligence and statistics. Main insights. Within the declared priorities when choosing infant food, health comes first, with a top ranking for the absence of harmful substances, followed closely by nutritional balance—far ahead of environment, ease of use and price. The results show that the rankings of the hazards that cause the most worry are globally homogeneous throughout the populations (families, professionals, etc.) and higher for chemical contaminants from agricultural practices and packaging. For health professionals, concerns are higher than in the general population for all categories of contaminants, and specific concerns such as risk related to environmental and unknown contaminants are much more prevalent. The perception of risk varies with the food considered. For infant formula in particular, users seem puzzled by somehow contradictory messages. Perspectives. The study is intended to be generalized to Europe.
Evaluation of Seaport Service Quality in Tanzania: From the Dar es Salaam Seaport Perspective
Authors: Mwendapole Msabaha Juma , Jin Zhihong
Published: September 2021

Many countries rely heavily on seaports to promote their well-being and economy. Unreliability of seaport services can considerably impact cargo owners, seaport customers and shipping lines resulting to their dissatisfaction. This study aimed to evaluate service quality of Tanzanian seaports considering Dar es Salaam seaport as a study area. The study discovered the negative gap on the service quality after evaluating seaport user’s perceptions and expectations of delivered seaport services, meanwhile the service quality of Dar es Salaam seaport is poor. Opinions of seaport user’s concerning seaport service quality were computed based on the SERVQUAL model which developed by Parasuraman by considering the essential measurements of Tangibility, Empathy, Reliability, Assurance and Responsiveness. Senior administrators and managers employed in numerous shipping lines in Tanzania were interviewed to check the model validity, then 314 members of Tanzania shipping and logistics associations were engaged in a study survey. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied to validate the seaport service quality measurements and to observe their association with satisfaction of seaport customers using Amos Graphics software version 26. It found that seaport service quality is a five-measure construct; responsiveness was significantly influence customer satisfaction while empathy and assurance could insignificantly influence customer satisfaction. Reliability was found significantly to cause customer dissatisfaction and tangibility was insignificantly to cause customer dissatisfaction. Academically, this research donates to management practice as seaport administrators, managers and executives can utilize the seaport service quality measurements to evaluate their customer’s satisfaction and defending for seaport service quality investments as a relational marketing strategy.
Some Results of New Subclasses for Bi-Univalent Functions Using Quasi-Subordination
Authors: Atshan Waggas Galib , Rahman Ibtihal Abdul Ridha , Lupaş Alina Alb
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we introduce new subclasses RΣ,b,cμ,αλ,δ,τ,Φ and KΣ,b,cμ,αλ,δ,η,Φ of bi-univalent functions in the open unit disk U by using quasi-subordination conditions and determine estimates of the coefficients a2 and a3 for functions of these subclasses. We discuss the improved results for the associated classes involving many of the new and well-known consequences. We notice that there is symmetry in the results obtained for the new subclasses RΣ,b,cμ,αλ,δ,τ,Φ and KΣ,b,cμ,αλ,δ,η,Φ, as there is a symmetry for the estimations of the coefficients a2 and a3 for all the subclasses defind in our this paper.
Quantum Dynamical Simulation of a Transversal Stern–Gerlach Interferometer
Authors: Paraniak Mikołaj M. , Englert Berthold-Georg
Published: September 2021

Originally conceived as a thought experiment, an apparatus consisting of two Stern–Gerlach apparatuses joined in an inverted manner touched on the fundamental question of the reversibility of evolution in quantum mechanics. Theoretical analysis showed that uniting the two partial beams requires an extreme level of experimental control, making the proposal in its original form unrealizable in practice. In this work, we revisit the above question in a numerical study concerning the possibility of partial-beam recombination in a spin-coherent manner. Using the Suzuki–Trotter numerical method of wave propagation and a configurable, approximation-free magnetic field, a simulation of a transversal Stern–Gerlach interferometer under ideal conditions is performed. The result confirms what has long been hinted at by theoretical analyses: the transversal Stern–Gerlach interferometer quantum dynamics is fundamentally irreversible even when perfect control of the associated magnetic fields and beams is assumed.
Microcystis Sp. Co-Producing Microcystin and Saxitoxin from Songkhla Lake Basin, Thailand
Authors: Naknaen Ampapan , Ratsameepakai Waraporn , Suttinun Oramas , Sukpondma Yaowapa , Khan Eakalak , Pomwised Rattanaruji
Published: September 2021

The Songkhla Lake Basin (SLB) located in Southern Thailand, has been increasingly polluted by urban and industrial wastewater, while the lake water has been intensively used. Here, we aimed to investigate cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in the SLB. Ten cyanobacteria isolates were identified as Microcystis genus based on16S rDNA analysis. All isolates harbored microcystin genes, while five of them carried saxitoxin genes. On day 15 of culturing, the specific growth rate and Chl-a content were 0.2–0.3 per day and 4 µg/mL. The total extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) content was 0.37–0.49 µg/mL. The concentration of soluble EPS (sEPS) was 2 times higher than that of bound EPS (bEPS). The protein proportion in both sEPS and bEPS was higher than the carbohydrate proportion. The average of intracellular microcystins (IMCs) was 0.47 pg/cell on day 15 of culturing, while extracellular microcystins (EMCs) were undetectable. The IMCs were dramatically produced at the exponential phase, followed by EMCs release at the late exponential phase. On day 30, the total microcystins (MCs) production reached 2.67 pg/cell. Based on liquid chromatograph-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, three new MCs variants were proposed. This study is the first report of both decarbamoylsaxitoxin (dcSTX) and new MCs congeners synthesized by Microcystis.
PTX Instructs the Development of Lung-Resident Memory T Cells in Bordetella pertussis Infected Mice
Authors: Tomas Julie , Koo Yoon , Popoff Dimitri , Arce-Gorvel Vilma , Hanniffy Sean , Gorvel Jean-Pierre , Mionnet Cyrille
Published: September 2021

Whooping cough is a severe, highly contagious disease of the human respiratory tract, caused by Bordetellapertussis. The pathogenicity requires several virulence factors, including pertussis toxin (PTX), a key component of current available vaccines. Current vaccines do not induce mucosal immunity. Tissue-resident memory T cells (Trm) are among the first lines of defense against invading pathogens and are involved in long-term protection. However, the factors involved in Trm establishment remain unknown. Comparing two B.pertussis strains expressing PTX (WT) or not (ΔPTX), we show that the toxin is required to generate both lung CD4+ and CD8+ Trm. Co-administering purified PTX with ΔPTX is sufficient to generate these Trm subsets. Importantly, adoptive transfer of lung CD4+ or CD8+ Trm conferred protection against B. pertussis in naïve mice. Taken together, our data demonstrate for the first time a critical role for PTX in the induction of mucosal long-term protection against B. pertussis.
Schwarzschild-like Wormholes in Asymptotically Safe Gravity
Authors: Alencar Geová , Nilton Matheus
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we analyze the Schwarzschild-like wormhole in the Asymptotically Safe Gravity(ASG) scenario. The ASG corrections are implemented via renormalization group methods, which, as consequence, provides a new tensor Xμν as a source to improved field equations, and promotes the Newton’s constant into a running coupling constant. In particular, we check whether the radial energy conditions are satisfied and compare with the results obtained from the usual theory. We show that only in the particular case of the wormhole being asymptotically flat(Schwarzschild Wormholes) that the radial energy conditions are satisfied at the throat, depending on the chosen values for its radius r0. In contrast, in the general Schwarzschild-like case, there is no possibility of the energy conditions being satisfied nearby the throat, as in the usual case. After that, we calculate the radial state parameter, ω(r), in r0, in order to verify what type of cosmologic matter is allowed at the wormhole throat, and we show that in both cases there is the possibility of the presence of exotic matter, phantom or quintessence-like matter. Finally, we give the ω(r) solutions for all regions of space. Interestingly, we find that Schwarzschild-like Wormholes with excess of solid angle of the sphere in the asymptotic limit have the possibility of having non-exotic matter as source for certain values of the radial coordinate r. Furthermore, it was observed that quantum gravity corrections due the ASG necessarily imply regions with phantom-like matter, both for Schwarzschild and for Schwarzschild-like wormholes. This reinforces the supposition that a phantom fluid is always present for wormholes in this context.
Analogue Hawking Radiation in Nonlinear LC Transmission Lines
Authors: Katayama Haruna , Hatakenaka Noriyuki , Matsuda Ken-ichi
Published: September 2021

Analogue systems are used to test Hawking radiation, which is hard to observe in actual black holes. One such system is the electrical transmission line, but it suffers the inevitable issue of excess heat that collapses the successfully generated analogue black holes. Soliton provides a possible solution to this problem due to its stable propagation without unnecessary energy dissipation in nonlinear transmission lines. In this work, we propose analogue Hawking radiation in a nonlinear LC transmission line including nonlinear capacitors with a third-order nonlinearity in voltage. We show that this line supports voltage soliton that obeys the nonlinear Schrödinger equation by using the discrete reductive perturbation method. The voltage soliton spatially modifies the velocity of the electromagnetic wave through the Kerr effect, resulting in an event horizon where the velocity of the electromagnetic wave is equal to the soliton velocity. Therefore, Hawking radiation bears soliton characteristics, which significantly contribute to distinguishing it from other radiation.
RNA Structures and Their Role in Selective Genome Packaging
Authors: Ye Liqing , Ambi Uddhav B. , Olguin-Nava Marco , Gribling-Burrer Anne-Sophie , Ahmad Shazeb , Bohn Patrick , Weber Melanie M. , Smyth Redmond P.
Published: September 2021

To generate infectious viral particles, viruses must specifically select their genomic RNA from milieu that contains a complex mixture of cellular or non-genomic viral RNAs. In this review, we focus on the role of viral encoded RNA structures in genome packaging. We first discuss how packaging signals are constructed from local and long-range base pairings within viral genomes, as well as inter-molecular interactions between viral and host RNAs. Then, how genome packaging is regulated by the biophysical properties of RNA. Finally, we examine the impact of RNA packaging signals on viral evolution.
Dating the Common Ancestor from an NCBI Tree of 83688 High-Quality and Full-Length SARS-CoV-2 Genomes
Authors: Xia Xuhua
Published: September 2021

All dating studies involving SARS-CoV-2 are problematic. Previous studies have dated the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) between SARS-CoV-2 and its close relatives from bats and pangolins. However, the evolutionary rate thus derived is expected to differ from the rate estimated from sequence divergence of SARS-CoV-2 lineages. Here, I present dating results for the first time from a large phylogenetic tree with 86,582 high-quality full-length SARS-CoV-2 genomes. The tree contains 83,688 genomes with full specification of collection time. Such a large tree spanning a period of about 1.5 years offers an excellent opportunity for dating the MRCA of the sampled SARS-CoV-2 genomes. The MRCA is dated 16 August 2019, with the evolutionary rate estimated to be 0.05526 mutations/genome/day. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) between the root-to-tip distance (D) and the collection time (T) is 0.86295. The NCBI tree also includes 10 SARS-CoV-2 genomes isolated from cats, collected over roughly the same time span as human COVID-19 infection. The MRCA from these cat-derived SARS-CoV-2 is dated 30 July 2019, with r = 0.98464. While the dating method is well known, I have included detailed illustrations so that anyone can repeat the analysis and obtain the same dating results. With 16 August 2019 as the date of the MRCA of sampled SARS-CoV-2 genomes, archived samples from respiratory or digestive tracts collected around or before 16 August 2019, or those that are not descendants of the existing SARS-CoV-2 lineages, should be particularly valuable for tracing the origin of SARS-CoV-2.
Characterization of Prion Disease Associated with a Two-Octapeptide Repeat Insertion
Authors: Brennecke Nicholas , Cali Ignazio , Mok Tze , Speedy Helen ,   Genomics England Research Consortium, Hosszu Laszlo , Stehmann Christiane , Cracco Laura , Puoti Gianfranco , Prior Thomas , Cohen Mark , Collins Steven , Mead Simon , Appleby Brian
Published: September 2021

Genetic prion disease accounts for 10–15% of prion disease. While insertion of four or more octapeptide repeats are clearly pathogenic, smaller repeat insertions have an unclear pathogenicity. The goal of this case series was to provide an insight into the characteristics of the 2-octapeptide repeat genetic variant and to provide insight into the risk for Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease in asymptomatic carriers. 2-octapeptide repeat insertion prion disease cases were collected from the National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center (US), the National Prion Clinic (UK), and the National Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease Registry (Australia). Three largescale population genetic databases were queried for the 2-octapeptide repeat insertion allele. Eight cases of 2-octapeptide repeat insertion were identified. The cases were indistinguishable from the sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob cases of the same molecular subtype. Western blot characterization of the prion protein in the absence of enzymatic digestion with proteinase K revealed that 2-octapeptide repeat insertion and sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease have distinct prion protein profiles. Interrogation of large-scale population datasets suggested the variant is of very low penetrance. The 2-octapeptide repeat insertion is at most a low-risk genetic variant. Predictive genetic testing for asymptomatic blood relatives is not likely to be justified given the low risk.
Factors Associated with a Lack of Willingness to Vaccinate against COVID-19 in Poland: A 2021 Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Raciborski Filip , Samel-Kowalik Piotr , Gujski Mariusz , Pinkas Jarosław , Arcimowicz Magdalena , Jankowski Mateusz
Published: September 2021

We aimed to assess the factors associated with a lack of willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19 among adults in Poland three months after the introduction of mass vaccination against COVID-19 in Poland. This cross-sectional study was carried out between 8 and 18 April 2021 on a representative nationwide sample of 1131 inhabitants of Poland aged 18 and over. Almost one-third of adult inhabitants of Poland (30%; 95%CI: 27.4–32.7%) declared a lack of willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19. Females had higher odds of refusing COVID-19 vaccination compared with males (OR = 1.68; 95%CI: 1.25–2.27). The lack of higher education was significantly (p < 0.001) associated with greater odds of refusing the COVID-19 vaccination. Participants living in rural areas compared with those living in the largest cities (over 500,000 inhabitants) had three times higher odds of refusing the COVID-19 vaccination (OR = 3.20; 95%CI: 1.71–6.01). Respondents who declared willingness to vote for one of the right-wing political parties publicly supporting the anti-vaccination movement in Poland had eight times higher odds (OR = 8.01; 95%CI: 3.65–17.60) of refusing the COVID-19 vaccination compared with other groups. Moreover, those who had three children or more, respondents who declared passivity towards participating in religious practices as well as active internet users had significantly higher odds of refusing the COVID-19 vaccination.
Large-Scale Microcarrier Culture of Chinese Perch Brain Cell for Viral Vaccine Production in a Stirred Bioreactor
Authors: Luo Xia , Niu Yinjie , Fu Xiaozhe , Lin Qiang , Liang Hongru , Liu Lihui , Li Ningqiu
Published: September 2021

Mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) is one of the important cultured fish species in China. Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) and Siniperca Chuatsi rhabdovirus (SCRV) have hindered the development of mandarin fish farming industry. Vaccination is the most effective method for control of viral diseases, however viral vaccine production requires the large-scale culture of cells. Herein, a suspension culture system of Chinese perch brain cell (CPB) was developed on Cytodex 1 microcarrier in a stirred bioreactor. Firstly, CPB cells were cultured using Cytodex 1 microcarrier in 125 mL stirring flasks. With the optimum operational parameters, CPB cells grew well, distributed uniformly, and could fully cover the microcarriers. Then, CPB cells were digested with trypsin and expanded step-by-step with different expansion ratios from the 125 mL stirring bottle to a 500 mL stirring bottle, and finally to a 3-L bioreactor. Results showed that with an expansion ratio of 1:3, we achieved a high cell density level (2.25 × 106 cells/mL) with an efficient use of the microcarriers, which also confirmed the data obtained from the 125 mL stirring flask. Moreover, obvious cytopathic effects (CPE) were observed in the suspended CPB cells post-infection with ISKNV and SCRV. This study provided a large-scale culture system of CPB cells for virus vaccine production.
Stratification in a Reservoir Mixed by Bubble Plumes under Future Climate Scenarios
Authors: Birt David , Wain Danielle , Slavin Emily , Zang Jun , Luckwell Robert , Bryant Lee D.
Published: September 2021

During summer, reservoir stratification can negatively impact source water quality. Mixing via bubble plumes (i.e., destratification) aims to minimise this. Within Blagdon Lake, a UK drinking water reservoir, a bubble plume system was found to be insufficient for maintaining homogeneity during a 2017 heatwave based on two in situ temperature chains. Air temperature will increase under future climate change which will affect stratification; this raises questions over the future applicability of these plumes. To evaluate bubble-plume performance now and in the future, AEM3D was used to simulate reservoir mixing. Calibration and validation were done on in situ measurements. The model performed well with a root mean squared error of 0.53 °C. Twelve future meteorological scenarios from the UK Climate Projection 2018 were taken and down-scaled to sub-daily values to simulate lake response to future summer periods. The down-scaling methods, based on diurnal patterns, showed mixed results. Future model runs covered five-year intervals from 2030 to 2080. Mixing events, mean water temperatures, and Schmidt stability were evaluated. Eight scenarios showed a significant increase in water temperature, with two of these scenarios showing significant decrease in mixing events. None showed a significant increase in energy requirements. Results suggest that future climate scenarios may not alter the stratification regime; however, the warmer water may favour growth conditions for certain species of cyanobacteria and accelerate sedimentary oxygen consumption. There is some evidence of the lake changing from polymictic to a more monomictic nature. The results demonstrate bubble plumes are unlikely to maintain water column homogeneity under future climates. Modelling artificial mixing systems under future climates is a powerful tool to inform system design and reservoir management including requirements to prevent future source water quality degradation.
THE IMPACT OF THE LEVEL AND QUALITY OF EMPLOYMENT IN GENERATIONAL GROUPS ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE WORKING-AGE POPULATION BY PER CAPITA INCOME
Authors:   Institute of Socio-Economic Studies of Population, Federal Center of Theoretical and Applied Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ISESP FCTAS RAS), Moscow, Russia, Bobkov V.N. , Odintsova Е.V. ,   Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Russia, Bobkov N.V. ,   A.I. Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Moscow, Russia
Published: September 2021

The paper presents the results of a study on the level and quality of employment in the generational groups of the working-age population (youth, middle age and old age) and its impact on its distribution, considering the correspondence of the per capita income of their households to social standards. The research is based on the authors’ developments in the field of tools for identifying and assessing precarious employment and income inequality. The empirical basis of the study is the data of the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (2019). The paper reveals the level of employment and its quality in terms of the prevalence of indicators of precarious employment. The authors distribute generational groups by per capita income in households, considering the availability of employment and indicators of precarious employment. The results of the analysis offer the representation of the working-age population in the strata characterized by an unfavorable financial situation due to the peculiarities of their employment and other sources of income. The conclusions of the study aim at limiting the scale of precarious employment in generational groups, at increasing the income from employment and the per capita income of their households. The prospects for future research are related to the intergenerational comparative characteristics of the standard of living of generational groups in Russia, considering a wider range of criteria for the quality of employment, as well as the distribution of the households’ assets (income, savings, property, etc.) and subjective assessment of the results of labor activity at different stages of the economic cycle.
PARENTING STRESS DENGAN KEKERASAN VERBAL PADA ANAK USIA SEKOLAH DI MASA PANDEMI COVID-19
Authors: Maghfiroh Laeli , Wijayanti Fiki
Published: September 2021

Dampak pandemi COVID-19 di dunia pendidikan yaitu adanya kebijakan belajar dari rumah atau daring. Kondisi ini menjadi salah satu faktor pemicu parenting stress selama pandemi COVID-19. Orangtua yang tidak dapat mengelola parenting stress cenderung melakukan kekerasan verbal pada anak. Tujuan penelitian untuk mengetahui hubungan antara parenting stress dengan kekerasan verbal pada anak usia sekolah. Desain penelitian deskriptif korelasional dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Populasi dalam penelitian adalah anak kelas 4, 5 dan 6 sebanyak 102 anak. Teknik sampling penelitian ini menggunakan total sampling. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah lembar kuesioner parenting stress dan kekerasan verbal. Analisis data menggunakan uji kendall tau. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa parenting stress dalam kategori rendah 46,1%, kategori sedang 43,1%, dan kategori tinggi 10,8%; kekerasan verbal pada anak dalam kategori rendah 78,4%, kategori sedang 18,6%, dan kategori tinggi 3%. Hasil uji statistik kendall tau didapatkan hasil p-value 0.001 artinya ada hubungan signifikan antara parenting stress dengan kekerasan verbal pada anak usia sekolah di masa pandemi COVID-19. Orangtua diharapkan mampu mengelola parenting stress sehingga meminimalkan kekerasan verbal.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for education is the existence of a policy of study from home or online study. This condition is one of the factors that trigger parenting stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents who cannot manage parenting stress tend to verbally abuse their children. The study aimed to identify the correlations between parenting stress and verbal abuse in school-age children. The study used descriptive correlational design with cross sectional approach. The population were 102 children in grades 4, 5, and 6. The sample were selected with total sampling technique. The data were collected with parenting stress and verbal abuse questionnaire. The data analysis used Kendall Tau Test. The results showed that parenting stress in the low category 46,1%, medium category 43,1%, and high category 10,8%; verbal violence against children was in the low category 78,4%, the medium category 18,6%, and the high category 3%. The results of the Kendall Tau Test showed a p-value 0.001 meaning that there was a significant relationship between parenting stress and verbal abuse in school-age children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents are expected to be able to manage parenting stress to minimize verbal violence.